ANNUAL REPORT 2021
MISSION Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) connects people to plants, inspiring us to live in harmony with nature.
VISION Toronto Botanical Garden will be renowned for its display of nature’s beauty and as a dynamic hub for plant-centred learning, conservation, and research.
Board of Directors 2021-2022 Gordon Ashworth, Board Chair Tony DiGiovanni, Vice-Chair, Development Committee Chair Janice Winton, Treasurer, Finance & Audit Committee Chair Nicole Leaper, Secretary, Outreach Committee Chair Barb Anie Dianne Azzarello Adeline Cheng Michele Chandler Ben Cullen Lisa Ellis Susan Grundy, Governance Committee Chair Abdullah Hamidi Harry Jongerden, Mission Committee Chair Margareth Lobo Gault Ex Officio: Christina Iacovino (City of Toronto) Ingrid Smith (Milne House Garden Club) Marg Wilkinson (Garden Club of Toronto)
Land Acknowledgement We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg (a-NEESH-na-beg), the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee (ho-dee-noSHAW-nee) and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Photo: Lilibeth Villamayor
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021 – A Challenging Year In 2021, Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) was no different than most individuals and organizations. It was a most challenging year. For a second year, the activities of TBG were curtailed. There were personal visits to the gardens but organized events and educational activities were very limited as COVID lockdowns were in place. Our staff worked hard to offer Zoom seminars to the membership and maintained the outside gardens. 2021 saw turnover in the Board of Directors and I would like to thank those individuals for their service and thank the staff for their strong efforts on behalf of the membership. With the turnover of directors, we want to thank Cynthia Webb for taking on the role of Acting Chair ending with the Annual Meeting last June. At the annual meeting, the membership elected 12 new board members. After the meeting new officers were appointed, committees established and tasks assigned. The board’s major activity was the establishment, in the fall, of a search committee to seek out a new Executive Director to succeed David MacIsaac whose term ended in September. As the search got underway the board asked Harry Jongerden to take on the role of Interim Executive Director. I would like to thank David for his work for the past two years and wish him continued success in his pursuits. In 2021 the garden appointed a new Director of Horticulture, Roger Gettig. His experience has brought new insights to the garden and his passion has helped the staff and volunteers plan and progress through the COVID closures. The executive went to work at stabilizing the garden activities—a more extensive committee structure was established with all board members participating on at least one committee. One of the busiest committees was the Expansion Committee which sought out a landscape architect firm to work with the TBG to develop a comprehensive plan. 4
Photo: Sasan Beni
After an extensive process, the board awarded PMA Landscape Architects the contract. The board would like to thank three sets of donors who have provided the TBG with monies to allow the development of plans through the planning and design phase to the detailed drawing stage. Their vision and donations have allowed the organization to spend time on planning the future of TBG. The other major highlight of 2021 was the participation of the membership in the Hearts and Flowers 2021 Campaign. The board would like to thank Dianne Azzarello who was the Honorary Chair of the campaign. Dianne’s past experience with the Master Gardeners and on the Board of Directors allowed the campaign to be successful with over 312 individual contributors donating $139,754. These personal donations have allowed the garden to be close to breaking even this fiscal year. The other major contributor to the TBG in 2021 was the government sector. The federal government provided wage subsidy funds, the provincial government provided tourism support funds and the City of Toronto provided monies to support specific job support. These monies coupled with your personal donations allowed TBG to make it through 2021 along with the passionate involvement of our staff and volunteers. TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
MESSAGE FROM COUNCILLOR JAYE ROBINSON
In 2021 we also continued our work with the City of Toronto. The new long-term lease for the gardens was passed and work is underway to update our Management Agreement with the city as we move into the Expansion Planning. This will entail new Construction and Fundraising Agreements. The city also passed council motions allowing the TBG directors to assume management of endowment accounts that support the garden. The ups and downs of the COVID epidemic meant staff would plan and then have to cancel events as the epidemic worsened but one of the highlights of the year was the ability of staff and volunteers to host the annual Holiday Market and Open House. It was the first event of the COVID period that allowed members to visit inside the building. The event was a great success and proved the interest and devotion of the TBG membership.
As the local Councillor for Ward 15 – Don Valley West, I am proud to represent the Toronto Botanical Garden at City Hall. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, the TBG is not only a world-class botanical garden, but also a leader in public education about the relationship between people and plants. Trees, ravines, and green spaces are some of the most defining features of Toronto’s topography, and the TBG has always been a steadfast partner in preserving and protecting our natural assets. We are so fortunate to have this hidden gem in Don Valley West! Jaye Robinson City Councillor for Ward 15, Don Valley West
In conclusion, I would like to thank members, staff, and directors whose work and support allowed us to get through 2021. New awakenings are what 2022 will be about. Our new Executive Director Stephanie Jutila started in mid-January and the COVID restrictions were raised in February which will allow us to plan and have greater control over our future in a more ordered fashion allowing continued growth for Toronto Botanical Garden.
Gordon Ashworth Chair, Board of Directors
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Balancing our Mission and Business Objectives
The value of gardens and the important role natural spaces play in cities around the planet have been amplified during the pandemic. Whether to find solace or to gather with friends and family, natural places have been a haven for many. As an urban botanic garden, Toronto Botanical Garden plays a key role in uniting the City (and its residents) with nature. If anything, the second year of the pandemic meant that we were all more practiced in what it meant to be in a sustained lockdown—making the most of our remote learning opportunities, conducting business remotely, and spending ample time outdoors. Throughout 2021 our members and greater community visited the garden frequently and joined us for an abundance of online remote learning opportunities. Here at the TBG, we closed the books in 2021, grateful for our steadfast supporters standing by our side, and the guidance of many as the organization prepared for leadership changes. Now that we have navigated the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic and leadership changes, we have arrived in a new place. I want to illuminate what lies ahead for 2022 and beyond. At the cornerstone of our future is balancing our mission and business objectives. The mission drives the business, and the business supports the mission. At the TBG we are focused on building strong partnerships, engaging a diverse community, and growing a team with the capacity to achieve bold goals. After all, the strength of human relationships makes it possible to achieve something that not one of us can achieve on our own. When I arrived in January 2022, I inherited a lean team. With the thresholds of the lockdown being lifted throughout the first quarter of 2022 and the TBG opening to the public, we focused
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on rebuilding our team and filling key vacancies in our Education and Development offices, while also building back key support functions to our operation and the guest experience. Through an expanded team, we can also extend our delivery programs and engage our audience in the wonder of plants. Following nearly two straight years of lockdown, the TBG reopened the building on February 24, welcoming back garden visitors, plant societies, and clubs that call the TBG their home, resuming in-person programs and private rentals. Our volunteers and staff are now back on site, steadfast and ready to do the work which we are all so passionate about. Financially, we are gaining steadiness. Historically the TBG has had to rely on its line of credit during the first quarter of the year. Thanks to a strong Hearts and Flower annual giving campaign at the close of 2021, the steadfastness of our membership, and the continued support of pandemic relief programs we have not touched the line of credit in 2022. We were able to bring our seasonal horticulturists back in February, several weeks earlier than in prior years. Our team is focused on activating the garden, and welcoming back visitors while increasing engagement in our mission and expanding our revenues. Our Spring Plant Sale returned after a two-year hiatus and we have introduced Plantapalooza—a series of pop-up plant sales throughout the season. Our treasured garden tour, Through the Garden Gate, and the Edwards Summer Music Series are returning in full swing this summer. And, our Adult Education programs have a mixed offering of in-person and remote classes. Family and youth programs are on a limited basis until our Education department is built back up.
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Beyond the day-to-day operation, we continue to prepare for future growth. In 2021, the TBG engaged PMA Landscape Architects to advance the City of Toronto’s 2018 Site Master Plan for the TBG and Edwards Gardens through the design development stages. 2021 was focused on stakeholder engagements, concept development, and schematic design. The Schematic Design phase essentially means that we are looking down at the land from a 10,000-foot view, working to develop the ideas we will soon advance to the human or building scale. Throughout the summer of 2022, we will be focused on the design development along with the business plans and fundraising feasibility that will support the Expansion plans to move forward into fundraising and, ultimately, construction. While it may appear to be a slow process, a lot is happening at every step of the design process to assure the garden’s future success. In 2022 we will also refresh the TBG’s strategic plan, assuring that the TBG continues to be relevant, welcoming, and inspiring to you, and our diverse community. Steady as we go, we will continue to deepen the vital role the TBG has in the quality of life and our regional ecosystems. As your new leader, I am grateful for you, our steadfast and loyal supporters. I look forward to working together to create a great garden for Toronto and the planet. All the best, Stephanie
Stephanie Jutila Executive Director ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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A YEAR IN REVIEW Stabilization of the Organization Navigating the Pandemic Lockdown 2021 was another challenging year with continued closures and revenue reductions brought on by the pandemic which struck in March 2020. Notwithstanding these challenges, and with the support of members, volunteers and donors, the TBG finished the year in a stable financial position. We modernized our technology, moved to cloud-based software, and upgraded hardware through restricted donations and awarded grants. Election of a New Board in 2021 In June, a large number of board members completed their terms, creating the opportunity to elect 12 new directors with the expertise and passion needed to build the future garden. In April, a call for nominations was sent out and we received over 100 applications. We are very thankful for the time and efforts contributed by the retiring directors. In addition, a special thank you to Gino Scapillati who retired as Board Chair, and Cynthia Webb who retired as Vice-Chair. In September, Gordon Ashworth was elected as the incoming Board Chair. Navigating Leadership Changes
Photo: Danny Goldman
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In June, Harry Jongerden retired after five years as the Executive Director followed by four years as the Garden Director. In September, David McIsaac completed his term as CEO. Harry Jongerden was asked to step in as Interim Executive Director while the board launched an international search for a new Executive Director.
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Partnership with the City of Toronto
Photo: Marissa Catena
Extension of the Management Agreement
Working Closely with our Partners
With the support of Councillor Jaye Robinson, the Garden extended the Management Agreement with the city. The city has shown confidence in the TBG and our shared dream to create a world-class botanical garden.
As the TBG grows and evolves we are strengthening our partnership with our counterparts in the City of Toronto with regular monthly meetings. Our teams are aligned in our shared goals and working together in the stewardship of gardens and sharing resources with an eye to the future. Together we remain dedicated to maintaining gardens that are free to access for the people of Toronto and our visitors. Our shared success relies on building and maintaining a strong partnership.
Photo: Gail M. Murray
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Moving forward with the Expansion Project
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Selection of Lead Design Consultant
Donor Support
Five finalist landscape architecture firms were winnowed down to two firms in a highly competitive process. The selection committee was unanimous in their decision which received board approval, in selecting PMA Landscape Architects (PMA) as our lead design consultants.
Launching the expansion planning process was made possible through the generous financial support and exemplary commitment of a group of donors who contributed to the detailed design project. Our deepest gratitude to them for sharing our vision of creating an extraordinary botanical garden for the people of Toronto.
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Photo: Jun Peng
Photo: Ying Wang
Photo: Joanne Cantrill
Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement Starting in April, the board and staff participated in two visioning sessions along with stakeholder interviews conducted by Frontier to develop a visioning framework document. This was followed by a programming workshop led by PMA and a sustainability workshop in September led by Urban Equation. Building Board Capacity
Refinement of the Schematic Design
In preparation for our capital project, we recruited two new members. Mike Schreiner, a recently retired Director of Capital Projects for Toronto’s Parks Department, and Melanie Sifton, the former Executive Director of the Humber Arboretum and VP for Horticulture at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
PMA in concert with an impressive team of specialized consultants worked through the key stages of the Schematic Design process, testing the 2018 master plan, incorporating stakeholder feedback, and defining the character of the future Garden.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Member and Volunteer Engagement Membership Support Continued to be Strong Throughout 2021 Membership was maintained at 2,200 households. Member benefits continued throughout the pandemic with an increased number of members participating in our free online member lectures and adult learning programs. Three membership drives were conducted around Valentine’s Day, Black Friday, and in the fall with a seed-giveaway promotion. Membership can now be purchased or renewed online when registering for adult education programs or tours. TBG Lecture Series Continued Free for Members The TBG Lecture Series was offered online for members and volunteers as a benefit of membership. Lectures included: • M arch 1 - Caring for the Ravine: How do we measure ecosystem health? with Ecologist Katherine Baird • M ay 20 - A Bloom’s Story: From Breeder to Trial Garden with Tanya Carvalho • S eptember 27 - The Autumn Garden: Selecting Trees and Shrubs with Late Season Appeal with Vincent Simeone • O ctober 25 - Toronto’s next big conservation opportunity with Birds Canada
Photo: June D’Souza
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TBG gives us a lots of pleasure with beautiful gardens, informative lectures, library and social gatherings. TBG Member and Donor
New Members Only Birding with Beni Garden Tour In July and August, we hosted a new member-only birding tour led by our Seasonal Horticulturist Sasan Beni. This tour was free with two available dates, July 24 and August 28. Due to popular demand for this program, additional birding tours have been added throughout the year. Volunteers are the Heartbeat of our Garden Our team is energized by their presence and partnership. And our garden is stronger with volunteers on the team. Our ability to welcome back our volunteers into the building was curtained by health and safety concerns. Our volunteer workforce was reduced by threequarters. However, even with fewer resources, our loyal volunteers continued to be flexible and continued to support outdoor activities including guided tours and volunteer teams in the garden. The shop continued to be supported by volunteers and towards the end of the year, we welcomed back our library volunteers who assisted in reopening library services in person.
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Photo: Gail M. Murray
Guided Tours of the Garden Continued 18 volunteer guides, seven of whom were also Toronto Master Gardeners, took 480 visitors on guided tours of the garden and adjacent natural areas, logging 115 volunteer hours. New Online Guided Tours Developed We partnered with Heygo Tours to launch free virtual garden tours on their platform as part of a botanical gardens feature in August. This service was free and the virtual tours were also free, with an opportunity to make a ‘tip’ at the end of the tour. Over 900 individuals from all over the world signed up for our free, online tours.
Volunteering at the TBG is an important part of my life. Garden Volunteer
I see the results of our work in the garden and it is very satisfying to see how visitors appreciate its beauty. Garden Volunteer
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Building and Strengthening our Education Shift to Online Learning Despite the challenges of lockdowns and uncertainty, Adult Education was able to keep momentum throughout 2021 by pivoting to online learning which provided an opportunity for growth with this new delivery method. Over the year the TBG offered a total of 50 programs: 42 online programs either through Zoom Meeting or Zoom Webinar plus four outdoor programs and four indoor programs. Follow-up surveys to participants gave the online courses an overall rating of 4 out of 5. Over 80 per cent of respondents said they would recommend TBG online programming to others. Development of a Learning Management System (LMS) Building on the lessons learned during the transition to online learning, the TBG took steps toward building asynchronous learning opportunities through a Learning Management System (LMS). With the goal of creating content that is owned by TBG and can be accessed at the learner’s leisure, Adult Education began work on an LMS pilot project with the assistance of an educational consultant. These types of asynchronous learning opportunities will be available regardless of future closures, lockdowns, or resistance to in-person learning.
Adult Education by the numbers
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50
131.5
Program offerings
Learning hours
1,794
$40,554
Registered participants
Gross revenue
64%
36%
Member enrolment
Public enrolment
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Photo: Ti-An Demartines
All the sessions have been fantastic and I’m learning so much! Online Class Participant
Two New Online Family Programs were Developed Children and family programs also transitioned to online learning. Online family workshops were designed to inspire the whole family to get outside and support family gardening initiatives. These paid, online workshops were led by dynamic instructors in live Zoom presentations. The second series to launch was Storytime in the Garden, an online author series developed in partnership with Kids Can Press that featured children’s authors whose books connect with gardens, nature, and the environment. These free, live, online Zoom presentations invited families to connect with wonderful authors, storytellers, and illustrators. During each program, presenters read from their books, share stories and answer questions. Six Storytime in the Garden programs were joined by over 300 participants from across Canada and even some from the USA. The Garden Shop also offered the featured books for purchase at the store and online. This program was generously supported by Joan Wright. School Programs were Paused A comprehensive feasibility analysis regarding the school programs for 2020/21 was done with the recommendation to pause programs since the school system was struggling with online/ in-person learning, all school field trips were cancelled and we were unsure about future lockdowns. In fall 2021, we hired a freelance consultant to help rebuild the school programs, for online and in-person learning for grades K-6, supporting the Ontario Curriculum Life Sciences outcomes. ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Photo: June D’Souza
Investing in the Garden New Trial Gardens were Created in Partnership with Ball Flora Horticulture Under the direction of Ball’s Horticultural Specialist Tanya Carvalho, the horticulture team and enthusiastic garden volunteers planted new trial gardens. In total, the plantings were comprised of more than 65 of Ball Flora Horticultural’s recently introduced annuals. Some were so new they would not be available to consumers until the following year. Located near the greenhouse, the trial beds showcased annuals for sun and shade as well as varieties that attract pollinators. These gardens were full of bold combinations of colour and texture. Photographers lined the path in front of the ‘Purple and Bloom’ and ‘Roman Red’ Salvias in hopes of capturing the hummingbirds who were big fans of the salvia. Seasonal Gardeners Return at the End of March New funding allowed our gardeners to return earlier than usual which made a positive impact on the start of the season. The Woodland Walk as well as other areas of the garden received much-needed, early-season rejuvenation pruning.
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Re-establishing the Piet Oudolf Entry Garden In consultation with Tony Spencer who is an avid supporter of the Dutch master Piet Oudolf, plans were developed to reestablish the original plantings in the garden. With the support of donor funds, spring ephemerals were added during the ongoing restoration work. New Director of Horticulture In September we welcomed Roger Gettig as the new Director of Horticulture. Roger served many roles at Holden Forests & Gardens in Kirtland, Ohio for over the last 25 years, including VP of Horticulture & Conservation, and Curator of Living Collections & Land Assets. He played a key role in planning and managing gardens, as well as conducting public outreach in horticulture. He has a B.Sc. in horticulture from The Ohio State University and an M.Sc. in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Funding and Grants Successful Grant Applications In March, we invested in grant writing and submitted seven grant applications and four were successful, totaling $463,900 in additional funding. New Partner in the Ravine Restoration A new partnership with the Intact Foundation (Intact Insurance) and the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, to further the collection of baseline data needed for expansion. Multi-year Funding for the Weston Family Library A new multi-year gift from the Dalglish Family Foundation was received to fund day-to-day library operations over the next three years. In August, a librarian was hired to reopen and reinvigorate the library services with the addition of curbside pickup and access to new online resources and databases.
I’ve come to the garden to walk, to relax, to wander, to wonder, to seek, to see, to heal, to learn, to educate, to inspire and to be inspired – a lifetime love affair that is far from over. Dianne Azzarello Honorary Hearts & Flowers Campaign Chair
Awarded Ontario Trillium Fund – Community Building Fund In early October, Lisa McLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Cultural Industries held a press conference at TBG where she announced that TBG would receive a $247,400 grant. The Ontario government provided more than $46 million to support 648 nonprofit tourism, culture, sport, and recreation organizations through its Community Building Fund. The funding helped the TBG recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing operational relief to assist with salaries, and monthly fees. Hearts and Flowers Campaign raised $139,754 Launching in October, the annual giving campaign was supported by 312 donors. During this end-of-year appeal, our donors doubled their impact on #GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement taking place each year. Thanks also to our valued connection with Landscape Ontario and the support of an anonymous donor who matched all online donations made on November 29th, up to $25,000.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Photo: Danny Goldman
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Outreach and Events Digital Trellis Magazine
Attractions Week
Four issues of Trellis magazine were published, filled with good news from the TBG, stunning plant images, and informative gardening articles. Many thanks to the talented team of freelance writers, editors, proofreaders, and photographers who donate their time and talents. Our online publications delivered through the ISSUU platform received 76,526 impressions and 26,427 reads.
During the start of October, the TBG participated in the inaugural Attractions Week, hosted by the Toronto Attractions Council and supported by Destination Toronto and the City of Toronto. This was a 10-day celebration of Toronto’s best attractions with special offers to encourage hyperlocal tourism. The TBG hosted fall colours tours with special lunch offerings provided by the TBG Bloom Cafe.
Fashion in the Garden
Return of In-person Events
In June the TBG partnered with Fashion Art Toronto to host a Virtual Fashion Show in our garden. TBG received mentions on social media reaching out to new online audiences.
In September the Book and Bulb Sale invited visitors back to the garden and in December, the annual Holiday Market and Open House invited members and visitors back into the building, featuring over 40 local artisans showcasing their green and sustainable products just in time for holiday gift-giving. The shop was filled with home decor, seasonal greens and TBG’s own honey. Members were invited to a VIP lounge to enjoy some holiday cheer and a relaxing shopping experience.
Online Annual General Meeting On June 17 the TBG hosted its second Online Annual General Meeting with over 300 members in attendance. Summer Photography Contest In July, we launched a new garden photography contest to engage our visitors. 85 submissions were received and two $100 prizes were donated by CF Shops at Don Mills. This Annual Report showcases the quality of the submissions we received, and the cover image of a peony was the contest winner.
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TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Photo: Herman Vinther
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In January, the TBG appoints new Executive Director Stephanie Jutila.
Building our future garden for all
In February, Seasonal Horticulturists returned to the garden and the Visitor Centre reopened after nearly two years of lock-down. The horticulture team added new life to the lobby with the addition of window boxes filled with interesting houseplants. Other public spaces were refreshed or received a deep cleaning. The Garden Shop was restocked in preparation for increased visitor traffic.
The team hosted a series of meetings focused on activating the site, increasing audience, revenues, and engagement in the mission including preparing for the Spring Plant Sale and additional pop-up retail events. In-person events and educational programs returned and online programs continued.
The new funding was received through successful grant submissions including the Ontario Trillium Foundation - Resilient Communities Fund to support volunteer services, AV upgrades to the Floral Hall, online marketing, specialized event assistance, and new fundraising technology enhancements.
New funding from a private donor and PollinateTO was received to support strategic additions to the Perennial Border, 300 plants added to a new Pollinator Garden along with interpretive signage and QR codes.
Team members participated in an Indigenous Workshop with the commitment to continued engagement and consultations. Stakeholder engagement in the Expansion Schematics led by PMA resulted in the board’s approval to move forward with design development. 20
Built a budget for 2022 based on pre-pandemic projections.
The Edwards Summer Music Series returns with eight FREE outdoor concerts showcasing contemporary Canadian talent with funding support from the Edwards Charitable Foundation.
Investments were made for the future while stabilizing the foundation of the organization. Multiyear Strategic Planning will take place at the end of 2022.
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
TBG BY THE NUMBERS 2021
2,200+
625
18%
households hold Toronto Botanical Garden annual memberships
donations were received throughout the year
of donors contributed multiple times throughout the year
250,000
4,527
1,000s
Approximate number of visitors to the garden
plants representing 2,610 taxa (species and cultivars) from 116 plant families
of visitors contributed to our garden through paid parking, in addition to members and volunteers who enjoyed free parking
1,794
X3
50
participants registered for Adult Education programs
Course enrollment tripled from 2019 to 2021
educational programs offered – 42 online and eight in person
132
6,320
18
volunteers supported the library, shop, garden, tours and one special event
total volunteer hours – equivalent to three full-time staff positions
volunteer guides led 480 visitors on guided tours of the garden and wild spaces throughout summer and fall logging 115 volunteer hours
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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DONOR RECOGNITION Thank you, 2021 supporters! Toronto Botanical Garden gratefully acknowledges the generosity of our donors whose unwavering support continues to help us achieve our goals. Annual contributions from our donors, members, friends, foundations, corporations, and commemorative memorial plantings, are critical to sustaining our activities, programs, events, and exhibitions.
Toronto Botanical Garden enjoys the lasting friendship of individuals who are generous with their time and financial support of TBG’s mission, special projects, and major needs. We wish to recognize their visionary support.
We acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the following individuals, members, charitable foundations, and corporate partners whose gifts enable the TBG to remain a relevant and vibrant cultural centre for all to enjoy.
$250,000+ Anonymous (3) $100,000 - $249,999 The Dalglish Family Foundation
Garden Visionaries Mary and Mark Cullen O.C. Lindsay Dale-Harris and Rupert Field-Marsham Kathy and George Dembroski Susan and Geoffrey Dyer Susan Loube and Bill Acton Joan and Jerry Lozinski Frances and Timothy Price Penny and Robert Richards The Edwards Charitable Foundation The Dalglish Family Foundation The W. Garfield Weston Foundation
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$50,000 - $99,999 Frances & Timothy Price Intact Foundation $25,000 - $49,999 Anonymous(1) $10,000 - $24,999 Joy Gray-Donald Joan & Jerry Lozinski Nancy Love The Civic Garden Centre Foundation The Garden Club of Toronto Anonymous (1) $5,000 - $9,999 Anne Arrell Myint & Jay Gillespie Joyce Johnson Harry Jongerden Patricia Martin Tanisha Sri Bhaggiyadatta Jane Wright The Willowool Foundation
$2,500 - $4,999 Gordon Ashworth Dianne Azzarello Mary Fisher Irene Gish Peter & Eleanor Heinz Hermann Kircher Michelle Lui Lynne Ormrod Penny & Robert Richards Dean Summerville Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association $1,000 - $2,499 Linda Boyko Janet & Douglas Davis Tony DiGiovanni Susan Eckenwalder Jennifer Ferguson Margareth & Don Gault Derryn Gill Ian Gillespie Louise M. Golding Susan Grundy Lorraine Hunter Isaac Ip Alison Kenn Nancy Laurie Marjorie Lenz Susan Lipchak Patricia Main Mundy McLaughlin Charles Moses TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
John O’Neill Lynne Patterson Mary Jean Potter Gwendolyn Rattle Michael Schreiner Janice Winton Chawkers Foundation Charities Aid Foundation Of Canada Ontario Rock Garden and Hardy Plant Society $500 - $999 Hanadi Ayoubi Karen Barnett Tim Bates Anne Bawden Sandra Beech Michele Chandler Bryan & Shaina Davis Michael Dolbey Lyn Hickey Mark Hirowatari David Johnson Barbara Keilhauer Jean Kitchen Elizabeth Korpal Cathy Kozma Nicole Leaper Peter Lewis Janette MacDonald Joanna MacDonald Lorna Marsden Linda Martin Robyn Matsumoto Caroline McRobie Deane & Mary Nesbitt Susan Gustavison Judith Torrie Lisa Van Camp Southern Ontario Orchid Society Benevity Causes Sunflower Gardens The Henry White Kinnear Foundation Up to $500 Patricia Abcede Janet Aitken Debbie Allan Catherine Ambler Majda Ambrozic Gwen Amelard Katy Anderson ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Linda Andrews Barbara Anie Judith Arai Caroline Arai Anne Arkell Mara Arndt Anne Aston Linda Averill Carol Bairstow Jeanne Banka Wayne Barker Brian Barron Virginia Barton Maria Barzowski Phyllis Bassett Helen Battersby Brian Beattie Deborah Beatty Gail Bebee Judith Beca Carole Bell Dmitry Beniaminov Martha Benitez Doug Bennet Margaret Bennet-Alder Rachel Berman Laura Berntson Bonnie Beverley Isabelle Bikowski Blair Bishop Deborah Black Lesley Blades Joanna Blanchard Jocelyn Bloomfield Gail Boire Elizabeth Bolton Bruce Bone Victoria Boukydis Joan Bowker Nancy Bowslaugh Madolyn Bradley Margaret Brady Elise Brais Elemi Breetvelt Gloria Broks Virginia Brooks Susan Brown Margaret Buchinger Lise Buisson Joyce Burns Michele Bussieres Veronica Callinan V Capuani Denise Cargill Ellen Carr
John Cartmell Paul Casey Tracy Cass Tina Cesaroni Mary Chant Anne Cheung Lucian Childs Ellen Clark Cynthia Clarkson Renée Clegg Deborah Cloakey Noah Cole Muriel Comay Judi Conacher Penelope Connor Rosalie Cowan Heather Craigie Deb Cross Anne Crowley Anne Cruickshank Bianca Da Costa Pat de Valence Nancy Dengler Lisa Der Chantale Deslauriers Les DeSouza Rosemary Dimuantes Sylvie Dion Lynn Donahue Petra Donnelly Dora Douklias Emily Dovbniak Mary Dupuis Lisa Ellis Barbara English Bonnie Evans Sonja Evans Sami Fakhouri Sheri Ferdinand-Brugel Robert Fisher Lorraine Flanigan Barbara Fleming Mercedes Forrest Sally Forrest Barbara Foster Marie Fourmy Beverly Francato Dov Freedman Ethel Freeman Lucie Frirdich Lorraine Frost Leila Gad Vicky Garbutt Heather Gardiner Jean Gardiner 23
Nicole Gardner Piera Gasparotto Carol Gaylor Malcolm Geast Sandra Geddes Paul Gellatly Helen Georgopoulos Ruth Gladstone Ashley Goertz Lori Goldberg Rebecca Golding Diane Gooderham Diane Gore Patricia Gostick Nancy Graham Catherine Graham Valerie Grant Trudy Grantham Joanne Greene Joan Griffin-Pridmore Bayla Gross George Gross Doug Grundy Christy Gustavison James Harbell Steve Hardacre Carol Harding Patricia Harris Ruth Harvey Claire Harvey Linda Harvey-Rioux Naneve Hawke Hanna Heger Elaine Hill Moira Hill Jody Hitchcock Julie Hogg Heather Horner Martha Huffman Maureen Hulbert Lorna Hutchinson Wendy Hutchinson Kyle Hutzler Zainab Isam Blerina Islamaj Jane James Andrew Jestin Xu Biao (Bob) Jiang Sara Jina Madeleine Joffe Elaine Johnson Sylvia Jones Stephanie Jutila Nancy Kaczor Dmitri Kanovich 24
Janet Karn Karen Kelly Archer Elizabeth Kelman Georgie Kennedy Diane Kerbel Susan Kerney Elizabeth King Elizabeth Kirk Maureen Kirkos Brenda Kisic Raymond Ko Mary Kot Anne Kotyk Tim Kuboniwa Sybil Leacock Susan Leask Kim Man Lee Teresa Lee Mary LeQuoc Desmond Levin Sheena Levitt Kevin Li Marilyn Linghorne Anne Liphardt Trevor Lloyd Gloria Lockyer Eleanor J. Loebel Gillian Long Linda Luciani Siri Luckow Larry Lundy Linda Lynott Leanne M Burkholder Susan Macaulay Ian MacRae Marion Magee Judy Malkin Karen Mann Christine March Jaclyn Marcus Doug & Patricia Markle Susan Martin Kathy Martin Pamela Mazza Inta McCaughey Paul Mccracken Terry McCrorie Nancy McFadyen Ann McGuire Leslie McIntosh Erin McKane Patty McKnight Susan McLennan Emily Mcleod Inga McNamara
Anne Medlock Miriam Melamed Jim Melvin Stephanie Meredith Lannie Messervey Marg Metzger Mary-Lee Meyer-Balconi Julie Michailidis Noreen Mitchell Sandra Moore Shelley-Ann Morgan Belinda Morin Barbara Morris Mary Mosser Cheryl Moyer Frances Mulville Patricia Munoz June Murdoch Dominique Nanoff Sheila Nasmith Joanne Neglia Jan Neuman Louisa Newbury Linda Nicholas Sandra Niemy Eva Nightingale Ellen Novack Lindsay Nyquist Charles O’Hara May Ohlhoff Helen Ohorodnyk Marie Jose Overweel Anna Pace Myrna Pagan Valerie Panaroni Cathy Park Melanie Parker Kimberly Parlee Bonita Parshuram Catherine Paterson Joan Patterson Louise Paul L Paul Wendy Pauling Bruce Peer Catherine Peer Laurie Perek Katy Petre Sandra Phipps Catherine Pitt Sylvia Pivko Lorraine Pollock Eric Poon Jannette Porter Alla Preobrazhensky TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Igor & Alla Preobrazhensky Ruth Price Andrew Pruss Sheila Purdy Luba Quadrini Katherine Quan Gisele Quesnel-Oke Konrad Radacz Marguerite Ramsey Catherine Rand Robin Rankin Richard Rawlins Tisch Reaney Joy Reddy Flavia Redelmeier Tim Reynolds Jenny Rhodenizer Robert Richards Anne Richards Terry Ritson Lee Robbins Rose Roberts Barbara Rosensweig Don & Jill Roughley Margaret Rousseau Kathleen Russell Victoria Russell Berenice Saracoglu Karen Sasaki Mary & George Sasaki David Sasaki Aldona Satterthwaite Sarah Saunders Marguerite Savidant David Schachow Nadene Schuster Susan Schwab Dawn Scott Marilyn Scott Ricki Sernick William Shellington Kim & Shirley Shikaze Jeff Shikaze Patricia Sidhom Rochelle Silverberg Robert Simpson Maureen Simpson Susan Siskind Helen Skinner Carol Ann Slipetz Jeffrey Smith Caroline Smith Ibolya Smith Ingrid Smith Jennifer Smith ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Debbie Snelgrove Elaine Solway Julie Sommerfreund Myra Sourkes Margaret Spence Joanne Spencer Markus Stadelmann-Elder Beverly Stager Brian Stearns Sue Stephenson Sandra Stevens Carol Stevenson Marlene Stewart Irene Stokes Patricia Stone Patricia Stowe Rochelle Strauss Sara Street Lauren Stricker Barbara Stuart Nancy Sutherland Sylvia Szot Ana Sztabinski Beverley Takaoka Jane Takaoka Naomi Takasaki Daniele Talbot Debbie Tam Julie Tator Andrew Tavchar Patricia A Taylor Frances Teixeira Frances Telch Peter Thompson Sheila Thomson Gay Thomson Lee Till Connie Uetrecht Toshio Ushiroguchi-Pigott Judith van Bastelaar Jean van de Water Michael van Vlymen Lucy Van Wyk Angela Vassos Martin Vaughan Natasha Vekris Nimet Visram Mark Vitelli Jane von Bredow Robert Waddell Martin Wade Marnie Walker Patricia Wallis Marion Warburton Nancy Watchorn
Tim Watson Christopher Webb Rosemary West Harold White Sheila White Linda White Gail Whiteside Marilyn Wiebe Suzanne Wilcox Margaret Wilkinson Michael Wilkinson Patricia Williams Douglas Wilson Joan Winearls Brenda Wong Elisa Wood Audrey Wos Karen Wynnychuk Mary Yannakis Jean Yee Tami Zimner Judith Zoltai Jan Zurowski Assistive Device Program IATSE Local 58 Charitable Fund Kvantsoft Inc Breakthru Beverage Canada (Sales Team) Burgundy Legacy Foundation Sknaber Limited CUPE973 The Cultivated Garden Johnny Lombardi Public School
Our annual donor listing recognizes those who have made new gifts or pledges to TBG between January 1 and December 31, 2021. We have made every effort to ensure all donor names are listed correctly. Please contact us at 416-397-1483 about any errors or omissions, so we can update our records accordingly.
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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the Year Ending December 31, 2021 (Reported in thousands of dollars)
REVENUE
2021
2020
2019
Donations, grants and subsidies (note 1) Events Rentals Retail operations Education Membership Parking Investments and other income (note 2) Expansion project
1,204 158 193 51 83 265 231 571
1,306 83 223 32 84 258 114 236
1,755 266 530 540 231 106 148 38 207
Total Revenue
2,756
2,336
3,821
Salaries and benefits Other operating costs Retail Education and tours Professional fees Systems Amortization Expansion
1,204 1,030 89 20 143 222 30 61
1,256 495 103 3 36 240 35 291
1,741 761 277 73 48 108 300
Total Expenditures
2,799
2,459
3,308
Excess (deficit) of revenues over expenditures for the year before under-noted items Amortization of deferred contributions Amortization of leasehold improvements
(43) 338 (338)
(123) 338 (338)
513 338 (338)
(43)
(123)
513
EXPENDITURES
EXCESS (DEFICIT) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR
NOTES 1. TBG applied for $323,486 (2020 - $372,406) from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program which is included in Donations grants and subsidies on the statement of operations. TBG also applied for $102,408 (2020 - nil) from the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program which is included in Donations, grants and subsidies on the statement of operations. 2. Unspent deferred capital contributions - during the year, $101,672 of the unspent funds were approved by the donor to be re-purposed and applied to general operating expenses to compensate for these costs. The amount has been included in Investment and other revenue on the statement of operations. 3. Expansion expenses for 2021 were integrated with other lines of expenses. Total expenses were $571,000 which were offset by revenue of the same amount. 4. Financial statements for 2019 (January 1 to December 31) were audited by Rosenwig McRae Thorpe LLP. Financial statements for 2020 and 2021 (January 1 to December 31) were audited by KPMG LLP.
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TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
2021 RESULTS TBG was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic again in 2021. Overall revenue declined by almost 30% with the majority of our revenue generating activities significantly impacted. TBG continued to focus on online and virtual programs where possible in order to overcome several of the challenges caused by the pandemic. In addition, TBG leveraged all government programs and subsidies available to us, including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery programs (THRP). In 2019, our organization received extraordinary support of $500,000 from a number of long time supporters which provided an operating surplus. For 2018, the situation was very different with additional expenditures and investments ($639,000) which resulted in an operating loss. After isolating the effects of these extraordinary items, TBG maintained a close to break-even result similar to each of the past five years.
5 YEAR FINANCIAL HISTORY (Reported in thousands of dollars)
Revenue Expenditures Adjustment for items noted below
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2,756 2,799 -
2,336 2,459 -
3,821 3,308 (500)
2,609 3,728 639
2,571 2,566 -
(43)
(123)
13
(30)
5
Adjusted surplus/(loss) for the year
Adjusted for Extraordinary Gifts (2019) and non-recurring expenditures and investments (2018)
REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS (2019-21) (Reported in thousands of dollars)
2021
2020
2019
$2,000 1755
$1,500
$1,000
934 778
540
530 $500
426
372 266 83 0
$0 Donations and grants
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Government subsidies
0
51
0 Events
Rentals
Retail operations
265 258
231
193 223
158
32
Education
83 84 106 Membership
231 148
114 38
Parking
Investments and other
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777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2 T E W
416-397-1341 info@torontobotanicalgarden.ca torontobotanicalgarden.ca TorontoBotanicalGarden @TBG_Canada TBG_Canada
Cover photo: Ti-An Demartines