Removal of Tree - 15 Glengowan Road (North Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council issue a permit for tree removal at 15 Glengowan Road, conditional on the applicant providing a detailed landscape plan for the property to be approved by the Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (April 12, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

Mr. Greg Rudka, 110 Bloor Street West, Suite 1606, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2W7, owner of 15 Glengowan Road, has filed an application for a permit to remove one tree on private property that is growing adjacent to the rear of the house.

Financial Implications:

N/A

Recommendations:

Either 1, or 2 below

(1)issue a permit for tree removal conditional on:

(i)the tree in question not being removed until permitted construction and/or demolition related activities in accordance with plans approved under the building permit application for the subject property commence that warrant the destruction of the tree; and

(ii)the applicant providing a detailed landscape plan for the property to be approved by the Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; or

(2)refuse to issue a permit for tree removal.

Comments:

The tree in question is an eighty centimetre diameter sugar maple in fair condition. The arborist report prepared by Thomson, Bruce and Associates that accompanies the application states that the sugar maple is in fair health with little deadwood in the crown and a slow growth rate of approximately two to four centimetres. The report states that the tree has two main stems that are joined tightly showing included bark and dead tissue at the union. The report recommends removal of the tree due to its proximity to the house and the tight union described above. The main union of the tree should be monitored regularly, but at this time, in the opinion of Forestry staff, it is not a significant problem that would require the removal of the tree. An addition is planned for the rear of the house that will require substantial pruning leaving the tree with an unbalanced crown. The proposed addition can be constructed in a manner that will allow for preservation of the tree but the owner is concerned with the potential for damage to the property as a result of the tree's location being close to the house.

This property is adjacent to the Lawrence Park Ravine and the sugar maple plays an important role as a native seed source. If tree removal is approved it should be conditional on replacement planting with native species that will benefit the ravine system.

A notice of application sign was posted on the property for the required 14 day posting period, in order to notify the neighbourhood and provide an opportunity for objection to the application. One written objection was received in response to the application to remove the tree in question. A copy of this letter has been forwarded to the Community Council Secretary for the Community Council to review.

Contact Name:

Andrew Pickett

392-6644

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(A copy of a letter from Ted and Alice Kernaghan, referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of the Toronto Community Council with the agenda for its meeting on April 28, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk).

The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having also had before it during consideration of the foregoing matter, the following communications, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk:

-(April 26, 1999) from Mr. Greg Rudka and Ms. Sharon Westman; and

-(April 28, 1999) photographs from Mr. Greg Rudka.

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The following persons appeared before the Toronto Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Mr. Greg Rudka, Toronto, Ontario; and

-Ms. Patricia Thomson, Toronto, Ontario.