Executive summary
- The subject property is located at the corner of Appleby Line and Corporate Drive will involve the construction of a new three storey self-storage building at the west limit of the subject property (See Fig. 1).
- An application for Site Plan (File No. 535-005-20) has been submitted to construct a three storey self-storage building on an existing site.
- A total of 27 trees are proposed for preservation on the subject lot that range from 4 – 46 cm DBH.
- In 2020, several trees (8) were removed due to front entrance construction and general maintenance due to their condition, with seven (7) trees subject to the private tree by-law. Seven (7) new trees were replanted as part of their conditions and will not be harmed by the proposed development.
- As part of a condition to satisfy their Site Plan, council approval to proceed with issuance of a tree permit must be obtained in order to facilitate the removal of a public tree. In accordance with the City of Burlington’s Public Tree By-law 68-2013, Section 1.19 states, “The City Arborist shall not issue a Tree Permit for Trees located on Public Property immediately abutting Private Property for which a development application has been submitted, until such time as the development application has been approved and Council has also approved the removal of these trees”.
Climate implications
- The removal of trees is always a concern as they provide the most cost-effective measure of carbon sequestration, in addition to providing a host of other ecological benefits associated with climate change.
- It is critical that in cases where trees must be removed, that they are sufficiently compensated for in the interest of replacing the canopy loss long-term.