The Scarborough Community Council approved multiple traffic safety improvements and traffic calming measures across several wards, while also addressing contentious tree removal applications. The meeting highlighted growing tensions between development pressures and environmental protection, particularly as a new tree protection bylaw approaches implementation in January 2027. Council approved pedestrian safety measures, traffic signals, and speed reduction infrastructure, while denying one tree removal application and deferring another to allow residents more time to find alternative solutions.

Topics Discussed

TREE PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT CONFLICTS: The council grappled with multiple tree removal applications, most notably at 224 Timberbank Boulevard where residents opposed removing two honey locust trees for a development. Resident Nicole Curado argued the trees provide "an important food source and habitat for wildlife" and are a native species "in decline in wild." Council denied this application. A separate gas station redevelopment will remove 27 trees while planting only 7 new ones. Councillor Myers raised concerns about a policy gap before the new tree protection bylaw takes effect in January 2027, noting that 8 to 12 trees slated for removal would qualify for protection under the new rules. Councillor Thompson cited a resident complaint about "dozens and dozens of trees" being legally removed under current bylaws because they fell just under the 30 cm circumference threshold, emphasizing the need to "balance" development with "protecting our trees and protecting the environment."

TRAFFIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS: Council approved pedestrian crossing protection at Homestead Road, 275 meters north of Coronation Drive in Scarborough Rouge Park. Traffic control signals were approved for Kennedy Road at a point 140 meters north of DNC Avenue and at Pharmacy Avenue and Stellarton Road, Camila Crescent. Regarding the Kennedy Road signals, a council member stated: "transportation staff and of course our allstar um Mary Newton for her tremendous work and I really appreciate that the residents have been waiting for a long long time for this and uh it's finally going to happen."

TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES: Speed cushions and heavy vehicle prohibition were approved for Nightstar Road in Ward 25, with Councillor Shen noting community input in the decision. Speed humps were approved for Tower Drive in Ward 21. Traffic calming was also approved for Flare Road and Morris Road, both in Ward 25. The Poplar Road traffic calming item was referred back to staff until Metro Link's pedestrian tunnel work at the CN Rail and Poplar Road intersection is completed and permanent closure of Poplar Road at CN Rail is enforced.

GAS STATION REDEVELOPMENT WITH JOB LOSSES: A gas station redevelopment at 5445 Steels Avenue East will replace a standalone Tim Hortons with drive-thru with a car wash facility. The convenience store will be expanded to modern Shell standards with the same number of gas pumps reconfigured. Councillor Cannibal raised concerns about potential job losses from the Tim Hortons closure. The project will remove 27 trees (8 bylaw-protected) and plant only 7 new trees, resulting in a net reduction in tree canopy. A noise wall will be constructed along west and south property lines, and a large underground stormwater retention tank is planned.

TREE PROTECTION BYLAW TRANSITION: Council discussed the timing challenges of a new tree protection bylaw taking effect in January 2027, which will reduce the protection threshold from 30 cm to 20 cm diameter at breast height. Staff clarified that interim control measures under the Planning Act apply only to land use, not tree protection, so no interim protections can be implemented. Councillor Myers directed Community Planning to "explore opportunities for retaining additional trees and or potential cash in lieu of planting through the site plan control application process" for the Steels Avenue development, stating: "We are protecting our tree canopy particularly in light of the new bylaw that we had passed."

Motions

Passed: - SC 30.6: Pedestrian crossing protection at Homestead Road - SC 30.8: Speed cushions and heavy vehicle prohibition on Nightstar Road - SC 30.9: Speed humps installation on Tower Drive - SC 30.2: Part control exemption for 2740 Lawrence Avenue East - SC 30.10: Traffic control signals at Kennedy Road - SC 30.11: Traffic control signals at Pharmacy Avenue and Stellarton Road, Camila Crescent - SC 30.12: Woodland Park Road parking amendments - SC 30.13: Fire routes designation at 730 Military Trail - SC 30.14: Really Avenue parking amendment (SC 23.22 reopened) - SC 30.15: Flare Road traffic calming - SC 30.16: Morris Road traffic calming - SC 30.3: Denial of tree removal application at 224 Timberbank Boulevard - Bills 290-294 and confirmatory bill - Motion by Councillor Myers requesting additional tree protection measures for 5445 Steels Avenue East development

Deferred: - SC 30.4: Tree removal application at 226 Scarborough Crescent (deferred to April 30th meeting) - SC 30.7: Poplar Road traffic calming (referred back to staff until Metro Link work completed)

Attendees

• Councillor Shen
• Councillor Ainsley
• Councillor Thompson
• Councillor Myers
• Councillor Cannibal (Candal)