We are calling on the City of Toronto to halt plans to remove a native pollinator garden located at the northwest edge of Trinity Bellwoods Park, near the dog bowl.

This garden was created in good faith by a local resident after her contractor damaged park property and Parks staff required restoration. In consultation with the park manager at the time, she replaced what was an underused and deteriorated strip of turf with a thoughtfully designed native pollinator garden—at her own expense.

Since then, the garden has transformed a neglected area into a vibrant and well-maintained part of the park. It supports pollinators and urban biodiversity, and has been appreciated by many park users. It is maintained entirely at private cost, with no burden to the City.

Importantly, this is not an encroachment or privatization of public land. The garden is fully public, not visible from the adjacent home, and provides no exclusive benefit—only a shared improvement to the park.

Despite this, the City has directed that the garden be removed and is now pursuing legal action to enforce its removal.

This response is disproportionate. The work was undertaken in good faith, with the knowledge of Parks staff, and results in a clear public benefit. Removing the garden would eliminate a valued space, waste a significant private investment, and discourage community-led improvements to public space.

We urge the City of Toronto to reconsider and work toward a constructive solution that allows the garden to remain—such as through a stewardship agreement or permit.

This is an opportunity to support community initiative, not penalize it.

Sign this petition to help protect this garden and support thoughtful, community-driven improvements to our public spaces.