Economic and Community Development Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 15 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
EC8.1adopted
Toronto Arts Council 2022 Annual Report and Authority to Extend Multi-Year Funding Agreement
Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is an independent non-profit organization that delivers grants to artists and arts organizations on behalf of the City of Toronto. Since 1974, TAC has offered innovative and responsive programs, enabling Toronto's creative community to explore, create and thrive. With funding of over $25 million annually, TAC grants lead to exhibitions, performances, readings and workshops seen each year by over 5 million people across the city. The purpose of this report is to transmit TAC's annual report to the Economic and Community Development Committee, which is required per the terms of the Multi-Year Agreement (the "Agreement") between the City and TAC. The report provides an overview of TAC's activities and grant allocations from January 1 to December 31, 2022. This report also seeks authority from City Council to extend the City's Agreement with TAC to March 31, 2025. The Agreement sets out the terms and conditions for the use of City funds by TAC and is set to expire on December 31, 2023. An extension of the current Agreement is recommended to allow for the City and TAC to use the forthcoming new Action Plan for Toronto's Culture Sector, scheduled for completion in mid-2024, as the basis to identify shared funding priorities for a new multi-year agreement. Staff will report to Economic and Community Development Committee with recommended terms and conditions for a new agreement prior to the renewed expiry date.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to negotiate, approve, and execute an extension to the multi-year agreement with Toronto Arts Council, including any necessary amendments, for the administration and distribution of arts and culture funding on behalf of the City of Toronto from its current expiry date of December 31, 2023, until the earlier of March 31, 2025, or the approval of a new agreement by City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to negotiate, approve, and execute an extension to the multi-year agreement with Toronto Arts Council, including any necessary amendments, for the administration and distribution of arts and culture funding on behalf of the City of Toronto from its current expiry date of December 31, 2023, until the earlier of March 31, 2025, or the approval of a new agreement by City Council.
EC8.2adopted
Toronto Public Art Strategy Implementation Plan: Phase 1 (2024-2026)
The Toronto Public Art Strategy (2020-2030) was adopted by City Council in late 2019 and set out a ten-year plan to enhance the City's commitment to public art for the benefit of all residents and visitors, with a vision of "creativity and community, everywhere". City Council directed staff to report back with an implementation plan for the ten-year strategy in 2020, but this was delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the strategy was launched with ArtworxTO: Toronto's Year of Public Art ('ArtworxTO') in 2021, which showcased over 350 public art projects across the city, and served as a pilot for testing many of the actions proposed in the Strategy. Taking the pandemic-related delay into account, as well as key learnings from ArtworxTO, Economic Development and Culture (EDC), City Planning (CP) and Transportation Services (TS) are proposing a revised approach to implementing the Toronto Public Art Strategy over an extended period spanning 2024-2034. The implementation plan will be divided into three phases: Phase 1 short-term (2024-2026); Phase 2 medium-term (2027-2030), and; Phase 3 long-term (2031-2034). This report outlines Phase 1, a short-term approach for the next 3 years (2024-2026), which includes eleven action items that build on the foundations of the City's three core public art programs - the City of Toronto Public Art and Monuments Collection, the Percent for Public Art Program, and StreetARToronto (StART) - as well as the recent success of ArtworxTO. This report also commits to developing medium- and long-term actions for the second and third phases. Combined, the three phases encapsulate the entire Toronto Public Art Strategy Implementation Plan, to help Toronto build a collection of public art unlike any other in the world - one that is deeply connected to Indigenous Placemaking, the cultural expression of our diversity, and reflective of an aesthetic that is unique to our city. The eleven action items proposed for Phase 1 of the Toronto Public Art Strategy Implementation Plan are: 1. Enhance existing and develop new career-building resources and mentorship programs for emerging public artists; 2. Establish new public art trail as a signature destination on the waterfront; 3. Create opportunities and partnerships for temporary public art; 4. Amplify communications and public-facing resources regarding public art; 5. Increase artist diversity and promote inclusivity in Toronto's Public Art Collection; 6. Advance Truth and Reconciliation by empowering Indigenous artists and co-creating public art; 7. Sustain the momentum of the Artist-In-Residence program; 8. Establish guidelines for integrating public art into municipal capital projects; 9. Produce additional public art master plans for more neighbourhoods across Toronto; 10. Strengthen the management of the City's Public Art Collection; 11. Incorporate recent legislative changes into the Percent for Public Art Program. These eleven actions will contribute to achieving a vision for a city committed to public art that is accessible to all, reinforces neighbourhood character, embraces diversity, and advances the careers of local artists.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the Phase 1: Toronto Public Art Strategy Implementation Plan (2024-2026) and Three Year Work Plan Summary (2024-2026), included as Attachment 1 and 2 in the report (November 14, 2023) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture; Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; General Manager, Transportation Services. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with other impacted City Divisions, report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2027 with recommended actions for Phase 2 of the Toronto Public Art Strategy Implementation Plan, spanning 2027-2030.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the General Manager, Transportation Services, recommend that: 1. City Council adopt the Phase 1: Toronto Public Art Strategy Implementation Plan (2024-2026) and Three Year Work Plan Summary (2024-2026), included as Attachment 1 and 2 in this report. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with other impacted City Divisions, report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in Q1 2027 with recommended actions for Phase 2 of the Toronto Public Art Strategy Implementation Plan, spanning 2027-2030.
EC8.3adopted
Nuit Blanche 2024 and beyond: Bright Night in the Boroughs
Nuit Blanche is the City's signature cultural event and one of the largest free events in Toronto, drawing upwards of one million attendees annually and shines a spotlight on the city's arts sector. Since 2018, Nuit Blanche has expanded its footprint and held exhibitions beyond the downtown core to include the inner suburbs such as Scarborough, North York and Etobicoke to deliver a unique experience of contemporary art in civic spaces for the broadest possible audience. This report responds to direction from City Council to report on a plan to include the inner suburbs as exhibition areas for Nuit Blanche on an annual basis, starting in 2024. In efforts to offer Torontonians and visitors access to a curated experience of public arts in the different neighbourhoods across Toronto, and considering the City's current fiscal constraints, Nuit Blanche will continue to anchor its exhibitions in the downtown core while also showcasing public art projects from major institutions and independent projects in one or multiple inner suburbs on an alternating basis, beginning in 2025.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Received the report (November 14, 2023) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture recommends that: 1. Economic and Community Development Committee receives this report for information.
EC8.4adopted
Toronto Youth Job Corps 2024 - 2028 Contract Authority
This report seeks Council Authority to enter into a contract agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada, for the Toronto Youth Job Corps program for up to $15,227,669 in Federal subsidy, and $2,808,765 City cash contribution for the period May 1, 2024, to April 28, 2028. Since 1983, the City of Toronto has administered Toronto Youth Job Corps as a cost-shared program with the federal government. Delivery of the Toronto Youth Job Corps program has been provided through a partnership between the City and community-based organizations. Toronto Youth Job Corps provides pre-employment support, structured employment training, job placement and case management supports for youth most distant from the labour market.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to enter and administer a contract agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada, for the Toronto Youth Jobs Corps program for up to $15,227,669 in Federal subsidy for the period, May 1, 2024, to April 28, 2028. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to have delegated authority to accept this and extend future contracts and receive and expend funds as submitted in the application to Employment and Social Development Canada to support the Toronto Youth Job Corps program through the annual budget process. 3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to enter into agreements with other entities, including purchase of service agreements for the delivery of Toronto Youth Job Corp with the successful proponents of the Request for Proposals process, other federal agencies, community organizations, private entities, or individuals, and to spend federal funding in accordance with the federal program requirements and guidelines
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to enter and administer a contract agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada, for the Toronto Youth Jobs Corps program for up to $15,227,669 in Federal subsidy for the period, May 1, 2024, to April 28, 2028. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to have delegated authority to accept this and extend future contracts and receive and expend funds as submitted in the application to Employment and Social Development Canada to support the Toronto Youth Job Corps program through the annual budget process. 3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to enter into agreements with other entities, including purchase of service agreements for the delivery of Toronto Youth Job Corp with the successful proponents of the Request for Proposals process, other federal agencies, community organizations, private entities, or individuals, and to spend federal funding in accordance with the federal program requirements and guidelines
EC8.5adopted
Regent Park Swim Pilot and Engagement Efforts - Progress Report
The purpose of this report is to provide a progress report on Parks, Forestry and Recreation's Regent Park swim pilot program. The Regent Park swim pilot program was created in response to community feedback regarding local access to recreation services including aquatic programs at the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre. In addition to providing access to aquatic instructional program opportunities for children aged 6-12 who reside within Regent Park, the pilot program was intended to provide youth employment readiness workshops and community engagement opportunities for local resident feedback on recreation programming in the Regent Park neighbourhood. Given the success and popularity of the pilot program, Parks, Forestry and Recreation will continue offering it to local residents of the Regent Park community as part of the base service level in 2024. Staff will continue collaborating with the Access to Recreation Working Group as well as other members of the community to further understand recreational needs and interests, develop locally responsive programming and provide employment readiness opportunities within the community.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Received the report (November 8, 2023) from the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC8.6adopted
Changes to Business Improvement Area Boards of Management
The purpose of this report is to make changes to The Eglinton Way and Uptown Yonge Business Improvement Area (BIA) Boards of Management, in accordance with the requirements of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 19, Business Improvement Areas. The Eglinton Way and Uptown Yonge BIAs fall within two Community Council boundaries.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council, in accordance with the City's Public Appointments Policy, appoint the following nominee to the Uptown Yonge Business Improvement Area Board of Management set out below at the pleasure of Council, and for a term expiring at the end of the term of Council or as soon thereafter as successors are appointed: Nurzynski, Pawel 2. City Council remove the following director from The Eglinton Way Business Improvement Area Boards of Management set out below: The Eglinton Way LeLiever, Jason
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture recommends that: 1. City Council, in accordance with the City's Public Appointments Policy, appoint the following nominee to the Uptown Yonge Business Improvement Area Board of Management set out below at the pleasure of Council, and for a term expiring at the end of the term of Council or as soon thereafter as successors are appointed: Nurzynski, Pawel 2. City Council remove the following director from The Eglinton Way Business Improvement Area Boards of Management set out below: The Eglinton Way LeLiever, Jason
EC8.7adopted
Notification of Donation of Decommissioned Fire Hose to the City of Yellowknife
This report seeks to notify City Council of the donation of end-of-life, decommissioned lengths of Fire hose to the City of Yellowknife. This decommissioned equipment was donated, in response to an urgent request by the City of Yellowknife, as they battled widespread wildfires in late August 2023. The City of Yellowknife contacted TFS, on August 17, 2023, to inquire if TFS had any fire hose that could be donated to the wildfire efforts ongoing in Yellowknife. At that time, TFS was in the process of replacing a quantity of fire hose, on a number of frontline trucks. As such, TFS was able to make 100 lengths of expired and otherwise decommissioned fire hose available for shipment to the City of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Approval from the City Manager was obtained prior to proceeding with the donation of this decommissioned fire hose.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council receive the report (November 8, 2023) form the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services recommend that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
EC8.8amended
Toronto Fire Services 2022 Annual Report
The Toronto Fire Services (TFS) 2022 Annual Report provides an overview of the fire protection services provided to Toronto's residents and visitors, along with a clear and transparent reporting of outcomes and service level performance. TFS provides Toronto residents, visitors, and businesses with world-class fire protection services, through public education, fire prevention and all-hazards emergency response services. Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 79, Fire Services, requires the Fire Chief to prepare and present an annual report to Council. This report fulfills that requirement and provides Council with an update on fire protection service levels, service level performance, and an overview of the numerous achievements and accomplishments in 2022.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services to present to the 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee in the first quarter of 2024 on Toronto Fire Services' policies and workplans with respect to the recruitment, hiring, and retention of 2SLGBTQ+ identified individuals and training and ongoing initiatives to address homophobia and transphobia within the service. 2. City Council request the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, in consultation with the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration and any other appropriate City Divisions, to report back to Economic and Community Development Committee in 2024, as part of the scheduled report-back to City Council on the updated Interdepartmental Service Protocol for Homeless People Camping in Public Spaces (IDP), on the actions that have been implemented by Toronto Fire Services to address fire safety for people living outdoors, and/or options to further increase fire safety for people living outdoors, in consideration of the recommendations contained in the 2018 Grant Faulkner inquest.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
EC8.9adopted
Outstanding Directives on the Public Use and Retail Sale of Consumer Fireworks - Update
This report provides an update on actions taken to date in response to outstanding City Council directives related to consumer fireworks since the last staff report in May 2022. This includes requesting the Province of Ontario to implement changes to the Ontario Fire Code to regulate consumer fireworks, as well as exploring additional dates where fireworks may be discharged without the requirement of a specific municipal permit ("Designated Dates"), considering the feasibility of restricting the year-round sale of consumer fireworks, and a user education/training program. Toronto Fire Services (TFS) submitted requests to the Province of Ontario in both August 2022 and September 2023 to implement necessary changes to the Ontario Fire Code to effectively regulate consumer fireworks, thereby enhancing public safety and enabling a more effective enforcement framework in the province. TFS also requested the Province to implement a centralized user education training program to increase safe and compliant use of consumer fireworks. As of the date of this report, the Province has not responded to these requests; staff will continue to monitor for a response. The feasibility of modifications to the existing Designated Dates is premature at this point, as this determination by staff was directed to be informed by the outcome of the City's request to the Province of Ontario for a provincial framework concerning consumer fireworks regulation. As the Province has not responded to these requests, staff are not recommending an expansion of dates at this time. This report outlines factors for consideration should Council decide to modify the allocation of Designated Dates while the request to the Province of Ontario to make amendments to the Ontario Fire Code is pending. Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) consulted with permanent vendors on the feasibility of restricting the sale of consumer fireworks year-round. Staff are not recommending a restriction on the sale of consumer fireworks year-round and instead recommend that the City continue to work with licensed vendors to enhance public education, supporting safe and compliant use of consumer fireworks.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Received the report (November 14, 2023) from the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services and Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Fire Chief and General Manager, Fire Services, and Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards recommend that: 1. Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC8.10amended
Growth and Expansion in Toronto's Licensed Child Care Sector: Update
This report provides an update on Children's Services progress on expanding the licensed child care system, including the number of spaces constructed since the adoption of the Licensed Child Care Growth Strategy ("Growth Strategy") in 2017 and the capital funding sources that have supported the creation of these child care spaces. It also provides an update on Children's Services application process for the expansion of child care as part of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Directed Growth Plan.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council reaffirm the City of Toronto's support for building a system of early learning and child care services that are high-quality, public and not-for profit, affordable, inclusive and accessible for all families. 2. City Council request the Federal and Provincial Governments to consult with the City and provide capital and operating funding to reflect the regional and actual costs of developing and operating child care spaces in Toronto; provide capital expansion funding required to meet Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care targets in the not-for-profit and public sector for Toronto set out in the Province's Access and Inclusion Framework and the City's Growth Strategy; and provide operating funding that meets the sector's needs in Toronto. 3. City Council requests the Province of Ontario to develop a workforce strategy for the early years and child care sector that includes an investment to increase wages and benefits to levels that achieve parity with positions in the public sector in Toronto. 4. City Council express its support of Bill 49, the Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission Act, to Ontario's Minister of Education and all Toronto Members of Provincial Parliament. 5. City Council request the General Manager, Children's Services, in consultation with the Chair, Economic and Community Development Committee, to convene a roundtable meeting of City and School Board staff, families, educators, supervisors, unions, experts, and other community stakeholders for the purpose of enhancing information sharing and community advocacy in support of successful implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program in Toronto. 6. City Council call on the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to include the City of Toronto and other large municipalities in discussions that are underway to renew the Canada-Ontario Action Plans. 7. City Council forward the item to the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) with the request that the item be shared with child care Service System Managers.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Children's Services recommends that: 1. City Council request the Federal and Provincial Governments to consult with the City and provide capital funding to reflect the regional costs of developing child care spaces in Toronto; and provide capital expansion funding required to meet Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care targets in the not-for-profit and public sector for Toronto set out in the Province's Access and Inclusion Framework and the City's Growth Strategy. 2. City Council request the Province of Ontario to develop a workforce strategy for the early years and child care sector that includes an investment to increase wages and benefits to levels comparable to positions in the public sector.
EC8.11referred
Mount Dennis "Community for All Action Plan": Update
The purpose of this report is to outline the proposed development and reporting timeline for the Mount Dennis Community for All Action Plan. The Mount Dennis area is set to become one of the most transit-connected neighbourhoods in Toronto. When the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is complete, Mount Dennis will be the western terminus station and a key interconnection point between the subway and commuter rail systems, providing access to the Kitchener GO Line and UP Express. Ultimately, the population of Mount Dennis is projected to triple in the next 20 years. In anticipation of this connectivity and resultant transit-oriented development interest, a significant amount of study work has been completed in the area over recent years. This includes the Mount Dennis Secondary Plan, the Picture Mount Dennis Planning Framework, and the Mount Dennis Economic Development Study. The result has been the development of a comprehensive vision and planning framework based on the input of area residents, businesses, local services, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous partners. As part of the ongoing work, City Council has requested staff to develop a responsive community focused plan or the Mount Dennis area. Building on the established planning framework, the "Community for All Action Plan" will propose specific strategies and quantifiable targets for preserving and building new affordable housing, improving social and economic outcomes including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced community and social services, retaining and expanding local businesses, and cultivating high-quality parks and outdoor amenities. By way of motion, City Council requested the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services to provide biannual reports on the development and implementation of a Mount Dennis Community for All Action Plan, with the first report to the Economic and Community Development Committee. This report represents the inaugural update.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Referred the item back to the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, and requested the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services to meet with the local city Councillor and the Learning Enrichment Foundation to consider revising the original report to reflect City Council's requests in 2022.EY33.11 and include specific recommendations to activate Mount Dennis "Community for All Action Plan" in partnership with the community, and report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2024.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
EC8.12adopted
Choice-Based Housing Access System - Update
The HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan ("HousingTO Plan") provides a blueprint for actions and investments across the full housing spectrum to enhance access to affordable housing options for Toronto residents. As part of the HousingTO Plan, the City of Toronto ("the City") adopted a Housing Charter, Opportunity for All, which considers how the City will support the progressive realization of the right to housing and the specific needs of historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups in accessing housing options. In 2022, the City launched the Choice-Based Housing Access System ("the system"), a modernized and updated system for allocating rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units. In alignment with the City of Toronto's Digital Infrastructure Strategic Framework, the City recognizes the importance of an equity-focused approach in developing, deploying and maintaining a digital infrastructure. This includes uncovering and learning from digital connectivity gaps to better target equity-seeking, marginalized and vulnerable groups to ensure all people in Toronto can access the system and maximize participation with the necessary supports. This report provides an overview and progress update on the Choice-Based Housing Access System and responds to City Council's request to establish a plan, informed by applicants and community agency partners, to explore options, in alignment with the Human Rights Code, to increase applicant participation in the system. City staff will report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in February 2024 with an evidence-based, targeted implementation plan to further improve and increase applicant participation in the system.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Received the report (November 14, 2023) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC8.13amended
Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 545, Licensing (the Licensing By-law) requires a variety of businesses to obtain a licence from the City and comply with its regulations, the purpose of which is, among other things, to ensure public health and safety, consumer protection, and nuisance control. The City's licensing regulations for food and entertainment establishments have not been updated in some time and changing business models have blurred the lines between what is commonly taken to be a restaurant, bar, or entertainment venue. This report recommends amendments to Chapter 545 to modernize regulations for bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues as part of the City's Inter-divisional Night Economy Review, with the aims of reducing administrative burden on low-impact operators and providing flexibility for establishments, while ensuring an appropriate level of regulatory oversight to mitigate community nuisance and public safety concerns. This report responds to several outstanding directives from City Council related to modernizing business licensing and reducing regulatory burden on businesses, supporting public health and safety, addressing problematic establishments serving alcohol, and supporting Toronto's night economy and live music venues. Further, it responds directly to recommendations from a 2017 Toronto Auditor General report (2017.AU10.4) to resolve issues of regulatory uncertainty within the nightclub licence category and fulfills direction from the Executive Committee in 2021 (2021.EX28.15) to consult with relevant stakeholders and propose updated licensing regulations for relevant establishments. MLS has worked collaboratively with City Planning (CP) and Economic Development and Culture (EDC) on an Inter-divisional Night Economy Review to enhance the City's work in supporting a healthy night economy, which included broad public and stakeholder consultations. CP and EDC have distinct but coordinated reports scheduled for discussion at Committee and Council alongside this report. MLS and CP staff have worked closely to align proposed licensing and zoning amendments, as Chapter 545 functions complementary to zoning bylaws and licensing and zoning issues are highly interconnected. To improve and modernize regulations for food and entertainment establishments, this report recommends updating licence definitions for relevant business categories, so they are clear, enforceable, and better reflect current nightlife in Toronto as well as updating associated licence requirements, including: · Amending the eating or drinking establishment category to align more closely with the City's zoning bylaws, removing outdated language, and creating clear parameters for businesses that are serving food or drink on-site (i.e., a restaurant or bar). · Creating a new category for retail and food and drink establishments that are exclusively take-out or those that primarily sell pre-packaged food or drink items, with minimal licensing requirements to reduce burden on low impact operators. · Modifying the definition and licence requirements for entertainment establishments/nightclubs to focus on the purpose of the establishment, fill regulatory gaps, and strengthen enforcement (particularly as it relates to security requirements). · Introducing a new entertainment places of assembly category to capture existing public halls, live music performance venues, and rental spaces for entertainment to set out clear requirements and thresholds for compliance. · Streamlining amusement-related businesses (arcades, billiard halls, trampoline centres, bowling alleys, etc.) into a broad amusement establishment category. Additional actions are recommended to proactively respond to nuisance and safety issues, in order to focus staff time on operators that are likely to require more dedicated City resources, and support multi-use licensing, including: · Introducing noise control and patron management plans for specific establishments to support the proactive mitigation of safety and nuisance issues and providing the Executive Director of MLS with the authority to require a plan from an establishment. · Implementing an activity-based licensing (ABL) framework based on the complexity of business activities for the eating or drinking establishment and entertainment place of assembly categories. · To ensure an efficient enforcement response to nightclubs, it is proposed that if an establishment meets the updated entertainment establishment/nightclub definition as well as a separate licence category, they are required to apply for and renew a separate nightclub licence. This report also outlines MLS' enforcement approach for problematic establishments, including licensed restaurants operating as unlicensed nightclubs; outlines how strategies will change with an updated framework; identifies how the updated framework aligns with the priorities of the City's SafeTO: Community Safety and Well-being Plan; and provides an assessment of a Council directive related to pop-up business licensing. It is recommended that proposed bylaw amendments come into force on January 1, 2025, to provide sufficient time to implement necessary updates to licensing systems and to ensure sufficient notice is provided to operators. This report was prepared in consultation with City Planning, Economic Development and Culture, Toronto Building, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedic Services, Toronto Police Service, Toronto Public Health, Transportation Services, Toronto Transit Commission and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing as follows: Updates to Licensing Definitions 1. Adopt new definitions as follows: a. AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, OR LIVE PERFORMANCE - Any activity, performance, presentation, show, or similar event intended to provide amusement, entertainment, or diversion to patrons, including but not limited to the playing of amplified live music and any activity that involves the amplification of sound. b. OCCUPANT LOAD - The number of patrons that can occupy an establishment, by reference to the highest occupant load stated on the liquor licence, zoning review application, building permit, or fire occupancy statement submitted by the operator of an establishment to Municipal Licensing Standards as part of its licence application. c. LEVEL 1 NOISE CONTROL PLAN - A plan, submitted by the operator of an establishment to Municipal Licensing and Standards in a form and manner satisfactory to the Executive Director, that contains the following: (i) An acknowledgement by the operator of the applicable by-law requirements of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 591, Noise, and the availability of community-based mediation services to resolve noise complaints (ii) Information from the operator that identifies all sound-producing or amplification equipment installed on the premises, including the type of equipment and the frequency of its intended use; (iii) An operations strategy, submitted to MLS upon request, that contains the following: A. How and when the operator will monitor noise levels emanating from the premises; B. What action the operator will take to alleviate excessive noise while the establishment is operating; C. How and when the operator will monitor the exterior of the premises to address noise and loitering issues involving patrons of the establishment; D. What process the operator will use to engage with nearby residents, resident groups, and other establishments about noise or nuisance issues related to the establishment; E. What process the operator will use to respond to persistent resident complaints about noise, including specific actions it will take if the establishment operates in a building that also contains residential accommodation; and F. What actions the operator will take to educate staff on implementing the operations strategy. (iv) Any other information or documents related to noise production or control that may be required by the Executive Director. d. LEVEL 2 NOISE CONTROL PLAN - A plan, submitted by the operator of an establishment to Municipal Licensing and Standards in a form and manner satisfactory to the Executive Director, that contains the following: (i) All of the information required by a level 1 noise control plan; (ii) A report by a certified professional engineer that includes: a. A statement of the intended maximum volume levels at which music or amplified sound will be played within the establishment, based on the equipment present in the establishment b. A summary of the wattage of all sound-producing or amplification equipment used in the establishment, as well as their locations and positioning within the premises; c. The results of sound-level testing at multiple points at the exterior of the premises; d. A summary of the sound insulation methods, equipment, and mechanisms installed at the business premises and how they will be used to ensure that maximum volume levels are not exceeded. (iii) Any other information or documents related to noise production or control that may be required by the Executive Director. e. LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE - A live performance for an audience by an individual musical artist or group of musical artists on physical or digital instruments but excludes the playback of recorded music without the active use of an instrument. f. PATRON MANAGEMENT PLAN - A plan, submitted by the operator of an establishment to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division in a form and manner satisfactory to the Executive Director, that contains the following: (i) An acknowledgement by the operator of applicable by-law requirements of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 743, Use of Streets and Sidewalks related to pedestrian clearways; (ii) A description of where patrons seeking entry or re-entry to the establishment will line up and the maximum number of patrons who will be permitted in such line ups; (iii) What procedures the operator will use to monitor line ups, to control the location of lineups, to control the number of patrons in lineups, and to ensure orderly conduct by patrons in lineups including but not limited to information on thresholds for refusing entry of patron(s) on the basis of disorderly conduct; and (iv) A description of how the operator will efficiently organize and monitor entry and exit locations to ensure public safety and prevent patrons from loitering outside of the establishment. g. PERSON OF AUTHORITY - A person authorized by the operator of an establishment to operate, manage, supervise, run, or control the establishment. Updates to General Licensing Requirements 2. Add the following requirements: a. If a person does not have an endorsement as required by Chapter 545, they are guilty of the offence of operating without the required licence type; b. If the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division has issued an endorsement, the business shall comply with all requirements applicable to the corresponding licence type. 3. Add a requirement that every person licensed or required to be licensed under the Chapter keep their business premises clean, orderly, suitably lighted, and well-ventilated during opening hours. 4. Delete 545-8.4(H), which requires licensees to place and maintain temporary cigarette butt receptacles on the sidewalk in front of their premises. 5. Amend 545-8.4(G) to read: "Without limiting 545-498 and 545-506, every person licensed or required to be licensed under this chapter shall maintain the public sidewalks, curbs, and gutters surrounding their business free from garbage, cigarette butts, cigar tips, littered electronic cigarettes, and any other waste." 6. Delete sections 545-165, 545-167, 545-329, 545-330, 545-364, 545-365, 545-446, and 545-447 that relate to application and other requirements for corporations and partnerships. 7. Add provisions to Article I: General Licensing Provisions related to application requirements for corporations and partnerships that: a. Require a corporate applicant for a licence to submit: (i) A copy of its letters of incorporation or other incorporating document; (ii) A corporation profile report or similar official document that shows the current legal status of the corporation; (iii) An annual return in a form supplied by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division that may require, among other things, a declaration of controlling interest in the corporation and a list of all shareholders and classes of shareholders of the corporation; and (iv) Any other information or documents that the Executive Director may require to understand the management and ownership structure of the corporation. b. Require a partnership applicant for a licence to submit a declaration that states the following: (i) The name and address of every partner; (ii) The name(s) under which they carry on business; (iii) That the partners listed are the only members of the partnership; and (iv) The mailing address for the partnership. c. Where the shares in a corporate applicant are owned in whole or in part by another corporation or where a member of a partnership applicant is a corporation, require the applicant to submit, upon request by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, an annual return for and such other information or documents that the Executive Director may require to understand the management and ownership structure of that other corporation and any further related corporations that are identified. d. Require any corporation or partnership applying for the renewal of its licence to submit, upon request by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, updated versions of any of the information or documents required above. 8. Add provisions to Article I: General Licensing Provisions related to changes to the structure if a corporation or partnership that: a. Requires corporate and partnership licensees to immediately notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division in writing of any change to the controlling interest in the corporation or change in the membership of the partnership. b. Requires that where the controlling interest in a corporation or the membership of a partnership that holds a licence related to a holistic centre, body-rub parlour, adult entertainment club, or private parking enforcement agency has changed, the corresponding licence shall immediately terminate, and the corporation or partnership shall be required to apply for a new licence. Administrative Update to Offences Section 9. Update 545-8.5, so it is consistent with the City's authority to establish fines and create offences under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, including: a. Updating the maximum fine to $100,000 for offences; b. Adding a special fine for all offences in an amount equal to any economic gain obtained from non-compliance; c. Adding general offences for obstructing an inspection or investigation under Chapter 545 and failing to provide information to Municipal Licensing and Standards as required; d. Designating each offence as a continuing offence with a maximum daily fine of $10,000 and a total fine which may exceed $100,000. Eating or Drinking Establishments 10. Delete Article X - Food Establishments and delete licence requirements for bake shop operators; every person who owns or keeps any place for the reception, refreshment, or entertainment of the public; every person who owns or keeps a victualling house; and every person who owns or keeps a place where foodstuffs intended for human consumption are made, offered for sale, stored or sold. 11. Add a licence requirement for every person who operates an eating or drinking establishment. 12. Amend the definition of "eating or drinking establishment" such that it reads as follows: "Premises where food or beverages are prepared or served to patrons for immediate consumption on-site and which may include an incidental take-out service or ancillary amusement, entertainment, or live performance." 13. Add a licence requirement for every person who operates an expanded activity eating or drinking establishment. 14. Add a definition of "expanded activity eating or drinking establishment" as follows: "An eating or drinking establishment that meets three or more of the following criteria: (i) within any seven-day period, the establishment operates past 11 p.m. for a majority of days it is open, (ii) the establishment has a liquor licence to serve alcohol; (iii) the establishment offers amusement, entertainment, or live performance; (iv) the occupant load of the establishment exceeds 150 persons." 15. Require every operator of an eating or drinking establishment to submit the following information upon licence application or renewal, or at any time during the term of the licence as required by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses: a. If the establishment serves alcohol, a copy of a valid liquor licence; b. If the establishment does not hold a liquor licence, another document that can be used to determine the occupant load of the establishment; c. Confirmation of whether amusement, entertainment, or live performance are or will be offered at the establishment at any time; d. Hours of operation of the establishment; and e. Any other information or documents required by the Executive Director. 16. Adopt the following additional requirements for every operator of an eating or drinking establishment: a. Immediately produce a current food safety inspection report or reports relating to the currently posted food safety inspection notice for the establishment upon request by any person; b. If serving alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days. 17. Add a provision that the Executive Director, at their sole discretion, may require an operator of an eating or drinking establishment to: a. Upon licence application or renewal or at any time during the term of a licence, submit: (i) A level 1 noise control plan and/or a patron management plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division; (ii) A level 2 noise control plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division for approval. b. Operate in accordance with the submitted or approved plan(s) and immediately provide a copy to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. 18. Add a provision that the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division may provide the licence application of an eating or drinking establishment to the Medical Officer of Health and consider any report from the Medical Officer of Health in determining whether to grant or refuse the licence. 19. Add the following requirements for every operator of an expanded activity eating or drinking establishment: a. Upon licence application or renewal, submit the following with the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division: (i) A level 1 noise control plan (ii) A patron management plan b. Require the establishment to operate in accordance with the level 1 noise control plan submitted to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and to immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request; c. Require the establishment to operate in accordance with the patron management plan submitted to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and to immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. d. Create a list of persons of authority, including current contact information for each person on the list, and designate at least one person included on the list of persons of authority to be on the premises at all times during hours of operation; e. Provide the list of persons of authority to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division immediately upon request. Take-out or Retail Food Establishments 20. Add a licence requirement for take-out or retail food establishments. 21. Add a definition of "take-out or retail food establishment" as follows: "A. Premises where food or beverages are prepared and offered to patrons exclusively for consumption off-site; or B. Premises that offer pre-packaged food or drink items to patrons exclusively for consumption off-site, except where such a service is insignificant to the purposes of the business." 22. Require every operator of a take-out or retail food establishment, if the establishment serves alcohol, to submit a copy of a valid liquor licence upon licence application or renewal, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses. 23. Adopt the following requirements for every operator of a take-out or retail food establishment: a. If preparing or serving food, immediately produce a current food safety inspection report or reports relating to the currently posted food safety inspection notice for the establishment upon request by any person; b. If serving alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days. 24. Add a provision that the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division may provide the licence application of a take-out or retail food establishment to the Medical Officer of Health if the establishment is serving or preparing food pursuant to the Health Protection and Promotion Act or its regulations and consider any report from the Medical Officer of Health in determining whether to grant or refuse the licence. Entertainment Establishments/Nightclubs 25. Continue to require every person who operates an entertainment establishment/nightclub to obtain a licence. 26. Amend the definition of "entertainment establishment/nightclub" such that it reads as follows: "A. Premises where amplified music is provided for patron entertainment or dancing. B. Despite this definition, a premises shall be deemed an entertainment establishment/nightclub under this Chapter where it meets three or more of the following criteria: (i) The establishment offers or advertises bottle service, meaning the sale or service of liquor by the bottle; (ii) The operator refers to or advertises the establishment as a club, nightclub, disco, dance hall, dance club, or similar venue; (iii) The premises are equipped with a lighting system, sound system, or disc jockey booth greater in scope than in an eating or drinking establishment; or (iv) The premises has a dedicated stage, dance floor, or other flexible area used for patron entertainment or dancing. C. This definition shall not include an adult entertainment club". 27. Delete Article XLI - Entertainment Establishment/Nightclub. 28. Require every operator of an entertainment establishment/nightclub to submit the following information upon licence application or renewal, or at any time during the term of a licence as required by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses: a. If the establishment serves alcohol, a copy of a valid liquor licence; b. If the establishment does not hold a liquor licence, another document that can be used to determine the occupant load of the establishment; c. Hours of operation of the establishment; d. A level 2 noise control plan, for approval by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division; e. A patron management plan; and f. Any other information or documents required by the Executive Director. 29. Adopt the following requirements for every operator of an entertainment establishment/nightclub: a. Staff the establishment with at least one security guard for every 100 patrons during opening hours, whose exclusive responsibility or duty while engaged or hired is to guard or patrol the premises for the purpose of ensuring orderly conduct and protecting persons and property; b. Ensure that all security guards wear identification and uniforms that comply with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 or successor legislation and allow them to readily be identified as security guards; c. Ensure that all security guards are licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 or successor legislation; d. Require that each public entrance to the establishment is staffed with at least one security guard and equipped with a functioning metal detector that is used to screen all patrons upon entry; e. Require that the establishment is operated in accordance with the level 2 noise control plan approved by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and immediately provide a copy of the approved plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request; f. Require that the establishment is operated in accordance with the patron management plan at all times and immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request; g. Create a list of persons of authority, including current contact information for each person on the list, and designate at least one person included on the list of persons of authority to be on the premises at all times during hours of operation; h. Provide the list of persons of authority to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division immediately upon request; i. If the establishment serves alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days. 30. Adopt the following insurance requirements for every operator of an entertainment establishment/nightclub: a. Procure a liability insurance policy of at least $2,000,000 against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury or death and of at least $25,000 against loss or damage to property; b. Deposit a certificate of such policy with the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and notify it within 10 calendar days of any change to the policy. Entertainment Places of Assembly 31. Add a definition of "entertainment place of assembly" as follows: "Premises used as any of the following: (i) A performing arts space, live music performance venue, or any other establishment that offers entertainment or performances to patrons, including but not limited to a theatre, cinema, opera, concert hall, circus, or ballet; and (ii) A space provided to other persons or entities for entertainment, including banquet halls or event venues." 32. Add a licence requirement for every person who operates an expanded activity entertainment place of assembly. 33. Add a definition of "expanded activity entertainment place of assembly" as follows: "An entertainment place of assembly that meets all of the following criteria: (i) within any seven-day period, the establishment operates past 12 a.m. for a majority of days it is open; (ii) the establishment has a liquor licence to serve alcohol; and (iii) the occupant load of the business exceeds 150 persons." 34. Require every operator of an entertainment place of assembly to submit the following information upon licence application or renewal, or at any time during the term of the licence as required by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses: a. If the establishment serves alcohol, a copy of a valid liquor licence; b. If the establishment does not hold a liquor licence, another document that can be used to determine the occupant load of the establishment; c. Hours of operation of the establishment; and d. Any other information or documents required by the Executive Director. 35. Adopt the following requirements for every operator of an entertainment place of assembly: a. If lines form at any entry to the establishment, an identifiable staff person must regulate the queue and prohibit obstruction of the public right of way; b. If serving alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days. 36. Adopt the following insurance requirements for every operator of an entertainment establishment place of assembly: a. Procure a liability insurance policy of at least $1,000,000 against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury or death and of at least $25,000 against loss or damage to property; b. Deposit a certificate of such policy with the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and notify the Division within 10 calendar days of any change to the policy; c. Provide authority to the Executive Director to dispense in whole or in part with the insurance requirements if it is determined that it is not necessary with respect to the type or nature of the operation of the establishment. 37. Add a provision that the Executive Director, at their sole discretion, may require an operator of an entertainment place of assembly to: a. Upon licence application or renewal or at any time during the term of a licence, submit: (i) A level 1 noise control plan and/or a patron management plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division; (ii) A level 2 noise control plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division for approval. b. Operate in accordance with the submitted or approved plan(s) and immediately provide a copy to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. 38. Add the following requirements for every operator of an expanded entertainment place of assembly: a. Upon licence application or renewal, submit the following to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division: (i) a level 1 noise control plan (ii) a patron management plan b. Require the establishment to operate in accordance with the level 1 noise control plan submitted to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and to immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request; c. Require the establishment to operate in accordance with the patron management plan submitted to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and to immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. Amusement Establishments 39. Delete Article XVI - Places of Amusement. 40. Delete licence requirements for every person keeping a billiard, pool, or bagatelle table; every person who owns or keeps any exhibition of wax works, menagerie, circus-riding, or other like show usually exhibited by showmen; every person who owns or keeps a roller-skating-rink or other place of like amusement; and every person who owns or keeps a theatre, music hall, bowling alley, moving picture show, public hall, or any place of amusement. 41. Add a licence requirement for every person who operates an amusement establishment. 42. Introduce a definition of "amusement establishment" as follows: "A premises that offers or permits any type of amusement activity for patrons, including any establishment that provides space for amusement activities for patrons, but does not include fitness facilities, recreation centres, or community centres." 43. Introduce a definition of "amusement activity" as follows: "Activities including but not limited to the following: bowling, video arcades and arcade games, archery, axe throwing, carnivals, internet cafes, miniature golf, golf driving ranges, go-kart courses, roller-skating rinks, billiards or pool, trampolines, rebound tumbling, and other like activities." 44. Require every operator of an amusement establishment to submit the following information upon licence application or renewal, or at any time during the term of the licence as required by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses: a. If the establishment serves alcohol, a copy of a valid liquor licence; b. The following documents, issued by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority or its successor agency, if applicable to the business: (i) a valid and current licence to carry on business in Ontario; (ii) a valid and current permit for each amusement device, issued by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority or its successor agency. 45. Add the following requirements for every operator of an amusement establishment: a. Keep sufficient staff of employees for the purpose of the establishment; b. If offering trampoline or rebound tumbling amusement activities: (i) For each 12 trampoline or rebound tumbling units operating, have one qualified supervisor in attendance who is certified in standard first aid; (ii) Permit or allow only one person on each unit at the same time; (iii) Keep a register showing the name and address of each patron and the date and time that such patron was in the establishment. c. If serving alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days; d. Create a list of persons of authority, including current contact information for each person on the list, and designate at least one person included on the list of persons of authority to be on the premises at all times during hours of operation; e. Provide the list of persons of authority to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division immediately upon request. 46. Adopt the following insurance requirements for every operator of an amusement establishment: a. Procure a liability insurance policy for the establishment of at least $1,000,000 against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury or death and of at least $25,000 against loss or damage to property resulting from any one accident; b. Deposit a certificate of such policy to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and notify the Division within 10 calendar days of any change to the policy; c. Provide authority to the Executive Director to dispense in whole or in part with the insurance requirements if it is determined that it is not necessary for the type or nature of the operation of the establishment. 47. Add a provision that the Executive Director, at their sole discretion, may require an operator of an amusement establishment to: a. Upon licence application or renewal or at any time during the term of a licence, submit: (i) A level 1 noise control plan and/or a patron management plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division; (ii) A level 2 noise control plan for approval to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division. b. Operate in accordance with the submitted or approved plan(s) and immediately provide a copy to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. Licence Application and Renewal Fees, Implementation, and Additional Requests 2. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Appendix C - Schedule 12, Municipal Licensing and Standards by amending fees in the table below: Ref No. Service Fee Description Category Fee Basis Fee Annual Adjustment 175 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Amusement Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $459.08 Yes 176 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Amusement Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $265.00 Yes 193 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Take Out or Retail Food Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $380.00 Yes 194 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Take Out or Retail Food Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $251.00 Yes 215 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Entertainment Place of Assembly licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $436.00 Yes 216 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Entertainment Place of Assembly licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $251.00 Yes 217 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Eating or Drinking Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $516.00 Yes 218 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Eating or Drinking Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $349.00 Yes 235 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Entertainment Establishment/ Nightclub licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $1,058.00 Yes 236 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Entertainment Establishment/ Nightclub licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $710.00 Yes 3. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Appendix C - Schedule 12, Municipal Licensing and Standards by adding the associated fees in the table below: Ref No. Service Fee Description Category Fee Basis Fee Annual Adjustment NEW 500 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Expanded Activity Eating or Drinking Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $723.00 Yes NEW 501 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Expanded Activity Eating or Drinking Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $525.00 Yes NEW 502 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Expanded Activity Entertainment Place of Assembly licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $611.00 Yes NEW 503 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Expanded Activity Entertainment Place of Assembly licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $378.00 Yes 4. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Appendix C - Schedule 12, Municipal Licensing and Standards to delete fees related to billiard halls, carnivals, circuses, and theatres 5. City Council direct that the amendments to Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 545, Licensing, and Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, come into force on January 1, 2025. 6. City Council authorize the City Solicitor, in consultation with Municipal Licensing and Standards, to apply for new set fines or to increase current set fines related to the updated licensing requirements contained in this report and express its support for higher set fine penalties for offences. 7. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor, and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards. 8. City Council request the Province of Ontario to consider changes to the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to extend the suspension period for businesses posing an immediate danger to the health and safety or any person or property for longer than 14 days and consider a less stringent standard for suspension than "immediate danger", such as a "serious risk of danger". 9. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report to the Budget Committee during the 2024 budget process on the feasibility and cost of providing 24/7 bylaw enforcement across the City . 10. City Council request the City Clerk, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the Medical Officer of Health, the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, the Chief and General Manager, Toronto Paramedic Services, the Chief, Toronto Police Services and the City Solicitor, to include the following additional considerations as part of the report requested in 2023.EX3.8 headed "Amendment to Delegation of Authority for the Endorsement of Temporary Liquor Licences" and report in the second quarter of 2024: a. Further clarifications of the city's definition of municipal significance b. Addressing the use of temporary extensions of hours and Special Occasions Permits (SOPs) as a permanent business model for some establishments; c. Considering a recommended maximum number of SOPs or temporary extensions of hours at a single location per year which can be considered municipally significant; d. Creating a process for review of applications for temporary liquor licences by applicable city divisions; and e. Ensuring compliance of locations seeking temporary liquor licences with applicable municipal licensing and standards requirements, by-laws, and provincial laws. f. Ensuring that the determination of whether a temporary liquor licence is deemed municipally significant is fair, transparent and consistent city-wide. 11. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to consider the following for inclusion in the Good Neighbour Guide for Late-Night Businesses: a. Contact information for resident associations, with a suggestion for late-night business operators to establish relationships and respond to community concerns as appropriate; b. If the establishment operates in a building that also contains residential accommodation, a suggestion that operators notify residential building management of key contact information for the establishment; and c. Suggestions for operators to consider establishing safest and most convenient nearby vehicle pick-up locations and bicycle courier services and inform patrons of transit options serving the venue.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards recommends that: 1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing as follows: Updates to Licensing Definitions 1. Adopt new definitions as follows: a. AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, OR LIVE PERFORMANCE - Any activity, performance, presentation, show, or similar event intended to provide amusement, entertainment, or diversion to patrons, including but not limited to the playing of amplified live music and any activity that involves the amplification of sound. b. OCCUPANT LOAD - The number of patrons that can occupy an establishment, by reference to the highest occupant load stated on the liquor licence, zoning review application, building permit, or fire occupancy statement submitted by the operator of an establishment to Municipal Licensing Standards as part of its licence application. c. LEVEL 1 NOISE CONTROL PLAN - A plan, submitted by the operator of an establishment to Municipal Licensing and Standards in a form and manner satisfactory to the Executive Director, that contains the following: (i) An acknowledgement by the operator of the applicable by-law requirements of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 591, Noise, and the availability of community-based mediation services to resolve noise complaints (ii) Information from the operator that identifies all sound-producing or amplification equipment installed on the premises, including the type of equipment and the frequency of its intended use; (iii) An operations strategy, submitted to MLS upon request, that contains the following: A. How and when the operator will monitor noise levels emanating from the premises; B. What action the operator will take to alleviate excessive noise while the establishment is operating; C. How and when the operator will monitor the exterior of the premises to address noise and loitering issues involving patrons of the establishment; D. What process the operator will use to engage with nearby residents, resident groups, and other establishments about noise or nuisance issues related to the establishment; and E. What process the operator will use to respond to persistent resident complaints about noise, including specific actions it will take if the establishment operates in a building that also contains residential accommodation. (iv) Any other information or documents related to noise production or control that may be required by the Executive Director. d. LEVEL 2 NOISE CONTROL PLAN - A plan, submitted by the operator of an establishment to Municipal Licensing and Standards in a form and manner satisfactory to the Executive Director, that contains the following: (i) All of the information required by a level 1 noise control plan; (ii) A report by a certified professional engineer that includes: a. A statement of the intended maximum volume levels at which music or amplified sound will be played within the establishment, based on the equipment present in the establishment b. A summary of the wattage of all sound-producing or amplification equipment used in the establishment, as well as their locations and positioning within the premises; c. The results of sound-level testing at multiple points at the exterior of the premises; d. A summary of the sound insulation methods, equipment, and mechanisms installed at the business premises and how they will be used to ensure that maximum volume levels are not exceeded. (iii) Any other information or documents related to noise production or control that may be required by the Executive Director. e. LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE - A live performance for an audience by an individual musical artist or group of musical artists on physical or digital instruments but excludes the playback of recorded music without the active use of an instrument. f. PATRON MANAGEMENT PLAN - A plan, submitted by the operator of an establishment to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division in a form and manner satisfactory to the Executive Director, that contains the following: (i) An acknowledgement by the operator of applicable by-law requirements of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 743, Use of Streets and Sidewalks related to pedestrian clearways; (ii) A description of where patrons seeking entry or re-entry to the establishment will line up and the maximum number of patrons who will be permitted in such line ups; (iii) What procedures the operator will use to monitor line ups, to control the location of lineups, to control the number of patrons in lineups, and to ensure orderly conduct by patrons in lineups; and (iv) A description of how the operator will efficiently organize and monitor entry and exit locations to ensure public safety and prevent patrons from loitering outside of the establishment. g. PERSON OF AUTHORITY - A person authorized by the operator of an establishment to operate, manage, supervise, run, or control the establishment. Updates to General Licensing Requirements 2. Add the following requirements: a. If a person does not have an endorsement as required by Chapter 545, they are guilty of the offence of operating without the required licence type; b. If the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division has issued an endorsement, the business shall comply with all requirements applicable to the corresponding licence type. 3. Add a requirement that every person licensed or required to be licensed under the Chapter keep their business premises clean, orderly, suitably lighted, and well-ventilated during opening hours. 4. Delete 545-8.4(H), which requires licensees to place and maintain temporary cigarette butt receptacles on the sidewalk in front of their premises. 5. Amend 545-8.4(G) to read: "Without limiting 545-498 and 545-506, every person licensed or required to be licensed under this chapter shall maintain the public sidewalks, curbs, and gutters surrounding their business free from garbage, cigarette butts, cigar tips, littered electronic cigarettes, and any other waste." 6. Delete sections 545-165, 545-167, 545-329, 545-330, 545-364, 545-365, 545-446, and 545-447 that relate to application and other requirements for corporations and partnerships. 7. Add provisions to Article I: General Licensing Provisions related to application requirements for corporations and partnerships that: a. Require a corporate applicant for a licence to submit: (i) A copy of its letters of incorporation or other incorporating document; (ii) A corporation profile report or similar official document that shows the current legal status of the corporation; (iii) An annual return in a form supplied by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division that may require, among other things, a declaration of controlling interest in the corporation and a list of all shareholders and classes of shareholders of the corporation; and (iv) Any other information or documents that the Executive Director may require to understand the management and ownership structure of the corporation. b. Require a partnership applicant for a licence to submit a declaration that states the following: (i) The name and address of every partner; (ii) The name(s) under which they carry on business; (iii) That the partners listed are the only members of the partnership; and (iv) The mailing address for the partnership. c. Where the shares in a corporate applicant are owned in whole or in part by another corporation or where a member of a partnership applicant is a corporation, require the applicant to submit, upon request by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, an annual return for and such other information or documents that the Executive Director may require to understand the management and ownership structure of that other corporation and any further related corporations that are identified. d. Require any corporation or partnership applying for the renewal of its licence to submit, upon request by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, updated versions of any of the information or documents required above. 8. Add provisions to Article I: General Licensing Provisions related to changes to the structure if a corporation or partnership that: a. Requires corporate and partnership licensees to immediately notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division in writing of any change to the controlling interest in the corporation or change in the membership of the partnership. b. Requires that where the controlling interest in a corporation or the membership of a partnership that holds a licence related to a holistic centre, body-rub parlour, adult entertainment club, or private parking enforcement agency has changed, the corresponding licence shall immediately terminate, and the corporation or partnership shall be required to apply for a new licence. Administrative Update to Offences Section 9. Update 545-8.5, so it is consistent with the City's authority to establish fines and create offences under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, including: a. Updating the maximum fine to $100,000 for offences; b. Adding a special fine for all offences in an amount equal to any economic gain obtained from non-compliance; c. Adding general offences for obstructing an inspection or investigation under Chapter 545 and failing to provide information to Municipal Licensing and Standards as required; d. Designating each offence as a continuing offence with a maximum daily fine of $10,000 and a total fine which may exceed $100,000. Eating or Drinking Establishments 10. Delete Article X - Food Establishments and delete licence requirements for bake shop operators; every person who owns or keeps any place for the reception, refreshment, or entertainment of the public; every person who owns or keeps a victualling house; and every person who owns or keeps a place where foodstuffs intended for human consumption are made, offered for sale, stored or sold. 11. Add a licence requirement for every person who operates an eating or drinking establishment. 12. Amend the definition of "eating or drinking establishment" such that it reads as follows: "Premises where food or beverages are prepared or served to patrons for immediate consumption on-site and which may include an incidental take-out service or ancillary amusement, entertainment, or live performance." 13. Add a licence requirement for every person who operates an expanded activity eating or drinking establishment. 14. Add a definition of "expanded activity eating or drinking establishment" as follows: "An eating or drinking establishment that meets three or more of the following criteria: (i) within any seven-day period, the establishment operates past 11 p.m. for a majority of days it is open, (ii) the establishment has a liquor licence to serve alcohol; (iii) the establishment offers amusement, entertainment, or live performance; (iv) the occupant load of the establishment exceeds 150 persons." 15. Require every operator of an eating or drinking establishment to submit the following information upon licence application or renewal, or at any time during the term of the licence as required by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses: a. If the establishment serves alcohol, a copy of a valid liquor licence; b. If the establishment does not hold a liquor licence, another document that can be used to determine the occupant load of the establishment; c. Confirmation of whether amusement, entertainment, or live performance are or will be offered at the establishment at any time; d. Hours of operation of the establishment; and e. Any other information or documents required by the Executive Director. 16. Adopt the following additional requirements for every operator of an eating or drinking establishment: a. Immediately produce a current food safety inspection report or reports relating to the currently posted food safety inspection notice for the establishment upon request by any person; b. If serving alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days. 17. Add a provision that the Executive Director, at their sole discretion, may require an operator of an eating or drinking establishment to: a. Upon licence application or renewal or at any time during the term of a licence, submit: (i) A level 1 noise control plan and/or a patron management plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division; (ii) A level 2 noise control plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division for approval. b. Operate in accordance with the submitted or approved plan(s) and immediately provide a copy to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. 18. Add a provision that the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division may provide the licence application of an eating or drinking establishment to the Medical Officer of Health and consider any report from the Medical Officer of Health in determining whether to grant or refuse the licence. 19. Add the following requirements for every operator of an expanded activity eating or drinking establishment: a. Upon licence application or renewal, submit the following with the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division: (i) A level 1 noise control plan (ii) A patron management plan b. Require the establishment to operate in accordance with the level 1 noise control plan submitted to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and to immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request; c. Require the establishment to operate in accordance with the patron management plan submitted to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and to immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. d. Create a list of persons of authority, including current contact information for each person on the list, and designate at least one person included on the list of persons of authority to be on the premises at all times during hours of operation; e. Provide the list of persons of authority to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division immediately upon request. Take-out or Retail Food Establishments 20. Add a licence requirement for take-out or retail food establishments. 21. Add a definition of "take-out or retail food establishment" as follows: "A. Premises where food or beverages are prepared and offered to patrons exclusively for consumption off-site; or B. Premises that offer pre-packaged food or drink items to patrons exclusively for consumption off-site, except where such a service is insignificant to the purposes of the business." 22. Require every operator of a take-out or retail food establishment, if the establishment serves alcohol, to submit a copy of a valid liquor licence upon licence application or renewal, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses. 23. Adopt the following requirements for every operator of a take-out or retail food establishment: a. If preparing or serving food, immediately produce a current food safety inspection report or reports relating to the currently posted food safety inspection notice for the establishment upon request by any person; b. If serving alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days. 24. Add a provision that the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division may provide the licence application of a take-out or retail food establishment to the Medical Officer of Health if the establishment is serving or preparing food pursuant to the Health Protection and Promotion Act or its regulations and consider any report from the Medical Officer of Health in determining whether to grant or refuse the licence. Entertainment Establishments/Nightclubs 25. Continue to require every person who operates an entertainment establishment/nightclub to obtain a licence. 26. Amend the definition of "entertainment establishment/nightclub" such that it reads as follows: "A. Premises where amplified music is provided for patron entertainment or dancing. B. Despite this definition, a premises shall be deemed an entertainment establishment/nightclub under this Chapter where it meets three or more of the following criteria: (i) The establishment offers or advertises bottle service, meaning the sale or service of liquor by the bottle; (ii) The operator refers to or advertises the establishment as a club, nightclub, disco, dance hall, dance club, or similar venue; (iii) The premises are equipped with a lighting system, sound system, or disc jockey booth greater in scope than in an eating or drinking establishment; or (iv) The premises has a dedicated stage or a dance floor for patron entertainment or dancing. C. This definition shall not include an adult entertainment club". 27. Delete Article XLI - Entertainment Establishment/Nightclub. 28. Require every operator of an entertainment establishment/nightclub to submit the following information upon licence application or renewal, or at any time during the term of a licence as required by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses: a. If the establishment serves alcohol, a copy of a valid liquor licence; b. If the establishment does not hold a liquor licence, another document that can be used to determine the occupant load of the establishment; c. Hours of operation of the establishment; d. A level 2 noise control plan, for approval by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division; e. A patron management plan; and f. Any other information or documents required by the Executive Director. 29. Adopt the following requirements for every operator of an entertainment establishment/nightclub: a. Staff the establishment with at least one security guard for every 100 patrons during opening hours, whose exclusive responsibility or duty while engaged or hired is to guard or patrol the premises for the purpose of ensuring orderly conduct and protecting persons and property; b. Ensure that all security guards wear identification and uniforms that comply with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 or successor legislation and allow them to readily be identified as security guards; c. Ensure that all security guards are licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 or successor legislation; d. Require that each public entrance to the establishment is staffed with at least one security guard and equipped with a functioning metal detector that is used to screen all patrons upon entry; e. Require that the establishment is operated in accordance with the level 2 noise control plan approved by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and immediately provide a copy of the approved plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request; f. Require that the establishment is operated in accordance with the patron management plan at all times and immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request; g. Create a list of persons of authority, including current contact information for each person on the list, and designate at least one person included on the list of persons of authority to be on the premises at all times during hours of operation; h. Provide the list of persons of authority to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division immediately upon request; i. If the establishment serves alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days. 30. Adopt the following insurance requirements for every operator of an entertainment establishment/nightclub: a. Procure a liability insurance policy of at least $2,000,000 against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury or death and of at least $25,000 against loss or damage to property; b. Deposit a certificate of such policy with the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and notify it within 10 calendar days of any change to the policy. Entertainment Places of Assembly 31. Add a definition of "entertainment place of assembly" as follows: "Premises used as any of the following: (i) A performing arts space, live music performance venue, or any other establishment that offers entertainment or performances to patrons, including but not limited to a theatre, cinema, opera, concert hall, circus, or ballet; and (ii) A space provided to other persons or entities for entertainment, including banquet halls or event venues." 32. Add a licence requirement for every person who operates an expanded activity entertainment place of assembly. 33. Add a definition of "expanded activity entertainment place of assembly" as follows: "An entertainment place of assembly that meets all of the following criteria: (i) within any seven-day period, the establishment operates past 12 a.m. for a majority of days it is open; (ii) the establishment has a liquor licence to serve alcohol; and (iii) the occupant load of the business exceeds 150 persons." 34. Require every operator of an entertainment place of assembly to submit the following information upon licence application or renewal, or at any time during the term of the licence as required by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses: a. If the establishment serves alcohol, a copy of a valid liquor licence; b. If the establishment does not hold a liquor licence, another document that can be used to determine the occupant load of the establishment; c. Hours of operation of the establishment; and d. Any other information or documents required by the Executive Director. 35. Adopt the following requirements for every operator of an entertainment place of assembly: a. If lines form at any entry to the establishment, an identifiable staff person must regulate the queue and prohibit obstruction of the public right of way; b. If serving alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days. 36. Adopt the following insurance requirements for every operator of an entertainment establishment place of assembly: a. Procure a liability insurance policy of at least $1,000,000 against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury or death and of at least $25,000 against loss or damage to property; b. Deposit a certificate of such policy with the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and notify the Division within 10 calendar days of any change to the policy; c. Provide authority to the Executive Director to dispense in whole or in part with the insurance requirements if it is determined that it is not necessary with respect to the type or nature of the operation of the establishment. 37. Add a provision that the Executive Director, at their sole discretion, may require an operator of an entertainment place of assembly to: a. Upon licence application or renewal or at any time during the term of a licence, submit: (i) A level 1 noise control plan and/or a patron management plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division; (ii) A level 2 noise control plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division for approval. b. Operate in accordance with the submitted or approved plan(s) and immediately provide a copy to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. 38. Add the following requirements for every operator of an expanded entertainment place of assembly: a. Upon licence application or renewal, submit the following to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division: (i) a level 1 noise control plan (ii) a patron management plan b. Require the establishment to operate in accordance with the level 1 noise control plan submitted to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and to immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request; c. Require the establishment to operate in accordance with the patron management plan submitted to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division at all times and to immediately provide a copy of the submitted plan to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. Amusement Establishments 39. Delete Article XVI - Places of Amusement. 40. Delete licence requirements for every person keeping a billiard, pool, or bagatelle table; every person who owns or keeps any exhibition of wax works, menagerie, circus-riding, or other like show usually exhibited by showmen; every person who owns or keeps a roller-skating-rink or other place of like amusement; and every person who owns or keeps a theatre, music hall, bowling alley, moving picture show, public hall, or any place of amusement. 41. Add a licence requirement for every person who operates an amusement establishment. 42. Introduce a definition of "amusement establishment" as follows: "A premises that offers or permits any type of amusement activity for patrons, including any establishment that provides space for amusement activities for patrons, but does not include fitness facilities, recreation centres, or community centres." 43. Introduce a definition of "amusement activity" as follows: "Activities including but not limited to the following: bowling, video arcades and arcade games, archery, axe throwing, carnivals, internet cafes, miniature golf, golf driving ranges, go-kart courses, roller-skating rinks, billiards or pool, trampolines, rebound tumbling, and other like activities." 44. Require every operator of an amusement establishment to submit the following information upon licence application or renewal, or at any time during the term of the licence as required by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, in addition to the general licence application requirements that apply to all businesses: a. If the establishment serves alcohol, a copy of a valid liquor licence; b. The following documents, issued by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority or its successor agency, if applicable to the business: (i) a valid and current licence to carry on business in Ontario; (ii) a valid and current permit for each amusement device, issued by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority or its successor agency. 45. Add the following requirements for every operator of an amusement establishment: a. Keep sufficient staff of employees for the purpose of the establishment; b. If offering trampoline or rebound tumbling amusement activities: (i) For each 12 trampoline or rebound tumbling units operating, have one qualified supervisor in attendance who is certified in standard first aid; (ii) Permit or allow only one person on each unit at the same time; (iii) Keep a register showing the name and address of each patron and the date and time that such patron was in the establishment. c. If serving alcohol, notify the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of any change to the terms of the establishment's liquor licence within 14 calendar days; d. Create a list of persons of authority, including current contact information for each person on the list, and designate at least one person included on the list of persons of authority to be on the premises at all times during hours of operation; e. Provide the list of persons of authority to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division immediately upon request. 46. Adopt the following insurance requirements for every operator of an amusement establishment: a. Procure a liability insurance policy for the establishment of at least $1,000,000 against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury or death and of at least $25,000 against loss or damage to property resulting from any one accident; b. Deposit a certificate of such policy to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and notify the Division within 10 calendar days of any change to the policy; c. Provide authority to the Executive Director to dispense in whole or in part with the insurance requirements if it is determined that it is not necessary for the type or nature of the operation of the establishment. 47. Add a provision that the Executive Director, at their sole discretion, may require an operator of an amusement establishment to: a. Upon licence application or renewal or at any time during the term of a licence, submit: (i) A level 1 noise control plan and/or a patron management plan to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division; (ii) A level 2 noise control plan for approval to the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division. b. Operate in accordance with the submitted or approved plan(s) and immediately provide a copy to any employee of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division upon request. Licence Application and Renewal Fees, Implementation, and Additional Requests 2. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Appendix C - Schedule 12, Municipal Licensing and Standards by amending fees in the table below: Ref No. Service Fee Description Category Fee Basis Fee Annual Adjustment 175 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Amusement Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $459.08 Yes 176 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Amusement Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $265.00 Yes 193 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Take Out or Retail Food Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $380.00 Yes 194 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Take Out or Retail Food Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $251.00 Yes 215 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Entertainment Place of Assembly licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $436.00 Yes 216 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Entertainment Place of Assembly licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $251.00 Yes 217 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Eating or Drinking Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $516.00 Yes 218 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Eating or Drinking Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $349.00 Yes 235 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Entertainment Establishment/ Nightclub licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $1,058.00 Yes 236 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Entertainment Establishment/ Nightclub licence Full Cost Recovery Per application NEW $710.00 Yes 3. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Appendix C - Schedule 12, Municipal Licensing and Standards by adding the associated fees in the table below: Ref No. Service Fee Description Category Fee Basis Fee Annual Adjustment NEW 500 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Expanded Activity Eating or Drinking Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $723.00 Yes NEW 501 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Expanded Activity Eating or Drinking Establishment licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $525.00 Yes NEW 502 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Application fee: Expanded Activity Entertainment Place of Assembly licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $611.00 Yes NEW 503 Licence & Permit Issuance NEW Renewal fee: Expanded Activity Entertainment Place of Assembly licence Full Cost Recovery Per application $378.00 Yes 4. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Appendix C - Schedule 12, Municipal Licensing and Standards to delete fees related to billiard halls, carnivals, circuses, and theatres 5. City Council direct that the amendments to Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 545, Licensing, and Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, come into force on January 1, 2025. 6. City Council authorize the City Solicitor, in consultation with Municipal Licensing and Standards, to apply for new set fines or to increase current set fines related to the updated licensing requirements contained in this report and express its support for higher set fine penalties for offences. 7. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor, and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards. 8. City Council request the Province of Ontario to consider changes to the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to extend the suspension period for businesses posing an immediate danger to the health and safety or any person or property for longer than 14 days and consider a less stringent standard for suspension than "immediate danger", such as a "serious risk of danger".
EC8.14amended
Supporting the Growth of the Night Economy
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.
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.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager of Economic Development and Culture recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC8.15adopted
Additional Indoor Spaces for the 2023-2024 Winter Services Plan - Update
The City of Toronto's Winter Services Plan for the 2023-2024 season has positive components that will increase the number warm, indoor spaces for people seeking shelter in our city. These include the new addition this year of a 24-hour respite space to provide round-the-clock service to people looking to get indoors, as well as the new criteria for opening the City's Warming Centres, which was previously at -15 degrees celcius, to -5 degrees celcius and/or when Environment and Climate change Canada issues a winter weather event warning. As Shelter, Support and Houisng Administration staff have noted, this means that Warming Centres will be open for more days this season and remain open for longer periods. Still, as we enter the winter season, it's clear that many people in our city are still struggling to find refuge from the elements, and that more needs to be done. With this in mind, as Chair of Economic and Community Development Commmittee, I am requesting an update on the work done to date to secure additional indoor spaces, including operationalizing the Better Living Centre to provide 24-hour respite services for people in need. I am also requesting an update on partnerships with organizations to add additional spaces, including for youth experiencing homelessness, to the system.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Received an update from the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration, on efforts to operationalize additional indoor spaces, including at the Better Living Centre, to add capacity to the 2023-2024 Winter Services Plan, as the first item of business at the Economic and Community Development Committee meeting on November 28, 2023.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Bravo recommends that the Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Receive an update from the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration, on efforts to operationalize additional indoor spaces, including at the Better Living Centre, to add capacity to the 2023-2024 Winter Services Plan, as the first item of business at the Economic and Community Development Committee meeting on November 28, 2023.