Item - 2019.EC6.8

Tracking Status

EC6.8 - Strengthening Toronto's Nighttime Economy

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

City Council Decision

City Council on July 16, 17 and 18, 2019 adopted the following:

 

1.  City Council request the Mayor to designate a Member of Council as Toronto's Night Ambassador, to be the voice for Toronto's entertainment-related activities for the 2018 to 2022 term of Council.

 

2.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to:

 

a.  report to the Economic and Community Development Committee on the key priorities of a nighttime operations working group that consists of invited participation from senior staff in Municipal Licensing and Standards, City Planning, Transportation Services and other relevant City divisions in 2020, and request the working group to: 

 

i. work with the Toronto Music Advisory Committee to ensure the proper ongoing engagement is developed with the various music industry stakeholders which they represent;

 

ii. work with the Toronto Transit Commission to study the viability and benefits of pushing "10 minutes or better" transit service past 1:00 a.m.; and

 

iii. review the need for increased access to public restrooms at night;

 

b.  report to the Economic and Community Development Committee on advice from nightlife and creative sector for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises, do-it-yourself event organizers, and equity-seeking groups such as youth, women and LGBTQ2S on best practices to enhance inclusive social culture across Toronto at night in 2020;

 

c.  pilot an arts event permit to host pop up performances in unconventional spaces working with the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and other appropriate City divisions; and

 

d.  organize a free annual Toronto Nightlife Industry Town Hall with the private sector and community partners within a year, and annually thereafter, to help set priorities.

 

3.  City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and other relevant City divisions to work with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to align the review of zoning  and business licensing regulations, including consideration for noise, to clarify the requirements and provide support for venues regularly presenting live music, and report to the Economic and Community Development Committee and the Planning and Housing Committee, as appropriate, in 2020.

 

4.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, other relevant City divisions, and Toronto nightlife leaders and residents to:

 

a.  develop a safer venue industry guide that incorporates safer spaces best practices, information on responsible consumption and safe working environments; and

 

b.  develop a list of good neighbour principles for late-night businesses based on best practices around the world and adapted for Toronto.

 

5.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to identify emerging entertainment areas outside the downtown core that can support entertainment uses at night and the future growth of nightlife in Toronto and report to the Planning and Housing Committee on potential opportunities and approaches in 2020.

 

6.  City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to consider the feasibility of 24-hour licensed venues in suitable locations and the feasibility of whether the buildings that would be suitable for such venues could offer other services such as multidisciplinary venues featuring bars, galleries, and co-working spaces.

 

7.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to explore the opportunities for additional transportation options specific to the nighttime economy and report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in 2020.

 

8.  City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to consider the feasibility of the Night Mayor Ambassador Program being funded through a 50/50 split with the City and the night time businesses.

Background Information (Committee)

(June 11, 2019) Report from General Manager, Economic Development and Culture on Strengthening Toronto's Nighttime Economy
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-134446.pdf
Attachment 1 - Toronto Nightlife Action Plan
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-134955.pdf
Attachment 2 - DIY Events in Toronto: Understanding Challenges to Access and Space
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-134956.pdf
Attachment 3 - Toronto Sociable City at Night: Hospitality Zone Assessment
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-134957.pdf

Communications (City Council)

(July 16, 2019) Letter from Councillor Brad Bradford, Ward 19, Beaches-East York (CC.New.EC6.8.1)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/cc/comm/communicationfile-96152.pdf

Motions (City Council)

1a - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

That City Council amend Economic and Community Development Committee Recommendation 2.a so that it now reads:

 

a.  Report to the Economic and Community Development Committee on the key priorities of a nighttime operations working group that consists of invited participation from senior staff in Municipal Licensing and Standards, City Planning, Transportation Services and other relevant City divisions in 2020, and request the working group to:

  

i. work with the Toronto Music Industry Advisory Committee to ensure the proper ongoing engagement is developed with the various music industry stakeholders which they represent;

  

ii. work with the Toronto Transit Commission to study the viability and benefits of pushing "10 minutes or better" transit service past 1:00 a.m.; and

 

iii. review the need for increased access to public restrooms at night.


1b - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to consider the feasibility of the Night Mayor Ambassador Program being funded through a 50/50 split with the City and the night time businesses.

 

2.  City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to consider the feasibility of 24-hour licensed venues in suitable locations and the feasibility of whether the buildings that would be suitable for such venues could offer other services such as multidisciplinary venues featuring bars, galleries, and co-working spaces.


2 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Brad Bradford (Carried)

That City Council amend Economic and Community Development Committee Recommendation 3 by adding the word "regulation" after "zoning", and the words "and ongoing noise bylaw review" after "business licensing regulations" so the recommendation now reads as follows:

 

3.  City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and other relevant City divisions to work with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to align the review of zoning  and business licensing regulations, including consideration for noise, to clarify the requirements and provide support for venues regularly presenting live music, and report to the Economic and Community Development Committee and the Planning and Housing Committee, as appropriate, in 2020.


Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)

Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) Jul-18-2019 2:32 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EC6.8 - Adopt the item as amended
Total members that voted Yes: 21 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Jim Karygiannis, Cynthia Lai, Mike Layton, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 5 Members that were absent are Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Michael Ford, James Pasternak, John Tory

EC6.8 - Strengthening Toronto's Nighttime Economy

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

 

1.  City Council request the Mayor to designate a Member of Council as Toronto's Night Ambassador, to be the voice for Toronto's entertainment-related activities for the 2018 to 2022 term of Council.

 

2.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to:

 

a.  Report to the Economic and Community Development Committee on the key priorities of a nighttime operations working group that consists of invited participation from senior staff in Municipal Licensing and Standards, City Planning, Transportation Services and other relevant City divisions in 2020;

 

b.  Report to the Economic and Community Development Committee on advice from nightlife and creative sector for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises, do-it-yourself event organizers, and equity-seeking groups such as youth, women and LGBTQ2S on best practices to enhance inclusive social culture across Toronto at night in 2020;

 

c.  Pilot an arts event permit to host pop up performances in unconventional spaces working with the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and other appropriate City divisions; and

 

d.  Organize a free annual Toronto Nightlife Industry Town Hall with the private sector and community partners within a year, and annually thereafter, to help set priorities.

 

3.  City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and other relevant City divisions to work with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to align the review of zoning and business licensing regulations to clarify the requirements for venues regularly presenting live music, and report to the Economic and Community Development Committee and the Planning and Housing Committee, as appropriate, in 2020.

 

4.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, other relevant City divisions, Toronto nightlife leaders and residents to:

 

a.  Develop a safer venue industry guide that incorporates safer spaces best practices, information on responsible consumption and safe working environments; and

 

b.  Develop a list of good neighbour principles for late-night businesses based on best practices around the world and adapted for Toronto.

 

5.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to identify emerging entertainment areas outside the downtown core that can support entertainment uses at night and the future growth of nightlife in Toronto and report to the Planning and Housing Committee on potential opportunities and approaches in 2020.

 

6.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to explore the opportunities for additional transportation options specific to the nighttime economy and report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in 2020.

Origin

(June 19, 2019) Report from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture

Summary

The phrase “nighttime economy” describes the social, cultural and economic activities that take place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the city. A key component of the nighttime economy is nightlife – which refers to entertainment-related activities. Toronto has a safe and lively nightlife that has the potential to grow, and the purpose of this report is to seek the necessary authority to implement the proposed actions of the Toronto Nightlife Action Plan, presented in Attachment 1. If approved, the actions will strengthen Toronto's nightlife over the next three years, using, and in some cases re-aligning, existing City resources.

 

The nighttime economy is the new competitive edge for post-industrial cities. Yet the nighttime economy is often overlooked in municipal economic and infrastructure planning. As a result of market forces and municipal policies, Toronto's nighttime culture is under threat from increasing business costs and regulatory challenges. This is not a unique problem. World-class cities like Amsterdam, New York, Berlin, Paris and Sydney are facing similar challenges and are actively taking steps to plan, protect and create nighttime activities. Their approach is based on the view that a vibrant nightlife attracts young, creative and talented people. Music, fashion, film, literature, visual arts and performing arts all thrive during the nighttime.

 

This report also addresses issues around the do-it-yourself (DIY) pop up music venues challenges (Attachment 2) and findings from an assessment of two hospitality zones in the city conducted by the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) (Attachment 3).

Background Information

(June 11, 2019) Report from General Manager, Economic Development and Culture on Strengthening Toronto's Nighttime Economy
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-134446.pdf
Attachment 1 - Toronto Nightlife Action Plan
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-134955.pdf
Attachment 2 - DIY Events in Toronto: Understanding Challenges to Access and Space
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-134956.pdf
Attachment 3 - Toronto Sociable City at Night: Hospitality Zone Assessment
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2019/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-134957.pdf

Speakers

Tracy Jenkins, Lula Lounge / Lula Music and Arts Centre
Patiente Evbagharu, Youth Toronto
Councillor Paul Ainslie
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam

Motions

1 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Lost)

That Recommendation 1 be deleted and replaced with the following: 

 

Recommendation to be deleted: 

 

1.  City Council request the Mayor to designate a Member of Council as Toronto's Night Ambassador, to be the voice for Toronto's entertainment-related activities for the 2018 to 2022 term of Council.

 

New Recommendation 1:

 

1. City Council establish the position of a Toronto Nighttime Ambassador, and direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to report back on:

 

- an appointment process for the position with a term of office for each term of Toronto City Council.

 

Vote (Amend Item) Jun-26-2019

Result: Lost Majority Required
Total members that voted Yes: 0 Members that voted Yes are
Total members that voted No: 6 Members that voted No are Shelley Carroll, Joe Cressy, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Cynthia Lai, Michael Thompson (Chair)
Total members that were Absent: 0 Members that were absent are

2 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Lost)

That:

 

1.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to report back with a budget for the position of Nighttime Ambassador that includes 50% funded by the City of Toronto and 50% funded by night businesses.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Jun-26-2019

Result: Lost Majority Required
Total members that voted Yes: 1 Members that voted Yes are Michael Ford
Total members that voted No: 5 Members that voted No are Shelley Carroll, Joe Cressy, Mark Grimes, Cynthia Lai, Michael Thompson (Chair)
Total members that were Absent: 0 Members that were absent are

3 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Lost)

That:

 

1.  City Council request the General Manager Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to report back to the appropriate Committee on the feasibility of new license category that would cap the initial number of 24 hour licenses for establishments at 10, spread across Toronto in suitable locations; and direct that the licenses be given on the basis of what other services the buildings can offer, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary venues featuring bars, galleries, and co-working spaces.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Jun-26-2019

Result: Lost Majority Required
Total members that voted Yes: 1 Members that voted Yes are Shelley Carroll
Total members that voted No: 5 Members that voted No are Joe Cressy, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Cynthia Lai, Michael Thompson (Chair)
Total members that were Absent: 0 Members that were absent are

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council