The Stones will play the gig during a break from touring Europe

Veteran frontman Mick Jagger announced the 30 July gig, which he said would "help bring back the energy to our favourite city", Billboard.com reported.

Some 10-15 support acts for the concert are also expected to be announced.

Several artists, including Sir Elton John, cancelled Toronto dates in the wake of the Sars outbreak.

The city's economy suffered when it became the worst-hit disease hotspot outside Asia, with 38 deaths.

Jagger is reported to have recorded a taped message saying: "We're happy to tell you that we're coming to play on July 30 in a great concert for the people in the city of Toronto."

Avril Lavigne played a Sars benefit show in Toronto on Saturday

They will travel to Canada during a break in their European tour.

They played to about 60,000 people at a race track in Hockenheim, southern Germany, on Sunday.

The band were forced to cancel concerts in Beijing and Shanghai in March because of he the virus.

In Toronto, Canadian musicians have rallied around to put on events in the city.