Toronto Ravers Rejoice as EDM is Back on the Table In the City's Public Grounds

Photograph courtesy of Jamie Sarner

In the absence of the ghost that is Rob Ford, Toronto's finest met yesterday to discuss the future of electronic music events on public grounds in light of the digital uproar that occurred after they officially banned them last month. Today, they voted. Councillor Mark Grimes, a very fitting name for a bad guy in any situation, attempted to have the voting deferred so he could "obtain a confidential document possessed by the Exhibition Place board." That didn't work out so well for him, and neither did the vote.

As the official ban passed last month, Zlatko Starkovski, Muzik Nightclub's dedicated and philanthropic owner, became the most hated man (on the internet) in Toronto, as he led the lobby against EDM events on Exhibition grounds. An 8000 person strong petition began to circulate, while Muzik Nightclub was blasted on all angles for its antics.

You can read the official agenda of the meeting here if you want the full breakdown, or if you just want to be reminded of how your grandmother tries to text. To summarize, the previously banned production of EDMs (Electronic Dance Music Events and a term you should try to say without laughing) on CNE grounds was, yesterday, brought back as an official topic for today's meeting. Today, the councillors of Toronto voted for the ban to be overturned, in a whopping 31-4 favour. Ravers rejoice, as June may be the month where EDM, and EDMs, return to the CNE.

It's reported that Giorgio Mammoliti, Ford's sidekick (famous mustard-suit from the legendary 'fat fuck' video), walked out of yesterday's City Hall meeting, disgusted with his fellow politicians that they would even think to bring this question back up for debate. He called them "an irresponsible kangaroo council" before he showed his responsibility in office by walking out. He even ominously declared that a young kid will die on CNE grounds if this is overturned, before being told to shut up by his colleagues. Why does Toronto municipal politics sound like South Park?

Ford was absent from both meeting, as it's reported that he's (finally?) doing a stint in rehab at the moment. He was quoted yesterday to say that rehab "is amazing" and that it "reminds him of football camp." If you're saying rehab is amazing, you're probably doing it wrong. And really, who wants to be reminded of Rob Ford's football capabilities?

Supported by Zlatko's good buddy Ford, and his ring of hooligan politicians (Mammoliti and Mark Grimes), the group cited concerns about pedophiles and drug dealers ruining the innocence of the kids at the all-ages raves. Zlatko had a vision; Muzik Nightclub, empty, with a cold breeze running through its hallways, while Avicii was across the street handing out drug salads to every single kid that walked through the door.

People have been shot at Muzik Nightclub. And stabbed. And savagely beaten—more than once. There's no direct evidence of 'drug dealers' (except for Rob Ford allegedly ripping cocaine with Bieber in the club) or 'pedophiles' (except for this guy) but I can't possibly imagine that a Toronto Police Service-monitored Avicii concert could possibly be any sketchier than Muzik Nightclub. In fact, it isn't.

Of course, there's more to the story. Muzik is a late night haunt of Rob Ford and his crew. Once you wade through all of the crack smoke and fumbled words, it's pretty easy to read between the lines. Rob just wants a place where he can go, fire up a couple lines, sit back in the booth and have a couple drinks. You can't blame the guy, (the MAYOR), right?

In the most awkward video of all time, Mayoral candidate David Soknacki pays tribute to Footloose to protest the ban on Electronic Dance Music at the CNE. If you aren't familiar with Footloose, it's a similar story where a fictional city bans dancing and rock music, and Kevin Bacon doesn't like it one bit. It's basically the same thing, except that the person who lobbied the ban wasn't the owner of a nightclub across the street, and the mayor of the fictional town said no to crack. Soknacki brought up the most intelligent counterargument to Ford and Mammoliti's ban, that each event will generate around a million dollars in revenue for the city. Well played Mr. Soknacki—you just gained the votes of tens of thousands of Toronto ravers, if you can get them to the polls.

Rumors that the city's bureaucracy are in direct opposition to dance music are circulating, as promoters and event producers have experienced inherent difficulties with unconventional venues and Special Occasion Permits for spaces that aren't normally licensed. In light of Montreal's recent move, this does reflect poorly on the City of Toronto and it's approach to the music of our younger generation. The meeting agenda linked above states that one current goal of the city is to "revitalize the music industry." In light of the proceedings of the past few months, it's embarrassingly obvious that they are not doing the best job, even though so many promoters and musicians are trying.

Well, it officially looks like Muzik's scam has failed, and EDM Kandi Kids will be able to pop molly until the sun comes on CNE grounds after all. It's doubtful that this is the end of the debate entirely, but this is a monumental step forward in what seems to be the never-ending saga of Toronto versus EDM, and EDMs. It's refreshing to see a city respond to the outcry of its people, whatever the issue may be. Kudos to Toronto and its councillors—you just earned some some serious brownie points in the worldwide rave community. Torontonian ravers, give your councillor a pat on the back for having your best interests in heart—and if you have the cash, maybe grab him or her an extra ticket to the next rave so they can see what it's all about.

You can follow Zack on Twitter: @zackrota

Related articles:

Toronto Just Banned Electronic Dance Music Concerts on its Public Grounds

Montreal's Mayor Takes a Shot at Toronto Nightlife while Extending Last Call to 5:30 AM

The City of Toronto Forced the Foundry Festival to Relocate