Artscape Receivership - by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow

A Receiver was appointed over Artscape's operations by a decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on January 11, 2024. Of Artscape's 390 residential and commercial tenants at its various properties, the vast majority were excluded from the scope of the Receivership. Most below-market commercial tenancies for artists and arts organizations will be managed by ArtHubs Toronto Inc., a newly established non-profit successor organization to Artscape, while the operation of most affordable housing units has been transitioned to Artscape Non-Profit Homes Inc., which has engaged WoodGreen Community Services to provide property management services to tenants. Just 38 tenants, or 9 percent of Artscape's former tenants, are located at properties subject to the Receivership. Among other things, Item 2023.MM11.32 directed the City Solicitor to participate in the receivership proceeding against Artscape with a view to protecting City's property and interests in affordable housing, and affordable not for profit community arts and culture space. This motion requests further direction from Council with respect to the receivership proceedings against Artscape. This motion relates to ongoing litigation for which action is required before the next meeting of City Council. Therefore, this matter is urgent. This motion also relates to or contains information regarding litigation or potential litigation.

Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this motion is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it is about litigation and contains advice or communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege.