Item - 2026.CT21.10

The Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management recommends that:

1. The Board of Directors of TO Live receive this report for information.

The purpose of this report is to provide a Q3 2026 update to the Board of Directors of TO Live (the “Board”) on priority projects, as part of TO Live’s capital program which was transferred to Corporate Real Estate Management (CREM) for oversight and implementation as directed by City Council via item EX19.20.

The report provides updates on capital work underway at Meridian Arts Centre, the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (STLC), and Meridian Hall. Key project updates include:

Meridian Arts Centre: Phase One of the George Westin Recital Hall Renovation continues to progress on schedule to reopen by the end of October 2026. Phase One includes new flooring, upgraded electrical and stair lights along with new theatre seating. Phase Two construction is currently scheduled for summer of 2027. Final scope and design are underway and includes painting, acoustic drapery/backdrops, and lighting. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) upgrades are in the final phase along with theater equipment upgrades.

St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts: The design phase is now underway for the enhanced renovation including State of Good Repair (SOGR), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, technical theater upgrades and net zero emissions retrofits. As approved by the City’s General Government Committee (GG30.5), Harini Pontarini Architects has been retained as the Prime Consultant. TO Live is exploring a range of funding opportunities, including philanthropic fundraising and federal grant programs, to support enhanced project scope beyond the approved $84 million capital plan. Two design options will be presented to TO Live in Q1 2027 pending additional donations and federal funding.

Meridian Hall: The net zero emissions retrofit feasibility study has been completed and will be coordinated with the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Net Zero project to maximize operational efficiencies. Sprinkler, lighting, and ceiling upgrades are in final design, with tendering anticipated in Q1 2027 and construction beginning in Q4 2027. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, State of Good Repair, and theatre upgrade projects remain on track for completion in Q4 2026.

TO Live is leading the development of a stakeholder engagement plan to communicate with renters, partners, and other venue stakeholders across its three facilities on planned capital projects including any closures. The engagement strategy will be presented to the Board through a separate report from TO Live. 

There are no financial impacts resulting from the adoption of the recommendation in this report.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer have reviewed this report and agrees with the financial implications as identified in the Financial Impact section.