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With the clock counting down, Toronto’s historic Old City Hall faces an uncertain future

Toronto’s Old City Hall, a historic architectural gem that has been home to the Ontario government’s courthouse for over five decades, is set to go quiet for the first time in its storied history. With the government’s lease ending on April 1, the city is once again faced with the challenge of finding a new use for this iconic building.

Over the years, various ideas have been proposed for the 177,000-square-foot space, including a wedding chapel, shops, office space, a library branch, and restaurants. However, Coun. Josh Matlow believes that the ideal use for Old City Hall is as a museum of Toronto. He argues that there is a deep emotional and financial investment in the city’s history, and a museum would be a fitting tribute to the many stories of Toronto.

At a recent meeting of the mayor’s executive committee, councillors approved an amendment proposed by Matlow to explore the possibility of a museum at Old City Hall. The city staff are now tasked with considering how to fund such a project, with a report expected to be delivered by mid-2026.

This is not the first time that the city has sought to repurpose Old City Hall. Previous studies have suggested a mix of uses, including food service, leisure, event space, and civic functions. However, the cost of bringing the building up to modern standards has been a significant barrier. It is estimated that it would cost around $225 million to renovate the 126-year-old structure.

Despite the challenges, city staff are determined to revitalize Old City Hall and make it accessible to the public once again. Scott Barrett, the city’s director of property management, emphasizes the importance of bringing the building back to life and creating a vibrant space for the community to enjoy.

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One of the key considerations for potential tenants is the building’s layout, which is described as labyrinthine and inefficient. However, its grandeur and historic features, such as the iconic gryphons that flank the main staircase, add to its charm and appeal.

The ongoing impact of the pandemic has also presented challenges, with changes in the retail and office leasing environment. Despite these obstacles, city staff remain optimistic about finding short-term tenants to bring some life back to Old City Hall. Options such as food and beverage pop-ups, event rentals, and cultural programming are being explored to make the building more engaging for the public.

Ultimately, any new use for Old City Hall will need to respect its historic significance, engage the community, contribute to the city’s economy, and be financially sustainable. As the city continues its efforts to find a new purpose for this iconic building, the hope is that Old City Hall will once again become a thriving hub for Torontonians to enjoy and appreciate for generations to come.

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