Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds for the Heliconian Club - by Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

The Hall is a valued, welcoming space for creative women in the literary world and in other artistic disciplines. It was built in 1876 when Yorkville was a rural village on Toronto's outskirts. First a church, then headquarters of a painters' union, the building became the Heliconian Hall in 1923. The building is an excellent example of the rare Carpenter's Gothic architectural style, with a simple board and batten exterior, Victorian rose window, and carved rafters in a high vaulted ceiling. The Heliconian Hall is one of the few buildings of this style remaining in southern Ontario. It was designated a Toronto historic site in 1990 and a National Historic Site in 2008; a plaque was erected outside the building in 2011. Its beautiful acoustics continue to make it one of Toronto's most cherished small concert halls, regularly used as a performance venue and art gallery. After 150 years, the Hall requires substantial renovations and accessibility upgrades. These section 37 funds, combined with contributions from neighbouring residents' associations, will allow construction of three accessible washrooms, and will make the Hall eligible to apply for federal restoration funds.

2. City Council direct that the $20,000 be forwarded to the Heliconian Club upon the signing of an Undertaking by the Heliconian Club that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.