Item - 2016.PE14.3

The Parks and Environment Committee:

1.  Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to include, as part of the report back in 2017 on the impact of the 2015 revisions to the Tree By-laws, options for further improvements to enforcement, including:

a.  Information on the number of By-law contraventions, such as illegal tree removals, and penalties issued, including the amounts of any fines issued and paid, over the past five years;

b.  Recommendations to improve the By-law investigations process, including but not limited to improving response times, streamlining the complaints and investigation process and improving transparency and accessibility of information; and

c.  Recommendations to strengthen and enhance the By-law enforcement process, including increasing financial penalties for By-law violations, and the potential establishment of additional penalties for By-law infractions, such as the issuance of stop-work orders and suspension of building permits.

This past summer over 30 trees were reported to have been removed without permits in Ward 25 at a development at 103 and 108 Bayview Ridge, which was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 2015.

Bayview is one of the greenest neighbourhoods in Toronto. The loss of these trees is devastating to the community, particularly in view of the increasing intensification this area has experienced in recent years.

During my time in office, I've worked to improve the city's Tree By-laws (Municipal Code, Chapter 813) so that we can better protect and enhance our tree canopy. Last December, City Council approved revisions to the Tree By-laws but it's clear that further work is needed to streamline the complaints process and strengthen enforcement.

For that reason, I'm directing the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation to include specific recommendations to improve how complaints are investigated and enforced as part of the 2017 update on the Tree By-laws.

In order to prioritize the preservation and growth of Toronto's tree canopy, we need to institute more severe penalties, such as increased fines or other consequences, for By-law contraventions.

It's time to show those who illegally remove trees that their actions have consequences and will not be tolerated by the City of Toronto.