Category Archives: Uncategorized

Join us for a Facade Improvement Workshop February 26, 2014

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Are you thinking of improving your commercial building facade?

Once again, the Parkdale Village BIA will be hosting a Workshop for property owners and tenants who are interested in learning more about receiving funding to redesign, renovate or restore their commercial building facades. Join the many businesses who have taken advantage of this opportunity, including Made You Look, Chantecler and Speedy Queen Coin Laundry.

Join us on Wednesday February 26th 6-8pm as Economic Partnership Advisor Michael Saunders discusses which improvements are eligible, the benefits of applying, application process and more. Improving your facade is a great way to show customers and residents that you care about your neighborhood streetscape and want to provide a more welcoming environment to work, shop and live.

This workshop is free, please email or call us to confirm your attendance and workshop location. If you are unable to attend, you can contact Michael Saunders at msaunder@toronto.ca, 416-392-1005 or access the presentation online. The application deadline is May 29th, 2014.

Explore all the shops Celebrating 135 Years of Parkdale Village

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Tonight marks the kick off of Parkdale Village’s 135th Anniversary Weekend with a local celebration at Porzia Parkdale Restaurant which coincidently opened its doors to locals just 1 year ago this weekend!

Festivities run at over 17 venues throughout the weekend as local shop owners celebrate in their own unique way. It might be chilli, so grab your favourite coffee to go, explore some shops, admire the Victorian architecture & share your Parkdale memories with neighbours and friends.

Participating shops include:

1. Rustic Cosmo Café (1278 Queen W) – Small coffee & cookie $1.35;Jan 25-26
2. Porzia Parkdale (1314 Queen W) – Kick off locals night & snacks; Jan 23 8pm
3. The Well of Alternative Medicine (1344 Queen W) – Free 15 min massage & puppy therapy; Jan 25-26
4. JR’s Natural Health & Bulk (1382 Queen W) – Complimentary tea; Jan 25-26
5. Fixt Point – (1550 Queen W) – 1/2 off for members to the Keith Richards One Woman Show & After party; Jan 25 7:30pm
6. Kitten & the Bear (1574 Queen W) – Scone Sandwich & Tea to-go $5;Jan 25-26
7. Sylvie & Shimmy (1640 Queen W) – Extra 30% off sale merchandise; Jan 25-26
8. Yummy Stuff (1660 Queen W) – Parkdale Anniversary Cookies; Jan 25-26
9. Chartreuse Style (1692 Queen W) – 15-50% off select merchandise; Jan 23-26
10. Fullworth (1371 Queen W) – No tax on housewares, gifts & clothing; Jan 25-26
11. Cambie Design (1535 Queen W) – Win $100 Gift Card in Store; Jan 23-26
12. PARC (1499 Queen W) – Free viral video workshop; Jan 25 1-4pm
13. Boutique Café (1542 Queen W) – 50% off Warm Fleece Leggings; Jan 25-26

and more…

Residents and visitors will also be encouraged to learn more about the community by visiting our History page and Facebook page, where historical photos and stories will be shared throughout the month.
Visit us online for daily announcements and share your memories of this wonderful neighbourhood!

Happy 135th Anniversary Parkdale Village! Click here for photos!

Porzia Parkdale kicks off 135th Anniversary Weekend with a Party!

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To help kick off a weekend of celebrations and specials for the 135th Anniversary – you’re invited to a party on Thu Jan 23rd @ 8pm!!

Over the past 135 years Parkdale Village has seen many ups, downs, trends and changes – and over such a long history, many of them have been for the better! The Parkdale Anniversary Posters - Parkdale Porzia - Jan 2014foodie movement is one such trend and although its recent reincarnation may seen new, Parkdale has in fact had dozens of food establishments for dozens of years, offering cuisine from all around the world. It’s no wonder that many have found welcome and comfort in opening up new establishments and experimenting with food in the area.

One such gem is Chef Basilio Pesces from Porzia Parkdale Restaurant which opened its doors to locals just 1 year ago this weekend! To help kick off a weekend filled with neighbourhood celebrations, the BIA and Porzia invite residents and local businesses to drop in Thu Jan 23rd 8-10pm and sample some specially made cocktails, snacks and share some Parkdale memories with neighbours and new friends.

The festivities at Porzia don’t stop there, to help celebrate their 1st year anniversary, join them on Sunday January 26th for a special 5 course dinner. For ticket info email info@porzia.ca.

Visit us weekly as we share more Anniversary Celebrations, or click here to learn more about Parkdale’s rich history.

The Well of Alternative Medicine Celebrates 135th Anniversary with puppies!

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Two of our favourite things are coming together for the 135th Parkdale Village Anniversary – free massages & puppies!!Parkdale Anniversary Posters - The Well - Jan 2014

Parkdale Village was for many years a retreat for Toronto’s wealthy where they could come and not only vacation with family and enjoy numerous forms of entertainment, but also relax and recover in nature. The neighbourhoods close proximity to High Park and the waterfront as well as many green spaces, offered visitors a perfect retreat for health & wellness. Continuing the tradition is The Well of Alternative Medicine located just east of Brock Avenue. This Parkdale staple which boats “Made in Parkdale” in their signage and is managed by Parkdalean Marta Dos Santos will be offering:

1. Free 15 minute massages from 10:30-4:30pm all weekend

2. Free Puppy Therapy sessions. The puppies will be homed in the front window of the clinic and available for people to come in and pet or play with outside of nap and pee times. Interacting with animals, especially puppies can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness and of course put a smile on anyone’s face

3. An opportunity to win a free 60 minute massage or 45 minute Infrared Detox Sauna Treatment by visiting The Well of Alternative Medicine on Facebook and clicking “LIKE” throughout January. You’re name will then be entered into a draw.

Visit us weekly as we share more Anniversary Celebrations, or click here to learn more about Parkdale’s rich history.

Below, a historical snapshot of visitors enjoying what Parkdale Village and the surrounding areas had to offer.

Enjoying the waterfront in 1908

Enjoying the Waterfront in 1908

High Park Sidecars 1904

Enjoying High Park in 1904

CNE 1911Strolling the 1911 Canadian National ExhibitionJameson South from King 1946

The lush greenery of Jameson Avenue in 1946

FIXT POINT Celebrates 135th Parkdale Anniversary with Theatre!

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What better way to celebrate an Anniversary then with music and theatre!

Parkdale Village has had a long love affair with entertainment, boasting over 6 movie theatres and endless leisurely attractions, the area was a hub for entertainment seeking visitors for over 100 years. In present day, entertainment, music and theatre are still present with the help of numerous small businesses, one such is FIXT POINT Studio’s.

This month, FIXT POINT presents The Keith Richards’s One Woman Show at their 1550 Queen St W studio.
Produced by their sister company Suitcase in Point, the play features Mona who loves The Stones. She can’t get enough of Keith Richards. She’s pretty-well obsessed.

Performed by Deanna Jones, Mona’s ‘trip’ through Keith’s life from boyhood to drug-Parkdale Anniversary Posters - Fixt Point - Jan 2014bust (Toronto 1977) includes run-ins with Mick Jagger, Anita Pallenberg, Gram Parsons and a giant tongue. A live rock score, played by Kevin Richardson, invokes the world of the Stones and, in particular, the raw sounds of Keith.

You’re invited to come celebrate Parkdale Village’s 135th Anniversary by supporting theatre and enjoying this rock & roll play on Saturday January 25th @ 7:30pm. Advance tickets ate $15 and $20 at the door, space is limited, cash bar, play running time 60mins, not intended for children. For ticket details click here.

Visit us weekly as we share more Anniversary Celebrations, or click here to learn more about Parkdale’s rich history.

Parkdale Village Celebrates 135th Year Anniversary!

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Parkdale Village 135th Anniversary - 2014The Parkdale Village BIA invites residents and visitors to celebrate the 135th Year Anniversary of Parkdale Village.

Although January 1st marks the date that Parkdale became a village, the Parkdale Village BIA (PVBIA) will be celebrating the rich history of Parkdale Village from January 25-26th, 2014 by inviting residents and visitors to take a stroll down memory lane, explore the many businesses who will be celebrating in their own ways, and admire the Victorian architecture within Parkdale Village. Residents and visitors will also be encouraged to learn more about the community by visiting the new Parkdale Village BIA website and Facebook page, where historical photos and stories will be shared throughout the month.
Visit us online for daily announcements and share your memories of this wonderful neighbourhood!

Happy Anniversary Parkdale Village!

Why Shopping Locally Matters

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In November residents and visitors across the GTA would have noticed the City wide November 30th campaign called “Shop The Hood” as well as Parkdale Village’s own campaign “Random Acts of Kindness” and “Shop Locally” which is still up & running. Although a majority of Torontonians prefer a highly walkable neighbourhood over an auto-oriented neighbourhood and although there are many proven personal and economic benefits to supporting local businesses, there still seems to be a gap between what Torontonians say and do. Random Acts of Kindness - Winter 2013Potentially, one of the culprits keeping us from actually shopping locally is habit. We understand how easy it is to head to the Mall during cold frigid temperatures or how gratifying it is to bargain for electronics at a super store, but the conscious effort in exploring your own neighbourhood and creating new local habits can be even more rewarding. As a continued effort to encourage residents to shop locally and support Parkdale Village businesses, below are links to some of our favourite benefits:

12 Reasons to Give the Gift of Local

5 Canadian Consumer Trends to Shape the Future of Retail

Top 10 Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses

 

Watch Our Gardens Grow – A Short Documentary from the Parkdale BIA

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The Parkdale Village BIA is delighted to share a short documentary illustrating the continued progress of the TD Green Streets program, part of the BIAs Urban Garden Development Project. Without the support of TD Friends of the
Environment Foundation (TD FEF), Tree Canada, TD Green Streets, residents, business owners, artists, historians, partners, community groups and City officials this project would not be possible. To learn more watch the short documentary below.

In 2012 the Parkdale Village BIA was selected by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) and Tree Canada to receive a $15,000 grant from the TD Green Streets program for its 2012 urban reforestation program. The funding supports the creation and maintenance of the seven (7) BIA managed green spaces within Parkdale, along Queen Street West.

For more information on the 2012 TD Green Streets winning submissions, visit www.tdgreenstreets.ca.

About TD Green Streets
TD Green Streets is a national program that supports innovative practices in municipal forestry. Through this unique program, communities across Canada are eligible to receive matching grants of up to $15,000 to support local forestry projects. TD Green Streets is open to Canadian municipalities, Aboriginal communities and Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) in Montréal, Vancouver and Toronto.

Get to Know Parkdale’s Green Grocers

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Autumn is harvest season, and many of Parkdale’s businesses are bustling with fresh fruits, vegetables and local products!  The days of farmers markets may be coming to an end but these reliable, affordable grocers offer a great selection – at a great price – all year long. Here’s a snapshot to get you started!

Lucky SupermarketLucky Supermarket
This popular, reliable grocery store has been a hit on the Queen Street West sidewalk this summer with their fresh-pressed sugar cane juice stand! With a diverse offering of Canadian and International produce, Lucky Supermarket also has a large section of discount fruits and vegetables for the budget-conscious consumer. Visit them at Queen St. W. & West Lodge Ave.

JR's Health

JR’s Natural Health & Bulk
This Parkdale gem offers select organic produce alongside naturopathic remedies, vitamins and supplements, delicious freshly-made hummus, gluten-free products, milk alternatives, hearty nature bars and an array of bulk dry goods. They even have a home-brewing kit for making your own beer, and have recently added fresh, made-to-order juices and smoothies! Visit them at Queen St. W. & Cowan Ave.

Fullworths ProduceFullworth
The department store that has all your needs covered…under one roof! From clothing and appliances to dry goods and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including cultural favourites like plantains, aloe, cassava, eddoes and dasheen. Fullworth’s has it all, and at a value that’s well within your budget. Get lost in the aisles hunting through Parkdale’s one-stop-shop for everything on your list. Visit Kam at Queen St. W. & Clove Ave.

Queen SupermarketQueen Supermarket
This Queen and Jameson fixture is the place to go for all your spices and masalas. Queen Supermarket offers Indian and Canadian groceries, with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. With seasonal produce and year-round favourites, the variety is sure to satisfy any shopper. Visit them at Queen St. W. & Jameson Ave.

good catch
Good Catch General Store
Open seven days a week from 10am-10pm, Jola’s Good Catch General Store has something new every day including many Canadian products! With a buying club mentality, the more you purchase, the more you save. This general store is also a drop-off location for the organic fruits & veg “Good Food Box,” a non-profit produce distribution system created and operated by FoodShare. http://www.foodshare.net/good-food-box Good Catch also offers free neighbourhood delivery.

harvest fresh

Harvest Fresh Farms
At the west end of Parkdale Village sits Harvest Fresh Farms with its superb fruits and vegetables! There’s packaged and loose produce to choose from, a selection of local and seasonal items, plus flowers and dry goods too. Formerly the Odeon silent movie theatre, it’s a treat to shop in such a historical space. Visit them at Queen St. W. & Dowling Ave.

Bala Super Market
Bala Super Market
This grocer between Jameson and Lansdowne has an unassuming façade but within offers barrels of spices, bulk packages of West and East Indian Foods as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. Visit them at Queen St. W. & Lansdowne Ave.

Annual General Meeting: Parkdale Village BIA

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Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area (BIA)

As a member of the Parkdale Village BIA, you are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting: Monday, October 7, 2013, 7:00 p.m. (Registration starts at 6:30 p.m.) Saint John’s Polish National Catholic Church @ 186 Cowan Ave.

The purpose of this meeting is to decide on the BIA Budget for 2014 and general program. This program is paid for by a special levy charged to you as well as other commercial/industrial property owners and businesses in the BIA. The best way to participate in the decisions which your BIA is making on your behalf is to get involved. A detailed copy of the notice has been mailed to property owners and tenants.

For more information, contact Anna Bartula, Executive Director at 416-536-6918 or director@parkdalevillagebia.com.

Proof of membership will be required.  Please bring photo ID and either a business card, utility bill showing business name and address, or your City of Toronto property tax bill.

If you are unable to attend and wish to appoint a person to vote on your behalf, please complete a Designate Form which will be mailed to you with the notice.  Please note that no person in attendance shall have more than one vote.

We look forward to seeing you!