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Toronto City Council · 2025-12-16 · 2025.MM35.19

The filed record

Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds for Buddies in Bad Times - by Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik

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The decision

2025-12-16 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on December 16 and 17, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2025 Operating Budget for Non-Program on a one-time basis by $524,447.73 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 89, 97 and 99 Church Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701195), collected for capital improvements in the vicinity, for transfer to the 12 Alexander Street Theatre Project (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) for capital improvements to the building at 12 Alexander Street, including accessibility, safety, and theatrical space upgrades (NP2161).

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2. City Council direct that the $524,447.73 be forwarded to the 12 Alexander Street Theatre Project (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) upon the signing of an Undertaking by the 12 Alexander Street Theatre Project (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

Buddies in Bad Times is the world's longest-running and largest queer theatre, providing both a platform for queer artists and programming for queer audiences, but also a space to perform works that challenge sexual, cultural, and artistic norms. The non-profit theatre company has requested $524,447.73 to bring critical improvements to 12 Alexander Street. The theatre at 12 Alexander Street is a City-owned building that has been used by the company for over two decades.

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The funding would be used to improve the building, including but not limited to: theatrical space upgrades, accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency improvements. Funding secured from 89 to 99 Church Street for "capital projects in the vicinity of the site in conformity with the City's Official plan, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner, in consultation with the Ward Councillor" would be used to fund these upgrades and improvements. The release of funds for these projects would allow Buddies in Bad Times to proceed with these capital improvements in 2026.

Staff recommended

Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2025 Operating Budget for Non-Program on a one-time basis by $524,447.73 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 89, 97 and 99 Church Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701195), collected for capital improvements in the vicinity, for transfer to the 12 Alexander Street Theatre Project (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) for capital improvements to the building at 12 Alexander Street, including accessibility, safety, and theatrical space upgrades (NP2161).

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2. City Council direct that the $524,447.73 be forwarded to the 12 Alexander Street Theatre Project (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) upon the signing of an Undertaking by the 12 Alexander Street Theatre Project (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.

    On the record

    The item as the City filed it

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