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Executive Committee –
EX10.7 ACTION Ward: 21, 22
Casa Loma Operations and
Governance
(
(
Recommendations
The Deputy City Manager responsible for Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism
recommends that:
1. Council adopt a vision for Casa
Loma to ensure that:
a.
Casa Loma’s programming, curatorial focus and interpretation fully reflect its
Edwardian heritage, tell the story of
imagination, energy and innovation present in
b.
complementary programming, heritage walks, signage and marketing create a
heritage precinct that links the Casa Loma estate to
City Archives, two important City assets in the neighborhood;
and
c.
a refreshed visitor experience and stimulating heritage tours attract a greater
number of Torontonians to the Casa Loma estate.
2. The Chief Corporate Officer, in conjunction with the
General Manager of Economic
Development Culture and Tourism, be authorized to negotiate
and report back on a long
term extension to the License Agreement with the Kiwanis Club for the
operation of
Casa Loma that implements the vision for Casa Loma through:
a.
enhanced heritage programming;
b.
new visitor amenities;
c.
expanded governance through the terms of reference, structure and composition
for
the Kiwanis Board of Trustees to ensure balanced representation of
community and City interests;
d.
a restructured financial arrangement that continues Casa Loma as a self-sustaining
operation and maintains contributions to the exterior restoration project;
e. City approval for all alterations to the building and sublicense
agreements;
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Executive Committee –
f.
a term of up to 20 years with performance benchmarks and a full review after
three years;
g.
annual progress reports to the Economic Development Committee; and
3. the appropriate officials be
authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Financial Impact
There are no immediate financial implications arising from
the adoption of this report. Under the current Licence
Agreement between the City and the Kiwanis Club, the City receives a share of
operating revenue. The entire amount is placed in the Casa Loma Reserve Fund to
partially fund the exterior restoration project. In 2006, payments to the City totaled
$923,000 and similar payments are expected until the end of the current Licence Agreement.
The 2007 approved EDCT capital budget for the exterior restoration
is $4.110 million gross and $1.810 million net and will not be impacted by this
report.
The City does not contribute to the operating budget of
Casa Loma and the 2007 Operating Budget will not be impacted by this report. In
the longer term, it is anticipated that the new vision and governance structure
for Casa Loma will result in an increase in revenue that will offset the
proposed increased investments in programming and interior restoration while maintaining
the contribution to exterior restoration.
The Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial
impact information.
Summary
Casa Loma was built by Sir Henry Pellatt
between 1911 and 1914 as his principal residence.
After the collapse of Sir Henry’s business empire in 1924,
Casa Loma was acquired by the City in lieu of back taxes. Since 1937, the
estate has been operated by the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma as a heritage tourist
attraction with the City responsible for the exterior of the building.
This situation became critical in 1997 when a Restoration
Master Plan revealed that it would cost $20 million to restore and rebuild the
exterior walls of the building. The health and safety concern was so great that
Casa Loma was in danger of being forced to close.
In 2003, City Council made the restoration of Casa Loma a
corporate priority. By coming to terms with the capital restoration of the
exterior of Casa Loma, the City became keenly aware of its stewardship
responsibility and was troubled by the condition of the interior of the
building.
The Casa Loma Advisory Committee and subsequent
consultation have revealed a general consensus on a new vision for Casa Loma
and on the need for revitalization of the interior and public programs.
In response to the report of the Casa Loma Advisory
Committee and vision for Casa Loma, the Kiwanis Club has prepared a plan that
includes enhanced heritage programming, new visitor amenities and expanded
governance. City staff support the directions outlined in the Kiwanis Club plan
for Casa Loma and recommend the negotiation of a long term extension to the
lease.
Executive Committee –
Licence Agreement to realize the vision.
Background Information
Casa Loma Operations and Governance
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-5069.pdf)
Report of stakeholder consultations in respect of Casa Loma
Advisory Committee report and final recommendations
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-5071.pdf)
Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma - Casa Loma Day - Visitor
Experience Concept
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-5113.pdf)
Casa Loma Connection (Executive Summary)
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-5114.pdf)