Item - 2026.AA12.4

Tracking Status

This item was considered by Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee on June 3, 2026 and was adopted with amendments.

AA12.4 - Exploring opportunities related to the Spirit Garden in Nathan Phillips Square

Decision Type:: ACTION

Status:: Amended

Ward:: 10 - Spadina - Fort York

Committee Decision

The Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee:

1. Recommended that the Executive Committee direct the City Manager, or their delegate, to report to Executive Committee in Q2 2027 on the transfer of ownership of the municipal land known as the Spirit Garden site at Nathan Phillips Square from the City of Toronto to the Council of Fire, an Indigenous non-profit organization.

2. Recommended that the report back requested in Recommendation 1 above represents the conclusion of the external discussions related to the ownership of the Spirit Garden site at Nathan Phillips Square.

Summary

The Committee will discuss opportunities to establish a reflection of the unique importance of the Spirit Garden site including the possible transfer of ownership to an Indigenous non-profit organization.

Communications

(June 3, 2026) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (AA.New)

Speakers

Miguel Avila-Velarde
Julian Robbins

Motions

Motion to Amend Item moved by Patti Pettigrew (Carried)

The Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee recommends that:

1. Executive Committee direct the City Manager, or their delegate, to report to Executive Committee in Q2 2027 on the transfer of ownership of the municipal land known as the Spirit Garden site at Nathan Phillips Square from the City of Toronto to the Council of Fire, an Indigenous non-profit organization.

2. The report back requested in recommendation 1 represents the conclusion of the external discussions related to the ownership of the Spirit Garden site at Nathan Phillips Square.