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Arts and public space activists are not taking any chances. Despite a unanimous decision by council’s planning committee, they’re prepping for a nail-biter Monday (November 30) when council votes on a new bylaw to regulate and tax billboards to raise money for the arts. The sign lobby has launched a full frontal offensive, putting their names on the to-see list of practically every councillor in recent weeks. Council’s mushy middle may be getting cold feet on this one.

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What

A tax on outdoor advertising.

Why

To democratize public space, harmonize out-of-whack bylaws from pre-amalgamation days and raise money for arts and culture, an estimated $11 million a year.

The underlying message

That Toronto aspires to be an art-filled, pedestrian-friendly metropolis. Does anybody get out of their cars these days to admire advertising?

Why a fee

Besides the obvious financial benefits, you mean? Every dollar spent on the arts generates eight for the local economy. Public space is also a reflection of who we are. If only the biggest and loudest voices are heard, what does that say about our city?

Reality check

Despite rating high on the bohemian index, Toronto spends less on the arts than any other major North American city – $13 per capita compared to Montreal’s $32, New York’s $54 and San Francisco’s $80.

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The big payoff

Lower poverty and crime rates. Low-income neighbourhoods with higher cultural participation are four times more likely to have low delinquency rates and three times more likely to see poverty rates decline.

What industry opponents say

That the tax is excessive and will have a “devastating” impact on the outdoor advertising business.

The bottom line

Outdoor advertisers are still making money. The vast majority of businesses using billboards are not local, but national or global brands.

What you can do

Sign the petition (at beautifulcity.ca). Call your councillor. Come to the vote.

Spread the word.

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