A proposed ban on busking at Yonge and Dundas square has been rejected by Toronto city council.
The temporary-ban motion lost on a 15-15 tie Thursday night.
It would have applied to entrances of Eaton Centre and the Cineplex complex at the intersection. Both are popular busking locations that also swell with pedestrians on weekends.
“We’re not trying to move them from the neighbourhood. We’re trying to clear them away from the two busiest subway and mall entrances in the entire country,” Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam said before the vote on her motion, adding people have raised concerns about accessibility and safety.
“We’re trying to make sure the sidewalks are clear from any type of impediments causing safety concerns.”
Brant Matthews, also known as Fireguy, said the problem isn’t buskers.
“I think the real problem is the people selling their political ideas, selling their religious ideas. I’ve seen them there,” said Matthews. He’s referring to those who regularly distribute fliers and pamphlets related to religious or political movements.
“I think a busker makes an area like the entertainment district more fun, more entertaining, whereas someone who’s trying to get you to buy into their political or religious ideals, I don’t know how much fun that is.”
“Right now there are existing rules that are not being followed,” said Wong-Tam. “You need to be nine metres away from a major intersection. That is not the case.”
Buskers also need to keep a three metre distance between themselves and their audience.
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