Dear Members and Neighbours,
Please see below for an update regarding the state of The Junction 9th Annual Summer Solstice Festival in the midst of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
We share your concern about COVID-19, and wish to assure you that we have been monitoring the situation closely, and will continue to evaluate our options as the COVID-19 situation in Canada develops. Until further notice, we anticipate that The Summer Solstice Festival will be able to proceed as scheduled.
The Solstice Festival is more than three months away. As of March 12, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 in Canada as low. There are confirmed cases of patients with COVID-19 in Toronto, and they are being actively monitored. Toronto Public Health reports that at this time all cases being monitored are with patients who have traveled to at-risk regions, and there is still no evidence of local transmission. The Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto are working with the Government of Canada to monitor the situation and determine next responsive steps. At this time, there is no ban or limit either recommended or required by the City on large events with public gatherings.
Many of the major events that have been rescheduled or cancelled internationally are very large scale and imminent, like Coachella or SXSW, which attract hundreds of thousands of international visitors. We are a local gem and still more than 90 days from the event. It is worth noting that Canadian Music Week, a major international music conference held annually in Toronto in May, has announced that it will continue with its plans, as will the Toronto Fringe Festival and SING! Festival.
The health, wellbeing, and security of our members, vendors, and patrons is our number one priority. While we are currently steadfast in our plans and anticipate that The Festival will be able to proceed, we are keeping your safety in mind and are taking steps to mitigate any risk at The Festival, such an ensuring multiple entrances/exits and increasing the number of hand-wash stations across the venue. Our team continues to monitor the situation daily, including consulting with government agencies and festival associations, who share with us their policies and guidance. Should it be determined that the cancellation of The Junction Summer Solstice Festival is necessary, you will be notified at the soonest.
We hope that the entire Junction community continues to stay safe and follows the best practices advised by Toronto Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada. You can be confident that we stay committed to ensuring that The Festival stays safe for all.
The Junction BIA
