Toronto's ice storm protocol for tree removal no longer in effect

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 31, 2014                       

Toronto's ice storm protocol for tree removal no longer in effect

Residents and businesses are advised that the City of Toronto's ice storm protocol is no longer in effect for the removal of tree hazards resulting from ice storm damage.

Returning to regular practice, the City again requires property owners to obtain a permit or Confirmation of Exemption from the Urban Forestry branch of the City's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division prior to removing or injuring trees.

A permit is required if the tree on private property is regulated and protected by the City's various tree protection bylaws. A Confirmation of Exemption is issued if the tree is not regulated and protected – for example, if the tree is diseased and is a hazard. A permit is not required to prune a tree in accordance with good arboricultural practices, including removing cracked or broken branches.

Where an imminent tree hazard is present, property owners are required to submit an arborist report and digital photographs of the subject tree by email, mail or fax, or can drop them off in person. Where appropriate, the City will issue a permit or a Confirmation of Exemption to proceed. 

To apply for a tree injury or removal permit, or to obtain a Confirmation of Exemption, residents should contact their Urban Forestry Tree Protection and Plan Review District Office. Details about the four locations:

- North York District: North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St., 3rd Floor, Toronto, M2N 5V7, Fax: 416-395-6714, email: tpprnorth@toronto.ca

- Scarborough District: Nashdene Yard, 70 Nashdene Rd., Toronto, M1V 2V2, Fax: 416-396-4248, email: tppreast@toronto.ca

- Toronto and East York District: Booth Yard, 50 Booth Ave., Toronto, M4M 2M2, Fax: 416-392-7277, email: tpprsouth@toronto.ca

- Etobicoke York District: Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, Toronto, M9C 2Y2, Fax: 416-394-8935, email: tpprwest@toronto.ca

More information about Toronto's tree bylaws and related matters is available at http://www.toronto.ca/trees.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Parks, Forestry and Recreation Media Line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca