Citizen Hall: Reclaiming City Hall for the People
Youth-led Critical Tour and Brainstorming Session

Saturday, March 24th, 1pm at Toronto City Hall, first floor Rotunda
Food and TTC tickets will be provided, for-and-by-youth

*Please RSVP to ryan.hayes.to@gmail.com by Thursday March 22nd*

As the centre of democratic governance in Toronto, City Hall should encourage civic participation and be a model of a democratic space.

Following the $40 million re-design competition for Nathan Phillips Square, we are asking youth to look inside and critically examine how Toronto City Hall functions as a democratic and resident-friendly space.

On Saturday March 24th, we will be organizing a critical tour of Toronto City Hall, after which we will brainstorm ways in which Toronto City Hall can better reach its potential.

While plans are underway to expand the Mayor's office and add a new committee room on the second floor, we are encouraging people to apply a critical lens to every aspect of the building, from the library to the rotunda to the café to the washrooms.

For our tour, we will begin by reviewing the history of Toronto City Hall as the site of Toronto's first Chinatown and the result of an international design competition. We will discuss current issues facing the building and introduce some questions about the purpose of a city hall and how it can be achieved.

During the tour, participants will be encouraged to take photographs, do illustrations, and make notes on barriers and potential improvements. Afterwards, we will brainstorm recommendations for improvement and create a plan for moving ahead.

Agenda

1. Brief History of City Hall and Present Context (10 minutes)
2. Some Questions to Consider (10 minutes)
3. Critical Tour of City Hall (40 minutes)
4. Brainstorming Session (60 minutes)

Space is limited, so if you are interested please RSVP to ryan.hayes.to@gmail.com by Thursday March 22nd.

Directions: Toronto City Hall is located at 100 Queen St. West, near Queen Station (Eaton Centre). When you enter City Hall, walk past the security desk and turn right towards the East Elevators. Lost? Call 416-655-0161

Organized by the Toronto Youth Cabinet, a youth-led organization based out of City Hall