Flat SOCAN Fee for Small Recreational Facilities

Summary#

The Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 21 – Recreational Facilities Operated by a Municipality, School, College, University, Agricultural Society or Similar Community Organizations (2026-2028) in the Canada Gazette on June 28, 2025. It sets a flat annual music-licence fee of $246.64 per eligible facility for the years 2026 to 2028, for facilities whose covered-event revenue does not exceed $21,735.86.

What it does#

• Sets an annual royalty of $246.64 for each eligible facility for the period 2026 to 2028.
• Applies when music from SOCAN’s repertoire is played during recreational activities that would otherwise fall under other SOCAN tariffs (for things like exhibitions, skating rinks, sports events, receptions, fitness classes, etc.).
• The fee applies only if the facility’s gross revenue from those covered events in the year does not exceed $21,735.86.
• Payment must be made on or before January 31 of the year covered by the tariff.
• A report confirming the facility’s eligible gross revenue must be sent to SOCAN on or before January 31 of the following year.
• SOCAN may audit a user’s books on reasonable notice during normal business hours to verify reports and payments.
• A facility that pays under this tariff does not have to pay under the other specific SOCAN tariffs for the same events.
• Late payments accrue interest calculated daily at 1% above the Bank of Canada Bank Rate (no compounding).
• All amounts are shown before any federal, provincial or other taxes.

Who's affected#

• Municipalities, schools, colleges, universities, agricultural societies and similar community organizations that operate recreational facilities (for example arenas, community centres, fairgrounds).
• Facilities that host events like exhibitions, skating, sports, receptions, fitness classes and similar activities where recorded or performed music is used.
• Facilities whose covered-event gross revenue is above $21,735.86 are not eligible for this flat fee and would be subject to other SOCAN tariffs.
• SOCAN and the Copyright Board are the organizations administering and enforcing the tariff.

Why it matters#

• Small, community-run facilities can pay a single modest annual fee ($246.64) instead of separate fees for each event type. That can simplify budgeting and reduce administrative work.
• The rule includes a clear revenue cutoff ($21,735.86), so operators need to track and report covered-event revenue to stay eligible.
• Facilities that miss the January 31 payment or reporting deadline face daily interest charges and possible audits.
• Larger venues or those with higher event revenue will not benefit from this tariff and must follow other SOCAN tariffs.