Last year, I submitted a letter to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, recommending that the City prioritize the initiatives outlined in the plan. These include both cultural and capital projects such as enhancing horticultural and cultural programming in the park’s many greenhouses, like school tours and gardening classes.
One such cultural initiative that has already begun in the park is the Friends of Allan Gardens Farmer’s Market that takes place every Saturday in the Children’s Conservatory. Last year, my office helped secure the funding that made this market possible for the winter and I am proud to say that we will once again be providing the funding so the market will remain open all year long.
The much anticipated Palmhouse reconstruction is also coming to an end this spring. My office, in partnership with FOAG and Parks and Recreation, has planned a wonderful opening event for the new Palmhouse in April. Please keep an eye out on my events page for more information:
Some other capital projects in the plan include improving the pedestrian pathways in the park by connecting Pembroke Street and Homewood Avenue. Various dog off leash area enhancements–funded through my Participatory Budgeting process last year–are also in the works. We will also be installing Wampum Belt designs at the pedestrian crosswalks around Allan Gardens.
Growing with the City is the culmination of decades of work and represents a monumental effort in preserving and enhancing Allan Gardens which is one of the city's most treasured and historic urban green spaces. The goal is not only to maintain the park as a space for connection, recreation, and inspiration, but also to foster its development as the cultural hub and destination for all who come to enjoy this city. I am proud to have partners such as FOAG who are equally dedicated to this cause.
You can check out the Growing with the City document on the Friends of Allan Gardens website. To check out a physical copy of the document, come by my constituency office at 329 Parliament Street!
