About the Friends of Allan Gardens

We are a volunteer-based organization that is working to imagine and lead the revitalization of Allan Gardens.

Mission

We aspire to grow the park and conservatory from their heritage roots as a horticultural garden of education, beauty, and cultural influence to become a year-round green oasis and vibrant destination at the heart of downtown Toronto. The Friends of Allan Gardens aims to share the stewardship of this land with Indigenous organizations and support groups throughout the city, and with our many benevolent society neighbours adjacent to the Gardens. We recognize the donation by George Allan to the citizens of Toronto of the five acres that became Allan Gardens, an early example of Canadian park philanthropy.

Vision & Impact

Growing with the City is our strategic vision and engagement document on the future of Allan Gardens. Click on the image below to learn more. Additionally, if you’d like to see our impact on the community, check out our annual report below too.

Staff

Matt Canaran, Executive Director

Matt joined Friends of Allan Gardens (FOAG) in 2021 as a volunteer who quickly became enthralled by the beauty of the gardens, and by the rich cultural diversity of park users. In 2022, he was hired as project manager to lead initiatives like the Miziwe Biik garden restoration, artistic bike rack installations, and the Growing with the City strategic plan. He also expanded his role to coordinate volunteers and manage FOAG’s programs, helping grow the organization’s community impact. In 2024, Matt was promoted to Executive Director, where he combines his expertise in landscape design, project management, community engagement and horticulture to lead FOAG in its mission to imagine and collaborate on the revitalization of Allan Gardens. For fun, Matt likes to garden, travel, and cook for his family and friends!

Charles Leonard, Community Coordinator

As a Community Coordinator at Allan Gardens, Charles is dedicated to nurturing vibrant communities and fostering meaningful connections. Through his involvement in leading weekly volunteer sessions and securing the PollinateTO grant alongside the Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT) and Friends of Allan Gardens (FOAG), he finds fulfillment in promoting biodiversity and sustainability. In his free time, Charles enjoys exploring nature and pursuing outdoor activities.

Li Xiao, Events Coordinator

Li is passionate about coordinating events and building strong community relationships. With a background in providing equitable services and policy work, they are excited to bring their expertise to serve Friends of Allan Gardens. They have a Masters of History with a specialization in Ethnic, Immigration, and Pluralism Studies from the University of Toronto. In their spare time, you can find them reading about Traditional Chinese Medicine and hanging out with their cat and dog!

Residencies

Amanda Johnson, Horticulturist in Residence

Amanda is an Urban Farmer, landscape apprentice and houseplant enthusiast. She is a true lover of growing plants and has grown everything from native flowers and cultural foods to tropical houseplants. Currently a vermicompost instructor and now the Horticultrist in Residence, Amanda will bring her focus in decolonizing horticultural spaces, passion for growing, and dedication to fostering community to the FOAG team. When she isn't at the Allan Gardens conservatories, she runs an online space called The Black Planter dedicated to documenting her experiences with growing. You can often find her at home tending to her garden or checking her worm farm & isopods colonies.

Board of Directors

  • Michael McClelland, Founder and Chair of Board

  • Ionela Florescu, Treasurer

  • Dana Alexandrescu

  • Laura Dean

  • Rina Fraticelli

  • Adele Freeman

  • Robert McKaye

  • Steven Shuttle

  • Brendan Stewart

Partners

  • City of Toronto, Parks Forestry & Recreation

  • Toronto Metropolitan University, Office of Social Innovation

  • Centre Francophone

  • Common Boots Theatre

  • GreenThumbs Growing Kids

  • Toronto & York Region Metis Council

  • Miziwe Biik

  • Dot Dot Dash

  • ERA Architects

  • Park People

  • Garden Club of Toronto