Ontario Trillium Foundation supports capital upgrades at The Bentway Skate Trail

January 20, 2025

Capital Upgrades Happening at The Bentway Skate Trail Thanks to $178,600 Ontario Government Grant

The Bentway’s popular Skate Trail is undergoing new capital improvements, thanks to a recently-approved $178,600 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). On Friday, MPP Chris Glover and Duncan MacCallum, an OTF volunteer, visited The Bentway to celebrate this incredible investment in the future of Toronto’s public spaces.

The Bentway Conservancy has transformed urban infrastructure into a vibrant, accessible community space, fostering active and creative lifestyles for all. This Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital grant will ensure the site remains safe and welcoming for everyone, enhancing its role as a hub for connection, recreation, and innovation.

MPP Chris Glover

Awarded last summer, the year-long grant supports re-surfacing of the area west of the Skate Trail and the purchase of new outdoor furniture, enhancing the space to provide a safer and more accessible environment. These upgrades will ensure that visitors of all ages and abilities can continue to enjoy this beloved community asset.

“A huge thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this generous funding,” said David Carey, Co-Executive Director of The Bentway. “With this grant, The Bentway can continue offering incredible cultural experiences, community programs, and free recreational offerings year-round. And remember, there’s still plenty of time to come winter ice skating this season!”

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.

Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like The Bentway Conservancy deliver experiences that make a difference. That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come.

Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

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 more than $110M into 1,044 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.

Photo courtesy of Chris Glover’s team