Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sneaky Dee's Saved: Beloved Bar Escapes Redevelopment
Sneaky Dee's Saved: Beloved Bar Escapes Redevelopment
5 Jul
Summary
- Redevelopment application for Sneaky Dee's has been withdrawn.
- RBC was unaware its property was included in the original plan.
- Community outcry and support played a role in the decision.
Redevelopment plans for a cherished Toronto establishment, Sneaky Dee's, have been officially withdrawn. This decision has been met with widespread elation from patrons and community members who rallied to save the beloved bar and live music venue. The initial application to redevelop the property, which houses Sneaky Dee's, encountered significant issues, including the apparent inclusion of an adjacent Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) property without the bank's awareness.
Local councilor Josh Matlow highlighted that the redevelopment application was "bungled" and suggested that strong community "uproar" was a contributing factor to the withdrawal. He emphasized Sneaky Dee's cultural significance, describing it as more than just a bar but a vital cultural center for generations of Torontonians. Matlow noted that an organized community response likely applied considerable pressure on the property owner and developers.
Regulars and supporters had vocally opposed the proposed 16-storey building at College and Bathurst streets, viewing it as a significant threat to Toronto's cultural landscape. Despite developer assurances of space for Sneaky Dee's in the new building and assistance with interim relocation, the community's determination to preserve the venue was paramount. The outpouring of support, even from individuals in distant locations like Yellowknife and Australia, demonstrated the deep connection people have to this space.
Further complicating the redevelopment was a letter from RBC's retail transactions director to the Toronto and East York Community Council. The bank explicitly stated it was not part of any redevelopment plans for the property, where it operates a retail branch, and intended to continue its use. This confirmed RBC's lack of involvement and opposition to the application, adding another layer to the withdrawal. The successful effort to save Sneaky Dee's has led to calls for additional protections to safeguard the venue from future redevelopment proposals.
