Item - 2019.EC7.8

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Requested the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to review potential options to partner with and support winter animation opportunities with Business Improvements Areas, and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee as part of the report in the third quarter of 2020.

Animating winter in Toronto will increase opportunities for all Torontonians, no matter where they live, to participate in local, relevant cultural activities in all corners of the city. Winter is a slow retail and tourism time and thus a boost will be good for the community impacts of greater cultural participation. Also importantly, celebrations of culture and community will support the economy and drive tourism and visitor spending in the coldest months of the year.

This report provides an overview of City activities currently planned to animate the start of winter in 2019 and describes ways Toronto could expand winter programming and promotion through Economic Development and Culture Division in partnership with Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Transportation Services, Tourism Toronto, and other relevant stakeholders for 2020 and beyond.