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Category Archives: 2012 News
Oct-2-2012 Letter to residents of Ward 22 from Josh Matlow
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Dear residents,
I am very pleased to report to you that Toronto City Council took an important and critical step today toward establishing a Toronto City Museum at Casa Loma by supporting motions I put forward along with motions regarding its governance by Councillor Mihevc. While moving on ways to better operate and preserve Casa Loma, a historicToronto icon, Council endorsed our idea to ask for expressions of interest from Torontonians to create a space to share our city’s history.
I am very pleased to report to you that Toronto City Council took an important and critical step today toward establishing a Toronto City Museum at Casa Loma by supporting motions I put forward along with motions regarding its governance by Councillor Mihevc. While moving on ways to better operate and preserve Casa Loma, a historicToronto icon, Council endorsed our idea to ask for expressions of interest from Torontonians to create a space to share our city’s history.
For over 40 years, successive Councils and prominent residents have debated various venues for aCityMuseum; unfortunately none of the sites have ultimately been deemed appropriate. Casa Loma presents an exciting opportunity to houseToronto’s artefacts in a building that merits their importance.
I deeply appreciate the support and thoughtful suggestions I have received from many of you since our proposal was put forward a couple weeks ago. I would also like to thank former Mayor David Crombie and historian Mike Filey
… Read the rest
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Oct-2-2012 Post City Mag – Trelawny – Fate of Casa Loma
City to put out call for third-party operator at Casa Loma
MICHELLE ERVIN
Trelawny Howell does not want to see past mistakes repeated
The City of Toronto’s executive committee voted recently to issue a request for proposals to find a new operator for Casa Loma. A sale may be off the table for now, but locals are concerned about leaving the future of the city’s historic castle up to a third party.
The move was recommended by the Casa Loma Corporation (CLC), temporarily tasked in June 2011 with overseeing day-to-day operations at the tourist attraction after the city terminated its lease with the Kiwanis Club. Michael Williams, chair of the CLC, found in his report that retaining Casa Loma’s current use was preferred to any of the other options it analyzed.
Coun. Joe Mihevc is relieved that the option of selling Casa Loma was shelved, but he doesn’t think the city has had a proper public discussion on the fate … Read the rest
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Sep-26-2012-CBC-News clip-Trelawny & Councillors-City Museum
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Sept-23-2012 National Post – Reader suggestions for Casa Loma include college, casinos and Harry Potter theme park
Tyler Anderson/National Post files
“A Toronto Museum within Casa Loma and its adjacent properties would fill a deep void in our cultural landscape.”City councilors Josh Matlow and Joe Mihevc believe Casa Loma should be a city museum. As they explained in an open letter this week, it would be the best place to preserve Toronto’s history and make use of a building that is struggling to find a purpose. But not everyone believes a museum is the best option. The National Post asked readers last week what they thought should become of the grand structure. Their responses range from wedding venue to Harry Potter theme park, and everything in between. Here are what some readers had to say:
Colin Lacey: I think the City should consider a partnership with George Brown College. There is already a George Brown Casa Loma campus, which could expand their facilities to include the site.
Sept-20-2012 CBC News – Councillors push for Casa Loma museum – Toronto
Casa Loma’s future
In a letter released Thursday, Councillors Josh Matlow and Joe Mihevc say they want to see the castle continue as a tourist attraction as well as a venu for corporate events and movie shoots.
But they also want a city museum as part of a package that could include a mix of businesses, including restaurants.
Toronto currently does not have a museum large enough to showcase its vast collection of historical artifacts. Instead, they are tucked away inside a series of warehouses.
“I think it’s time that we finally celebrate, protect and share our city’s history in a building that is just as iconic and historical,” Matlow told CBC News.
Casa Loma is currently in use as a tourist attraction but also plays host to movie shoots and corporate events. (Kimberly Gale/CBC)Matlow
… Read the rest
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Sept-20-2012 National Post – Consider using Casa Loma as a museum: Councillors Josh Matlow and Joe Mihevc
Josh Matlow and Joe Mihevc, Special to National Post | Sep 20, 2012 6:35 PM ET | Last Updated: Sep 20, 2012 11:16 PM ET
Tyler Anderson/National Post files”A Toronto Museum within Casa Loma and its adjacent properties would fill a deep void in our cultural landscape.”
Future options for Casa Loma will be on the Oct. 2 council agenda regarding the future of Casa Loma, presenting a historic opportunity for a bold repurposing of one of our city’s most iconic landmarks.
As the local councillors for Casa Loma, we support the Executive Committee’s recommendations to explore more creative, and revenue-generating, options for its operation.
However, we believe that a Toronto Museum should be included for consideration as part of the Request for Proposal as it would complement and benefit the existing and potential uses of Casa Loma through increased
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Sept-10-2012 The Star – Toronto seeks operator for Casa Loma
TARA WALTON/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTOCasa Loma had been run for decades by the Kiwanis Club until the city, concerned about its deteriorating condition, took it over last year. Now the city plans to seek another outside operator to lease it.
Paul Moloney
Urban Affairs Reporter
Urban Affairs Reporter
City-owned Casa Loma could enrich city coffers by as much as $60 million if the site were sold for condominiums, but that outcome is highly unlikely, says Toronto’s general manager of economic development.
The property comprises 3.2 hectares of land (7.9 acres) in midtown Toronto.
Before a sale could happen, city council would have to overrule the site’s heritage designation, change the zoning and overlook the history of the famous castle, designed in 1915 and built by Sir Henry Pellatt.
“Our recommendation is that it is highly unlikely that all three things would happen, so therefore it’s impractical to look at selling Casa Loma,” Williams said Monday.
Instead, staff recommended the city issue a request
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May-10-2012 The Star – Toronto residents weigh in on the future of Casa Loma, which needs $20 million in repairs
(Original link at the Toronto Star.)
May 10, 2012
Valerie Hauch and Jayme Poisson
Canada’s most famous castle is “at the tipping point” and badly in need of $20 million worth of external repairs, says Lyle Hall, a spokesman for HLT Advisory Inc. which was hired by Casa Loma Corp.
The City of Toronto created CLC to manage the iconic century-old residence and estate buildings constructed by Sir Henry Pellatt and come up with recommendations for their future. Hall spoke at a Thursday night community meeting held at Grace Church on the Hill, not far from the castle, attended by CLC members, area residents, people in the business and entertainment community, Casa Loma staff, city councillors and staff.
Hall said that estimates for interior repairs are unknown at this point. But the “capital need is urgent,” he warned.
Revenues from admittance to Casa Loma and from special event rentals come to around $1 million after expenses.
The Casa Loma Corp. … Read the rest
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