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Tag Archive for: Tree Canopy Preservation

Job Posting Special Events Planner

Job Posting: Special Events Planner

If you are interested in organizing community events, between the ages of 17-30, who loves trees and the environment; and would like to work as a member of a dynamic team with planning for our Tree Stewardship programs and the 7th Annual Long Branch Tree Fest we would like to hear from you!

What You’ll Be Doing

 

 

You will be assisting the LBNA (Long Branch Neighbourhood Association), the Long Branch Tree Stewardship Lead and the Tree Fest Committee to plan, promote and organize the 7th Annual Long Branch Tree Fest and a series of Tree Stewardship community events throughout the summer. This will involve implementing a promotional plan; writing and distributing press releases; social media communications; engaging local small businesses, musicians and artists; distributing posters and flyers to local small businesses and within the community; promotion at local events; communications and organization with local exhibitors and vendors; coordination of educational events relating to urban trees and the environment; coordination and promotion of children’s activities and other activities as required to ensure a successful Tree Fest.

You will work with subject matter experts knowledgeable about trees, the environment and urban forestry.

You will also assist in planning for a series of local Community Stewardship Tree Interpretation walks and bike rides and for the roll out of our Citizen Pruning Initiative for Young Trees.

This position is funded through a Canada Summer Jobs Federal Student grant program to the community. The LBNA encourages students in event planning, public relations or related communications programs or who can demonstrate strong project management skills to apply, including applicants who are women, indigenous students; members of a visible minority and new immigrants/refugees. If you are graduating high school or a current university or college student, we encourage you to apply.

Interviews will be taking place shortly. Position start date is June 30, 2025.

Who Should Apply

If you are passionate about community events, environmental stewardship and conserving and expanding urban forests, please email your resume and cover letter with why you are interested in this position as soon as possible to Judy Gibson, Chair, Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement Committee, Long Branch Neighbourhood Association via email: longbranchnato@gmail.com

About the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association

The Long Branch Neighbourhood Association (LBNA) was incorporated in April 2018, is led by an elected Board of Volunteers and has established several strong partnerships. Leadership consists of a Chair, a Vice Chair, and 8 Board Members. From 2018 – 2022 the LBNA has employed and provided work experiences for dozens of summer students.

The Mission of the LBNA is to Protect, Celebrate and Enhance the neighbourhood of the Village of Long Branch; Protect the physical character of Long Branch; Celebrate the neighbourhood and its heritage through events and community gatherings and; Enhance the public realm and the quality of life of the neighbourhood and broader community.

See our websites for more information: www.lbna.ca and www.longbranchtreefestival.ca

The LBNA is required and committed to ensuring a safe, workplace experience for all employees.

Apply Now

Interviews will be taking place shortly. Position start date will be June 30 2025.

If you are passionate about conserving and expanding urban forests, please email your resume and cover letter with why you are interested in one of these positions as soon as possible to Judy Gibson, Chair, Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement Committee, Long Branch Neighbourhood Association via email: longbranchnato@gmail.com

About the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association

The Long Branch Neighbourhood Association (LBNA) was incorporated in April 2018, is led by an elected Board of Volunteers and has established several strong partnerships. Leadership consists of a Chair, a Vice Chair, and 8 Board Members. From 2018 – 2024 the LBNA has employed and provided work experiences for dozens of summer students.

There are Subcommittees (derived through membership surveys), including the Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement Committee.

The Mission of the LBNA is to Protect, Celebrate and Enhance the neighbourhood of the Village of Long Branch; Protect the physical character of Long Branch; Celebrate the neighbourhood and its heritage through events and community gatherings and; Enhance the public realm and the quality of life of the neighbourhood and broader community.

See our websites for more information: www.lbna.ca and www.longbranchtreefestival.ca

The LBNA is required and committed to ensuring a safe, workplace experience for all employees.

 

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🌳 2025 Tree for Free Event: Transform Long Branch with Native Roots! 🌿

Join the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association (LBNA) for the 2025 Tree for Free Event and claim one of 12 native trees or shrubs to revolutionize our community!

🌿 These local heroes soak up 22 kg of carbon dioxide yearly, cool streets by 5°C, and create havens for birds and bees, boosting biodiversity. Thriving in Toronto’s climate, they save water, skip chemicals, and demand little care. They lift property values, spark joy, and unite neighbors, while honoring Indigenous land stewardship, weaving us into our region’s vibrant history.

One tree or shrub can purify air, shield our shoreline, and inspire a greener tomorrow!

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
  • Time: 9:30 AM–11:45 AM (walk-ups at 11:45 AM, limited supply)
  • Location: Colonel Sam Smith Park
  • Registration: Order by May 15, 2025, at https://lbna.ca/tree2025/
  • Last year, hundreds of natives reshaped Long Branch—let’s make 2025 our greenest yet! Don’t miss this chance to plant a legacy and fuel our climate-resilient future.
  • Contact: trees40@lbna.ca
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Tree for Free is Back!

The LBNA’s Tree for Free event returns on Saturday, September 17th at Colonel Samuel Smith Park.

We’ll be distributing free trees to Toronto residents between 10 am and 12:30 pm.

Trees need to be ordered in advance, and you can do so up to Wednesday, September 14th.

To participate, click here to be taken to our shop page, where you can select the species you’d like. All are native trees, so are well suited to our growing conditions.

Quantities are limited, so don’t delay placing your order. Because the funding for this program comes from the City of Toronto, it is limited to residents of Toronto and all trees must be planted on private property within the City of Toronto.

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LBNA Deputation – Environmental Policies

Planning & Housing Committee – May 31, 2022

On Tuesday, May 31sr, the LBNA deputed to the City’s Planning and Housing Committee on environmental policies proposed for Official Plan Amendment 583 (OPA 583), regarding stronger protections for permeable landscaping and mature trees.

Our deputation can be heard in the video below

YouTube player

Below is the text of our letter to the Committee.

To learn more about the City’s review of the Official Plan, click here.

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Record 17th Victory for LBNA at TLAB

On January 19, 2022, TLAB issued a decision on the proposed severance of 65 Fortieth Street, overturning the Committee of Adjustment’s approval in 2019 and thereby refusing the severance and the associated construction ot two oversized homes. . This was the first application in Long Branch that was subject to the Long Branch Neighbourhood Character Guidelines.

This represented the 17th straight victory for the LBNA in opposing severance activity in Long Branch since 2018. All the more impressive, given that the LBNA has advocated at TLAB on behalf of Long Branch residents without engaging a lawyer.

In her 19-page decision, TLAB presiding member Ms. Shaheynoor Talukder commented that the applicant’s team failed to prove that the lot frontage of the proposed dwellings will respect and reinforce the existing character of the neighbourhood.

In addition, this property has a prominent White Fir . This was measured by the Applicant’s arborist to have a trunk diameter of 47 cm, so is of a size that the City’s Tree Protection regulations indicate should be protected. Ms Talukder commented that it is visually impressive and forms part of the character of the neighbourhood. The Applicant had proposed removing this tree, but Ms. Talukder did not feel they were taking sufficient measures to attempt to preserve it, as per the environmental policies in the Official Plan.

The White Fir at 65 Fortieth Street can be enjoyed as a feature tree on the Conifer Walk this summer as part of our series of Long Branch Tree Tours.

Christine Mercado, co-chair of the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association commented, saying, “This is a big win for our Neighbourhood. But it’s a joint effort. It starts with effective city policy, followed with an effective Neighbourhood Association, residents who are prepared to get actively involved and engagement with our Councillor and City Staff. The foundation this all sits on is engaged and active residents electing the right people, pushing for good policy and ensuring the City is enforcing those policies.”

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Black Barn Maple on CBC News

CBC News ran a story on June 2nd about the initiative to try to save the “Black Barn Maple” in western Long Branch.

The Backstory

Phot of Black Barn Maple at rear of 95 James Street
Courtesy Robert Krbavac, CBC

The tree is located to the rear of the house at 95 James Street and is a Silver Maple reputedly 130 to 150 years old. The site where it is located is close to where the Eastwood family, who were instrumental in developing Long Branch as a village, had a black barn on their estate, hence its name.

The owner of the property originally applied to City Planning in May of 2018 to add a second story to the existing house and build a newer, larger home. At the time of application, the owners indicated the property was not subject to the Private Tree Bylaw, which protects trees 30 cm and greater in diameter.

The application was approved on September 20, 2019 by the Committee of Adjustment despite a August 21, 2018 memo from Urban Forestry advising there were two healthy mature trees on the property and recommending refusal of the application.

The Fallout

The approval was subsequently appealed by neighbours to the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB).

The CBC News story examines the controversy about residents’ efforts to try to retain the Silver Maple.

The LBNA sought to have the Black Barn Maple, given its age, Heritage Tree status that would ensure it could not be cut down. However, this would require the consent of the property owner, who of course refused. A letter from one of the applicant’s lawyers disputed the age and historic significance of the tree.

Counsel representing the applicant at TLAB argued that the tree was located in an area in which the owner had a right to be able to cut down the tree. Their argument was based on a concept that is not defined in pertinent legislation such as The Planning Act, The Official Plan or the Bylaws.

An ad hoc group of Long Branch residents banded together to try to raise awareness about the tree and the issues surrounding its proposed removal. They have created a website, lawn signs and letter-writing campaigns.

To see the story in the CBC’s website, click here.

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