Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation donates $350,000 toward construction of Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse

HAMILTON, ON - May 10, 2017 – Tonight, Hamilton City Council has formally accepted a generous donation of $350,000 from the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation to support construction of the Tropical Greenhouse at Gage Park.

The Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation aims to support the development of parks, outdoor spaces and buildings that provide opportunities for communities in Hamilton and Burlington to learn about, explore and enjoy nature, and to build community between neighbours.

This generous donation from the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation will help to make the new Tropical Greenhouse at Gage Park a reality. The Greenhouse will be a publicly accessible amenity for the immediate community and the entire City, offering a sub-tropical environment unique to the City and surrounding area.

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.    
• The new Tropical Greenhouse structure will be 1,263 sq. m. (13,600 sq. ft.) in size with community gathering space, fish ponds, and exotic free-flying birds within the controlled environment.
• Crews will begin construction at the Tropical Greenhouse in June 2017, starting with demolition of the existing building.

“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

“On behalf of City Council, I’d really like to thank the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation for this incredibly generous donation. These funds will help the City create a wonderful destination for residents from communities across Hamilton. The Tropical Greenhouse will be such an interesting place for residents to gather and see many unique plants and flowers they may never otherwise get to experience.”

Mayor Fred Eisenberger
City of Hamilton

“The newly designed Gage Park Greenhouse will be a regional focal point located in the heart of our City. The generous donation by the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation is integral to building a premier facility where learning from the wonders of nature and building community are combined in the best urban green space in Ontario. This gift represents a growing interest and investment in the renewal of Ward 3.”

Councillor Matthew Green
City of Hamilton