At its first town hall meeting since COVID, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) Thursday outlined the priority projects arising from its new Master Plan.
The 25-year plan, passed in 2020, suggests a series of new and elaborate projects aimed at connecting the RBG’s diverse properties, while creating unique destinations and experiences, all aimed at the goal of transforming the Gardens into a world-leading tourist, conservation, and environmental education destination.
CEO Nancy Rowland told an audience of about 100 supporters that work will start on three priority projects in 2023, including detailed planning related to the future developments of the RBG Centre, Hendrie Garden and the Arboretum.
The existing RBG headquarters, referred to as “Showcase Commons,” is to be upgraded over the next 25 years with new administration facilities, a restaurant, offices, archives, conference rooms, rental facilities, an auditorium, and classrooms. Parking would be moved underground and consideration is being given to the idea of a bridge over Plains Road.
Hendrie Park, referred to as “Showcase Gardens,” is to be completely rejuvenated with new gardens, enclosed glasshouses, fountains, lookout points, and a myriad of exotic plants.
All of these plans, however, remain long-term. The priority work to be done in 2023 is mainly behind-the-scenes planning.
“You won’t see any discernable changes in those two locations in 2023, but we’re going to finish the planning, confirming what elements of the projects make sense to go forward…looking to hire a multi-disciplinary design firm to advance us to concepts and to get input on the concepts through public consultations. Fundraising, a major capital campaign is obviously the next step,” said Rowland.
