Tree protection zone missing in action on Palomino Cres.
When construction happens in close proximity to trees, special measures are required to ensure those trees survive.
But at a home construction site on Palomino Cres. in North York, a protection zone erected around a tree in the front yard was taken down soon after the job began, likely because it got in the way of progress.
Wesley Lee copied us on an email he sent to two city councillors, saying “it is truly frustrating to me” that nobody cares about the lack of a tree protection zone to shield one lonely tree from the ravages of the project.
He described it as a lack of “respect for the city, bylaws, its community and neighbours.
“I believe a fine is needed if the city is truly serious about protecting its tree canopy,” he said, adding, “The tree in the picture appears to be stressed as it has not bloomed yet.
“The neighbourhood is undergoing significant changes with development going on everywhere. I would like to see a full-time effort in moni- toring and enforcing all applicable bylaws. Besides tree violations, sidewalks are impassible because of the dirt and mud that exists.”
Lee not only nailed it with his assessment of the lack of enforcement on the tree protection zone, but on renovations and redevelopment that neighbours must endure, particularly on upscale North York streets. We went there on a windy Wednesday and couldn’t help but notice the clouds of dust that swirled through the neighbourhood from the Palomino construction site.
A drive along just about any North York street reveals a tremendous amount of home renovation and redevelopment, which forces neighbours to put up with the accompanying dirt, noise and disruption.
It’s a sign of just how much money there is in this city — a situation unlike any other across North America — and how much people are willing to spend to make their dream come true. Status: Jason Doyle, who’s in charge of urban forestry, emailed to say he’ll send an inspector to check it out and enforce all applicable bylaws. What’s broken in your neighbourhood? Wherever you are in Greater Toronto, we want to know. Send an email to jlakey@thestar.ca. Report problems and follow us on Twitter @TOStarFixer.