Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds from the Development at 1 Bloor Street West to St. Clare’s MultiFaith Housing for the construction of a new theatre and rehearsal space at 877 Yonge Street

The Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera operated for many years out of a theatre, office and rehearsal space in the Distillery District. Dozens of other performing artists and arts groups also used these facilities for rehearsals and performances. The pandemic was brutally difficult for all performing artists and arts groups, including the Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera. In addition, the Distillery District closed the theatre on which they depended and converted it to other uses. They have therefore been searching the city for replacement facilities that they can afford, with little success. 877 Yonge Street is owned by the City of Toronto, and is used primarily to provide supportive housing to disabled and other tenants. The City has contracted with St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society to manage the building. St. Clare's welcomes the opportunity to add a community cultural facility to the building. Among other things, this helps to build a stronger, more positive relationship between St. Clare's, its supportive housing tenants, and the surrounding community. The developer of 208 Bloor Street W. has agreed to fit out the performance room (auditorium) as part of its in-kind Community Benefits, and this was approved by Council in March, 2023. Considerable additional funds are required to fit out the rest of the space and to make it wheel-chair accessible, and appropriate s. 37 funds, earmarked for community or cultural space, are available from a nearby development. The project has earned the strong support of both neighbourhood residents' associations, ABC Residents Association and Greater Yorkville Resident's Association. This request is urgent as the release of Section 37 funds is required to ensure this project can proceed to construction in the summer of 2023, and commence use for performances in the fall of 2024.

2. City Council direct that the $1,250,000 be forwarded to St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society for construction of a theatre, office and rehearsal space at 877 Yonge Street, upon the signing of an Undertaking by St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society to govern the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.