The cash stricken Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) didn’t receive the answer it was hoping for from the city last month: more funding.
The TBG asked the city’s parks committee on Oct. 5 for an increase in funding from $25,000 to $160,000.
According to executive director Aldona Satterthwaite, for the past 35 years funding given to the TBG has not changed and as it continues to grow it requires more money.
Satterthwaite says they are looking for funding for multiple years.
“We are looking for stability over multi years — we would love to establish good, stable funding for three to five years,” Satterthwaite said.
The funding request has been deferred by the parks committee until December and will be reviewed by the budget committee.
Counc. Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), who represents the area, said as there is no fee to visit, people should be encouraged to donate.
“[TBG] doesn’t have a lot of money to market themselves — if people experienced the site they would see what a gem it is,” Robinson said. “They would want to donate and be patrons.”
Many people don’t know the TBG receives more than $25,000 annually, she said.
“One hundred and seventy-five dollars is given to the botanical gardens by the city for operational expenses,” Robinson said.
Councillor Doug Holyday agreed the TBG needs funding, but the city doesn’t always have the means,
“The city does not have the financial resources to fund everything,” Holyday said.
Toronto Botanical Garden, located at Lawrence and Leslie St.