
The BIA Receives TABIA Award for Community Safety
The BIA’s efforts were honoured at the 2024 TABIA Awards Night on December 3, 2024. Mayor Olivia Chow and TABIA President Maureen Sirois presented the BIA with the Well-Being & Safety Award for Community Safety & SaveStation Initiative.
This award recognizes the BIA’s commitment to fostering community safety and well-being through initiatives such as community sessions, regular Safety & Security Group meetings, and our partnership with the Toronto Police Service to implement the Neighbourhood Community Officer Program in our area. Notably, in 2024, the BIA partnered with SaveStation to install Toronto’s first outdoor AED station near the base of the CN Tower.
Looking ahead to 2025, the BIA will continue to expand its initiatives to ensure our community remains safe and thriving.

De-Escalation Workshop with Rebecca Higgins
The BIA invites you to attend a virtual lunch & learn. During this session, you will learn supportive communications and de-escalation strategies. You will also have an opportunity to apply skills, perspectives and expertise based on everyday scenarios and experiences.
Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom link
If you would like to attend this virtual workshop, RSVP by Friday, January 17, 2025.

Winterlicious Promotional Opportunity
Winterlicious is back from January 31 to February 13. The BIA is launching a campaign in collaboration with The Everyday Foodie to highlight a select number of restaurants participating in Winterlicious. The campaign will include social media posts and contest at no cost to participating businesses. This opportunity is first come, first serve and spots are limited. If you’re interested, contact Hayley James to secure your spot and make arrangements.

Downtown Toronto’s Ultimate Winter Guide
The BIA launched the Downtown Toronto’s Ultimate Winter Guide, offering a wide range of unique festive finds and family fun events. The guide encourages our community and visitors to shop local and experience what our neighbourhood has to offer throughout winter.
If you’d like your business to be added to the guide, please contact Hayley James.

Winter Flower Basket Installations
Each year, the BIA collaborates with our flower contractors to bring warmth and vibrancy to the neighbourhood during the colder months. Beautiful floral arrangements are thoughtfully handpicked and arranged on-site, enhancing the urban streetscape.
Sourced from greenhouses in Hastings, Ontario, these fresh, high-quality blooms create over 900 stunning displays. Their cheerful bursts of color brighten the grey winter days, delighting everyone who passes by.

Member Opportunity to Provide Donations
The BIA remains committed to the well-being of our community and continue to collaborate with levels of government and community stakeholders to address urgent solutions for unhoused individuals. We extend our gratitude to members who have generously donated to 129 Peter Street.
If you’re interested in making a donation or have any questions, please contact Mike.

New to the District
Animl Steakhouse – 420 Wellington St. W.
Atlas Paws – 161 Spadina Ave.
Chamberlain’s Pony Bar – 585 King St. W.
Hello Nori – 648 King St. W.
King Taps King West – 620 King St. W.
National – 486 Front St. W.
Oria on King – 220 King St. W.
Public Gardens – 577 King. St. W.

How the BIA is Supporting You in 2025
As we advance our 2025 plans, the BIA continues to strengthen our community through strategic advocacy, enhanced member experiences, creative public space initiatives, and supporting a safe and welcoming environment.
Member Experience:
We are focused on keeping members informed, engaged, and connected through ongoing communications about networking and public events, promotions, resources, business funding, informational sessions, and other opportunities. Additionally, we are available to assist with any general inquiries.
For more information, contact:
Hayley James, Member Experience Manager
Promotions:
We offer various promotional opportunities to showcase our district and its members, including activations, public events, podcasts, advertising, and features on our social media and website.
For more information, contact:
Justine Smith, Marketing & Communications Manager
Public Realm:
We are committed to enhancing the public realm through initiatives such as landscaping, waste and graffiti removal, improved lighting, and the addition of street furniture. These efforts support urban planning, streetscape improvements, and placemaking to create a welcoming and thriving environment.
For more information, contact:
Anojan Sathasivam, Director of Planning & Public Realm
Placemaking Initiatives:
We strengthen community identity by transforming public spaces with art installations, murals, banners, wayfinding, and activations like street closures and events. These placemaking efforts position the district as a destination neighbourhood, welcoming businesses, residents, and visitors.
For more information, contact:
Diego Almaraz, Senior Manager of Placemaking & Operations
Safety & Well-Being:
We foster a safe and welcoming environment for businesses, members, and visitors. Key initiatives include collaborating with government, members, and stakeholders, increasing police presence, implementing safety by design, and addressing critical issues. These efforts aim to enhance public safety while bringing the community together in a shared, supportive space.
For more information, contact:
Mike Josifovic, Director of Safety & Security
Advocacy:
We continue to advocate on matters that impact our business members. We address important issues such as housing, infrastructure, transportation, safety, and community well-being, while working to strengthen both local businesses and the visitor experience.
For more information, contact:
Janice Solomon, Executive Director
Dana Duncanson, Managing Director
To learn more about initiatives and opportunities, we invite you to attend our upcoming information session in late February. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for the invitation.
BIA Community Survey
In our ongoing commitment to ensure that the BIA remains a proactive and responsive organization, we have developed a survey for our members and community stakeholders. Your feedback is invaluable to us and this survey will help us better understand your needs, concerns, and interests. The insights gathered will inform future initiatives and strategies, ensuring that the BIA continually aligns with the needs of its membership and the community.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Upon completion, you’ll be entered into a draw to win 1 of 3 prizes. Start Survey.
Road Closures & Event Notices
Station Excavation & Cavern Work
- Date: December 2024 – Early 2026
- Location: Queen St. W. & Spadina Ave.
- Attachment: Construction Notice.
Station Excavation & Cavern Work
- Date: December 2024 – Late 2025
- Location: King St. W. & Bathurst St.
- 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
- Date: January 10 – 12
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Attendance: 35,000
- Date: January 11 & 12
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Attendance: 2,000
Ontario New Democratic Party Convention
- Date: January 17 – 19
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Attendance: 2,000
- Date: January 23 – 26
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Attendance: 25,000
Ontario Library Association Super Conference
- Date: January 29 – February 1
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Attendance: 3,500