City of Toronto’s announced plans to reduce the number of offices it operates by over 60%, focusing on modernizing and optimizing many of the locations where municipal employees work.

Mayor John Tory says the initiative, ModernTO, will see the number of properties the city runs reduced from 52 to 20 and is estimated to save tens of millions each year.

”When it implemented it will result in $750-million in savings over the next 25 years, as well as, at the same time, decreasing the amount of office space that we use by 25%,” Tory points out.

”This will be done in a responsible way.  It’s a responsible change that’ll be brought about in a responsible manner and it will not disrupt any kind of frontline services.  In fact, I believe in the end it will enhance frontline services in the way they’re delivered to the people of the city of Toronto.”

Tory adds the city will pursue ”significant revitalization” of Metro Hall and the Etobicoke and Scarborough civic centres.

Eight city properties, valued at $420-million, will also be unlocked for, as yet undetermined potential uses, such as the possible development of affordable housing.

Those properties include the Toronto Community Housing Corp headquarters on Yonge Street, the Toronto Parking Authority’s headquarters on Queen Street East, the bus terminal on Bay Street and the Toronto Public Health building on Victoria Street, currently home to a supervised injection facility.