Toronto's Botanical Garden to Grow from Four to 35 Acres

Toronto Botanical Garden combines resources with Edwards Gardens to create globally acclaimed botanical garden for Toronto

TORONTO, May 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Toronto City Council has approved a plan at its April 25, 2018 meeting to expand Toronto's botanical garden from four to 35 acres. Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG), a 58 year-old non-profit cultural attraction, will combine resources and expertise with Edwards Gardens, one of the City's premier garden parks, to create a seamless and globally acclaimed botanical garden.

Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens Master Plan 2018 by Forrec Inc. (CNW Group/Toronto Botanical Garden)

Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens Concept Drawing with bridge over the ravine by W. Gary Smith (CNW Group/Toronto Botanical Garden)

Master planning for the new botanical garden was undertaken by a consultant team led by local design firm Forrec, in collaboration with W. Gary Smith, Landscape Architect, and Lord Cultural Resources, in a process that included many stakeholders and extensive public consultation.

Toronto Botanical Garden will take the lead in detailed design and in fundraising for the new botanical garden. The City of Toronto will retain ownership of the 35-acre site, and both parties are committed to maintaining free access to the revitalized landscape.

"This has been a dream come true for plant, garden and nature-lovers in Toronto," says TBG Executive Director, Harry Jongerden. "Our botanical garden is committed to becoming renowned for its display of nature's beauty and as a dynamic hub for plant-centred learning, conservation and research. The expansion makes this all possible."

"The City's partnership with TBG is decades-strong," adds Ward 25 Councillor Jaye Robinson, "But Council's approval of the Master Plan marks a major next step in a new journey. With a gorgeous topography and a connection to Toronto's ravine system, Toronto Botanical Garden is poised to achieve the stature befitting a major city's premier garden."

ABOUT TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
The gardens are designed to educate and inspire, spanning four acres within Toronto's Don Valley Ravine. Admission to the gardens is free. Indoor and outdoor learning experiences are available for all ages including courses, garden tours and nature camps. During the summer, enjoy dining at the garden café, a Thursday organic farmers' market, free guided tours and a free outdoor music series. The LEED Silver-Certified Building houses a unique garden shop and horticultural library and is available for social and corporate rentals.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenny Rhodenizer, Marketing and Communications Director,
[email protected], T. 416-397-1351 C. 416-819-2191

SOURCE Toronto Botanical Garden