The revitalization of Allan Gardens

Allan Gardens is one of the jewels of Toronto’s downtown public open space system. The City of Toronto recognizes the value that this green oasis in the urban core contributes to the liveability of Toronto.

Since 2000, the City of Toronto has been working with community members to develop a vision for revitalizing Allan Gardens Park and Conservatory as a major landmark and tourist attraction. The 2002 Heritage Conservation Management Study for Allan Gardens set out guidelines for conservation of the site components and park improvements.

Public consultations resulted in fine-tuning of the study. The Allan Gardens Landscape Revitalization Strategy and Management Plan was finalized in September 2006 and outlined a phased approach to all of the revitalization components.

Read the Allan Gardens Landscape Revitalization Strategy and Management Plan Executive Summary.

Current developments
Update: November 2008

Progress on the revitalization of Allan Gardens
Re-opening of the enhanced off-leash area

Construction of the improved off-leash area was the first phase of the revitalization components. The off-leash area was identified as a priority project by community members during the public consultations in 2006.

Opened in fall 2008, the off-leash area covers approximately 3,000 sq. m. The area is surrounded by an ornamental metal fence with a smaller fenced-in area, separate from the rest of the off-leash area. The fence is ornamental metal in a style that complements the classic architecture of the conservatory and Victorian heritage of the gardens.

Lighting surrounding the off-leash area matches the existing lights in Allan Gardens and the perimeter of the off-leash area has been landscaped in keeping with the garden character of the park and the expectations to enhance the horticultural significance of Allan Gardens. Plant materials include ornamental grasses, perennials, flowering shrubs and maple trees.

The surfaces are made of two colours of granite chip and turf. The granite chip surfaces are more durable and resilient to dog traffic, and drain more freely than other surfaces.

Complementing the space is a sculpture of a dog entitled Animalis which is Latin for “having breath.” The sculpture was created by Stephen Cruise specifically for the off-leash area.