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General Government Committee · 2026-06-02 · 2026.GG30.25

The filed record

Animate Nathan Phillips Square

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The decision

2026-06-24 · Toronto City Council · received

As filed

City Council on June 24 and 25, 2026, received Item GG30.25 for information.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

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.

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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.

Staff recommended

Councillor Paul Ainslie recommends that the General Government Committee: 1. Request 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.

Considered

  • 2026-06-02 · General Government Committee · forwarded without recommendation

    Decision as filed

    The General Government Committee forwards the item to City Council without recommendations.

    Clerk’s note

    The General Government Committee: 1. Requested the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to review the feasibility and associated costs of procuring and deploying seats and benches at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square and Albert Campbell Square for the 2026 summer season, and report directly to the June 24, 25 and 26, 2026 meeting of City Council with recommendations.

  • 2026-06-24 · Toronto City Council · received

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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