Toronto extends cancellation of in-person events through July 1

Citynews.ca
Feb. 25, 2021

The City of Toronto has extended the cancellation of a number of in-person spring and summer events through July 1.

Among the City-permitted outdoor events to be cancelled are Canada Day parades and festivities in Scarborough and North York, while others such as Canadian Music Week, the Juno Awards, and the Pride parade have all indicated they will transition to a virtual event.

Events such as Luminato and the Toronto Jazz Festival are still considering whether or not to go virtual.

The City says the decision was made now to cancel these events due to the long lead times needed for planning by both City staff and businesses and to give event organizers time to develop alternative approaches that fall within public health guidelines.

“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,” said Mayor John Tory. “I strongly encourage the business community and as many Toronto residents as possible to support these events and the causes they in turn support. We must persevere to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

The City released a list of major events impacted by Wednesday’s decision
(for the most up-to-date status of an event, please contact the organizer)

• Toronto Marathon, half Marathon, 5k, 10k and relay (will be a virtual event)
• Sporting Life 10k (will be a virtual event)
• Canadian Music Week (will be a virtual event)
• Doors Open Toronto (cancelled)
• Juno Awards (will be a virtual event)
• Ride for Heart (will be a virtual event)
• NXNE Music Festival (will be a virtual event)
• Luminato (virtual option to be determined)
• The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer (will be a virtual event)
• TD Toronto Jazz Festival (virtual option to be determined)
• Indigenous Arts Festival (will be a virtual event)
• Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival (will be a virtual event)
• Trans March, Dyke March & Pride Parade (will be a virtual event)
• Scarborough Canada Day Parade & Celebration (cancelled)
• Canada Day Celebrations at Mel Lastman Square (cancelled)