Item - 2026.GG30.25
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by General Government Committee on June 2, 2026. It is being forwarded to City Council without recommendations. It will be considered by City Council on June 24, 25 and 26, 2026.
GG30.25 - Animate Nathan Phillips Square
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Without Recs
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The General Government Committee:
1. Requested the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to review the feasibility and associated costs of procuring and deploying seats and benches at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square and Albert Campbell Square for the 2026 summer season, and report directly to the June 24, 25 and 26, 2026 meeting of City Council with recommendations.
Origin
Summary
I am writing to recommend that staff consider the introduction of bench seating at Nathan Phillips Square for the upcoming summer season similar to https://vestre.com/us/products/multipurpose-furniture/bloc-sun-bench
As Council continues to prioritize the animation and increased public use of Nathan Phillips Square, the addition of the benches presents an opportunity to create a more welcoming, vibrant, and accessible civic space.
The benches have been successfully used at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, where they have proven to be both durable and popular with users. Its design supports casual gathering, and flexible use of public space, aligning with the City’s placemaking objectives.
I recognize that there are important operational, security, and financial considerations associated with introducing seating in a high-profile and continuously accessible civic space such as Nathan Phillips Square.
Adding public seating would add to usage of the square, inviting residents and visitors to use the space.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/gg/bgrd/backgroundfile-287539.pdf
Motions
That General Government Committee amend Recommendation 1 by adding the words "seats and" before the word "benches" and add the words "Mel Lastman Square and Albert Campbell Square" so the recommendation reads as follows:
1. Request the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to review the feasibility and associated costs of procuring and deploying seats and benches at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square and Albert Campbell Square for the 2026 summer season, and report directly to the June 24, 25 and 26, 2026 meeting of City Council with recommendations.