CreateTO announces teams to support Old City Hall future uses analysis

CreateTO is excited to introduce the newest team members to support the reimagining of Old City Hall, one of Toronto’s most treasured civic landmarks. This initiative, on behalf of the City of Toronto, will deliver a bold, forward-looking strategy to guide the long-term vision for the historic site.

After a competitive process, The Spanier Group, in collaboration with CBRE, Turner & Townsend, Artuitive Group and Bespoke Collective, was selected to provide real estate advisory services for Old City Hall. The Spanier Group brings deep industry expertise and market insight to deliver forward-thinking, evidence-based recommendations. Their work will include market analysis, vision development, and financial modeling aimed at identifying the highest and best use scenarios for Old City Hall, in line with Council recommendations.

“The Spanier Group is proud to announce its leadership in a comprehensive real estate analysis and strategic redevelopment plan for Old City Hall, one of the city’s most treasured historic landmarks. This initiative aims to enhance public access, drive economic development, and ensure the long-term preservation of this nationally significant site. In collaboration with an exceptional team of partners—CBRE, Turner & Townsend, Bespoke Collective, and Artuitive Group—The Spanier team is committed to delivering a rigorous, actionable strategy that honours the building’s legacy while unlocking its future potential.” - Meghan Wong, Vice-President, Spanier Group

Complementing and informing The Spanier Group’s analysis, Monumental will lead public consultation and engagement with CreateTO. The Monumental team brings equitable city-building by creating thoughtful soultions to complex urban challenges, centring social equity and community voices. At Old City Hall, this work will include building relationships with local stakeholders, developing low-barrier creative engagements, and prototyping future uses.

"We’re thrilled to be opening the doors on the next chapter of Old City Hall, bringing in fresh air and ideas to reimagine a civic landmark with the public. We’re committed to an engagement process that acknowledges the building’s colonial past, and stimulates our collective creativity in imagining its future." - Zahra Ebrahim, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Monumental 

This project represents a significant step toward revitalizing Old City Hall as a dynamic public space that enhances community access, supports local economic development, and preserves its heritage value. A strategic report will be presented to City Council by Q2 2026.

“We are excited to have The Spanier team and Monumental join us on our mission to reimagine Old City Hall as a vibrant civic space. This is a once in a generation opportunity in front of us and we’re eager to lead this work on behalf of the City and all Torontonians.” - Vic Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO

About Old City Hall

Built between 1889 and 1899, Old City Hall is a widely recognized city landmark at Bay and Queen Streets and is a National Historic Site. Since 1972, the space was leased for use by the Provincial and City Courts. In Spring 2025, the courts relocated to the new Toronto courthouse adjacent to Toronto City Hall at 10 Armoury Street and St. Lawrence Market North, leaving Old City Hall vacant with no further active uses currently planned.

In February 2025, City Council approved new steps to explore both short-term and long-term uses for Old City Hall. Corporate Real Estate Management (CREM) is leading the interim use strategy and short-term activations, while CreateTO will lead the work to identify future possibilities for the site.

This analysis will build on work conducted previously and will be guided by the following Revitalization and Management Principles:

·         Increase Public Access and Interest;

·         Conserve the National Historic Site;

·         Foster Local Economic Development; and

·         Achieve Financial Sustainability.

Check out how you saw Old City Hall at Doors Open Toronto 2025