Thousands of people want to double size of historic Toronto attraction

Thousands of Toronto residents are calling on the City to expand the historic Allan Gardens Conservatory.

A petition launched by local advocacy group Friends of Allan Gardens proposes nearly doubling the size of the public park and conservatory located at 160 Gerrard St. E near Gerrard and Jarvis streets. 

The conservatory currently holds around 16,000 square feet of greenhouse space, and, pending city funding and donor approvals, the expansion would double the indoor space to 34,000 square feet.

The organization calls the petition a "once-in-a-generation, nation-building project" and says it hopes to work with the Mayor of Toronto, the Premier of Ontario, and the Prime Minister of Canada to bring the expansion to life.

"By expanding the Allan Gardens Conservatory, we can preserve a treasured piece of Toronto's history while creating a space that reflects the diversity and ambition of all who call this place home," the organization writes. 

So far, more than 3,900 signatures have been collected in support of the proposal.

Community members amplify the conservatory's importance as a place of beauty and tranquillity.

"As the chaos around this city and the world escalates, it is so important to find peace, beauty and a quiet place to recharge. For me, that means a trip to see the turtles lounge and the glorious greenery thrive," one supporter writes on the petition page. 

"Allan Gardens provides community connections, food, events, voices and much more. It is a pillar for everyone," writes another. 

Built in 1860, Allan Gardens — also known as "The Dome" — is Canada's oldest public conservatory. In addition to its five greenhouses, the site also features a children's playground and an off-leash dog area.

The conservatory recently completed a major renovation project that renewed public interest in the attraction. Allan Gardens reopened its doors in May 2025 after nearly three years of construction and restoration to much fanfare. 

However, the aging facility still has more work in store. The City of Toronto states that parts of the conservatory will remain closed until Mar. 20 due to "planned repair and restoration work."