A developer has officially withdrawn a controversial 16-storey condominium proposal at Bathurst and College streets, ensuring the immediate future of Toronto's iconic music venue and Tex-Mex restaurant Sneaky Dee's.
Documents submitted on July 3, 2026, to the Toronto and East York Community Council confirmed the cancellation of the application for 419-431 College Street.
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This also cancels a scheduled city council vote on July 8, 2026.
The decision followed intense community mobilization led by Emo Night North and the Save Sneaky Dee's team.
They received backing from the Kensington Market Community and Chinatown Land Trust, local musicians, Ward 11 Councillor Dianne Saxe, and Mayor Olivia Chow.
The developer had previously indicated that the 36-year-old establishment would be allowed to return to a new 1,200-square-metre basement space.
However, the application withdrawal halts the entire project.
Michael Goldberg, principal of the Goldberg Group behind the development, issued a letter stating his firm was instructed to remove the item from the municipal agenda.
He provided no specific reason for the withdrawal.
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A subsequent letter from RBC subsidiary Globe Realty Holdings Ltd. revealed a property dispute at 429 College Street.
The letter stated that RBC has no agreement of purchase and sale or any agreement regarding disposal of its lands at that address.
RBC currently operates a retail branch at the location and intends to maintain its operations on the site.
The letter objects to any official plan redesignation or zoning amendment on these lands.
Community members and local politicians had previously expressed concerns about the city's ability to halt the development during a public meeting at City Hall in late May.
Councillor Dianne Saxe noted during the meeting that while the city can refuse an application, it doesn't stop it because the Ontario Land Tribunal often approves it anyway, sometimes making it worse.
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Following the announcement, organizers celebrated on Instagram by removing the development proposal sign from the building. It remains uncertain whether the site will face future development risks.
