Toronto Photography Meetup Group

...........someone check this out and set up a time ( Im new at TPMG ) and you will have the best pictures on plants flowers from all over the world. Thanks.............Knox.

They aren't friendly towards photographic groups as the city has started charging fees (they think we're rich because we have nice cameras); actually it's aimed at commercial photographers or groups charging money to be led by someone. There's another thread on the subject.

I e-mailed Councillor Davis last week after receiving the e-mail from the TCC and this is the response I received today;

Dear Mr. Beauchamp,


Thank you for your email with respect to the Toronto Camera Club and your request to visit Allan Gardens on February 28, 2010 to take photographs for the personal use of your members.

There is no requirement for a permit or an associated fee for your organization for these purposes. Meaning, your members are able to take personal photos at the facility as long as they do not impede the access or enjoyment of anyone else at the conservatory and the number of people in your party is less than 25.

On February 25, 2010 staff from the General Manager's office of Parks, Forestry and Recreation contacted the representative from your club who was organizing your outing to provide this information. This was in follow up to a request from the organizer to the General Manager's Office on February 22, and further discussion of the specifics with her on February 23.

Generally, gatherings of more than 25 individuals in park space do require a permit. In addition, there are permit requirements and fees associated with wedding photography and photography for commercial purposes. In your case, however, as you number less than 25 and the photography is for personal purposes, no permit is required.

Please accept our apologies if there has been any confusion with respect to this matter. I trust this clarifies the situation and hope that you will indeed carry through with your plans to visit the conservatory at Allan Gardens and enjoy the opportunity to photograph the beautiful plants and flowers at this facility.

Sincerely,

Councillor Janet Davis
Ward 31, Beaches - East York
Phone: 416-392-4035
Fax: 416-397-9289
www.janetdavis.ca


So it looks like if the group is 25 people or less you won't need a permit for Allen Gardens.

--Mark