Item - 2026.NY34.4

North York Community Council:

1. Approved the request for a permit to remove one City-owned tree located at 117 Glen Park Avenue as part of an interim approach to addressing female ginkgo trees in the City of Toronto, so that the City-owned female ginkgo tree will be removed and replaced by the City of Toronto in the road allowance fronting 117 Glen Park Avenue to the satisfaction of the Executive Director, Environment, Climate, and Forestry.

This report requests that the North York Community Council deny the request for a permit to remove one City-owned tree located at 117 Glen Park Avenue. The applicant indicates the reason for requesting the removal of the tree is due to concerns over the fallen fruits which have a foul odour, create a slip hazard, and are physically taxing to clean up.

The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) measures 33 centimetres in diameter. The City's Tree By-laws do not support the removal of this tree as it is healthy and maintainable. The permit was denied, and the applicant is appealing the decision. The Community Council has delegated authority from the City Council to make a final decision as to whether a permit may be issued when an applicant appeals the City's decision to deny a tree permit.

Environment, Climate and Forestry received an application to remove a City-owned female ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) at 117 Glen Park Avenue due to concerns that the tree drops fruit with a foul odour. The City's Tree By-laws do not support the removal of this tree as it is healthy and maintainable. The appeal was submitted to North York Community Council on May 26, 2026 and was deferred to July 7, 2026.

On May 20 and 21, 2026, City Council directed the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry to provide recommendations on the impacts of City-owned female ginkgo trees with a focus on community health and safety, as part of the ongoing Tree By-Law Review and to report back in 2027.

Following recent City Council direction, this report proposes an interim approach for the management of female ginkgo trees and requests that North York Community Council approve a permit to remove one City-owned female ginkgo tree located at 117 Glen Park Avenue on condition that a tree of alternate species be planted as a replacement.

City staff will report back to City Council in early 2027 with recommendations on an approach to the impacts of female ginkgo trees with a focus on community health and safety, as part of the ongoing Tree By-Law Review.