The HullaBoard - Help Save Toronto's Nightlife

Quote:

"HELP SAVE TORONTO'S NIGHTLIFE"

It has become increasingly clear that dance clubs are no longer welcome in Toronto. Politicians are now putting extreme pressure on club owners to abandon their investments and move out of town. Several new
proposals are in the works including a hefty tax on sidewalks, a ban on new nightclubs (that contain dance floor space) and even new city taxes on alcohol and cover charges. This is being done in order to make it
difficult for nightclubs to do business in Toronto. Politicians and some lobby groups suggest that nightclubs breed nothing but violence and problems. This stereotype is simply is not true.

Why are they doing this? Simple. Condos generate more revenue for the city than nightclubs. Remember that liquor taxes, income taxes and sales taxes all go to the province and the federal government, not the city. The city makes money off of property tax which is why they seem to be willing to sacrifice anything to get up those almighty condos! The entertainment district is now prime real estate and condo developers want the city to evict the clubs so they can make their money.

Also, Clubgoers are an easy target as they tend not to vote. Condo owners do vote. This should be a lesson to everyone as to why they should make an informed choice at the ballot box. If young people voted, their considerations would be taken more into account than they are now!

What city council is sadly forgetting is that nightclubs provide thousands of jobs, vibrancy to the downtown core and generates wealth for the city. They are also a huge tourism draw especially for day trippers from the United States. Havn't I been reading lately about how desperately this city wants to have those day trip numbers increased??

Entertainment District History:

A little bit of history is in order. Basically when the entertainment district was designated back in the early 90s, the area was little more than industrial warehouses, lower income housing , massive parking lots and derelict buildings. This is why the area was regarded BY THE CITY as a desirable place for such things as nightclubs and bars. Throughout the 90s the entertainment district thrived and grew under the supervision of the city. Suddenly the area became very attractive to other investments. Condos were sold in the area with such pitches as “Live close to the excitement of Toronto’s Entertainment District” or “Live where the fun is”. Many new restaurants were opened to service clubbers and residents alike. Property values rose and new neighbours came to town. A dilapidated old building amongst a field of weeds was torn down and turned into what is now Scotiabank theatre. In short, the clubs brought a new life to this part of Toronto.

So why is it now that the city who designated this area and the condo owners who moved into this area are complaining about what they helped to build? Some of the residents were obviously there before the clubs
but why aren’t they happy that their property values have risen substantially? Why should nightclub owners, employees and patrons suffer due to poor city planning? Nightclubs employ thousands of people, bring in thousands of tourists and are a vital part of any “World Class City”.

The city of Toronto should be working with entertainment facility owners, not against them!

Nightclub owners, employees and patrons alike need to stand up together and make their voices heard.

Awareness is key.