21 June 2026—Toronto. A beloved local landmark – Sneaky Dee’s – is threatened with demolition to make way for hi-rise condominiums that no local could even afford. Sneaky Dee’s is one of our go-to places for Toronto punk, metal, emo, and other alternative styles — check Jojo’s review of a show from June 18th here — and we don’t want to see yet another longstanding cultural institution of Toronto go under. Fortunately, a grass-roots campaign has been underway to save it. We reached out David Himel, an organiser with the group, “Save Sneaky Dee’s,” to see what we could do to help. A former employee of the bar from the 1990s, Himel has a personal connection to the piece of history under threat.

(Please note: the Save Sneaky Dee’s campaign is not affiliated the owners of Sneaky Dee’s. Its organisers cannot speak for them regarding the outcome of this effort.)

“I was personally employed by Sneaky Dee’s in the 1990s,” reminisces Himel:

“Over the decades since, I have attended birthdays, funerals, weddings, and countless other events within its walls. But Sneaky Dee’s was more than a venue to me — it was where I launched my first business, where I shook hands on the deal that built my second, and where I found the inspiration for what I hope will be my last. It was the place where I built my network of Torontonians, many of whom have gone on to become remarkably successful and prominent contributors to this city.”

More Than Memories — A Cultural Institution

“This loss will not be mine alone. It will be a loss to the City of Toronto and to its history,” says Himel. “Gen-Xers helped found this place.” In short, if the bar closes, they’ll be losing an important part of “their culture, their history, and their contribution to the fabric of Toronto.” Sneaky Dee’s is the CBGB’s of Ontario. It is an important historical place with a proud history of being a space for Toronto’s cultural outcasts.

For Himel and many more, the loss of Sneaky Dee’s is not simply the loss of personal memories. Its the loss of a cultural hub. Sneaky Dee’s is independent venue that has long incubated art and music. For decades, its provided a home for those who seek alternatives to the corporate entertainment industry. More than just a colourful dive bar–Sneaky Dee’s is where the Barenaked Ladies got their break, and its visited multiple times by Scott Pilgrim.

A System Designed to Fail Communities

Himel has worked with city councillors on condominium and development projects before: “In my experience, it feels like corporate capture,” he laments. In Himel’s view, councillors overwhelmingly tell community members that they cannot overturn a development application—even if they vote against it—because it will simply be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board or ‘OMB’). The process is circular and feels futile: either vote yes at the local level or be overruled at the provincial. Its a process that Himel”s experienced first-hand in Chinatown with a condominium development.

At various times, different parties have promised to reform or dissolve the OLT. However, the process remains corrupt in the eyes of the public. Time and time again, the Tribunal overturns community wishes, ensuring that developers get their plans approved. Rather than risk being overturned at the OLT, Councillors would rather negotiate minor exclusions or token concessions with a developer than oppose the application. Therefore, many consider this a cynical and futile form of public consultation. Despite this, it has been normalised over decades through the repeated misuse of the housing crisis as a justification for developers to build more market-rate condominiums.

What can we do?

Luckily, there is a municipal election coming in October, so constituents can more easily influence their politicians than in other years. When elected officials believe that votes are on the line, communities have the power to change their councillors previously-stated position. If you believe that Sneaky Dee’s is a historic venue deserving of protection, or simply that it is an important cultural and musical institution, here is what you can do:

• Email your city councillor and express your opposition to this development application.
  • In particular, people should contact the following:
    • Brad Bradford (Ward 19 – Beaches-East York)
    • Alejandra Bravo (Ward 9 – Davenport)
    • Paula Fletcher (Ward 14 – Toronto Danforth)
    • Ausma Malik (Ward 10 – Spadina-Fort York)
    • Josh Matlow (Ward 12 – Toronto-St Paul)
    • Chris Moise (Ward 13 – Toronto Centre)
    • Gord Perks (Ward 4 – Parkdale-High Park)
    • Dianne Saxe (Ward 11 – University-Rosedale)
• Visit the Save Sneaky Dee’s website and sign up for updates.
• Make a post and tag the eight city councillors who are voting on whether to approve or reject this application. IG: @savesneakydees
• Vote in the upcoming municipal election — and hold your representative accountable (once again, the list above) if they approve this development over community objection.

The greatest problem facing Toronto today is the lack of accountability among our city councillors and our MPPs to actually represent their communities and act on what their constituents want. That must change.

— David Himel