Make Music Part of the Ontario Place Revitalization

On February 1, 2012, the Government of Ontario announced plans to revitalize Ontario Place to make it a ‘must visit’ destination and landmark for Ontario families and tourists from around the world. The government of Ontario is seeking public input on how to revitalize Ontario Place: Music Canada is promoting the idea of putting an outdoor green space for live music at the location.

Why?

Live Music Generates Jobs and Spending in Toronto

• Total economic impact of sound recording industry in Canada: $455.2 million with much of that in Toronto (Economic Impact Analysis of the Sound Recording Industry in Canada, PwC)
• 2011 TD Toronto Jazz Festival generated total economic impact of $22.7 M
  • 298 full time equivalent jobs
  • 1/3 attendees live beyond 40 km radius of city
• 40th anniversary JUNOs in Toronto had an estimated economic impact of $14.1M
• NxNE generates more than $47M annually in economic impact to City of Toronto

Live Music is One of Toronto’s Key Assets

• 4th highest ratio of music establishments per 100,000 residents in North America (Martin Prosperity Insights) with incredible indoor venues of all sizes including: The Horseshoe Tavern, Phoenix, The Sound Academy, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Massey Hall and the Air Canada Centre

However, Toronto lacks a key component: a viable downtown outdoor green space for live music.

Ontario Place can build on the success of the Amphitheatre to fill the gap.

Why Ontario Place?

• The Amphitheatre is one of the few success stories in the park in the last decade
• Experience shows that there is the market for a permanent outdoor venue
• Toronto’s current assets do not have permanent facilities that include concession areas, backline, fencing and lighting

How to Help:

Add a comment on the Ontario Place Revitalization site to urge the government to develop a viable downtown outdoor green space for live music!