Toronto's Mercy on Gerrard theatre set to reopen

Kinkade Davis, a young musician from Toronto, is reviving an old theatre called the Mercy on Gerrard. He plans to open it this spring after spending all of his savings to take over the building. The theatre, which once went by the name Grand Gerrard, has been empty for several years. Davis had a meaningful moment while walking with his mother when they spotted a “For Rent” sign on the dilapidated theatre. After considering the idea of owning a venue, he felt inspired to transform the space into a music hub for local artists. The theatre, built in 1911, has had many names and owners, but it had not seen any activity since 2021. When Davis entered the building, he saw a lot of garbage but also its potential. He envisioned a place for concerts, shows, and community events, rejecting the owner’s idea to turn it into a sports bar. With determination, Davis made a deal in December and is now renovating the space with the help of friends and family. The Mercy on Gerrard aims to hold around 400 people and feature a variety of performances, from indie rock to drag shows. Davis has been getting support from the community, including a GoFundMe campaign to cover remaining renovation costs. People have shown interest in renting out part of the venue for their own services, further enriching the community vibe. Davis hopes the Mercy will become a local gathering spot within the neighborhood. He envisions diverse programming that allows artists to express themselves freely. With plans for a gala night to kick off the venue's events, Davis is committed to creating a lively space that honors his roots in the east end of Toronto.