The City of Toronto has been given the green light on the purchase of 76 Coral Gable Dr. to preserve a 250-year-old, red oak, heritage tree on private property at this site. The City has a signed agreement with the landowners to purchase the property site, however the current owners were looking to be released from that contract.
At a judicial hearing on October 14, the Honourable Susan Vella issued an oral decision in favour of the City proceeding with this land purchase on or before December 1, 2021. A written decision may follow, if necessary.
Justice Vella’s decision is that the court will issue a vesting order granting title to the City on December 1, 2021 provided the City pays the court the agreed purchase price of $780,000 less certain deductions. Justice Vella also ordered costs of $7,500 against the homeowners, payable to the City within 30 days or deductible from the purchase price if not paid by then.
In her reasoning, Justice Vella noted that the 250-year-old tree, in the backyard of this property, has been recognized as a heritage tree. She determined that there is a public benefit being created through the transaction to view and enjoy this tree and ensure its preservation by converting the property into a public park.
The City is pleased to have partnered with the community, which has donated more than $400,000 to date towards the purchase of this site to preserve this oak tree and enhance a new parkette when built. From conversations with corporate Canada to a young resident selling handmade bracelets, this fundraising campaign has garnered international media attention and contributions from more than 1,500 donors. Learn more about the heritage tree at toronto.ca/redoak.
City Council approved the purchase of the site at a November 2020 Council meeting.
Once the City takes ownership of the site, next steps include:
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