Sneaky Dee's survives condo threat after RBC bank branch owner disputes developer's plans
The 40-year College and Bathurst institution was slated for closure; withdrawal of condo plans came after RBC confirmed it operates a retail branch at the site.
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Sneaky Dee's, the legendary College and Bathurst dive bar and music venue open for nearly 40 years, has survived a closure threat after a developer's condo plans were withdrawn.
The developer's plans fell apart around end-of-day last Friday after an RBC representative disputed the condo proposal. The bank operates a retail branch at the site and, in a letter to the Toronto and East York Community Council, confirmed "RBC operates a retail bank branch at this site and intends to carry on with this use." According to Councillor Dianne Saxe, "I'm glad the developer hadn't done his homework. For now, it's safe."
Councillor Josh Matlow emphasized the venue's cultural significance: "It's a cultural icon. It's not just a bar. For generations, Torontonians have been going to Sneaky Dee's, not only for a fun night out, but there are communities that see the bar as a cultural centre." A Toronto resident named Monika Baird reflected on the community's fierce opposition: "We knew the community would come together to do everything possible to keep this place from closing. That type of community doesn't happen out of nowhere. That is years and years and years of love and appreciation for what this bar does."
