A historic tree in the middle of the city needs help. Officials are aiming to preserve the oldest oak tree in Toronto by buying the land it is on and converting it into a parquette. The tree is so old that it was actually here before the start of Canada.
At 24 metres, this 250-year-old oak has been standing since before the nation joined together.
Currently, it is actually located in somebody's backyard in North York, right by the Humber River. Now, the City is looking to buy the property.
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In order to do so, $430,000 is needed by December 12, says an info page.
According to CTV News, the current homeowner is concerned that the roots will ruin the house's foundation, and has said that it is expensive to maintain it.
Twenty-nine percent of funds have been raised, but the deadline to get to the target is only a few months away.
In an email with Narcity, Toronto media relations Alex Burke confirmed that "donors have committed more than $125,000 to the campaign thus far, putting us at 29 per cent to target."
Although people have been giving money to the cause, Burke revealed that the pandemic has caused donations to stop coming in as much.
"The pandemic has effectively halted gifts to non-COVID-19 related projects, including the Oak campaign. More help is needed to achieve the fundraising target," Burke confirmed.
"The City hopes to purchase the property and create a parkette with the magnificent oak as the primary feature," Burke confirmed.
If enough is not raised on time, the funds will be allocated to Toronto's Urban Forestry grant programs.
The programs help to support tree planting ventures in Toronto, helping to reach the goal of 40% tree canopy in the city, says the website.
The tree is part of what was once a lush ecosystem with trails and portages. It was used by Indigenous peoples and Europeans alike.
The tree managed to survive the logging period when settlers were getting situated on the Humber River.
Forests Ontario commemorated it as a heritage back in 2009.