Planning committee backs special protection for 200-year-old oak tree

On Tuesday, the Planning Committee recommended permitting the demolition of a heritage home, so long as the developer protects a nearby 200-year-old oak tree

On Tuesday, the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) unanimously (4-0) recommended permitting the demolition of a heritage home at 66 Blackfriars St., so long as the developer follows a set of strict conditions to protect a 200-year-old oak tree on the property.

The five-foot wide trunk of the tree is just inches from the northeast corner of the fire-gutted house and some of its roots have become intertwined with the basement wall.

Heather Garrett, a planning consultant for the developer told the committee, “We have two heritage attributes [where] one has essentially been destroying the other. The root system of the tree has been growing into the (house) structure for several, several years.”

An arborist’s report describes the tree as “one of the nicest oak trees in the city,” and that for “its age and structure, it is in impeccable condition.”

“I have literally seen pictures of that tree over 100 years ago, which I love to see,” said Councillor David Ferreira who represents the neighbourhood.

The interior of the house was destroyed by fire in 2022.

The Blackfiars-Petersville Heritage Conservation District specifically includes landscape features as important elements, so city staff recommended permitting the house to be demolished and protecting the tree.

No mechanized equipment would be permitted near the tree during demolition or construction and part of the foundation must remain buried in the ground.

The new house will be built near the centre of the property - a substantial distance from the oak tree.

Ferreira added, “I’m very grateful that we were able to keep the tree and have a new structure that will fit within the neighborhood itself.”

Council will make a final decision about the demolition permit on February 11.