Report to: Development Services Commission Report Date:
SUBJECT: Town
of
PREPARED BY: Catherine Jay, ext. 2520
RECOMMENDATION:
1)
That the Town of
2) That the design guidelines, technical guidelines, technical details and selected species list included in the Streetscape Manual be used in the evaluation of development applications and rights-of-way tree planting within the Town;
3) And that the Streetscape Manual be integrated and coordinated with other Town policies, regulations, and design guidelines as appropriate;
4) And that staff continue to inform and educate staff, developers, consultants and residents on the application of the Streetscape Manual;
5) And that staff may revise the Streetscape Manual from time to time as necessary;
6) And that staff be authorized to do all things necessary to effect this resolution.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to
endorse the design guidelines, selected species, technical guidelines and technical
details as proposed in the Town of
BACKGROUND:
Research shows that a healthy urban forest can reduce energy
costs, sequester carbon, improve air and water quality and reduce storm water
runoff. When suitably integrated, urban
trees are also a valuable ‘green’ infrastructure, providing tangible benefits
that appreciate in value over time. As urban forests grow, their environmental,
social and economic benefits increase.
In an urban ecosystem, each part relates to and affects the whole.
As part of Council’s commitment to plant 75,000 trees prior
to the end of 2010, the Trees for Tomorrow program was conceived and officially
launched in May 2008. In reviewing tree
planting in the Town of
DISCUSSION:
The Manual is to ensure long-term preservation, adequate replacement and increased number of new trees are planted in a sustainable manner on both public and private lands
The manual is designed to communicate the benefits of the
urban forest and provide policy guidelines to enable the Town of
Aecom, a
multi-disciplinary firm with expertise in landscape architecture, forestry and
urban design were contracted to develop the manual for the Town
In January 2009, Aecom was retained by the Town. The terms of reference and the scope of the program required Aecom to:
- Provide updated, relevant tree planting requirements for Subdivision and Site Plan applications for both Urban and Suburban environments to address tree quality, quantity and species.
- Develop or redevelop tree standard details and specifications for Subdivision and Site Plans to address sustainability of the Urban Forest and Storm water Management Facilities.
- Develop a practice for boulevard planting, including replacement policies for trees removed or destroyed as part of development for Town lands.
- Provide education to Town staff, contractors hired by both the Town and developers and residents to ensure knowledge of the benefits of proper tree planting, tree preservation and tree maintenance is known.
- Provide guidance to the Town regarding long term maintenance and budget requirements for planting, preserving and maintaining trees and boulevard trees.
In addition to the terms of reference the work was guided by
a cross-commission team and also included representation from York Region Urban
Forest Division. The team consisted of representatives from Operations, Policy,
Development Engineering, Urban
The
Streetscape Manual establishes design guidelines, selected species list,
technical guidelines, and technical details for planting trees
The development of standards, specifications, regulations, processes, and policies for the Town will ensure the success of high-quality, attractive, and healthy streetscapes and landscapes.
Planting sites must be carefully and fully evaluated before the decision is made to plant a tree. Planting the “right tree in the right place” is essential to tree health and survivability and reduced conflicts with streetscape utilities and amenities. Prior to making the tree selection, the Landscape Architect must decide what the overall planting design will be. As guidance for the designer and staff the manual includes design considerations for preservation and protection of existing soils, tree selection, tree attributes and tree form
Selected Species
Technical Guidelines
The Technical Guidelines provide guidance for tree planting relative to development applications both on Town owned land and within public rights-of-way. They outline requirements for tree and soil preservation, layout and design, tree species selection, nursery stock selection, tree siting and location and inspection. The guidelines also define specific requirements for tree installation, warranty and maintenance.
Technical Details
The Technical detail include details for tree protection fencing, general deciduous tree planting, deciduous tree planting boulevard, deciduous tree planting in paved areas, deciduous tree planting in poor/confined soils, deciduous tree planting with ground covers, and coniferous tree planting.
Recommended Implementation
Strategy
The implementation strategy for the proposed Streetscape Manual consists of the following components:
Update to the Environmental Official Plan Policies to include:
1) The Town to prepare an Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan
2) The Town to determine a dollar value for our Urban Natural Capital
3) The Town to have a no net loss of canopy or equivalent replacement value policy for all development and redevelopment
Revisions to our current practices for inspection, maintenance, acceptance and letter of credit release:
1) Mandatory Staking for tree locations with Town Staff
2) Standard Certification of Completion Letters
3) 2 year regular Maintenance program required within in the warranty period – 2 year Maintenance Report required to schedule final inspection
4) Performance based Letter of Credit - release of final letter of credit based on acceptance of maintenance – money held until trees are deemed acceptable
Revisions to the Site Alteration By-law 2006-97:
1) Incorporate Soil testing requirements as part of the permit process
2) Incorporate Soil preservation requirements as part of the site alteration by-law
3) Include Tree Preservation Plan requirements as part of the Standards for Site Alteration Plans
Encourage Local Utilities to minimize damage to trees
1) work with utilities to ensure more space is available for boulevard planting
2) work with utilities to minimize damage to existing trees
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE
Not Applicable
HUMAN
RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS
Not Applicable
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Growth Management
As part of the Town’s pledge to address issues of growth, the Town committed to developing a vision and plan for a sustainable community. One component of this sustainable community is to protect the natural heritage. The Streetscape Manual includes tree preservation standards, details and policies for ensuring successful natural heritage preservation.
Transportation/Transit
Not Applicable
Environment
A co-coordinated strategy for a
sustainable community includes a strong and healthy approach to the overall
environment. This manual provides
guidelines and strategies to create and maintain healthier, greener communities
by ensuring the trees we have are maintained properly and new trees planted
have a chance at surviving and thriving.
Municipal Services
In an effort to ensure high
quality efficient service this manual will provide guidance for applicants, and
consultants, to provide high quality designs and for staff to provide approvals
in an efficient manner.
Parks, Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan/Public Safety
Not Applicable
Diversity
Not Applicable
BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:
Internal departments have been involved throughout the
development of the manual and will continue to be involved as required. Operations, Policy, Urban Design, Development
Engineering and York Region Forestry have provided input and their respective
comments have been incorporated in the manual.
RECOMMENDED
BY: ________________________ ________________________
Ronji Borooah Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.
Town Architect Commissioner
of Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Appendix A – Trees for Tomorrow Streetscape Manual