Support for Théâtre français de Toronto - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll

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The decision

2026-06-24 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on June 24 and 25, 2026, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to consider, and perform all necessary financial due diligence for a Capital Loan Guarantee for Théâtre français de Toronto, which may be provided to Théâtre français de Toronto's lender on an exceptional basis, in support of Théâtre français de Toronto's acquisition of a theatre property with the property at development at 1095-1111 Danforth Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $3 million, inclusive of any accrued interest and potential enforcement costs, contingent on: a.

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Théâtre français de Toronto demonstrating to the satisfaction of the City Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, by September 30, 2026, that it has secured financing from a third-party lender for the full purchase price of the property; b. Théâtre français de Toronto providing the City staff with all materials as the City Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer may request, as are consistent with the requirements of the City Loan Guarantee Policy; and c. the City's Capital Loan Guarantee being secured against the property being purchased and ahead of all creditors. 2. City Council delegate authority to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasury to extend the date to secure financing by Théâtre français de Toronto for the full purchase price should it be determined that an extension is necessary and justified. 3. City Council authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to negotiate and enter into all related agreements for the Capital Loan Guarantee, on such terms and conditions as are acceptable to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

This motion seeks to support Théâtre français de Toronto and its long-standing project to build a permanent venue designed specifically for French-language theatre in Toronto. For nearly 60 years, Théâtre français de Toronto has been a pillar of Toronto's Francophone cultural life. As the only professional French-language theatre in the Queen City, Théâtre français de Toronto serves Francophone and Francophile communities in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area, and well beyond, while playing an important role in education, youth audience development, and artistic creation.

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The company welcomes nearly 12,000 audience members each season, including non-Francophone spectators who can also enjoy the plays thanks to surtitles. Despite its significant contribution to Toronto's cultural life, Théâtre français de Toronto has operated for decades without a permanent venue. Seventy-one Franco-Ontarian organizations recently signed letters of support reaffirming the need for a permanent home for Théâtre français de Toronto. Support from the federal government has been secured but it is insufficient to bring the project to completion. The City of Toronto would benefit from such a project. It is important that the City explore what it can do to support the project as well. It is in this spirit that I propose the following motion. Reason for Urgency: Construction is scheduled to begin within weeks. Financial certainty is needed to move forward.

Staff recommended

Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to consider, and perform all necessary financial due diligence for a Capital Loan Guarantee for Théâtre français de Toronto, which may be provided to Théâtre français de Toronto's lender on an exceptional basis, in support of Théâtre français de Toronto's acquisition of a theatre property with the property at development at 1095-1111 Danforth Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $3 million, inclusive of any accrued interest and potential enforcement costs, contingent on: a.

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Théâtre français de Toronto demonstrating to the satisfaction of the City Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, by September 30, 2026, that it has secured financing from a third-party lender for the full purchase price of the property; b. Théâtre français de Toronto providing the City staff with all materials as the City Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer may request, as are consistent with the requirements of the City Loan Guarantee Policy (provided as Appendix C to this report); and c. the City's Capital Loan Guarantee being secured against the property being purchased and ahead of all creditors. 2. City Council delegate authority to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasury to extend the date to secure financing by Théâtre français de Toronto for the full purchase price should it be determined that an extension is necessary and justified. 3. City Council authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to negotiate and enter into all related agreements for the Capital Loan Guarantee, on such terms and conditions as are acceptable to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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