Landmark Project Frequently Asked Questions

The Landmark Project is one of the University of Toronto's most significant open-space projects in the past 100 years.

This project has transformed the heart of our downtown campus into a greener, more sustainable, and accessible park-like setting, with a stunning network of pedestrian-friendly spaces. This revitalized historic area now stands as a centrepiece of U of T’s Climate Positive Campus plan, establishing our campus as one of the premiere green spaces in Toronto’s urban core. Discover how the Landmark Project has brought a bold new vision to life in one of the university’s most iconic spaces.

General

A new batch of Landmark pavers is now available! You can support the project by leaving your mark on the historic St. George Campus with a 12×12 inch etched granite dedication paver. Quantities are limited, so don’t miss the chance to make your mark. To make your donation, visit the Landmark Project donation page. To explore other giving opportunities, please visit engage.utoronto.ca.

Most of the recognition has already been installed, including granite signage, gardens, benches, trees, and pavers. However, due to overwhelming interest and high demand, the next phase of paver installation is scheduled for 2026. We will keep donors who are waiting for their paver informed with regular updates. If your recognition is in the process of being completed, we’ll notify you directly once it has been installed.

The University of Toronto’s St. George campus is open to the public, and you’re welcome to visit anytime to see your recognition and experience the transformation firsthand. If you’re planning a visit or have any questions, feel free to contact us at landmark.project@utoronto.ca.

The University of Toronto’s Grounds team is responsible for maintaining the exterior landscape of the campus, including granite signage, garden beds, benches, trees, and pavers. This is part of the University’s dedication to preserving the beauty of our campus for current and future generations.

For any questions about the project or your recognition, please reach out to Margaret Mikolas, Donor Recognition Officer, at landmark.project@utoronto.ca.

If your contact information has changed, particularly if you are in the process of securing a new Landmark paver, you can update your details by using our Address Update Form. Please update your contact information as soon as possible to ensure we can stay in touch with you.

 

Paver Questions

After you make your gift, you will receive an email in September from a member of the Landmark Project team inviting you to submit your paver inscription. If you have any questions about the email address we have on file or need to update your contact information, please reach out to us at landmark.project@utoronto.ca.

We are unable to accommodate specific location requests due to the size of the area, the number of pavers, and the installation process. However, all pavers will be placed in prominent areas with high pedestrian traffic and protection from regular vehicle access.

Landmark pavers are elegant 12×12 inch granite squares, beautifully engraved with a personal message. Below are examples of what your inscribed paver will look like!

Example of paver

This sample image of a paver is for illustration purposes only.

Photo of installed pavers

Paver inscriptions can have up to 50 characters in total, including spaces, with a maximum of 18 characters per line. You may choose between one to four lines of text. Inscriptions must follow the naming format outlined below. To ensure a smooth collection process, please adhere to these guidelines. Inscriptions that do not comply with the established guidelines will not be accepted.

Your inscription can include three key elements:

  1. Optional Prefatory Message:
    • In honour of
    • In memory of
    • In recognition of
    • In celebration of
  2. One or Two Names (e.g.):
    • Joseph Benjamin
    • Joseph Benjamin and Esther F. Caplan
    • Joseph and Esther Benjamin
    • Benjamin Family
  3. Optional U of T Degrees (e.g.):
    • BA 1958
    • BA 58
    • BA 1958 UC
    • BA 5T8
    • BA 5T8 UC

Yes, degrees can be included, as outlined above. Please follow these guidelines:

  • Only U of T degrees or honorary degrees are permitted.
  • College affiliation may be included.
  • Degrees will be verified and must have been awarded by the Spring 2025 convocation.
  • Suggested formats for degree inclusion:
      • Maria Annunziata BA 5T8
      • Maria Annunziata BA 1958
      • Maria Annunziata BA 1958 UC

The following are not permitted in a paver inscription:

  • Business or organization names
  • Non-U of T degrees
  • Salutations (e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.)
  • Descriptors (e.g. mother, daughter, mentor, teacher, friend), except for “Professor” (for U of T faculty only; past and present)
  • Special characters (e.g., # * + = $ & / \ @ ! ?)

Landmark pavers are distributed across key areas of the project, primarily within the plazas around King’s College Circle. All pavers are placed in high-traffic pedestrian areas and protected from vehicle access. For pavers that are already installed, notable locations include Convocation Hall and Simcoe Hall, the plaza outside the J. Robert S. Prichard Alumni House, and the Temerty Plaza. Additional pavers will be installed within the revitalized landscape surrounding King’s College Circle. If you have any questions about the location of your paver, please contact landmark.project@utoronto.ca.

For pavers that are already installed, we have created an interactive map to help you easily find their location. You can access the map here. Make sure to search by inscription to pull up your recognition details. For pavers scheduled for installation in 2026, they will be added to the map once installation is complete, at which point we will notify you directly when your paver becomes available on the map.

Once your paver has been installed, changes to the inscription can no longer be made. Inscriptions are finalized during the inscription collection process, prior to fabrication. If you have any questions, please contact us at landmark.project@utoronto.ca.

Tree Questions

Your tree will be recognized with a 20×12 inch etched granite paver that will be clearly placed in perpendicular alignment to your tree.

In addition to your inscription, your tree paver will include an engraved illustration of the tree’s leaf, and the Latin name of the species. See below for an example of what your inscribed paver will look like!

Example of tree recognition

This sample image of a tree paver is for illustration purposes only.

Your inscription can be up to 75 characters in total, including spaces, with a maximum of 30 characters per line and up to three lines. The messaging is flexible and can include names, personal messages, descriptors, quotes, and more.

Most of the trees are planted within King’s College Circle, and some in the Hart House area, and include the following species: Freeman Maple, American Hornbeam, Appalachian Spring Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, Autumn Gold Ginkgo, Honey Locust, Black Tupelo, Accolade Flowering Cherry, Regal Prince Oak, and White Pine.

Donors are notified of their tree species and location when they receive their rendering. If you have any questions about your tree, please contact us at landmark.project@utoronto.ca.

Arborists carefully selected tree species through a thorough vetting process, choosing those best suited to the campus environment. The species were selected based on their compatibility with the landscape and the specific conditions of the campus.

The University of Toronto Grounds team is responsible for maintaining the campus’s exterior landscape, including tasks such as pruning, fertilizing, watering, and other seasonal upkeep during the spring and fall.

Landmark trees are planted within the necklace paths on either side of King’s College Circle, and around Hart House Circle. If you are in the process of securing a tree, we will inform you of its location during the inscription collection process and notify you directly once it’s installed. You’re welcome to invite family and friends to campus to see your recognition when it’s ready. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at landmark.project@utoronto.ca.