Item - 2023.EC8.14

City Council considered the following Items together:

EC8.14 headed “Supporting the Growth of the Night Economy”; 

EC8.13 headed “Recommended Amendments to Chapter 545, Licensing for Bars, Restaurants, and Entertainment Venues as part of the Night Economy Review”; and

PH8.2 headed “Recommended Amendments to Zoning By-laws for Bars, Restaurants and Entertainment Venues as part of the Night Economy Review - Final Report”.

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 

1. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to enhance communication by conducting regular meetings of the Night Economy External Working Group and ensuring this group includes gig workers, unions, Residents Associations, owners of businesses active at night, cultural organizations and community groups, and provide an update on the outcome of the Night Economy External Working Group meetings to Councillors and on City websites in the second quarter of 2024, and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the fourth quarter of 2024.

2. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to report back on work completed by the Night Economy Internal Working Group to engage SafeTO and the Our Health, Our City strategy in the Night Economy, along with work done with TTC to ensure public transit in considered throughout Night Economy initiatives, and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the fourth quarter of  2024.

The following staff gave a presentation to the Economic and Community Development Committee on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Bars, Restaurants, and Entertainment Venues,and Supporting the Night Economy:

- Director, Policy and Strategic Support, Municipal Licensing and Standards

- Director, Zoning and Committee of Adjustment, City Planning

- Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries, Economic Development and Culture

The night economy – which accounts for an estimated 300,000+ jobs[1] across a range of sectors – includes all activities taking place between dusk and dawn: dining, community and special events, performing arts, recreation, live music, festivals, shift work, retail, transit and emergency services. A healthy night economy that supports the needs of residents, visitors, and workers requires a proactive municipal approach to lay the groundwork for nighttime business and culture to thrive. A coordinated, strategic approach across City divisions and related external agencies is vital to ensuring that Toronto’s night experience is safe, positive, sustainable, and inclusive.

This staff report addresses two distinct but related areas of work in supporting Toronto's night economy: an update on progress of work regarding City Council directives contained in item EC6.8 Strengthening Toronto's Night Economy; and, a summary of key takeaways for the Economic Development and Culture (EDC) Division regarding the 2023 consultations for the multi-divisional Toronto Night Economy Review: Licensing and Zoning for Restaurants, Bars and Entertainment Venues Public Consultation (Toronto Night Economy Review, Attachment 1).

This report complements the proposed licensing and zoning changes and by-law amendments for the dining and entertainment sectors of the concurrent reports from City Planning (CP) - Recommended Amendments to Zoning By-laws for Bars, Restaurants, and Entertainment Venues as part of the Night Economy Review – Final Report being considered by the Planning and Housing Committee at the November 30 meeting, and from Municipal and Licensing Standards (MLS) - Recommended Amendments to Chapter 545, Licensing for Bars, Restaurants, and Entertainment Venues as part of the Night Economy Review, being considered by the Economic and Community Development Committee at the November 28 meeting.

The Night Economy Internal Working Group made up of City Planning, Municipal and Licensing Standards, Transportation Services, Toronto Paramedic Services, Toronto Police Service, Toronto Public Heath, and others was consulted in the preparation of this report.