The Black walnut has come down 

Sadly, the large black walnut tree to the west of St Matthew’s church was removed on November 25. It had contributed to damaging the church’s foundation and would likely not survive the needed repair work. 

Photos: Ian Glen 

 

The Black walnut has come down 

By Ian Glen 

 

St Matthew’s Anglican Church was in deliberations with the City of Ottawa Forestry Service over the summer and early fall months, seeking a permit for the removal of a large black walnut tree located immediately beside the west wall of the church.  

The foundation of the church in that area had deteriorated over the past years and now requires significant repair. The root system of the tree was one of the factors contributing to the damage. Sadly, given the close location of the tree to the church wall, the repair work would remove too much of the critical root zone for the tree to survive. 

The City granted the required permit in early November, and the tree was safely cut down on November 19. 

Prior to the removal, we benefitted from advice from the chair of the Environment Committee of the Glebe Community Association and a lead staff person in Councillor Shawn Menard’s office on how we could give notice to residents nearby of the disruption that might occur during the removal work. Most importantly, we consulted closely with neighbours owning property directly to the west of the church on Glebe Avenue, and we very much appreciate their understanding and co-operation during all stages of seeking the permit and then dealing with the contractor hired for the project. 

During the past three years, St. Matthew’s has been an active participant in the planting of new trees alongside the church lands under the City of Ottawa’s Trees in Trust program. With the removal of the walnut tree, the church is committed to planting one or more trees in collaboration with the adjoining landowner in a safe area for both our properties. This work will await the spring of 2025 planting season and will benefit from the guidance of the city forestry inspector who has been a diligent player in the assessment of the situation and the granting of the permit. 

The congregation of St. Matthew’s knows much about the aches and pains of an old building. The church building, opened in 1930, is nearing the century mark and with appropriate repairs and upgrading, we hope to be a presence in the neighbourhood for years to come, 

May the new planting safely grow along with it and the people of the Glebe. 

 

Ian Glen is a resident of Glebe Avenue and a member of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. 

Share this