Proposed museum attracts attention
The Music Hall and Metronome should merge and move into the Olympic Spirit Building.
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Proposed museum attracts attention
Premier, federal official discuss need for facility
Apr 04, 2007 04:30 AM
Robert Benzie
Queen's Park Bureau Chief
A proposed city history museum on Toronto's waterfront has sparked interest from the highest levels of the provincial and federal governments.
In the wake of the Star's disclosure Monday that city-owned land at the foot of Bathurst St. could house the museum, Premier Dalton McGuinty pointedly did not rule out provincial support.
"There are ongoing discussions with respect to the best way to redevelop the waterfront and that could be part and parcel of it," the premier told reporters yesterday.
"To my knowledge, we've not had a formal appeal for funds," McGuinty said about the private-public partnership project that could cost up to $200 million.
"One of the things that you learn when you do a bit of travelling is that waterfronts have had a huge magnetic appeal since the dawn of civilization," he said.
"We've got to do more working together to develop this waterfront so that Toronto ... can be right up there ... with others around the world, without getting into names, that have done a better job frankly of developing their waterfront."
An official close to Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledged that "there is a need for some sort of anchor" attraction on the waterfront.
"Ottawa would be open to an exciting and innovative proposal," the high-ranking Conservative said in an interview.
At the same time, he emphasized that the federal government would have to be convinced that such a museum would be a large enough draw for tourists and Torontonians.
"What would be in it? John Sewell's bicycle or an exhibit of Mel Lastman's Bad Boy outfits from the original TV commercials?" quipped the official, referring to two colourful former mayors.
On a more serious note, the federal source noted Harper kept his election promise of stable funding for Harbourfront, which is why the waterfront cultural centre now has a five-year funding plan.
"There's been no formal approach to us about this (city museum) yet," said the official.
The plan to use the 1.5-hectare parcel of land adjacent to the Canada Malting Company silos is the brainchild of Rita Davies, city hall's director of culture.
Along with depicting Toronto's history, the museum would celebrate the city's diversity.
Toronto city council will be asked to designate the site for the project, which already has influential backers, including former mayor and waterfront guru David Crombie.
John Tory, leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, a lifelong Torontonian and runner-up to Mayor David Miller in the 2003 election, also expressed support.
But Tory emphasized the museum should herald "the modern Toronto" and be a showcase for the multicultural metropolis the city has become.
"I think it would great if it celebrated diversity in some way," Tory said, adding city hall should take the lead.
The facility has yet to be named but may end up being called the Global City Museum.
It would would include interactive exhibits, archival material and other city treasures that are not publicly displayed.
The museum would be built astride the landmark silos that date to 1928.
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Election fever is in the air, if both senior levels of governments want to rush in and fund this one quickly, I'm all for that.
However, I'm opposed to the name, why not simply call it the Museum of Toronto. I'm also hoping that it is more than just a tribute to the city's diversity and include areas dedicated to the city's art, fashion, film and construction industries.
Louroz