CNE, Caribbean Carnival, Honda Indy among Toronto-led summer events cancelled for 2021
Caribbean Carnival #CaribbeanCarnival
The City of Toronto says it is cancelling all major in-person, outdoor events until Sept. 6 — for the second year in a row — to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Some of the cancelled events include the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Caribbean Carnival, Honda Indy, and Taste of the Danforth (full list below).
The city had previously cancelled major events up until July 1 but extended it until September, affecting all summer festivals and activities.
“The City understands the importance of these events to Toronto’s vitality, liveability and prosperity,” city officials said Friday. “The City is committed to working closely with event organizers to help them manage through 2021 and come back stronger in 2022.”
Read more: Coronavirus: City of Toronto cancels major events up to July 1
All event organizers were given advance notice of the decision and officials said organizers had asked for an early decision on events due to the logistics and support that go into planning the events.
When it comes to the CNE, the city said it will support The Ex as it did when the event was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“What happens in the next few months will be a watershed moment for the organization and the legacy of Canada’s largest fair,” said Darrell Brown, CNE Executive Director.
“Today’s announcement by the City means that the CNE will have to reassess the financial viability of surviving a second consecutive year of lost revenues totalling up to $70 million,” Brown said.
Read more: COVID-19: Doug Ford extends Ontario’s stay-at-home order until June 2
Here is a list of major in-person events impacted by the cancellation.
Taste of the Middle East
Taste of Lawrence
Honda Indy
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Afrofest
Salsa in Toronto
49th Annual Festival of India
Bloor West StreetFest
Beaches Jazz Festival
Oss Fest
Caribbean Junior Carnival
Scarborough Ribfest
Caribbean Carnival, King and Queen Competition, Pan Alive and Grand Parade
Taste of the Danforth
Vegandale Food Drink Festival
Bollywood Film Fair
Waterfront Night Market
Canadian National Exhibition
Mabuhay Philippines Festival
Toronto Chinatown Festival
Labour Day Parade
Officials said many of these events will be offered virtually, and to contact each event organizer directly for more details.
The decision to cancel all summer events in an effort to curb the spread of the virus was made in consultation with Toronto’s medical officer of health, city’s emergency operations centre, Toronto police and event organizers, city officials said.
The announcement comes one day after Premier Doug Ford extended the stay-at-home order until at least June 2.
Ontario premier Ford announces extension of stay-at-home order to June 2
SHARE
SHARE
TWEET
SHARE
Click to expand
UP NEXT