Design Options
Option 1: Embracing the Tree
This design includes:
- Heritage tree as the central anchor and defining landmark.
- Tree-level arrival moment.
- Path embraces the tree and reinforces its focal role.
- Gathering spaces outside the Tree Protection Zone(TPZ) along most of the canopy edge.
- Low-impact, nature-led design working with existing topography and root zones.
Option 2: Honouring the Tree
This design includes:
- Heritage tree as a sacred core like a sculpture to gaze at.
- Seating arcs honours distance without intruding into the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ).
- The path leads visitors toward the tree but holds back at a respectful distance.
- Preservation-driven, minimizing disturbance while maximizing presence.
- Natural habitat emphasis– surrounding planting reinforces the feeling of the tree standing within its natural woodland setting.
Option 3: Following the Roots
This design includes:
- Heritage tree is recognized as a presence above and below ground.
- Paths and planting radiate like roots – expressing the tree’s influence across the site.
- Multiple personal journeys and experiences are possible.
- Framed viewpoints at the end of each path create intentional moments of arrival.
- Tree as site anchor.
- Preservation-Driven, minimizing disturbance while maximizing presence.
February 2026
Online Survey
Between Feb 10 and Feb 24, 40 people responded to an online survey sharing the design options and gathering feedback.
When asked about where respondents would most like to have seating in the new parkette
- 65 per cent said “spread around the site”
- 41 per cent said “around the tree”
- 12 per cent said “on the street edge”
- 3 per cent said “none”
When asked what type of relationship respondents would like to have with the tree
- 74 per cent said “viewing it from a respectful distance”
- 26 per cent said “being close to it”
- 18 per cent said “experiencing it as a personal journey”
- 9% said “none of the above”
When asked to rank the designs in order of preference
- The strongest preference (40 per cent) was for Design Option 2: Honouring the Tree
- The next highest preference (33 per cent) was for Design Option 1: Embracing the Tree
- The lowest support (28 per cent) was for Design Option 3: Following the Roots
14 respondents left additional comments. These are grouped thematically and summarized below.
- Support for maintaining privacy for surrounding neighbours
- Support for prioritizing Indigenous ideas and relationship to the tree in the parkette
- Some concern about protecting the tree from vandalism
- Additional comments included adding animal homes, avoiding root compaction, using the tree trimmings on the site, adding a washroom, keeping the project moving, addressing parking, adding a bike rack, concerns about maintenance, and supporting natural native planting.
Community Meeting
On February 10th, 17 community members attended a community meeting at Carmine Stefano Community Recreation Centre. At the meeting, the project team shared project updates and the three design options for community feedback. Notes were taken in the question-and-answer period and key feedback is described thematically below.
Download the February 2026 Community Meeting Presentation
Planting and maintenance
- Concerns about current maintenance
- Concerns for adequate maintenance once Parkette is built
- Support for native or pollinator plantings like lupins but also support for well maintained area
- Support for a second oak tree if appropriate, possibly an offspring of this tree or from High Park’s black oak savannah
Privacy for immediate neighbours
- Desire for fencing, planting and the location of seating to consider the privacy of local neighbours
Safety, lighting, site-lines
- Concerns about loitering and unwanted uses on the site
- Requests for good sightlines into the parkette from the street for safety
- Mixed feedback on lighting as it has pros and cons
Parking and outside visitors
- Concerns about impacts on local parking due to visitors to the parkette
- Requests for “no parking” signs around the site
- Concerns about many visitors too close to the road
Accessibility
- Support for accessibility on the site
Drainage and creek
- Identification of an underground creek at the back of the site
- Discussion of existing infrastructure underground related to watering and drainage which should be understood in the plans
Indigenous Perspective is Important
- Design Option 2 described as most reflective of Anishinaabe traditions to honour and reflect
- Support for recognizing Indigenous traditions in this park including an Indigenous name
- Suggestion to use the parkette for education on the Carrying Place traditions
Heritage Significance
- Comment that according to the Ontario Urban Forest Council toolkit this is a very significant heritage tree
Demolition
- Concerns about impacts of demolition on the environment and the tree
August 2025
Before the existing house is demolished in fall 2025, the permit will be reviewed with Toronto Building and approved by City Council. Tree trimming to remove dead branches is anticipated to take place in November, following restrictions on oak pruning during the growing season (April to October).
A design consultant has been hired and is working with stakeholders to develop design options.
April 2025
The demolition contractor is currently working with City staff and an arborist to obtain the necessary permits to safely remove the house without harming the nearby heritage tree. A detailed tree protection plan will be created to ensure the tree remains protected throughout the demolition process.
At the same time, the City is in the process of selecting a design consultant to begin planning the new parkette that will be developed once the demolition is complete.
September 2024
Site Preparation
The project team, including arborists, is working on safely removing the existing house on the property without impacting the heritage tree. Due to the tree’s large size, the parkette design will be limited.
November 2020
City Council
On November 26, 2020, City Council joined over 1,300 donors in committing to the preservation and celebration of the historic red oak tree. Council adopted Option B of MM26.9 authorizing the purchase of the property for the creation of a parkette.
