Economic and Community Development Committee - February 24, 2026

High-level summary

The meeting advanced several film, festival, and arts initiatives, including discussions and presentations on Toronto’s Screen Future strategic plan, the Festival Strategy, and Scarborough arts infrastructure. Key decisions included motions on consumer protection, new infrastructure initiatives, and funding prospects, with several items remaining pending or deferred and ongoing public-input opportunities noted.

Five most important topics (with impact and quotes)

1) Acknowledgment of Indigenous Lands and the Toronto Green Future/Screen Future alignment - Topic summary: The meeting opened with an acknowledgment of Indigenous lands and Treaty obligations, setting the tone for growth strategies in tandem with reconciliation and sustainability. This framed discussions on how the city’s economy and culture will evolve together. - Public angle: Speakers and participants referenced the broader growth strategy for the city’s creative economy, linking reconciliation, community obligations, and long-term planning. - Notable quotes: - “It’s the place where we think about economy and society as a way that we take care of our obligations to each other.” - The Toronto Green Future/Screen Future discussions emphasized a coordinated, deliberate approach to growth in film and culture, with lines such as: - “We operate 1.4 million square feet of film and TV production space in the city.” - “This strategy document... is a road map for all of us to create that competitive future.” - Public comments: Registered speakers were invited to address EC26.1 (Toronto Green Future) and EC26.2 (Toronto’s Festival Strategy) as part of the held-for-speakers process.

2) Toronto Screen Future / Updated film strategy (EC26.1) - Topic summary: Aimed at adopting formal, strategic direction for Toronto’s screen industries (2025-2030), including infrastructure, workforce, and international competitiveness. The plan is presented as essential for maintaining Toronto’s status in a global market. - Notable quotes: - “This strategy document... is a road map for all of us to create that competitive future.” - “The competition is fierce... The cities that succeed are the ones that have been very deliberate, strategic, and coordinated in how they support their screen industries.” - “For producers choosing where they bring their projects, it's often the first and most important point of contact.” - Public input: Public engagement opportunities were referenced, with residents and industry professionals encouraged to inquire with the Economic and Community Development Committee (ECDC) for more details. - File/bylaw references: EC26.1; references to Toronto Screen Future strategic plan.

3) Toronto’s Festival Strategy (EC26.2) - Topic summary: Strategy to position Toronto as a leading hub for cultural and community festivals, with attention to tourism, local economy, and community engagement. Several sections note discussions held for speakers and anticipated follow-ups. - Notable quotes: - “Festivals form an important part of this city's brand abroad... Destination Toronto has worked to promote not just Toronto by leaning on its festivals, but the individual festivals themselves.” - “There is a little bit of urgency in that.” (Regarding hotel tax reallocation and festival funding discussions) - Public input: The strategy was developed with input from staff and industry partners; residents could engage through festival-related consultations. - File/bylaw references: EC26.2; forthcoming follow-ups on the festival strategy and related input processes.

4) Equity-focused workforce development in film and arts - Topic summary: Emphasis on inclusive workforce development, diversifying representation, and partnerships with community organizations to place underrepresented groups into film/arts roles. - Notable quotes: - “80% of the participants in the city-delivered workforce development programs are from equity-deserving groups.” - “The city recognizes that talent in Toronto is perhaps the single biggest selling feature of our film sector and allows us to reliably bring in new business.” - “There’s real work being done to ensure that top talent is diverse, that people from all across Toronto are able to access those good jobs.” - Public input: Engagement with community groups and ongoing evaluation was highlighted; public input opportunities were suggested as part of broader program reviews. - File/bylaw references: Various sections mention workforce development metrics and equity-focused initiatives; EC26.x and related staff reports.

5) Scarborough arts infrastructure and community-space initiatives - Topic summary: Aimed at expanding performing arts infrastructure in Scarborough, including affordable, publicly run spaces and partnerships with schools/universities to create space access and reduce rental barriers. - Notable quotes: - “Performing arts space that is affordable, that is publicly run, is a rarity in Scarborough.” - “We need to explore partnerships with other civic public institutions to enable our expertise in permitting and permissions.” - Public input: The motion to create a Scarborough-centric working group and related discussions indicate ongoing opportunities for local resident input and stakeholder engagement. - File/bylaw references: EC26.5; potential collaboration with schools and post-secondary institutions; related discussions on infrastructure and permitting.

Opportunities for public input (how residents can participate)

• Public speakers were invited for EC26.1 and EC26.2, with registered speakers given the chance to present during the held-for-speakers sessions.
• General public engagement opportunities exist through future meetings, consultations, and follow-up reports (e.g., May 2025/2026 timelines referenced in various sections). For ongoing engagement, residents should contact their ward councillor’s office or monitor the Economic Development and Culture/City Clerk channels.
• Specific contact points referenced include inquiries to the Economic and Community Development Committee (ECDC) for details on the Screen Future plan and festival strategy opportunities.

File numbers and bylaw references discussed

• EC26.1 through EC26.5 (agenda items and motions)
• Official Plan Amendment 804 (OPA 804) discussed in relation to employment lands
• EDGE (Tax Increment Financing) program discussed as a government/municipal incentive
• Other references include STRA plans and festival strategy items noted across sections

Motions: passed, rejected, or deferred (titles and outcomes)

• Motion to Confirm Minutes from December 2, 2025 — Passed
• EC26.3 - Changes to Business Improvement Area Boards of Management — Passed
• EC26.4 - Consumer Protection: Ticket Price Gouging and Hidden Fees — Passed
• EC26.5 - Opportunities for Performing Arts Infrastructure in Scarborough — Passed (as new business)
• Motion to Adopt Official Plan Amendment 804 — Outcome: Pending provincial approval
• Motion to Expand Tax Increment Financing Program (EDGE) — Passed
• Motion to Increase Marketing Budget for Festivals — Passed
• Motion to Create a Scarborough-Centric Working Group — Outcome: Not explicitly stated in the provided section (follow-up required)
• Motion to Adopt Toronto Screen Future Strategic Plan (2025-2030) — Outcome: Not explicitly stated in the provided section (some sections indicate pending; others show ongoing advocacy)
• Motion to Develop New Festivals and Address Gaps — Passed
• Motion to Address Geographic and Ethnocultural Gaps in Festival Funding — Deferred for further consultation
• Motion to Explore Alternative Models Beyond BIAs for Festival Engagement — Passed
• Motion to Fulfill Original Direction Regarding Festival Strategy — Outcome: Pending May 2025 report/informed by community input

Councillors present

• Chair/Presiding: Councillor Alejandro Bravo
• Councillors referenced (names appear with varying spellings in the transcripts; all cited as participating in the discussions):
  • Councillor Shan
  • Councillor Moyes
  • Councillor Shen
  • Councillor Kandival / Kanderval / Kanderval / Kandiver (variant spellings)
  • Councillor Candel / Canavville / Kendville (variant spellings)
  • Councillor Thompson
  • Additional mentions include other names with variant spellings such as Kanderval, Kendville, Kendville, etc.
• Note: The source material uses multiple spellings for several names; the list above reflects the principal participants named across sections. Chair Bravo is the same person as Councillor Alejandro Bravo.