✍️ Sign our Petition
It’s time to double the size of the Allan Gardens greenhouse conservatory and create a world-class botanical garden and public space, worthy of the country’s largest, and the world’s most diverse city.
🌱 Let’s Grow Allan Gardens, Together!
This is a once-in-a-generation legacy project—one that will create a new tier of public parks and botanical gardens in Canada. Once realized, future generations won’t be able to imagine their community, city, or country without it. Together, let’s:
I. Expand the Historic Greenhouse Conservatory
Complete the “missing link” that will connect the currently disconnected greenhouse wings, creating a complete, accessible conservatory experience. This expansion will double the greenhouse space and unlock the 21st-century potential of horticulture in Toronto, and Canada.
II. Keep Allan Gardens Conservatory Free and Public
Ensure that Allan Gardens remains free and welcoming to all.
Access to nature, beauty, and learning should never depend on the ability to pay.
III. Build to the Highest Environmental Standards
Design and construct the expansion using leading green infrastructure and climate-positive design. We will model what sustainable public spaces can be — resilient, efficient, and inspiring.
IV. Re-Centre Our Relationship with Plants
Reframe how we understand plants — not just as decoration, but as the foundation of cultures.
By highlighting cultural plants and the knowledge rooted in them, we can tell a richer, more inclusive story of who we are as a people.
V. Celebrate Biodiversity and Canadian Landscapes
Plant more native species that reflect the biodiversity and year-round beauty of the Great Lakes and Canadian landscapes. By doing so, the gardens will support pollinators, birds, and urban wildlife — creating a living, dynamic ecosystem filled with life, movement, and joy.
VI. Be Genuine About Truth and Reconciliation
Let’s give more space for Indigenous knowledge, voices, and relationships. This means supporting Indigenous-led programming and placemaking initiatives, ensuring the garden reflects the land’s history and living cultures in authentic ways.
VII. Inspire Generations of Gardeners
Create hands-on, joyful learning opportunities for children, youth, and volunteers. Let kids dig in the dirt, plant seeds, water plants, and discover the wonder of growing things — fostering curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to Mother Earth.
VIII. Continue to Build Community
FOAG’s community programs — including children’s programs, the farmers’ market, arts and cultural events, and gardening activities – have restored Allan Gardens position as a true gathering place At its heart, this campaign is about people coming together, where community connection and belonging can flourish.
🎞️ Growing Allan Gardens Videos
A magnet for community, and a place to celebrate our collective relationship with plants, the Friends of Allan Gardens and community partners discuss what Allan Gardens means today.
Chapter 1: A Park for the 21st Century
From a conservatory expansion, to a recentring of the park’s civic life in the heart of Toronto, exciting things are on the horizon for Allan Gardens!
Chapter 2: A Place to Gather
From a farmers’ market to arts and cultural events, Allan Gardens is alive with energy, community, and possibility. It’s a true gathering place in downtown Toronto.
Chapter 3: A Garden for Everyone
From honouring cultural plants and the stories they carry, to celebrating the rich ecosystems of Canada, see how we’re reimagining our relationships with plants!
📚 Planning Documents & Resources
The following documents serve as context and background material for our work in Allan Gardens. Documents were produced by the City of Toronto, the Friends of Allan Gardens, or one of our many community partners.
