SOCAN Tariff for Buskers (2026–2028)
Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 159, Number 41: SUPPLEMENT 2
The Copyright Board set a SOCAN tariff charging $45.33 per day for performances or playback of SOCAN repertoire by strolling musicians, buskers or recorded music in parks, streets and other public areas, with a three‑month cap of $310.44 for 2026–2028. Users must file a quarterly report and pay royalties within 30 days after the quarter, SOCAN may audit records, late payments incur daily interest at 1% above the Bank Rate, and concert performances are excluded.
Summary
Summary#
The Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 10.A – Parks, Parades, Streets and Other Public Areas - Strolling Musicians and Buskers; Recorded Music (2026–2028) on October 11, 2025. It sets a royalty of $45.33 per day for live street/busking or recorded music in public places, with a cap of $310.44 for any three-month period during 2026–2028.
What it does#
- Charges $45.33 for each day music from SOCAN’s repertoire is played in parks, streets or other public areas.
- Caps fees at $310.44 per three-month period.
- Requires the “user” to file a report and pay royalties no later than 30 days after the end of each quarter in which music was performed.
- Gives SOCAN the right to audit the user’s books and records with reasonable notice.
- Excludes concert performances in parks, streets or other public areas (those are not covered by this tariff).
- Applies interest to late payments at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (the Bank of Canada rate on the last day of the previous month), calculated daily and not compounded.
- States that all amounts are exclusive of any taxes or levies.
Who's affected#
- Strolling musicians and buskers who perform in parks, on streets or in other public outdoor spaces.
- Anyone who plays recorded music in those same public areas (could include small vendors, market operators, or event hosts).
- It is unclear from the notice exactly who counts as the “user” responsible for reporting and payment (for example, whether an individual performer, a vendor, or a municipality is the payer).
Why it matters#
- It creates a clear daily fee for public street performances and recorded music. Playing regularly could cost up to $310.44 every three months.
- There is a paperwork requirement and the possibility of audits, so performers or organisers may need to keep records and plan for payments.
- The interest charge on late payments means missing the deadline can increase the cost.
- Because concert performances are excluded, organized ticketed events in parks are treated differently.
Key topics
Source: Canada Gazette