Construction on the new Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse officially kicks off

HAMILTON, ON - July 19, 2017 - Earlier today, Councillor Matthew Green and representatives from the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation attended a special ground breaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction at Hamilton’s new Tropical Greenhouse at Gage Park.

Quick facts

• Gage Park was designed in the early 1920s during the “City Beautiful” movement. It includes an eye-catching fountain, flower gardens and walkways against the stunning backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment.
• In 2010, City Council approved a Master Plan for Gage Park that respects the iconic features of the park, while addressing the role the park plays in meeting current community needs. A component of the approved Master Plan is the construction of a tropical greenhouse to replace the old one, which is deteriorating due to life-cycle decline and structural failure.    
• In May 2017, the City formally accepted a generous donation of $350,000 from the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation to support the construction of the tropical greenhouse.
• Once complete, the 13,600 sq. ft. tropical greenhouse will be a prominent and architecturally stunning section of Gage Park.
• The publicly accessible amenity will offer a sub-tropical environment unique to the City and surrounding are and will feature a community gathering space, fish ponds, and exotic free-flying birds within the controlled environment.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this project, is that its design is centred on community programming, access, and education. When complete, the Gage Park Community Greenhouse will grow beyond a local oasis into a regional attraction. Just in time to celebrate the park’s upcoming 100th anniversary.” - Councillor Matthew Green, City of Hamilton

“The Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse is truly the home of horticulture in Hamilton. It’s going to be a wonderful addition to our operational greenhouse and Horticulture operations facility in Gage Park.”- Craig Murdoch, Director of Environmental Services, City of Hamilton

“Dad – Pat – believed strongly in the importance of fostering an appreciation of nature. The new building at the Gage Park Greenhouses will provide the community, and especially young people, an opportunity to experience and learn about plants and nature, and the building promises to be a great asset in our community and city." - John McNally, Chairman of the Board, Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation