Toronto's Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson appointed as the City's Night Economy Ambassador

#Toronto, #City'sNightEconomyAmbassador; #StrengtheningToronto'sNighttimeEconomy

Toronto, Nov 6 (Canadian-Media): An announcement was made today by Toronto's Mayor John Tory regarding the appointment of Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Ward 21 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee, as the City's Night Economy Ambassador, media reports said.

"I am committed to continuing to strengthen and grow Toronto's economy, including our nighttime economy, the new competitive edge for global cities. Toronto has a thriving night life but I believe this collaborative approach will help enhance and grow this economy for residents, tourists and the tens of thousands of Torontonians it employs," said Tory​

John Tory/Facebook page

Earlier this year, Tory pledged to growing Toronto's evening economy. The City Council endorsed the Strengthening Toronto's Nighttime Economy report on July 16 and requested  the designation of Toronto's Night Economy Ambassador from the members of Council. 

Thompson would become the champion on City Council for Toronto's nighttime economy.

All social, cultural and economic activities that take place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the city are described by the term "nighttime economy", which has become an as an important part of the overall economy of modern cities including Toronto.

"As the City's first Night Economy Ambassador, I will continue advocating for Toronto's music, entertainment and culture sectors...I will engage with residents and local businesses to ensure they are properly consulted throughout this process," said Thompson.

The Toronto region's nightlife employs tens of thousands of people in many sectors such as music, entertainment and nighttime vibrancy into its civic culture, and attracts and retains young people,  and increases tourism throughout the year.

Edmonton's economic impact from its late-night entertainment economy was $1.4 billion in 2014 and nighttime economy of New York City's reported that it had an economic output of $19.1 billion (USD) in 2016.

​Council also suggested over the next three years the staff should implement the Toronto Nightlife Action Plan to strengthen Toronto's nightlife, using and re-aligning existing City resources.

The City is  to grow and foster this important sector by working across divisions and engaging further with Toronto nightlife industry leaders and residents.