Bylaws and Brothels: An analysis of Toronto's adult entertainment governance strategy
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Authors
Danford, Nicholas
Date
2013-04-30
Type
technical report
Language
en
Keyword
planning , urban planning , policy , brothels , sex industry , municipal governance , sexuality , bylaws
Alternative Title
Abstract
Planning for the adult entertainment and sex industry is incredibly controversial. Issues of morality, safety, and health all play major roles on where adult entertainment and sex establishments should be located in cities. Given the municipal government’s role in land-use planning it holds strategic position to influence where legal bawdy-houses (brothels) are located. Municipalities have taken a variety of approaches to regulating the location of adult entertainment establishments. As more jurisdictions legalize brothels, municipalities will need to ensure that these establishments are located in the optimal location to ensure safety and security for the workers, their patrons, and the general public. The report has taken an investigative nature and has identified areas for Toronto to develop and improve policies and governance tools related to regulating the sex industry, more specifically inclusion of brothels as a type of sex establishment. The recommendations of this report are geared to municipal decision makers and aim to begin the discussion and set out a strategic direction on this important and pressing planning topic. It is also important, however, that the political climate is considered prior to implementation of any of the recommendations outlined in this report. It is imperative for the safety of the community, sex workers, and their clients that municipalities begin this policy discussion now. It is clear that, although not at the forefront of municipal policy-makers, this topic is of interest.