Item - 2021.EC25.3

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to undertake public engagement on the development of a Cultural Districts Program that strengthens local culture and communities, supports small businesses and retail and promotes community-owned spaces and to bring forward a final program design and implementation plan in 2022 that includes the following considerations:

a.  eligibility criteria;

b.  program components;

c.  community role and ongoing engagement; and

d.  estimated costs and financial impact.

2.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to identify planning policies that would support cultural districts and be of benefit to communities and neighbourhoods, in particular Church-Wellesley, Little Jamaica, Downtown Chinatown and Geary Avenue, and at least one community and neighbourhood in the former City of Etobicoke, North York or Scarborough.

3.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office to work with Indigenous communities in Toronto to ensure that a Cultural Districts Program reflects communities' priorities regarding place-making, place-keeping and self-determination and is aligned with the upcoming City of Toronto Reconciliation Action Plan.

The Director, Arts and Culture Services, Economic Development and Culture and the Policy Development Officer, Economic Development and Culture gave a presentation on Developing a Cultural Districts Program.

Cultural districts are municipally significant areas that have a historical legacy of clustering cultural resources, businesses, not-for-profits and residents which, combined, uplifts the cultural identity and cultural heritage of the neighbourhood. Cultural districts are also unique and complex in terms of their character and community resources available. They occur in cities whether governments recognize them or not through formal designations or programs.

Formal government programs to protect cultural districts are a proven strategic approach to safeguard the living history of diverse communities and advance inclusive economic prosperity through community arts and cultural industries. They provide a combination of tools to support small businesses, and cultural and heritage spaces within areas that are community hubs. They may also support cultural districts as a regional draw for residents, newcomers and tourists to safely gather and feel a sense of belonging while shopping and participating in cultural activities.

At this time, Toronto does not have a formal cultural districts program. This report outlines why Toronto needs to develop a cultural districts program, and the potential benefits it may bring for diverse communities, the city's culture sector, and for Toronto as a whole. The report presents findings from a review of current municipal tools, preliminary findings from meetings with local stakeholders in Church-Wellesley, Little Jamaica, Downtown Chinatown and Geary Avenue, and best practices from cultural district programs around the world.

The purpose of developing a cultural districts program in Toronto is to offer a clear process for local cultural planning, a combination of supports, and a new methodology for communities to advance their priorities. It does not aim to limit benefits to specific neighbourhoods or communities, rather to create an additional and coordinated program for creative place-keeping and place-making in partnership with communities. The recommended next steps are broader engagement and a detailed proposal for a cultural districts program and implementation plan.