Modcity faces tenth city investigation for illegal tree cutting on Ennerdale Road

Toronto-area developer Modcity is facing its tenth municipal investigation for alleged illegal tree removal, according to a city councillor — leaving residents wondering why existing laws appear powerless to stop the alleged pattern.

Trees at 48 Ennerdale Road, near Dufferin Street and Rogers Road, were cut down on August 22. Courtney Milner, who lives five houses away, said Toronto she noticed blackout fencing erected the night before and a crew arriving the next morning. "There's about 12 old-growth trees — a few maples, a few cedars, a few pear trees, hibiscus, all of them like 30 years plus," she said. "They had two dumpsters ready to go for the trees and a third one came."

Modcity's principal in charge of planning and acquisitions, Rohan Sadana, denied all allegations related to 48 Ennerdale in a statement. "Modcity has no relationship to the Ennerdale property," he said. However, property records show the real estate agent who represented the buyer is Ron Sheinin, a principal at Modcity. The home sold July 10 for $730,000, with the deal closing in October.

Milner and her neighbours suspect Modcity's involvement because they recognized workers from the adjacent 46 Ennerdale Road property, where a Modcity multiplex is under construction. During the tree removal, Milner said she and neighbours confronted the workers, who responded by throwing pears at them. She provided videos to CBC Toronto showing the cutting and workers ignoring attempts at engagement.

Toronto bylaw allows fines up to $100,000 per tree for illegal cutting. Despite ten open investigations into similar allegations across Leaside, Rosedale-Moore Park, and Dufferin-Eglinton — all previously reported by CBC Toronto — no charges have been laid and no fines have been issued.

Modcity's statement noted the company provided real estate brokerage services on the property and said "by coincidence, a client happens to own the neighboring property." The statement did not address the open investigation or the alleged pear-throwing incident.