The clear-cutting of approximately 30 trees by a developer on a property at the corner of Bayview Ridge and Bayview Avenue in North York has devastated the local community. City of Toronto staff says the required permits were not issued and an investigation is currently underway.

Local resident Barbara Krieger was driving in the area Saturday night when she discovered the wreckage. 

“I was absolutely shocked, I didn’t recognize the property. I was picking up someone who lives on Bayview Ridge, and I didn’t recognize the street to make the right-hand turn,” she said. 

One of the larger trunks that is still on the property

 

Krieger called the clear-cutting a travesty, particularly because many of the trees that were torn down were over 100 years old. 

“It’s very unsettling to witness this, it’s gut wrenching,” said Ward 25 councillor Jaye Robinson. “We’ve been flooded with emails and calls, I’ve had people weeping and crying on the phone.”   

According to Councillor Robinson, the destruction of one particular tree, believed to be a Linden, was especially troubling to residents because of its immense size and age.   

"I’ve heard from a number of sources that this could have been a 150-year-old tree, which is the same age Canada will be in 2017,” she said.   

“It was like a fallen soldier, it was very sad to see this tree [on the ground],” said Krieger.

Matthew Cutler, manager, public relations and issues management with Parks, Forestry and Recreation said the city is aware of the allegations and is currently investigating. 

“No permits have been issued to allow the injury or destruction of trees at these properties,” he said in an email to Post City. 

The removal of a tree without a permit is in violation of the city’s tree bylaw and can be subject to a fine of up to $100,000 per tree.

The developer, Format Group, was granted approval to build two blocks of townhouses on the site through a mediated settlement at the Ontario Municipal Board. 

According to the project’s website, the “upscale” development will be “[t]ucked into an established community with quiet streets, mature trees and beautiful, high-end homes.”

Format Group issued a statement July 28, which stated the planned removal of the trees was outlined in the arborist report submitted to the City of Toronto’s urban forestry department. The company said it was told a building permit would arrive in short order.

“We assumed we were allowed to follow the report and prepare the site in anticipation of the building permit, since it was clear that the documentation was imminent.”

Format Group said it is cooperating with the investigation. 

Krieger said she hopes the city will come down hard on the developer, and not only issue fines but halt construction until the investigation is completed. 

“We really need to set an example,” said Krieger. “[Or else,] it gives someone else carte blanche to not even worry about doing something like this in the future.” 

Councillor Robinson agreed: “I think given the impact of the immediate neighbourhood, and all of Toronto quite frankly, we need to teach developers who conduct themselves in this manner a harsh lesson,” she said.