The City provides many resources and supports for music venue operators. Explore the details around the flexible regulations for presenting live music, property tax reduction incentives, step- by-step guides to opening new venues and help with navigating the City’s updated business licensing framework.
The City of Toronto’s Creative Co-location Facilities Property Tax Subclass includes a category for live music venues. Eligible venues can qualify for up to 50 per cent off their annual municipal property tax.
Qualifying for the incentive includes a maximum capacity of 1,500 people, a minimum in criteria for specific venue features such as a stage or staging equipment, minimum days of performance programming and employment of certain roles. Applications are accepted each new year and are due in March.
Learn more about eligibility requirements for the Creative Co-location Facilities Property Tax Subclass.
The City of Toronto is implementing updated licensing and zoning bylaws for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
Learn more about the regulations to better understand the new licensing categories and how to expand your venue capacity.
In 2023 the City changed regulations that permit entertainment, including live music on outdoor patios that are on private property . Explore the details around hosting live music on your patio.
The City of Toronto’s Amplified Live Music on Patios (AMP) program runs from May through November annually. The program allows amplified live music on CaféTO patios on main streets – helping to create more opportunities for local musicians.
Learn how to expand or create a patio on private property, including parking lots and other outdoor spaces.
The Good Neighbour Guide for Late-Night Businesses is a comprehensive resource for late-night businesses such as live music venues, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, retailers, service providers, and others operating between the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The guide provides comprehensive information and links to related resources from the City of Toronto and external sources to support operators in running a safe establishment that also benefits its surrounding community. The Good Neighbour Guide for Late Night Businesses helps create safer spaces and working environments and encourage responsible consumption.
Consult the Good Neighbor Guide on Late Night Businesses for details on how to open a new music venue or convert an existing space (pg. 5-10).
Toronto’s live music venues play a crucial role in job creation, tourism, and artistic development, contributing significantly to the city’s economy and cultural vibrancy.
Re: Venues Report: A Case and Path Forward for Toronto’s Live Music Industry, conducted by Nordicity, assesses the economic impact of Toronto’s venues on GDP, employment, and taxes, while also highlighting their role in fostering a thriving music ecosystem. Recognizing these contributions is essential for benchmarking, advocacy, and future city planning.