1. Metrolinx Project: Ontario Line Small Business Best Practices
The Ontario Line will be a 15.6-kilometre subway line that will make it faster and easier to travel within Toronto and beyond. The line will bring 15 new stations to the city and will run from Exhibition Place, through the heart of downtown, all the way to the Ontario Science Centre. Two stations, King & Bathurst and Queen & Spadina, may have impacts on businesses in the area.
In order to construct the Ontario Line it is anticipated that portions of properties along the route will be expropriated either temporarily (i.e. a right taken for a limited period of time) or permanently. If an expropriation takes place, the impacted owner may be entitled to compensation. In certain circumstances, tenants may be entitled to compensation. It is advisable to seek legal advice if you receive a notice indicating that your property will be expropriated.
In preparation for this construction, businesses should proactively start detailed and accurate recordkeeping. Attached is a Small Business Best Practices presentation that provides more information and guidance for businesses who may be impacted.
The BIA is working with the City and Metrolinx and will continue to keep you updated on the progress of Ontario Line and any funding opportunities that may be available to business members. For more information, email us at info@yourexperienceawaits.ca
2. TAPA Seeking Sponsor Restaurant for Silver Ticket Luncheon
The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is the voice of theatre, dance and opera in Toronto. TAPA is currently preparing for the annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards, and as part of the awards program, TAPA is searching for a new restaurant to sponsor their Silver Ticket Luncheon. The Dora Awards celebrate excellence on Toronto stages and are the oldest and largest professional theatre, dance and opera awards program in Canada.
Details:
• Proposed date: The luncheon could take place on any of the following dates- May 8, May 9, May 11, May 12, May 15, May 16, or May 17, between 12noon – 2:00pm.
• Number of attendees: approx. 12 people.
• Location: Preferably a private room in the restaurant, or quiet area.
Benefits:
• TAPA has offered sponsor benefits of two complimentary tickets to the Dora Award show ceremony.
• TAPA has also offered to include an ad in the Dora Award Souvenir programme (reaching 1100 people) and online (reaching 4000 people).
Contact: Any restaurants interested in becoming a partner for the Silver Ticket Luncheon can contact Jacoba Knaapen, Executive Director of TAPA: jacobak@tapa.ca | 416-536-6468 x25
3. Annual Khalsa Day Downtown Toronto Celebration
Date of Event: April 30th, 2023
Locations:
Closure:
• Bay St, from Hagerman St to Queen St W (Full)
• University Ave, from Dundas St W to Queen St W (northbound and southbound curb lanes)
• Albert St will be closed at Bay St
Parade Route:
• Starting at Better Living Centre (Exhibition Place, 195 Princess Blvd), Ontario Dr south to Lake Shore Blvd W
• Lake Shore Blvd W eastbound to York St
• York St, the parade will cross over the westbound lanes and go north on York St
• North on York St to University Ave
• University Ave to Armoury St W
• Walkers will pass through the Osgoode Hall gardens and Osgoode Lane
• Parade Floats will dismantle on University Ave
• School buses will park along University Ave to pick up participants after the parade
Times:
• Closure: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Curb lane: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Parade: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
• Event at Nathan Philip Square: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Link with more info
Link to BIA Road Closure Notice
Contact: Juan Ortiz at 416-396-5631 or streetevents@toronto.ca
4. CafeTO Property Improvement Program
The CaféTO Program provides restaurants and bars in Toronto with the opportunity to access public space and expand their outdoor dining area through sidewalk cafés, curb lane cafés or patios on private property.
The CaféTO Property Improvement Program is available to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of their curb lane cafes, commercial patios and sidewalk cafes. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Accepting applications until Friday, June 30 (or when funds are expended). For more information, click here.
5. New Reducing Single-Use & Takeaway Items Guide
The new Reducing Single-Use & Takeaway Items Guide is available in 12 languages and provides food service businesses with information on more sustainable product options to replace the single-use cups, containers, and accessory items they may currently be using. The guide also offers information on the City’s Blue Bin recycling and Green Bin organics programs, as well as resources businesses can access to get details on the City’s Reducing Single-Use program, compostable and biodegradable products, and the Federal Single-use Plastic Prohibition Regulations. Download your copy of the guide.
Dana Duncanson | Director of Marketing & Communications dduncanson@yourexperienceawaits.ca