Purpose:

To obtain Council authorization for a lease of Lambton House (4066 Old Dundas Street) to Heritage York.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the City of Toronto enter into a lease with Heritage York for the Lambton House property;

(2) the lease be in accordance with the draft lease appended to this report; and

(3) the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the lease under corporate seal on behalf of the City.

Council Reference/Background/History:

City of York Council Minutes (1997) Clause 310.

On December 9, 1997, the City of York Council adopted the recommendation set out in a report of the City of York City Solicitor as follows:

The City of York Council adopted this recommendation after it had been advised that the lame-duck provisions of the Municipal Act prevented the Council from then approving the lease.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Heritage York is a not-for-profit corporation. Through its fundraising efforts it financially assisted with the exterior renovation of the Lambton House, a building owned by the City and designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Heritage York proposes to renovate the interior of the Lambton House and to use it for its office and for other uses particularly appropriate considering its historic designation. Possible uses include:

(i) seniors activities;

(ii) education classes and activities;

(iii) heritage/museum displays;

(iv) provision of facilities, such as concessions selling food and gifts/souvenirs, serving users of the South Humber Trail;

(v) neighbourhood activities; and

(vi) meeting places for community groups.

The lease presented with this report was finalized after negotiations with Heritage York. It would permit the above-noted uses, and would also permit Heritage York to rent up to thirty percent of the building=s floor space to one or more sub-tenants to provide income to assist Heritage York maintain the property and for its other activities.

Through a competitive tendering process, Heritage York has selected a contractor to renovate the interior of the building, and advises that delay is increasing the cost of the renovations.

The lease is for a term of 10 years, at a nominal rent of five dollars per year, with the tenant having an option to renew for a further five-year term on the same terms. The other terms and provisions are considered appropriate for a lease between the City as landlord and a not-for-profit tenant expending its funds for the renovation of the building and other heritage activities in the City.

Conclusion:

It is reasonable and in the City=s interest to enter into a lease with Heritage York as recommended by the City of York Council and as presented with this report.

Contact Name:

George McQ. Bartlett, Solicitor, York, Tel: 394-2531.

The City of York Council, at its last meeting, considered the issue of a lease between it and Heritage York for the management, restoration/renovation of the Lambton House. Council supported this lease in principle, and referred this matter to the new City of Toronto for consideration.

Please place the communication reflecting this City of York Council action on the agenda for the Corporate Services Committee meeting on January 20, 1998. The draft lease will be available for Circulation by Wednesday or Thursday.

CCCC

(A copy of the draft lease referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council with the January 20, 1998, agenda of the Corporate Services Committee, and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)