Update regarding application to remove two mature trees at No Frills at Brown’s Line and Lake Shore Blvd. West

3730 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Oct. 4, 2017. Jaan Pill photo

3730 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Oct. 4, 2017. Jaan Pill photo

3730 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Oct. 4, 2017. Jaan Pill photo

This post concerns Re: 3730 Lakeshore Blvd. West [#106750].

A previous post is entitled:

No response from Choice Properties REIT regarding sign erected between two mature trees – No Frills by Brown’s Line

I have been copied on recent email correspondence between a local resident and an Urban Forestry Planner at Urban Forestry, Tree Protection & Plan Review, Etobicoke York District, City of Toronto, where the contact number is 416-394-8918.

The gist of the update is as follows:

Urban Forestry did receive an application in September 2017 for the removal of 2 city-owned trees and one privately owned tree located at this site.

I quote: “The application is currently under review. Approval decision has not been finalized as we are hoping to work with the applicant to avoid removing the trees involved, if possible.”

As well:

“FYI, there was a different application submitted in August 2016 also for the removal of 2 city trees and one private tree. The trees were in poor condition and directly involved in the installation of the new parking area and new walkway connecting to the public sidewalk. The trees have been removed and the walkway and parking have already been completed.”

Commentary

There is much interest in this story – among residents, that is.

The story may turn out to be an apt metaphor for “how things are done” in Long Branch – with reference to urban planning, and with reference to decision making in general. In general terms, with occasional and noteworthy exceptions, the track record regarding urban planning in South Etobicoke to date is not inspiring.

For my own small part, primarily as an expression of my own sense of what makes sense, if the trees are gone, I will make a point of boycotting the business that turns up, once construction is completed, at the building located directly to the east of No Frills.

Update: Letter from Carol Milroy

I owe many thanks to Carol Milroy for introducing me to Bill Rawson of Long Branch Furniture, many years ago at the end of a Jane’s Walk that Mike James and I had organized, in the days when we were regularly organizing such walks. Here is Carol’s letter:

Councillor Grimes:

And again the tree canopy of Toronto, specifically Long Branch, is under attack. The trees were there long before the sign appeared overnight. It baffles me why this sign was erected where and how it was unless those who had it placed knew in advance that there would be no obstacles to having the trees summarily removed.

Why don’t we just be done and chop down every last tree in Long Branch and have our neighbourhood renamed ‘No Branch’? I am sure that would suit the objectives of those who deem their interests to supersede those of people who live here and enjoy the benefits of a wonderful but quickly eroding tree canopy.

Carol Milroy
Long Branch Resident