Galleries reap rewards of Ossington restaurant restrictions

Galleries reap rewards of Ossington restaurant restrictions

The Saint remains closed on Ossington (Image: Jessica Darmanin)

When the contentious moratorium on new bars and restaurants on Ossington Avenue was passed last year, the strip lost its gentrification momentum. The outright ban has been replaced by strict rules that limit the size of new restaurants, cafés and bars and restrict them to only the ground floors of buildings. Some business owners are troubled by what these regulations mean to the boom, but the Star notes that galleries have been able to capitalize by moving into large homes. Case in point, the opening of three new art projects.

Angell Gallery has moved from its 700-square-foot residence on Queen Street West to a massive 4,000-square-foot space, which, under the new rules, is too large to be occupied by a restaurant. The significantly bigger space, which is equipped with a mini-theatre, has allowed the gallery to display a greater range of artworks, including video installations.

Artscape will open its massive Shaw Street Centre on Ossington in 2012. Formerly the Shaw Street School, the building has gone unused for a decade. Under Artscape, it will provide 75,000 square feet of gallery and workspace for artists.

Formerly located in the Distillery District, Meta Gallery will reopen in the old Rolly’s Garage building on April 2 and will continue, like Rolly’s, as an event space.

Ossington a booming creative hub…for now [Toronto Star]
Rolly’s Garage RIP as Meta Gallery Moves In [BlogTO]