City moves toward heritage protection for Sneaky Dee's after developer withdrawal

Toronto city council is moving to permanently protect Sneaky Dee's from redevelopment following a successful community push against a contested condo proposal that was withdrawn in early July.

Councillors Dianne Saxe and Josh Matlow introduced a motion to initiate a heritage study of the bar at 431 College Street, which could result in the property being granted protections under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. While such designation does not prevent redevelopment outright, it protects the design elements of buildings with cultural heritage value.

A redevelopment application was withdrawn on July 3 after the applicant mistakenly included the adjacent RBC bank branch, which is under separate ownership. The withdrawal sparked celebration among thousands of residents who organized to defend the venue.

The motion describes Sneaky Dee's as "a historically and culturally significant music venue" that "has been a launching pad for local artists, a gathering place for friends and neighbours" and "one of those places that gives our city its character."

"Residents organized. Musicians spoke out. Neighbours filled meetings, signed petitions, shared ideas, and refused to accept that one of Toronto's most beloved cultural institutions should disappear into yet another condo without exhausting every possible option," the motion reads.

If adopted at council's July 29-31 meeting, the motion would direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director of City Planning to evaluate the property for designation and report back to the Toronto Preservation Board, the Planning and Housing Committee, and City Council during the first quarter of 2027.