Since its inception in 1858, Allan Gardens has been a distinctive part of Toronto, dedicated to offering a stimulating environment for the pleasure of Torontonians. Originating as a horticultural feature at the centre of William Allan’s Park Lot V, Allan Gardens has watched the city grow and evolve around it.

ERA is pleased to be playing an active role in the Friends of Allan Gardens (FOAG), a group of Torontonians concerned with actively promoting the vitality of Allan Gardens park. The group’s mission is to revitalize the park through creative strategies that will improve open spaces, nurture local culture, and attract a larger and more diverse group of users. FOAG is dedicated to working collaboratively with community stakeholders, City staff, and elected officials to create effective and sustainable programming and program management.

One exciting FOAG initiative is the Allan Gardens Refresh, produced in collaboration with the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, it outlines a bold and holistic vision and catalogue of opportunities for revitalizing Allan Gardens and integrating it into the social and cultural fabric of the city. Consistent with its historic role, Allan Gardens will be a place of creativity, education, natural beauty, and cultural influence. It will continue to evolve as part of a larger network of horticultural facilities within the city, characterized by its urban context.

For more information on Explore the Edge and all FOAG initiatives and activities, please see the FOAG website, or, search previous blog posts on this topic.