Sneaky Dee’s future uncertain amid development proposal

Sneak Dee's restaurant and live music venue, located at 431 College Street

A development proposal on the site of Sneaky Dee’s appears to be active again with loftier plans, threatening the future of the long-standing live music venue and restaurant in downtown Toronto.

The proposal, first submitted in September 2020 by the Goldberg Group, calls for the redevelopment of properties at 419-431 College St., east of Bathurst Street.

If approved, the affected lots would transform into a 16-storey mixed-use building containing 203 units and 1,222 square metres of non-residential gross floor area.

The original proposal called for a 13-storey mixed-use building consisting of 169 dwelling units.

“Since the initial application was filed, a number of circumstances have factored in, motivating a change for this site. The circumstances prompting this change,” reads a Revelopment Application Resubmission Cover Letter sent to the city in March.

Sneaky Dee’s first opened in 1987 and was originally located on Bloor Street and Bathurst Street near Honest Ed’s.

The proposal includes a request to amend current zoning bylaws to permit the proposed height and massing.

According to a City of Toronto public notice, a community consultation meeting will be held on May 28, during which community members can speak with city officials regarding the amendment.

The meeting will be held in Committee Room 1 at City Hall at 10 a.m. It can also be attended virtually.