Kate Cayley Wins the 2026 Toronto Book Award for Her Novel Property
A novel set in Toronto’s west end has won the 2026 Toronto Book Award. Kate Cayley took home the top prize for her book Property, published by Coach House Books. The award was handed out on November 10 at the Toronto Reference Library.
The Toronto Book Award is one of the city’s biggest prizes for writers. It goes to books of literary or artistic merit that are inspired by Toronto.
What the Book Is About
Property takes place over one spring day in a changing West End neighbourhood. It follows a group of neighbours whose lives are linked in small and big ways. They deal with family, friendship, money and the feeling of where they belong.
As the day goes on, their stories move toward a tragedy that changes the neighbourhood for good. Many readers in Toronto will know the feeling of a street that is changing fast.
The jury called the book “a novel of dazzling interiority.” In simple words, that means the book does a great job of showing what its characters think and feel inside.
Key Details
- Winner: Property by Kate Cayley
- Publisher: Coach House Books
- Prize: $20,000
- Other finalists: $2,000 each
- Ceremony: November 10, 2026, at the Toronto Reference Library
The Other Finalists
Four other books made the shortlist this year. Each author gets $2,000.
- Cherry Beach by Don Gillmor (Biblioasis)
- Fatal Confession: A Girl’s Murder, a Man’s Execution, and the Fitton Case by Carolyn Strange (UBC Press)
- Good Guys by Sharon Bala (McClelland and Stewart)
- You Started It by Jackie Khalilieh (Tundra Books)
The list has a mix of fiction, a true crime history and a book for young readers. That shows how many ways Toronto shows up in writing.
Who Picked the Winner
A jury of five chose the shortlist and the winner. The jurors were Jake Byrne, Kristen den Hartog, Julia Kim, Matthew R. Morris and Bänoo Zan.
“This award celebrates the outstanding literary talent that helps define Toronto’s cultural landscape,” said Moe Hosseini-Ara, City Librarian and CEO of Toronto Public Library.
How to Read the Books
You can find all five books at Toronto Public Library branches, and many are also available as e-books. Local bookstores in Toronto often stock award winners too, so it is a good time to pick up a copy for yourself or as a holiday gift.
Easy Ways to Support Local Writers
Awards like this help readers find great local books. Here are a few simple ways to support Toronto writers this season:
- Borrow the finalists from your local library branch.
- Buy a copy from an independent bookstore in your neighbourhood.
- Give a Toronto book as a holiday gift.
- Start a small book club with friends and pick one of the finalists.
- Leave a review online after you finish a book.
What Happens Next
The Toronto Book Award is given out every year by the City of Toronto. Until the next award, the five finalists are a great reading list for the cold months ahead, especially if you like stories about the city you live in.
References
- City of Toronto, Kate Cayley wins 2026 Toronto Book Award for Property
- Toronto Public Library, Toronto Public Library
- Coach House Books, Coach House Books
