Designing the future of Toronto’s nighttime economy through community collaboration

Toronto Night Time

Economy Review

Location:

Toronto, Canada

Links:

Client:

Research, Consulting

Services:

Year:

2023

Over four weeks in early 2023, VibeLab’s team of researchers engaged 3,300 people through a survey and consultation series as part of the Toronto Night Economy Review: Licensing and Zoning for Restaurants, Bars and Entertainment Venues.

  • To update the definitions, rules, licensing, and zoning regulations for bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues to align with evolving business models.

  • Provide flexibility, supporting live music, entertainment, and social culture at night to reflect Toronto’s diversity.

  • Supporting livability for nighttime workers and those participating in social culture at night.

  • Promoting safe and enjoyable communities for all.

The Night Economy Review is one step in the City of Toronto’s process that has been underway since 2018, with several related goals:

Prioritising Diversity and Inclusion

The participant selection prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and geographic representation in Toronto, involving stakeholders from nightlife, residents, businesses, cultural sectors, associations, and community groups for comprehensive perspectives.

The research from these studies and interviews contributed to city staff's suggestions regarding the night economy, which informed bylaw updates in late 2023. Read more on the City’s Night Economy Review webpage

The review consisted of an online survey, seven focus groups, and three citywide public consultation sessions to solicit input towards updated licensing and zoning regulations for bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues and broader strategies to support and enhance Toronto’s night economy.