A group trying to build a Muslim retirement centre in a quiet Scarborough neighbourhood is starting to doubt they can ever satisfy city and local demands after seeing their project held up yet again, this time by a tree.

An old Dutch elm tree on an adjoining school property is the latest roadblock standing between the Muslim Senior's Home and a construction permit, much to the frustration of Muhammad Abbas Ali.

Muhammad Abbas Ali

"I am 85 now. I am here today. Tomorrow I may not be here. But I would really like much like the seniors home to come into being, and prosper before I close my eyes," said Ali, the founder of the Muslim Welfare Centre, which is building the 40-suite retirement home.

The $5-million project was first proposed in 2001. Objections were raised almost immediately by residents, the Toronto District School Board, as well as a former city councillor, Bas Balkissoon, now an MPP.

When the centre was approved in 2003, local residents appealed their case to the Ontario Municipal Board in 2004 but were unsuccessful.

Muslim Welfare Centreconceptual drawing

In the process, the centre has been reduced in size and has seen the number of underground parking spots cut back as various demands were made.

"Every time we satisfy one of their demands, there comes another one, and another one," said Qaiser Naqvi, the CEO of the Muslim Welfare Centre.

In their initial application, the group hired an arborist to report on how the project would impact the tree. The arborist said the tree is not healthy and would likely die within the next few years.

The city initially accepted their report but the Toronto District School Board intervened after concerns were raised concerning the tree, located on the property of Agincourt Collegiate Institute.

The tree's roots extend onto land that would be excavated in construction.

Naqvi says they have promised to replace the tree with several more of the same kind if it dies as a result of root trauma, but the TDSB is refusing to budge.

"We don't want that tree to die because we love trees too. There will be many trees planted on our property to beautify our property. It enhances the project," said Naqvi.

Not everyone is against the project.

"I was in full support of their application because we need more seniors homes, as the population gets older," said Councillor Raymond Cho.

"But the next-door councilor and the neighbors in the area were dead set against the application."