A Bloor West Village dad has been ordered to tear down the boat-like treehouse that he built for his children after city officials ruled against the structure for the second time.
John Alpeza built the epic $30,000 treehouse for his children in his backyard three years ago in the hopes of keeping them away from electronic entertainment indoors. It features swing ropes, a hull, a ship’s wheel and a hammock.
However some neighbours near the home in the Bloor Street West and Windermere Avenue area didn’t think the idea was so neat and complained to the city that the addition was an eyesore.
After going through a process to try and get the structure approved, city staff finally told Alpeza in April that he would have to dismantle the treehouse.
"This decision is heartless, cruel. There's no human compassion element in this decision," Alpeza told CTV Toronto on Thursday.
"I'm disappointed beyond words. I'm exhausted from weeks and weeks of trying to prepare for this day."
"This is the worst day of my life because I love that treehouse so much and it means so much to me," Alpeza's young son, Mateas, said.
After the story about the treehouse went viral, Mayor John Tory said he would ask city staff to review whether the structure should be taken down.
However a committee unanimously ruled Thursday that Alpeza must tear down the structure.
The ruling came after several hours of hearings on the matter at the Toronto York Civic Centre during which the committee heard from lawyers, residents and family members.
Karen Lawson and her mother, Marita Bagonas, are the complaintants in this case. Bagonas has called the treehouse a "nuisance" for her to look at.
Their lawyer, William Roberts, said their win is only "one step in the game."
The family can now appeal the decision at the Ontario Municipal Board. They have 20 days to do so.
"It wouldn't be nice waking up one day in the morning and finding this gone. That would be horrible," Alpeza said.
