Toronto Star

A sometimes controversial redesign and expansion of the Art Gallery of Ontario faces an important political test tomorrow. The Toronto and East York community council is expected to approve the design, which will see major changes to the north and south façades of the venerable art institution, despite some lingering opposition among residents. Matthew Teitelbaum, the gallery's director and CEO, said he's pleased the staff planning report is "so positive and strongly supportive" of the changes proposed, which among other things will expand viewing space by 40 per cent. Teitelbaum said residents will be particularly pleased with the final design by renowned architect Frank Gehry, who was born in Toronto and grew up in the Grange Park area but has never designed a building here.