Kate Cayley Wins 2026 Toronto Book Award for 'Property'

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Toronto Public Library announces Kate Cayley as the recipient of the 2026 Toronto Book Award for her novel 'Property', set in a changing neighborhood and exploring themes of family and belonging.

On November 10, 2026, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Public Library proudly announced that Kate Cayley has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Toronto Book Award for her novel 'Property', published by Coach House Books. The award ceremony took place at the Toronto Reference Library, where Cayley was recognized for her significant literary contribution. 'Property' unfolds over the course of a single spring day in a gentrifying Toronto neighborhood, following a diverse group of interconnected residents as they navigate the complexities of family dynamics, friendship, class struggles, and a sense of belonging in a city that is undergoing rapid change. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of its characters, leading to a tragic event that irrevocably alters the fabric of the West End neighborhood. The jury for the 2026 Toronto Book Award described 'Property' as “a novel of dazzling interiority,” highlighting how it adeptly captures the anxieties, desires, and obsessions of four families residing on a single street in Toronto. The jury praised Cayley’s skill in portraying the essence of life in the city, as her work thoughtfully addresses contemporary societal issues. In a competitive field, 'Property' was selected from a shortlist that included notable works such as 'Cherry Beach' by Don Gillmor, 'Fatal Confession: A Girl’s Murder, a Man’s Execution, and the Fitton Case' by Carolyn Strange, 'Good Guys' by Sharon Bala, and 'You Started It' by Jackie Khalilieh. The Toronto Book Awards, established in 1974, aim to honor authors whose works reflect the spirit, history, people, and places of Toronto. As part of the recognition, Cayley will receive a monetary prize of $20,000, while each of the remaining shortlisted authors will be awarded $2,000. Residents of Toronto are encouraged to explore and borrow the shortlisted titles through the Toronto Public Library’s dedicated webpage for the Toronto Book Awards. The awards not only celebrate literary excellence but also play a crucial role in fostering a deeper understanding of Toronto’s diverse communities and histories. This year’s jury comprised a distinguished panel of award-winning writers, publishing professionals, educators, and literary advocates from Toronto’s vibrant literary scene, including author and poet Jake Byrne, novelist and non-fiction writer Kristen den Hartog, literary agent Julia Kim, educator and anti-racism advocate Matthew R. Morris, and poet, translator, and curator Bänoo Zan. The Toronto Book Awards are a key component of the City’s Culture Connects initiative, a 10-year action plan aimed at supporting creativity and culture within the city. By recognizing and investing in local authors, the awards amplify the voices of those inspired by Toronto, promote literary excellence, and assist readers in discovering stories that reflect the rich tapestry of the city’s communities and experiences. In a statement, Moe Hosseini-Ara, City Librarian and CEO of the Toronto Public Library, congratulated Cayley on her achievement, stating, “This award celebrates the outstanding literary talent that helps define Toronto’s cultural landscape and brings our city’s stories to life. We are proud to recognize all of this year’s shortlisted authors and their remarkable contributions to Canadian literature. I hope readers across Toronto will pick up these books and come away inspired by their creativity, insight and range of perspectives.” Toronto, with a population exceeding three million, is recognized for its diversity and vibrancy, making it one of the most livable cities globally and a leading economic engine in Canada. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto excels in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation, and climate action, consistently ranking high in international assessments due to robust investments from its government, residents, and businesses. For additional details about the Toronto Book Awards, please visit the City’s official website or follow their social media channels.

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