$50 million gesture to transform a historic green space from Galen G. Weston and family

The Weston family has pledged a landmark $50 million to transform Queen’s Park North, a historic green space in the heart of Toronto.

One of the most significant private gifts ever made to a public park in the city, the donation highlights the family’s long-standing commitment to building vibrant, accessible, and culturally rich urban spaces for all Torontonians.

Known for their leadership of more than 200 companies, including Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart, the Westons have also become one of Canada’s most influential philanthropic families.

The revitalization of Queen’s Park North will be far-reaching.

Plans include improving accessibility, adding year-round amenities, and introducing new cultural and educational programming.

A key feature of the project is its collaborative spirit, with major Toronto institutions such as the University of Toronto, the Gardiner Museum, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the Royal Ontario Museum expected to play an active role in shaping and delivering programming within the park.

The City of Toronto has also emphasized the importance of community involvement, with consultations planned to ensure the park’s redesign meets the needs and aspirations of residents and Indigenous communities.

This gift continues a tradition of civic-minded philanthropy from the Weston family, whose previous contributions have helped shape other beloved public spaces, including Grange Park, Evergreen Brickworks, and Garrison Common.

Their support has consistently focused on projects that blend environmental stewardship, public access, and cultural vitality.

The Weston family’s $50 million commitment is expected not only to upgrade the physical landscape of Queen’s Park North but also to help it flourish as a place of gathering, creativity, and community for decades to come.

At the helm of the next generation of the family’s leadership is Galen Weston Jr., also known as Galen G. Weston.

He and his wife, Alexandra Schmidt—granddaughter of famed Canadian shoe magnate Thomas J. Bata—have been married since 2005 and have two children.

Together, they remain active in both the family’s business operations and philanthropic endeavors across Canada.

Their shared dedication continues to shape a legacy of generosity, civic engagement, and national pride.