Lifting of A Ban Respecting Special Occasion Permit

Events for Liquor Licensing Purposes -

Ted Reeve Community Area and the Toronto East

Arena Gardens Incorporated (East Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that Chapter 25 of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code be amended to permit the use of special occasion permits issued under the Liquor Licence Act at Ted Reeve Community Arena, where such permits have been first approved by the Committee of Management of the Arena, subject to amending the agreement between the City and The Toronto East Arena Gardens Incorporated.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following communication (June 11, 1998) from Mr. John Sillers, Ted Reeve Community Arena and The Toronto East Arena Gardens Incorporated:

Purpose:

I have been authorized by the Committee of Management, Ted Reeve Community Arena, and The Toronto East Arena Gardens Incorporated to request that the use of special occasion permits issued under the Liquor Licence Act be permitted at Ted Reeve Community Arena where such permits have been first approved by the Committee of Management.

Background:

The cost of the construction of Ted Reeve Community Arena was funded in part by contributions made by the residents of East Toronto to the Toronto East Arena Gardens Incorporated, a non-profit body incorporated for the purpose of assisting in the establishment of an Arena and park in East Toronto for the benefit of the public. Pursuant to an agreement dated October 12, 1954, between the former City of Toronto and the Arena Gardens Corporation, a board was established by the former City under the then Community Centres Act to operate and maintain the arena and the Arena Gardens Corporation agreed to pay to the City the balance of the funds collected on account of the capital cost of Arena. Section 4 of this agreement specifically prohibits the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages at the Arena.

The general policy of the former City respecting alcohol at community and recreation centres as set out in its Municipal Code prohibits the sale, dispensing or consumption of alcohol except under a special occasion permit first approved by the Board or Committee operating the centre (Section 25-11F). However, in accordance with 1954 agreement with the Arena Gardens Corporation, the Municipal Code establishes a special standard for Ted Reeve Community Arena which prohibits the Committee from approving such permits (Section 25-13F). I am not aware of any other municipal community or recreation centre in the city which is subject to such a ban.

Discussion:

Included in certain improvements currently underway at the Arena is the enlargement and upgrading of a room, known as the Earl Robertson Room, located on the second floor overlooking the ice surface. Upon completion of the work, the ER Room will be well equipped for the holding of social and other events. The use of special occasion permits in appropriate circumstances approved by the Committee of Management would enhance the use and enjoyment of the Arena by its various users which in turn would increase the revenue needed to finance the overall operations of the facility.

Conclusion:

The ban of the use of special occasion permits at Ted Reeve Community Arena is no longer defensible. This anomalous situation can be corrected simply by amending the Municipal Code and the agreement with the Arena Gardens Corporation to delete the ban.

Your early and favourable consideration of this request of the Committee of Management and the Arena Gardens Corporation is respectfully requested.