Item - 2026.MM41.23
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on May 20 and 21, 2026 with amendments.
MM41.23 - Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds for Allan Gardens Master Plan and Expansion - by Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Ward:
- 13 - Toronto Centre
City Council Decision
City Council on May 20 and 21, 2026, adopted the following:
1. City Council amend the 2026–2035 Capital Budget and Plan for Parks and Recreation to create a project titled Allan Gardens Greenhouse Link with a cost and cash flow of $1,000,000 gross and $0 debt in 2026, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from 241 Church St (Source Account: XR3026-3701430), to be utilized for the implementation of the Council-approved Allan Gardens Master Plan, “Growing with the City”.
2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to allocate up to $100,000 of the funds described in Part 1 above to the Friends of Allan Gardens to support architectural, design and related work associated with the Greenhouse Link Building and other elements of the Allan Gardens Master Plan.
3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to enter into and execute a delivery agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Friends of Allan Gardens, to govern:
a. the use of the funds;
b. reporting, accountability and audit requirements;
c. deliverables and timelines; and
d. such other terms and conditions as deemed appropriate by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation.
4. City Council direct that any funding provided to the Friends of Allan Gardens be conditional upon the execution of the agreement described in Part 3 above.
5. City Council direct that the use of Section 37 community benefits be prominently recognized in documents and promotional materials, including on any construction hoarding, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, as a requirement of the agreement between the City and the Friends of Allan Gardens.
6. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee with updated cost estimates, funding strategy and implementation timelines of the proposed Greenhouse Link Building and other elements of the Allan Gardens Master Plan once detailed design and cost information are available.
Background Information (City Council)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/mm/bgrd/backgroundfile-286967.pdf
Fiscal Impact Statement from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/mm/bgrd/backgroundfile-287217.pdf
Communications (City Council)
(May 20, 2026) Petition from Councillor Chris Moise, Ward 13 - Toronto Centre regarding “Expand the Conservatory at Allan Gardens" containing the signatures of approximately 7,500 persons, filed during the Routine Matters portion of the meeting (MM.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/mm/comm/communicationfile-211781.pdf
Motions (City Council)
Speaker Nunziata advised Council that the provisions of Chapter 27, Council Procedures, require that Motion MM41.23 be referred to the Executive Committee. A two-thirds vote of the Council Members present is required to waive referral.
That City Council delete the recommendations and adopt instead the following:
1. City Council amend the 2026–2035 Capital Budget and Plan for Parks and Recreation to create a project titled Allan Gardens Greenhouse Link with a cost and cash flow of $1,000,000 gross and $0 debt in 2026, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from 241 Church St (Source Account: XR3026-3701430), to be utilized for the implementation of the Council-approved Allan Gardens Master Plan, “Growing with the City”.
2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to allocate up to $100,000 of the funds described in Recommendation 1 above to the Friends of Allan Gardens (FOAG) to support architectural, design and related work associated with the Greenhouse Link Building and other elements of the Allan Gardens Master Plan.
3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to enter into and execute a delivery agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the Friends of Allan Gardens, to govern:
a. the use of the funds;
b. reporting, accountability and audit requirements;
c. deliverables and timelines; and
d. such other terms and conditions as deemed appropriate by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation.
4. City Council direct that any funding provided to the Friends of Allan Gardens be conditional upon the execution of the agreement described in Recommendation 3 above.
5. City Council direct that the use of Section 37 community benefits be prominently recognized in documents and promotional materials, including on any construction hoarding, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, as a requirement of the agreement between the City and the Friends of Allan Gardens.
6. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee with updated cost estimates, funding strategy and implementation timelines of the proposed Greenhouse Link Building and other elements of the Allan Gardens Master Plan once detailed design and cost information are available.