Strengthening Tree Protection - by Councillor Jaye Robinson, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

The City has invested significant resources in protecting and enhancing Toronto's tree canopy. In 2017, City Council adopted the Toronto Ravine Strategy, providing an interdivisional framework for the management of our precious ravine system. City Council has also taken numerous steps to emphasize the importance of trees in the development review process, including introducing annual training for Committee of Adjustment members on Tree By-law related considerations in development applications. Despite the progress the City has made on tree protection and preservation, mature trees are still not routinely prioritized in the minor variance process. Recently, the Committee of Adjustment approved a minor variance application which resulted in the removal of an approximately 250-year-old Sugar Maple tree, despite a memo from Urban Forestry recommending the application be refused. In many cases removals occur without proper permits, leaving residents to navigate By-laws and educate themselves on opportunities for engagement with very little time to respond. This Motion is urgent because new tree removal permits and minor variance applications are submitted every day, and urgent action is needed to prevent the unpermitted removal of trees, reinforce their value in the planning process, and provide residents the information necessary to report Tree By-law contraventions.

3. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to include in the upcoming report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, consideration of developing updated educational materials on Toronto's Tree By-laws and Tree Protection Zones, including information on the consequences of By-law violations and how residents can report contraventions, to be posted on the City of Toronto's website and included in future materials.