Under the Forests Ontario’s Heritage Tree Program, the red oak (Quercus rubra) located at 76 Coral Gable Drive is recognized as a heritage tree, acknowledged for its size, age and cultural significance. This 250 + year-old, tree is one of the oldest and largest of its species in Toronto and has been in the community before the Europeans colonized the area. As of 2018, it is one of the 26 identified trees of significant heritage value located on private lands.
In 2015, a receipt of an agreement towards the sale of the property with the landowner was made. Subsequently the City Council approved the creation of a fund dedicated to acquiring the property and establishing the space as a parkette to preserve the 250-year-old tree as a primary feature. For more information, click here.
The Toronto Office of Partnerships has been committed to raising 50 percent of the estimated property value ($430,000) by December 12, 2020 and reached out to Urban Forest Associates to help achieve this vision. Once the fundraising target is achieved, the city will fund the other half of land procurement through the west parkland acquisition fund XR2203.
To date $129,162 has been raised from various donors. So, while there has been widespread support, there is still a long way to go to reach the target. We ask you to show your community support by donating here.