PollinateTO Grants

Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of PollinateTO grants. Learn more about incoming projects below.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led projects that:

  • Create a new pollinator garden or rain garden
  • Expand or enhance an existing garden by adding native pollinator-friendly plants
  • Convert a lawn area, boulevard or hard surface to a pollinator garden

PollinateTO supports projects that directly result in the creation of publicly-visible pollinator habitat in Toronto. Community education and engagement components of projects inspire others and extend the reach of pollinator stewardship locally. PollinateTO advances the principles and priorities of the City’s Pollinator Protection Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy.

Since 2019, PollinateTO has helped create over 650 gardens!

Since 2019, PollinateTO has:

  • Supported over 200 community-led projects, with 70 projects located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and Emerging Neighbourhoods and more than 100 projects on school grounds
  • Helped create 650 gardens resulting in an estimated 29,000 m² of pollinator habitat

PollinateTO Projects Map

View the PollinateTO Project Sites Map to see where primary project gardens are located.

Get Inspired – Watch videos by PollinateTO Groups

Grant Recipients List

PollinateTO funded projects are listed below by ward, neighbourhood and Neighbourhood Improvement Area (NIA) or Emerging Neighbourhood (EN).

Year Ward Neighbourhood NIA or EN Group Name Description
2026 19 The Beaches Not NIA or EN 2 Nursewood Beachfront Gardens The Nursewood House Apartments residents are collaboratively developing and expanding native, drought‑tolerant gardens, with a strong focus on a highly visible beachfront pollinator garden. Drawing on hands‑on gardening experience, ecological knowledge, and support from conservationists and organic farmers, the group has successfully established resilient native plantings that support wildlife and actively engage the public through education and volunteer involvement.
2026 20 Cliffcrest NIA Bliss Carman This group is creating a Pollinator Garden that will provide vital habitat for native pollinators while delivering hands‑on, curriculum‑embedded learning for Grade 7 students at Bliss Carman Senior Public School. The project is led by an Eco‑Club teacher, grounded in strong gardening and sustainability experience and strengthened through a partnership with Minikaan Innovation and Design to ensure informed Indigenous planting practices and culturally relevant design.
2026 4 Roncesvalles Not EN or NIA Blooming O'Hara The Blooming O’Hara project brings together experienced community members with hands‑on pollinator knowledge to transform O’Hara Avenue into a vibrant, pollinator‑friendly street. Drawing on years of experience in native plant gardening, pollinator stewardship, education and community outreach, the group aims to build interconnected front‑yard habitats that support wildlife while fostering inclusive, relationship‑based neighbourhood collaboration.
2026 13 St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands Not EN or NIA Canary District Neighbourhood Association This group aims to transform eight underused garden beds on Palace Street into a continuous ~752 square foot pollinator habitat that strengthens a key ecological corridor linking existing projects along Cherry Street, Bayview and nearby parks. Building on years of hands‑on experience installing successful pollinator gardens at Canary Park and active involvement with the Corktown‑Canary Pollinator Volunteers, the team brings proven skills, strong partnerships, and community support to deliver a well‑connected and impactful pollinator initiative.
2026 24 Golfdale-Cedarbrae-Woburn NIA Cedar Brook Pollinators Cedar Brook Park will transform an underused garden bed into a native pollinator garden that will support butterflies, bees, birds and other pollinators across the growing seasons while engaging the surrounding school, community centre and retirement home. Drawing on strengths in project management, geoscience, leadership, hands‑on gardening and community stewardship, the team brings strong organizational capacity and practical experience to create, maintain and share a learning‑focused pollinator habitat with the wider community.
2026 24 Scarborough Village NIA Cedar Drive Cedar Drive is planning to create a pollinator garden as a permanent, living outdoor classroom that supports native biodiversity while giving students hands‑on learning experiences in ecology and sustainability. With guidance from professional partners and active student involvement in planting, maintenance and data collection, the project builds practical environmental skills while establishing a long‑term habitat for native pollinators like bees and butterflies.
2026 5 Weston NIA Creative Commons Collective Creative Commons Collective aims to expand their successful community garden at 6 Elsmere Ave. into a permanent native pollinator sanctuary and outdoor learning space rooted in Indigenous and Islamic ecological knowledge. With experienced gardeners, ecological educators and cultural knowledge keepers, they bring a strong track record of stewardship to ensure the project’s long-term ecological and community impact.
2026 14 South Riverdale Not EN or NIA Eastdale Eco Club The Eastdale Eco Club is building on its hands‑on experience with rooftop and in‑class gardening, composting, plant propagation and native species learning to create a student‑led pollinator garden using large container planters. By growing native plants the project aims to deepen ecological understanding, support pollinators, and enhance student engagement, well‑being and responsibility through meaningful, experiential learning.
2026 4 Roncesvalles Not EN or NIA Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School Eco Club The Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School Eco Club is expanding its successful, student‑led native habitat program by growing and rejuvenating pollinator‑friendly gardens on school grounds while sharing native plants with the wider community. Building on years of hands‑on experience in gardening, composting, recycling and plant propagation the project deepens youth learning, supports biodiversity and strengthens community engagement around native habitat creation.
2026 2 Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview Not EN or NIA Friends of Silver Creek Friends of Silver Creek is a community‑led volunteer group building on years of hands‑on experience creating native pollinator gardens and delivering public education in Silver Creek Park. Drawing on proven skills in habitat creation, seed saving and pollinator stewardship, the group aims to establish a highly visible, accessible pollinator garden that supports biodiversity while engaging and inspiring local residents to care for green spaces together.
2026 10 West Queen West Not EN or NIA Gardeners of Niagara The Niagara Learning Garden is a resident‑led project transforming an existing planting bed at the Niagara Neighbourhood Housing Co‑operative into a thriving native pollinator habitat and outdoor learning space. Building on decades of gardening, pollinator stewardship, community arts and grassroots organizing experience, the team aims to support biodiversity while fostering inclusive community connection through hands‑on education, seasonal activities and shared care of nature.
2026 6 Westminster-Branson EN Gardening Club/NEAT (Northview Environmental Action Team This school‑based pollinator garden will transform the front of Northview Heights Secondary School into an engaging outdoor learning space that supports biodiversity while educating students and the wider community about pollinators. Led by experienced teachers with over a decade of gardening and native‑plant knowledge, and maintained by student environmental clubs, the project builds strong hands‑on learning, leadership and inclusive participation across diverse student groups.
2026 7 York University Heights NIA G-Bees G-Bees is a group of three families that is transforming their front lawns into interconnected pollinator gardens to create a visible, resident‑led pollinator pathway that supports bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Drawing on hands‑on gardening experience, growing knowledge of native plants and a strong spirit of collaboration, the project aims to inspire neighbors, share practical learning and demonstrate how small community actions can contribute meaningfully to Toronto’s broader biodiversity goals.
2026 12 Forest Hill South Not EN or NIA Grace Church & BSS This experienced team plans to create a combined pollinator and rain garden on church grounds that will attract native pollinators, reduce stormwater runoff, and serve as a hands‑on teaching garden for a daycare and nearby school. Led by a Toronto Master Gardener and a seed‑production and greenhouse specialist, the project is grounded in deep expertise in native plants, pollinator ecology and practical garden implementation.
2026 13 St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands Not EN or NIA Greening Group, Gooderham & Worts Neighbourhood Association Greening Group, Gooderham and Worts Neighbourhood Association is a condo‑based greening group that is drawing on decades of gardening experience and active community stewardship to transform the Mill Street boulevard into a long‑term, native pollinator habitat. Building on initial soil restoration and plantings, the group aims to gradually establish a sustainable, informative pollinator corridor over five years, engaging the community through hands‑on cultivation, signage and educational events.
2026 15 Yorkdale-Glen Park EN Harrison Public School Eco Team Harrison Public School Eco Team is creating a front‑yard pollinator garden to serve as an outdoor classroom that fosters environmental learning, curiosity and stewardship. Led by experienced educators with backgrounds in community gardening, wildlife knowledge and hands‑on cultivation, the project will engage students and families in native planting, habitat creation and shared responsibility for supporting pollinators.
2026 8 Yorkdale-Glen Park EN Heights in Bloom This experienced school team is creating a student‑led pollinator garden at Lawrence Heights Middle School to support native biodiversity while serving as a hands‑on outdoor classroom aligned with Grades 6 to 8 science curriculum. Drawing on deep expertise in native plants, community gardening and environmental education, the project empowers students to lead, learn and build stewardship while fostering well‑being, inclusion and strong community partnerships.
2026 17 Hillcrest Village Not EN or NIA Hillmount Dirt Defenders The Hillmount Dirt Defenders is a student‑led eco group supported by experienced teachers, gardeners, daycare partners and deeply engaged families, all working together to strengthen pollinator habitat on school grounds. Drawing on hands‑on gardening experience and strong community support, the group aims to create pollinator gardens that provide food, nesting and overwintering spaces while supporting student well‑being, environmental learning and neighbourhood connection.
2026 3 New Toronto Not EN or NIA Humber Polytechnic Humber College’s Sustainability Office will establish the first pollinator garden at Humber’s Lakeshore Campus, bringing native-plant stewardship and pollinator habitat to a highly visible site. Drawing on proven experience in campus greening, native plant restoration and community stewardship, the project will support biodiversity, engage students and volunteers and serve as an educational feature within Humber’s Sustainability Trail.
2026 5 Beechborough-Greenbrook NIA Keelesdale Garden Committee The Keelesdale Community Garden Committee is building on the success of its first year of community gardening by enhancing the areas surrounding its raised beds with biodiverse, pollinator‑friendly plantings. Supported by strong resident leadership, hands‑on gardening experience and expert guidance from an urban agriculture consultant, the project aims to improve ecological health while deepening community connection and environmental learning in a rapidly redeveloping neighbourhood.
2026 19 The Beaches Not EN or NIA Kingston Road United Church Gardeners Kingston Road United Church is looking to create a pollinator garden to replace lawn with diverse native plantings that support insects, birds and urban biodiversity. Drawing on deep expertise in horticulture, entomology and environmental education, the project combines habitat restoration with hands‑on learning for children through the Toronto Nature School, ensuring long‑term stewardship, community involvement and ecological impact.
2026 13 Church-Wellesley Not EN or NIA NLC Downtown Student Pollinate Committee This educator‑led project will create a culturally rooted pollinator and food garden at Church Street Public School that connects Indigenous students directly with the land through planting, harvesting and learning about sacred medicines. Drawing on over 20 years of experience establishing native and school gardens, the team aims to build a “bee highway,” restore native species and support Indigenous food sovereignty while bringing classroom learning outdoors.
2026 6 Bathurst Manor Not EN or NIA Anne Marie D’Amico Community Collective Anne Marie D’Amico Community Collective will transform the front-yard space into a healing, pollinator‑friendly landscape that supports both resident well‑being and local biodiversity. Building on recent hands‑on gardening experience with residents, and guided by knowledgeable staff and an Indigenous Elder, the project integrates native planting, cultural teachings and ecological stewardship into a restorative community space.
2026 21 Wexford/Maryvale Not EN or NIA OLW Garden Group This teacher‑led project at OLW will create Le jardin des ancêtres, a culturally meaningful, in‑ground pollinator garden that honours Indigenous knowledge while supporting bees, birds and local ecosystems. Drawing on strong personal gardening experience, prior pollinator‑garden work, and Métis expertise in Indigenous plants and land‑based practices, the team aims to engage students and the wider community in stewardship, habitat restoration and learning through three integrated native garden spaces.
2026 14 Greenwood-Coxwell Not EN or NIA Project Swallowtail This expert team is creating an in‑ground native pollinator habitat in East Lynn Park to honour the legacy of bee scientist and community leader Sheila Colla, including a dedicated “flower patch for the rusty‑patched bumblebee.” With extensive experience designing and stewarding public pollinator gardens, the group aims to pair habitat creation with inclusive community programming focused on education, equity, mentorship and public engagement in science.
2026 19 Woodbine Corridor Not EN or NIA Rewilders Rewilders is expanding its 1 kilometre Pollinator Pathway by creating and enhancing interconnected, in‑ground native plant gardens at schools and community sites across west‑central Toronto. With extensive experience delivering large‑scale public pollinator projects, certified stewardship expertise and strong partnerships with schools, the City and community groups, the project combines habitat creation, cultural knowledge sharing, and hands‑on education to strengthen biodiversity and community stewardship over the long term.
2026 11 Palmerston-Little Italy Not EN or NIA Roncesvalles Village BIA Roncesvalles Village BIA is revitalizing the boulevard in front of the 8th Fire Mural to create a culturally meaningful pollinator garden rooted in Indigenous plant knowledge. Building on years of managing and maintaining multiple gardens along Roncesvalles Avenue, the project will link 20 garden beds into a 1.8‑kilometre pollinator corridor, combining habitat creation with Indigenous reconciliation, public education and community stewardship.
2026 4 Roncesvalles Not EN or NIA Rowntree Avenue Gardeners This neighbourhood group aims to restore and revitalize an under‑maintained garden near General Mercer School and wading pool into a thriving pollinator habitat that supports biodiversity in a community with limited green space. Drawing on strong collective expertise the group brings the skills and commitment needed to steward the space while engaging the wider community in learning, care and climate action.
2026 9 Weston-Pelham Park NIA Scarborough Environmental Association This experienced, community‑driven team will create a native pollinator garden at the Scarborough Museum to support biodiversity while serving as a highly visible living classroom and gathering space. Drawing on strong leadership in ecological restoration, volunteer coordination and community programming, the project combines hands‑on habitat creation with inclusive education, arts and stewardship activities to inspire long‑term environmental engagement in Scarborough.
2026 21 Bendale-Glen Andrew Not EN or NIA St. George's Grange Park This project will replant existing garden beds at St. George’s Grange Park with native, pollinator‑supporting perennials and shrubs, transforming a historic downtown church site into vibrant, low‑maintenance habitat. Led by a Master Gardener with over 60 years of hands‑on experience in native plants, soil health and garden design, the project combines deep horticultural expertise with community volunteer stewardship to support biodiversity and public education.
2026 10 Kensington-Chinatown Not EN or NIA St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School This community‑led project is restoring and expanding a native pollinator garden at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School, transforming it into an accessible living classroom rooted in stewardship, learning and connection to the land. Built on years of hands‑on experience, partnerships with environmental programs, and guidance from Indigenous and equity‑seeking knowledge holders, the garden engages students, families, and alumni in caring for pollinators while fostering reconciliation, belonging and shared responsibility for local ecosystems.
2026 23 Agincourt North Not EN or NIA St. Mother Teresa Gardeners St. Mother Teresa Academy is creating a pollinator garden to support local pollinators while deepening student learning around Indigenous knowledge, ecology and stewardship. Building on years of hands‑on gardening experience, the project will expand an existing garden space into a meaningful, inclusive outdoor classroom for students, families and staff.
2026 25 Malvern East EN Staff and Students (led by 'Green Team') (Pats Pollinates ) Pats Pollinates is transforming an underused lawn at St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School into a vibrant, in‑ground pollinator garden that supports bees, butterflies and urban biodiversity. Drawing on backgrounds in organic farming, community pollinator projects and large‑scale student engagement, the project will serve as a highly visible living classroom and community asset that models how neglected school spaces can be restored for long‑term ecological and educational impact.
2026 22 Tam O'Shanter-Sullivan Not EN or NIA Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute This educator‑led team at Stephen Leacock CI is creating a school pollinator and education garden to increase biodiversity while providing a hands‑on learning space connected to ecology, sustainability and multiple curriculum areas. Drawing on years of EcoSchools leadership, strong organizational capacity, and direct experience in native pollinator gardening and workshops, the project will engage students, staff and the wider community in year‑round stewardship in a highly visible campus location.
2026 5 Weston NIA The Full Bush This Weston Village–based group is creating the Joseph Street Pollinator Pathway by converting four neighbouring front yards into connected native plant gardens that support native pollinators. Drawing on shared gardening experience, native plant knowledge, and strong community organizing skills, the project uses highly visible, repeatable garden models and neighbour‑led events to inspire broader adoption and build ecological pride in a Neighbourhood Improvement Area.
2026 10 West Queen West Not EN or NIA The Kings Townes and Lofts Plant Care Crew The Kings Townes and Lofts Plant Care Crew is a highly experienced condo‑based team that is enhancing a long‑standing native garden by further diversifying a shaded woodland courtyard to better support pollinators and urban biodiversity. Led by a botanist and urban ecologist and supported by professionals in landscape design, project management and long‑term native plant stewardship, the project will add key host plants and interpretive signage to strengthen habitat resilience and community learning.
2026 18 East Willowdale Not EN or NIA The Nectar Collective This project will create a pollinator‑friendly garden at Lee Lifeson Art Park, transforming an underused area into a vibrant habitat that supports native bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Led by an experienced gardener and designer with over 16 years of hands‑on practice in native planting, soil preparation and garden construction, the project blends ecological function with artistic expression to engage the public and inspire community stewardship.
2026 6 Bathurst Manor Not EN or NIA The WLMCI Gardening Club The Lyons Pollinator Gardens project builds on eight years of successful student‑led gardening to create raised native plant beds at the front entrance of the school, making the space more welcoming for people and pollinators. Drawing on strong hands‑on experience in soil care, plant maintenance, and detailed plant knowledge the group is well prepared to establish and sustain a healthy, pollinator‑friendly ecosystem.
2026 7 Humber Summit NIA VJM Garden Club This elementary school group is expanding its existing garden at Venerable John Merlini Catholic School into a front‑yard pollinator and memorial garden that supports biodiversity while creating a meaningful space for learning, reflection and remembrance. Guided by hands‑on gardening experience, growing knowledge of native and Indigenous plants, and strong student and community involvement, the project will engage students as active stewards and honour the cycles of life through nature.
2026 14 North Riverdale Not EN or NIA Withrow Parent Outdoor Education Committee The Pollinators at Withrow School project builds on years of hands‑on pollinator gardening, community collaboration, and student engagement to expand existing gardens and replace boulevard grass with native habitat. Led by experienced garden educators and supported by strong partnerships, the project combines ecological restoration with Indigenous learning, student well‑being, and community stewardship through education, signage and shared care.

 

Key Dates

  • Applications open: September 2026
  • Application review: November to December 2026
  • Applicants notified: February 2027
  • Orientation session: February 2027
  • How to PollinateTO training: March to May 2027
  • Gardens planted: Spring/summer/fall 2027
  • Completion and evaluation: End of 2028

Timelines are subject to change.

Key Steps

Step 1: Form your group and partner with others

Download and review the Application Questions Summary (PDF) (Word format).

Create your own group or join one that is already established in your community. Partner with others who can support your idea.

To be eligible, groups must include at least three Toronto residents residing in three separate households.

Decide on a name for your group. Select a Group Lead to be the main contact.

Step 2: Pick your garden location and get support

Look for potential garden locations in your neighbourhood. Choose garden sites that are visible to the public, have access to water and are easy for your group to get to (walking distance is ideal). Your project may include multiple locations. Priority will be given to projects located in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs).

Complete the Property Owner Support Letter template (Word) for each location.

If the garden location is on…

  • Private property – Get a support letter from the property owner.
  • School grounds – Get a support letter from the principal.
  • City boulevard – Get a support letter from adjacent property owner.
  • Public property (e.g., a Toronto Public Library) – Get a support letter from City staff on site
  • City park locations – Please select a park from the PollinateTO Pre-approved City Parks List. These sites have been pre-approved so you do not need to submit a support letter.

Step 3: Create plans and estimated budget

Decide on a name for your project (this is different from your group name).

Use the Application Questions Summary (PDF) (Word format) to help plan, brainstorm and organize your project ideas and application submission.

Create a community engagement and education plan – think about the best ways to involve the community in your project.

Think about how your proposed garden(s) will be maintained in the long term and who will be responsible for the continued care of the garden(s). You can use the Garden Maintenance Plan template to help you plan.

Put together an estimated budget (max. $5,000). See the Eligible Costs section for guidance. You must use the Proposed Budget Summary template (Excel) provided.

Step 4: Complete the online application and submit supporting documents

You must apply using the online application form before the deadline.

The following documents are required to evaluate your proposal:

  1. Property Owner Support Letter – Not required for projects in pre-approved City parks. For private property, school ground projects, City boulevards and Public Property, you must use the Property Owner Support Letter template (Word).
  2. Proposed Budget – An estimated list of the costs to deliver your project. You must use the Proposed Budget Summary template (Excel).
  3. Photos of your proposed garden location(s)

The following documents are optional. You can use them to help you plan your project:

  1. Plant List (Word) – Use this to organize your plant choices.
  2. Garden Maintenance Plan (Word) – Use this to plan how your garden will be cared for long term success.

Step 5: Application review and project approval

Applications will be screened for eligibility by City of Toronto staff. Applications that are determined to be eligible will be further assessed by a Review Committee made up of representatives from various City of Toronto divisions. In the case of proposals for gardens on school grounds City staff will engage the School Board as part of the review process. Final recommendations for funding will be approved by the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry Division, City of Toronto. Successful applicants will receive notice via email and details about next steps.

The Review Committee will make funding recommendations based on their assessment of the following elements of each application:

    1. support from the property owner
    2. equity considerations
    3. group experience, history and track record
    4. proposal’s ability to meet the goals and objectives of the program
    5. group readiness to undertake the proposed work
    6. timeline of the project is clear and feasible
    7. budget is clear and makes sense for the project
    8. likelihood of generating measurable results and likelihood of success;
    9. long-term sustainability of the project
    10. use of strategies and tools to engage and educate the community, including new audiences who have not been targeted by previous initiatives.

Step 6: Online orientation session and How to PollinateTO training

Successful applicants will attend an online orientation session to learn more about the next steps to start their projects. Successful applicants will also take part in the How to PollinateTO training program which provides the knowledge needed to create pollinator habitat in Toronto.

Step 7: Funding agreement and trustees

A funding agreement will be drafted and sent to successful applicants to be signed. Upon returning the signed agreement, the City signature will be added and the first installment of the funding award (approximately 90 per cent) will be processed. 

Funded groups will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance of Anti-Harassment/Discrimination City Policy and will be asked to review the City of Toronto Guide to Political Activities for City Funded Groups and sign a corresponding document to acknowledge the policy.

The City of Toronto has engaged official trustee organizations for PollinateTO. These organizations will provide administrative oversight of the funding disbursement to successful PollinateTO grant recipients.

PollinateTO Trustee Organizations

All Toronto neighbourhoods are eligible. Priority will be given to projects located in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs).

PollinateTO is open to all resident-led groups, registered charities and non-profit organizations. Resident-led groups must have at least three residents of Toronto (from separate households) as part of the group.

Eligible Applicants

  • resident, tenant and neighbourhood groups
  • community groups and organizations
  • school groups, student clubs and parent councils
  • Indigenous groups
  • faith groups
  • business improvement areas (BIAs)
  • registered charitable organizations and not-for-profit organizations
  • not-for-profit organizations with offices outside of Toronto are eligible to apply if the proposed garden is located within a Neighbourhood Improvement Area (NIA)
  • groups previously funded via PollinateTO that have provided proof of project completion (submission of Impact Report and Expense Summary)

Ineligible Applicants

  • individuals (must be part of a group with at least three members living in three separate households)
  • for-profit businesses
  • building and property managers
  • grant making organizations
  • organizations allied with political parties
  • groups previously funded via PollinateTO that have not submitted an Impact Report for their current project

Eligible Projects

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • rain gardens
  • shared community gardens
  • school ground teaching gardens
  • Indigenous education gardens
  • boulevard gardens
  • multiple (three or more) front yard gardens on the same street or neighbourhood that together create a “pollinator pathway”
  • Gardens located in City of Toronto Park (park must be on the PollinateTO Pre-Approved City Parks List)

Ineligible Projects

Examples of projects the City will not fund include:

  • backyard gardens
  • single front yard residential garden (you must have three or more front yard gardens on the same street or neighbourhood to create a “pollinator pathway”)
  • container gardens, closed bottom stock tanks or closed bottom raised beds (open bottom containers and raised beds are eligible)
  • open bottom stock tanks or open bottom raised beds located on hard surfaces (e.g., concrete or asphalt)
  • rooftop gardens (funding is available for green roofs via the Eco-Roof Incentive Program)
  • balcony gardens
  • projects that are already fully complete (seeking retroactive funding)
  • temporary projects not intended to last beyond one growing season
  • gardens used for the sole purpose of urban agriculture
  • beekeeping activities, education or promotion
  • gardens that are not visible to the public
  • Gardens in City of Toronto Parks not listed on the PollinateTO Pre-Approved City Parks List

Garden Locations

PollinateTO supports projects that create pollinator habitat in all Toronto neighbourhoods. Priority will be given to gardens located in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs).

Gardens can be on private and public land. Your project proposal can include multiple garden locations at one or more sites (i.e. different addresses). Your proposal can also have one or more garden locations at a single address (i.e. separate garden beds on different parts of the same property).

Each garden location must have access to a source of water.

Note: Property owner support is required for all proposed garden locations except for gardens proposed in City parks on the PollinateTO Pre-Approved City Parks List.

Private Property

Examples of private property include residential, commercial, post-secondary institutions, faith and spiritual centres, non-profit organizations, etc.

Consideration for residential gardens:

  • For front yard gardens on residential streets, you must have three or more front yard gardens on the same street or the same neighbourhood to create a “pollinator pathway”. The front yards do not have to be directly beside each other.
  • Gardens must be visible to the public (front yard gardens = yes, backyard gardens = no).

Application process:

  • Must have written support from the property owner(s) for each of the proposed gardens
    • Use the Property Owner Support Letter template (DOCX), (PDF).
  • Must have a maintenance plan. Ensure there is a succession plan – if some key members leave your group, others can fill in. You can use the Garden Maintenance Plan template to help you plan.

City Boulevard

This is most often the area between the road and the sidewalk.

Considerations when creating boulevard gardens:

  • Traffic island locations and sloped (more than 20 degrees) locations are not suitable.
  • Plants must have a mature potential growing height lower than 70 cm to preserve sight lines for safety between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
  • Select plant species that are tolerant of salt-spray.
  • Please be aware that plantings could be removed at any time in the future by the City or third party (e.g. utility company) without further compensation or replacements.

Application process:

  • Must have written support from the adjacent (next to or adjoining) property owner. On a residential street, this would be the property owner located directly in front of the boulevard.
    • Use the Property Owner Support Letter template (DOCX), (PDF).
  • Must have a maintenance plan. Ensure there is a succession plan – if some key members leave your group, others can fill in. You can use the Garden Maintenance Plan template to help you plan.

Approval Process:

  • City staff will review your application and determine if the boulevard location you have proposed is suitable for a PollinateTO garden.
  • Please try to provide as much detail as possible regarding your proposed location(s), a map of the area with your proposed planting sites clearly identified is helpful.
  • A site visit may be conducted as part of the approval process.

School Grounds

Applications are welcome from all Toronto School Boards. PollinateTO has partnered with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) to establish the process described below.

Application process:

  • Form a group that has teacher, administration, and student representation.
  • Express your interest in creating a PollinateTO project at a specific school.
    • You may use the application to share your suggestions and ideas for garden location, size and type, but please be aware that final decisions will be made in consultation with the School Board. If conditionally approved, your Group will work with the School Board to determine the ideal garden location, size and type for your school.
  • Must have a maintenance plan. Ensure there is a succession plan – if some key members leave your group, others can fill in. You can use the Garden Maintenance Plan template to help you plan.

Approval process:

  • PollinateTO staff will work with School Board staff to review your application and determine if the school you have proposed is suitable for a PollinateTO project.
  • If your proposal is conditionally approved, your group will work directly with School Board staff to determine garden location, size and type.
  • A site visit may be conducted as part of the approval process.

Public Property

Examples of public property include Toronto Public Libraries and City of Toronto Recreation Centres.

Application process:

  • Must have written support from staff at the proposed garden(s) location.
  • Must have a maintenance plan. Ensure there is a succession plan – if some key members leave your group, others can fill in. You can use the Garden Maintenance Plan template to help you plan.

City Parks

You can apply to further enhance a park in your community with a pollinator garden. Please follow the process as outlined below.

Application process:

  • Pollinator garden proposals in parks must be located in a pre-approved City Park. Pollinator gardens proposed in City parks not on this list will not be considered.
  • Use the PollinateTO application form to express your interest in creating a PollinateTO project in a specific pre-approved City park.
  • You do not need to submit a property owner support letter, since these sites have been pre-approved. Please do not directly contact the Park Supervisor for the pre-approved parks. If conditionally approved, your group will be connected with the appropriate Parks staff.

All gardens must have a maintenance plan:

  • You can use the Garden Maintenance Plan template to help you plan.
  • Ensure there is a succession plan – if some key members leave the group, others can fill in.
  • Groups must have a plan for storage of equipment and tools. Tools and materials may not be stored on-site.

Approval process:

  • Priority will be given to proposals located in NIAs, those in Parks lacking pollinator habitat, and Parks with small amounts of pollinator habitat that could benefit from enhancement. Final approval is at the discretion Parks staff based on operational requirements.
  • If your proposal is conditionally approved, your group will work directly with the Parks staff to determine garden location, size and type. A site visit may be conducted as part of the approval process.
  • The Park Supervisor will identify the support they can provide (such as yard waste removal frequency, water and watering tools).

PollinateTO Garden Requirements:

  • minimum of twelve perennial plants (can be a combination of flowers, trees and shrubs)
  • at least 75 per cent of plants must be native perennial species
  • at least one type of native goldenrod species must be used
  • at least two different types of larval host plants must be used, one of which must be milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
  • plants must provide continuous bloom:
    • at least 2 species that bloom in the spring
    • at least 2 species that bloom in the summer
    • at least 2 species that bloom in the fall
  • no invasive plant species may be used – see the list of prohibited plants in Toronto
  • must select plants based on site conditions (e.g. full sun/partial sun/shade, wet/dry, etc.)
  • must have access to a source of water to allow plants to be watered as required
  • must have ongoing maintenance (watering, weeding, plant replacement, etc.)
  • provide nesting and overwintering sites for pollinators – such as dead wood, hollow and pithy stems, access to bare sandy soil, fallen leaves.

Please see our Native Flowers, Trees & Shrubs list to help you select plants for your garden.

Optional: You can use the Proposed Plant List template to help you organize your plant choices.

Click Before You Dig

Mandatory for all approved PollinateTO gardens – you must “click before you dig”. This process will identify any underground infrastructure in the area you want to build your garden. Ontario One Call provides a locate request process that is free, reliable, timely and easy to use. You can make the request online. You can do this after your project has been approved.

Budgets cannot exceed $5,000. Funding can only be used for the direct delivery of the proposed project. Please refer to this list when both creating an application and spending your grant funding. If you are unsure if an expense is eligible, please contact the PollinateTO team at pollinateTO@toronto.ca.

Download the budget template for more information.

Type of Expense Eligible Items

What the City Will Fund

We encourage the hiring of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving staff, consultants, labourers, interpreters and translators, and encourage supporting Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving businesses for eligible purchases.
Planting Materials
  • Seeds, perennial seedlings, native trees and shrubs
  • Soil, compost, mulch, sand, etc.
  • Seed starting materials - trays, pots, soil, markers (greenhouses are not eligible)
  • Plant supports - stakes, rings, poles, ties, string, twine
  • North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) annual membership
  • Costs to maintain garden - up to 10 per cent of grant amount
Tools & Equipment
  • Tools - shovels, rakes, forks, cultivators, hoes, spades, pruners, hand tools, etc. (all tools purchased must remain within the community after project completion)
  • Garden border materials and supplies - wood, logs, stones, pavers, rocks, etc
  • Rented Tools - Toronto Tool Library membership, garden tool rentals (no tilling tools/equipment)
  • Wheelbarrows and garden carts
  • Rain barrels - please note the TDSB does not allow the use of rain barrels, all other schools subject to approval from applicable school board. Learn how to set up a rain barrel.
  • Gift cards - for the purpose of purchasing project-related materials and supplies
  • Manual irrigation supplies - hose, nozzles, wands, watering cans
  • Garden gloves, knee pads and kneelers
Garden Construction
  • Rain garden materials and construction supplies (sand, compost, mulch, river stone, pea gravel, limestone, PVC piping) - if constructing a rain garden
  • Raised beds materials and supplies (must be open at bottom), open bottomed stock tanks
  • Yard waste bags
  • Equipment rentals - sod kickers, electric tools (no gas powered equipment, no tilling)
  • Porous pathway materials - stepping stones, gravel, wood chips
  • Delivery fees for plant material and supplies (up to $100 per delivery)
  • Removing asphalt, concrete or other hard surfaces, if required (up to 10 per cent of the grant amount)
Education & Awareness Materials
  • Signage - design, printing, installation
  • Plant identification markers and tags
  • Books - reference, gardening, flora and fauna identification guides (all books purchased must remain within the community after project completion)
  • Solitary bee nest building supplies (bee condos, bee hotels, etc.) - as an educational tool on cavity-nesting native bees
  • Communications and promotion of garden (e.g. flyers, posters, design, printing)
Events & Workshops
  • Food and refreshments (no bottled water) for participants (up to $200 total per project)
  • Training and workshop expenses (does not include labour or honorariums)
  • Communications and promotion of events (e.g. flyers, posters, design, printing)
  • Permit fees, space rental, liability insurance (for community events and activities only)
  • Art supplies
People & Labour
  • Honoraria for group members (up to $500 per group)
  • Honoraria for speakers/facilitators, Elders and Knowledge Keepers (up to $500 per person)
  • Interpretation and translation fees
  • Volunteer recognition
  • Public transportation costs for project participants
  • Labour costs to prepare the area and plant the garden, if required (up to 10% of the grant amount)
  • Consultant fees such as a rain garden expert, etc. (up to 10% of the grant amount)
  • Staffing costs for organizing project (up to 10 per cent of the grant amount - for existing organizational staff only)
  • Trustee administration fees (up to 10 per cent of the grant amount)

 

What the City Will Not Fund
Expense Ineligible Items
Planting Materials
  • Agricultural food production materials - plants and seeds
  • Annual plant seeds/seedlings etc.
  • Grow lights
  • Vermiculture supplies (worm composters)
  • Mushroom logs
Tools & Equipment
  • Beekeeping supplies, hives, honeybees
  • Pesticides
  • Chemical fertilizers
  • Gas
  • Gas powered tools and equipment
  • Purchase or rental of media equipment (computers, laptops, printers, lamination machines or software)
  • Purchase or rental of vehicles
  • Parking and other personal vehicle expenses
  • Irrigation systems (drip lines, automated systems)
Garden Construction
  • Garden furniture - plastic patio sets, umbrellas, picnic tables, benches
  • Water features - automated fountains, ponds
  • Armour stone, decorative boulders
  • Fencing, gates, wire mesh
  • Garden lighting
  • Bird baths/feeders/houses
  • Stock tanks with closed bottoms
  • Land acquisition, lease or rental
  • Container gardening planters and supplies, including canoes
  • Greenhouses
  • Landscape fabric
  • Shed construction (labour and/or materials)
  • Open bottom stock tanks or raised beds placed on hard surfaces (e.g., concrete or asphalt)
  • Garden decorations (does not include signage and educational material)
Events & Workshops
  • Field trips
  • Beekeeping workshops and education
  • Award ceremonies, banquets, receptions, annual general meetings, sport tournaments
  • Barbeques, cooking equipment
  • Alcohol
  • Bottled water
  • Fundraising events
People & Labour
  • Arborist services
  • Conference registration and travel fees
  • Public transit monthly passes
  • Gift cards as a form of volunteer appreciation or compensation
  • Stipends
Personal Benefits
&
Organizational Operating Costs
  • Costs associated with the regular operation of your organization, current programs and services such as office rental, utilities, phones, internet, accounting services, insurance, permit fees (e.g. construction or building permits) etc.
  • Postage and shipping costs
  • Disbursement of funds to provide additional grants to other parties
  • Reserve funds, debt repayment, deficit funding, capital costs (i.e. building repairs, renovations, water service, etc.)
  • Mass market advertising campaigns
  • Utility bills (water, gas, electricity, waste collection)
  • Religious activities/services, political activities, donations to charitable causes, lobbying or advocacy on behalf of for-profit entities
Other
  • Paid media and promotional outreach, including advertising, sponsored content, influencer promotion, and media partnerships
  • Unspecified "miscellaneous" items

Watch the PollinateTO Impact Report Information Session recording to learn more about grant reporting requirements.

Upon project completion, grant recipients must submit the following;

  1. Impact Report: Tell us about your project! Please include photos, communication pieces, and other items to show the impact of your project and evidence of completion. 
    1. PollinateTO Impact Report Form  – Use this online form when you are ready to submit your final report. 
    2. Impact Report Question Summary – This is a reference document which lists all the Impact Report questions. You can use this document to help prepare, organize, and draft your responses. 
  2. Expense Summary: Report the actual costs of your project. Use your approved budget spreadsheet to track actual costs.  
    1. Payment Receipt / Honorarium Form  – This form is like a receipt. You would use it when you pay someone for a service or a product, and don’t get a receipt. You can also use this form for honorarium payments. 
    2. Tracking Log for Transit Fares / Gift Cards Issued  – This form tracks tokens, Presto Tickets (one ride) and gift cards given out. 
  3. Video (Optional): Create a short video (1-2 minutes) of your completed project and show us what you accomplished. Please post your video online to share your story and inspire others. 
    1. Multimedia Consent Form  – use this form to obtain permission for use of photos and videos 
  4. Site Visit: The PollinateTO team may request a site visit to see your garden. The PollinateTO team will contact you to schedule a site visit if needed. Site visits typically occur in late spring to fall. 

Best Practices for Pollinator Habitat Creation

Your group should consider following the PollinateTO tips for creating a pollinator garden when designing pollinator habitat. Ideal pollinator habitat will include food sources, nesting and overwintering sites and larval host plants among other considerations.

Best Practices for Pollinator Education

Download PollinateTO Best Practices for Pollinator Education for more information.

Educational messaging should align with the guiding principles and priorities of the City’s Pollinator Protection Strategy. The following are best practices for designing a pollinator educational initiative funded by PollinateTO.

1. Incorporate the following key messages:

  • Toronto is home to a wide range of pollinators, including bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, beetles, and birds.
  • Threats to Toronto’s pollinators include forage habitat loss, loss of larval host plants, nesting habitat loss, overwintering habitat loss, pesticides, introduced and invasive species (including honey bees), diseases/pests, and climate change.
  • Habitat loss is the greatest threat to pollinators. Habitat protection, creation and enhancement is key to supporting Toronto’s pollinators.

2. Raise awareness about the differences between native bees and non-native honey bees

  • Toronto’s diverse bee community consists of over 360 species of native bees and one species of managed bee, the European Honey Bee, which is not native to North America.
  • Native bees are primarily solitary, don’t make honey, live underground or cavities, come in a wide range of colours and sizes.
  • Honey bees are not native to North America, managed by beekeepers, and they can be re-established when beekeepers experience a loss.
  • Native bee species are more threatened than honey bees.
  • Mention that Toronto has an Official Bee – Agapostemon virescens.

3. Discuss alternatives to beekeeping

  • Many well-meaning individuals may wish to pursue hobby beekeeping in the belief that this is how they can help pollinators. Adding more honey bee colonies to the city without the habitat to support them, adds to the problem.
  • Evidence suggests that native bees may be negatively impacted by urban beekeeping activities. Studies have shown that honey bees may act as an additional stressor on native bees, due to competition for food and the spread of diseases and pests. One honey bee colony can potentially out-compete thousands of native bees for food.
  • Establishing a pollinator garden, or adding pollinator-friendly plants to an existing garden is a much more significant way to help pollinators, including honey bees.

4. How can we help? Pollinators need:

  • Foraging resources – native flowering plants rich in pollen and nectar
  • Larval host plants – butterflies can only lay their eggs on specific plants (eg. monarch and milkweed)
  • Places to nest and overwinter – bare sandy soil, hollow stems, dead wood, leaf litter, etc
  • A chemical free environment – insecticides (especially neonicotinoids) are the most harmful. Toronto’s Pesticide Ban has been in place since 2003.

5. Acknowledge the City of Toronto’s support of your project

  • On your website, direct participants to www.livegreentoronto.ca for more resources.
  • On all project-related communications and marketing materials, including garden signage, posters, brochures, signage, your newsletter, presentations, videos, etc.
  • At project-related events
  • Social media: Follow, share, and tag us on our social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram) @LiveGreenTO

Community Engagement and Education Ideas

How will your project educate and engage the community? Some ideas you might consider:

  • offering demonstrations, workshops, or garden tours
  • installing informative signage, plant labels or interpretive art
  • inviting the community to participate in planting, maintenance, and celebratory activities
  • engaging users of the green space (youth, teachers, seniors, families and others) to participate in planning, implementing and/or maintaining your project
  • developing an online tool, webinar or instructional video
  • creating how-to guides, lesson plans, and/or teaching activities
  • collecting seeds, sharing plants and/or helping others start their own garden
  • participating in citizen science projects and community research

Where to Find Native Plants

Information for Kids and Schools

Community Science Projects

  • EcoSpark Caterpillars Count
    • Help measure the seasonal variation and abundance of caterpillars found on trees and shrubs
  • Bumble Bee Watch
    • A collaborative effort to track and conserve North America’s bumble bees
  • Xerces Society Community Science Projects
    • Contribute meaningful data to further scientific understanding of key issues facing pollinators
  • City Nature Challenge
    • Cities across the world compete to see which city can gather the most wildlife observations
  • Toronto Entomologist Society
    • Contribute sightings to the Ontario Butterfly Atlas and Ontario Moth Atlas
  • NatureWatch
    • Information submitted is used by researchers at Canadian universities to improve scientific knowledge
  • iNaturalist
    • Identify plants and animals around you while generating data for science and conservation

Celebrate Pollinators

Indigenous Resources

Starting and Managing a Pollinator Garden

Visit the How to Help Wild Bees & Other Native Pollinators page for resources on starting and managing pollinator gardens, information on native plants and other ways you can help pollinators in Toronto.
Date modified: June 13, 2026