✍️ Sign our Petition

We are calling for a transformative investment to double the conservatory’s footprint and revitalize the surrounding parkland, creating more space for interpretive gardens and community gathering areas. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn a local treasure into a global destination.

Please sign this petition and join us in growing Allan Gardens!

SIGN NOW

🌱 Let’s Grow Allan Gardens, Together!

Since the 1860s, Allan Gardens has been Toronto’s beloved green heart. While our city has transformed into a global powerhouse, our historic conservatory is still operating on a 19th-century scale. Today, we have the opportunity to take this cherished landmark and give it the space it needs to flourish in the 21st century. 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 Free and Public

Allan Gardens a year-round oasis, and green lung for the downtown core. Best of all, it’s FREE! We will 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 our society and culture.

By highlighting cultural plants and the knowledge rooted in them, we can tell a richer, more inclusive story of who we all 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, Boreal, and Arctic landscapes. By doing so, the gardens will attract many human and non-human visitors — think birds, bees, and butterflies — 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 Cultivate this Beloved Civic & Cultural Space

With more space, we can continue to grow the impact of our children’s programs, the farmers’ market, arts and cultural events, workshops, and gardening activities. At its heart, this campaign is about people coming together, creating a place where community connections flourish.

🎞️ More videos about our work!

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.