By Sean Delaney
May 1st marked a proud day in Emery Village. For the first time in history, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario paid a visit to the Humber River–Black Creek riding. The Honourable Edith Dumont came not just for any reason, but to see a true local treasure, the great red oak at 76 Coral Gable Drive.
Esteemed local tree hugger and community champion Edith George was on hand to help facilitate the visit and supply background information.
The tree is one of the oldest living things in Toronto, and many in the community have long recognized its value. But it was a conversation between George and Ms. Dumont that gave the visit special meaning. George explained that the red oak holds deep significance to First Nations communities and that the new parkette being developed around it will serve as an educational tool to teach people about Indigenous history. Ms. Dumont was eager to come and see it for herself.
The group included three City of Toronto staff members, including Donna Kovachis, Director of Parks, who answered technical questions. George handled the heritage-related discussion. Ms. Dumont quickly understood the tree’s cultural and historical importance, noting how its story had never truly been brought forward. She offered her support in helping secure a provincial heritage plaque to sit beside the existing Heritage Toronto one — a big step forward.
Ms. Dumont even joked that she would tell Premier Doug Ford that she had met his “favourite tree hugger,” Edith George. The two shared a laugh. George noted that they also shared a small but meaningful connection — they are both recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She expressed her pride in receiving it, especially knowing King Charles had been an environmental advocate long before it was fashionable. The Lieutenant Governor agreed wholeheartedly.
At one point, Ms. Dumont turned to city staff and asked if she could one day bring her father to see the tree. “If this tree could talk,” she said, “imagine the stories it would tell about the history of Canada.”
The visit served as a reminder that even in the corners of Toronto that people sometimes forget, there are treasures worth protecting — and stories worth sharing.
Stay tuned for a sneak peek at the new parkette design in next month’s issue.