The 2021 Toronto International Boat Show has been cancelled.
A popular event attended by thousands, including many members of the local boating community, the Toronto Boat Show has become another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canadian Boat Shows organizers sent out a memo to exhibitors, officially cancelling the very popular event amidst continued concerns surrounding COVID.
“The health and safety of everyone involved with the Toronto Boat Show is our primary concern and has led the contributing factors coming to this decision,” reads the statement. “Based on the facts surrounding COVID case #’s, and that the show is almost four months away, we know this is the right decision.”
Officials say despite extensive efforts and multiple plans to provide a safe environment for attendees and exhibitors, they did not feel comfortable proceeding.
One of the plans included a COVID FREE Show, where each attendee, exhibitor, supplier and venue staff member would have a Rapid Test prior to entering each day. Organizerds say the concept of creating a “daily bubble” was applauded and well received by exhibitors. However, it became apparent that the approval of tests by Health Canada and the availability would not meet the event’s timeline or planning standards, even if the show dates were postponed.
“We are disappointed for the exhibitors and attendees who were hoping the show would be held; and will now need to wait until 2022. If there is one thing that COVID is teaching us all, it is the value of face to face. The Toronto Show has never been cancelled in its 62-year history.”
The next in-person Toronto International Boat Show will be January 21 – 30, 2022.
