It may be time for the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma to find another castle. After more than 70 years of managing the global and local jewel, management issues have the city questioning the club’s authority. 

“Based on what I’ve seen, I’m not optimistic that they can make Casa Loma the shining beacon it should be,” said Mayor David Miller.

The latest shadow on Kiwanis, the volunteer organization that has leased the castle since 1937, was cast when the city released a report detailing the shortcomings of a joint plan between the city and Kiwanis to accomplish long overdue upgrades to the castle.

The report cites that Kiwanis is $160,000 short in providing required funds for the project, several project deadlines have been missed (such as renovations to the Hunting Lodge and the completion of a new restaurant and visitor centre) and required documents detailing upgrade plans were not completed.

According to the report, Kiwanis members claim budget shortfalls and scheduling setbacks are due to the recession and fewer tourist visits, and as the castle failed to see its usual revenue, additional funds were needed.

One drastic city council recommendation is the removal of the chair overseeing the upgrades, Richard Wozenilek. The report alleges he broke a conflict of interest clause when he failed to mention his personal stake in the castle hiring Keel Cottrelle, the firm where he works as a lawyer.

“I can’t think of any other chair commissioned by the city that is paid hundreds of thousands in legal fees,” said Miller, referring to a $118,000 payment to Keel Cottrelle that was approved. Coun. Kyle Rae said a previous city attempt to revoke Kiwanis management failed. Council never passed the motion, and instead, three years ago, the club’s lease was renewed.

Trelawny Howell, great-grandniece of Casa Loma’s original owner Henry Pellatt, said she has been let down by the Kiwanis Club and that it’s game over: “It’s the city’s castle, it’s our castle, and we want it back.”