Sneaky Dee's saved as developer withdraws 16-storey condo redevelopment plan
Months of community organizing and public pushback convinced Goldberg Group to pull its application. Vote scheduled for July 8 is now off the table.
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Sneaky Dee's, one of Toronto's most welcoming and affordable cultural spaces, has been saved from redevelopment. On Friday, July 3, the Goldberg Group formally withdrew its application to build a 16-storey residential building above the iconic dive bar.
The decision came after months of public pushback and organizing from the community. A vote on the proposal had been scheduled for July 8, 2026, at a Community Council meeting, but the withdrawn application also removes it from that agenda.
Martin Perez, who led efforts to save the venue, posted a video celebrating the win with fellow advocates, saying "We saved Sneaky Dee's." Another organizer, Mon, thanked everyone who had made their voice heard — those who emailed, bands that submitted videos, and all supporters.
Mayor Olivia Chow congratulated the community on their organizing and was later seen dining at the establishment. Councillor Josh Matlow, who backed the campaign from the start, also celebrated the outcome. For now, Sneaky Dee's remains open and the community has secured a major victory.
