Northern Light
Superstar
Its the fencing that's keeping it that way.
If they were going to create paths across the sod, they need to be wider than that, and contained. (ornamental fences, selected use of seating etc.)
Its the fencing that's keeping it that way.
If they were going to create paths across the sod, they need to be wider than that, and contained. (ornamental fences, selected use of seating etc.)
nightstreak
Senior Member
PLANT Architect figured this out already, understanding the N-S circulation from Queen Street in and out of the square made an E-W lawn incompatible so they designated N-S paths with trees surrounded by grass boxes oriented along the path of travel.
But of course, the bureaucrats know better and they decided to keep thelawn mud path.
But of course, the bureaucrats know better and they decided to keep the
DarwinP
Active Member
I guess we just have to keep hosting world cups so we can have decently maintained and clean public spaces.
jje1000
Senior Member
If we can’t get the PLANT forecourt redesign, I wonder if there might be some way of renovating the current design to be more durable in the long run?
I.e. adding low fencing around paths to prevent desire paths, replacing lawn with more native plantings (recontextualizing the black locusts into something maybe more meadow-like?), maybe replacing some squares with permeable paving and seating.
Ultimately I can sort of understand why the forecourt was pushed off- the issue facing the forecourt is actually also a context issue, with the biggest issue being the Sheraton across the street being an aesthetic black hole.
I.e. adding low fencing around paths to prevent desire paths, replacing lawn with more native plantings (recontextualizing the black locusts into something maybe more meadow-like?), maybe replacing some squares with permeable paving and seating.
Ultimately I can sort of understand why the forecourt was pushed off- the issue facing the forecourt is actually also a context issue, with the biggest issue being the Sheraton across the street being an aesthetic black hole.
Last edited:
AlbertC
Superstar
txlseries4
Active Member
At General Government Committee today, item by Councillor Ainslie: GG30.25 - Animate Nathan Phillips Square
His letter/item:
Recommendation:
1. Government Management Committee requests the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to review the feasibility and associated costs of procuring and deploying benches at Nathan Phillips Square for the 2026 summer season, and report directly to the June 24, 25 and 26 meeting of City Council with recommendations.
Background
I am writing to recommend that staff consider the introduction of bench seating at Nathan Phillips Square for the upcoming summer season similar to https://vestre.com/us/products/multipurpose-furniture/bloc-sun-bench
As Council continues to prioritize the animation and increased public use of Nathan Phillips Square, the addition of the benches presents an opportunity to create a more welcoming, vibrant, and accessible civic space.
The benches have been successfully used at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, where they have proven to be both durable and popular with users. Its design supports casual gathering, and flexible use of public
space, aligning with the City’s placemaking objectives.
I recognize that there are important operational, security, and financial considerations associated with introducing seating in a high-profile and continuously accessible civic space such as Nathan Phillips Square.
Adding public seating would add to usage of the square, inviting residents and visitors to use the space.
Councillor Cheng moved an amendment that added in Mel Lastman Square, and Thompson included Albert Campbell Square. Burnside chastised members for creating items he characterized as "pet projects" and making requests of staff in an election year, skeptical of whether there's any money for it. Holyday suggested it would be better to move any existing benches to different locations rather than purchase new items. Ainslie pointed out much of the existing seating is under the walkway or around the reflective pool, but because of frequent events the stage is often fenced off and so its steps are inaccessible. Item passed.
Screenshot from the linked website
His letter/item:
Recommendation:
1. Government Management Committee requests the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to review the feasibility and associated costs of procuring and deploying benches at Nathan Phillips Square for the 2026 summer season, and report directly to the June 24, 25 and 26 meeting of City Council with recommendations.
Background
I am writing to recommend that staff consider the introduction of bench seating at Nathan Phillips Square for the upcoming summer season similar to https://vestre.com/us/products/multipurpose-furniture/bloc-sun-bench
As Council continues to prioritize the animation and increased public use of Nathan Phillips Square, the addition of the benches presents an opportunity to create a more welcoming, vibrant, and accessible civic space.
The benches have been successfully used at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, where they have proven to be both durable and popular with users. Its design supports casual gathering, and flexible use of public
space, aligning with the City’s placemaking objectives.
I recognize that there are important operational, security, and financial considerations associated with introducing seating in a high-profile and continuously accessible civic space such as Nathan Phillips Square.
Adding public seating would add to usage of the square, inviting residents and visitors to use the space.
Councillor Cheng moved an amendment that added in Mel Lastman Square, and Thompson included Albert Campbell Square. Burnside chastised members for creating items he characterized as "pet projects" and making requests of staff in an election year, skeptical of whether there's any money for it. Holyday suggested it would be better to move any existing benches to different locations rather than purchase new items. Ainslie pointed out much of the existing seating is under the walkway or around the reflective pool, but because of frequent events the stage is often fenced off and so its steps are inaccessible. Item passed.
Screenshot from the linked website
Northern Light
Superstar
I don't think we lack for seating types in the Toronto catalogue.
It's a question of enough, in the right places, properly maintained.
Some added cafe seating with bright Sugar Beach umbrellas, or a few brightly coloured Muskoka chairs would add nice pop of colour against an overly grey backdrop.
Source: https://andrewjonesdesign.com/commission/sugar-beach-umbrella/
^^ Downsview Park - Source: https://downsviewpark.ca/sites/default/files/styles/1_scale_x_small/public/images/PDP-JGazze-20210726 (43).webp?itok=kfRxLz8R
Last edited:
nightstreak
Senior Member
If I rolled my eyes back any further, I'd be an owl. Why is seating so complicated in this city?
"Frequent events".. The stage is fenced off whether or not there's an event, whether or not there's assembly or disassembly of an event going on or not. They just leave the fences up permanently.
nightstreak
Senior Member
This might work. The gravel and ropes interrupt the desire paths.
What it doesn’t deal with are dogs peeing on the grass — my dog has already shown me his instinct to want to pull the leash towards the grass against his owner’s social responsibility.
The ropes need to be replaced with low lying bushes. Let dogs pee on the bushes and create areas where people don’t wander into absentmindedly.
What would really fix this would be smaller areas of grass around trees and wider paths that allow for porous movement of people into and out of the square. In other words, what Plant Architect already envisioned and City bureaucrats thought they knew better to ignore.
AlexBozikovic
Active Member
There are benches in the square.
They were custom-made as part of the rebuild.
They are supposed to sit in the northern part of the square and be moved away when there are events.
The lack of institutional memory here is infuriating.
txlseries4
Active Member
Who thought it was a good idea to get benches that must weigh 2-3000+ lb each for a public square where they would have to be moved out and back into place for many of the events held here...
With nearly 60 events on in NPS in 2026 that translates (rough math) to 140 days of events including production load in/out so I can understand why they don't get moved. Of course not all events require it but for the ones that do I imagine it would be scheduled at least the day before/after events load in/out. With some events running multiple days (TOAF, Cavalcade of Lights) and some back to back/with just a few days in between (Doors Open & FIFA Trophy Tour), moving them back and forth would mean they'd be moved away a good part of the year.
Last edited:
DSCToronto
Superstar
Coming to Council next week: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2026.MM42.37
Consideration Type: ACTIONWard: 15 - Don Valley West
Attention
* Notice of this Motion has been given.
* This Motion is subject to referral to the Economic and Community Development Committee. A two-thirds vote is required to waive referral.
1. City Council direct the General Manager and Executive Director, Economic Development and Culture and the City Clerk, to develop and implement a plan to enhance the upkeep of the Peace Garden, such plan to include:
a. repair and maintenance of the space, including maintenance of the mechanism supporting the eternal flame and of the existing plaques and signage on the site; and
b. improved wayfinding directing visitors to the Peace Garden.
2. City Council request the General Manager and Executive Director, Economic Development and Culture and the City Clerk, in partnership with relevant divisions, undertake public and stakeholder consultation to develop a plan to revitalize the Peace Garden and increase public awareness about its historical significance, purpose and meaning through actions including, but not limited to, physical improvements to the garden and integration with surrounding public spaces including the Spirit Garden, such consultation to include outreach to Indigenous communities, community leaders and faith leaders, and report back to City Council with a recommended approach by the second quarter of 2027.
3. City Council request the Chief Communications Officer and City Clerk review and update the description of the Peace Garden on the City of Toronto’s website to include more information on its historical significance and meaning.
4. City Council request the City Clerk incorporate the Peace Garden into civic education programming and tours of City Hall.
The creation of this space was highly consequential. Then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau attended the site on March 5th, 1984, to turn the first sod on the project on the City’s 150th anniversary. The eternal flame was lit later that year by Pope John Paul II, who also poured waters from Nagasaki into the garden’s pool. Queen Elizabeth II visited the site in October 1984 to formally dedicate the Peace Garden as an expression of Torontonian’s commitment to peace.
Today, more than 40 years later, the message of the Peace Garden resonates as strongly as at the time of its creation. As conflicts around the world drive increasing hate and division in our own City, it is imperative that Toronto renew its commitment to lasting peace at home and abroad.
While our commitment to its principles remains strong, engaged community members and advocates for peace have raised concerns about the present condition of Peace Garden. In 2010, the garden was moved from its previous location at the heart of Nathan Phillips Square to its present location at the west side of the square. Concerns have been raised about the maintenance of the site, and about the lack of public awareness about the garden and its message. There is a consensus that its current state does not reflect the importance of its message and meaning to our City.
Improving the maintenance of the garden and establishing a plan for its future at Nathan Phillips Square is one way for the City to advance and renew its commitment to peace.
MM42.37 - Revitalizing Toronto’s Peace Garden - by Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow
Notice of MotionConsideration Type: ACTIONWard: 15 - Don Valley West
Attention
* Notice of this Motion has been given.
* This Motion is subject to referral to the Economic and Community Development Committee. A two-thirds vote is required to waive referral.
Recommendations
Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow, recommends that:1. City Council direct the General Manager and Executive Director, Economic Development and Culture and the City Clerk, to develop and implement a plan to enhance the upkeep of the Peace Garden, such plan to include:
a. repair and maintenance of the space, including maintenance of the mechanism supporting the eternal flame and of the existing plaques and signage on the site; and
b. improved wayfinding directing visitors to the Peace Garden.
2. City Council request the General Manager and Executive Director, Economic Development and Culture and the City Clerk, in partnership with relevant divisions, undertake public and stakeholder consultation to develop a plan to revitalize the Peace Garden and increase public awareness about its historical significance, purpose and meaning through actions including, but not limited to, physical improvements to the garden and integration with surrounding public spaces including the Spirit Garden, such consultation to include outreach to Indigenous communities, community leaders and faith leaders, and report back to City Council with a recommended approach by the second quarter of 2027.
3. City Council request the Chief Communications Officer and City Clerk review and update the description of the Peace Garden on the City of Toronto’s website to include more information on its historical significance and meaning.
4. City Council request the City Clerk incorporate the Peace Garden into civic education programming and tours of City Hall.
Summary
Toronto’s Peace Garden was originally established in 1984, as a physical expression of the City’s commitment to peace, and opposition to nuclear warfare. The symbolism of the garden is informed by the context of its creation at the height of the Cold War. The garden’s gazebo represents community and civilization, the vulnerability of which is manifested in its incomplete roof. Central to the garden is the eternal flame, kindled in Hiroshima, which is surrounded by waters from Nagasaki – serving as a memorial, and a message to future generations about the need for ongoing work and commitment to build and maintain peace among each other, and across the world.The creation of this space was highly consequential. Then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau attended the site on March 5th, 1984, to turn the first sod on the project on the City’s 150th anniversary. The eternal flame was lit later that year by Pope John Paul II, who also poured waters from Nagasaki into the garden’s pool. Queen Elizabeth II visited the site in October 1984 to formally dedicate the Peace Garden as an expression of Torontonian’s commitment to peace.
Today, more than 40 years later, the message of the Peace Garden resonates as strongly as at the time of its creation. As conflicts around the world drive increasing hate and division in our own City, it is imperative that Toronto renew its commitment to lasting peace at home and abroad.
While our commitment to its principles remains strong, engaged community members and advocates for peace have raised concerns about the present condition of Peace Garden. In 2010, the garden was moved from its previous location at the heart of Nathan Phillips Square to its present location at the west side of the square. Concerns have been raised about the maintenance of the site, and about the lack of public awareness about the garden and its message. There is a consensus that its current state does not reflect the importance of its message and meaning to our City.
Improving the maintenance of the garden and establishing a plan for its future at Nathan Phillips Square is one way for the City to advance and renew its commitment to peace.
txlseries4
Active Member
Was at NPS yesterday evening and the atmosphere was incredible. Many there to watch the World Cup games, and South by South East Festival was happening alongside it, with performances on stage between games, and various vendors in the NE corner. The mini pitches had youth games happening all day, and loads of tourists were there to take it in or get a photo in front of city hall/the Toronto sign. Later in the evening there was latin music & dancing starting near the skate rentals building. Really cool to see the square used for so many different things at one time and everyone getting along. SXSE runs until midnight tonight so I imagine today will be much of the same.