Item - 2021.MA9.3

The Toronto Music Advisory Committee recommends to the Economic and Community Development Committee that:

1.  City Council communicate its support for the Province of Ontario to consult with relevant music industry stakeholders on an evidence-based safe re-opening plan for live music venues with particular attention to:

a.  capacity limits;

b.  distancing measures;

c.  workplace safety measures;

d.  potential for pivoting venue classification between Bar/Restaurant and Performing Arts;

e.  financial supports for industry; and

f.  a plan for communicating updates with venue industry and stakeholders.

The Chair, Toronto Music Advisory Committee, will lead a discussion on recent concerns related to trends in the COVID-19 pandemic, including public health regulations.

Thank you for your strong support of Toronto’s music sector throughout the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many of you know firsthand, artists, producers, and venues have been among the hardest hit by the difficult but important measures on in-person experiences.

As we continue our 2021 Committee meetings, sector support and recovery have been a key theme of discussion. Toronto Music Advisory Committee members have shared valuable insights on the situations faced and lessons learned by live music venue stakeholders through the pandemic. This knowledge would prove to be of information and guidance in the creation of a much-needed reopening plan for live music venues.

As we look towards brighter days on the horizon, clear guidelines shaped through consultation with those in the sector will be crucial to supporting the recovery of Toronto’s music scene. The clarity of a reopening plan is urgently needed from the Province given the length of time required for planning and organizing venue use and performances.

In response to the perspectives shared by members, the Toronto Music Advisory Committee would like to express its support for work to begin on a reopening plan for live music venues, so all Torontonians can begin to look forward to the joys of live music safely returning to our city.