City a step closer to buying massive, centuries-old oak tree
Toronto city council voted Wednesday to go ahead with a plan to purchase a North York property to save an ancient oak tree.
There have been a number of calls to protect the tree, which could be 350-years-old and the oldest in Toronto.
The tree stands in the backyard of a home on Coral Gable Drive, near Weston Road and Sheppard Avenue West. It's now so large that it is threatening the structural integrity of the house.
CBC Toronto reported in April that the current owner was thinking about cutting the tree down.
Recently, 6-year-old Sophia Maiolo launched a fundraising campaign that's raised more than $700 for the cause. Celebrity gardener Mark Cullen has also pledged to donate $100,000 to help the city purchase the property.
That money could be important, as council's decision also says 50 per cent of the cost should be covered by private donors.
City staff have been asked to present a report on the feasibility of buying the home by July.
