The City of Toronto has extended a cancellation of major in-person events until July 1, including Canada Day celebrations, citing coronavirus concerns.
Officials said in a news release Wednesday that the cancellation affects City-led and City-permitted “major outdoor events.”
Included are festivals and other large in-person gatherings on City property.
The news release said giving advance notice of the decision allows for organizers to develop different approaches like virtual events, manage sponsorships, support employees, and deal with other business needs.
“I want to thank all of these organizations for understanding the need to avoid large in-person gatherings in the coming months and thank you to those who have worked to offer virtual events to keep the spirit of these celebrations and, in some cases, the fundraising efforts going during these tough times,” Mayor John Tory said.
“I strongly encourage the business community and as many Toronto residents as possible to support these events and the causes they in turn support.”
Officials said some affected events include:
- The Toronto Marathon (will be virtual)
- Doors Open Toronto
- Ride for Heart (will be virtual)
- Ride to Conquer Cancer (will be virtual)
- Toronto Jazz Festival (virtual event being considered)
- Indigenous Arts Festival (will be virtual)
- Trans March, Dyke March and Pride Parade (will be virtual)
- Scarborough Canada Day Parade and Celebration
- Canada Day celebrations at Mel Lastman Square
Professional sports and permits issued by the City’s Parks Forestry and Recreation department are not affected, as long as they are permitted under restrictions at that time, officials said.
The announcement comes as Ontario continues along in the early stage of its COVID-19 vaccination program and on the same day that organizers of the Canadian National Exhibition and Royal Agricultural Winter Fair said planning is underway to hold both signature events this year.
— With files from Nick Westoll
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