Toronto city council has endorsed the search for a new operator for Casa Loma.

Council voted to ask for proposals for an operator to run the tourist attraction on a multi-year lease.

Proposals will be weighed based in part on how well the respect the heritage and significance of the site.

Motions added by Councillors Josh Matlow and Joe Mihevc added provisions to prevent the sale of city land, prohibit lobbying during the process, and for potential new operators to consider the creation of a Toronto museum at the site.

The city has been looking after the operations of Casa Loma since last year, taking over from the Kiwanis Club, which looked after the mansion for 75 years.