Item - 2021.EC22.10

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Referred the letter (May 11, 2021) from Councillor Brad Bradford, Chair, Toronto Music Advisory Committee to the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, for consideration.

Thank you for your strong support of Toronto's music sector throughout the struggles of the pandemic. As you know, artists, promoters, and venues have been among the hardest hit by the difficult but important measures that shape our fight against COVID-19.

At our May 3, 2021 meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee (TMAC), members shared a number of excellent insights and suggestions for supporting the sector through this time and onto the pathway of recovery.

Members requested City support in two key areas. First, for the City to begin exploring opportunities to bring live music to outdoor patios which could be done through pilot implementation. Second, for the City to review SOCAN licensing at City-owned venues and whether more City-owned venues need to be licensed under SOCAN. Recommendations to this effect are below for the Committee's consideration.

On Item MA9.3, the Committee passed recommendations requesting a Provincial reopening plan, which is before you as a separate item. A number of other matters discussed by TMAC are included in Attachment 1 to this letter as addendum for your information.

As the City's Council Advisory Body representing the interests of the wider music community, TMAC is grateful for the support of the Economic and Community Development Committee and appreciates this Committee's attention to the recovery priorities stated in this Chair's letter.

On behalf of the members of TMAC, we thank you again for your ongoing commitment to the music sector. We look forward to continued discussions and collaborations to advance our shared goal of a thriving music scene across Toronto.