After Orillia city staff discovered its adult shows have occurred in contravention of a municipal bylaw, council has granted the Orillia Opera House an exemption that will allow it to continue its programming unencumbered.
Previously featured shows such as Chicago, Hair, and Sexy Laundry have featured nudity, coarse language, and adult subject matter, which overlaps with the definition of an ‘adult entertainment parlour’ under the city’s municipal code.
Because the city’s zoning bylaw 2014-44 prohibits adult entertainment parlours in the city, barring a special exception, these titles could be considered violations of the bylaw, staff explained in a report to council committee.
Although theatrical in nature, existing regulations could preclude the Opera House from featuring such content if it were called into question, noted the report.
“Within the chapter, an adult entertainment parlour is defined as any premises or part thereof in which is provided, in pursuance of a trade, calling, business or occupation, services appealing to or designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations,” stated the staff report.
On Monday, council committee granted the Opera House an exemption from Chapter 700 of the municipal code, thereby freeing it to continue showing works with nudity or adult themes and content.
“As with other sectors within the entertainment industry, such as cinema and television, there are certain productions that are only suitable for mature audiences due to nudity, coarse language, and adult subject matter,” said the staff report.
“The intent of the provisions and definitions set out in Chapter 700 and the zoning bylaw were to regulate the establishment of adult entertainment parlours within the City of Orillia, not theatrical productions at a performing arts venue.”
Being able to feature a diverse array of works generates revenue for the city and brings people downtown, the staff report said.
“The Orillia Opera House continues to be a cornerstone asset within the downtown core, contributing to, and helping to sustain its economic prosperity. Being able to offer a wide variety of performances and productions helps to attract various demographics, many of which are from outside the Orillia area,” the staff report said.
“A show like the Comic Strippers attracted 300 patrons to the downtown core, while generating over $3,000 in rental revenue and concessions sales. Longer running shows such as a two-week run of Sexy Laundry generates approximately $34,000 in rental revenue and concession sales,” the staff report noted.
Decisions made at council committee will be subject to ratification at the next council meeting on Aug. 25.
