Future of Casa Loma and a Museum of Toronto

Public meeting Nov. 26 to discuss redevelopment possibilities for the site

By Katie Inverarity –

The City of Toronto is moving forward with a plan to ensure the long-term viability of Casa Loma and the potential for a Museum of Toronto as part of the site’s future. The Casa Loma Corporation Board together with Councillors Joe Mihevc, Ward 21 and Josh Matlow, Ward 22, invite the public to attend a meeting to learn about these opportunities and give us your feedback.

7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday, November 26, 2012 at Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto

Attendees may arrive at 5:30 p.m. for a site visit of the property prior to the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m.

We will be seeking feedback from the public in two key areas at this meeting:

FEEDBACK ON THE FUTURE OF THE MAIN BUILDING (south side of Austin Terrace)
The City is seeking qualified proponents with whom to enter into a long term lease to operate Casa  Loma as an historic attraction and special event venue.  As we develop the Request for Proposal (RFP) and the associated evaluation criteria the Board is interested in hearing from the public about your priorities for the building and opportunities to expand on its role in presenting Toronto’s history.   A two stage Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued in mid-December 2012.

FEEDBACK ON THE FUTURE OF OTHER BUILDINGS (north side of Austin Terrace)
In early 2013 the Board will issue a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) for a vision and uses for the complex north of Austin Terrace, including the Hunting Lodge, Potting Shed, and Stables. At this public meeting input will be sought on the REOI, where Respondents will be asked to consider the feasibility of including a Museum of Toronto in their proposals.

Built between 1911 and 1914, Casa Loma was home to financier and military officer Sir Henry Pellatt and his wife Mary. Through wise investments in electrical development, real estate and the Canadian Pacific Railway, Pellatt was one of the few men who were said to ‘own’ Canada at the dawn of the 20th century. Today, the Gothic Revival house is an historical attraction. The story of Pellatt and early 20th century Toronto is told through a state of the art audio guide system, guided tours, the collection of original furnishings and six acres of beautifully restored gardens.