SOCAN public-area music tariffs 2023–2025

Summary#

The Copyright Board published new public-area music fees set by SOCAN for performances in 2023 to 2025. The rules set per-day and per-parade rates for strolling musicians, buskers, recorded music, marching bands and parade floats.

What it does#

• Sets fees for performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire in parks, streets and other public areas for 2023 to 2025.
• SOCAN Tariff 10.A (strolling musicians, buskers, and recorded music):
  • $40.86 for each day on which music is performed.
  • Maximum of $279.82 for any three‑month period.
  • Does not apply to concert-style performances in parks or streets.
• SOCAN Tariff 10.B (marching bands and floats with music in parades):
  • $11.02 for each marching band or float with music participating in a parade.
  • Subject to a minimum fee of $40.86 per day.
• Gives SOCAN the right to check users’ records (audits) to verify fees.
• Late amounts accrue interest calculated daily at a rate equal to one percentage point above the Bank of Canada Bank Rate (no compounding).
• All fees are shown before any federal, provincial or other taxes.

Who's affected#

• Street performers such as strolling musicians and buskers.
• People or groups playing recorded music in parks and other public outdoor areas.
• Parade organizers, marching bands and operators of floats with music.
• Municipalities, park operators, market organizers and event promoters who host outdoor public activities.
• It is unclear from the notice whether small, informal or one-off performances are treated differently beyond the stated minimums and daily rates.

Why it matters#

• Performers and event organizers may need to pay these fees when music from SOCAN’s repertoire is played in public outdoor settings.
• The charges can add to the cost of running parades, festivals, markets and outdoor events.
• The audit and interest provisions mean organizers should keep records and pay on time to avoid extra costs.