Item - 2019.IE1.3

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to implement an aerial spray using a biological control agent, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk), where necessary in Wards  1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12  and 15.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to consult with Toronto Public Health, Transportation Services and Toronto Police Service to coordinate implementation of the proposed aerial and ground based application of the biological control agent Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk).

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce a by-law to implement a control strategy for European Gypsy Moth infestation through aerial spraying of the biological control agent, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk).

4. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to negotiate and enter into a non-competitive contract with Zimmer Air Service Inc. to conduct aerial spray operations as part of the overall European Gypsy Moth control program in 2019, in the amount of $1,204,616 net of HST ($1,225,818 net of HST recoveries), on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager of Parks Forestry and Recreation and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

In an effort to protect the City's tree canopy against invasive pests, it is necessary for the City to implement a Gypsy Moth control program in 2019, including an aerial spray in certain areas of the City.

The report requests that City Council grant authority to enter into a non-competitive contract with Zimmer Air Service Inc. for control of European Gypsy Moth outbreak for 2019, in the amount of $1,204,616 net of HST ($1,225,818 net of HST recoveries).

European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) is an invasive alien pest that was first found in Ontario in 1969. This pest cannot be eradicated and if left unchecked, populations can grow to outbreak levels, which can lead to tree defoliation and ultimately affect the health of the urban forest canopy. The European Gypsy Moth population fluctuates in relation to environmental and biological controls. In 2007, 2008, 2013, and 2017, Toronto implemented aerial spray control programs when European Gypsy Moth populations attained outbreak levels. Those measures were successful in reducing the population to acceptable levels.

Current survey data collected in the fall of 2018 indicate European Gypsy Moth population levels have reached outbreak levels in some areas of Toronto, requiring intervention in order to mitigate the impact of this threat to forest health and private nuisance. This report presents the results of the survey along with recommended control measures, which include an aerial spray of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) in the larger outbreak areas.

At present, aerial spraying is proposed to treat a total of 1,372 hectares (ha) of land in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 and 15. Ground based spraying, tree injection and egg mass removal is proposed for other locations within these wards to treat approximately 600 additional individual trees. This control strategy is expected to reduce the European Gypsy Moth population and expected levels of defoliation, resulting in prevention of tree loss or significant decline. 

City Council approval is required in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 195, Purchasing, where the current request exceeds the Chief Purchasing Officer's authority of the cumulative five year commitment limit for each vendor under Article 7, Section 195-7.3(D) of the Purchasing By-law or exceeds the threshold of $500,000 net of HST allowed under staff authority as per the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 71, Financial Control, Section 71-11a.