City paid $18,676 for Ford visitation at city hall

The city spent $18,676 for the late Councillor Rob Ford to lie in repose at city hall over two days.

The public visitation, unprecedented for a former mayor, involved opening city hall on Easter Monday, when it is typically closed.

Most of the expenses incurred were for unionized staff overtime, including $11,539 for security officers. City spokeswoman Jackie DeSouza said in an email that “all costs are being covered out of existing budgets.”

Non-unionized staff and management who are not entitled to paid overtime will be given time in lieu, she said.

The city and Mayor John Tory signed off on the public memorial at the request of the family.

It included Ford’s casket lying in the rotunda with a revolving ceremonial police guard, where members of the public could pay their respects, speak with Ford’s family and sign books of condolence.

Over two days, more than 5,500 people lined up to do so, according to an official tally.

A police spokesperson estimated some 150 officers were involved in a funeral procession that blocked off Queen St. from city hall to Yonge and King Sts. to St. James Cathedral.

The Toronto Paramedic Services’ Honour Guard was also given a $1,500 honorarium.