From the desk of the COO- Downtown Yonge BIA 
As we start a new decade, we reflect upon the significant strides we made in 2019 addressing the needs of the neighbourhood and pause to look further back when our organization was formed in 2001, with all the work we have completed over the years which has brought us to where we are today.
Downtown Yonge BIA is in our 3rd year of a five (5)
year strategic plan called Living Yonge. It was an ambitious plan identifying (4) four main pillars:
Clean, Safe and Welcoming
Economically Strong
Liveable and Vibrant
Cohesive Identity
We continue to work on behalf of the membership, stakeholders, partners and those that live, work, play, learn and shop on Canada's iconic main street, while advocating and pushing the paradigm to ensure the experience in this neighbourhood is befitting its economic contribution to Toronto.
2020 will bring some new challenges along with the usual work we do daily. With those challenges, our organization will have to be responsive to the needs of the membership, community and neighbourhood to ensure we are being proactive in changing environment.
One of the key items we are directly engaged in is the urban revitalization and the growth of residential development in the neighbourhood. With projects like Lifetime Developments' "Panda", Cresford Developments' "Halo" and "YSL" as well as Canderel's "YC Condominiums" either in construction or about to finish, there will be challenges with increased density and accessibility that will need to be addressed.
Another key project for all to engage in for 2020 is
yongeTOmorrow environmental assessment project
, which is led by the City of Toronto's Transportation Department. This project is integral to the future of our neighbourhood, its growth, its economics and the experiences we want to have for the generations that follow. The Downtown Yonge BIA will work diligently to ensure our members, stakeholders and partners have the information needed to make informed decisions about the future of our neighbourhood.
As you can see, 2020 is going to be a key year. We will need to build upon the success and investments made in previous years and continue the work of our strategic plan, relying on the working relationships we have established with the City of Toronto, developers, members, stakeholders and partners to be successful.
We look forward to the work ahead and the challenges 2020 will bring to our neighbourhood.
Sincerely,
Mark Garner
COO & Executive Director
Downtown Yonge BIA
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Shuter Street Reconstruction 
The City of Toronto has planned road reconstruction on Shuter Street in 2020. This work presents an opportunity to evaluate the configuration of the roadway and consider changes that will improve the safety of all road users. Proposed safety improvements include replacing the existing bike lanes on Shuter Street with separated bike lanes (cycle track) from Bond Street to River Street. In addition to the bike lane upgrade, the City is planning pedestrian safety improvements at several intersections. The City invites residents to learn more about the planned road work and proposed bike lane upgrade, and to provide feedback on the proposed road design.
The City is holding a Public Drop-In Event to present more detailed information about the project and to provide the public with an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. If you are unable to attend the event, you can learn about the project and provide feedback online, by phone, by mail or by e-mail until February 4, 2020.
Public Drop-In Event
View the information panels in print, ask questions, and discuss one-on-one with the project team.
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Time: Drop in between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Location: Regent Park Community Centre,
402 Shuter Street
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Ontario Line Public Open Houses 
On June 4, 2019, the Ontario Government passed the "Getting Ontario Moving Act," which assigns responsibility for planning some rapid transit in Toronto to the Province of Ontario. As a result, the Relief Line project has now been replaced by the Ontario Line project. With this change, Metrolinx will lead a renewed consultation and exploration process, which will also include additional Environmental Assessment work. As this new process gets underway, we hope that you will continue to participate in engagement opportunities.
Metrolinx is hosting four public open houses to introduce the Ontario Line later this month. Fifteen potential stations are proposed between Ontario Place and Ontario Science Centre, with links to GO Transit, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, and TTC Lines 1 and 2. The objective of the information sessions will be to provide the public with an overview of the project, the process, and information on future engagement opportunities.
Public Open Houses
Date: Thursday, January 23rd
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ontario Science Centre
770 Don Mills Rd, North York, ON M3C 1T3
Date: Monday, January 27th
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ryerson University, Tecumseh Auditorium
55 Gould St, Toronto, ON M5B 1E9
Date: Tuesday, January 28th
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Metropolitan Community Church (Leslieville)
115 Simpson Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1A1
Date: Wednesday, January 29th
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Exhibition Place, Beanfield Centre, Room 201 ABC
105 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
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Jazz Bistro- Harold Danko & The Richard Whiteman Trio CD Release
These four musicians solidly at the top of their careers are releasing a cd aptly entitled 'OLD PROS' - This CD is a result of an engagement last year at Jazz Bistro and we are pleased to welcome them back for its release.
Harold Danko, piano
Richard Whiteman, bass
Pat Labarbera, tenor saxophone
Terry Clark, drums
Call 416-363-5299 to reserve your seats!
Friday-Saturday, January 17-18th, 9pm; $20 cover
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Tangerine- Investing 101 
Have you ever thought about investing or wanted to learn more about different investment options? Join us at our Downtown Toronto Café on January 21
st
for Investing 101. In this Q&A with Tangerine Investment Funds Advisors, you'll learn about your investment options, gain valuable insights and get answers to all your questions.
RSVP today to save your spot
When
: January 21, 2020 from 6:30pm-8pm
Where
: Tangerine Bank 221 Yonge Street, Toronto
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Robbie Burns Haggis-Fest at Mackenzie House
Saturday, January 25 is the 261st birthday of Scotland's famous poet, Robert Burns! At Mackenzie House Museum, we are celebrating with haggis in many forms: enjoy tastes of classic haggis with oatcakes, vegetarian haggis and even "dessert haggis"! Tap your toe to Scottish songs performed by The Interpreters and print a Robbie Burns poem to take home on the 1845 press!
When:
Saturday, January 25, 12:00 - 4:30pm
Cost:
$10/adults; $9 seniors & students; $7 children
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New Year's Party Bookings at Pogue Mahone
January is the new December! Book your next event with us at Pogue Mahone between now and April 30th and get $100 off your minimum spend! Whether you're hosting a late holiday party or just want to get the gang together, Pogue Mahone is the perfect venue right in the heart of the city! Give us a call at 416-533-8368 and mention code NY2020 to redeem!
This offer is only valid for parties of 20 or more and cannot be combined with any other offers. Valid at Against the Grain, Brazen Head, Dominion Pub & Kitchen, East of Brunswick Pub & Kitchen, Murphy's Law Pub & Kitchen, Pie Bar Pizzeria & Cocktails, Pogue Mahone Pub & Kitchen and Pour House Pub & Kitchen.
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Skates and Sounds- 80's vs 90's
We invite you to our first DJ Skate night at College Park on January 24, 5pm-8pm.
Come skate with us as DJ Blush spins music from the 80's and 90's.
The Dance Company will be there to show and teach you how to groove on and off the ice.
Other activities:
* FREE Skate Lending on site by the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Team
* Warming Fire Pit stations
* Retro Pong Game vs LED Ping Pong table
* Meet Star Wars Characters
* Special Appearance by the Delorean (the car) from Back to the Future!
* Glowing Hula dancers and performer!
* Retro photobooth
Let's kick the brand-new decade with a throwback to the good old yesteryears!
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Brunch at Pogue Mahone
Get your brunch on every weekend at Pogue Mahone Pub & Kitchen! Enjoy $5 build your own Caesars, and $5 mimosas till 3pm - it's the perfect start to the weekend!
Early riser? Be sure to swing by between 10:30am - 12:30pm and get all your brunch faves for just $8 during Grumpy Brunch!
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Winterlicious is back!
From January 31 to February 13, explore Toronto's food culture with three-course prix fixe menus at more than 200 participating restaurants and culinary events across the city! Click here for details
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Polaris Music Prize 2019 Winner Mural
Check out the mural dedicated to the 2019 Polaris Music Prize winner, Haviah Mighty, painted by Alexis Eke, at Joseph Sheard Park near Yonge & College!
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CF Browse- Beta
CF Browse Beta is an innovative app which is operated by Ravel by CF, an affiliate of Cadillac Fairview, and is designed to make your shopping experience even easier. Start planning your next trip to CF Toronto Eaton Centre before you even arrive. Search for the products and brands you love, view offers, save your favourites for later and get directions all in the palm of your hand.
Details
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Development Map- November 2019
Check out our updated
Development Map, which lists all the upcoming and current developments in our area.
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Let Central YMCA hold your next event! 
Hold your next event at the Central YMCA! We offer rental spaces for groups ranging between 12 people to as large as 300 people with competitive rates! Contact eily.sas@ymcagta.org for more details or visit
www.ymcagta.org for more information on our rental spaces.
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Retail Main Streets Study Summary Report Released
Retail Main Streets are centres of employment, economic activity, culture expression and social diversity, and are integral to the well-being and prosperity of the city and the local neighbourhoods they serve. In an effort to ensure the sustainability of retail main streets and small, independent businesses, the City has undertaken a Study of the current state and future of Toronto's main streets.
The research phase of the Retail Main Streets Study is complete and key recommended actions have been developed. Download a copy of the Retail Main Streets Summary Report.
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Downtown Toronto Drop-In Resource Booklet- Winter/Spring 2020
We've update the Downtown Toronto Drop-In Resource Booklet for Winter/Spring 2020!
Check it out
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City of Toronto- Basement Flooding Improvements Study 
The City of Toronto has initiated several Class Environmental Assessment (EA) studies to identify
causes of flooding and develop solutions to reduce the risk of future surface and basement flooding
before it is discharged to watercourses.
The analysis includes curbside-survey (catchbasins), sewer modelling and technical analysis in the coming months, the Studies will determine the locations and size of sewer upgrades, underground storage, wet/dry ponds and other solutions to reduce the risk of future flooding. More details and updates at: www.toronto.ca/bfea
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Updated Toronto Noise Bylaw
Toronto City Council approved the noise bylaw amendments in April 2019 to make it easier to understand and enforce noise complaints. This updated bylaw is now in place.
As part of the bylaw enhancements, the City's Municipal Licensing & Standards (MLS) division has introduced a new dedicated noise team to help ensure effective implementation and compliance with the new regulations. The new team is composed of two dozen Bylaw Enforcement Officers, along with management and administrative support, and will be available to respond to noise complaints seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The new team will also be using:
* modernized investigative techniques developed with sound engineering experts
* a new case prioritization model to more effectively focus efforts on highly impactful and frequent duration events
* new case management software to assist in investigation efforts and provide increased communication channels with the public.
Some of the other changes to the bylaw include:
* updated and new definitions to assist with interpretation of the bylaw
* more detailed and clearer regulations broken down by category
* introduction of quantitative decibel limits for amplified sound and motor vehicles.
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Little Canada Announces New Home at 10 Dundas East
Little Canada, an awe-inspiring new attraction set to open in
2020, announced today that they will make their home in the heart of downtown Toronto at 10
Dundas East, Yonge-Dundas Square.
To celebrate the new location, Little Canada will be hosting a "Welcome Little Canadians" event
in the lobby of 10 Dundas East on Friday, October 4th. Starting at 11am, people of all sizes are
invited to come learn more about Little Canada and experience the magic of the 'Littlization
Station', where they can get scanned, shrunk and become among the first citizens of Little
Canada.
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City of Toronto changes to Chapter 742- Sidewalk cafes and Marketing Displays
On September 1, 2019, the new and harmonized bylaw (Chapter 742) for sidewalk cafés and marketing displays comes into effect. City Council adopted the bylaw in March 2019.
The harmonized bylaw will:
- modernize the regulations and allow for new configurations, such as parklet cafés and curbside cafés
- create consistent guidelines to address accessibility and pedestrian movement
- standardize the application process for new permit applicants.
Existing conditions attached to permits issued before September 1 will continue to apply, but there will be updated obligations that current permit holders need to comply with.
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Streamlined Application Process for Business Licenses in Toronto
Applying for a new business licence or permit?
The City of Toronto is improving the application process for new business licences and permits. As of June 3, 2019, applicants will need to submit a complete application with all their documents. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application requirements and forms are available online at
toronto.ca/licences.
The improved application process will help you get your licence in one visit. Submit your complete application at the Licence and Permit Issuing Office, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor, East York, ON M4C 5R1.
Note: The new business licence application process does not apply to taxicab and limousine owners, or business licence renewals.
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Downtown Yonge BIA Events Calendar
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Friar's Music Museum
Don't forget to check out the 'Friar's Music Museum', which opened in June 2018 to honour Friar's Tavern that occupied the space during the 1970's, and hosted such music legends Bob Dylan and The Band. Find it at the Shopper's Drug Mart at 279 Yonge St. Admission is free, and be sure to #FriarsMusicMuseum on social media if you take any photos! More details here
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Parking Complaint? You can now report it online
An
Immediate Parking Complaint report assists a citizen with providing TPS with information about a parking issue that is occurring right now on private property or on a public road. Once you have submitted the information a Parking Enforcement Officer will be dispatched to attend the location.
Ongoing Parking Complaints
- Your name and phone number
- The address or location where the issue occurs
- The time of day when this issue most often occurs
- The description of any vehicles related to the parking issue
A Parking Enforcement Officer will be assigned to follow up on this complaint and will stop by periodically to enforce the parking by-laws as applicable. A member of Parking Enforcement will contact you within the next two days during normal business hours to advise you what steps will be taken.
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Hendriks' the Happiest Hour
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Yonge Street Environmental Assessment Study |
Interested in following the Yonge Street Environmental Assessment (EA) process? Check out the
City of Toronto website dedicated to it. Don't forget to subscribe to the mailing list for all the latest!
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A Safe & Inclusive Downtown Yonge
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Reporting a crime to the Toronto Police Services is easy with our handy infographics!
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Member Highlights
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Physio On Queen- $10 off First Visit
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Weekends in Toronto just got Better!
Get more for less at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto - Weekend packages made just for you, starting at $155/night. Take your pick between breakfast, cookies, pizza or parking.
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Always in Season
Located in the lobby of the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto,
T|bar
offers contemporary dining and delicious cocktails.
Enjoy the newest seasonal cocktail, Will's Winter Mojito, a refreshing summer classic with a winter twist. Featuring Lamb's White Rum, sweet cranberry juice, soda and Will's handcrafted mojito syrup infused with mint. Cheers to the New Year!
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Family Fun at Toronto's Premiere Family Destination
With Family Day just around the corner, the Chelsea is your family's playground! From February 14 to 17, 2020, the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto is offering guests an affordable, fun getaway to create memories.
Enjoy the hotel's dedicated
Family Fun Zone
, featuring downtown Toronto's only indoor 130-ft waterslide - Corkscrew.
Guests can expect a line-up of free family-friendly activities all weekend,
from movies to crafts and everything in between.
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Why check out Kodak Lens | Toronto Eyecare?
Happy Holidays from Kodak Lens |Toronto Eyecare!
Spin to Win up to $75
for complete single vision and progressive/bifocal eyeglasses packages (new frame and lenses). Visit us and see in store for full details.
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Did you Know that...
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Toronto's Neon Museum is coming to Toronto!
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Toronto will soon have a neon sign museum and the Downtown Yonge BIA needs your help establishing it! Although the exact location for the museum isn't yet set in stone, the refurbished neon signs will be set-up as an outdoor urban experience in Downtown Yonge, where everyone can visit, free of charge, and appreciate these neon relics of years gone past.
Do you have a neon sign, or know someone who does, and would like to donate it to the Downtown Yonge BIA? Or can you tell us which neon signs we need to preserve; which signs we should be on the lookout for during our search? If so, please reach out to us! You can contact us on
Twitter
or
Facebook
, or email us at
bia@downtownyonge.com
. Don't forget to check out the museum's
Facebook
page for all the latest!
(Photo: Dave LeBlanc from The Globe & Mail)
Check out #YongeNeon on social media for all the latest!
#YongeNeon in the News
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The Downtown Yonge BIA publishes monthly retail listings & traffic counts?
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What's On
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T
here's always something happening at Yonge-Dundas Square. For complete event listings, visit
www.ydsquare.ca
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Stay current on ongoing events taking place at the Toronto Eaton Centre. For complete event listings, visit www.torontoeatoncentre.com
Follow Toronto Eaton Centre on Facebook and Twitter for latest events, fashion style advice and gift ideas.
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Contact
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For all enquiries, please contact:
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