Heritage protection might save this 200-year-old oak tree in London

Recognition that certain trees contribute to the heritage of the Blackfriars-Petersville neighbourhood might save the life of a centuries-old oak.

A demolition request submitted to city hall would remove the fire-gutted heritage home at 66 Blackfriars St. and replace it with a new house that reflects the architecture of the Heritage Conservation District.

However, neighbours worry about the impact redeveloping the property will have on a massive oak tree growing on the northeast corner of the property close to the original house.

“They're going to tear it down and make a new house. That's fine with me,” says Aussie Sharrard who lives nearby. “I guess the main concern is the tree.”

According to a heritage report submitted to the Community Advisory Committee on Planning, an arborist has determined the tree is 27 metres (90 feet) tall with a trunk diameter of 1.59 metres (over 5 feet) and is likely 200-years-old.

The oak tree (coloured green) in a photograph dated 1883 (Source: City of London)

A photograph from 1883 shows the tree was already two-storeys tall.

More than 50 years later a second photograph shows the mature oak tree after surviving the flood of 1937.

The oak tree (coloured green) after the flood of 1937 (Source: City of London)

A report by city staff reads, “The arborist described the tree as ‘one of the nicest oak trees in the city,’ and that for ‘its age and structure, it is in impeccable condition.’”

The Blackfiars-Petersville Heritage Conservation District specifically includes landscape features as important elements, so city staff recommend permitting the house to be demolished – but with strict conditions to protect the tree.

The report warns, “The existing building and tree (roots) are intertwined.”

No mechanized equipment would be permitted near the tree during demolition or construction and part of the foundation must remain buried in the ground.

The footprint of the new house will be near the centre of the property rather than next to the oak tree.

A white oak tree estimated to be 200-years old on Blackfriars Street, Jan. 3, 2025 (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)

“Staff are satisfied that the terms and conditions can mitigate the loss of this Contributing Resource (existing house), require the protection of the northeast oak tree, and ensure compatibility of the new building in the Blackfriars/Petersville Heritage Conservation District. Analysis,” the report concludes.

A smaller oak tree on the corner of Albion Street was determined by the same arborist to be unhealthy and not viable for similar protection.

The Community Advisory Committee on Planning will consider the demolition request on January 8.

Council will make a final decision later this winter.