Item - 2020.MA3.1

The Toronto Music Advisory Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management to develop the terms of a pilot program for DIY (do-it-yourself) music organizations to use City-owned spaces at lower than market value, and report back to the Toronto Music Advisory Committee at their meeting in September 2020.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management to develop an inventory of City-owned properties suitable for tenancy by DIY (do-it-yourself) music organizations at lower than market value, and report back to the Toronto Music Advisory Committee at their meeting in September 2020.

3. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with staff in Revenue Services, City Planning, Municipal Licensing and Standards and other relevant city staff to report to the Toronto Music Advisory Committee on May 13, 2020 with an initial exploration of possible financial mechanisms to help create opportunities for Do-It-Yourself event organizers to gain temporary, pop-up access to vacant commercial and industrial properties.

4. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to provide an update on the status of the Do-It-Yourself pilot program at the May 13, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee.

The Music Sector Development Officer, Economic Development and Culture gave a presentation on City-owned Spaces for Do-It-Yourself Music Organizations.

DIY (do-it-yourself) music organizations are an important part of Toronto's music community. They annually produce hundreds of music events for artists and audiences that are under-represented in mainstream venues. However, Toronto's continued growth has created serious challenges for the long-term viability of many DIY music organizations that often operate on the financial and physical margins of the city.

The purpose of this report is to provide an initial assessment of opportunities for DIY music organizations in City-owned spaces. Economic Development and Culture staff have conducted consultations with DIY music stakeholders, a global jurisdictional review of similar programs, and discussions with City staff in Corporate Real Estate Management. The preliminary findings indicate an interest from many DIY music organizations to use City-owned spaces through a low- or no-cost agreement.