City of Toronto Cancels Major Festivals Through August 31

Salsa on St. Clair

The city of Toronto has officially cancelled permits for major festivals to slow the spread of COVID-19 through August 31. This decision follows the cancellation of all such events up to June 30, announced by the City on March 30, and the cancellation of Canada Day events.

The City will not issue new permits until further direction on mass gatherings is provided by Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health. Potential future dates can only be determined once the public health crisis is contained and economic recovery efforts are underway.

WHAT TYPES OF FESTIVALS ARE CANCELLED

All City-led and City-permitted major festivals and events with attendance of more than 250 people through July 31
All City-led and City-permitted major festivals and events with attendance of more than 25,000 or more through August 31.

The resumption or cancellation of professional sporting events is not included in this decision.

This includes festivals, conferences and cultural programs held in facilities managed by City divisions or public locations, such as roads, parks and civic squares.

Mayor John Tory said,”It is with deep regret that we are forced to extend the cancellation of large festivals to continue to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. Special events and festivals are critical to the livability, vitality and economic success of Toronto, and that is why we are launching the Cultural Festivals Recovery Program to ensure that when we defeat COVID-19, these festivals can return safely and contribute to Toronto’s economic recovery.”

The cancellation of major mass participation events of more than 250 people until July 31 includes Salsa on St Clair, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Honda Indy, Toronto Triathlon Festival, Beaches International Jazz Festival, and Big on Bloor, among others.

The cancellation of major mass participation events of more than 25,000 people until August 31 includes Jerkfest, Taste of the Danforth, Taste of Manila, and Toronto Chinatown Festival, among others.

Mayor John Tory announced that the City will repurpose grant funding. City’s Cultural Festivals Recovery Program, that was previously approved by City Council, in order to support festivals that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event organizers may contact the relevant City permitting bodies, Toronto Police Service officers/liaisons or eventpal@toronto.ca for more information.