Item - 2022.EC27.6

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Received the report (January 6, 2022) from the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture for information.

The City of Toronto has long led efforts to address challenges facing small businesses and the need to make cultural spaces available to local communities. However, Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (2SLGBTQ+) spaces continue to be in danger of disappearing. 2SLGBTQ+ communities have historically been marginalized and face significant systemic barriers. Small businesses and cultural spaces are important for their sense of identity, safety and belonging. They are also critical for Toronto's economic and cultural vitality, and for it to continue to be a city where all feel included and welcome.

This report provides an update on work regarding City Council's direction to protect 2SLGBTQ+ small businesses and cultural spaces. It thus outlines the Economic Development and Culture (EDC) division's work focused on the Church-Wellesley Village and on 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Toronto. It also includes findings from engagement with stakeholders, and a review of relevant City of Toronto programs and services with a focus on whether and how they specifically support 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

As an immediate next step, the Economic Development and Culture division will work on outreach, educational and awareness initiatives to support the retention and growth of 2SLGBTQ+ small businesses. Reports on individual initiatives will be brought to the Economic and Community Development Committee in 2022. These will include a staff report on final recommendations for a Cultural District Program to protect small businesses and cultural spaces in the Church-Wellesley Village.