Parkdale rallies to save 150-year-old maple from development

A community in west Parkdale is fighting to save a 150-year-old silver maple that's slated for removal to make room for a new 13-storey temple.

The tree, which sits on city-owned land near the corner of King Street West and Maynard Avenue, is one of the largest on the street. Its canopy drapes across the sidewalk and into neighbouring properties. But the Karma Sonam Dargye Ling congregation's development application calls for the tree to come down — along with six other trees on the site — to accommodate the mid-rise building, which would include retail and residential units with a temple and religious residences on the upper floors.

An arborist's report filed with the application states the tree is in decline and in conflict with the proposed building. But residents and a University of Toronto forest ecologist dispute that assessment. "It's very vigorous … it looks like a really healthy tree," said Eric Davies, a U of T forest ecologist who examined the tree last week. He also confirmed it's likely the largest on King Street West.

Dave Thomas, who has lived in the area since 1948, says the maple has always been part of the neighbourhood's structure. His neighbour Carla Jensen, who has lived across the street for 16 years, called it integral to her quality of life. "This tree is older than every human on this planet," she said. "It's earned the right to stay."

Not all residents oppose the development itself. Ric Amis of the Parkdale Residents Association said the group supports development, and questioned whether some opposition stems from concerns about the enlarged temple rather than genuine tree preservation.

The development application is still in early stages. Toronto's director of forestry, Kim Statham, said no formal application to remove the tree has yet been received. The city will have a say once one arrives.