She organized library programs for seniors and conducted weekly film and lecture seminars.
She helped to found a library worker's local chapter for the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
She helped lobby the city to save three low-rise rental apartment buildings on Eglinton Ave. West from conversion to condominiums.
Gardner first ran for office in 1978 but wasn't elected until 1985, representing Ward 11 in central Toronto.
In November 1997 the first post-amalgamation election was held, and she ran for council in the newly created Ward 22, but came third behind Anne Johnston and Michael Walker.