Item - 2024.EC14.2

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Deferred consideration of the item indefinitely.

City Council on March 20 and 21, 2024, referred Motion MM16.4 to the Economic and Community Development Committee for consideration. 

As the Night Economy Champion, I am working with Economic Development and Culture to ensure the City of Toronto fulfills its mandate to modernize and clarify the rules to provide flexibility and support for businesses at night, while ensuring an appropriate level of regulatory oversight to mitigate any potential community nuisance and public safety issues.

As we move the directive forward, it is important that the City of Toronto join other cities worldwide in signing the Nighttime Manifesto, symbolizing a global commitment to raising the awareness around the importance of nightlife.

The Nighttime Manifesto is an expression of intent to support a nighttime that is safe, resilient, sustainable, responsible, inclusive, and creative. It is aligned with existing Council direction for the City’s support of the Night Economy, including:

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”.

There are no financial implications, and the Nighttime Manifesto is not legally binding. Some of the supporting cities include, Antwerp, Bangkok, Belfast, Berlin, Durban, Johannesburg, Mälmo, Montreal, New York, São Paulo, and Singapore. 

The Manifesto outlines objectives to “Involve different partners and stakeholders to bridge gaps, raise awareness, and build stronger representation for nighttime communities.”