STAFF REPORT
March 7, 2000
To: North York Community Council
From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject: Endorsement of Event Organizers to Obtain a Special Occasion Permit in Order to Sell Alcoholic Beverages on
Mel Lastman Square.
Purpose:
To obtain endorsement of event organizers to seek Special Occasion Permits authorizing the sale of alcohol on Mel
Lastman Square.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Any costs incurred by the community festivals to obtain the Special Occasion Permit is paid for by the festival organizer.
There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)North York Community Council endorse those event organizations that have registered with Toronto Special Events
and have met the appropriate criteria to seek a Special Occasion Permit to sell alcohol on Mel Lastman Square during the
year 2000.
Comments:
Community groups and festival organizations celebrate their culture through music, dance, food and children's activities on
Mel Lastman Square during the spring and summer months.
Organizations are required to register with Toronto Special Events in order to ensure there are no conflicts with other
events taking place on the square. As well, there are criteria that must be met in order to stage an event on the square. The
follow is a list of those groups who have registered their event with Toronto Special Events thus far and have met the
required criteria.
South African Freedom Day -April 30, 2000
Franco-Fete-June 23 - June 25, 2000
GreekFest-July 7 - July 9, 2000
Finn Grand Fest-July 13 - July 16, 2000
Caribbean Sun Fest-July 21 - July 23, 2000
Persian Fest-July 29 - July 30, 2000
Super Latin Fest-August 4 - August 7, 2000
Classical Opera Concert-August 26, 2000
Hispanic Fiesta-September 1 - September 4, 2000
Toronto Multicultural Jamboree-September 23 - September 24, 2000
Polish Fest-September 9 - September 10, 2000
Toronto Special Events has approved these events and is aware of the organizations' intentions of obtaining a Special
Occasions Permit to sell alcohol on Mel Lastman Square.
Representatives have met with the events' organizing committees and are satisfied that the events will be successfully
produced in a professional manner.
Conclusions:
Community festivals and events contribute to the vibrancy and multi-cultural dimension of every neighbourhood in
Toronto. Through food, music and dance, events celebrate diverse cultures and backgrounds. Endorsement of event and
festival organizers to obtain a Special Permit authorizing the sale of alcohol on Mel Lastman Square assists in the success
of these celebrations.
Contact:
Jaye Robinson
Director, Toronto Special Events
Telephone: 395-7310
Fax: 395-0278
Email: jrobinso@toronto.ca
Joe Halstead,
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
