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City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

February 6, 2025

City of Toronto protects affordable housing and Propeller Art Gallery at 38 Abell St. for former Artscape tenants and their families

The City of Toronto, with funding from the Government of Canada, secured and protected homes as well as the Propeller Art Gallery at 38 Abell St., previously under the management of Toronto Artscape Inc. This ensures that artists and their families can remain in their homes and that the Propeller Art Gallery continues to operate as an affordable space for artists to work and showcase their art.

Mayor Olivia Chow, alongside Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport and Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), joined tenants at Propeller Art Gallery earlier today to announce that all existing tenants will be able to remain in their homes and retain access to the creative spaces there following the receivership.

Properties formerly managed by Artscape entered receivership in early 2024 after months of legal proceedings – with 390 homes at risk. Working in partnership with artists, the City took early action and successfully secured 91 per cent of the homes.

Throughout the process, Toronto City Council has been a strong advocate for these residents. Following Artscape’s insolvency, the City stepped in to immediately fund property management services across Artscape’s 14 buildings and helped establish ArtHubs, a new not-for-profit organization that now manages key community cultural hubs that were previously operated by Artscape including Daniels Spectrum, Gibraltar Point and Wychwood Barns.

Today, the City and the Government of Canada are providing funding to Propeller Art Gallery to buy back its exhibition space on the ground floor and will acquire 20 affordable housing units. This acquisition means these homes are now secured and will be permanently affordable.

The City continues to invest in both arts and affordable housing, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Toronto’s arts community while preserving affordable housing options for Torontonians.

This initiative aligns with Culture Connects: Toronto’s New Action Plan for Culture, which aims to strengthen the city’s cultural sector and support creative spaces. More information about Culture Connects can be found on the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/long-term-vision-plans-and-strategies/action-plan-toronto-culture-sector/.

Quotes:

“Affordable homes for 390 tenants across 14 Artscape properties have been secured and will remain affordable forever. Artists are an essential part of Toronto—bringing beauty, music, culture and vibrancy to our city. I want to thank city staff and advocates who have worked diligently for over a year to make today possible. This investment will support local artists and build inclusive communities in Toronto.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow

“Canadian artists help tell our stories, unite us and shape the culture that makes our country stronger. When artists have affordable spaces to create and share their work, we all benefit. That’s why the Government of Canada supports places like Propeller Gallery. By working with partners like the City of Toronto, we’re making sure that artists can keep doing what they do best—building connections, inspiring us and helping our communities thrive.”
– The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Propeller Gallery plays an important role as an arts centre in our community. I’m thrilled to see that this government funding will help ensure the long-term presence of the gallery, which will assist visual artists through curated member exhibitions. The gallery also offers artists networking and educational opportunities through lectures, workshops and artist talks.”
– Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport

“This is a huge win for artists and cultural workers in Davenport and across the city. I worked hard to secure funding for Propeller Gallery to become a community-owned cultural space and to protect the affordable housing for artists at 38 Abell St, which I’m delighted we are delivering on today.”
– Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport)

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca

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