Harbourfront Centre unable to pay tax and rent

The city shouldn’t expect to collect any of the nearly $1.4 million a top cultural hub owes in rent and property taxes, says Toronto’s treasurer.

Despite attracting more than three million people a year to the city’s central waterfront, Harbourfront Centre faces rising operating costs, a $16 million repair backlog, no significant increases in support from public funders, declining corporate sponsorships and a lack of charitable donations, according to a staff report to be discussed at Tuesday’s government management committee meeting.

Treasurer Mike St. Amant is recommending council approve writing off Harbourfront’s outstanding $964,335 in rent for the city-owned Queens Quay West property and providing a $427,286 grant to go toward unpaid property taxes, the report said.

If approved, Harbourfront will be required at the end of 2018 to submit a business plan“demonstrating long term financial viability including an ability to pay all current year and future property taxes and debts to the city,” the report said.

The one-time relief will ensure Harbourfront can continue its programming — hosting 4,000 events and 30,000 school visits a year, said Councillor Joe Cressy (Trinity-Spadina), who sits on the board of directors. “Harbourfront is a completely financially secure and strong organization,” Cressy said.