TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - Tree Removal Application, 2 Ethos Place

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the Committee recommend to Council the removal of two (2) trees at 2 Ethos Place as requested;

AND THAT as per the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw 695, six (6) trees be replanted (2:1 ratio) for these two (2) trees being removed and the one tree removed earlier this year.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT

To address the request for removal of two (2) trees at 2 Ethos Place (part of Strata 765).

BACKGROUND

The complex at Ethos Place consists of seven townhouse units, six on Ethos Place and one on Glentana Road (1510). According to the Town’s files, construction of these townhouses started in 1978.

Certain trees left on site as well as trees planted in the landscaping process are now 36 years older and are causing issues above and below the ground. Some of the issues are:

• Trees are very close to and/or touching the structures.
• Cracking foundations and walls.
• Health in decline, having large pockets of decay, fungus.
• Dropping branches on structures.
• Roots are lifting asphalt and concrete and/or causing issues with drainage lines.

These trees are becoming too large for their location on the small properties and the problems they are causing will only become worse.

Barbara (Lynn) Ross is the owner of 2 Ethos Place. She filled out a tree removal application earlier this year requesting that three Douglas Fir trees be removed from her property. Upon inspection of these trees, one tree was approved for removal. A 32.0 cm Douglas Fir tree was approved for removal as it was leaning up against and pushing on the 2nd story patio deck. This tree was also within 3.0 metres of the building.

Due to the size and type of trees, the two trees that were denied removal are a 60.0 cm and 71.0 cm Douglas Fir trees at the main entrance to the townhouse. Both of these trees are also within 3.0 metres of the house, with one of them being approximately 1.0 metre away (see attached images). These are significant and protected species trees and if removal is denied, the applicant can come before Council for reconsideration according to the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw 695.

The owner has provided the following documentation (see attached): correspondence letter, arborist report and a letter from their insurance company.

The owner has requested that any replacement trees she is required to replant be placed within Portage Park as the property is very small and she does not want to be in the same situation in future years.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee recommends to council that the request to remove the additional two (2) trees be denied.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the Committee recommend to Council the removal of two (2) trees at 2 Ethos Place as requested;

AND THAT as per the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw 695, six (6) trees be replanted (2:1 ratio) for these two (2) trees being removed and the one tree removed earlier this year.

SUBMITTED BY: Dave Podmoroff, Parks Supervisor

REVIEWED BY: John Rosenberg, Director of Engineering