TORONTO – Volunteer-based charitable organization Friends of Allan Gardens has launched a petition that calls on all levels of government to support the expansion of the historic Allan Gardens Conservatory in Toronto.
“Built in the 1860s for a city of approximately 40,000 people, Allan Gardens park, botanical garden and greenhouse conservatory now serves a much larger population in a dense and rapidly growing city,” a statement reads. “Despite Toronto’s dynamic growth and densification, a lack of funding has rendered the conservatory unable to match contemporary needs in terms of space and service offerings.”
The petition proposes the construction of a new conservatory building that would almost double the site’s indoor capacity. The release states this would allow Allan Gardens to better support year-round public programming, cultural and educational activities and provide more climate-resilient infrastructure in the city’s downtown core.
The plan is being led by the Friends of Allan Gardens, Zeidler Architects, Janet Rosenberg Studios and ERA Architects.
“Allan Gardens has always functioned as essential social infrastructure in our city,” said Micheal McClelland, chair of Friends of Allan Gardens, in the statement. “Expanding the conservatory is the natural next step to make this public institution more accessible for the people it serves.”
The Friends of Allan Gardens are calling on the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to each play a role in funding and enabling the conservatory expansion.
“Toronto needs more greenhouse space, and the Friends of Allan Gardens is ready to deliver. For many Torontonians, Allan Gardens is a lot more than just a nice-to-have greenhouse. It’s a hub for connecting with like-minded people, a year-round sanctuary to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, and a venue for young families and friends to connect over activities, at markets, and during events that help nurture and strengthen the social fabric of the city. Imagine what we could do with more space, how could we serve the city even better?” added Matt Canaran, executive director at Allan Gardens.
To read or sign the petition, click here.
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