Spring Newsletter 2024

Pictured above, from left to right, is podcast host Laurie Weir and guests David Moskowitz, franchise owner of StretchLab, and Dervola Hamill, owner of Spark Pilates, during the wellness episode recording.

New Table 6ix Podcast Coming Soon

The BIA is pleased to announce Table 6ix, a new podcast designed to promote our business members and community stakeholders. This podcast brings together the voices and visions shaping downtown Toronto. From the latest experiences, to personal stories, to the topics that matter, and everything in between, this podcast dives into what makes thriving cities like Toronto tick.

Clarence Square Action Plan

Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik has shared plans to address the encampments at Clarence Square. Over the next month, Toronto Shelter & Support Services has committed to increasing its presence and support in the park:

A minimum of two security guards on-site 24/7 beginning now, with two 24/7 community safety teams on-site to follow.
A staff trailer, which will facilitate the daily presence of City staff and community service providers for enhanced outreach and supports ensuring: housing/shelter availability is presented and prioritized; the park is maintained and cleaned; and culturally-connected service providers are available to help residents in need.
Daily clean-up from Parks Forestry and Recreation, and a second portable toilet, as well as regular and on-going attendance by Toronto Fire Services.
Initiating the Encampment Prevention Plan in April, a focused and intensive deployment of supports and resources with the overall goal of ensuring all residents have an indoor place to stay, and the park is returned to full community use.
Establishing and organizing regular meetings of the Clarence Square Working Group, composed of local service providers and City Staff to guide the response, ensuring residents are housed as quickly and safely as possible.

The Clarence Square Action Plan creates a path to shelter for all those in the park, and will focus on lasting results to ensure the park is a place for everyone in our community to enjoy.

For more updates, sign up for Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik’s newsletter here.

Learn More.

Upcoming Member Sessions & Events

The BIA invites members and the community to participate in planned sessions and events for this year. Invitations with full details will be sent to members in advance. Plans are underway for the following 2024 sessions and events:

April: Office Occupancy Virtual Session

May: Community Safety & Well-being Session

June: John St. & Metrolinx Updates Virtual Session

June: BIA Summer Social

2024 Marketing Playbook

To promote our member businesses, the BIA has developed a marketing playbook that provides an overview of the promotional tools available to foster community engagement and amplify our neighbourhood. Through collaborative content creation and strategic partnerships, we aim to spotlight the uniqueness and vibrancy of our area.

Marketing Playbook.

Upcoming Promotional Opportunities

The BIA is gearing up for this summer and plans are underway for the following events:

Summer Guide

Our Summer Guide is returning and will feature events, promotions, and experiences to be included on our website and social media. We will be highlighting patios, seasonal cocktails, specialty menus, activities, and nightlife.

Movies in the Park

The BIA is working with the City for free movie nights at David Pecaut Square Wednesday nights in July and August. In the past, this event has had a successful attendance and provides promotional opportunities for businesses during the pre-show.

International Dog Day Weekend

The BIA is looking into the potential of running a dog-related event for International Dog Day from August 24-26,. As planning is in early stages, interested businesses are encouraged to reach out with promotional ideas.

If you’re interested in participating in any of these events, contact Hayley James.

Interested in promoting your business? We’ve got an opportunity for you. Learn more.

Metrolinx – King-Bathurst Station

Currently at King Street West and Bathurst Street, crews are drilling to install structural walls to support the underground excavation of the Ontario Line station at the future King-Bathurst station, on both the north site and the south site. Noise from equipment drilling piles, removing spoils and concrete work is expected. Residents will see drilling machines, cranes, excavators, concrete pumps, and concrete trucks on-site during this phase of work. Lane closures will be in place to ensure safety for the community and workers on-site and will remain in place for the duration of the work period. For more information, see road closures on our website.

Construction Notice.

Photo of Varda, a new cafe/bar on the 3rd floor of TIFF Lightbox.

New to the District

Varda – 350 King St. W.

Previously the members Lounge at the Lightbox, Varda is now open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, with Tuesdays being open to TIFF Members only.

Also new to the district:

Arcadia Earth – 486 Front St. W., Building C

Cafe Renée – 100 Portland St.

Cherry’s High Dive – 488 Wellington St. W.

Columbus Café & Co.– 283 Adelaide St. W.

Limber Women’s Fitness Studio – 334 Adelaide St. W., Unit 210

Lulu Bar Toronto – 427 Wellington St. W.

Mandy’s Gourmet Salads – 437 Wellington St. W.

Skin Prick Medispa & Advanced Cosmetic Clinic – 334 Adelaide St. W., Unit 311

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2024 Training & Sessions Survey

The BIA is currently planning training and community-related sessions for the remainder of 2024. We have developed a survey to better understand which topics are of most interest to your organization.

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts.

Start Survey.

City’s New Energy & Water Reporting

To implement a new energy and water reporting by-law, the City of Toronto has opened a reporting link that enables owners of large buildings in Toronto to report energy and water use to the City annually. Reporting and benchmarking will support the owners of large buildings in their efforts to improve environmental performance, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lower operating costs.

In 2024, the reporting requirement applies to buildings that are 4,645 square metres (50,000 square feet) or larger (approximately 7,500 buildings in Toronto). The deadline for reporting 2023 building energy and water use is Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

More information about the reporting requirement and how to report is available on the City’s Energy and Water Reporting webpage.

Learn More.

Historical Highlight – CN Tower

Toronto in the 1960s experienced a remarkable surge in construction, as the city’s skyline evolved with the rise of tall new buildings. These structures imposed a challenge for broadcasting radio and television signals on existing buildings. In response, Canadian innovation came to the forefront with the construction of the CN Tower. Over the span of 40 months, Canadian National mobilized a workforce of 1,500 individuals to undertake this ambitious project. The result was the creation of the tallest tower in the world, a monumental achievement that not only addressed the signal transmission challenges but also showcased Canada’s engineering excellence on a global stage.

To learn more about the history of the CN Tower, please visit: cntower.ca/history.

STACKT Market x Storefront Grant

The STACKTx Storefront Grant provides a small business in the GTA region with an opportunity to win a FREE 1-month lease at STACKT market to expand their business model, test out a retail storefront, engage with new and existing customers, and learn key insights that can be applied in its future growth. The grant location will be present within their flagship STACKT market in downtown Toronto.

Apply Now.

Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre

Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre offers free guidance, information and tools entrepreneurs need to start and grow their businesses, including:

One-to-one consultations.
Business registration assistance.
Reviews of both business plans and expansion plans.
Information on small business funding, business permits and licenses and industry regulatory requirements.
Business webinars and online training modules.
Youth entrepreneurship programs, mentoring and networking opportunities (including forums and community outreach events).

Small business advisors are available to meet in-person or virtually.

Learn More.