Toronto Music Advisory Committee - February 9, 2026

High-level summary - The meeting centered on Toronto’s music-related policy and funding initiatives, including updates from the Music Office, task-team work on new music spaces, the Destination Master Plan, and a city-backed tax/reduction program for live music venues. Key decisions included the rigorous adoption of multiple “receive update” motions and the launch and licensing support motions for live music venues, as well as the ongoing push for youth and professional development within the music sector.

Five most important topics discussed

1) New Space Task Team updates and Project Soundcheck (MA 10.3) - Discussion focused on developing new spaces for live music rehearsal and recording, with an emphasis on policy alignment and potential funding models. Johnny noted collaboration potential: “There’s a lot of potential connections between our team’s mandate and that of Soundcheck with regard to possible policy changes that might allow for new spaces for live music rehearsal and recording spaces to develop and flourish here in the city.” A mini town hall on this topic is planned during the Wavelength Music Festival in March. This topic would affect day-to-day operations for artists and venues seeking rehearsal and performance spaces.

2) Destination Master Plan for tourism and its impact on music activity (MA 10.4) - The plan, which includes 116 action items, aims to strengthen the nighttime economy, animate neighborhoods, and preserve cultural heritage, with explicit attention to reducing barriers for music and event activity. Sarah Buchanan described the plan as recognizing the need to “reduce a lot of the barriers from music and event activity... and ensuring that those cultural programming benefits both residents and visitors.” The plan’s release in April and forthcoming updates suggest ongoing citizen engagement and opportunities to influence cultural programming.

3) Live music venue tax reduction program and outreach (Creative Collocations Facilities Tax Subclass) (MA 10.4) - A major funding mechanism was discussed: a 50% municipal tax reduction for eligible venues, with rapid outreach to venues. The group noted proactive outreach: “We have now emailed all the returning venues... applications are due. The final deadline is March the 20th.” New applicants are urged to apply by February 20, with a flexible approach to deadlines to maximize participation. The program’s expansion from 48 to 71 venues (2020–2025) was highlighted, indicating broad impact on day-to-day venue finances.

4) Licensing support and city resources for live music venues (MA 10.4) - There was emphasis on clearing pathways for licensing and reviewing business models, with MLS and Planning staff ready to assist. A key point was that independent venues can access support via the music office: “If any of you are hearing of live music venues... they can get to those folks through us through the music office.” This topic has direct implications for venue operators’ ability to legally program and schedule events.

5) Public input, outreach channels, and data/resources for musicians (including YMP and artist databases) - The meeting highlighted channels for engagement and resource development, including mentorship, bursaries, and expanding the local artist database. Maddie encouraged ongoing contact for youth and professional development, stating, “reach out to me so we can connect and talk about what you see as the issues, what you see as the priorities.” Additionally, there was mention of expanding the city’s artist database (over 1,000 local artists) to include more established artists, addressing gaps in opportunities for musicians facing reduced touring. These discussions shape practical pathways for residents and industry workers to participate and benefit from city programs.

File numbers discussed - MA 10.1: Introducing Young Professionals - Building the Music Leaders of Tomorrow. - MA 10.2: Music sector future challenges and opportunities. - MA 10.3: Toronto Music Advisory Committee Task Team Updates (New Space Task Team; Project Soundcheck; Wavelength mini town hall). - MA 10.4: Music Office updates (including Destination Master Plan and related initiatives).

Opportunities for public input - Public input channels were mentioned across topics: - Environmental/venue sustainability funding: contact Sarah Buchanan at the Toronto Environmental Alliance (for plastic-reduction pilot funding and reusable cup initiatives). - Youth/professional development: Maddie (YMP representative) invited the public and council members to reach out with priorities and issues. - Housing and space initiatives: Hila invited feedback on the Affordable Housing Task Team report (circulated for comment before the May meeting). - Ongoing engagement with the music office and task teams was encouraged, and attendees could participate via future task-team town halls (e.g., Wavelength in March).

Motions passed, rejected, or deferred (titles and outcomes) - Motion to Receive Item MA 10.3 (Toronto Music Advisory Committee Task Team Updates) - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion to Receive Destination Master Plan Update - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion to Receive the Affordable Housing Task Team Update - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion to Receive the Music Office Update (MA 10.4) - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion to Launch the Creative Collocations Facilities Tax Subclass (Live Music Venue Tax Reduction) - Outcome: Passed. The program is now open for applications with deadlines: February 20 for new applicants and a final deadline of March 20. - Motion to Support System for Licensing Issues for Live Music Venues - Outcome: Passed. A system is in place to assist venues with licensing renewals; venues can contact the Music Office, Night Economy Team, or MLS/Planning staff for guidance. - Motion to Move to Task Team Updates - Outcome: Likely passed as the meeting proceeded to the next agenda item (transition to MA 10.3 updates). - Motion to Excuse Absentees from the February 9th Meeting - Outcome: Passed.

Councillors present - Brad Bradford (Chair of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee) is identified as a key participant in the discussions. - Aninsley (Deputy Mayor) is noted as participating in discussions related to funding and prioritization for cultural spaces. - Absent/Excused: Paula Fletcher, Bridget Fry Jafar, Osma Malik, Julian Taylor, Kim Temple were excused from the February 9th meeting in the referenced section. - Other sections reference city staff, MLS/planning colleagues, and event organizers, but explicit present councillors beyond Bradford and the Deputy Mayor Aninsley are not consistently listed across all sections.

Contact notes for citizen input - Sarah Buchanan (Toronto Environmental Alliance) — funding opportunities for plastic-reduction pilots and reusable cups. - Maddie (YMP representative) — invites ongoing contact for priorities and program development. - Hila (Affordable Housing Task Team) — invites feedback on the housing report before the May next-step meeting. - For music-sector inquiries and YMP engagement, reach out via YMP channels or the city music office as indicated in the meeting materials.

Overall, the meeting advanced key music-sector initiatives, including new space development, formalizing concerted city support for venues, expanding tax incentives, and strengthening youth/professional pathways, while maintaining avenues for public input and interdepartmental coordination.