Top 5 Updates & Reminders
1. Update on 129 Peter St. – Shelter Intake Centre
Progress has been made at 129 Peter Street as shelters begin to open. This week, the federal government announced a commitment of $97 million to fund interim housing for asylum seekers. Mayor Chow’s motion regarding refugee-serving shelter space and funding was carried unanimously, by a vote of 26 to 0. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor McKelvie.
• Immediately make available temporary shelter for a minimum of 150 refugees and find locations for an additional 100 refugees
• Match the provincial contribution by approving a one-time draw of $6.67 million from the City’s Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund
• Request the Federal Government to provide its historic 2/3 funding
• Develop an outreach strategy to invite property owners who are willing to provide rental accommodation
• Continue providing refugee-serving shelter spaces to meet unique needs of refugees
• Explore partnerships with individuals, non-profit organizations, faith groups and other community agencies
• Request the Federal and Provincial Governments to provide access to additional facilities
• Work with the Federal Government and enter any necessary agreements with refugee-serving organizations
• Reiterate Council’s request for the full $157 million needed to cover the costs for existing refugee claimants
The BIA continues to work with levels of government and stakeholders to address the needs of the community. Any members who are interested in offering support on this matter can contact us for more information.
Contact Us.
2. Upcoming BIA Community Session
Safeguarding Against Organized Crime
The BIA will be hosting a community session with the goal of providing an understanding of organized crimes impacting our community. The event will include an opportunity to hear from Chief of Police Chief Myron Demkiw, best selling author and keynote speaker Timea E Nagy as well as various units from the Toronto Police Service.
Date: August 17, 2023
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Place: Hyatt Regency Toronto, King II
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3. Exhibitor booths available for Small Business Forum 2023
Don’t miss out on this remarkable opportunity to grow your business and engage with the community. The City of Toronto is hosting the Small Business Forum on October 30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Interested small business goods and service providers can now reserve booths to exhibit at this signature event, starting from $1,250. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase and offer products and services to over 2,000 forum attendees and network with small business owners and entrepreneurs, fellow exhibitors, sponsors and government representatives. Exhibitors have access to all the Small Business Forum programming, the Indigenous Market, tradeshow and speed mentorship room.
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4. Toronto Triathlon Festival – Road Closures
Date of Event: July 23, 2023
Closures and Location: 2:00 AM to 12:00 PM
* Gardiner Expressway (eastbound lanes), from the Humber River to the Don Valley Parkway (including all ramps)
* Don Valley Parkway (northbound lanes), from the F.G. Gardiner Expressway to Eglinton Avenue East (including all ramps)
Closures and Location: 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM
* Lake Shore Boulevard West (eastbound curb lane), from Budapest Lane to New Brunswick Way/Remembrance Drive
Race Times: 5:15 AM to 2:00 PM
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5. Final weeks to apply for funding for restaurant owners to upgrade their patios
The City of Toronto’s CaféTO Property Improvement Program provides restaurant, bar, and café owners with a matching grant of up to a maximum of $7,500 covering 50 per cent of the cost of eligible improvements to patios in the curb lane, on sidewalks and on private property. Funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for South Ontario, this program is part of the Toronto Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative (https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-incentives/toronto-main-street-recovery-and-rebuild-initiative/) . Eligible businesses should apply before the deadline of August 31 to be considered.
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