• Sugar Maple Park officially opened on June 17 at 401 Baker Hill Blvd.
  • The park’s name was selected based on a review of the area’s top 10 native tree and wildlife species.
  • A mature sugar maple tree slated for removal due to development in the Cam Fella neighbourhood was transplanted to the park.
  • Town Staff say such transplanting efforts reflect Stouffville’s broader goals to preserve its tree canopy.
  • A future development north of Sugar Maple Park will add an additional 0.28-hectare park block.
  • The two sites will be connected through a trail system to form a larger programmable public space.

 

Stouffville formally opened its newest community park at 401 Baker Hill Boulevard on Tuesday, June 17. Officially named Sugar Maple Park, the title was chosen following an evaluation of the area’s top 10 native tree and wildlife species.

A highlight of the 1.2-hectare park is a mature sugar maple that was recently transplanted from the Cam Fella neighbourhood. The tree had been slated for removal due to site alterations connected to Frontdoor Developments’ intensification project along Cam Fella Boulevard and Mohawk Gate.

The Town’s Private Tree By-law is intended to protect trees on private property, with specific safeguards for mature and heritage trees. The policy applies to private property owners submitting development proposals under the Planning Act, including site plan and subdivision applications.

The By-law requires that all private trees, defined as those with a diameter of 10 centimetres or more at standard height, be identified and documented in planning submissions. Removal of any such trees requires compensation, either through replacement plantings or a cash-in-lieu payment. Mature trees within Stouffville’s settlement areas, defined as those with a diameter of 30 centimetres or greater, also require explicit Town approval prior to removal.

“Both the Public and Private Tree By-laws speak to the protection of trees. In cases where a tree is subject to removal and cannot be preserved, an assessment is undertaken on a case-by-case basis to determine if transplantation is feasible,” Roger da Cunha, Stouffville’s Manager of Parks Development and Operations, said in comments to Bullet Point News.

“We saw this as a great opportunity to complement the name of the park,” da Cunha added during Tuesday’s opening and naming ceremony. He later noted that a second transplant is under consideration for the site.

Town Staff said the effort reflects a broader strategic goal to preserve and enhance Stouffville’s urban tree canopy. While there have been other mature tree relocations in the past, records could not be immediately provided due to the recent transition of Forestry services to the Parks department.

Removing mature trees without approval is a by-law offence, though the Town may work with property owners who can demonstrate no harmful intent.  In such cases, retroactive compensation or fees may be required, and ongoing non-compliance can trigger further penalties.

A 0.28-hectare park block is planned as part of the Treasure Hill development north of Sugar Maple Park. Once complete, the two parks will be connected by a trail system, forming an approximate 3.7-acre public space that will offer expanded recreational options for both current and future residents. The latter phase is expected to include additional passive recreation amenities.

As previously reported, Sugar Maple Park includes a wide range of facilities designed for residents of all ages and abilities. These include junior and senior playgrounds with accessible features, a full basketball court, a tennis court, four pickleball courts, a pavilion, seating areas, and walking paths.

Accessible play elements were made possible through contributions from the Stouffville Lions Club. Funding was also provided by the For Little Monkeys Charity, which is supported by the Whitchurch-Stouffville Legacy Fund.

“Accessibility features include partially ramped play structures, mobility aids, sensory-rich play panels, the Rock N Raft, a roller table, and ground-level activities,” a Town press release states. “The playground’s engineered wood fibre surface is IPEMA certified and compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.”

“These contributions have resulted in an enhanced playground experience for all participants, regardless of their abilities,” Mayor Iain Lovatt said during the event. “Sugar Maple Park…showcases Stouffville’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible space for our community members.”