Untitled - Waterfront BIA

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

THE BIA STORY __________________________________________________________ 2 

TORONTO/TABIA FACTSHEET _________________________________________________ 3 

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF TABIA ___________________________________________ 4 

TABIA WEBSITE __________________________________________________________ 5 

TABIA ORGANIZATIONAL CHART _______________________________________________ 6-7 

TABIA COMMITTEES 

Tax ________________________________________________________________ 8-11 

Marketing & Communications ______________________________________________ 12 

Task Force on Crime _____________________________________________________ 13 

Transportation _________________________________________________________ 14-15 

Tourism ____________________________________________________________ 16 

GEOGRAPHIC BASED BIA SUPPORT SYSTEM ______________________________________ 17 

TABIA MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS _________________________________________ 18-19 

TABIA DISCOUNTS & SAVINGS PROGRAMS 

Savings for BIA Boards ___________________________________________________ 20-21 

Savings for Member Businesses ____________________________________________ 22-24 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROJECT ___________________________ 24 

GREENTBIZ ____________________________________________________________ 25 

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ______________________________ 26 

CITY OF TORONTO BIA OFFICE 

Commercial Area Advisors ________________________________________________ 27 

Community Advisor Designers ______________________________________________ 27 

Councillors __________________________________________________________ 27 

BIA DESCRIPTIONS & CONTACTS ______________________________________________ 28-43 

BIA KEY MAP ___________________________________________________________ 34-35 

TEMPORARY SIGNS BY-LAW _________________________________________________ 44 

POSTERING BY-LAW ______________________________________________________ 44 

GRAFFITI ABATEMENT PROGRAM ______________________________________________ 45 

ADOPT-A-BIN ___________________________________________________________ 46 

MAKING A DEPUTATION TO A COMMITTEE ________________________________________ 47 

WHO DOES WHAT AT THE CITY ________________________________________________ 48-49 

Permits, Right of Way Management, BIA Budgets, Five Year Capital Planning, Festival Planning, 

BIA Insurance, BIA Tax Rates, Levies and Appeal Provisions, BIA Levy Remittances, G.S.T Inquiries, 

Toronto Film & Television Office, Tree Pruning, Cast Iron Gas Pipe Replacement, 

EUCAN/OMG Containers, Commercial Garbage Collection, Yellow Bag Program 

USEFUL CONTACTS 

City Councillors _______________________________________________________ 50-51 

Members of Provincial Parliament ____________________________________________ 52-53 

Members of Parliament __________________________________________________ 54-55 

Police Divisions ________________________________________________________ 56 

CITY OF TORONTO COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP & INVESTMENT PROGRAMS _________________ 57-60 

COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ___________________________________ 61 

MEDIA CONTACTS 

Newspapers, Magazines, Radio, TV, On-line _____________________________________ 62-65 

Tips for writing a press release _____________________________________________ 65 

DATES TO REMEMBER _____________________________________________________ 66 

TABIA CONTACT INFORMATION ________________________________________________ 67 

NOTES ________________________________________________________________ 67-68 

WHOSE JOB IS IT ________________________________________________________ Back cover 

1

THE BIA STORY 

In 1970, when business was fading on a west Toronto main street, the business people in the community 

decided to take action. They formed an association, and used their own money to improve the street and 

promote the area. Their work helped the street become - and remain - a popular shopping destination. 

That was the start of the first Business Improvement Area, Bloor West Village. 

The story begins in 1967 when the Bloor-Danforth subway line was completed and many shoppers who 

formerly traveled along the surface on Bloor Street in streetcars disappeared underground. 

To add to the problems facing neighbourhood retailers, a proliferation of shopping malls had sprung up 

on the outskirts of the city around the same time. These merchandising meccas offered enticing shops 

with a wondrous array of products and services all under the same roof, year-round climate-control and 

acres of free parking. This led thousands of shoppers to forsake their traditional shopping habits, pile 

into their cars and motor out to the malls. 

As a result, some merchants were forced to close their shops and, in some instances, follow the crowds 

to the malls. Vacancies resulted and many local shopping areas began to look run down and seemed 

doomed to oblivion. 

Many business people who remained in their business strips reacted by attempting to form business 

associations - and spent a great deal of their time and effort going door-to-door soliciting voluntary 

donations for local improvements and area promotions. One problem they often encountered was that 

only a few businesses in each block were willing to contribute. These associations frequently found 

themselves with insufficient funds and support to make any difference. 

Out of sheer frustration, a group of businessmen in the west end of Toronto, along Bloor Street West, 

went to City Hall and the Province seeking legislation that would compel all businesses within a 

designated area to pay a levy for the purpose of revitalizing their business strip through physical 

improvements and promotional activities. The levy would be collected by the City and turned over to the 

elected Board of Management to be used as budgeted. After some persuasion, the idea was finally 

adopted and the Business Improvement Area (BIA) legislation was enacted. It became Section 217 of 

the Municipal Act and Bloor West Village became the pioneer of the BIA concept when it was designated 

as the first BIA in 1970! 

For the first year, the Bloor West Village BIA members voted themselves a budget of $47,500 and the 

money was spent mostly on physical improvements. The transformation was dramatic. The lighted trees 

sparkled, there were colourful flower boxes and the benches made shopping inviting. With the 

continuation of the beautification program and the added area promotions over the years, shoppers 

began to flock back to Bloor West Village. A used car lot and gasoline stations were redeveloped into 

retail stores with residential and office units above. A medical complex was built on the site of an 

abandoned streetcar turn-around at Bloor and Jane. A number of other building developments and 

restorations followed, making Bloor West Village a vibrant and safe environment to live, work, shop and 

raise a family. 

The success of Bloor West Village encouraged other communities. Now Toronto has 60 BIAs 

encompassing approximately 25,000 businesses & property owners. 

2

TORONTO FACT SHEET 

• Set on the north shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto was created on March 6, 1834, when the settlement 

of York was renamed Toronto, the Mohawk word for “meeting place.” 

• The British settlement of York was founded as the capital of the new province of Upper Canada by 

Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe in the 1790s and had grown to 10,000 people by the 1830s. 

Toronto is still the capital of the province, now called Ontario, and is the largest city in Canada, with a 

population of 2.4 million, 4.7 million in the Greater Toronto Area. 

• One of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto is home to more than 80 ethnic groups and 

more than 100 languages, and is marked by the diversity of distinct neighbourhoods, cultures and 

communities. 

TABIA FACT SHEET 

• As the number of BIAs in Toronto continued to grow, it became apparent that a formalized 

organization was required to provide an ongoing means of collecting and exchanging essential 

information and as importantly, addressing issues and common concerns. 

• In 1980, a constitution was drawn up and a formal association was established, namely, the Toronto 

Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA). 

• TABIA is a non-profit umbrella organization representing the City of Toronto’s 60 Business 

Improvement Areas who in turn represent more than 25,000 business and property owners. 

• The various levels of government recognize that BIAs are the main life-line of the communities. Since 

the inception of BIAs, the City of Toronto has been supportive, and has championed the BIA 

movement. A special BIA office was established at City Hall, to administer, assist and support the 

efforts of the City’s BIAs and TABIA. 

Interesting Note: 

The BIA concept may have started in Toronto but it has spread throughout the world. Currently there are 

more than 230 BIAs in the Province of Ontario and approximately 300 more BIAs can be found 

throughout Canada. BIAs can also be found in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, New 

Zealand, Jamaica and South Africa. Elsewhere they are known by such names as Business Improvement 

Districts (BIDs), Business Improvement Zones (BIZs), Special Improvement Districts, et al. 

3

THE PURPOSE OF TABIA 

The Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) is a non-profit umbrella organization 

representing the City of Toronto’s 60 Business Improvement Areas who in turn represent more than 

25,000 businesses & property owners. 

OBJECTIVES OF TABIA 

• To promote strong, effective and successful BIAs in the City of Toronto. 

• To encourage joint initiatives and collaboration by groups of BIAs on issues and mutually beneficial 

projects, including studies and research on marketing. 

• To encourage and facilitate the exchange of information, experiences and ideas among BIAs through 

such means as newsletters, seminars, workshops for the benefit of BIAs in general, as well as their 

individual members. 

• To assist BIAs in pooling their resources to achieve the maximum benefit feasible. 

• To provide advocacy to influence policies affecting BIAs, and to obtain support funds and services for 

BIAs from all levels of government, institutions, agencies and other organizations. 

• To seek the interest of BIAs in government tourism policies and in the implementation of those policies. 

TABIA OFFICES LOCATED AT: 

THE DIRECT ENERGY CENTRE 

EXHIBITION PLACE 

100 Princes’ Blvd. 

Toronto ON M6K 3C3 Canada 

Directions 

The Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place is close to the downtown core of Toronto, and accessible by 

all modes of transportation. The Direct Energy Centre is located at Exhibition Place, on Lakeshore 

Boulevard via the Jamieson Exit from the Gardiner Expressway (eastbound), or the Spadina Exit from the 

Gardiner Expressway westbound. 

From Pearson Int’l Airport, take Hwy. 427 South to the Gardiner Expressway E. 

The DEC offers more than 7,000 parking spaces located adjacent to one of Toronto’s main highways, the 

Gardiner Expressway, including 1,300 underground. 

The Direct Energy Centre is readily accessible by public transportation via the TTC. From Union Station, 

take the 509 Harbourfront streetcar to Exhibition Place. From Bathurst Station, take the 511 Bathurst 

streetcar to Exhibition Place. 

Taxi from the centre of downtown Toronto to the Direct Energy Centre costs approximately $8 - $10. Taxi 

from the Airport to the Direct Energy Centre costs approximately $30 - $40. (These rates are only 

approximations and may differ depending on traffic, route taken and time of day.) 

4

TABIA WEBSITE 

Visit www.toronto-bia.com — Your online BIA resource centre 

for up-to-the-minute information for and about BIAs. 

• Member Directory with contact information and links to BIA websites 

• BIA Events Calendar 

• BIA Resources including: 

- Online version of the BIA Operating Handbook 

- Event Planning Guide 

- Member Benefit Program information and application forms 

- Accessibility resources to help small businesses attract more customers 

by providing better access to their business 

- Important contacts 

And much more! 

To add events or update your BIA’s information: 

info@toronto-bia.com 

5

TABIA ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 

PRESIDENT 

Mr. JOHN WAKULAT 

Roncesvalles Village BIA 

Tel: (416) 239-6627 

Fax: (416) 239-0173 

E-mail: twakulat@sympatico.ca 

Responsible for the proper administration 

of the association 

Presides at General Committee meetings 

PAST –PRESIDENT 

Mr. ALEX LING 

Bloor West Village BIA 

Tel: (416) 767-6233 

Plays an advisory role 

Acts as an Ambassador 

VICE –PRESIDENT 

Mr. MICHAEL COMSTOCK 

St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA 

Tel: (416) 410-9242 

E-mail: Michael.comstock@rogers.com 

Assists the President 

In the absence of the President, will exercise the duties 

and exercise the powers of the President 

VICE –PRESIDENT 

Mr. LIONEL MISKIN 

Kennedy Road BIA 

Tel: (416) 222-4582 

E-mail: shanemar@interlog.com 

Assists the President 

In the absence of the President, will exercise the duties 

and exercise the powers of the President 

SECRETARY 

Mr. PAUL DINEEN 

Old Cabbagetown BIA 

Tel: (416) 968-2160 x 224 

E-mail: paul.dineen@on.aibn.com 

Holds on file a copy of the Constitution & By-Laws 

and Regulations of TABIA 

Keeps a record of all proceedings 

Responsible for giving notice and makes report 

of all general and executive meetings 

TREASURER 

Mr. JACK KORMAN 

Riverside District BIA 

Tel: (416) 445-9030 

E-mail: jackkorman@hotmail.com 

Collects, holds and keeps a true record of 

all the monies and securities of TABIA 

Pays all bills approved by the Association 

Proposes and submits each year a budget of all 

expenditures for the Association 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Works towards furthering the goals and objectives of the Association and participates on Committees 

Dr. CHRISTENA CHRUSZEZ 

Bloor Yorkville BIA 

Tel: (416) 925-8282 

cchruszez@hotmail.com 

Mr. DAVID VALLANCE 

Bloor Annex BIA 

Tel: (416) 962-2786 

valladp@echo-on.net 

Ms. BEVERLEY DON 

Yonge Lawrence Village BIA 

Tel: (416) 657-4313 

bev@ardithone.com 

Ms. LAURA ALDERSON * 

Weston BIA 

Tel: (416) 249-0691 

laura@westonbia.com 

Ms. FAIZA ANSARI * 

GreekTown on the Danforth BIA 

Tel: (416) 469-5634 

bia@greektowntoronto.com 

Ms. GRACE RUSSO * 

Little Italy BIA 

Tel: (647) 830-6860 

grrusso@rogers.com 

Ms. LYNN CLAY * 

Liberty Village BIA 

Tel: (416) 516-1723 

lynnclay@lvbia.com 

Mr. JEFF GILLAN * 

Corso Italia BIA 

Tel: (647) 223-9064 

jeffgillan@sympatico.ca 

* BIA Staff 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Mr. JOHN KIRU 

Tel: (416) 889-4111 

E-mail: jkiru@toronto-bia.com 

Manages the day to day operations 

Deals with inquires 

Strengthens and moves forward the interests 

of the Association 

ADMINISTRATOR 

Ms. SUE MITCHELL 

Tel: (416) 263-3295 

E-mail: smitchell@toronto-bia.com 

Administrates TABIA office and website 

6

TABIA ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 

Mr. LIONEL MISKIN (CHAIR) 

Kennedy Road BIA 

Tel: (416) 222-4582 

shanemar@interlog.com 

TAX COMMITTEE (Deals with tax related issues) 

Mr. ALEX LING 

Bloor West Village BIA 

Tel: (416) 767-6233 

Mr. JOHN KIRU 

TABIA 

Tel: (416) 889-4111 

jkiru@toronto-bia.com 



Tel: (416) 239-6627 

twakulat@sympatico.ca 

Ms. BEVERLEY DON 

Yonge Lawrence Village BIA 

Tel : (416) 657-4313 

bev@ardithone.com 

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE 

(Responsible for internal and external communications of the Association’s needs) 

Mr. PAUL DINEEN (CHAIR) 

Old Cabbagetown BIA 

Tel: (416) 968-2160 

paul.dineen@on.aibn.com 

Ms. FAIZA ANSARI 


Tel: (416) 469-5634 




Tel: (416) 239-6627 


Mr. JOHN KIRU 


Tel: (416) 889-4111 


Mr. MICHAEL COMSTOCK 

St. Lawrence Market 

Neighbourhood BIA 

Tel: (416) 410-9242 

Michael.Comstock@rogers.ca 

DR. CHRISTENA 

CHRUSZEZ 

Bloor Yorkville BIA 

Tel: (416) 925-8282 

cchruszez@hotmail.com 

Ms. LAURA ALDERSON 


Tel: (416) 249-0691 


TASK FORCE ON CRIME (Prevention and Solutions) SUB-COMMITTEE 

Mr. NEIL WRIGHT (CHAIR) 

Harbord Street BIA 

Tel: (416) 961-1698 

nwright@trebnet.com 

Mr. KEVIN GLEASON 


Tel: (416) 530-5225 

kevin.gleeson@corusent.com 

Mr. DAVID WRIGHT 

Harbord Street BIA 

Tel: 416-961-1698 

dwright@trebnet.com 

Mr. JOHN KIRU 


Tel: (416) 889-4111 


Mr. NEIL MACDONALD 

The Beach BIA 

Tel: (416) 691-2912 

neil@wordstoliveby.ca 

Ms. LAURA ALDERSON 


Tel: (416) 249-0691 


Mr. JAMES ROBINSON 

Downtown Yonge BIA 

(416) 597-0255 

jamesr@downtownyonge.com 

TOURISM COMMITTEE 

(Responsible for positioning TABIA and it’s member BIAs within the City of Toronto tourism context) 

Ms. LYNN CLAY 

(CO-CHAIR) 


Tel: (416) 516-1723 

lynnclay@lvbia.com 

Ms. FAIZA ANSARI 

(CO-CHAIR) 


Tel: (416) 469-5634 




Tel: (416) 239-6627 


Mr. JOHN KIRU 


Tel: (416) 889-4111 


TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 

(Responsible for dealing with transportation related issues) 

Mr. DAVID VALLANCE 

(CHAIR) 

Bloor Annex BIA 

Tel: (416) 962-2786 

valladp@echo-on.net 

Mr. JEFF GILLAN 

Corso Italia BIA 

Tel: (647) 223-9064 

jeffgillan@sympatico.ca 



Tel: (416) 239-6627 


Mr. JOHN KIRU 


Tel: (416) 889-4111 


7

TAX COMMITTEE 

Toronto’s Tax Plan: 

The past year has seen significant developments in the property tax field. First, the City began to 

recognize the accuracy of our prediction that the high commercial property tax would ultimately cause 

erosion of its tax base. Realizing that commercial development was stalled, and that commercial 

property was being transformed to residential development at an accelerating rate, the city sought a 

plan to stop, if not reverse, the process. Lacking the political courage to deal with the problem head-on, 

the City conjured up a novel approach. It would provide tax relief to commercial property owners by 

increasing taxes. We know; it is hard to believe. In effect, the proposal would reduce the ratio between 

the commercial and residential rates from its present figure of 4 or 4.5 to 1, to 2.5 to 1. But rather than 

reducing the burden on the commercial sector, the proposal calls for increases in both residential and 

commercial rates, with the commercial increases limited to one-third of the residential increases. The 

scheme proposes a fifteen year time frame for achieving the desired ratio, with a ten year time frame 

for what is called the “street retail” sector, a term which has yet to be defined. It does not explain how 

further tax increases will stem the outflow of commerce. 

Street Retail: 

The City’s Finance department said last spring that it is working on a precise definition of “street retail” and 

intended to implement the definition for the 2007 taxation year. To date, no definition has been announced. 

TABIA has previously made submissions to the City on a proposed definition and indicated that it would 

support a definition of the class as “all commercial property with rentable space not exceeding 15,000 

square feet”. TABIA would also support a definition with a greater rentable area, up to, but not exceeding 

the threshold for the shopping center class or, alternatively, a class consisting exclusively of BIA properties 

or a class based on retail area if the class were to be extended to include all BIA properties. 

Acceleration of Full CVA: 

From the perspective of our small business membership, the immediate future gets worse. In addition to 

rate increases, the City proposes to accelerate the move to full taxation under the Current Value 

Assessment regime (CVA). When CVA was implemented in 1998, increases resulting solely from 

assessment changes were limited to 2.5% of the prior year’s taxes. This cap was subsequently increased 

to five percent of the prior year’s taxes. The City will now change the cap to five percent of a property’s full 

CVA level. Accordingly, if a capped property would pay $30,000 at its full CVA tax level, its tax bill would 

increase by $1,500 per year until it reached that target. Those increases would be in addition to the rate 

increases. Taken together, the rate increases and the cap increases would have many businesses paying 

annual tax raises far in excess of the 6.5% raises which have been imposed on them in 2004 and 2005. 

The plan and TABIA’s response to it are set out more fully in TABIA’s winter 2006 newsletter (vol. 6 #1). 

Provincial Budget: 

Over half of the property tax bill is imposed by the provincial government to fund education. But a huge 

amount of the provincial levy is used to subsidize education in other parts of Ontario. Particularly 

troublesome is the discrepancy between the rate imposed on Toronto business and the corresponding 

rate in adjoining municipalities. For example, the 2005 rate in Toronto on commercial property was 

2.22%, as compared to 1.74% in Peel, 1.68% in York, 1.65% in Durham and 1.53% in Halton. The 

result is the extraction of approximately 120 million dollars of revenue from Toronto business for use 

elsewhere. For a small Toronto retailer, the differential can easily run into thousands of dollars. 

8

TAX COMMITTEE 

The provincial budget brought down in March, with great fanfare as to how it was helping Toronto, 

changed nothing in principle. The business education tax (BET), which is highly discriminatory against 

Toronto, remains unaddressed. It appears to be on no one’s radar screen, and the Province is happy to 

keep it that way. We raised the issue in a press release on budget night but it attracted little attention. 

The full press release is posted on TABIA’S website. 

Toronto Liberal Caucus: 

Disturbed by the apparent lack of interest by Toronto’s MPPs in the property tax issue, we obtained 

permission to make a submission to the Toronto Liberal Caucus at Queen’s Park. This opportunity is a 

rare privilege, and was granted to us only because of the efforts of the Honourable Laurel Broten, 

Minster of the Environment, who clearly is very interested and concerned. We were somewhat 

disappointed to find that not many of her colleagues are as keen as Ms. Broten, when so few of them 

turned up to hear our presentation. Nevertheless, in the relatively short time allotted to us, in very 

strong terms we laid out, orally and with photographic evidence, the damage the BET was doing to the 

City. We explained to the Caucus that our membership felt Toronto MPPs had let them down on the tax 

issue. Some of the attendees became rather indignant that we were so critical (It felt like “shoot the 

messenger” time), but others did appreciate the fact that we were straightforward and blunt. 

New Radar: 

While both the Liberal party and the Conservatives (who imposed this mess upon us in the first place) 

seem content to sweep the tax issues under the rug. The NDP seems to be in the process of lifting the 

rug. An NDP Task Force has conducted a study of the property tax system, and has issued an excellent 

report. The report makes six recommendations for reforming the system and, if implemented, would 

solve many, if not all, of the hardships created by the present system. 

Newly elected MPP Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale – High Park) is the Small Business Critic for the NDP in the 

Legislature. She has taken up the tax issues with fervor, and appears to have the support of her party 

to bring it to the forefront of the political agenda. Ms. DiNovo has tabled a resolution in the Legislature 

calling for two things: an equalization of the BET across the entire GTA for small business; and 

uploading back to the Province the cost of provincially mandated social programs, which now have to be 

paid for by municipalities. While a resolution does not change the law in any way, and in any event 

might be squelched by the larger parties, it would serve to highlight the hardship that the CVA has 

wrought, and might force the government to give some serious thought to reforming the present system. 

In addition, at the instance of MPP Michael Prue (Beaches – East York), the NDP convention in January 

will discuss, and hopefully adopt as policy, the disconnecting of the assessment process from the real 

estate market i.e. ending CVA. 

9

TAX COMMITTEE 

What Else Can Be Done 

TABIA is constantly pressing both the provincial and municipal governments to provide relief to our 

membership. But the efforts of individual BIA’s and BIA members are also vital. Contact your local 

Councillor. Insist that he or she come to Board meetings and to your AGM. Insist that he or she lay out 

their position on the tax issue. Repeat the process with your local MPP. Write Mayor Miller and outline 

the problems you are having with CVA. Explain what it will mean to your business if full CVA tax level is 

accelerated. Repeat the process with the Minister of Finance, The Honourable Greg Sorbara, and with 

the Minister of Municipal Affairs, The Honourable John Gerretsen. Send copies of your letters to your 

local MPP and to your local Councillor. Follow up each communication on a monthly basis, by telephone 

and by letter, asking the addressee what progress has been made, and what steps are being taken. 

Cooperate with TABIA in any campaign for which TABIA might enlist the support of BIA’s and BIA 

members. We have a membership of over 25,000. Together we can make a difference! And if you need 

help, we are available. Call John Kiru at (416) 889-4111 or Lionel Miskin at (416) 222-4582. 

MPAC – Ombudsman: 

Those of you who are appealing your current assessments, or have requested a re-consideration, should 

review the Ombudsman’s report on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). The report 

can be found on the Ombudsman’s website at www.ombudsman.on.ca. It outlines a number of changes 

which MPAC has apparently already instituted in its practices, and will give you a better understanding 

of how MPAC might conduct itself, and what advantages you might gain in the course of your appeal. 

TAX COMMITTEE - YOUR TAX BILL EXPLAINED 

Tax Levy Sub-total (Municipal and Education) What you would pay for the year for municipal and ed. 

Levies if no capping or claw backs 

Special Charges Usually your BIA levy 

2006 Tax Cap Adjustment The amount which you are gaining or losing because of the caps and claw backs 

Final 2006 Taxes The total of everything you have to pay 

2006 CVA Taxes Amount you would pay if no capping or claw backs 

2005 Annualized Taxes That’s the amount you paid last year - if you had mid-year adjustments, the 

amount was annualized so you can compare the two years 

2006 Tax Cap Amount That’s the amount by which capping has changed your bill 

2006 Provincial Education Levy Change The amount of change in your bill because of changes in the 

education rate 

2006 Local Municipal Levy Change The amount of change in your bill because of changes in the 

municipal rate 

2006 Adjusted Taxes The amount you are actually paying in 2004 for education and municipal taxes 

10

TAX COMMITTEE - YOUR TAX BILL EXPLAINED 

11

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE 

STATE OF THE UNION 

• Building stronger communication lines with BIAs and getting the information into the hands of the 

decision makers quickly and consistently. 

• Raising awareness of Toronto’s BIAs and gaining a stronger reputation with the City of Toronto, the 

Media and the General Public. 

COMMITTEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

• Clarifying who TABIA is and what they represent by developing a clear and concise catch-phrase to 

be used in all TABIA publications: 

The Voice of Toronto’s BIAs 

Representing 25,000 Neighbourhood Businesses 

• TABIA has engaged Plural Marketing Inc, a marketing management, research and consulting firm, to 

develop programmes to support TABIA's and BIA member's mandate. Plural has extensive experience 

in retail marketing, ethno-cultural marketing and the building of partnered marketing programs. After 

a thorough analysis of TABIA and member BIAs' strengths and challenges, Plural has recommended a 

Strategic Marketing and Communications program designed to increase TABIA's and its members 

impact in the market. Numerous meetings with potential partners in 2006 concluded that while there 

was a high degree of interest in TABIA and its members, any programmes must be tailored to meet 

individual partners' requirements and the varying capabilities of individual BIAs. Plural is in the 

process of developing plans in conjunction with TABIA to have stronger events with greater exposure 

leading to enhanced clout for TABIA with the governments, media, businesses and the consumer. 

• Sharing the latest City information & programs available to BIAs via regular emails (i.e. Coordinated 

Street Furniture). 

• Sharing programs TABIA has to offer to BIA Boards & Members via regular emails (i.e. Tourism 

Toronto Partnership). 

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS 

• Make TABIA an agenda item at your Board Meetings and share the special programs TABIA is 

offering with your members (via email, newsletter, website). 

• Share the actions TABIA is taking to get your issues heard and resolved. 

• Nominate a member of your Board to attend TABIA’s Board Meetings to share ideas and learn about 

other BIAs benchmarks for success. 

12

TABIA TASK FORCE ON CRIME: PREVENTION AND SOLUTIONS 

Over the years, violent crime has increased in the Greater Toronto Area and TABIA members often are 

the victims and witnesses of such crime. Like the police officers on the beat, our members are often on 

the front line of these situations. As the city continues to grow, it has become essential that TABIA be 

more directly involved in the decision making process concerning the business of crime. TABIA has 

recently formed a new commission that will investigate and gather information regarding these 

situations. The opinion of TABIA will now be a guiding force to the legislators, politicians, and community 

groups and together we will make our business communities and neighbourhoods safer and better 

places to live. 

One of the Task Force’s first initiatives was an email survey developed by JW Strategic Solutions seeking 

BIA opinions on business and community security issues. The survey results gave an indication of the 

initiatives that the business community believed were needed to help make Toronto streets more secure. 

Major priorities and related Task Force activities include: 

Support for security cameras in public areas. 

• A conference on Video CCTV equipment, sponsored by the Downtown Yonge BIA. 

• Information meetings with providers of security camera technology, to understand the costs and 

benefits of the technology and ensure there is compatibility across the city. 

Lobbying by TABIA of the various levels of government for enforceable crime policies and 

legislation. 

• A meeting with Police Chief Blair and Senior Command Team in February, 2006 to outline small 

business priorities of security cameras in public areas and the need for more foot patrol police 

presence in business communities. In 2006 the police added 250 new officers to the force and have 

redeployed many others to communities. We will continue to maintain communication between TABIA 

members and the police. 

• Meetings with city councilors to plan how to work together to assist youth and make our streets safer. 

• Development of a TABIA question on safety and security that was asked at every all candidates 

meeting in the 2006 Federal & municipal election campaigns. 

• Reporting to TABIA on community safety forum recommendations (2007). 

• Advising field study, Centre of Criminology University of Toronto & Carleton University. 

Support for local youth initiatives that offer young people opportunities for employment and 

community involvement with small business. 

• TABIA sponsored 200 youth in the City Youth Ambassador Program to volunteer at the Doors Open 

Toronto Festival (May 2006). 

• Development of a TABIA Youth Employment Pilot Proposal with Toronto Economic Development 

Department and Youth Employment Partners. 

• Neil Wright attends Antibes Multicultural Festival to promote Community volunteerism. 

13


Parking and Transportation Policy for TABIA 

TABIA supports the principal of a diverse transportation system, utilizing several modes of 

transportation. Parking and transportation within the city are linked activities. The City should work to 

make each form attractive, functional and accommodating for Toronto’s many neighbourhoods. 

TABIA requests that the TTC allow the use of transfers for hopping off and back on while traveling 

in one direction. 

• Thousands of TTC riders pass by neighbourhood shops and restaurants as they travel, unable to drop 

in. Couples cannot meet up at a local restaurant for a meal, or meet their spouse near work, before 

they head home. Children cannot meet up with their parents on the way to their destination. Yet, the 

cost of allowing this family based, neighbourhood access, use of the transfers would cost very little. 

• The cost of a monthly TTC pass is far too high to attract new users. Several pricing packages should 

be available to meet individual needs. 

TABIA requests utilizing the Toronto Parking Authority, and adopt its policy of using courtesy 

envelopes, for policing public street parking. 

• Parking metering was originally established to create more parking by creating turnover in parking 

places. The workers at the shops were parking all day in the best spots. Short-term parking allowed 

more people to share the available spaces. Today pay and display parking is a revenue stream with 

an aggressive police force working to quotas. This manner of enforcement creates a negative 

impression for customers of businesses on public streets. 

• Parking by residents on public streets, in permit areas, is far below value. An increase could offset 

any loss from courtesy envelopes. 

• The Parking Authority should be encouraged in the creation of more off street parking in 

neighbourhood commercial areas. 

TABIA requests a charge or tax on free parking spaces provided by commercial retailers. 

• Current trends in retail have created a car culture lured by “acres of Free Parking”. Free parking puts 

public shopping streets at a great disadvantage and erodes neighbourhood shopping. The use of land 

for retail malls and big box stores with free parking encourages automobile use. The free parking 

areas are considered undeveloped land and not taxed appropriately. The property tax paid by this 

form of retail development is far less than a typical neighbourhood retail street of the same size, 

provides to the city. 

TABIA requests that incentives for high-efficiency, hybrid, fuel cell and electric automobiles be 

part of the transportation strategy within the City of Toronto. 

TABIA requests that the use of handicapped parking permits should be more carefully issued and 

limited in time to a 1-hour period when used in No Parking areas of our public streets. 

14


The Transportation Committee aims to help BIAs tackle the issues of public transit, traffic and parking. 

You can obtain traffic studies (both vehicular and pedestrian) conducted in your BIAs by contacting the 

following organizations: 

TTC TRAFFIC COUNTS 

TORONTO PARKING AUTHORITY 

Peter Janas 

33 Queen Street East 

Supervisor- Data Collection & Analysis 

Toronto, ON M5C 1R5 

Service Planning Tel: (416) 393-7275 

Tel: (416) 393-4464 Fax: (416) 393-7352 

Fax: (416) 535-1391 

tpamail@toronto.ca 

Peter.Janas@ttc.ca 

STREET TRAFFIC COUNTS 

Blair S. Lagden 

Applications Technologist 

City of Toronto, Works & Emergency Services 

Traffic Data Centre & Safety Bureau 

703 Don Mills Road, 5th Floor 

Tel: (416) 392-8503 

Fax: (416) 392-4940 

Blair_Lagden@toronto.ca 

15

TOURISM COMMITTEE 

STATE OF THE UNION 

• Promote Toronto BIAs as Tourist destinations. 

• Build relationships and develop awareness of BIAs as Tourist destinations, with government 

Tourism departments, Toronto Tourism agencies and Tourist publications. 

• Be prepared to quickly participate in joint promotion or marketing initiatives when there is opportunity. 

• Educate BIAs to target the tourist market by including a “Tourism Experience” in their events and 

promotions. 

CURRENT TOURISM COMMITTEE PROJECTS 

• Arranging for BIA information to be included on visitor maps, directories and websites. 

• Participating in joint promotion initiatives with Toronto Tourism, City of Toronto. 

• Developing a relationship with the Tourism Division of the City’s Economic Development Department. 

• Extending our Tourist definition to include those that live in Toronto by encouraging Torontonians to 

visit Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods. 

• Entering joint partnerships with Tourism Marketing agencies to provide rate reduction benefits to BIA’s. 

• Investigating Tourism Marketing Seminars for BIA Boards and Staff as part of a professional 

development program. 

• Encouraging all BIAs to include “grass roots programs” to tidy up their areas as a part of their 

Beautification Initiatives. 

COMMITTEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

• Facilitated a 37.5% reduction in Tourism Toronto Annual Membership Fees for all BIAs. The new rate 

of $449 has been guaranteed for the next three years. (see page 21 for details). 

• The Cavalcade of Lights program continued to gain momentum with 19 BIAs participating in 2006. 

16

GEOGRAPHIC BASED BIA SUPPORT SYSTEM 

In the fall of 2006 TABIA introduced a new Geographic Based BIA Support System (GBBSS) for 

member BIAs. 

The GBBSS is a tool that enables BIAs to keep a comprehensive current accounting of their office and retail 

space inventory and whether it is currently occupied or available. BIAs are able to search for available 

space using specific criteria, for example, parking spaces or square footage and then retrieve other data 

which is essential for a prospect, for example the availability of infrastructure (e.g. gas, sewers, fiber and 

water). Once the search is complete the BIA or someone interested in the retail space can undertake a 

customized demographic profile or a consumer spending profile for the trade area they are interested in. 

This means that a BIA is able to take a more proactive role in marketing and promoting itself by 

matching prospective new businesses with the space that is available. The GBBSS enables a BIA to 

respond very quickly to information requests. BIAs can also place a “Map” button on their website to 

provide location details to their customers. 

Key benefits of the Geographic Based BIA Support System 

• Allows TABIA staff to provide more effective support to Member BIAs. 

• Allows TABIA Staff to be more familiar with all BIAs. 

• Allows BIA staff to be more effective in promoting and managing their BIA. 

• Enables TABIA and all BIAs to have a stronger and more useful web presence. 

• Enables customers to more easily locate BIAs and member businesses. 

• Improves the web presence of individual member businesses. 

• Enables businesses to display a map of their business location on their web site. 

• Provides TABIA and BIAs with the capability to produce instant up to date demographic reports. 

• Provides TABIA and BIAs with the capability to produce instant up to date consumer spending 

potential reports. 

• Improves the ability for TABIA and BIAs to promote BIAs and fill vacant storefronts or offices. 

• Requires no software or downloads to run application. 

• Easy to use, minimal training required. 

From the Economic Development perspective this will provide detailed, up to date information that is 

currently not available to the city. Not only will it list detailed individual property statistics it will also 

provide Property owner information, as well as current tenancy information to assist in developing a 

retail mix strategy that a significantly greater number of BIAs are attempting to pursue. 

If your BIA is not on the development list and you are interested in participating please contact the 

TABIA office (416) 889-4111 for details and costs. 

17

TABIA MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS 

TABIA works with all levels of government to actively advance the interests of Business Improvement 

Areas and create an environment in which their members can thrive. Be it Parking Issues, Garbage, 

Safety, Taxes, or BIA legislation, TABIA strives to look after the best interests of all its members. 

The following are just some of the many advances made by TABIA: 

• TABIA/City of Toronto Interdepartmental meetings bring City Staff from various departments and 

BIAs together so that BIA issues or departmental initiatives can be discussed and resolved before 

they are implemented or become problems. 

• As part of a City of Toronto Economic Development Department initiative BIAs are able to retain 

additional staffing until September, 2007. This initiative also allows BIAs to participate in the 

development of a Commercial Safety Audit process (see page 24). 

• A simplified annual budget process and shorter wait times for receiving BIA operating funds, which 

are now available through direct deposit to BIA accounts. 

• TABIA in partnership with Toronto Hydro was instrumental in introducing the LED holiday lighting 

exchange. In 2006 some 8500 strands of old incandescent lights were traded in for the new energy 

efficient LEDs resulting in a savings of one megawatt being removed from the electrical grid. 

• A TABIA representative sat on the Customer Service Standards Development Committee which is 

developing guidelines for the newly introduced Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. 

• As a leader in the BIA movement TABIA has had the pleasure of hosting delegations from countries 

around the world including Germany, UK, South America & China. 

• TABIA through greenTbiz is developing a comprehensive and conscientious program with a focus on 

Energy Conservation and Environmental (EC&E) concerns that will have both significant EC&E 

benefits and outcomes, but will also result in bettering the bottom line of BIA Businesses(see page 25). 

• BIAs are now exempt from the city set fee structure and application frequencies when dealing with 

banners in designated BIA areas. This has resulted in more manageable BIA banner, floral and 

seasonal decoration programs and hundreds of dollars of savings for BIAs. The recent sale of city 

pole assets to Toronto Hydro required the renegotiation of these achievements. TABIA has successfully 

managed to maintain this position for all of Toronto's BIAs. 

• BIAs are now covered under the City of Toronto’s policy for Public Liability insurance. The $308 or 

so annual deduction from a BIAs levy covers any liability issues related to festivals, special events 

and streetscape initiatives and allows BIAs to satisfy the municipality’s insurance requirement for up 

to 5 Million dollars coverage around festivals/special events and road closures. Most importantly the 

$308 covers the $50,000 deductible the city policy carries. To retain this coverage independently 

would not be economical for most BIAs. 

• TABIA has been successful in negotiating a number of Discounts & Savings Programs for BIA 

Boards and member businesses. BIA Boards save on Financial Audit Fees, Director’s & Officers 

Liability Insurance and membership in Toronto Tourism. BIA member businesses have access to 

affordable Group Insurance and preferred rates on Merchant Visa & MasterCard. For more details 

please refer to TABIA Discounts & Savings Programs (see page 20). 

18

TABIA MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS 

• With the introduction of the new Toronto Act TABIA will play a role in helping to develop the new bylaw 

concerning the mandate and operation of BIAs. 

Ongoing Programs 

Educating Main Street – With the assistance of the Ministry of Education, Universities and Colleges 

and the technical expertise of Seneca College, TABIA now has a four course program that your BIA can 

deliver to your on street membership. The four courses are designed with a focus on main street 

merchants and include topics such as: Internal and External Theft, Marketing your Business, Human 

Resources, Hiring and Firing. 

In partnership with the City of Toronto BIA office an updated version of our well-received BIA 

Operating Handbook will be available soon. It acts as a quick reference resource on the day to day 

operations of a BIA. 

The TABIA Citywide Campaign gives member BIAs the opportunity to promote themselves and their 

events in their local media at a substantial savings. This is all made possible through careful 

negotiations with the media and the generous assistance of our corporate sponsors (the City of Toronto, 

Scotia Bank and Green P Parking). TABIA has engaged Plural, a marketing management, research and 

consulting firm, to develop programs to enhance promotion of BIA member events (see page 20). 

Breakfast Meetings offer an informal venue for members to meet and learn. Each meeting offers an 

informative speaker, a light breakfast and an opportunity to chat with fellow members. Guest speakers 

have included Mayor David Miller and Mike “Pinball” Clemons from The Toronto Argonauts. 

In our continued efforts to provide BIAs with the tools to strengthen themselves, TABIA, with the 

assistance of a grant from the Toronto BIA office, has launched a pilot of a GPS powered database in 

two BIAs. This member sustained initiative will be available to all BIAs in mid 2007 thus allowing them 

to have the base information needed to engage in retail mix initiatives/strategy (see page 17). 

19


(SAVINGS FOR BIA BOARDS) 

*NEW* POP PACKAGING 

Promote your BIA with stylish, reusable bags 

Our company supplies a large variety of custom-made reusable 

bags and accessories made from an environmentally friendly 

material known as Polyfabric. It looks and feels like traditional 

fabric, but is much more durable and affordable and is made 

from 100% recyclable material. 

Use these durable, attractive and environmentally friendly 

reusable bags to promote your next event, or in your retail 

environment. “Creating a better environment, one bag at a 

time...” Special pricing for TABIA members. 

Contact: Steve Mitchell 

Tel: (416) 621-1369 

Toll Free: 1-866-594-2247 

Fax: 1-866-824-8059 

s.mitchell@poppackaging.com 

www.poppackaging.com 

*NEW* PAYWORKS 

Save money & time with on-line payroll services 

TABIA members and members of individuals BIAs will receive 

preferred pricing from Payworks, an online payroll service. As part 

of the agreement Payworks will provide clients with the option of 

processing their payroll by fax, e-mail, telephone or by using 

Payworks online solution. In addition Payworks will issue Record 

of Employment T4s/T4As and submit the annual T4 Summary 

directly to the Revenue Agency. As well payroll reports will be 

available after each payroll run, in an easy-to-use excel format, 

and accessible as far back as 7 years. 

Payworks is committed to excellent customer service and will work 

closely with each BIA and business to ensure their needs are met. 

Contact: Peter Marossis 

Tel: 866-729-2323 

Cell: (416) 209-3010 

Fax: 888-370-6829 

peter.m@payworks.ca 

www.payworks.ca 

PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT 

through our Citywide Campaign 

The TABIA Citywide Campaign gives member BIAs the opportunity 

to promote themselves and their events in local media (radio, 

newsprint and posters). These savings are possible due to 

generous corporate contributions that allow us to bulk buy and 

pass those savings directly to your board. 

Thanks to: 

Contact: John Kiru 

for further details 

Tel: (416) 889-4111 


For their continued support. 

20


(SAVINGS FOR BIA BOARDS) 

*NEW* Tourism Toronto offers 

special member discount for BIAs 

Through TABIA’s partnership with Tourism Toronto BIAs can now 

join at the special price of only $449. 

Get active as part of the leading association for Toronto’s tourism 

industry. Enjoy all the exclusive benefits of membership in an 

influential network that represents the tourism and hospitality 

products and services of the Greater Toronto Area. 

To sign up – please visit: 

www.torontotourism.com 

For additional information, 

please contact: 

plaite@torcvb.com 

BIA Boards SAVE 

on Financial Audit Fees 

When the city legislated that BIAs would now be required to seek 

the services of a private firm to conduct their financial audits 

TABIA proactively sought quotes on behalf of its members. The 

successfully coordinated RFP for audit services by TABIA means 

long term savings for BIAs. Savings to individual BIAs can range 

from a minimum of $1,000 to $2,500 based on the complexity of 

the BIA’s operations. 

Director’s & Officers Liability Insurance 

for Toronto BIA Boards 

Under TABIA’s policy Member BIA Boards can receive coverage at 

a fraction of the going rate. Through this initiative, your board 

could be covered for a cost of $400 to $1,000. Independently 

some BIAs have paid between $1,100 and $2,500 annually for 

Director’s & Officers Liability Insurance. 

The policy carries $5 million in coverage. 

BIA Director’s 

Liability Insurance 

2006 Program Pricing 

Operating 

Annual 

Revenue 

cost 

$ 0 - $100,000 $400 

$100,001 - $300,000 $500 

$300,001 - $500,000 $600 

$500,001 - $1,000,000 $800 

$1,000,001 - $2,000,000 $1,000 

*NEW* AUTOSHARE 

Car rental service offers discounted 

memberships to BIAs 

Please see details under 

“SAVINGS FOR MEMBER 

BUSINESSES” (page 22) 

21


(SAVINGS FOR MEMBER BUSINESSES) 

Be sure to pass along these savings opportunities to your members. Details in electronic form for 

inclusion in newsletters and on your website can be obtained by sending an email request to: 

info@toronto-bia.com or 

Download more information from the TABIA website at: 

http://www.toronto-bia.com/membership/benefits.php#discounts 

*NEW* AUTOSHARE 

Unique hourly car rental service offers 

discounted membership to BIA members 

TABIA members can join AutoShare for only $50, a savings of up 

to 75%. AutoShare provides self-serve, 24/7 access to a fleet of 

vehicles stationed at over 85 locations across Toronto, for rent by 

the hour. Need to zip across town for a lunch meeting Meet an 

important client at the airport Pick-up heavy supplies once a 

week AutoShare is self-serve; available 24/7; with reservations 

by phone or internet; with cars + vans. 

Contact: 

Tel: (416) 340-7888 

info@autoshare.com 

www.AutoShare.com/TABIA 

*NEW* DOVE CLEANING offers special 

pricing on commercial Dry Cleaning needs 

TABIA members & members of individual BIAs receive special 

pricing on Uniform, Dust Mat, Linen and Dry Cleaning needs. 

Dove provides premium dry cleaning services for the retail 

market as well as commercial laundry and cleaning services. 

As part of our commitment, Dove will also donate 5% of sales 

generated by TABIA members back into the Association and its 

communities. 

Contact: John Belknap 

Tel: (416) 782-8788 

Fax: (416) 782-3065 

Cell: (416) 616-5404 

john.belknap@dovecorp.com 

www.dovecorp.com 

*NEW* POP PACKAGING 

Promote your BIA with stylish, reusable bags 


“SAVINGS FOR BIA BOARDS” 

(page 20) 

*NEW* PAYWORKS 

Save money & time with on-line payroll services 


“SAVINGS FOR BIA BOARDS” 

(page 20) 

22



PREFERRED RATES 

on Merchant Visa & MasterCard 

Through Global Payments Canada GP, TABIA offers BIA members 

preferred Merchant Visa and MasterCard rates: 

• Absolutely no application fee ($100 savings) 

• Visa rate – 1.79% 

• MasterCard rate – 1.85% 

• MasterCard Assessment Fee - 0.054% 

• Interac fee – 10¢ per transaction 

• Verifone 3750 Dial with Internal Pinpad $29 a month 

(chip card enabled) 

• Push funding to bank of your choice - no charge 

($10 per month savings) 

• No minimum monthly processing fee ($240 annual savings) 

For more information or to 

apply, please contact: 

Candy Hoang 

Tel: (416) 847-4438 

Fax: (416) 847-4330 

Toll free phone: 

1 (800) 361-8170 x 74438 

Toll free fax: 

1 (800) 608-8595 

candy.hoang@globalpay.com 

Note: Offer is not available to 

manual merchants. 

The Beach BIA Business Cost Comparative Study - Bank Transactions 

This is a comparative study for just one month of the year, December 2003. This busy month will 

show the greatest benefit of being a member of the program, but one may also want to pro-rate this 

over a 12 month period to have a clear indication of the savings. 

Bank Fees 

Current Fee 2003 Fee 2004 Fee 

Monthly Terminal Rental $ 40.00 $25.95 $26.00 

Monthly Processing Fee $ 6.00 $ 0.00 $0.00 

Debit Card Fee per Transaction $ 0.18 $ 0.12 $0.10 

VISA Percentage per Transaction 1.90% 1.80% 1.79% 

MC Percentage per Transaction 1.90% 1.80% 1.79% 

Hold on Funds 5 days 3-4 days Up to 3 days 

Actual December 2003 Transactions 

Sales/ 

Card Transaction Current Fee 2003 Fee 2004 Fee 

Debit Card 455 $81.90 $54.60 $45.50 

MasterCard $6,378.35 $121.19 $114.81 $114.17 

VISA $19,996.52 $379.93 $359.94 $357.94 

Sub-Total $639.05 $578.79 $534.44 

Monthly Rental 

& Processing Fees $46.00 $25.95 $26.00 

Grand Total $629.05 $555.31 $508.44 

Taking everything into 

consideration being a part 

of the BIA in December 

would have saved us 

roughly $70.00 in 2003 

and $120 in 2004. 

Even if sales were half 

of what they were in 

December every month 

for the whole year... 

$35 x 12 = $420 in 

savings in 2003 

$60 x 12 = $720 in 

savings in 2004 

23



AFFORDABLE GROUP INSURANCE 

for Small Business Owners 

PIB/RWAM Insurance offers BIA members a comprehensive Employee 

Benefit Package designed specifically for the Self-Employed and 

Employers with one to five employees - including Dental, Life 

Insurance, and Drug Plan. Whether your members are mom and 

pop or have staff, should they need single coverage or family plans 

this program will allow you to provide them with the options. 

Visit the membership section of the TABIA website 

(www.toronto-bia.com/membership) to download your copy 

of the brochure. 

Please Note: 

* Rates are subject to Provincial Sales Tax 

* $5.00 per month Standard Administration Fee per group, subject to GST 

* Rates effective Jan. 1, 2004 and are reviewed annually 

For additional information, 


RWAM Insurance 

Administrators Inc. 

49 Industrial Drive, 

Elmira, Ontario N3B 3B1 

Tel: 1-800-265-6197 or 

1-888-742-7926… .and ask 

for Lynn Martin, ext 328 

Fax: (519) 669-1923 

www.rwam.com 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROJECT 

The City of Toronto Economic Development has secured one year of federal funding through Service 

Canada’s Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program. This initiative “Economic Development Community 

Support Project” supports business improvement area offices across the city and runs from September 25, 

2006 until September 14, 2007. 

The project provides many opportunities for the partners, focusing on the following objectives; 

• Safety Audit Process – Audit teams, made up of JCP Participants will plan, administer and complete 

Safety Audits for individual BIA’s who have expressed interest. The purpose of such an audit is to 

isolate and target areas of concern that may hinder businesses, with the ultimate goal being 

increased economic activity in each business area. A completed audit can be used as a tool to 

evaluate safety features, assist in strategies and long term planning to address area safety issues. 

• BIA Office Support – Provide planning and administrative support to BIA’s in implementation of projects 

and operational needs. Additional human resources (JCP Participant) through the program provides 

BIA’s with the opportunity to increase productivity, develop resources, and assistance in program/event 

sustainability which positively impact the economic vitality of main street business areas. Areas of 

work participants focus on include fundraising, grant/proposal preparation, volunteer recruitment, event 

planning and organizational strategic planning to name but a few. In general, BIAs can realize benefits 

in enhanced organizational profile, credibility, branding, increased program effectiveness and 

operational efficiencies, improved member relations prompting better interaction and participation, 

community awareness, visibility, accessibility, growth and future planning to ensure sustainability. 

For more information please contact the TABIA office: (416) 263-3295 

24

GREENTBIZ 

SAVE MONEY WHILE GREENING YOUR BUSINESS! 

greenTbiz is a program delivery unit, operated under the auspices of the Toronto Association of 

Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) that provides programs and services to Toronto BIAs, for the 

benefit of its members and the environment. greenTbiz is presently funded by the Toronto Atmospheric 

Fund and the Ontario Power Authority, Conservation Bureau to deliver programs and services to all BIAs 

and their members that will reduce costs while improving the environment. 

Opportunities for BIA Members: 

greenAssist 

• greenAssist provides small businesses, BIAs and/or property owners 

with the services and products that are the most practical at 

reducing energy consumption. 

• One-on-one consultation regarding how to save money through 

energy conservation. e.g. lighting consultations. 

• Connection with products and services for energy conservation and 

efficiency, including new efficient lighting technologies, such as T8, 

T5, CFL, CCFL and LED. 

Smart Mentoring 

Business owner/manager mentors will be recruited and, with 

assistance from the greenTbiz program coordinator, will provide advice 

to other BIA members on the implementation process, challenges and 

barriers of energy/environmental conservation initiatives. Currently, 

greenTbiz is seeking mentors who can assist BIA members with their 

energy/environmental initiatives. We are also looking for BIA members 

who wish to be mentored and receive advice from other BIA mentors. 

Opportunities for BIAs: 

greenTbiz would like to invite 

BIAs and BIA members to 

participate in our programs! 

If you are interested in 

participating in, or learning 

more about any of the 

programs mentioned here, 


Chantal Brundage 

greenTbiz Program Manager 

416.697.9000 or 

Chantal@greenTbiz.org 

Visit the website for more 

information: 

www.greenTbiz.org 

Energy Efficiency for Street, Pedestrian and Decorative Lighting 

The BIAs have the opportunity to save energy and money through their street, pedestrian and decorative 

lighting. Through various pilots, greenTbiz is exploring the use of dimming technology, PV Solar and LED 

lamps for the lighting needs of the BIAs. For more information about these pilots and energy efficiency 

opportunities for your lighting, please contact us. 

greenTalks 

greenTalks are seminars and workshops offered to BIA businesses on topics that are relevant to SMEs 

and contribute to improving environmental and energy conservation education. If you wish to set up a 

greenTalk in your BIA, on the topic of your choice, please contact greenTbiz. 

CAN IT! 

The CAN IT! (Community Ambassador Network & Information Team) program will coordinate volunteers 

to act as waste monitors during special events. This will ensure that waste generated is disposed of 

appropriately. This program not only reduces recyclables being brought to landfills but also creates a 

sense of goodwill by the public who see the BIA taking the initiative to recycle. Contact greenTbiz if you 

would like more information about having the CAN IT! program at one of your special events. 

25

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT 

In June, 2005 the new Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2005 was passed into law. 

The purpose of the Act is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to enable them to 

become involved in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the 

life of the province. 

Meaningful, realistic standards are being developed by members of the disability community, business 

and sector representatives, and government. The standards development committees have the flexibility 

to tailor the implementation of accessibility requirements to economic realities. 

Standards will be set in both the public and private sectors to address the full range of disabilities, 

including physical, sensory, mental health, developmental and learning. 

Common standards are being developed in customer service, built environment, employment and 

information and communications. Transportation is an example of a sector-specific standard. Additional 

sector-specific standards may also be developed. 

The standards will be phased in allowing businesses to spread their accessibility investments 

over 20 years as part of their normal planning and capital investment cycle. The committees may 

set different standards and timelines for different types and sizes of operations; they will not 

take a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Standards could include: 

• Accessible pedestrian routes and entrances into buildings. 

• Lower counter heights at cash registers to accommodate wheelchairs. 

• Large print menus in restaurants for the visually-impaired. 

• Staff training in serving customers with learning disabilities. 

This new law will have implications for BIA members and TABIA has taken a proactive stance in 2 

key areas: 

• A representative of TABIA sits on the customer service standards committee 

• In 2006 TABIA partnered with the Ministry of Community and Social Services in a project to increase 

awareness of accessibility in small business by promoting accessibility best practices within the 

business community through: 

- Production of a “How-To Become Accessible” multimedia resource; 

- Launching a new province-wide competition to promote accessibility best practices within the 

business community; and, 

- Sharing concise, targeted information with BIA members and small businesses across the 

province on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2005, and on how to 

become accessible. 

Accessibility resources are available on the TABIA website - look for Accessible Mainstreet 

www.toronto-bia.com/resources/accessibility.php 

26

CITY OF TORONTO BIA OFFICE - CONTACTS 

Area Advisors 

David Hessels (416) 392-6837 

Henry Byres (416) 392-1134 

Angela Varone (416) 338-5860 

Michael Saunders (416) 392-1005 

Ron Nash (416) 392-1006 

Community Advisor Designers 

Jeannette Krabicka (416) 392-1817 

Robert Mays (416) 392-7696 

BIA AREA ADVISOR COUNCILLOR 

Albion Islington Angela Varone Suzan Hall 

The Beach Henry Byres Sandra Bussin 

Bloor Annex David Hessels Adam Vaughan 

Bloor by the Park Ron Nash Gord Perks 

& Bill Saundercook 

Bloor Street David Hessels Kyle Rae 

Bloor West Village Ron Nash Bill Saundercook 

Bloorcourt Village Ron Nash Joe Pantalone 

& Adam Giambrone 

Bloordale Village Ron Nash Adam Giambrone 

Bloor-Yorkville David Hessels Kyle Rae 

Chinatown David Hessels Adam Vaughan 

Church-Wellesley David Hessels Kyle Rae 

Village 

College Promenade Ron Nash 

Joe Pantalone 


Corso Italia Angela Varone Cesar Palacio 

Danforth Village Henry Byres Sandra Bussin 

& Janet Davies 

The Danforth Henry Byres Paula Fletcher 

& Case Ootes 

Dovercourt Village Ron Nash Joe Pantalone 


Downtown Yonge David Hessels Kyle Rae 

& Pam McConnell 

Dundas West Ron Nash Adam Giambrone 

Eglinton Hill Michael Saunders Frank Di Giorgio 

The Eglinton Way Michael Saunders Karen Stintz 

& Michael Walker 

Emery Village Ron Nash Giorgio Mammoliti 

Forest Hill Village Angela Varone Joe Mihevc 

& Michael Walker 

Gerrard India Henry Byres Sandra Bussin 

Bazaar 

& Paula Fletcher 

GreekTown Henry Byres Paula Fletcher 

on the Danforth 

& Case Ootes 

Harbord Street David Hessels Adam Vaughan 

Hillcrest Village Angela Varone Cesar Palacio 

& Joe Mihevc 

The Junction Ron Nash Bill Saundercook 

& Gord Perks 

Kennedy Road Henry Byres Michael Thompson 

& Norm Kelly 

The Kingsway Angela Varone Peter Milczyn 

Knob Hill Plaza Henry Byres Adrian Heaps 

BIA AREA ADVISOR COUNCILLOR 

Korea Town David Hessels Joe Pantalone 

& Adam Vaughan 

Lakeshore Village Angela Varone Mark Grimes 

Liberty Village David Hessels Gord Perks 

& Joe Pantalone 

Little Italy Ron Nash Joe Pantalone 

Long Branch Angela Varone Mark Grimes 

Mimico by the Lake Angela Varone Mark Grimes 

Mimico Village Angela Varone Mark Grimes 

Mirvish Village David Hessels Joe Pantalone 

& Adam Vaughan 

Mount Dennis Angela Varone Frances Nunziata 

Old Cabbagetown Henry Byres Pam McConnell 

Old Queen Street Michael Saunders Kyle Rae 


Pape Village Henry Byres Case Ootes 

Parkdale Village Ron Nash Gord Perks 

Queens Quay David Hessels Adam Vaughan 

Harbourfront 


Riverside District Henry Byres Paula Fletcher 

Roncesvalles Ron Nash Gord Perks 

Village 

Rosedale Henry Byres Michael Walker 

Main Street 

& Kyle Rae 

Sheppard East Henry Byres Chin Lee 

Village 

St. Clair Avenue Angela Varone Cesar Palacio 

West 

St. Clair Gardens Angela Varone Cesar Palacio 

St. Lawrence David Hessels Pam McConnell 

Market 

Neighbourhood 

Upper Village Michael Saunders Joe Mihevc 

Uptown Yonge Henry Byres Karen Stintz 

& Cliff Jenkins 

Village of Islington Angela Varone Peter Milczyn 

West Queen West Ron Nash Adam Giambrone 

& Joe Pantalone 

Weston Village Angela Varone Frances Nunziata 

Wexford Heights Henry Byres Michael Thompson 

Wychwood Heights Angela Varone Joe Mihevc 

Yonge Lawrence Henry Byres Karen Stintz 

Village 

& Cliff Jenkins 

York Eglinton Michael Saunders Howard Moscoe 

& Cesar Palacio 

27

BIA DESCRIPTIONS AND CONTACTS 

Albion Islington 

Mr. Sing Shamsher – Chair – (416)-742-0011 

Albion Islington BIA is a unique shopping district, showcasing a mix of retail shops that specialize in gold 

jewelry, clothing & textiles, salons, grocery stores and restaurants from South Asia and the West Indies 

along with a variety of other businesses. 

This vibrant commercial area is located along Albion Road from Lund Avenue to west of John Grubb 

Court; north of Calstock Drive to Albion West Plaza and Islington Avenue north of Sandhill Drive to the Bell 

Canada building; north of Thistletown Multi Service Centre grounds to south of Wardlaw Cres. 

The Beach 

Ms. Deborah Etsten – Executive Director – (416) 693-2242 

Visit The Beach, Toronto’s favourite lakeside community … sandy beaches, the long winding 

Boardwalk, beautiful parks and the natural beauty of the Beach have always drawn people to this eastend 

community. Our small-town friendly Main Street with its eclectic and vibrant shops, services and 

restaurants have kept The Beach popular, year after year. 

With more than 400 shops, eateries, and services, it’s all here. Enjoy sidewalk cafes and fine 

restaurants, one-of-a-kind jewelry, artistic creations, gifts, garden gear and fashion for the young-atheart, 

kids and even pups. Just hop on the Queen Street East streetcar to get to The Beach! 

www.BeachBIA.com 

Bloor Annex 

Ms. Janice McHugh – Coordinator – (647) 999-7633 

The Annex neighborhood is located on Bloor Street between Bathurst and Madison in Toronto’s west end. 

It is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern and Asian food all 

can be found easily along Bloor Street. Some of Toronto’s most popular pub’s are also found in the Annex. 

The summer is a great time to visit the Annex to check out the funky shops and have dinner on a patio. 

www.bloorannexbia.com 

Bloor by the Park 

Ms. Corrine Humphreys – Coordinator – (416) 762-0505 

Nestled along Bloor Street West just east of picturesque High Park between Keele and Roncesvalles, Bloor 

by the Park most closely mirrors Toronto’s diverse mix of cultures. 

Established as a BIA in 1987, this district is currently well known for its many award-winning restaurants, 

featuring foods and beverages from the Orient, Mexico, Italy, Cuba, Greece and elsewhere. Its distinctive 

combination of shops, services and sidewalk pubs also makes a stroll through the area well worth while. 

Bloor West Village 

Ms. Paula McInerney – Co- Chair – (416) 767-9992 

Since 1970 when the Bloor West Village BIA was established as Canada’s first BIA, it has steadily 

maintained its reputation as one of Toronto’s most successful BIAs. Today Bloor West Village is widely 

recognized as one of Toronto’s most popular shopping districts. Along with a good mix of retail shops, 

professional offices and service establishments, it also boasts a concentration of distinctive bakeries, 

delicatessens and restaurants, several of which offer a tempting array of European specialties. 

www.bloorwestvillage.ca 

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Bloor Yorkville 

Ms. Briar de Lange – General Manager – (416) 928-3553 ext. 25 

The neighbourhood is home to the award winning Village of Yorkville Park, Sante: The Bloor-Yorkville Wine 

Festival, designer boutiques, spas, restaurants, plush hotels and world class galleries - over 700 in all! 

Stroll our quaint laneways and unique side streets, and experience the ultimate fusion of historic charm 

and modern seduction. 

Tune into jazz at a cafe, meet a friend for brunch or shop for the season’s most sought after fashions. 

Whatever your pleasure, whatever your whim, let us transport you to a world like no other - the 

incomparable Bloor-Yorkville. 

www.bloor-yorkville.com 

Bloorcourt Village 

Coordinator – (416) 537-7698 

Located along Bloor Street West, from Montrose Avenue to Dufferin, Bloorcourt Village, which became a 

BIA in 1979, is well known for its great variety of shops and services catering to all tastes and ages. 

Shoppers are pleasantly surprised at the reasonable price ranges to be found here. The Annual "Sidewalk 

Sale and Music Festival" takes place in September, featuring live entertainment, a fashion show, and 

international cuisine tasting. The ethnic mix includes Portuguese, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Korean, 

Ukrainian, and Jamaican to name just a few. A well-known shopper attraction is the Long & McQuade 

Musical Instruments store, a strong supporter of the musical arts community. 

Bloordale Village 

Mr. Spiro Koumoudorous – Chair – (416) 259-1601 

Here is a shining example of how people working together in a common cause can make a real difference. 

An infectious spirit of revitalization and renewal is much in evidence along Bloor Street West between 

Dufferin and Lansdowne these days, as community leaders, merchants and residents have joined 

together in an ambitious program to make their neighbourhood a better place in which to live, work, shop 

and visit. Bloordale Village, founded in 1976, is playing a major role in this endeavour. Restaurants and 

bicycle shops predominate in this area. 

Chinatown 

Mr. Stephen Chan – Chair – (416) 979-3988 

Chinatown is a vibrant neighbourhood in the centre of Toronto’s downtown. Home to ethnic Chinese 

immigrants from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and elsewhere, the intersection of Dundas and 

Spadina is the focal point of this dynamic community. 

Chinatown offers a wealth of oriental shops and a vast selection of authentic Chinese restaurants featuring 

such delicacies as dim sum. The sidewalks of Chinatown, in particular on weekends, are crammed with 

fruit stalls, vendors, and thousands of people from all backgrounds eager to shop, eat, and socialize. 

Visitors to Chinatown will also find a diverse range of shops offering baked goods, herbal medicines, 

books, videos, household items, and Chinese arts and crafts. Street signs in the area are written in both 

English and Chinese, and there are two large shopping malls that cater to the ethnic Chinese - the Dragon 

City and the Chinatown Centre complex 

29


Church-Wellesley Village 

Mr. Dwayne Shaw – Coordinator – (416) 393-6363 

The Church Wellesley Village is one of Canada’s most vibrant communities and became formally 

recognized as a BIA in 2002. In 1826, Alexander Wood, a pioneering gay magistrate & merchant, bought 

the land our community now sits on. Being a molly, as gay men were known then, the locals came to call 

the area Molly Wood’s Bush. 

The shops, restaurants, bars, and other businesses of the Village are known for their friendly, helpful, and 

entertaining atmosphere. Throughout the year we are the home of many exciting events including Pride 

Week, the Church Street Fetish Fair and Halloween. 

www.churchwellesleyvillage.ca 

College Promenade 

Mr. Mike Sinopoli – Chair – (416) 533-7294 

Welcome to College Promenade - wine, dine and shop on one of Toronto’s most colourful streets. We offer 

you a wide variety of premier restaurants, shops and services. You can hit the treadmill, shop for fabulous 

clothes, get your hair done at the salon or barbershop, do yoga, play some pool, and so much more. Best 

of all, you can enjoy the vivid nightlife that College Street has become famous for, with great restaurants 

offering cuisine that ranges from cool brunch fare to the most refined and acclaimed dishes in the city. 

College Promenade is home to a diverse community of families, young professionals and students. 

Corso Italia 

Mr. Jeff Gillan – Executive Director – (647) 223-9064 

The Corso Italia strip is one of the liveliest parts of St. Clair Avenue located just minutes away from 

downtown. Corso Italia stretches along St. Clair Avenue West from just east of Dufferin to just beyond 

Lansdowne. 

Corso Italia is known for its fashionable shops offering an impressive selection of European-styled highfashion 

merchandise. Top-of-the-line fashion shops draw crowds, as do a multitude of cafes, 

restaurants, trendy gelaterias and cappuccino houses offering the flavors of various Italian Regions 

making it the place to go when you’re in the mood for something with an Italian flavour. 

www.torontocorsoitalia.com 

The Danforth 

Ms. Judy Worsley – Administrator – (416) 429-4479 

It all starts here! Located on “the Danforth” just east of the Don Valley Parkway and extending north 

and south on Broadview Avenue, the Danforth features a host of culturally diverse shopping, eating and 

live entertainment facilities. The Music Hall attracts audiences from all over while local residents flock 

to the Carrot Common, a trendy neighbourhood mews filled with a unique mix of boutiques specializing in 

organic and alternative health products and services. The 250+ destination shops, restaurants, pubs 

and cafes that characterize this Riverdale community will make you feel welcome and just one visit will 

convince you to come back again and again. 

www.thedanforth.ca 

30


Danforth Village 

Mr. Bob Smith – Secretary/Treasurer – (416) 694-4489 

Created in mid-2006, Danforth Village extends from Victoria Park Avenue to two blocks west of Main 

Street. It includes the renovated Shoppers World - a 342,500 SF open mall , a brand new Canadian Tire 

store - both with free parking - Main Square - with over 1000 units and expanding - and at its west end 

- a renovated Sobey’s foodstore. 

Danforth Village serves a market area of close to 100,000 households within a short drive. Of these 

households 3000 - 4000 live within a 5 minute walk of Danforth Village. Initiatives to improve the 

business environment for all stores and their customers have been planned. In 2007 a streetscape 

program will be started. Banners have been designed and existing treepots and rolled rim pots will be 

planted with flowers. Posts and arms with hanging baskets will be installed in time for 2007/8 

winter decoration and summer planting in 2008. Ways to improve traffic service levels and parking on 

and off - street for the more than 280 smaller streetfront stores and offices in Danforth Village, are 

being developed. 

Dovercourt Village 

Ms. Margaret Raposo – Chair – (416) 878-0444 

Small but energetic and community-conscious, Dovercourt Village began in 1985 and extends along 

Dovercourt Road north and south from Hallam Street as well as east and west along Hallam. It boasts 

a concentration of small shops offering a variety of items, from taste-tempting baked goods to 

fashionable apparel. 

Downtown Yonge 

Mr. James Robinson – Executive Director – (416) 597-0255 

At the heart of Toronto, Downtown Yonge is vibrant, exciting and easily accessible by car or public transit. 

Home to a spectacular array of retail stores, restaurants, theatres, businesses, hotels and free events at 

Yonge-Dundas Square, this ultra urban experience is a designated tourist area. This means that 

Downtown Yonge is open seven days a week, including most statutory holidays. 

The Downtown Yonge BIA is an association of 2000 businesses and property owners committed to improving 

and promoting this energetic area as Toronto’s premier destination for shopping, business and entertainment. 

www.downtownyonge.com 

Dundas West 

Ms. Sylvia Fernandez – Chair – (416) 534-7567 

Newly formed in 2006 The Dundas West BIA is situated along Dundas Street West in the former Village of 

Brockton. It covers the area from the CNR tracks just west of Lansdowne Avenue to Rusholme Road to 

the east and consists primarily of small businesses. The BIA, formed in 2006, was driven by a very 

dedicated and active steering committee consisting of retailers, artists, designers and a landscape 

architect. This group quickly initiated area improvements, the most notable being a revitalization of the 

Dundas-St. Clarens parkette. Plans are underway for streetscape improvements to develop the area into 

a more competitive and vital business area in a way that acknowledges the historic Village of Brockton 

and the more recent contribution of the Portuguese community. 

www.dundaswestbia.ca 

31


Eglinton Hill 

Mr. Steve Tasses – Chair – (416) 652-0941 

The Eglinton Hill BIA is located along a charming stretch of Eglinton Avenue West on a hill between Kane 

Avenue and Bicknell Avenue. Its four blocks are situated in the middle of the city at the crossroads of two 

major arterial streets – Keele Street and Eglinton Avenue West. The BIA is composed of an eclectic mix of 

shops and services reflecting the diverse heritage of the city. Eglinton Hill BIA was created in 1997. 

The Eglinton Way 

Ms. Lois Greenspoon – Coordinator – (416) 487-3294 

Located west of Yonge Street on Eglinton Ave. W. between Oriole Parkway and Chaplin Cres. The Eglinton 

Way, is a nine-block stretch of streetscape that includes a myriad of shops, boutiques and services, 

enhanced by some of the friendliest people in town. 

Here you can dine at one of the finest restaurants in the city, luxuriate in a French spa, get your hair styled, 

improve your wardrobe, select a gift, buy a bouquet of flowers, make a pet happy, purchase a painting or 

rent a video. In recent years, it has become one of Toronto’s more fashionable shopping districts. 

www.theeglintonway.com 

Emery Village 

Ms. Sandra Farina – Coordinator - (416) 744-7242 

Emery Village is named for the historic settlement which developed near what is now Finch Avenue West 

and Weston Road. The area is bounded by a stable residential community to the west, Highway 400 to 

the east, Steeles Avenue to the north and Sheppard Avenue to the south. Land-uses include retail strip 

malls at the intersection of Finch and Weston and industrial/institutional uses to the north and south. 

Created in 2003, Emery Village is home to 1,800 businesses, employing over 25,000 full and part-time 

employees and is the largest BIA in the City. 

Forest Hill Village 

Ms. Emily Nicholson – Coordinator – (416) 488-4819 

Renowned for its delectable cuisine, available in an assortment of premiere restaurants and food shops. 

This cozy village-within-the-city is nestled along Spadina Road north of St. Clair Avenue. Here you’ll also 

discover a variety of intriguing specialty shops featuring high-end men’s and women’s fashion, 

kitchenware, hair care, spa treats, and jewelry. You’ll also appreciate the friendly personalized service 

that is a proud tradition among Forest Hill Village merchants. 

In addition to great shops and services, we also have the distinction of being the first BIA in Canada to 

install a free wireless Internet service. 

www.foresthillvillagebia.com 

Gerrard India Bazaar 

Mr. Subbu Chitaluri – Manager – (416) 465-8513 

You don’t have to be East Indian to enjoy the attractions of this lively enclave, located along Gerrard Street 

between Coxwell and Greenwood, a BIA since 1982. Traditional East Indian hospitality abounds here, along 

with an abundance of exotic delights. Colourful saris, exquisite fabrics, mouth-watering regional delicacies 

and delightful dining, dazzling jewelry, traditional musical instruments, audio and video entertainment and 

state-of-the-art electronics equipment; all await you at the Gerrard India Bazaar. 

www.gerrardindiabazaar.com 

32


GreekTown on the Danforth 

Ms. Faiza Ansari – Director of Operations – (416) 469-5634 

As one of Toronto’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, GreekTown on the Danforth offers 

something for everyone whether it’s dining, shopping, strolling, patios or people watching. Our clean and 

safe community is a night owl’s dream (especially during the summer months) with many restaurants, 

clubs and cafés staying open until the wee hours of the morning. 

GreekTown’s signature event is the annual Taste of the Danforth, a massive weekend-long street party 

that draws more than one million visitors to our district each August. 

www.greektowntoronto.com 

Harbord Street 

Mr. Neil Wright – Chair – (416) 961-1698 ext 35 

“Something for everyone” characterizes this pleasant retreat near the heart of the busy city and the 

corridors of the University of Toronto. Here you’ll find a number of specialty shops and bookstores, arts 

and crafts galleries, a hair and skin studio for men and women, music stores, a famous bakery and 

calandrina plus a taste-tempting variety of fine dining and casual eating places. 

Hillcrest Village 

Mr. Frank Pronesti – Co-Chair – (416) 841-1000 

Victor Capella – Co-chair/Treasurer – (416) 654-3552 

An area along St. Clair Avenue from Christie Street west to Winona Drive where shoppers can enjoy a 

wide range of services, with clothing stores galore, beauty salons, travel agencies, quality restaurants 

and fast food outlets. It is perhaps most recognized for the interesting selection of restaurants and live 

music venues which have opened in the last few years, providing tastes and sounds for every appetite. 

www.hillcrestvillage-bia.com 

The Junction 

Mr. Chris Haskim – Executive Director – (416) 767-9068 

The Junction, located in historic west Toronto offers a unique mix of small town hospitality and big city 

edge. Best known for its colorful history and commitment to the arts, The Junction boasts an impressive 

selection of ethnically diverse restaurants, a thriving home décor/antiques sector and numerous specialty 

shops that carry those items you simply can’t find anywhere else. 

The Junction BIA is located on Dundas Street West at Keele Street between Indian Grove and Quebec 

Avenue. Be sure to drop into our street level office at 3042 Dundas St West for all the latest Junction news. 

www.junctionbia.ca 

Kennedy Road 

Mr. Dennis Rider – Coordinator – (416) 293-2138 

A popular local and regional shopping district, the Kennedy Road BIA consists of a wide range of largeformat 

retail outlets, specialty shops, restaurants and entertainment uses. Enjoying both excellent 

vehicular and public transit access, Kennedy Road is truly a one-stop shopping destination with 

everything from tropical fish to house wares, car stereos to water sports, and off-track wagering to the 

latest movies. 

www.kennedybia.ca 

33

BIA KEY MAP: 60 BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREAS 

1 Albion Islington 

2 The Beach 

3 Bloor Annex 

4 Bloor by the Park 

5 Bloor Street 

6 Bloor West Village 

7 Bloor Yorkville 

8 Bloorcourt Village 

9 Bloordale Village 

10 Chinatown 

11 Church-Wellesley Village 

12 College Promenade 

13 Corso Italia 

14 Danforth Village 

15 Dovercourt Village 

16 Downtown Yonge 

17 Dundas West 

18 Eglinton Hill 

19 Emery Village 

20 Forest Hill Village 

21 Gerrard India Bazaar 

22 GreekTown on the Danforth 

23 Harbord Street 

24 Hillcrest Village 

25 The Junction 

26 Kennedy Road 

27 Knob Hill Plaza 

28 Korea Town 

29 Lakeshore Village 

30 Liberty Village 

34

Survey and Mapping Services 

31 Little Italy 

32 Long Branch Village 

33 Mimico Village 

34 Mimico by the Lake 

35 Mirvish Village 

36 Mount Dennis 

37 Old Cabbagetown 

38 Old Queen Street 

39 Pape Village 

40 Parkdale Village 

41 Queens Quay Harbourfront 

42 Riverside District 

43 Roncesvalles Village 

44 Rosedale Main Street 

45 Sheppard East 

46 St. Clair Avenue West 

47 St. Clair Gardens 

48 St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood 

49 The Danforth 

50 The Eglinton Way 

51 The Kingsway 

52 Upper Village 

53 Uptown Yonge 

54 Village of Islington 

55 Weston Village 

56 West Queen West 

57 Wexford Heights 

58 Wychwood Heights 

59 Yonge Lawrence Village 

60 York Eglinton 

35


The Kingsway 

Ms. Franca Panacci – Coordinator – (416) 239-8243 

The Kingsway shopping district offers an excellent mix of small specialty shops, fabulous restaurants, a 

sprinkling of pubs as well as professional and medical services. You will be pleasantly surprised by the 

ambiance created by unique centre medians, distinct Kingsway flags and banners, beautiful wrought iron 

park benches, coach lanterns and graceful flower gardens. 

Be sure to plan a visit to this wonderful neighbourhood and why not try to make it for the Taste of the 

Kingsway Festival, a festival of cuisine and a whole lot more, which takes place every year during the 

second weekend in September. 

www.thekingswaytoronto.ca 

Knob Hill Plaza 

Mr. Charles Gerditschke – Chair – (416) 561-3421 or (905) 420-1741 

An important neighbourhood shopping destination in the 1950’s, the Knob Hill Plaza is enjoying 

somewhat of a renaissance in recent years. With a generous mix of specialty retail, food and personal 

service businesses, Knob Hill provides ample parking and a convenient location on Eglinton Avenue East. 

The Knob Hill Plaza BIA was established in 2003. 

Korea Town 

Mr. Silla Kyung Mok Lee – Coordinator – (416) 414-4644 

Korea Town is the perfect place to taste Korean culture and food. Centered along Bloor Street West 

between Christie and Bathurst Streets, Korea Town offers a wide range of Korean restaurants, high-endfashion 

Korean boutiques, herbalists, acupuncturists and many other unique services and shops filled 

with made-in-Korea merchandise. Try Korean BBQ, pork-bone soup, and a variety of vegetarian dishes; 

they are delicious, spicy and healthy foods. Enjoy a night at no-rae-bang (karaoke room) where you and 

your friends can sing in an individual room without the fear of a big crowd. Our signature event is the 

Dano Festival held the first weekend in June at Christie Pits Park and includes Korean martial art 

demonstrations, traditional music and dance. 

Lakeshore Village 

Mr. John Scheffer – Chair – (416) 255-9982 

The Lakeshore Village BIA was recently expanded and now runs along Lakeshore Blvd. from Twelfth Street 

to the west and Dwight Avenue to the east. In 1982 the BIA implemented a streetscape improvement 

plan that included the installation of decorative lamp posts, planters and over 100 trees. This 

infrastructure is in place today and has been paid for and maintained by the local merchants. 

There are over one hundred and fifty businesses in the Lakeshore Village BIA with an excellent 

assortment of restaurants, shops and services that cater to the local community. 

36


Liberty Village 

Ms. Lynn Clay – Executive Director – (416) 516-1723 

As the first non-retail BIA in Canada, the Liberty Village BIA represents the 5,000 employees of the 400 

high tech, arts, design, entertainment and media businesses that operate out of renovated industrial 

buildings. Located just west of downtown Toronto at King and Dufferin streets, the LVBIA champions and 

nurtures this vibrant community by sponsoring programs and activities. The annual Give Me Liberty 

Afterwork Party takes place on the second Thursday in June and gives the people who work, live and play 

in Liberty Village an opportunity to meet their neighbours. BENCHmark, an initiative unique to Liberty 

Village, transforms old park benches into permanent works of public art. And the LVBIA’s SafeWalk 

program means that late-night workers and business patrons don’t have to walk alone. An escort to a 

parking lot, the TTC or another business in the area, is a phone call away. 

Liberty Village has changed from desolate to desirable, and the changes keep happening. 

www.lvbia.com 

Little Italy 

Ms. Grace Russo – Coordinator – (647) 830-6860 

Its name is a tribute to the history of this great neighbourhood, which was once Italian to the core. Today 

Little Italy, established in 1985, is also home to South American, Portuguese, and Asian newcomers 

adding a diverse multicultural mosaic to this eclectic neighbourhood, which runs along College Street 

from Euclid Avenue west to Shaw Street. 

The area has become one of Toronto’s hottest nightspots with its fantastic choice of restaurants, coffee 

shops and lounges. Unique clothing and specialty stores, many with an Italian twist, complete the mix. 

Long Branch Village 

Mr. Dietmar Lein – Chair – (416) 252-4858 

Long Branch Village is located on Lakeshore Boulevard West and runs from Long Branch Avenue in the 

West to Twenty Second Street in the East. Within Long Branch you will find a multitude of restaurants, 

retail shops, and parks, all within walking distance of each other. Special events include the Christmas 

Parade held on the first Saturday in December. 

The BIA is also a member of the Joint Lakeshore BIA committee that produces and distributes a quarterly 

local newspaper to keep the community informed and connected. 

www.longbranchvillage.com 

Mimico by the Lake 

Mr. David Pritchard – Chair – (416) 913-9221 

The Mimico By the Lake BIA established in 1985 is situated on Lakeshore Blvd., between Allen Avenue 

and Alexander Street and is steps from the new Mimico Linear Park and Lake Ontario. Its mandate is to 

work with businesses to improve the area, attract residents to shop and to organize events that create 

and cultivate a community spirit. 

The BIA and local community organizations have started an annual tree lighting tradition on the 

Lakeshore. The BIA is also a member of the Joint Lakeshore BIA committee that produces and 

distributes a quarterly local newspaper to keep the community informed and connected. 

37


Mimico Village 

Mr. William Kassel – Chair – (416) 251-1126 

The Mimico Village BIA has been involved in a variety of streetscape initiatives and community events. 

Located on Royal York Road between Newcastle and Evans Avenue, this quaint neighbourhood of shops 

and services caters to the local community and surrounding neighborhoods. 

Each spring the BIA and local community organizations come together for the annual Tulip Festival held 

on the last Tuesday in May. This event is centered around the unveiling of our 4 foot tall tulips which are 

painted annually by various community groups and school children in the area. The event also includes 

music, entertainment, food, and activities for all to enjoy. 

Mirvish Village 

Mr. Russell Lazar – Chair – (416) 537-2111 

This BIA was named in recognition of Toronto’s retail show biz entrepreneur Honest Ed Mirvish. Located in 

midtown Toronto in a culturally diverse, safe and vibrant neighbourhood nestled between the Annex BIA to 

the east and the Korea Town BIA to the West, it’s unique and interesting collection of stores, restaurants 

and entertainment makes it a must to visit. 

Honest Ed’s world famous bargain shopping centre is the largest business in the area offering one of a 

kind entertaining, interesting and affordable shopping experience and it’s neon flashing sign with 23,000 

moving light bulbs makes one understand why the landmark retail emporium’s slogan for over half a 

century has been “THERE’S NO PLACE...LIKE THIS PLACE...ANYPLACE!!!!” 

Everyone is invited to Mirvish Village in July for the public Ed Mirvish Birthday Celebration. 

Mount Dennis 

Ms. Siobhan Delaney – Coordinator – (416) 903-4647 

The Mount Dennis BIA was established in 1974, and is located along Weston Road, between Eglinton 

Avenue West and Ray Avenue. The area is made up of eclectic shops, fast food stores and services with 

plenty of parking. Mount Dennis is easily accessible via public transportation; it is located just west of 

Black Creek Drive and Eglinton and is close to the 401. 

Old Cabbagetown 

Mr. Doug Fisher – Coordinator – (416) 921-0857 

Standing in the heart of Cabbagetown is like standing at the centre of Canada. For within eyesight you 

will find a microcosm of everything that defines the country from our history to the multiplicity of sounds 

and sights. You feel like you’re part of a neighbourhood and not just a tourist who has wandered into a 

prefabbed “tourist experience.” Come see why Cabbagetown is known as “a small town in the heart of a 

big city.” 

www.oldcabbagetown.com 

38


Old Queen Street 

Come and explore Old Queen Street East. You will discover a fascinating part of the City that is well known 

for its many historic sites such as the Metropolitan United Church, Dominion Square, the Queen Richmond 

Centre and St. Paul’s Basilica which are wonderful examples of 19th century architecture. This vibrant, 

multicultural area contains a wide range of boutiques and restaurants capable of satisfying the most 

discerning palate. Or visit the Dominion Hotel, one of the oldest remaining hotels in the City, and enjoy both 

its rich history and the hottest jazz in the downtown core. Located between Victoria Street and River Street, 

Old Queen Street East, is a great place to live, work and play - we have the corner on history!! 

Pape Village 

Contact – Wallace Clarke – (416) 696-2059 

Established in 1986, the Pape Village BIA is a vibrant and multi-cultural retail, dining and personal 

service district. Several of the best bakeries in Toronto are located in Pape Village, as are numerous 

excellent European delicatessens. Its annual street festival and sidewalk sale has grown into a very 

popular three-day celebration of local music, shopping and food. Attractive pedestrian-scale lighting, 

hanging baskets and sidewalk planters have greatly enhanced the visual appeal of the area. 

Parkdale Village 

Mr. Devin Horne – Coordinator – (416) 536-6918 

Parkdale Village is a vibrant commercial strip on Queen Street West from Dufferin Street to Roncesvalles 

Avenue. It’s a multicultural destination due to the unique restaurants that represent this diverse 

community. It’s a historical destination because of the many architecturally significant buildings and a 

cluster of over 15 antique stores are located at the western entrance of Roncesvalles and Queen. It’s an 

artistic destination because Parkdale has been a long standing neighbourhood-of-choice for artists, 

attracted to the area’s inclusive nature, its diversity, interesting architecture and urban edge. Finally, it’s 

a hip destination attracting the creative crowd who frequent the many cafes and shops for the one of a 

kind unique home decor, gifts and art finds in Parkdale Village. 

www.parkdalevillagebia.com 

Queens Quay Harbourfront 

Ms. Karen Honsinger – Coordinator – (416) 698-2147 

A stones throw from the downtown and financial core, the Queens Quay Harbourfront BIA is the heart of 

the City’s central waterfront. Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands form a spectacular backdrop for the 

area’s many attractions. Beautiful hotels, parks and gardens add to the allure of this unique 

neighbourhood. Take in a performance, wander through our many galleries and studios or attend one of 

the many cultural festivals year round. Stroll the revitalized promenades, skate on the outdoor rink, rent 

a bicycle, canoe, kayak, sailboat, power boat or just board one of our many charter boats that offer 

cruises of Lake Ontario, to enjoy the inner harbour. Plenty to do while you enjoy the beautiful vista to 

Lake Ontario. 

www.qqhbia.com 

39


Riverside District 

Ms. Elizabeth Andrew – Coordinator – (416) 466-8167 

Located along Queen Street East, east of the Don Valley Parkway and just minutes from the downtown 

core Riverside District is easily accessible by streetcar. 

With the support and encouragement of the active local business community, many restorations, 

revitalization and beautification projects have occurred over the last few years, attracting creative 

industries such as art, film, and design in and around the business area. Its commitment to art and 

design is evident by the mural depicting a flowing river and the life it supports, to the public art 

installations by Eldon Garnet, and its annual signature event, the Riverdale Art Walk, which takes place 

each spring and showcases the work of local artists. 

www.riversidedistrictbia.com 

Roncesvalles Village 

Ms. Anna Teed – Executive Director – (416) 239-0218 

You’ll find an enduring Old World atmosphere much in evidence in Roncesvalles Village, with a decidedly 

Polish accent. Tree-lined streets, the tantalizing aroma of fresh-baked goods and traditional smokehouses 

as well as trendy fashion shops are just a few of the attractions that keep former residents of the 

neighbourhood and so many others coming back again and again to visit, to shop, to browse or simply to 

catch up on what’s happening. Originally the district included two BIAs established in 1986 and 

amalgamated in 1991. 

www.roncesvallesvillage.ca 

Rosedale Main Street 

Ms. Kathryn Robson – Coordinator – (647) 668-5284 

Created in 2000, Rosedale Main Street is one of the City’s newly designated BIA’s. The area comprises 

Yonge Street from Woodlawn Avenue (north) to Crescent Road (south) and has a wide variety of merchant 

and service members from high-end antique and decor stores to wonderful neighbourhood restaurants, to 

gourmet shops, to beauty and hairdressing salons, to travel specialists to the newly restored and 

renovated historic North Toronto Railway Station, centre piece of the community. 

Rosedale Main Street is a vibrant, active neighbourhood with numerous sidewalk cafes, bustling markets 

and a feeling of a village in the City. A great place to visit anytime of the year. 

www.rosedalemainstreet.com 

Sheppard East Village 

Mr. Ernie McCullough – Executive Director – (416) 292-0206 

The Sheppard East Village BIA was formed to market the businesses on Sheppard Avenue between 

Midland and Markham Roads. This area was formerly a very busy area known as Agincourt and still has 

a good selection of restaurants and retailers that have existed for many years. There are several small 

shopping malls, Toronto’s largest Canadian Tire store and a collection of automobile dealerships at the 

eastern end of the BIA. We also have a strong selection of business suppliers including the major banks 

along Sheppard Avenue. 

The area has a wide variety of ethic backgrounds with a prominent Chinese community but with many 

smaller groups that include those with Caribbean, Middle East and Far Eastern backgrounds. 2007 is 

our first year of operation and we plan to focus on the ethnic diversity of the area, through a web site and 

some extensive streetscape work to identify and promote the revitalization of this business strip. 

40


St. Clair Avenue West 

Ms. Barbara Snow – Coordinator – (416) 652-1044 

Situated on St. Clair Avenue West between Westmount and Glenholme Avenues and centered on the 

headwaters of the old Garrison Creek, with Regal Heights to the South and the historic St Clare Church, 

and Oakwood Collegiate at either end, this area boasts a number of unique shops and restaurants. 

Throughout the summer, the businesses team up with St Clare School and other community organizations 

and local musicians for the ‘Sounds Like St. Clair’ Music Series, Children’s Day on St. Clair and Free 

Movies in the Park for all ages. 

www.stclairwest-bia.com 

St. Clair Gardens 

Mr. Don Panos – Chair – (416) 652-7224 

The St. Clair Gardens BIA is located on St. Clair Avenue West, from Caledonia Rd to just west of Old 

Weston Rd. This developing BIA is recognized for promoting the international flavour it brings to the 

neighborhood. 

One of the primary goals of the BIA is to work together with our merchants and property owners. In 

addition we also work very closely with the local residents, the community police liaison committee and 

our local City Councilor on community safety initiatives. 

Since its creation in 1985, the BIA has worked on a variety of beautification projects, local park 

improvements and special events in an effort to bring the community together to celebrate St. Clair and 

the wonderful services, shops and people. 

www.stclairgardens-bia.com 

St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood 

Mr. Al Smith – Executive Director – (416) 410-9242 

Located in historical ‘Old Town Toronto’ our area boasts a large variety of quality restaurants, clubs and 

many fine retail stores and is located within walking distance of many hotels and tourist destinations. 

The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA includes the Hummingbird Centre, St. Lawrence Centre for 

the Performing Arts, the Flatiron Building, St. Lawrence Hall and The north St Lawrence Market, host of 

the Saturday morning Farmers Market for over 200 years and the south St. Lawrence Market recognized 

by Food and Wine Magazine as one of the top 25 markets worldwide. Market Food & History Tours are 

offered Wednesday thru Saturday at 10am. 

Join us in June for Woofstock, and in August for the Toronto International Buskerfest. The annual 

Cavalcade of Lights celebration runs from November-December. 

www.stlawrencemarketbia.ca 

Upper Village 

Mr. Steven Petroff – Chair – (416) 782-1696 

Uniquely situated in Midtown Toronto on Eglinton Avenue West between Bathurst St and Allen Road, Upper 

Village BIA is adjacent to one of the City’s most beautiful neighbourhoods – Forest Hill. The Upper Village 

BIA is a vibrant shopping district with lovely street furnishings and flowers, easy to reach by car or transit, 

it has ample parking and is a pleasure to browse and shop in with a taste-tempting variety of quality 

restaurants to suit every budget, high-end shops, galleries and other enticements to delight visitors. 

41


Uptown Yonge 

Mr. Lee Romberg – Chair – (416) 489-4248 

Created in 2005, the Uptown Yonge BIA is a popular main street shopping and dining destination. 

Located in the heart of the City’s historic North Toronto neighbourhood, along Yonge Street from 

Roehampton in the South to Glengrove Avenue in the North. Uptown Yonge is an eclectic mix of fine dining 

and local pubs, specialty foods and kitchen wares, international retailers and local designers, and 

necessities for the sports enthusiast. Conveniently accessible from downtown and out-of-town, Uptown 

Yonge has something for everyone. 

Village of Islington 

Ms. Linda Pederson – Coordinator – (416) 767-7985 

The Village of Islington BIA is located on Dundas Street between Islington and Kipling. The 200 shops, 

restaurants and services have joined forces to create a beautiful and prosperous community. Old 

Islington is a special, tree-lined place with colourful plantings, wide brick-bordered sidewalks and 

beautiful murals. In September of 2003, the BIA was extended west to Kipling. Today, the area is home to 

a myriad of interesting and ethnically diverse restaurants, shops and services. It is the people who make 

the community. Residents and business owners alike give the neighbourhood its character, flavour and 

feeling. In Islington you can find a friend, create connections and, most importantly, feel at home. 

Take a walk; have a look. Rediscover the Village at your Doorstep. 

www.villageofislington.com 

West Queen West 

Ms. Mara Samardzic – Coordinator – (416) 820-2727 

Established in 2005, West Queen West is an eclectic retail area specializing in fashion, design and style. 

It houses a variety of boutiques, interior design shops, antique and vintage stores, a selection of 

distinctive and enticing restaurants, and is home to the largest concentration of galleries in the city. 

Located on Queen Street West, between Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue, the area has over 400 

businesses. With restoration of major landmarks like the Drake Hotel and Gladstone Hotel, West Queen 

West is currently experiencing an infusion of new activity and investment, creating one of the most 

vibrant commercial areas in the City. 

Weston Village 

Ms. Laura Alderson – Coordinator – (416) 249-0691 

The Weston Village BIA was incorporated in 1979 and is one of the oldest BIA’s in the City of Toronto. We 

have 164 member businesses, including restaurants, retailers and professional offices. The Weston 

Village BIA typically runs three major community events during the calendar season including the Weston 

Farmers’ Market Opening, held on the first Saturday in June; “Art in the Park” held in August in Little 

Avenue Memorial Park; and the Weston Santa Claus Parade held traditionally on the last Sunday in 

November. Members of the BIA work with other community groups to promote the history of the 

community. Recently the BIA changed its formal name to the Weston Village BIA to reflect the history of 

the community and to coincide with the 125th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Village in 1881. 

www.westonbia.com 

42


Wexford Heights 

Ms. Linda Raeside – Coordinator – (416) 288-1718 

Situated along Lawrence Avenue East between Birchmount Road and Victoria Park Avenue the Wexford 

Heights BIA offers the community a vast array of goods and services to choose from. Along with a good mix 

of retail shops, professional offices and service establishments, it also boasts a concentration of 

distinctive bakeries, restaurants and fast-food establishments, many with an exciting Middle-eastern flair. 

The Wexford Heights BIA plays host to the Annual Taste of Lawrence Festival which takes place in early 

July. Enjoy three exciting days of great food, entertainment and guaranteed fun for the whole family. The 

festival features live-stage performances with a multi-cultural twist, kids’ activities include face-painting, 

craft tables, inflatables, amusement rides just to name a few. For a nominal fee, patrons can sample 

many of the mouth-watering tastes offered up by the local restaurants. We also offer a beer and wine 

garden for those simply wanting to sit back and relax and take in the sights and sounds of the festival. 

Wychwood Heights 

Mr. Tony Bassels – Chair – (416) 652-1040 

Wychwood Heights BIA is truly the heart of multiculturalism and the arts. Nestled in the greater 

Wychwood area, which is steeped in a history rich in arts and culture, it sits in an enclave surrounded by 

Cedarvale Ravine, Casa Loma, The Toll Keepers Cottage and the ground breaking Wychwood Barns - a 

complex of live-work art space. The Wychwood Heights BIA runs along St. Clair Ave. West between 

Bathurst to the east and Christie /Humewood to the west. This business area offers an eclectic mix of 

artisans, shops and restaurants and boasts of historical residents such as Ernest Hemmingway. The 

ArtWalk festival takes place each year on the last weekend of September. We invite you to visit Wychwood 

Heights BIA the heart of multiculturalism and the arts - where no two stores are alike. 

Yonge Lawrence Village 

Mr. Rick O’Connor – Coordinator – (416) 657-4313 

Welcome to Yonge Lawrence Village - a collection of quality businesses and unique, owner-operated 

shops and services in the heart of North Toronto, with that “Small Town Feel, Big City Appeal.” 

The Village boasts fashion shops and some of the City’s finest restaurants, as profiled in Toronto Life 

Fashion and Restaurant Guides. Wonderful markets, grocers, coffee and specialty shops beckon with 

sights, sounds and aromas. Classic and eclectic shops brim with treasures for the home, gift giving and 

entertaining. Children’s stores offer quality shoes, clothing and magical items to surprise and delight. 

Efficiency and courtesy abound in Village stationery, business service stores, professional offices and 

excellent hair and beauty salons. As our motto suggests, with friendly service and big city offerings, Yonge 

Lawrence Village proudly offers something for everyone! 

www.yongelawrencevillage-bia.com 

York Eglinton 

Ms. Ritta Roach – Coordinator – (416) 789-1835 

Established in 1981, the York-Eglinton BIA is located along Eglinton Avenue West between Winona Drive 

and Chamberlain Avenue. Often referred to as the commercial backbone of the City, we are situated 

centrally in the City with convenient transit services and access to Highway 401 from the W. R. Allen 

expressway. The commercial strip is an international mix of shops and services catering to the city’s 

diverse heritage. Here you will find what you need for any occasion. Our International Market provides the 

one stop shopping for all your needs, so come down and experience what York Eglinton BIA has to offer. 

www.yorkbia.com 

43

TEMPORARY SIGNS BY-LAW No. 698-2005 

As of October 1, 2005, the City of Toronto A-frame bylaw requires permits for the following types of signs: 

• A-frame and other portable signs 

• mobile signs 

• ground-mounted signs 

• new development signs 

The following do not require permits, but the new bylaw does regulate their location, timing and duration 

of posting: 

• real estate and open-house signs 

• garage sale signs 

• temporary signs for community organizations, religious institutions, charities and schools 

To apply for a temporary sign permit you will need: 

(a) The name and address of the owner of the temporary sign; 

(b) The name and address of the owner or business applying for the permit; 

(c) The municipal address of the premise upon which the sign is to be located; 

(e) A site plan or survey, identifying the location of the temporary sign on the premise; 

(f) The commencement and termination dates for the placement of the temporary sign; 

(g) A contact name and number for the individual responsible for the temporary sign and written 

authorization from the property owner or management company to permit the applicant to have the 

temporary sign located and placed on the premise; 

(h) The completed application – including a letter of support from your BIA; and 

(i) The permit fee for the temporary sign. 

Applications for Permits can be obtained from your district office (see pg 48) 

POSTERING BY-LAW 

A draft Sign By-law concerning posters on public property, including signs on utility poles and kiosks, 

has been proposed by City Council. 

The proposed By-law seeks to: 

(a) provide businesses and residents with an opportunity to communicate through postering; 

(b) minimize aesthetic blight and visual clutter; 

(c) avoid littering; 

(d) ease the repair and maintenance of public property including utility poles; 

(e) improve safety for motorists and pedestrians; and 

(f) facilitate an active enforcement programme. 

Since the underlying premise of the Sign By-law is the installation of kiosks, Council has directed that 

enactment and enforcement be tied to the new kiosks that have been requested as part of the Street 

Furniture Program RFP. As such, the bill to enact the by-law has not yet been introduced nor adopted. 

In fact the bill for the proposed Sign By-law will not be introduced to Council until all of the kiosks have 

been installed. 

The deadline for the Request for Proposal (RFP) related to the street furniture programme is January 10, 2007, 

the prototypes are not expected until late 2007, with actual kiosks likely to be installed some time in 2008. 

In the meantime you have every right, at your own cost, to remove any signs or posters from your poles. 

44

GRAFFITI ABATEMENT PROGRAM 

The Program 

The Graffiti Abatement Program focuses on coordinating actions of community groups and public 

agencies to prevent the spread of graffiti vandalism through enforcement, public education/awareness, 

and promotion of City-sponsored mural programs. 

New Graffiti Bylaw 

The City of Toronto has introduced a new Graffiti Bylaw (Municipal Code, Chapter 485) to guide City staff 

in preventing and enforcing the removal of graffiti effectively and immediately. Graffiti is defined in the 

new Graffiti Bylaw as: 

“One or more letters, symbols, figures, etching, scratches, inscriptions, stains, or other markings that 

disfigure or deface a structure or thing, howsoever made or otherwise affixed on the structure or thing, 

but, for greater certainty, does not include an art mural”. 

Coordinated Enforcement Plan 

The Graffiti Abatement Program has launched a determined, aggressive and integrated enforcement plan 

to effectively wipe out graffiti. This often entails coordinating the actions of municipal departments, 

agencies, boards and commissions along with the community at large. 

• City staff will remove graffiti on city owned buildings, overpasses, bridges, and public parks. Staff will 

try to quickly remove any hate or gang-related graffiti within a 24-hour period and all other graffiti 

within a 72-hour period to prevent further proliferation. 

• Using a coordinated abatement approach, the Clean City team is conducting large-scale graffiti 

clean-up campaigns in certain areas across the City of Toronto. These areas have been identified as 

those most visible to the public and are persistently experiencing problems of littering and dumping of 

refuse, graffiti, postering, long grass and weeds, vending, A-frames, and outdoor displays and 

marketing on private and public property. 

• Municipal Licensing and Standards Division staff routinely enforce municipal codes and bylaws 

associated with the upkeep of various property standards. They will respond to complaints of graffiti 

infractions by directing the area inspector to visit the subject property and take appropriate action on 

these violations. You may place your complaints about graffiti in your neighbourhood with the Graffiti 

Abatement Program Staff at 416-39-CLEAN, or with the Municipal Licensing and Standards District 

Office in your area. 

• Toronto Police Services has also developed a Graffiti Eradication Program to combat graffiti, reduce 

crime, fear and disorder, and work toward urban beautification. City by-law officers will target graffitiprone 

areas in the city and where necessary, coordinate with Toronto Police Services to achieve 

successful enforcement. To report hate, gang-related, or graffiti vandalism, call Toronto Police 

Services at 416-808-2222. 

To report graffiti, call 416-39-CLEAN 

45

ADOPT A BIN 

Partnering with local businesses to clean up Toronto 

If your business or head office is situated close to a Eucan litter bin, and if maintaining a clean and 

attractive street front is important to your corporate image, the Adopt-a-Bin program will appeal to you. 

Here are some things to keep in mind 

• The Adopt-a-Bin program is for existing litter bins only. If there is a litter bin installed in front of your 

business, then this program is for you. All bins are serviced on a regular basis, but sometimes the 

bins get full before their regularly scheduled collection. The purpose of this program is to let the City 

know when a bin is actually overflowing. 

• If your bin is damaged, vandalized or opened accidentally, please call and report this. 

• If there is illegal dumping (garbage bags or other items) around your bin, you should call and report it. 

A by-law officer may have to visit the site. 

• Your litter bin is for public litter only. It is not for household garbage, commercial waste or recyclables. 

If you see someone abusing your litter bin, call and report it. City crews monitor the bin for signs of 

abuse, and, if warranted, may call in a by-law officer to investigate. 

How the program works 

• If you’re a business owner or manager interested in adopting a bin, please call 39-CLEAN 

(416-392-5326) and ask to sign up for the Adopt-a-Bin program. A customer service agent will take 

down your information. 

• City of Toronto staff will follow up to enroll you in the program. 

• If your adopted bin needs attention, please call 39-CLEAN and tell a customer service representative 

that you are an Adopt-a-Bin participant, and that you’d like to request a pick-up. The City’s goal is to 

empty the bin within two hours of receiving the call. If your call is about vandalism, damage to the 

bin, or an illegal dumping situation, then it will take longer to fill these requests. 

• In the instance of illegal dumping, a by-law officer must first be notified, schedule a visit to the area 

and investigate to determine, if possible, the origins of the garbage. Charges may then be laid. It’s at 

this point, that the garbage is removed. 

• If the call is about a damaged bin or vandalism (i.e. graffiti), time is required to notify the company 

who owns the bins (Eucan), who will make arrangements to correct the situation. 

Additional information can be found at: www.toronto.ca/litter/adopt.htm 

46

MAKING A DEPUTATION TO A COMMITTEE 

As a part of the city’s policy of open and accessible government, the City of Toronto encourages public 

participation in its decision making process. 

Participation includes the opportunity for interested parties to appear at meetings of the standing 

committees of Toronto City Council to speak on matters of concern. 

These committees meet every four weeks to review policy and operating matters under their jurisdiction, 

and their recommendations are then submitted to the council for consideration. 

Well before the committee meets, contact the committee secretary in the Clerk’s Office who is 

responsible for the committee you want to appear before. Tell the committee secretary that you want to 

make a deputation on a particular issue on the agenda. 

These points will help you make your deputation. 

• Deputations are usually heard at the beginning of committee meetings. 

• Committees may decide to hear deputations at specific times during their meetings. 

• Each deputation is limited to five minutes to give as many people as possible the opportunity to 

speak. 

• Members of the committee may ask you questions. 

• A written submission may be given to the committee secretary when you make your deputation, but it 

not necessary. Written comments may also be given or sent without speaking to the committee. 

• If an organization wishes to address a committee, one person should be chosen to represent the group. 

• Translation services are available and can be arranged in advance. 

• We will let you know when council makes a decision on the issue. 

As a citizen, you have the right to express your opinions to your elected representatives. Your ideas could 

make a difference when council discusses an important issue. 

We encourage you to participate! 

City Clerk’s Office general inquiries: 

(416) 392-8016 Fax: (416) 392-2980 clerk@toronto.ca 

For a full listing of Committee secretaries please go to: 

www.toronto.ca/committees/committee_contacts.htm 

Include your name, residential or business mailing address and your e-mail address so they can get in 

touch with you. 

This information is subject to change. For additional information, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 

(416) 392-8016. 

47

WHO DOES WHAT AT THE CITY 

PERMITS Banners, Sidewalk Sales, Festivals, Street Closures and Installation of the Hanging 

Flower Baskets: Works and Emergency Services, Transportation Services 

TORONTO & EAST YORK ETOBICOKE & YORK NORTH YORK SCARBOROUGH 

DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT 

To be determined Don Pardoe Bob Taylor Eric Jensen 

Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor 

Tel: (416) 392-0839 Tel: (416) 394-8422 Tel: (416) 395-7112 Tel: (416) 392-7564 

Fax: (416) 392-7465 Fax: (416) 394-8942 Fax: (416) 395-7482 Fax: (416) 392-1911 

dwpardoe@toronto.ca btaylor@toronto.ca ejensen@toronto.ca 

RIGHT OF WAY MANAGEMENT 

SOUTH DISTRICT Wards : 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 

Angie Antoniou – Manager 416-392-1525 

Ken McGuire - Supervisor of Construction Activities 416-392-7894 

Eric Jensen - Supervisor of Permit Parking 416-392-1801 

Kyp Perikleous - Supervisor of Off-Street Parking 416-392-7564 

To be determined - Supervisor of Street Events 416-392-0839 

Elio Capizzano – Supervisor of Permits Administration 416-392-7878 

WEST DISTRICT Wards: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 

Allan Smithies – Manager 416-394-8412 

Don Pardoe – Supervisor 416-394-8422 

NORTH DISTRICT Wards: 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34 

Pascoal D’Souza – Manager 416-395-7458 

Bob Taylor – Supervisor 416-395-7112 

EAST DISTRICT Wards: 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 

Peter Noehammer – Manager 416-396-5670 

Keeva Lane – Supervisor 416-396-4245 

BIA BUDGETS 

May Chong 

Financial Analyst, Finance 

Tel: (416) 397-4473; Fax (416) 397-4465 

mchong1@toronto.ca 

BIA FIVE YEAR CAPITAL 

PLANNING 

Colin Booth 

Co-ordinator 

Works and Emergency Services, 

Transportation Services, 

Tel: (416) 392-9586; Fax: (416) 392-4808 

cbooth@toronto.ca 

FESTIVAL PLANNING 

Harold Mah 

Event Support Manager 

Economic Development Culture & Tourism 

Tel: (416) 395-7326; Fax: (416) 395-0278 

hmah@toronto.ca 

BIA INSURANCE 

Theresa Lomoro 

Risk Management Analyst, Finance 

Tel: (416) 392-7059; Fax: (416) 397-4555 

Email: tlomoro@toronto.ca 

48

WHO DOES WHAT AT THE CITY 

BIA TAX RATES, LEVIES 

AND APPEAL PROVISIONS 

David Condo 

Financial Analyst 

Revenue Services, Revenue Accounting 

& Collections 

Tel: (416) 395-0127; Fax: (416) 696-3605 

Email: dkondo@toronto.ca 

BIA LEVY REMITTANCES 

John Longarini 

Supervisor, Refunds 

Revenue Services, Revenue Accounting 

and Collections 

Tel: (416) 395-1226; Fax: (416) 696-4131 

Email: jlongar@toronto.ca 

G.S.T INQUIRIES 

Alex So 

Community Tax Accountant, Finance 

Accounting Services 

Tel: (416) 392-6821; Fax: (416) 392-8004 

Email: aso@toronto.ca 

TORONTO FILM 

& TELEVISION OFFICE 

Rhonda Silverstone 

Manager, Film & TV Office 

Economic Development Culture & Tourism 

Tel: (416) 392-7570; Fax: (416) 392-0675 

Email: rsilvers@toronto.ca 

TREE PRUNING 

Call Centre No.: 416-338-TREE(8733) 

CAST IRON GAS PIPE 

REPLACEMENT 

Byron Madrid 

Manager Accelerated Mains Replacement & 

Construction, Toronto Region 

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. 

Tel: (416) 293-8533 ext. 269 

Fax: (416) 426-4640; 

byron.madrid@enbridge.com 

EUCAN/OMG 

LITTER CONTAINERS 

DISTRICT #1 AND DISTRICT #2 

City of Toronto, East York, York, Etobicoke 

Mike Perikleous 

Co-ordinator Contracted Services 

Tel: (416) 392-7723; Fax: (416) 392-0396 

mperikle@toronto.ca 

DISTRICT #3 AND DISTRICT #4 

North York & Scarborough 

Frank Canestraro 

Manager 

Tel: (416) 395-6332; Fax: (416) 395-6319 

fcanestr@toronto.ca 

COMMERCIAL GARBAGE 

COLLECTION PROGRAM 

Paul Walker 

Co-ordinator, Data Management 

Works & Emergency Services, Solid Waste Mgmt 

Tel: (416) 392-0118; Fax: (416) 392-4754 

pwalker@toronto.ca 

YELLOW BAG 

PROGRAM 

Starting September 3, 2002, 

commercial customers eligible 

for City garbage collection in 

Toronto began placing garbage in special yellow 

bags for pick-up. The bags, available at all Home 

Hardware stores across Toronto, cost $3.10 each, 

covering the cost of collection and disposal of 

garbage. Customers that were using carts or bulk 

bins instead of bags for garbage pre-pay a fee for 

collection. Businesses can reduce their costs by 

separating recyclable materials and organics, both 

of which are collected by the City at no charge. 

Contact information 

City of Toronto, Works and Emergency 

Solid Waste Management Services Division 

For registration: (416) 338-3400 

Customer Service: (416) 338-2010 

49

CITY COUNCILLORS 

David Miller – City of Toronto Mayor 

Tel: (416) 397-2489; Fax: (416) 338-7115 

mayor_miller@toronto.ca 

Paul Ainslie (Ward 43) 

Tel: (416) 392-4008; Fax: (416) 392-4006 

councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

Brian Ashton (Ward 36) 

Tel: (416) 392-4052; Fax: (416) 696-3658 

councillor_ashton@toronto.ca 

Maria Augimeri (Ward 9) 

Tel: (416) 392-4021; Fax: (416) 392-7109 

councillor_augimeri@toronto.ca 

Sandra Bussin (Ward 32) 

Tel: (416) 392-1376; Fax: (416) 392-7444 

councillor_bussin@toronto.ca 

Shelley Carroll (Ward 33) 

Tel: (416) 392-4038; Fax: (416) 392-4101 

councillor_carroll@toronto.ca 

Raymond Cho (Ward 42) 

Tel: (416) 392-4076; Fax: (416) 696-4159 

councillor_cho@toronto.ca 

Janet Davis (Ward 31) 

Tel: (416) 392-4035; Fax: (416) 397-9289 

councillor_davis@toronto.ca 

Glenn De Baeremaeker (Ward 38) 

Tel: (416) 392-0204; Fax: (416) 392-7428 

councillor_debaeremaeker@toronto.ca 

Mike Del Grande (Ward 39) 

Tel: (416) 392-1374; Fax: (416) 392-7431 

councillor_delgrande@toronto.ca 

Frank Di Giorgio (Ward 12) 

Tel: (416) 395-6437; Fax: (416) 392-1675 

councillor_digiorgio@toronto.ca 

Mike Feldman (Ward 10) 

Tel: (416) 392-1371; Fax: (416) 392-7299 

councillor_feldman@toronto.ca 

John Filion (Ward 23) 

Tel: (416) 392-0210; Fax: (416) 392-7388 

councillor_filion@toronto.ca 

Paula Fletcher (Ward 30) 

Tel: (416) 392-4060; Fax: (416) 397-5200 

councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca 

50 

Rob Ford (Ward 2) 

Tel: (416) 397-9255; Fax: (416) 397-9238 

councillor_ford@toronto.ca 

Adam Giambrone (Ward 18) 

Tel: (416) 392-7012; Fax: (416) 392-7957 

councillor_giambrone@toronto.ca 

Mark Grimes (Ward 6) 

Tel: (416) 397-9273; Fax: (416) 3979279 

councillor_grimes@toronto.ca 

Suzan Hall (Ward 1) 

Tel: (416) 392-0205; Fax: (416) 392-4120 

councillor_hall@toronto.ca 

Adrian Heaps (Ward 35) 

Tel: (416) 392-0213; Fax: (416) 392-7394 

councillor_heaps@toronto.ca 

Douglas Holyday (Ward 3) 

Tel: (416) 392-4002; Fax: (416) 392-4121 

councillor_holyday@toronto.ca 

Clifford Jenkins (Ward 25) 

Tel: (416) 395-6408; Fax: (416) 395-6439 

councillor_jenkins@toronto.ca 

Norman Kelly (Ward 40) 

Tel: (416) 392-4047; Fax: (416) 696-4172 

councillor_kelly@toronto.ca 

Chin Lee (Ward 41) 

Tel: (416) 3921375; Fax: (416) 3921050 

councillor_lee@toronto.ca 

Gloria Lindsay Luby (Ward 4) 

Tel: (416) 392-1369; Fax: (416) 696-4138 

councillor_lindsay_luby@toronto.ca 

Giorgio Mammoliti (Ward 7) 

Tel: (416) 395-6401; Fax: (416) 696-4218 

councillor_mammoliti@toronto.ca 

Pam McConnell (Ward 28) 

Tel: (416) 392-7916; Fax: (416) 392-7296 

councillor_mcconnell@toronto.ca 

Joe Mihevc (Ward 21) 

Tel: (416) 392-0208; Fax: (416) 392-7466 

councillor_mihevc@toronto.ca

CITY COUNCILLORS 

Peter Milczyn (Ward 5) 

Tel: (416) 392-4040; Fax: (416) 392-4127 

councillor_milczyn@toronto.ca 

Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34) 

Tel: (416) 397-9256; Fax: (416) 397-4100 

councillor_minnan_-wong@toronto.ca 

Ron Moeser (Ward 44) 

Tel: (416) 392-1373; Fax: (416) 392-7429 

councillor_moeser@toronto.ca 

Howard Moscoe (Ward 15) 

Tel: (416) 392-4027; Fax: (416) 392-4191 

councillor_moscoe@toronto.ca 

Frances Nunziata (Ward 11) 

Tel: (416) 392-4091; Fax: (416) 392-4118 

councillor_nunziata@toronto.ca 

Case Ootes (Ward 29) 

Tel: (416) 392-4032; Fax: (416) 392-4123 

councillor_ootes@toronto.ca 

Cesar Palacio (Ward 17) 

Tel: (416) 392-7011; Fax: (416) 392-0212 

councillor_palacio@toronto.ca 

Joe Pantalone Deputy Mayor (Ward 19) 

Tel: (416) 392-4009; Fax: (416) 392-4100 

councillor_pantalone@toronto.ca 

John Parker (Ward 26) 

Tel: (416) 392-0215; Fax: (416) 392-7427 

councillor_parker@toronto.ca 

Gord Perks (Ward 14) 

Tel: (416) 392-7919; Fax: (416) 392-0398 

councillor_perks@toronto.ca 

Anthony Perruzza (Ward 8) 

Tel: (416) 392-0201; Fax: (416) 696-4144 

councillor_perruzza@toronto.ca 

Kyle Rae (Ward 27) 

Tel: (416) 392-7903; Fax: (416) 696-4300 

councillor_rae@toronto.ca 

Bill Saundercook (Ward 13) 

Tel: (416) 392-4072; Fax: (416) 696-3667 

councillor_saundercook@toronto.ca 

David Shiner (Ward 24) 

Tel: (416) 395-6413; Fax: (416) 397-9290 

councillor_shiner@toronto.ca 

Karen Stintz (Ward 16) 

Tel: (416) 392-4090; Fax: (416) 392-4129 

councillor_stintz@toronto.ca 

Michael Thompson (Ward 37) 

Tel: (416) 397-9274; Fax: (416) 397-9280 

councillor_thompson@toronto.ca 

Adam Vaughan (Ward 20) 

Tel: (416) 392-4044; Fax: (416) 392-4130 

councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca 

Michael Walker (Ward 22) 

Tel: (416) 392-7906; Fax: (416) 392-0124 

councillor_walker@toronto.ca 

Toronto Wards 

map courtesy of www.toronto.ca 

* Mailing addresses for the Toronto Councillors can be downloaded directly from 

www.city.toronto.on.ca/council/councillors.htm 

51

MEMBERS OF PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT 

Michael Prue 

Beaches—East York 

1821 Danforth Ave 

Toronto, ON M4C 1J2 

Tel: (416) 690-1032; Fax: (416) 690-8420 

mprue-co@ndp.on.ca 

Tony Ruprecht 

Davenport 

1359 Davenport Rd 

Toronto, ON M6H 2H5 

Tel: (416) 535-3158; Fax: (416) 325-9961 

truprecht.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Hon. David Caplan 

Don Valley East 

Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal 

2062 Sheppard Ave E 

Toronto, ON M2J 5B3 

Tel: (416) 494-6856; Fax: (416) 494-9937 

dcaplan.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Kathleen O. Wynne 

Don Valley West 

146 Laird Dr, Suite 101 

Toronto, ON M4G 3V7 

Tel: (416) 425-6777; Fax: (416) 425-0350 

kwynne.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Hon. Mike Colle 

Eglinton—Lawrence 

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration 

2882 Dufferin St 

Toronto, ON M6B 3S6 

Tel: (416) 781-2395; Fax: (416) 781-4116 

mcolle.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Hon. Donna Cansfield 

Etobicoke Centre 

Minister of Energy 

4800 Dundas St W 

Toronto, ON M9A 1B1 

Tel: (416) 234-2800; Fax: (416) 234-2276 

dcansfield.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Shafiq Qaadri 

Etobicoke North 

823 Albion Rd. 

Rexdale, ON M9V 1A3 

Tel: (416) 745-2859; Fax: (416) 745-4601 

sqaadri.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

52 

Hon. Laurel Broten 

Etobicoke—Lakeshore 

Minister of the Environment 

2731 Lake Shore Blvd W 

Etobicoke, ON M8V 1G9 

Tel: (416) 259-2249; Fax: (416) 259-3704 

lbroten.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Cheri DiNovo 

Parkdale—High Park 


Toronto, ON M6P 2A1 

Tel: (416) 763-5630; Fax: (416) 763-5640 

dinovoc-co@ndp.on.ca 

Brad Duguid 

Scarborough Centre 

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 

204 - 1450 Midland Ave 

Scarborough, ON M1P 4Z8 

Tel: (416) 615-2183; Fax: (416) 615-2011 

bduguid.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Hon. Mary Anne V. Chambers 

Scarborough East 

Minister of Children and Youth Services 

20 - 4630 Kingston Rd 

Toronto, ON M1E 4Z4 

Tel: (416) 281-2787; Fax: (416) 281-2360 

machambers.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Lorenzo Berardinetti 

Scarborough Southwest 

3047 Kingston Rd 

Scarborough, ON M1M 1P1 

Tel: (416) 261-9525; Fax: (416) 261-0381 

lberardinetti.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Hon. Gerry Phillips 

Scarborough—Agincourt 

Minister of Government Services 

204 - 4002 Sheppard Ave E 

Scarborough, ON M1S 4R5 

Tel: (416) 297-6568; Fax: (416) 297-4962 

gphillips.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Bas Balkissoon 

Scarborough—Rouge River 

Queen’s Park 

Rm 328, Main Legislative Building 

Toronto, ON M7A 1A4 

Tel: (416) 325-7111; Fax: (416) 325-7120

MEMBERS OF PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT 

Hon. Michael Bryant 

St. Paul’s 

Attorney General 

803 St. Clair Ave W 

Toronto, ON M6C 1B9 

Tel: (416) 656-0943; Fax: (416) 656-0875 

mbryant.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Hon. George Smitherman 

Toronto Centre—Rosedale 

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care 

120 Carlton St. Suite 413 

Toronto, ON M5A 4K2 

Tel: (416) 972-7683; Fax: (416) 972-7686 

gsmitherman.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Peter Tabuns 

Toronto—Danforth 

288 Danforth Avenue 

Toronto, ON M4K 1N6 

Tel: (416) 461-0223; Fax: (416) 461-9542 

info@petertabunsndp.ca 

Rosario Marchese 

Trinity—Spadina 


Toronto, ON M6J 1V5 

Tel: (416) 603-9664; Fax: (416) 603-1241 

rmarchese-co@ndp.on.ca 

David Zimmer 

Willowdale 

Ministry of the Attorney General 

Newtonbrook Plaza 

3 - 5801 Yonge St 

North York, ON M2M 3T9 

Tel: (416) 733-7878; Fax: (416) 733-7709 

dzimmer.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Hon. Monte Kwinter 

York Centre 

Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services 

539 Wilson Heights Blvd 

Downsview, ON M3H 2V7 

Tel: (416) 630-0080; Fax: (416) 630-8828 

mkwinter.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 

Paul Ferreira 

York South—Weston 

Tel: 

Fax: 

paul@paulferreira.ca 

Mario Sergio 

York West 

38 - 2300 Finch Ave W 

North York, ON M9M 2Y3 

Tel: (416) 743-7272; Fax: (416) 743-3292 

msergio.mpp@liberal.ola.org 

Picture courtesy of www.aviewoncities.com 

53

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 

Hon. Maria Minna 

Beaches—East York 


Toronto, ON M4C 1J4 

Tel: (613) 992-2115; Fax: (613) 996-7942 

Minna.M@parl.gc.ca 

Mario Silva 

Davenport 

1674 St-Clair Avenue West 

Toronto, ON M6N 1H8 

Tel: (416) 654-8048; Fax: (416) 654-5083 

Silva.M@parl.gc.ca 

Yasmin Ratansi 

Don Valley East 

220 Duncan Mills Road Suite 211 

Toronto, ON M3B 3J5 

Tel: (613) 995-4988; Fax: (613) 995-1686 

Ratansi.Y@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. John Godfrey 

Don Valley West 

146 Laird Dr Suite 203 

Toronto, ON M4G 3V7 

Tel: (613) 992-2855; Fax: (613) 995-1635 

Godfrey.J@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Joe Volpe 

Eglinton Lawrence 

511 Lawrence Avenue West 

Toronto, ON M6A 1A3 

Tel: (416) 781-5583 

Fax: (416) 781-5586 

Volpe.J@parl.gc.ca 

Borys Wrzesnewskyj 

Etobicoke Centre 

140 Larose Avenue Unit 14 

Etobicoke, ON M9P 3B2 

Tel: (613) 947-5000; Fax: (613) 947-4276 

Wrzesnewskyj.B@parl.gc.ca 

Michael Ignatieff 

Etobicoke—Lakeshore 

656 The Queensway 

Toronto, ON M8Y 1K7 

Tel: (416) 251 - 5510; Fax: (416) 251-2845 

Ignatieff.M@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Roy Cullen 

Etobicoke North 

815 Albion Rd 

Etobicoke, ON M9V 1A3 

Tel: (613) 995-4702; Fax: (613) 995-8359 

Cullen.R@parl.gc.ca 

Peggy Nash 

Parkdale—High Park 

TBD 

Toronto, ON 

Tel: (416) 769-5072; Fax: 

Nash.P@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Dan McTeague 

Pickering—Scarborough East 

6758 Kingston Road Unit 3 

Toronto, ON M1B 1G8 

Tel: (613) 995-8082; Fax: (613) 993-6587 

McTeague.D@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Jim Karygiannis 

Scarborough—Agincourt 

3850 Finch Ave East Suite 206 

Scarborough, ON M1T 3T6 

Tel: (613) 992-4501; Fax: (613) 995-1612 

Karygiannis.J@parl.gc.ca 

John Cannis 

Scarborough Centre 

1450 Midland Ave Suite 211 

Scarborough, ON M1P 4Z8 

Tel: (613) 992-6823; Fax: (613) 943-1045 

Cannis.J@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. John McKay 

Scarborough—Guildwood 

4630 Kingston Rd Unit 12 

Scarborough, ON M1E 4Z4 

Tel: (613) 992-1447; Fax: (613) 992-8968 

McKay.J@parl.gc.ca 

Derek Lee 

Scarborough—Rouge River 

4800 Sheppard Ave Suite 119 

Scarborough, ON M1S 4N5 

Tel: (613) 996-9681; Fax: (613) 996-6643 

Lee.D@parl.gc.ca 

54

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 

Tom Wappel 

Scarborough Southwest 

462 Birchmount Rd Unit 1B 

Scarborough, ON M1K 1N8 

Tel: (613) 995-0284; Fax: (613) 996-6309 

Wappel.T@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett 

St. Pauls 

1650 Yonge Street, Suite 103 

Toronto, ON M4T 2A2 

Tel: (416) 952-3990; Fax: (416) 952-3995 

Bennett.C@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Bill Graham 

Toronto Centre 

365 Bloor St East Suite 1805 

Toronto, ON M4W 3L4 

Tel: (613) 992-5234; Fax: (613) 996-9607 

Graham.B@parl.gc.ca 

Jack Layton 

Toronto—Danforth 


Toronto, ON M4J 1N4 

Tel: (613) 995-7224; Fax: (613) 995-4565 

Layton.J@parl.gc.ca 

Olivia Chow 

Trinity—Spadina 

144 Agusta Ave 

Toronto, ON M5T 2L5 

Tel: (416) 533-2710; Fax: (416) 533-2236 

Chow.O@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Jim Peterson 

Willowdale 

5799 Yonge St Suite 806 

Willowdale, ON M2M 3V3 

Tel: (613) 992-4964; Fax: (613) 992-1158 

Peterson.J@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Ken Dryden 

York Centre 

845 Wilson Avenue Suite 202 

Toronto, ON M3K 1E6 

Tel: (613) 941-6339; Fax: (613) 941-2421 

Dryden.K@parl.gc.ca 

Alan Tonks 

York South—Weston 

2534 Keele Street 

Toronto, ON M6L 2N8 

Tel: (613) 995-0777; Fax: (613) 992-2949 

Tonks.A@parl.gc.ca 

Hon. Judy Sgro 

York West 

2201 Finch Avenue West Suite 17 

North York, ON M9M 2Y9 

Tel: (613) 992-7774; Fax: (613) 947-8319 

Sgro.J@parl.gc.ca 

Picture courtesy of Library of Parliament 

55

POLICE DIVISIONS 

11 DIVISION 

209 Maverty Street 

Tel: (416) 808-1100 

12 DIVISION 

200 Trethewey Drive 

Tel: (416) 808-1200 

13 DIVISION 

1435 Eglinton Ave. W 

Tel: (416) 808-1300 

14 DIVISION 

150 Harrison Street 

Tel: (416) 808-1400 

22 DIVISION 

3699 Bloor St. W 

Tel: (416) 808-2200 

23 DIVISION 

2126 Kipling Ave 

Tel: (416) 808-2300 

31 DIVISION 

40 Norfinch Ave 

Tel: (416) 808-3100 

32 DIVISION 

30 Ellerslie Ave 

Tel: (416) 808-3200 

33 DIVISION 

55 Upjohn Road 

Tel: (416) 808-3300 

41 DIVISION 

2222 Eglinton Ave E 

Tel: (416) 808-4100 

42 DIVISION 

242 Milner Ave 

Tel: (416) 808-4200 

43 DIVISION 

4331 Lawrence Ave. E 

Tel: (416) 808-4300 

51 DIVISION 

30 Regent Street 

Tel: (416) 808-5100 

52 DIVISION 

255 Dundas St. W 

Tel: (416) 808-5200 

53 DIVISION 

75 Eglinton Ave W 

Tel: (416) 808-5300 

54 DIVISION 

41 Cranfield Rd 

Tel: (416) 808-5400 

55 DIVISION 

101 Coxwell Ave 

Tel: (416) 808-5500 

Map courtesy of www.torontopolice.on.ca 

56

CITY OF TORONTO COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP & 

INVESTMENT PROGRAMS 

PROGRAM NAME 

Access, Equity and Human Rights – Community 

Partnership and Investment Program 

www.toronto.ca/diversity 

The objectives of this program include: 

- Achieving a positive race relations and human rights climate in 

Toronto; 

- Maintaining a strong community infrastructure to address racism 

and to act as advocates and to promote civic participation by 

groups working towards the elimination of barriers faced by human 

rights protected groups and to focus on human rights issues relating 

to women and gender, literacy, disability, sexual orientation, and 

Aboriginal affairs; 

- To carry out public awareness and anti-racist education campaigns 

which respect and value Toronto’s diverse communities and which 

target the elimination of hate activity. 

AIDS Prevention Investment Program 

www.toronto.ca/health 

Supports targeted, time-limited projects to influence behaviours and 

situations that put people at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS thereby 

reducing HIV transmission 

Arts and Culture-Toronto Arts Council 

www.torontoartscouncil.org 

Toronto Arts Council supports the development, accessibility and 

excellence of the arts in Toronto through programs that fund non-profit 

organizations and collectives and professional artists. These 

programs invest in a broad range of activities from individual creation 

and small projects to some of Canada’s largest and most renowned 

arts institutions. 

Program Areas: 

- Community Arts - Music - Dance 

- Theatre - Literary - Visual 

- Media Arts 

CONTACT PERSON 

Consultants: 

Augusto Mathias 

(416) 392-1087 

amathias@toronto.ca 

Linda Koehler 

(416) 397-0929 

lkoehler@toronto.ca 

Administration: 

Colleen Larkin 

(416) 392-8936 

Clarkin1@toronto.ca 

Manager: 

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh 

cramkhal@toronto.ca 

Tony Caines 

(416) 338-0916 

tcaines@toronto.ca 

Louise Carberry 

(416) 338-0917 

lcarberr@toronto.ca 

Sara Malabar 

(416) 392-6802 x 205 

sara@torontoartscouncil.org 

- Community Arts 

- Dance 

- Literary 

Norma Carcia 

(416) 392-6802 x 222 

norma@torontoartscouncil.org 

- Music - Visual 

- Theatre - Media Arts 

Commercial Research Program 

Helps Business Improvement Areas and business associations to 

retain the services of professional consultants for eligible projects 

such as comprehensive streetscape development plans, strategic 

business plans and customer surveys. 

Karen Keskull 

(416) 392-1820 

kkeskul@toronto.ca 

57



PROGRAM NAME 

Community Festivals and Special Events 

Program (CFSE) 

Supports not-for-profit community-based and business organizations, 

including BIAs, staging small and medium scale festivals. Events 

must be accessible to the general public. Funding is available for a 

maximum of four years and on a declining scale. This program is 

intended to help festivals grow, while encouraging organizers to work 

towards self-sustainability for their festivals. 

Community Safety Investment Program (CSI) 

www.toronto.ca/grants/csi/index.htm 

Support projects that will prevent violence and increase safety for 

vulnerable communities. (formerly called Breaking the Cycle of 

Violence Program) 

Community Services Partnerships Program (CSP) 

www.toronto.ca/grants/csp/index.htm 

The CSP facilitates equitable access to services that improve social 

outcomes for vulnerable, marginalised and high risk communities, 

through ongoing funding of programs provided by community based 

organizations. (formerly called Community Services Grants Program). 

Culture Build Investment Program 

Support for not-for-profit cultural organizations to enhance the cultural 

experience for residents and visitors by bringing their cultural facilities 

in to a state of good repair including retrofit for access needs; health 

and safety; replacing aging equipment; major repairs, stabilizing of 

historic properties, etc. 

Drop-In Services Partnership program 

Assists people who are living outside or are otherwise homeless. 

These services also support permanent solutions by preventing people 

who are marginally housed from becoming homeless. Services funded 

promote access to a variety of supports including: meals, 

shower/laundry facilities, social programs as well as counseling, legal 

and medical services. 


Community Festivals: 

Fay Grange 

(416) 392-0439 

BIAs: 

Karen Keskull 

(416) 392-1820 

kkeskul@toronto.ca 

Sue Kaiser 

(416) 397-7302 

skaiser@toronto.ca 

Kin Wah Siu 

(416) 392-9207 

ksiu@toronto.ca 

Agency Review Officer 

(416) 392-9125 

Please call to contact the staff 

for your area. 

Lori Martin 

(416) 392-5225 

Sally Bryant 

(416) 379-4197 

Sbryant@toronto.ca 

58



PROGRAM NAME 

Drug Prevention Community Prevention 

www.toronto.ca/health/drug_grants/index.htm 

To build community capacity that will support local drug prevention 

and/or harm reduction initiatives. Funding is project-based, which 

are time limited to a maximum of one year. An option of multi-year 

assessment is available to previously funded groups (formerly called 

the Drug Prevention Grants Program) 

Economic Development Sector Initiatives 

Program (EDSIP) 

Provides seed money for initiation or expansion of projects expected to 

yield substantial long-term economic development benefits for the 

City, with a focus on the City’s strategic sectors. 

Food Security Investment Program (FSIP) 

www.toronto.ca/grants/fsip/index.htm 

Establish a stable food security sector by providing ongoing program 

funding and capacity-building support to high-need and under-served 

communities. 


Beth Baker 

(416) 338-7947 

bbaker@toronto.ca 

Herbert Co 

(416) 338-7946 

hco@toronto.ca 

Rob Berry 

(416) 392-3387 

rberry@toronto.ca 

Kamal Sangha 

(416) 392-8527 

ksangha@toronto.ca 

Graffiti Transformation 

www.toronto.ca/graffiti/graffiti_transformation.htm 

Addresses youth unemployment as well as neighbourhood 

beautification, improvement and revitalization issues. Youth are hired 

by local organizations to remove graffiti and resurface the walls with 

attractive murals. 

Housing Help Partnership Program 

Encompasses housing access, housing stabilization and eviction 

prevention activities, and provides funding for a range of programs, 

supports and activities targeted to people who are homeless or atrisk 

of homelessness. Programs, supports and activities include 

assistance to find affordable housing, support and assistance once 

housed in the community, and prevention activities to households at 

risk of eviction. 

Recreation Partnership and Investment Program 

Funding is provided to not-for-profit community organizations for the 

provision of a leisure or sports activity that responds effectively to the 

needs of residents and improves the quality of life in the City of Toronto. 

Larry King 

(416) 392-0622 

lking@toronto.ca 

Jan Bangle 

(416) 397-1779 

Jbangle@toronto.ca 

Fay Grange or 

Michael Ellison 

(416) 392-0439 

sdrecgrants@toronto.ca 

59



PROGRAM NAME 

Service Development Investment Program (SDIP) 

Increases the capacity of organizations in high needs, under-served 

communities to effectively respond to community needs. 

Street Outreach Partnership Program 

Supports services that help homeless individuals on the street access 

permanent solutions to end their state of homelessness. These 

permanent solutions include such things as housing, 

specialized/transitional shelter programs, long-term care, residential 

treatment centres, reunification with family and friends and other 

residential settings. To provide continuity of service, street outreach 

funds may also be used to provide follow-up supports on a limited 

basis with people who have transitioned into a more permanent 

solution. 

Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative 

(SCPI) 

Renewed until March 2007, this program will enhance the current 

homeless services system by addressing gaps in service that will 

address absolute homelessness. The funds will also respond to the 

needs of groups and areas within the city that are not adequately 

served, through capacity development and service delivery. 

Toronto Atmospheric Fund www.toronto.ca/taf 

Offers grant funding and loans for projects in the community which 

reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or improve air quality. Priority 

interests are a) renewable energy, b) energy conservation and 

efficiency and c) reducing the fossil fuel content of energy sources. 

Toronto Heritage Preservation Program 

www.toronto.ca/heritage-preservation/grants 

Provides matching grant funding for eligible restoration work to 

properties in the City of Toronto designated under Part IV or V of the 

Ontario Heritage Act. Applications are received once a year. 


Barbara Finlay 

(416) 392-0102 

bfinlay@toronto.ca 

Sharlene Cobain 

(416) 392-4432 

scobain@toronto.ca 

Trish Keachie 

(416) 397-4693 

tkeachi@toronto.ca 

Mary Pickering 

(416) 392-1217 

mpickering@tafund.org 

Sherry Pedersen 

(416) 338-1089 

speders@toronto.ca 

60

COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 

Background 

The Façade Improvement Program is administered by Economic Development and provides funding to 

private property owners to redesign, renovate or restore commercial or industrial building facades. 

Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, brick cleaning, restoration, wheelchair 

accessibility, doors, signage, windows, lighting and masonry. 

Funding Calculations 

Half of the cost of eligible improvements to commercial or industrial building facades is covered and will 

be based on the lowest contractor estimate submitted with the application. The minimum grant is 

$2,500 with a maximum of $10,000 for non-corner properties. A corner property is eligible for a 

maximum $12,500 in funding. 

Qualifications 

• You must be the property owner or have the permission of the property owner. 

• Your building must be located in an eligible Façade Improvement Program area (see 

www.toronto.ca/business/facade_improvement.htm). 

• You must not owe outstanding taxes to the City. 

• You must not start your improvement project before the grant application is approved. 

• You have not received the maximum façade improvement funding for your property in previous years. 

Review Committee 

Review Committees composed of local architects, business owners, historical experts and other 

community representatives, review all applications and make funding recommendations to the City. 

To receive an application form or for more information about façade improvement funding, 

please contact Michael Saunders (416) 392-1005. 

Subject to funding availability, application forms will be received until Friday June 29, 2007. 

61


Media contacts change on a regular basis, so we have tried to keep this list to main contact information. 

It is not exhaustive but should provide you with a good starting point for building your own media list. 

Please keep us informed of changes and additions that you feel would be of benefit to other BIAs so we 

can include them in future publications. 

NEWSPAPERS – DAILIES 

The Globe and Mail www.globeandmail.com 

Tel: (416) 585-5000; Fax: (416) 585-5085 

Newsroom@globeandmail.com 

Dose www.dose.ca/Toronto 

Tel: 1-866-533-3673; Fax: (416) 442-2158 

Press@dose.ca 

Metro Toronto www.metronews.ca 

Tel: (416) 486-4900; Fax: (416) 482-8097 

newsdesk@metronews.ca; scenedesk@metronews.ca 

The National Post www.canada.com/nationalpost 

Tel: (416) 383-2300; Fax: (416) 442-2209 

Online: form for press release - 

click on: about your event 

Toronto 24 Hours www.24hrs.ca 

Tel: (416) 350-6462; Fax: (416) 350-6524 

24news@tor.sunpub.com 

Toronto Sun www.torontosun.com 

Tel: (416) 947-2222; Fax: (416) 947-1664 

citydesk@tor.sunpub.com 

Toronto Star www.thestar.com 

Business 

Tel: (416) 869-4811; Fax: (416) 865-3630 

business@thestar.ca 

City assignment desk 

Tel: (416) 869-4301; Fax: (416) 869-4328 

city@thestar.ca 

City Hall Bureau 

Tel: (416) 869-4343; Fax: (416) 869-4592 

Entertainment/What’s On 

Tel: (416) 869-4471; Fax: (416) 869-4418 

entertain@thestar.ca 

Life/Fashion/Food 

Tel: (416) 869-4465; Fax: (416) 869-4410 

life@thestar.ca 

Starweek Magazine 

Tel: (416) 869-4936; Fax: (416) 869-4834 

starweek@thestar.ca 

Weekend 

Tel: (416) 869-4881; Fax: (416) 865-3593 

NEWSPAPERS – COMMUNITY 

Gleaner Papers - Village, Liberty, Annex 

Tel: (416) 504-6987; Fax: (416) 504-8792 

editor@gleaner.on.ca 

Guardian newspapers www.insidetoronto.com 

Online form at: 

www.insidetoronto.ca/to/customer_service/press_release/ 

Etobicoke, Villager, Annex Guardian 

Fax: (416) 675-9296 

307 Humberline Dr., Etobicoke, ON M9W 5V1 

news@insidetoronto.com 

East York-Riverdale, Beach-Riverdale, 

Scarborough, North York Mirrors; 

City Centre Moment; 

York Guardian; Bloor-West Junction- 

Roncesvalles Villager 

Fax: (416) 493-6190 

100 Tempo Ave., Willowdale, ON M2H 3S5 

news@insidetoronto.com 

62 

The Journal Community Newspaper 

2246 Bloor St. W., Suite 201 

Toronto, ON M6S 1N6 

Tel: (416) 767-NEWS (6397) 

bloorwestjournal@bellnet.ca 

Post City Magazines - North Toronto, Village, 

Bayview, North York, Thornhill, Richmond Hill 

www.postcitymagazines.com 

Fax: (416) 250-1737 

editorial@postcitymagazines.com 

Town Crier - Bayview-Mills, Bloor-Bay, Forest Hill, 

Beach-Riverdale-East York, Leaside-Rosedale, 

North Toronto, North York www.towncrieronline.ca 

Fax: (416) 488-3671 

news@towncrieronline.ca 


www.towncrieronline.ca/main/main.phpdirection=bea 

towncrier&rootcatid=


Be sure to check each publication’s website for up to date information, press release requirements and 

on-line forms. Some media provide the opportunity to list events directly on their website. 

If you would like to have this information in a Word document that you can use to build you own list – 

please send a request to: info@toronto-bia.com 

NEWS WEEKLIES 

Now Magazine www.nowtoronto.com 

News/Press Releases 

Tel: (416) 364-1300 ext. 346; Fax: (416) 364-1166 

news@nowtoronto.com 

Art related press releases and gallery listings 

Tel: (416) 364-1300 ext. 370; Fax: (416) 364-1166 

art@nowtoronto.com 

Entertainment - entertainment@nowtoronto.com 

Fashion - fashion@nowtoronto.com 

Food - food@nowtoronto.com 

Dance, theatre and comedy - stage@nowtoronto.com 

Listings - listings@nowtoronto.com 

Eye Weekly www.eye.net 

Tel: (416) 596-4393 

Listings Tel: (416) 596-4398 

community@eye.net 

MAGAZINES 

Bravo! Arts & Minds - 

Bravo!’s weekly arts magazine www.Bravo.ca 

Fax: (416) 591-7482 artsminds@bravo.ca 

Canadian Living www.canadianliving.com 

Tel: (416) 733-7600 

Online form at: www.canadianliving.com/ 

CanadianLiving/client/en/Today/ContactUs.asp 

CARP Magazine for the 50 Plus www.Carp.ca 

Tel: (416) 363-8748; Fax: (416) 363-7693 

magazine@kemur.ca 

Chatelaine www.chatelaine.com 

City Bites - Toronto food & Drink magazine 

www.citybites.ca 

info@citybites.ca 

Flare Magazine www.flare.com 

Tel: (416) 764-2863; Fax: (416) 764-2866 

Raquel.Lowe@flare.rogers.com 

MacLean’s Magazine www.macleans.ca 

Tel: (416) 764-1300; Fax: (416) 764-1332 

letters@macleans.ca 

Pride News Magazine - African-Canadian and 

Caribbean News www.pridenewsmagazine.ca 

Tel: (416) 335-1719 

pridenews@bellnet.ca 

Today’s Parent www.todaysparent.com 

Tel: (416) 764-2801 

sarah.moore@tpg.rogers.com 

Toronto Life www.Torontolife.com 

Tel: (416) 364-3333; Fax: (416) 861-1169 

Cultural event, gallery exhibition, 

theatrical or musical event, e-mail to 

thisMonth@torontolife.com 

To have a Toronto store, product or service considered 

for inclusion in a Toronto Life CityGuide, e-mail to 

guides@torontolife.com. 

To have a Toronto store, product or service considered 

for inclusion in our regular Super Shopper feature, 

e-mail to supershopper@torontolife.com 

Where Magazine www.where.ca/toronto 

Tel: (416) 364-3333; Fax: (416) 594-3375 

Online form at: www.where.ca/toronto/contactUs.htm 

YYZ www.yyzlifestyle.com 

submissions@yyzlifestyle.com 

63


RADIO 

680 News AM www.680news.com 

680info@680news.com 

AM640 News www.640toronto.com (online form) 

Tel: (416) 646-8640 

CBC (all Radio) www.cbc.ca 

Fax: (416) 205-6336 (Fax only - reaches all shows) 

Online form for specific show 

CIAO 530 AM - national multicultural radio 

www.am530.ca; sean@z1035.com 

CIUT FM 89.5 – University of Toronto Radio 

www.ciut.fm 

communications@ciut.fm 

CHFI FM 98.1 www.chfi.com 

Tel: (416) 935-8298 

Press releases Fax: (416) 935-8260 

Events and other public service announcements 

Fax: (416) 935-8312 

torspot@rci.rogers.com 

CHIN FM 100.7 AM 1540 www.chinradio.com 

Tel: (416) 531-9991; Fax: (416) 531-5274 

info@chinradio.com 

CHUM FM 104.5 And CHUM AM1050 

www.chumfm.com www.1050chum.com 

Press releases Fax: (416) 926-4182 

Public service announcements Fax: (416) 926-4026 

CFRB 1010 – talk radio www.cfrb.com 

Tel: (416) 924-5711; Fax: (416) 872-8683 

info@cfrb.com 

Newsroom Tel: (416) 924-6717; news@cfrb.com 

On-Air Talk Show Tel: (416) 872-1010 

CKLN-FM 88.1 www.ckln.fm 

Tel: (416) 979-5251 

News news@ckln.fm; Programming music@ckln.fm 

ON-LINE LISTINGS 

Bravo! Events www.bravo.ca/connect 

Fax: (416) 591-7482 

Online form at: www.bravo.ca/connect/events 

Canada.com www.canada.com 

Online form at: events.canada.com/Act/Submit/Event 

Canoe.ca www.canoe.ca 

Classical 96.3 FM www.classical963fm.com 

Tel: (416) 367-5353; Fax: (416) 367-1742 

info@classical963fm.com; psa@classical963fm.com 

Edge 102.1 www.edge102.com 


www.edge.ca/station/contacts.cfmcsi=1112&si=8 

EZ Rock 97.3 www.ezrock.com 

Tel: (416) 482-0973 

torontotsas@sri.ca Attn: PSA Dept. 

The FAN 590 www.fan590.com 

Tel: (416) 935-0590 

contact@fan590.com 

FLOW 93.5 www.flow935.com 

Tel: (416) 214-5000; Fax: (416) 214-0660 

info@flow935.com 

JACK-FM 92.5 www.925jackfm.com 

Tel: (416) 935-8392 

fabrizio.gennara@rci.rogers.com 

JAZZ-FM 91 www.jazz.fm 

Tel: (416) 595-0404; Fax: (416) 595-9413 

info@jazz.fm 

The Mix 99.9 www.mix999.com 

Tel: (416) 922-9999 

torontotsas@sri.ca Attn: PSA Dept. 

The New Country 95.3 www.country953.com 

Tel: (416) 534-1191; Fax: (416) 583-2996 

News Talk CFRB 1010 www.cfrb.com 

Tel: (416) 924-5711 

news@cfrb.com 

Q107 www.q107.com (online form) 

Tel: (416) 221-0107 

Toronto.com www.toronto.com 

Online form – click on: Submit An Event 

Xtra Online www.Xtra.ca 

Tel: (416) 925-6665; Fax: (416) 925-6503 

info@xtra.ca 

Listing in Out in the City - gordon.bowness@xtra.ca 

64


TELEVISION 

Bravo!News www.bravo.ca 

Fax: (416) 591-7482 

bravonews@bravo.ca 

CBC (all TV) www.cbc.ca 

Fax: (416) 205-7166 (Fax only - reaches all shows) 

Online form for specific show 

CityPulse Newsroom www.pulse24.com 

Tel: (416) 591-5757 

news@pulse24.com 

Citytv 

online form at; 

http://www.citytv.com/toronto/1462_contactus.aspx 

CTV Toronto www.ctv.ca 

Tel: (416) 332-7363 

CTV News/Newsnet - news@ctv.ca 

CTV.ca News Team - newsonline@ctv.ca 

Canada AM - am@ctv.ca 

Entertainment - entertain@ctv.ca 

Global TV www.canada.com/globaltv 

Tel: (416) 446-5311 

globalnews.tor@globaltv.com 

OMNI TV www.omnitv.ca 

Tel: (416) 260-0047 

info@omni1.ca; info@omni2.ca 

online feedback form: 

http://www.omnitv.ca/ontario/interact/feedback.shtml 

Rogers TV www.rogerstelevision.com 

Tel: (416) 446-6500; Fax: (416) 446-0901 

rogerstv@rci.rogers.com 

daytime.toronto@rci.rogers.com 

Online: click on Community Billboard to list events 

TLN - Telelatino www.tlntv.com 

info@tlntv.com 

TVOntario www.tvo.org 

Tel: (416) 484-2600 

asktvo@tvontario.org 

TIPS FOR WRITING A PRESS RELEASE 

• Include a release date at the top of the page. 

• Provide a contact name and phone number for further questions. 

• Use a headline if you wish, but the editor will probably choose his or her own. 

• Type the word “more” at the end of each page and “-0-” or “-30-” at the end of the release. 

• Summarize your story in the first paragraph–who, what, why, where, when, and how. Be as concise 

as possible. 

• Elaborate on the details, including quotes from important sources, and other newsworthy tie-ins after 

the first paragraph. 

• Raise other intriguing questions or suggest specific topics of interest if you are hoping to generate a 

feature story or personal radio or TV interview. In other words, make it easy for the journalist to get 

you in print. 

• Suggest, in a covering “pitch” letter, an interview with the principal person or organization involved 

(such as a book author or the chairperson for a fund-raising effort). 

• Remember to send a copy to all of your government representatives who are usually interested in 

events taking place in their ridings. With enough lead time they may include them in their 

community newsletters. 

• Send a copy to TABIA for posting on the website Events Calendar – to: info@toronto-bia.com 

65

DATES TO REMEMBER 

TABIA Board of Director’s Meetings 

Held monthly. Please check the website for current dates, times and location. 

City of Toronto Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee Meetings 

Held in the afternoon on the last Tuesday of the month at City Hall. 

Please check the website for current dates, times and location. 

INDEX 

PAGE 

ACCESSIBLITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 26 

ADOPT A BIN _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 46 

A FRAME SIGNS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 44, Back cover 

BANNER PERMITS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

BIA BUDGETS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

BIA COMMERCIAL AREA ADVISORS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 27 

BIA DESCRIPTIONS & CONTACTS _ _ _ _ _ _ 28-33, 36-43 

BIA DISCOUNTS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 20, 21 

BIA FIVE YEAR CAPTIAL PLANNING _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

BIA HISTORY & FACTS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2, 3 

BIA INSURANCE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

BIA LEVY REMITTANCES _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49 

BIA MAP _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 34, 35 

BIKE STANDS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

BUSINESS DISCOUNTS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 22, 23 

CITY COUNCILLOR CONTACT LIST _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 50, 51 

COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 61 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROJECT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 42 

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS _ _ _ _ _ _ 57-60 

DEPUTATIONS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 47 

DIRECTOR’S LIABILITY INSURANCE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 21 

ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 25 

DISCOUNTS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 20-23 

ENVIRONMENT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 25 

EUCAN/OMG LITTER CONTAINERS _ _ _ _ 49, Back cover 

FESTIVAL PERMITS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

FIRE HYDRANT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

FUNDING _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 57-61 

GAS PIPE REPLACEMENT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49 

GST INQUIRIES_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49 

GARBAGE_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49, Back cover 

GEOGRAPHIC BASED BIA SUPPORT SYSTEM _ _ _ _ _ _ 17 

GRAFFITI _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 45, Back cover 

GREENTBIZ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 25 

HANGING FLOWER BASKETS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48, Back cover 

JOHN KIRU_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 67 

MAIL BOXES_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

MAYOR DAVID MILLER_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 50 

PAGE 

MEDIA CONTACTS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 62 - 65 

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 54, 55 

MEMBERS OF PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT_ _ _ _ _ _ 52, 53 

PARKING METERS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION POLICY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 14 

PERMITS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

PHONE BOOTHS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

POLICE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 56 

POSTERING BY-LAW _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 44 

PROPERTY TAX BILL EXPLAINED _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 10, 11 

RIGHT OF WAY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

SAVINGS FOR BIAS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 20, 21 

SAVINGS FOR BUSINESSES _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 22, 23 

SIDEWALK REPAIRS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

SIDEWALK SALE PERMITS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

STREET CLOSURE PERMITS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 

STREET LIGHTS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

STREET TRAFFIC COUNTS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 15 

TABIA – ACHIEVEMENTS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 18, 19 

TABIA – BOARD OF MANAGEMENT_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 6, 7 

TABIA – MARKETING COMMITTEE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 12 

TABIA – PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 4 

TABIA – TASK FORCE ON CRIME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 13 

TABIA – TAX COMMITTEE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 8, 9, 10, 11 

TABIA – TOURISM COMMITTEE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 16 

TABIA – TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE _ _ _ _ _ _ 14, 15 

TABIA - WEBSITE_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 5 

TAXES_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 8-11, 49 

TEMPORARY SIGNS BY-LAW _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 44 

TORONTO FILM & TELEVISION OFFICE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49 

TORONTO PARKING AUTHORITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 15 

TRAFFIC LIGHTS & SIGNS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49, Back cover 

TREES & TREES PRUNING _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49 

TTC SHELTERS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

TTC TRAFFIC COUNTS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 15 

WATER BREAKS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back cover 

YELLOW BAG PROGRAM _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 49 

66

General Enquiries /Mailing Address 

Email: info@toronto-bia.com Website: www.toronto-bia.com 

Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas 

2257 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6S 1N8 

John Kiru - Executive Director Tel: (416) 889-4111; E-mail: jkiru@toronto-bia.com 

Sue Mitchell - Administrator Tel: (416) 263-3295; E-mail: smitchell@toronto-bia.com 

NOTES 

Use this space to record your own notes – but remember to share your updated information with us so 

we can share it in the next resource guide 

Send your changes and additions to: info@toronto-bia.com 

67

NOTES 

68

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