Not sure if this fits here but....
MM40.27 - Accepting a Donation from the Friends of University Avenue for the Lighting Installation at University Median Park, Between Elm Street and College Street on University Avenue - by Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Jamaal Myers
Notice of Motion
Consideration Type: ACTIONWards: All
Attention
*Notice of this Motion has been given.
*This Motion is subject to referral to the Economic and Community Development Committee. A two-thirds vote is required to waive referral.
April 22, 2026 - A communication was posted.
Recommendations
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Jamaal Myers, recommends that:
1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to accept an in-kind donation valued at approximately $755,000.00 which consists of the Enhancement project along the University Avenue median between Elm Street and College Street known as Radiant Journey and a cash donation of $32,500.00 for the maintenance of the Enhancements and flowers to be planted in the median in the fall of 2026.
2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to execute an agreement with the Friends of University Avenue to accept the Enhancements and cash donation on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in accordance with the City’s Donations Policy, and in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Summary
Radiant Journey (previously known as Reimaging University Avenue.) is an enhancement project of the University Avenue median between Elm Street and College Street, consisting of lighting installations and plantings (the “Enhancements”), that was led by the non-profit Friends of University Avenue. Founded in 2017 by Christine Ralphs, inspired by time spent on University Avenue during her husband Peter’s cancer treatment and her own care at Princess Margaret Hospital she wanted to make the area safer, brighter, and more welcoming for patients, families, healthcare workers, and the community. The project involved collaboration with design, architecture, and landscape experts along with the City, with a focus on urban lighting, greening, and public art. It features a 380‑metre illuminated display with 20,000 lighting control points, including the Lightwave installation synchronized to a heartbeat audio track and median plantings restored with durable, low‑maintenance, year‑round species. These Enhancements were installed through a construction and licence agreement authorized through
2021.MM30.18.
The Friends of University Aveenue is proposing an in-kind donation of the Enhancements valued at approximately $755,000.00 and a cash donation of $32,500.00 of which $30,000.00 will be allocated to maintenance and $2,500.00 will be allocated to Parks and Recreation for flower replacement in the fall of 2026. The Friends of University Avenue do not have the resources to continue their obligations under a new agreement and the existing licence agreement is currently in overhold. This in-kind donation would be accepted through a donation agreement with Parks and Recreation. Parks and Recreation staff have been consulted and have agreed to accept the Enhancements for a minimum term of five (5) years, after which they will advise the Friends of University Avenue on whether Parks and Recreation will continue maintenance for an additional term or retire the project at the City’s discretion.
The total donation amount is valued at $787,500.00. Under the City of Toronto Donation Policy, Council authority is required to accept donations over $0.050 million. The maintenance requirements of these Enhancements have been reviewed and approved by staff. Ongoing maintenance for a minimum of five (5) years will be covered through this donation. The Friends of University Avenue, as non-profit organization, will not require a charitable tax receipt for this donation.
Background Information
Member Motion 40.27 and Schedule A and B
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/mm/bgrd/backgroundfile-286233.pdf
