Council Report: Tree Removal Application, 566 Prince Robert Drive.

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Council
DATE: April 14, 2016
FROM: Dave Podmoroff
MEETING DATE: April 19, 2016
SUBJECT: Tree Removal Application, 566 Prince Robert Drive.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council approves the removal of one (1) tree at 566 Prince Robert Drive as requested;

AND THAT as per the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw 695, that two (2) trees be replanted (2:1 ratio) for this one (1) tree to be removed with the requirement.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To address the request for removal of one (1) tree at 566 View Royal Avenue.

BACKGROUND:

The resident submitted a tree removal/alteration application (see attached “A”) on January 18, 2016, requesting the removal of the following tree:

• one (1), 49.0 cm dbh, Douglas Fir tree (Psuedotsuga menziesii) located in the back yard of the property on the north side, immediately adjacent to house. See attached images “B, C, D & E”

The removal was denied (see attached letter “F”) as the tree is a protected species within the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw #695 and appeared to be healthy.

The resident wanted to proceed further with this application and has requested an appeal of the decision to go to Council. The resident has supplied an arborist report (see attached “G”) from ISA Arborist, Michael Gye, of Michael Gye Urban Forestry Ltd.

As per the arborist report, this tree is 1.4 metres (4.5 feet) from the corner of the house, causing problems with regards to perimeter drains, foundation, roof, etc.

This tree should have not have been left in this location and will only continue to grow larger causing more problems and damage. It should be removed to eliminate any hazards and prevent increasing damage from occurring.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Deny the removal of the tree, but allow major pruning.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council approves the removal of one (1) tree at 566 Prince Robert Drive as requested;

AND THAT as per the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw 695, that two (2) trees be replanted (2:1 ratio) for this one (1) tree to be removed with the requirement.

SUBMITTED BY:
Dave Podmoroff, Parks Supervisor

REVIEWED BY:
John Rosenberg, Director of Engineering