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So does the Kiwanis Club own Casa Loma?

A

: No. The City of Toronto owns Casa Loma, but has contracted out management to the Kiwanis Club since 1937. Richard Wozenilek, chairman of Casa Loma’s board of trustees, says the club is responsible for interior renovations and maintenance, while the city takes care of the exterior. The city has largely funded the $20-million restoration of the castle’s exterior, hunting lodge and stables, expected to be completed in 2013.

Q

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But why would management be transferred now? The city is only three years into a 20-year management contract.

A

: The decision is primarily economics, says Mr. Wozenilek. The 20-year contract was signed in 2008, after Kiwanis Club won the support of then-mayor David Miller and council for a no-bid deal. By July 2010, Mr. Miller said that deal had been a mistake. Attendance has dropped 5% per year since the recession, a statistic city councillor Joe Mihevc attributes to a decline in the number of American tourists. Mr. Wozenilek also said the Kiwanis Club cannot afford the large-scale renovations needed.

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What are the conditions of the transfer?

A

: According to a report released Monday, the city’s goal is to “stabilize” Casa Loma while developing a long-term plan. Under the proposed deal, the city will pay the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma $1.45-million for artifacts that it had accumulated over 75 years and trademarks such as the Casa Loma name and the term “Toronto’s Majestic Castle.” The Kiwanis Club will be given free office space and will be allowed to hold weekly meetings and up to five charitable events each year free of charge. The city will honour $320,000 in existing service contracts and management fees for 2010-11.