SOCAN Tariff 21 — Recreational Facility Fee

Summary#

This notice from the Copyright Board publishes SOCAN TARIFF 21 – RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OPERATED BY A MUNICIPALITY, SCHOOL, COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OR SIMILAR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS (2023–2025). It sets a flat annual music-licence fee of $235.48 per facility for the years 2023 to 2025 when the facility’s related event revenue is $20,752.21 or less. The Canada Gazette published the notice on November 25, 2023.

What it does#

• Sets an annual royalty of $235.48 per facility for performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire during certain recreational activities, if the facility’s gross revenue from those events does not exceed $20,752.21 in the year.
• Covers events that would otherwise fall under Tariff 5.A, Tariff 7, Tariff 8, Tariff 9, Tariff 11.A, or Tariff 19 (examples below).
• A facility that pays under this tariff does not have to pay those other listed tariffs for the same events.
• Requires payment on or before January 31 of the year covered by the tariff, and a report to SOCAN on or before January 31 of the following year confirming the revenue limit.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books on reasonable notice during normal business hours to check the reported revenue and royalties.
• Applies interest on late payments, calculated daily at 1% above the Bank of Canada’s Bank Rate (effective on the last day of the previous month); interest does not compound.
• States that fees are exclusive of any federal, provincial or other taxes or levies.

Who's affected#

• Small community-run recreation venues operated by municipalities, schools, colleges, universities, agricultural societies, or similar community organizations.
• Facilities that host activities such as:
  • exhibitions and fairs,
  • skating rinks,
  • receptions, conventions, assemblies, and fashion shows,
  • sports events (for example, minor hockey, figure skating, roller skating, youth figure skating, carnivals, amateur rodeos),
  • circuses and ice shows,
  • fitness activities and dance instruction.
• Facilities with annual gross revenue from these events above $20,752.21 are not covered by this discounted rate (the notice does not specify what fee applies above that threshold).

Why it matters#

• Small, community-run facilities get a simple, low-cost option for music licensing: $235.48 a year if they meet the revenue test. That can save time and money compared with paying multiple tariffs.
• Organizers still need to file a yearly report and may be audited, so they must keep basic revenue records.
• Late payments carry daily interest, so meeting the January 31 deadline matters.
• This affects budgets for local events and could influence ticket prices or activity fees at community venues.