Item - 2026.MM41.30

Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Jamaal Myers, recommends that:

1. City Council increase the 2026 Operating Budget for Non-Program on a one-time basis by $440,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from the development at 11 to 25 Yorkville Avenue and 16 to 18 Cumberland Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701193), secured for cultural or community space, to be used by Bad Dog Theatre Co. to upgrade raw space at 588-590 Markham St. in Mirvish Village into working education, rehearsal and performance facilities (Cost Centre: NP2161).
 

2. City Council direct that the $440,000 be forwarded to the Bad Dog Theatre Co. upon the signing of an Undertaking that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.

Ward 11 has a vibrant, popular and unique Culture Corridor with more than 25 world-class arts and culture organizations, including three major museums, the Royal Conservatory of Music, Hot Docs, cultural centres, libraries, Tafelmusik, Toronto Consort, the Music Gallery, the Women’s Arts Association, the Heliconian Club, Lee’s Palace and an essential collection of small theatres. These small theatres are essential for Toronto’s performing arts community and for everyone who benefits from their performances. They host a wide variety of performances, including the heart of the ever-popular Toronto Fringe festival.

Ward 11 is proud to have added a new theatre at 877 Yonge Street, and to be funding essential upgrades at several others. Now we can add another jewel to this chain.

Bad Dog Theatre Co. (www.baddogtheatre.com) is a Toronto nonprofit, founded in 1982, that develops comedians and improvisers, runs accessible training programs, and presents year-round shows. They lost their home during the pandemic and now wish to establish new facilities in Ward 11. There is suitable basement space at 588 to 590 Markham St. within the new Mirvish Village that could accommodate 2 small theatres and workshop space. This space is accessible, has excellent transit service and is close to several other gems of the Bloor Street Culture Corridor, and will help re-establish the artistic vibrancy of the old Mirvish Village. Mirvish Village has offered Bad Dog Theatre a long-term lease, but capital upgrades are required to convert the raw space into working rehearsal and performance facilities.

Economic Development and Culture staff have reviewed Bad Dog Theatre Company’s business plan and confirmed its eligibility for Section 37 funding.

This matter is urgent because the theatre wishes to take advantage of a lease offer from Mirvish Village and to get the theatre ready to start taking students as quickly as possible.