Toronto Developer Linked to Suspicious Tree Removal and Permit Investigation

The removal of four trees from a property in Toronto's Long Branch neighbourhood has raised questions about tree-protection rules, permit authenticity and the responsibilities of property developers. The case is drawing attention after the City of Toronto reportedly confirmed that documents displayed as tree-removal permits were not issued by the municipality.

The incident involves a property at 65 Fortieth Street in Etobicoke, where the trees were cut down on October 24, 2026. The property had changed ownership the previous day, and the new ownership was linked to a company directed by the co-founders of Toronto development firm Modcity.

City officials are investigating potential bylaw violations. Modcity has disputed allegations of wrongdoing, and the circumstances surrounding the removal remain subject to investigation.

What Happened at the Long Branch Property?

Four trees were removed from the residential property at 65 Fortieth Street in the Long Branch area of Etobicoke. The removal attracted attention from neighbours and local officials because photographs appeared to show permit documents posted at the property.

The documents reportedly displayed City of Toronto letterhead and referred to three backyard trees. However, the city confirmed that it had not issued the permits shown in the photographs. This has raised concerns about whether the documents were authentic and whether the required approvals were obtained before the trees were removed.

The property was purchased on October 23, one day before the tree removal. The purchasing company was directed by Ron Sheinin and Rohan Sadana, co-founders of Modcity. The ownership connection is part of the reported circumstances surrounding the case, but it does not by itself establish who authorized or carried out the removal.

Toronto Investigates Suspected Tree Permit Irregularities

The City of Toronto is investigating possible violations of its tree-protection bylaws. The central issue is whether the removal complied with municipal requirements and whether the documents displayed at the property were improperly presented as official permits.

Toronto's tree-protection rules are designed to preserve trees that meet the city's protection criteria. Depending on the tree and its location, removing or damaging a protected tree without the required permission can lead to enforcement action.

According to the city's published guidance, potential enforcement measures can include compliance or stop-work orders and prosecution. The city also states that fines for certain tree bylaw offences can reach $100,000 per tree.

Residents who suspect an unauthorized tree removal can report a possible violation through the city's 311 service. The municipality's official information is available through its tree and ravine contravention reporting guidance.

What Is Modcity's Response?

Modcity has denied wrongdoing in connection with the allegations. Rohan Sadana told CBC News that the company strongly disputes the allegations. The report also said that the company's co-founders did not provide answers to detailed questions about whether they had authorized the posting of the documents or the removal of the trees.

Neighbours told CBC that they had seen the two developers at the property during the removal. A vehicle bearing a Modcity vanity licence plate was also photographed across the street. The vehicle was registered to a numbered company of which Ron Sheinin was president and sole director.

These reported observations form part of the circumstances described in the investigation. They should not be treated as proof that either individual personally ordered or carried out the tree removal.

The distinction is important: the city is investigating possible bylaw violations, while the developers have disputed allegations of wrongdoing. Any conclusions about responsibility should depend on the findings of the relevant authorities and evidence established through the appropriate process.

Why the Removed Trees Matter to the Community

The case has particular significance because one of the removed trees was described as a mature white fir. The tree had previously been the subject of a community effort to protect it, making its removal especially concerning to residents who had followed the property's development history.

In an earlier dispute involving a proposed property severance, Toronto's urban forestry officials objected to a plan that would have required the removal of a healthy tree. The Committee of Adjustment approved the proposal, but the city appealed. The Toronto Local Appeal Body ultimately ruled in the city's favour in 2022.

The earlier decision highlighted the importance of considering existing trees when evaluating development proposals. Mature trees provide benefits that newly planted trees cannot immediately replace, including established shade and neighbourhood tree canopy.

Why Mature Urban Trees Are Difficult to Replace

Urban trees contribute to environmental quality in ways that extend beyond their appearance. Mature trees can provide shade, help moderate local temperatures, support urban biodiversity and contribute to the character of residential streets.

Replacing a mature tree with a newly planted one does not produce an equivalent result in the short term. Young trees need years of growth before they can provide a comparable canopy. Their survival can also depend on soil conditions, available space, water and protection from construction activity.

Development can make tree preservation more difficult when buildings, driveways, underground infrastructure and other features leave limited room for roots and future growth. This is why urban forestry experts often emphasize the importance of considering trees early in the planning and approval process.

Can Tree Bylaw Penalties Prevent Unauthorized Removal?

The Toronto case has renewed questions about whether municipal penalties are sufficient to discourage unauthorized tree removal during property development. Tree-protection rules can establish clear obligations, but enforcement also matters.

Environmental and urban forestry specialists have raised concerns that financial penalties may not always provide a strong enough deterrent when compared with the potential financial benefits of a development project. The effectiveness of enforcement can therefore depend on how quickly violations are investigated, whether responsibility can be established and whether penalties are applied consistently.

Another issue concerns the relationship between tree bylaws and building approvals. Provincial legislation limits the circumstances in which a municipality can refuse a building permit solely because of a tree bylaw violation. Toronto has asked the provincial government to change the rules, but the issue remains part of a broader discussion about municipal authority and environmental protection.

What Happens Next in the Toronto Tree Removal Investigation?

The city's investigation will help determine whether the removal breached local tree-protection requirements and what enforcement measures may be appropriate. The questions surrounding the displayed documents also make it important to establish how they were created and who was responsible for placing them at the property.

The case also sits within a wider enforcement context. Modcity has faced other tree-bylaw and noise-related charges, according to the CBC report. Those matters should be considered separately, and the existence of charges does not establish guilt.

For residents, the outcome could offer a clearer picture of how Toronto handles suspected unauthorized tree removal, particularly when a property is connected to a development company. It may also contribute to continuing discussions about whether municipal and provincial rules provide adequate protection for mature trees.

What Toronto Residents Should Know About Tree Protection

Residents concerned about tree removal near their homes can take several practical steps:

• Check the rules: Review Toronto's tree-protection requirements before assuming that a tree can legally be removed.
• Document concerns: If a removal appears unauthorized, record relevant observations and photographs when it is safe and lawful to do so.
• Report suspected violations: Contact the city through 311 or use its official tree and ravine contravention reporting process.
• Avoid unsupported accusations: Report observable facts and allow municipal investigators to determine whether a violation occurred.

Official guidance is available on the City of Toronto website.

Conclusion

The removal of four trees at a Long Branch property has brought attention to suspected permit irregularities, development oversight and the challenges of protecting mature trees in Toronto. The city is investigating potential bylaw violations, while Modcity has strongly disputed allegations of wrongdoing.

The investigation's findings will be important not only for the property involved but also for residents concerned about the future of Toronto's urban tree canopy. Until the relevant facts are established, the allegations should remain clearly distinguished from confirmed findings.

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Reporting reference: CBC News – Suspicious tree removal and permits linked to Toronto developer.

Related reading: More Canadian environmental and urban development news