Member Notices

Toronto Downtown West BIA – Fall Newsletter

Posted on by Toronto Downtown West BIA

Featured image of special guests for ArtWalk 2.0 launch event. From left to right: Dr. Jeanne Randolph, partner of artist Bernie Miller; artist Ruth Abernethy, artist Ted Bieler, and Lorne Tulk, friend of Glenn Gould.

ArtWalk Launch Event

ArtWalk 2.0, was successfully launched August 30th at an event enjoyed by community members, art enthusiasts, and some creators of the original public art pieces. An augmentation of the original online map and self-guided walking tour that launched in 2021, now incorporates an audio component for 70+ artworks plus six augmented reality experiences. These include the CN Tower and five iconic downtown Toronto artworks and buildings by diverse artists from Canada and abroad. ArtWalk 2.0 is accessible to art lovers or those new to exploring art, is completely free, and offers an immersive, multi-sensorial journey that adds a new dimension to the city’s art scene.

New AR Experience

Visit the 401 Richmond Courtyard to view an incredible augmented reality experience: Breaking Ground Cyber Flower. This project is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA, supported by the City of Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund, as part of Government of Canada’s support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

To explore the in-person experience, download the Engage Art app on your iPhone or Android smartphone by visiting the Apple or Google app store.

Explore ArtWalk

Save the Date

Toronto Downtown West BIA members are invited to attend this year’s annual general meeting and reception.

Location: Ace Hotel, 51 Camden Street

Date: November 1, 2023

Time: 4:00 PM – Meeting & Formal Business, Interspace

5:00 PM – Cocktails & Canapés, Evangeline

All commercial property owners and their commercial tenants within the Toronto Downtown West BIA are welcome to attend.

RSVP

Remembering Claude Cormier

The BIA remembers Claude Cormier, a renowned landscape architect known for his distinctive and imaginative designs. He has had a significant impact on Toronto through his landscape architecture and urban design projects. Some of his notable contributions in our BIA are The Well, King Portland Centre, and The Cats.

Claude Cormier’s impact on Toronto can be seen not only in the individual projects he has designed but also in the broader influence of his ideas and design philosophy, which emphasize the role of landscape architecture in creating beautiful, functional, and enjoyable urban spaces.

Learn More

Member Opportunity: Roy Thomson Hall Parking Garage

Roy Thomson Hall would like to offer BIA members an exclusive partnership opportunity – offering preferred rates and special promotions for BIA members and their customers at their parking garage – entrance located off Wellington St. All proceeds support their non-profit arts organizations. For additional information, contact Jennifer Shah at the Roy Thomson Hall.

Contact Jennifer

History of Spadina Avenue

Spadina Avenue is a main street that has a rich history of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, located along the western edge of the District. Originally home to a large Jewish community, many members worked in the garment and fur industry as the street is situated along nearby warehouse factories. Increasing demand for garments and fur led to a thriving fashion and textile industry, establishing the Fashion District.

To learn more about the history and future of Toronto Downtown West, please see our Growth and Development Framework.

Photo via Toronto Public Library Archives: Photographer: Salmon, James V. (James Victor)

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

Learn More

Opportunity for Community Support

The BIA is committed to the well-being of our community and continues to work with levels of government and community stakeholders to find urgent solutions for unhoused individuals.

The following opportunities to support the City in these efforts are available to BIA members:

  • Accommodations
  • Donations
  • Employment Opportunities If you are interested in supporting or have any questions, contact Mike below.
Contact Mike

Safeguarding Against Organized Crime

Our August community session was well attended and provided members with key insights on organized crime in our area. Attendees had an opportunity to hear from Chief of Police Myron Demkiw, best selling author and keynote speaker Timea E Nagy as well as various units from the Toronto Police Service. Relevant information about human trafficking, carjackings, and shootings were highlighted.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Update

All program eligibility, determinations, application outcomes, forgiveness and repayment deadlines are now final and cannot be changed. The forgiveness repayment date has been extended to January 18, 2024 for eligible CEBA loan holders in good standing. Loan holders that did not qualify for the new extended term continue to be required to repay the outstanding amount of their CEBA Loan(s), in full, by December 31, 2023.

Click here for further details.

Contact: CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201

Road Closures & Event Notices

Metrolinx Ontario Line:

Upcoming Events:

  • Nuit Blanche – September 21 to October 1, 2023
  • NABSA Conference Group Bike Ride – September 22, 2023
  • SIX the Musical Opening Night – September 28, 2023
  • Canada’s Walk of Fame Induction – September 28, 2023
  • Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon, & 5K Race – October 15, 2023
  • Santa Clause Parade – November 26, 2023

Conferences & Conventions

Study and Go Abroad

  • Date: October 1
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 20,000 – 50,000

ICSC Canada

  • Date: October 21-23
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 20,000-50,000

Art Toronto 2023

  • Date: October 26-29
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 20,000

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

  • Date: November 3-12
  • Location: Exhibition Place
  • Attendance: 300,000

ProFusion 2023

  • Date: November 8-9
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 30,000 – 50,000

Global Property Market

  • Date: November 28
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 20,000

The Buildings Show 2023

  • Date: November 29- December 1
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Attendance: 30,000 +

Learn More

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.

Start Survey

So much to do, so much to see. Keep up with the latest happenings in Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood Stories