Iron Tree Guards

This idea proposes to install Corktown themed tree guards throughout Corktown locations from Berkeley Street to River Street and from Shuter to Front Streets including King and Queen Street. 

Transportation Services staff have reviewed this proposal and estimate the project will cost approximately $8,000 each including materials and labour. For a total of 10 locations, $80,000 will be allocated.

Internal ID: PB2023-TS-352

*Note: Ideas that proceed to the voting stage are edited by my office to ensure they are clear, concise, and is complete with images. For accountability and transparency purposes, the original description, as input by the resident, can be found below.

Original Description:

According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute between 2020-2022 the Canadian dog population increased from 7.7 million to 7.9. At a local level, Dogs of Corktown (the official social media for dog owners in the neighbourhood) estimates that there’s approximately 1,200 dogs that inhabit the district (this does not include dogs that visit). 

Although the majority of local canine owner's pick-up after their dogs, sometimes they forget to bring a bag or allow their pets to pee next to a tree; likely unaware that toxins in urine can soak through exterior bark resulting in damage. As a result, area residents have complained that they can’t improve sidewalk public spaces due to flower beds being tread on, or dog waste left in soil.   

This proposal is to install Iron Tree Guards throughout Corktown from Berkeley to River Streets and from Shuter to Front Streets including King and Queen Street. 

The Iron Guards should be designed to represent rowhouses and each would have the name “Corktown” punctured within the design. This solution will help to prevent dogs from using trees as privies and keep bicycles from being locked around tree trunks. The guards will also show that ‘the City’ cares about tree health while contributing in a positive way to the look of the neighbourhood. 

Note: This is one idea which can be scoped in a range of cost brackets, with associated investments ranging from large to very significant. It is hoped that there will be ongoing dialogue with the Councillor’s office to qualify and shape this idea further as design and cost input is received from staff experts at the City, and prior to it being submitted for voting.