Transit Commission approved the development of a busking program. It defines the selection, approval, registration, scheduling, and on-going management of buskers at Line 1 stations. As a result of best practice research and a benchmarking exercise, the final busking program contains the following elements:
- Annual application and audition process via a selection committee consisting of local music industry professionals;
- Designated locations with program-specific signage;
- Limited performance time to allow for variety;
- Online scheduling tool for signing-up;
- Restrictions on age, sound levels, instruments, and amplification devices; and,
- A permit (including a photo ID) that provides the conditions in which the busker can perform, as well as the defined consequences for breaching those conditions.
The busking program will bring local musical entertainment, vibrancy and a sense of community to O-Train Line 1 stations, and it will also help to expand City-led music programming. The program falls under the City of Ottawa’s #ottmusic initiative and reinforces the Council-approved Ottawa Music Strategy.
The program is anticipated to launch in Spring 2020. On Monday, February 24, the online application was made available on ottawa.ca, and a call-out to musicians has gone out through City of Ottawa communication channels. The application process runs from February 24 to March 27, 2020.
