Marion:
Interestingly, the custom of keeping a good busking spot only for an hour in Ottawa was part of the "enshrined regulations" when they licenced buskers there. It doesn't surprise me that it's been kept on as a habit. Ottawa ain't NYC after all.

There are always going to be occasional loud jerks that come along and purposefully spoil your scene. Fact is, you're on the street in a public place, and other members of the public have a legal right to use the environment too, even if it puts a crimp in your style. Just as various other factors can reduce your profits: weather, traffic noise, street people taking a liking to your act and scaring the straight folks away. It's all part of the game. Now if there were still licences, maybe you'd have someone to complain to...but by then it would be too late in most cases.

In Toronto, licences are only required for the subway. There is a decent living to be made above ground, in season, if you can put up with the usual above-mentioned hassles.

Course, I'd hate to lose you as a guitar student...

See ya tomorrow,
Willie-O