As new coronavirus cases continue to increase both locally and across the province daily, the City of Toronto has announced it's extending its cancellation of all major outdoor events until the end of the year to slow the spread of COVID-19,
The extension, which is in place until December 31, is based on public health advice and includes festivals and other large in-person gatherings held at outdoor sites and managed by the City or other public locations, such as roads, parks, and Civic Squares.
However, the announcement does not include outdoor sport facility permits and activities, or other City facilities that are permitted in Stage 3 of the Province of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening and comply with the current gathering limit restrictions.
The City also announced it's contributing $565,000 to support all cultural festivals impacted by the pandemic.
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The City says major festivals and events require long lead times for planning, rely on City sites, supports or permissions, and present higher public health risks given the potential for crowds and the need to maintain physical distancing.
While a number of major annual events have been cancelled -- such as the Toronto Christmas Market, the Cavalcade of Lights, and New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square -- many organizers are considering alternative ways to hold their events, including going online.
The decision follows the cancellation of all such events up to September 30, announced by the City on July 13.
Below, you'll find a list of major events impacted by this decision. The status listed is accurate as of September 9. Events with a status listed as pending will shift to cancelled or altered as determined by event organizers.
This announcement comes as over 100 daily cases have been reported in Toronto in recent days, with the seven-day rolling average hitting 114.
