This public feedback will be collected and included as part of City staff’s report back to City Council in March 2026, which will include a recommended path forward.
The March 10, 2026, Executive Staff Report – Update on Weston Foundation Donation for Queen’s Park North Revitalization can be found at Agenda Item History - 2026.EX29.3
On February 4, 2026, Toronto City Council will decide whether to accept a $50 million donation to improve the park. As part of this decision, they will review a project update that includes the terms of the donation agreement. At this stage, the proposed park design is evolving.
If Council accepts the agreement, the City will continue community engagement on the preferred design. When the preferred design is confirmed, the project will move into detailed design and construction.
The timeline is subject to change.
The construction timeline will be prepared after the design is finalized.
Take the online survey to provide feedback on the draft design.
This third Discussion Guide provides an overview of the Queen’s Park North revitalization process to date, shares the draft design and outlines updates on operations, maintenance, programming and funding for the future park. It brings together the key elements of the draft design, presents information on the The Heart and The Park concept for the revitalization and outlines the Council direction.
This information is also available on this page; however, this document consolidates it into one place to support Community Engagement Phase 3.
Download the third Discussion Guide
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This project has been classified as an Involve project based on the International Association of Public Participation Spectrum. This means we aim to work directly with the public, rightsholders and other stakeholders throughout the process to ensure that issues, concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and drive project outcomes as much as possible.
Not everything everyone wants will be able to be accommodated in Queen’s Park North, but where things cannot be accommodated, the City commits to explaining why not.
Our goal is that the information shared through the engagement process, combined with the feedback received, will support learning for all involved – the City, the donor and all participants in the engagement process.
Together, we are committed to finding the common ground to make something special happen here.
The engagement process will:
The community engagement process will follow the typical Park and Recreation Facility Design and Development Process, which ensures a transparent, iterative and collaborative approach to designing public spaces.
Through the community engagement process, community members will help shape key elements that guide the final design.
A high-level statement that captures the City, community and donor’s shared aspirations for the park – what it should become and how it should feel in the future. It is a big-picture statement that is meant to inspire everyone toward a common understanding of the project’s overall goals and objectives.
A set of high-level directions that reflect the City, community and donor’s most important values and ideas for how the park should look and feel. They help to clarify the vision statement and guide how the park should be designed by describing the desired outcomes around how the space looks, functions and serves the community.
Big ideas or core directions for the design — such as adding a key feature, improving safety, or enhancing accessibility — that translate the vision and principles into specific physical interventions. These will be developed by the design team using feedback from the public as a key input. In some cases, there may be several different design options associated with each big move.
A single design direction, shaped by community input through the first two phases of engagement, will be presented for feedback. Participants will have the opportunity to comment on the layout, features, programming elements and overall feel before the design is finalized.
This approach ensures that community voices are central to each phase, with clear and meaningful opportunities to shape the vision, principles and physical design of the park.
This phase of the community engagement process took place from March to June 2025 and included stakeholder conversations and interviews to better understand the issues and opportunities associated with the park. Interviewed stakeholders included:
The City worked with the community to build a shared understanding of the current state of the park. This included identifying what is working well, what needs improvement and the key challenges and opportunities driving the need for change. The City also worked with the community to refine the draft vision statement and draft guiding principles that will guide the design process and reflect the values of the community, the donor and also align with City policies.
Download the Community Engagement Phase 1 Summary.
The draft vision statement was developed by the City, in collaboration with the Weston family. It is meant as a starting point for conversation and may evolve through the course of engagement.
The draft vision statement is:
Queen’s Park North is an extraordinary place for people and nature throughout the seasons, that respects the existing beauty of Queen’s Park North and showcases excellence in design, ecological stewardship, programming and partnerships.
The draft guiding principles were also developed by the City, in collaboration with the Weston family. They were intended to serve as a starting point for conversation and will evolve through the course of engagement.
The draft guiding principles are:
The first Discussion Guide offers a comprehensive look at the revitalization process – from the draft vision and design principles to a project timeline and engagement questions. All the key info is also on this web page, but this document pulls it together in one place.
In October, the City introduced the project and started conversations with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River and the Wendat First Nation. The City also began engagement with local Indigenous community members and organizations. Discussions included the draft vision statement and guiding principles, honouring Indigenous ways of knowing and being and how to respectfully articulate the Indigenous presence in the revitalized Queen’s Park North.
Download the:
On October 2, the neighbouring institutions working group met. This group was established to share perspectives on design and programming. The group includes representatives from the Gardiner Museum, Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Royal Conservatory of Music, Royal Ontario Museum, University of St. Michael’s College, University of Trinity College, University of Toronto, and Victoria University. Other institutions may be included as determined through discussions with the current participants.
Download the October 2, 2025, neighbouring institutions working group summary.
The City engaged key interest groups through focus group sessions to gather topic-specific feedback on the draft vision and guiding principles. Each focus group was tailored to specific communities, including students, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, heritage, parks, trees and nature.
Download the:
From July 15 to August 31, an online survey collected feedback on what the community loves about Queen’s Park North, what could be improved and what opportunities should be explored. The input is helping to evolve the vision and guiding principles for the park and inform the development of design options.
Pop-up events took place on July 19, July 23 and July 30 at the King Edward statue in Queen’s Park North to share information about the project, feedback and ideas.
On July 28, an in-person public working session was held at the Metro Central YMCA. Community members were invited to learn more about the origin of the project, the donation and direction from City Council as well as to review and provide feedback on the draft vision and guiding principles for Queen’s Park North. The session also offered an opportunity to learn and share insights into how the City and project team are thinking about the park’s revitalization and to hear about upcoming opportunities for community engagement.
Download the:
On July 23, the neighbouring institutions working group met. This group was established to share perspectives on design and programming. The group includes representatives from the Gardiner Museum, Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Royal Conservatory of Music , Royal Ontario Museum, University of St. Michael’s College, University of Trinity College, University of Toronto, and Victoria University. Other institutions may be included as determined through discussions with the current participants.
Download the July 23, 2025, neighbouring institutions working group summary.
In this phase, the final vision and guiding principles for the revitalization were shared. The City also presented the draft big moves and early ideas for park programming and asked for feedback to support further refinement.
Download the Community Engagement Phase 2 Summary.
An extraordinary place for people and nature throughout the seasons, that respects the existing trees and heritage of Queen’s Park North, fosters a welcoming environment, and showcases excellence in design, ecological stewardship, education, animation and collaborative governance.
Overall, participants in the first phase of engagement were supportive of the draft vision, with most comments suggesting small adjustments. Most feedback related to highlighting the park’s trees and heritage more prominently, clarifying how ongoing care will be ensured, and defining “partnerships” and “programming” to avoid concerns about crowding or tree impacts.
Care will be taken before, during and after construction to ensure the significant urban tree canopy continues to define the character of the park for generations to come. Enhanced tree maintenance practices, more ecologically appropriate understory planting and education and interpretative materials will ensure the trees will continue to thrive and be celebrated.
During the first phase of engagement, participants strongly supported this principle, identifying it as the most important of all the draft principles shared. Feedback highlighted the need for clarity on what “celebrate” means in practice and stressed that trees must remain a key focus, with future decisions assessed for their impact on the park’s trees and landscape as a result “celebrate” was removed.
All current and future undertakings related to the planning, design, and management of Queen’s Park North will be guided by the development of a Statement of Significance, and the conservation and enhancement of the site’s character-defining elements. Through thoughtful planning, design, and interpretation, there is an opportunity to honour the past while recognizing that the park will continue to evolve to serve the communities of today and in the future. This includes strengthening the living heritage of the park, celebrating, and enhancing the landscapes, people, stories, and changes that have shaped the park over time.
Feedback highlighted the importance of having a dedicated heritage guiding principle. Although cultural and natural heritage were reflected in the overall project vision, community input showed the need to state this more explicitly. In response, a new guiding principle has been added to acknowledge the park’s heritage significance.
New and improved park amenities, such as washrooms and seating, will provide a more welcoming and engaging park experience. Appropriately scaled animation and activity will be focused on a revitalized heart at the centre of the park to avoid impacting existing root zones of mature, healthy trees. A well-supported governance model with appropriate funding and expertise will provide a high standard of operations and maintenance.
During the first phase of engagement, participants strongly supported this principle, identifying it as the most important of all the draft principles shared. Feedback highlighted the need for clarity on what “celebrate” means in practice and stressed that trees must remain a key focus, with future decisions assessed for their impact on the park’s trees and landscape as a result “celebrate” was removed.
Indigenous cultural values will be reflected and celebrated within a revitalized Queen’s Park North. These values, history and storytelling will be embedded in the physical landscape of the park as well as the stewardship strategy, guided by the concepts of Sprit: fostering a sense of hope by renewing and rebalancing a reciprocal relationship with land and ecosystem, Heart: A sense of belonging though spaces where people feel represented and connected, Mind: interweaving the stories of the park with Indigenous histories, and Body: connecting these concepts in to a cohesive park design; a space for all, for generations to come.
This principle received strong support, and no changes were made.
A planting approach informed by restoration ecology will focus on natural systems and symbiotic relationships, focused on supporting the existing tree canopy and highlighting local species and ecosystems. Queen’s Park North’s position as a signature urban green space will provide a stage to showcase urban ecology practices, including through public education and engagement activities.
In the first phase of engagement, many participants expressed strong support for this principle. Feedback suggested minor wording changes to place greater emphasis on ecological health and biodiversity. The guiding principle has been refined to highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy forest and ensuring the park is cared for sustainably.
Queen’s Park North will continue to be a principal public space in the city, a place for gathering and democratic expression and for respite and reflection. The design and animation of the park will ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all ages, abilities and interests.
In the first phase of engagement, many participants expressed strong support for this principle. Feedback highlighted that the word “gathering” needed clarification, as some participants were concerned it could suggest large events. Participants also emphasized that Queen’s Park North serves both as an important civic space and as a peaceful retreat within the city. The guiding principle has been refined to better reflect the balance between being a welcoming space and preserving the park’s calm, green character.
The City will collaborate with the nearby cultural, educational and governmental institutions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Royal Conservatory of Music, Gardiner Museum, and the University of Toronto (UofT) to provide programming opportunities for small-scale activities, classes and performances.
No changes were made to this guiding principle.
Big moves are the main priorities for the design of the park. They are specific directions to the design team that flow from the vision and principles and help to make them a reality. The draft big moves were developed based on what we heard in Community Engagement Phase 1.
Feedback on the big moves were collected in this phase. The feedback helped shape the final big moves, which will guide the preferred plan for the park revitalization.
The second Discussion Guide provides an overview of the revitalization process, shares the final vision and guiding principles, presents the draft big moves and includes the key questions guiding Community Engagement Phase 2. All the key info is also on this web page, but this document pulls it together in one place.
In December, the City continued conversations with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, the Wendat First Nation and with local Indigenous community members and organizations. The discussions focused on sharing an update on the revitalization process, including feedback received to date and early design directions informed by that feedback. Discussions were also centered on honouring Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and how to respectfully articulate the Indigenous presence in the revitalized Queen’s Park North.
Download the:
The City engaged key interest groups through focus group sessions to gather topic-specific feedback on the draft big moves and emerging design ideas.
An updated deck was prepared to support and guide the focus group discussions.
Download the:
On November 3, the neighbouring institutions working group met as part of Community Engagement Phase 2. The purpose of the meeting was to update neighbouring institutions on the Queen’s Park North Revitalization process and to share and gather feedback on the draft big moves and emerging design ideas.
The working group includes representatives from the Gardiner Museum, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of St. Michael’s College, the University of Trinity College, the University of Toronto, and Victoria University. Additional institutions may be included as identified through ongoing discussions with current participants.
Download the November 3, 2025, neighbouring institutions working group summary.
Pop-up events took place on November 15, November 18, November 19 and December 4 near or at Queen’s Park North to share the emerging design ideas for the park revitalization.
From November 14 to December 14, 781 community members participated in an online survey that collected feedback on emerging design ideas for the park. The project team will use this feedback to develop the preferred design.
On November 4, an in-person community workshop was held at the Metro Central YMCA. Community members were invited to learn about and share feedback on the emerging design ideas and governance approaches for the park revitalization. The ideas presented were informed by the feedback received during Community Engagement Phase 1.
Download the:
In this phase, the City will share the preferred design on this page and with those subscribed to the project mailing list. The project will then move into the detailed design phase where the design team will work through the technical details and plans for the construction contractors.
The community engagement activities anticipated in this phase include:
Engagement on the final design and shared stewardship model is anticipated to continue throughout 2026.
On March 5, a public meeting was held at the Metro Central YMCA. Community members were invited to learn more about the draft design and provide feedback. The meeting included an informal drop in from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a presentation and question-and-answer session.
Queen’s Park North is one of Canada’s oldest public parks and remains one of the largest green spaces in downtown Toronto. The land is owned by the University of Toronto and leased to the City of Toronto under a 999-year agreement. Depending on the nature of any changes to the park proposed as part of the revitalization, the landowner’s approval may be required under the terms of the lease.
In 2019, landscaping, lawn and pathway improvements were made to the park. Community input during the 2015-2019 revitalization highlighted priorities such as winter activation, tree protection, cultural programming, horticultural displays, water features and washrooms. The proposed revitalization aligns with the City’s commitment to expanding and adapting the park system to serve a growing population. Plans focus on enhancing the natural landscape, protecting the mature tree canopy, and introducing new features, experiences, and programming inspired by the surrounding educational, cultural, and civic institutions.
As part of the early engagement and site analysis, the project team conducted a preliminary inventory to better understand the current conditions and context of Queen’s Park North. Through this process, four key priorities were identified. Download detailed information sheets for each priority:
A Historic Context Statement (HCS) has been developed by ERA Architects Inc. to support community and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis engagement led by Trophic Design, as well as design explorations for the Queen’s Park North Revitalization. The HCS provides a heritage perspective to help guide project planning, design development and community engagement.
The study includes research and analysis that describe the character, qualities, uses, and defining features of Queen’s Park North. It outlines the site’s major eras of development, key patterns and characteristics and the themes that have shaped its cultural, physical and functional evolution over time.
By examining the relationship between people and place, the HCS helps guide project decisions so that future improvements respect and reflect the site’s historical significance and community value.
To request a copy of the Historic Context Statement, please email engageparksrec@toronto.ca
The Weston family strongly believes in the important role that parks and gardens play in shaping stronger, more vibrant communities. They have a long-standing history of supporting city-building initiatives and innovative, sustainable park projects, such as the Evergreen Brick Works, Grange Park, UHN Tunnels Revitalization, The Meadoway and Breakwater Park.
The family has a special connection to Queen’s Park North, as the late Hon. Hilary M. Weston, CM, CVO, OOnt served as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1997 to 2002. Over the decades, the family has also supported cultural and educational institutions near Queen’s Park North, including the University of Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Gardiner Museum, the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as neighbouring healthcare centres like Mount Sinai and UHN.
The Weston family and City share a common ambition – for Queen’s Park North to serve as an exceptional, welcoming and sustainable place for all people, in all seasons.
The project is also supported by nearby institutions including the University of Toronto, The Gardiner Museum, The Royal Conservatory of Music, The Royal Ontario Museum.
A donation is a voluntary gift – either cash or in-kind – made without expectation of commercial benefit.
To ensure fairness and transparency:
The Donations to the City for Community Benefit Policy provides City staff with a guiding framework for considering donations:
Parks and Recreation regularly works to refine and deliver projects funded through donations.
In response to this donation, City Council directed staff to undertake public consultation on potential park improvements and to negotiate a donation agreement
Read about the Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy.