Bolstering Bloor West Village: A Business Improvement Association In Action
When Toronto’s reopening came to pass, following a hard year and a half, some were slow to dip their toes back in the water. Others couldn’t wait to re-enter boutiques or sip a beer on a restaurant patio. As of today, 65% of Torontonians have been fully vaccinated.
Throughout the summer and into autumn, Torontonians have been boldy wading back into public spaces, restaurants, hair salons, gyms – you name it! And small business owners all over the city couldn’t be more thrilled! After being shuttered for so long, the summer brought a much needed reprieve – financially and emotionally!
(Here’s a worthwhile read by the CBC about small business owners in Bloor West Village, part of their Serving Up Change series: It Takes A Village To Raise Up A Restaurant.)
*Photo courtesy of BlogTO, with thanks!
Autumn is the time for action. We’re back to school, back to our jobs, and back to routine after a long, languid summer.
If you have a preferred pet store, a favourite fishmonger, or if a cafe that is your ‘one and only’, now is the time to show them support. BIAs all over the city are coming up with new initiatives to bolster business and increase neighbourhood tourism to ensure the fabric of their neighbourhoods is adequately preserved. DId you know that most Toronto ‘hoods have active Business Improvement Associations toiling behind the scenes trying to ensure that our communities remain clean, ordered and prosperous?
We asked Urbaneer team member Cynthia to sit down with Angela, the Executive Director of the Bloor West Village BIA, to uncover more of what such an association is responsible for and how community members can get involved in improving their neighbourhoods!
* Photos courtesy of the fab Bloor West Village BIA Instagram account!
Cynthia: Tell us about the role that our Neighborhood BIA plays in the community.
Angela: The Bloor West Village Business Improvement Association’s goal (in partnership with the City of Toronto) is to create thriving, competitive, and safe business main street that attracts shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in our local neighbourhood and the City as a whole.
* Photos courtesy of the Bloor West Village Ukranian Festival!
What are just some of the initiatives that the Bloor West BIA has created?
The Bloor West Village BIA activities include such activities as:
• Street and sidewalk maintenance and capital improvements (think beautification including benches, flower planters, and garden parkettes
• Promotion of the BIA as a business community, tourist or shopping area (business directories, festivals, advertising)
• Hosting neighbourhood festivals and events like the Inside OUT Sidewalk Sale, Bloor West Street Fest, and the world’s largest Ukrainian Festival (Here’s our recent blog on how Cynthia took part in the Ukrainian Festival!!)
• Safety, security and crime prevention initiatives
• Graffiti and poster removal services respecting building facades visible from the street
• Strategic plans for business recruitment, market studies and capital improvements
• Advocate on behalf of membership as a unified voice
* Photos courtesy of the fab Bloor West Village BIA Instagram account!
What suggestions would you offer a family relocating to the neighborhood who might not know much about the community or the Business Improvement Association? How might they get involved in supporting the neighbourhood?
• Shop Local! Visit Bloor West Village – you will be amazed at all we have to offer! We are home to over 400 shops, restaurants and service providers. Visit our website www.bloorwestvillagebia.com for more information.
• This is a very friendly community. Connect with your neighbours, introduce yourself and as questions! Don’t hesitate to contact us about how to get involved in local events and activities.
• My own personal experience in relocating our family of four from the West Coast (Vancouver) to Bloor West Village has given me a deep understanding of what’s involved and needed when relocating a family. I am always happy to share my journey, perspectives, information about schools and local family resources. Bloor West Village is a wonderful and welcoming neighbourhood community.
* Photos courtesy of the fab Bloor West Village BIA Instagram account!
What new initiatives is the BIA introducing now that so much of the population is vaccinated and healthy?
Our focus continues to be on supporting our local businesses which are the heartbeat of our communities. They bring great products to our shopping areas, create jobs for our friends and neighbours and they sponsor our kids’ sports teams. Many small businesses are struggling to recover from the pandemic. Now more than ever, small businesses need our support. When you can, please shop local. Many businesses have pivoted their service offerings online and continue to offer curbside pick-up and can help provide delivery options.
When Ontario moved to Step Three in the summer, the additional restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 were relaxed. The City updated the COVID-19: Guidelines for Businesses & Community Organizations to help businesses operate safely. Under these guidelines, we are almost in post-pandemic environment, and will be returning soon to a robust event calendar! Stay-tuned for more details.
* Photos courtesy of the fab Bloor West Village BIA Instagram account!
Our readers are passionate about homes, community amenities, and urban adventures. Do you have any specific message that you would like to share with our readers?
Bloor West Village offers an amazing lifestyle serving local residents with all their shopping needs right in the neighbourhood. The experience is as much about eating as shopping! A virtual smorgasbord of bakeries, delicatessens, cafes, and restaurants. Not only about shopping, Bloor West Village attracts visitors from all over the city for its proximity to High Park, the Lakeshore and beautiful tree-lined streets.
The Bloor West Village BIA will continue to promote and spread the word about the wonderful variety of offerings available through our local businesses. We have a dedicated Social Media Manager who is an expert at highlighting the dynamic variety of shops and services. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest and greatest of Bloor West Village updates.
Our lives extend far beyond your four walls, and into the communities that surround you. It’s important to nurture those connections and take pride in the enclave you’ve chose to call ‘Home!’
Wouldn’t it be lovely to have sweet Swansea as your family’s community, with the awesomeness of Bloor West Village just a 10 minute walk away? This enclave is particularly sought after for it’s tree-lined streets, spacious lots, wealth of park and water access, and it small-town vibe! There’s a lot to love here!
Here’s our brand new listing that we call ‘A Sun-Soaked Swell Dwell In Swansea‘ – offered for sale at $999,000! This bespoke 3+1 bed, 2bath semi-detached dwelling – originally constructed in 1900 – has been substantially transformed over the decades into a charming residence that marries modern conveniences with unique features. Immaculately maintained, with several recent major building component upgrades, this sun-drenched Durie Street dwelling is well-suited to today’s contemporary urban living.
Featuring an extremely adaptable space plan, this property is ideal for those seeking a dedicated family space on the Main & Upper Levels, while the Lower Level with its private street entrance offers the flexibility of being a terrific Work-From-Home Office, a nanny suite, or accommodations for an aging parent or your moody teen!
Have questions? Want to book a private viewing? Contact cynthia@urbaneer.com!
And here’s a Vintage Bungalow Perched On The Slopes Of Morningside Avenue just around the corner on Morningside Avenuethat we SOLD in the summer for $650,000 over asking!!
Now more than ever, it is essential to plan a well-researched, data-driven, tactical strategy if you are in the market for a new home. Especially in changing times, when the pandemic has prompted many to shift their focus and objectives. Have yours changed? Please know The Urbaneer team is here to help!
May we be of assistance to you, or someone you love?
The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative& The Innovative Urbaneer TeamBosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
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*Love Canadian Housing? Check out Steve’s University Student Mentorship site called Houseporn.ca which focuses on architecture, landscape, design, products, and real estate in Canada!
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