By Claude & Parth on 2026-04-10, City: Toronto, View Transcript
Toronto City Council’s Economic and Community Development Committee met to address business licensing modernization, street vending and busking rules, and several equity-focused initiatives. The committee adopted Municipal Licensing and Standards’ Business License and Permit Applications Action Plan, but deferred proposed changes to nightclub definitions after deputations from small venues. Members also adopted the city’s Inclusive Economic Development Framework, received a year-five update on the Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, and referred items on community development planning and a proposed Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) eviction moratorium to staff for further review.
Municipal Licensing and Standards presented its Business License and Permit Applications Action Plan through 2029, including a new online renewal system launched Jan. 19, 2026 that staff said covers 85% of licensing activities. Staff reported 14,824 licenses were issued or renewed in 2025. They also reported 209 clients changed licence types and 142 businesses no longer required licences under updated rules.
Staff said a new phone line launched Jan. 16, 2026 averages 53 calls per day, reducing the need for clients to wait for email responses. As one speaker put it, “These are 53 clients or potential clients per day that didn't have to email city staff and wait several days for a response or make arrangements during their business hours to visit a city office and speak to a licensing staff member in person.”
The committee did not finalize proposed changes to nightclub definitions. Deputants from small venues argued the revised criteria would capture smaller spaces that do not operate like large bottle-service clubs. One deputant said the requirements “would apply more specifically to larger clubs that have perhaps bottle service… whereas like a smaller queer or gay club doesn't necessarily need that level of regulation around it.” The committee deferred that portion of the recommendations for additional consultation.
The committee reviewed curb-lane vending permits and street performance rules, with deputants raising concerns about fairness and access to public space. Cameron Pounder argued curb lanes are “public assets” and warned that long-term exclusive permits create barriers for others: “There is no expiry, no review, no pathway for others to access similar opportunities.”
Committee members ultimately supported ending the current R55 curb-lane vending permits at the end of 2028. Staff stated: “As of January 1st, 2029, the R55 curblane vending permits will without notice automatically be cancelled.”
On busking, performers argued current amplification limits reduce earnings and make it difficult to compete with traffic noise and unlicensed performers. Stuart Brignull told the committee that when amplification is permitted, performers “can make easily two to three times more money” compared with unamplified performances. The committee approved changes to allow amplified busking, with implementation to be phased in.
Staff presented the fifth-year update on Toronto’s Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism and outlined progress and next steps toward a longer-term renewal plan.
Governance and consultation became a central issue. Wedad Kgali Ali of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee (CABRA) told members: “Our mandate is to advise city council on policies, programs, and institutional efforts to confront anti-black racism… that advisory role cannot be fulfilled after decisions are made. It must be part of the process.”
Food insecurity was also raised in deputations. Amanda Utley argued the city’s response did not match the urgency council has previously declared, saying: “I should not have to spend 3 minutes convincing anyone in this room that feeding black children is a priority.” She added: “Not one intervention that puts food on a table. Not one action that feeds a black child next week.”
Staff indicated the 10-year renewal action plan is expected to come forward in Q2 2027.
Deputants urged the city to adopt a consistent, equity-based approach to community development planning and funding, including multi-year support for neighbourhood-level social development plans.
Regent Park was cited as an example of outcomes tied to sustained community planning. Wed Kali Ali, co-chair of the Regent Park Neighborhood Association, told the committee: “Let's not forget in 2023 we had zero zero gun-related deaths in our community for the first time in our history.”
Members discussed fiscal constraints and jurisdictional limits. The item was referred to the deputy city manager of community development and social services for consideration as part of the Toronto Neighborhood Assessment Framework report.
The committee debated a proposal related to arrears-based evictions in TCHC housing, with deputants urging urgent action. May Muhammad said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto implemented an eviction moratorium to stabilize vulnerable residents during a time of crisis. We are in another time of crisis and we should respond with that same urgency and compassion.”
Staff and TCHC representatives addressed differing eviction figures cited in public discussion by distinguishing between processes initiated and completed evictions. One staff speaker reported: “We had 220 completed evictions. That's 61 for arrears, 148 for other reasons… and total this represents an eviction rate of approximately 0.5% across TCHC's full portfolio.”
The committee referred the item to staff for further review, including legal and governance considerations.
Passed: - EC27.1: Business License and Permit Applications Action Plan (with nightclub definition changes deferred) - EC27.2: Street Vending and Artists Bylaw Review (R55 permits to be cancelled effective Jan. 1, 2029) - EC27.3: Inclusive Economic Development Framework (adopted) - EC27.5: Rexdale Casino Woodbine Community Benefits Agreement (received) - EC27.6: Apple Grove Community Complex Relocation (motion to support permanent home) - EC27.7: Food and Beverage in Parks (amended to require BIA and park user group consultation)
Referred: - EC27.12: Advancing Community Development Through Evidence-Based Planning (to deputy city manager) - EC27.13: Addressing Evictions Through Disaggregated Race-Based Data and Social Housing (to Housing Secretariat, Social Development, and TCHC)
Deferred: - Nightclub licensing definition changes (portion of EC27.1)