In 1625, Samuel de Champlain had already “discovered” what would become Canada, William Shakespeare had been dead for nine years, having created some of history’s most prolific prose, and the War of 1812 was still almost 200 years away.
But along what is today Lakeshore Road, a mighty oak that now towers over the street was beginning its journey from a sapling to a centuries-old fixture in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The towering, 400-year-old oak on the Epp family farm was chosen for a provincial award from 80 nominations across Ontario for its age, history and connection to the 1781 Niagara land treaty.
Locals gathered to honour the late Eleanore Epp, who fiercely protected the tree, and to celebrate the provincewide recognition as Ontario’s 2025 heritage “Tree Pageant” winner.
Tree Trust Ontario, which supports the preservation of mature trees across the province, held the ceremony on Oct. 4. The day included music, a ribbon-wrapping around the trunk and tributes from federal, provincial and municipal representatives.
Vince Mayne, Port Dalhousie chapter manager for Tree Trust Ontario, told attendees about how Eleanore Epp used to guard the 400-year-old tree.
“When the utility companies came to prune it, she would stand out here and keep them away,” said Mayne.
The tree is now protected by the Heritage Act of Ontario, which means it cannot be cut down without special permission.
“The richness of the old trees like this far outweighs the benefit of planting little saplings,” said Mayne. “It takes about 200 saplings to consume the amount of carbon that this big old tree will consume.”
The white oak, located just off Lakeshore Road, once served as a boundary marker between the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations and the English Crown.
It has stood through wars, storms and the growth of modern NOTL, remaining healthy thanks to decades of care from the Epp family and local arborists.
“These trees are a legacy,” said Mayne. “They were given to us, and it’s our role, when we’re no longer here, to pass that legacy along to the next generation.”
Toni Ellis, director of Tree Trust Ontario, said this year’s nominations showed the deep bond many Ontarians feel with their local trees.
CBC gardening expert and Niagara College instructor Paul Zammit, who served as one of the Tree Pageant judges, said selecting a single winner was difficult because every entry reflected extraordinary care and connection.
Each tree, he said, told a story of human effort and environmental resilience. Still, the NOTL oak stood apart for its rich history and the devotion of the Epp family, who safeguarded it.
Zammit described oaks as crucial to the natural balance of our ecosystem, supporting hundreds of species and regulating water and carbon cycles.
“Oaks hold a real significance in supporting biodiversity,” he said.
Town leaders, including Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa and MPP Wayne Gates, thanked the Epp family for preserving the tree and its surrounding farmland.
Both spoke about the importance of environmental stewardship and ensuring Niagara’s landscape remains healthy for future generations.
During the ceremony, Abe Epp, husband of Eleanore, accepted a certificate of recognition from Sue Mingle, who presented it on behalf of MP Tony Baldinelli, who was at the late regional councillor Jim Bradley’s funeral, honouring the family’s long commitment to protecting the historic oak.
Zalepa and Gates also left soon after the ceremony to attend the funeral.
“This is really a piece of history,” said Mayne. “It’s worth stopping by and just recognizing this tree. Slowly drive along the road and enjoy it.”
