Despite the visible queues outside bars in London’s Richmond Row on Friday nights, Sam Smith, co-owner of Joe Kools, notes a shift in the city’s nightlife culture. According to Smith, people now tend to go out earlier and are more discerning in how they spend their time and money. He highlights the challenges and attractions Canada faces in terms of entertainment preferences and economic factors.
Data from Square, a payment processing platform, reveals a decline in nighttime spending in major Canadian cities for the second consecutive year, indicating a broader trend beyond London. City leaders in London recognize the need to revitalize the nighttime economy. Graham Henderson, CEO of the London Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the importance of downtown areas in shaping a city’s reputation and suggests leveraging culture to enhance London’s nightlife offerings.
While London has taken steps to foster a nighttime culture, such as establishing the London Music Office and organizing events on Dundas Place, Henderson believes more efforts are needed to establish London as a nightlife destination. He advocates for the appointment of a “night mayor” to facilitate coordination among various stakeholders, including venues, residents, law enforcement, transit agencies, and business associations.
Several cities, including Ottawa, have appointed nightlife commissioners to manage and enhance their nighttime economies. These commissioners play a bureaucratic role in implementing strategies to develop and promote nightlife activities. In London, Henderson sees the potential for a dedicated nightlife commissioner to address issues like noise complaints, regulatory complexities, event approvals, and downtown security, thereby attracting more businesses, residents, and tourists to the city’s core.
While some, like Mayor Josh Morgan, are cautious about adopting a night mayor model, others, like Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, believe that London’s nightlife is thriving, citing increased activity and events in the downtown area. Lewis suggests aligning arts and entertainment initiatives with economic development plans to maximize the city’s potential. Smith, from Joe Kools and Toboggan, envisions a downtown “coordinator” role to foster collaboration among establishments and transform the area into a vibrant destination.
London’s evolving nightlife scene underscores the opportunity to enhance the city’s after-hours offerings and stimulate economic growth. Efforts to connect stakeholders, streamline processes, and promote cultural activities are essential to cultivating a dynamic and attractive nightlife experience in London.
