Toronto Council has approved the Canadian Film Centre's request to put their $4.5 million government grant to use.

The Centre will move forwards with plans to overhaul and expand the Windfields Estate on Bayview, part of the CFC's campus and former home of Canadian philanthropist and entrepreneur, E. P. Taylor.

The $4.5 million funding was provided through the federal-provincial Infrastructure Stimulus Funds program, and must be used by April 30. Since council agreed to enter into a historical easement agreement, changes can be made to the property including construction of new spaces for education and administration, window restoration, roof repair and improved barrier-free access.

Project organizers also plan to create an actors conservatory and geothermal heating system on the front lawn.