A city committee has voted unanimously against the $375,000 bailout requested by Orchestra London.
Chair of the orchestra's board of directors, Joe O'Neill, spoke to council on Thursday hoping to persuade them that the bailout was the right decision.
Instead councillors grilled O'Neill on why the city wasn't aware of the problem earlier, and criticized the request for not including a business plan to move forward after bankruptcy.
In the end, the vote was 15-0 against providing the bailout.
The orchestra is facing a $1.3 million deficit, and even with the bailout, was expected to declare bankruptcy.
A letter from the orchestra's board on Monday outlined the three-part bailout request, which included $215,000 for December salaries, $110,000 owed to the Canada Revenue Agency and $50,000 to hire a bankruptcy management company.
Mayor Matt Brown says it was a tough decision and his heart goes out to the musicians, volunteers, employees and ticket holders.
"I believe it's the only course of action that we can take if we are to find a way to turn a corner - to find a sustainable business model so we can ensure we have a vibrant, sustainable arts community and a thriving music scene that includes orchestral music."
Ultimately, many expresssed hope that hitting the reset button will see a new organization and new leadership emerge.
Council will have to dip into reserves to cover the $500,000 line of credit guaranteed by city hall and will also face $50,000 in unpaid rent on city-owned Centennial Hall.
