Environmental Significance of a Stand of Sassafras Trees
North Side of Bell Manor Drive
Adanac Realty Limited - File No. Z-2284
(Lakeshore-Queensway)
The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (April7,1999) from the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, as amended by the addition of the following
Condition (6):
"6.the developer be requested to provide funds to the satisfaction of Forestry, Planning & Protection - West
District, to re-establish a stand of sassafras trees within the immediate neighbourhood."
The Etobicoke Community Council reports, for the information of City Council, having requested the District Manager,
Municipal Standards, West District, to investigate complaints of litter and broken trees on the subject property and submit a
report to the next meeting of the Etobicoke Community Council.
The Etobicoke Community Council submits the following report (April7,1999) from the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism:
Purpose:
Staff have been requested to report to the Etobicoke Community Council on the environmental significance of Sassafras
trees growing behind Stonegate Plaza.
Source of Funding:
Not applicable
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1.no preservation measures be taken for the Sassafras trees;
- the developer be required to plant a full and dense forest of native trees and shrubs above the proposed retaining wall;
3.the developer be required to rehabilitate the existing asphalt boulevard to grass or agreed upon ground covers;
4.the developer plant 70 mm trees on the boulevard; and
5.Urban Planning & Development Services and Urban Forestry staff be authorized to pursue having the above noted
action carried out by the Developer, at the Developer's expense, to the satisfaction of Forestry Services.
Background:
-This site is the home of a rare stand of Sassafras albidum (Sassafras). The 22 identified trees range in size from 15 cm to
28 cm caliper. This is a Carolinian Forest tree species that grows in poor soil in a range from the west end of Lake Ontario
to Lake Huron and south through the Niagara Peninsula.
-The site is steeply sloped and heavily trafficked by children playing and taking short cuts from adjacent buildings to the
plaza and school.
-All the potential smaller trees in the stand have been destroyed by the traffic.
-Soil conditions are sand to gravel.
-Litter and broken trees are the dominant aspects of the area.
Comments:
Initially it was expected that there would be smaller trees in the stand that could be relocated to the north edge of the
property. Closer examination proved there were neither smaller trees nor a suitable grade for this option.
It was felt that upward to 12 trees could be relocated to Bell Manor Park at the developer's cooperation. Staff have been in
contact with Douglas Wood Large Tree Sales and a site evaluation has been completed. This contractor, who has done work
for the city over several years, has excavated in the root zone and has concluded that the roots are at the surface and the
fibre roots are well beyond the reach of even the largest tree spades. Moving these trees to a park will not be successful as
Sassafras have a reputation for not transplanting successfully.
Conclusions:
Although this stand of Sassafras is significant considering its rarity in the Toronto area, the impact of the site is negative to
the community. Compensation for the loss in the way of enhanced planting as outlined in the recommendations should be
considered.
Contact Name:
Denis McQuestion
Supervisor of Forestry, Planning & Protection - West District
394-8551
