SAVE THE BURR OAK UPDATE!

The 150+ year-old Burr Oak at 342 Roosevelt Avenue is once again at risk.

A developer is proposing a 26-unit infill development that would remove this massive, healthy tree. Other trees and green space on the property, and a giant maple tree next door won’t be able to avoid root damage either. Last year the community put enough pressure to secure a reprieve for the tree. Now with an election municipal campaign underway, the developer has returned with essentially the same plan. Let’s be clear, this is not thoughtful housing, nor is it affordable housing. The developer is proposing 1-2 bed units overlooking loud train tracks. This apartment will overwhelm a quiet dead end street. Not a win for anyone.

The City is now saying it is acceptable to remove the tree because of trimming done this summer to accommodate power lines. The Hydro crew that did the trimming happily reported the tree was healthy. If using the look of a trimmed tree to become a death sentence standard, it could put virtually every mature tree in every neighbourhood at risk. Developers could be allowed to cut down trees if they deem trimmed trees not pretty.

September 30th, Ottawa’s Planning Department has approved this development project to go forward. We’re not sure if Ottawa’s Forestry Department had a say in this decision. The system allows 7 days for the community to respond before the project goes to the politicians sitting on Planning Committee. Not much time to respond.

It’s is concerning that this massive, healthy tree is being cut down after Ottawa’s disastrous July 1st rainfall experience that dropped 118mm of rain,  which  doubled Ottawa's previous record of rainfall in a day.  Just ask any of the residents in the areas affected by that storm about trees. We need more big trees, not less.  We are no longer living in the 1950s.

This issue is bigger than one big, beautiful Burr oak tree. It is about whether mature trees and essential green space will be protected, or whether they can be sacrificed whenever development becomes more profitable. 

What you can do to save the Burr Oak.

Email City officials and Committee members and ask them to reject the removal of the tree and require the development proposal to be redesigned to save it. The Planning Committee Members include:

Mayor:  Mark Sutcliffe                          Mark.Sutcliffe@ottawa.ca   

Chair: Jeff Leiper                                        Jeff.Leiper@ottawa.ca

Vice-Chair: Glen Gower                        Glen.Gower@ottawa.ca

Members:     

Councillor Riley Brockington             Riley.Brockington@ottawa.ca
Councillor Cathy Curry                           Cathy.Curry@ottawa.ca
Councillor Laura Dudas                          Laura.Dudas@ottawa.ca
Councillor Laine Johnson                       Collegeward@ottawa.ca
Councillor Theresa Kavanagh             BayWard@ottawa.ca
Councillor Clarke Kelly                            Clarke.Kelly@ottawa.ca
Councillor Catherine Kitts                    Catherine.Kitts@ottawa.ca
Councillor Wilson Lo                                Wilson.Lo@ottawa.ca
Councillor Tim Tierney                            Tim.Tierney@ottawa.ca
Councillor Ariel Troster                           Ariel.Troster@ottawa.ca

 Submit your comments by 4:00 PM Tuesday, October 6 so they can be provided to Committee and Council before the meeting.

Reference 342 Roosevelt Avenue and Report Number ACS2026-PDB-PSX-0001.

The more residents who speak up, the harder it is to ignore the community's concern. 

The application goes to City Hall on Wednesday, October 7.

The Burr Oak is a city-owned tree on the city right-of-way. We can save it!  Sign and share this petition.