Item - 2024.EY17.25

The Etobicoke York Community Council:

1. Authorized Transportation Services to approve the installation of a commemorative tree marker within the road boulevard at the south west corner of Bloor Street West and Neilson Drive.

On November 30, 2013, Constable John Zivcic, working as a traffic enforcement officer in 22 Division, responded to an emergency call for an impaired driver with his lights and sirens on. His vehicle was involved in a collision at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Neilson Drive, and he was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Constable Zivcic later succumbed to his injuries on Dec. 2, 2013, at age 34, with six years of service to the Toronto Police, and to the citizens of Toronto.

A tree in the city boulevard that was damaged in the collision was removed. For several years the tree stump remained, marked with the same brass numbers of his police badge: “9824”. The tree stump was eventually removed and a memorial tree was planted at that location honouring the legacy of Constable John Zivcic, who died in the line of duty. The commemorative lilac tree was unveiled in a ceremony on September 15, 2023, and is located in the grass boulevard on the south side of Bloor Street West, just west of the intersection of Neilson Drive, adjacent to other city trees.

The City of Toronto has a long standing and popular Commemorative Tree Program which allows the public to pay tribute to a loved one by planting a tree, facilitated through the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. Under the program a small stone marker and inscribed plaque is placed to assist in identifying the tree. Examples of trees and their markers are found throughout the city.

The purpose of this motion is to authorize Transportation Services to approve the placement of the marker within the boulevard area of the road allowance, adjacent to the commemorative tree.