Growing with the City: Cultural and Capital Projects in Allan Gardens

Recently, the Friends of Allan Gardens (FOAG), in partnership with the City’s Parks and Recreation department, released the newest iteration of the envisioning document that will serve as the masterplan for the future of Allan Gardens. This initiative, "Growing with the City," reflects our shared and ongoing commitment to engagement, fundraising and stewardship in the development of cultural and capital projects within the park and in service of the people that use it.

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!

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It has been a tremendously busy summer! Between Pride and FIFA on one end, the final Toronto and East York Community Council and City Council of the term later this month on the other, and the ongoing Church Street Pedestrianization Pilot, my team and I have been working hard to continue delivering results. Despite the stress, despite the heat, and especially despite the province’s ongoing work to make the City of Toronto miserable, for this final proper Councillor Update of the term, I want to provide positive vibes only.

The celebration on Church Street continues! The Church Street Pedestrianization has officially launched, with the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) and my team installed patios and more seating on Church Street post-Pride to make it an even better place to visit. The pedestrianization lasts until August 21, so come on out and experience The Village like never before, enjoy the beautiful weather, and help me advocate for more pedestrianization across the City and to make this pilot permanent!

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