SOCAN Tariff 21 – Community Recreation Fee

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published SOCAN Tariff 21 – Recreational Facilities Operated by a Municipality, School, College, University, Agricultural Society or Similar Community Organizations (2026-2028) on June 28, 2025. It sets an annual flat royalty of $246.64 per qualifying facility for the years 2026 to 2028, when the facility’s covered-event revenue does not exceed $21,735.86.

What it does#

• Establishes an annual royalty of $246.64 per facility for performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire during certain recreational events in 2026 to 2028.
• Applies only if the user’s gross revenue from those covered events in the year does not exceed $21,735.86.
• Requires payment on or before January 31 of the year covered by the tariff.
• Requires a report, due on or before January 31 of the following year, confirming the revenue did not exceed $21,735.86.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books and records on reasonable notice during normal business hours.
• Says a facility paying under this tariff does not have to pay under Tariff 5.A (Exhibitions and Fairs), Tariff 7 (Skating Rinks), Tariff 8 (Receptions, Conventions, Assemblies and Fashion Shows), Tariff 9 (Sports Events), Tariff 11.A (Circuses, Ice Shows, Fireworks Displays, Sound and Light Shows and Similar Events) or Tariff 19 (Fitness Activities and Dance Instruction) for the events covered here.
• Charges interest on late payments at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada), calculated daily and not compounded.
• States that amounts are exclusive of any taxes or government levies.

Who's affected#

• Recreational facilities run by municipalities, schools, colleges, universities, agricultural societies, or similar community organizations that use recorded or live music at events.
• Organizers of events that would normally fall under the listed tariffs (exhibitions, skating, receptions, sports, shows, fitness classes).
• Small or community-run facilities whose yearly covered-event revenue is at or below $21,735.86 — those are the ones who would pay the flat $246.64 fee.
• It is unclear from the notice what exact fees apply if a facility’s revenue exceeds $21,735.86; those facilities would not qualify for this flat-rate option.

Why it matters#

• Small, community-run venues get a simple, predictable fee ($246.64 per facility) for a year of covered events if their revenue stays under $21,735.86.
• The tariff can simplify budgeting for community groups, municipalities, schools, and similar organizations that host regular recreational activities.
• There are reporting and audit requirements and a firm payment deadline (January 31), so facilities need to track revenues and meet administrative steps.
• Missing payment or late payment will incur interest, and exceeding the revenue threshold means this flat fee won’t apply (the notice does not list the alternate fees).