Rethinking Event Spaces: Affordable, Local, and Sustainable Solutions
Biography
Claire is a 2025 graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication with a minor in Live Events and Entertainment. With a passion for the creation, planning, and execution of events, she is committed to developing meaningful and engaging experiences that bring people together.
Growing up in Stratford, Ontario—home to the renowned Stratford Festival—she witnessed firsthand the power of the arts in shaping vibrant communities. This experience sparked her interest in how events, particularly those rooted in arts and culture, can foster connection, inspire creativity, and contribute to a city’s identity.
Beyond event planning, she has a strong interest in risk and crisis communication, understanding its crucial role in ensuring smooth and safe event execution. With exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, she thrives in both independent and collaborative environments, bringing a strategic and detail-oriented approach to every project she undertakes.
Connect with Claire Perreault on her Linkedin for more!
Details of Project
Hosting events in Toronto is expensive, and these costs can be a major barrier for small businesses, independent artists, and community organizers. This limits opportunities for grassroots events, networking gatherings, and cultural experiences that help build vibrant communities.
At the same time, many restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops have under-utilized space that could serve as unique and affordable event venues. However, logistical challenges, permitting restrictions, and a lack of awareness prevent these spaces from being widely used.
This research explores how repurposing small business spaces for events can reduce costs, drive local economic growth, and make community events more accessible. Solutions include municipal grants, tax incentives, and simplified permitting processes to encourage small businesses to host events. Additionally, creating a digital platform that connects event planners with small venue owners could make booking easier and more efficient.
By embracing these changes, Toronto can support a more inclusive, affordable, and community-driven event landscape.