yr reply gave me laugh, Kurt! the old duality play in action, eh? yr city promoters apparently are pushing for more tourism by spending these large amounts on big-name architects, while the city folks wonder if it's worth it. i reckon that's common throughout major cities doing the same thing.
K:
"The problem with high flying architects renovating an art gallery they are too tempted to build a piece of art as a monument to themselves."
I imagine that to be true when these artists (i see architects as artists) are given the go-ahead to do what pleases themselves... much like any artists would do. wouldn't you agree that any art is a "monument" (scale irrelevant) to the artist... something any artist wouldn't mind seeing as a lasting piece that resounds with the future?
i was unaware the AGO had been done to death. could this have anything to do with Gehry being a homeboy... a city pride thing? (i also surprised Gehry was Canadian,
and grew up in that general neighbo
rhood). from this angle i could understand the idea, but disappointed if all that space was devoted to a restaurant and gift shop! boo that, but not Gehry. 
Thx for the offer, host! but seriously, for us to go there would be damn near impossible given our financial position in this day and age. but it is definitely appreciated! i just do a google trip for now.