If Toronto were a tree, what tree would it be?

If Toronto were a tree, what tree would it be? According to an online vote of city residents, it would be an oak tree.

Torontonians were asked to select one of four trees which most represents the city during the vote conducted between April 21 and May 10. The oak was the choice of 47 per cent of the 11,000 votes cast, followed by the maple tree (31 per cent), the birch tree (14 per cent), and the pine tree (8 per cent).

“The oak tree is an important part of Toronto’s urban forest,” said Mayor John Tory during an announcement at Cedar Ridge Park on Saturday. “It is a great representation of the city of Toronto and plays a vital role in our history. Naming Toronto’s Official Tree recognizes the significance of all trees, strengthening our connection to nature.”

According to the city, oak trees can be found in seven Toronto parks including High Park, Earl Bales Park and Sunnybrook Park. There are at least eight species of oak native to Toronto and they are some of the largest and longest-lived trees in the city.

The oak tree will now become part of the City’s official symbols, which also includes a flag, coat of arms and the mayor’s chain of office.

The four selections were made by City of Toronto staff and Indigenous representatives.