Tree dispute costs city $140,000 in legal fees

The City of Ottawa's refusal to remove a silver maple tree on York Street has cost the city $140,000 in legal fees, and the city still had to remove the tree.

The 16-metre tree, which grew on city property, was causing cracks in the foundation of a home on York Street.

When the city refused to remove the tree, the owners took the city to court. The city lost and brought in crews to cut down the silver maple.

Coun. Rainer Bloess told CTV Ottawa the city needs to stop letting issues get to the point where they're decided in court.

The city is currently dealing with seven other disputes over tree removal.

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  The City of Ottawa paid $140,000 in legal fees before removing a tree in front of this home on York Street. Now, only a stump remains.