Ohhh, won't somebody please think of the Stampede Elm?

The massive tree stands in the way of development. It's in the part of Stampede Park that will likely be the new home for Calgary's arena and events centre, replacing the aging Scotiabank Saddledome.

A history buff says it was likely planted in the early part of last century.

"This area was residential homes in the early 1900s of Victoria Park so it is quite possible this tree was part of someone's front yard, back yard or alleyway," Josh Traptow of the Calgary Heritage Authority told CBC News.

Horticulturist Kath Smyth isn't optimistic the sprawling elm can be moved or saved, in part, because it would too expensive and the tree is just too big.

"They can't move it easily at all," Smyth said.

"When you look at the roots, they've already paved over it."

Traptow says lobbying usually takes place for heritage buildings.

"There are foundations out there that really focus on trees and heritage status and those types of things, so I think as our society continues to grow and mature, trees are very much a topic of conversation," he said.

"To have around, what they mean to heritage and the historical context of Calgary and its neighbourhoods."

The tree is not currently listed on the city's map of designated heritage trees.