Sneaky Dee's is a 40-year-old live music venue and restaurant in Toronto.

It's a local landmark known for launching bands like Barenaked Ladies, Arcade Fire, and Pup. I worked there for three years as a university student, and it taught me speed, people skills, and grit. Most importantly, it's a family business that's long been the soul of Toronto's indie and punk rock scene.

In May 2026, it was once again at risk of being demolished for a proposed 16-storey condo development. Torontonians had other plans.

Myself and five other community members formed a grassroots team to organize and campaign to save Sneaky Dee's. In one month, we generated over 600 emails to city council, reached over a million views on Instagram, and got several city councillors to commit to protecting the venue. Our team campaigned hard, while working with councillors to realize that RBC, whose branch sits on part of the proposed site, had never agreed to sell its land. Days later, and before the July 8 council vote, RBC confirmed this to the city, and the developer withdrew its application.

It was a win against overdevelopment and displacement unlike anything Toronto had seen.

Thank you to Martin, Mack, Monika, Ivan, and Dan, and to decades of Sneaky Dee's lovers who made their voices heard.

I'm proud to have played a creative and strategic role in serving my community.

Not affiliated with Sneaky Dee's or its owners. This campaign is 100% volunteer-led.