Exploring potential future community uses for the building.
Surrounding Use
Retail uses to the north, east and south and Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square to the west.
Project Overview
Located at the corner of Queen Street West and Bay Street, Old City Hall is one of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings. Built in 1899 and designed by E.J. Lennox in the Romanesque Revival style, it served as Toronto’s City Hall until 1965 and then functioned as a courthouse, housing provincial courtrooms while remaining a landmark of civic pride and architectural beauty.
The provincial courts relocated at the end of April 2025 and the building now sits vacant.
Together with the City’s Corporate Real Estate Management Division (CREM), CreateTO is re-examining potential future uses for Old City Hall and will prepare feasibility study for a City of Toronto Museum, Toronto Public Library branch and other complementary uses.
CreateTO is also leading the development of a strategy for the long-term use of the building, including capital planning. CreateTO and CREM will report back to Council by Q2 2026.
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.
Project Updates, CreateTO InsiderJuly 8, 2025CreateTO announces teams to support Old City Hall future uses analysisProject Updates, CreateTO InsiderJuly 8, 2025CreateTO 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.
