This winter, The Bentway is enhancing its much-loved under-Gardiner site, including its signature Skate Trail, thanks to receiving a $128,600 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2025. MPP Chris Glover was at The Bentway on Friday to celebrate and highlight the importance of investment in public spaces.
“The Bentway is one of our community’s most loved spaces, and I’m thrilled to support this $128,600 capital grant to help keep it safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. From skating and play programs to art and festivals, The Bentway brings people of all ages together and inspires us to stay active and connected. This investment will help ensure families can continue to enjoy everything this incredible space has to offer for years to come.”
– Chris Glover, MPP for Spadina-Fort York
The funding will enable a series of important capital upgrades focused on health, safety, and accessibility, including the purchase of new skating helmets. These upgrades ensure that The Bentway site remains a safe, inclusive, and welcoming destination for visitors of all ages and abilities.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their ongoing support. This investment helps us maintain high-quality, accessible public amenities while continuing to deliver free recreational programming and cultural experiences year-round. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the Skate Trail and enjoy winter at The Bentway.”
– Ilana Altman, Chief Executive Officer of The Bentway
The Bentway works to ignite the urban imagination, using the city as site, subject, and canvas. Anchored under Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway and guiding its complex future, The Bentway is a growing public space and creative catalyst. Phase 1 of The Bentway opened in 2018 and presents a demonstration of what is possible along the Gardiner.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.
Visit otf.ca to learn more.
