CaféTO Curb Lane Applications/Renewals Now Open
The City of Toronto has officially opened applications and renewals for the 2025 CaféTO curb lane program. First-time operators are encouraged to review the CaféTO Curb Lane Café Guidebook. Virtual information sessions and one-on-one consultations are available to guide the application process. Applications must be submitted online before 11:59 PM on Wednesday, February 19. After submission, City staff will collaborate with operators and BIAs to create traffic management plans. Returning operators will receive instructions for a streamlined renewal process. Learn More.
Supporting Canadian Businesses & Products
In light of current global events, the Toronto Downtown West BIA is committed to supporting and celebrating Canadian-owned businesses and locally made products. We recognize the importance of fostering a strong, resilient community that highlights the incredible talent and craftsmanship within our country.
As part of this initiative, we will be curating and promoting events that showcase Canadian businesses and products, creating opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and thrive. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming events and initiatives designed to spotlight homegrown innovation and excellence.
If your business’s events align with these initiatives, if you have any thoughts, or if you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Hayley James.
Virtual Session: BIA 2025 Initiatives
As we move forward with our 2025 plans, the BIA invites you to a virtual session to discuss our service offerings, upcoming initiatives, and member opportunities. This session will also provide a chance to explore how the BIA can further support and promote Canadian and local businesses. Join us to learn, engage, and discover ways to collaborate and benefit from our support.
TIFF Membership Collaboration
The Toronto International Festival celebrates its 50th edition from September 4 – 14. From July to August, the BIA will be working in collaboration with TIFF on an outdoor film series to reflect on TIFF’s legacy over half a century. To give thanks to the TIFF community throughout the series, TIFF is seeking participating BIA businesses who may offer promotions to their growing base of 14,000+ Members, in exchange for newsletter and social promotional opportunities throughout the summer.
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please contact Hayley James
Upcoming Promotional Opportunities
Promote Your Events with TodoToronto
Starting in March, we will partner with TodoToronto to spotlight events in our district. Each month, TodoToronto will curate five events for promotion to over one million social media followers, extending to millions of accounts on social media. To submit your event, add it to the Now Playing Calendar, which feeds our website’s events calendar. Please ensure your event is live in our calendar, as this is where TodoToronto will select from.
The Now Playing Calendar highlights events on multiple promotional sites, including YourExperienceAwaits.ca, NowPlayingToronto.com, DestinationToronto.com, and NOWToronto.com. It also distributes listings through syndicated data feeds, streamlining promotion and ensuring accuracy. We have attached the Now Playing Toronto instructional deck to help you get started, or please contact Hayley James for more information.
Upcoming BIA Campaigns
Please contact Hayley James if your business would like to be featured in any of the following campaigns.
Celebrating Women in Business: In March, we are seeking women-owned businesses or impactful stories from female-identifying community members to feature for International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.
St. Patrick’s Day: In March, we will also promote St. Patrick’s Day events. Please add them to the Now Playing Calendar for consideration.
Earth Day: In April, we will highlight environmentally conscious businesses and initiatives.
Contribute Prizes for Contesting Opportunities
We partnered with TodoToronto on a successful holiday campaign and contest featuring local businesses. The promotion tapped into TodoToronto’s social media audience of over one million, spanning Instagram, TikTok, and more than two million annual website visitors.
We will continue running contests throughout the year. If you would like to contribute a prize, please contact Hayley James.
Free Online Business Listing Toronto Today
Toronto Today (Village Media Inc.) is offering a free business listing page on their directory page. This is an additional online touchpoint for member businesses.
If you’re interested, your business can sign up here.
Connect with Us on LinkedIn
We invite our BIA members and the community to connect with us on LinkedIn as we create a more active online hub. In the coming year, we aim to share member news, promotional offers, and BIA updates and events. Join us to stay informed and connect.
Retail Holiday Closure Requirements
The City of Toronto is reviewing the Holiday Shopping By-law (Chapter 510), which regulates holiday closure requirements for retail businesses, distinct from provincial regulations. In 2023, City Council directed staff to evaluate the list of nine specified holidays requiring retail closures and to create a process for Tourist Area Exemptions, allowing businesses to apply to remain open on holidays.
A public survey has been launched to gather feedback and inform staff recommendations to City Council.
The survey provides an overview of Chapter 510, is anonymous, and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Respondents are asked to avoid sharing personal information. The survey will close on February 20, 2025. Start Survey.
Road Closures & Event Notices
Metrolinx – Sewer Relocation Work
- Date: Work in progress – mid-February
- Location: Queen St. W. & Spadina Ave.
- Attachment: Construction Notice.
Filming – Mercer St., John St. to Blue Jays Way
- Date: February 5 – 7
- Location: Various
- Attachment: More Information.
Toronto Hydro – Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Project Dundas
- Date: February 2025 – June 2026
- Location: Bathurst St. between College St. & King St. W.
- Attachment: Construction Notice.
Canadian International AutoShow
- Date: February 23 – 24
- Location: Front St., Bremner Blvd., Lower Simcoe St., & Rees St.
- Attachment: Application pg 1, Application pg 2, Notice, Noise Permit, & TMP.
Conferences & Conventions
Canadian International AutoShow
- Date: February 14 – 23
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Attendance: 350,000
- Date: February 27
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Attendance: 2,000