Busking In Collingwood

BUSKING IN COLLINGWOOD

Policy and Guidelines

**Updated April 30 2012**

 If you are a musician, singer, dancer, juggler, mime, magician, comedian, or other entertainer, there are locations in downtown Collingwood that welcome and encourage you to showcase your talent!

Entertainers are asked to attend a five minute audition and if successful, obtain an annual Busker Licence and photo ID ($25 for Collingwood residents and $50 for non residents).   

Licenced buskers may entertain year-round, 10 am –9:00 pm. There are five designated busking areas in downtown Collingwood. 

Busking in Collingwood is on a honour system and therefore licenced buskers are asked to simply show up and entertain at any of these locations if they are available and rotate on the hour if there is another entertainer waiting to perform.  Licenced buskers are encouraged to set out a hat or instrument case for voluntary donations. 

To obtain a licence to busk contact tmazza@collingwood.ca or call 705.444.2500.

BUSKER GUIDELINES

-  Busking includes, but is not limited to the following activities: acting, singing, playing  musical instruments, juggling, magic, dancing, puppetry and reciting.

-  Buskers are permitted to sell goods directly related to their busking which may include CDs, merchandise or any other types of items related to busking.  The Busking licence will include a transient sales licence, with no additional fee. 

-  Buskers are permitted in designated Busking locations only.  Busking at transit stops, in transit vehicles or other areas is not permitted.

Designated Locations:

• 44 Hurontario Street, know as Collingwood Federal Building, east side of sidewalk
• 104 and 108 Hurontario Street, on the sidwalk between these two buildings
• 186 Hurontario Street, known as Sheffer Court, east side of sidewalk
• 55 Ste Marie Street, in front of the Collingwood Public Library
• Collingwood Shipyard, entrance to waterfront at the end of Hurontario Street

-  Busking is permitted year-round, 10 am–9:00 pm.

-  Maximum performance time is one (1) hour per busking location within a four (4) hour time frame.  Performance times begin at the top of the hour.

-  Maximum number of performers in a single group will not exceed five (5) people.

-  Buskers under the age of 16 must have an adult accompanying them at all times.

-  Amplification is permitted with the following special conditions:

• the sound level must be reasonable, within limits set in the Town by-laws and intended for an audience within 25 feet
• if neighbouring businesses or residents complain about the sound level, it must be lowered
• equipment, cables or other equipment must not cross roadways or pedestrian pathways or in any way interfere with the safe and conenient movement of pedestrians
• the Town reserves the right to disconnect any equipment that is likely to cause injury or damage
• repeated failure to comply with these conditions will result in the busker's licence being revoked

-  The Downtown Farmers Market may permit Buskers during the operation of the market, which should be exempt from this Policy.

-  No high risk or unsafe performances, which may put the public and/or the performer at risk (use of knifes, fire, etc. are not permitted).

-  Buskers are not permitted where areas or events have “special event permits” as approved through the Town unless authorized by the designated event organizer.  During downtown events or festivals (ie Elvis Festival) or while paid performers are working, busking is not permitted on Hurontario Street).

-  Sidewalks, paths, bicycle routes and roads must not be blocked by either performers or their audiences. 

-  The comfort or safety of others must not be jeopardized.

-  All performances must be suitable for a general family audience rating.  Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times.

-  Busking under this policy does not include face painting or hair wrapping.

-  Failure to display a valid Busker ID or failure to follow these guidelines may result in your Busking Licence and privileges being removed.