Category Archives: Uncategorized

Celebrate Parkdale Village with a Reading at PARC!

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If you’ve ever walked through, near or around the Queen St. W. and Sorauren Avenue intersection then you’ve certainly walked passed PARC, however, like many visitors and even residents you may not have realised that there lies an organization that is the heart of Parkdale.

The idea of PARC (a social service agency) was born in 1977 when a group of volunteers observed the large number of adults living in Parkdale rooming houses and boarding homes. Many were survivors of the psychiatric system, had little money, few family contacts and no real place to go and connect with peers. Throughout its 30+ year history, PARC members have been making their presence known to the community in positive and creative ways such as a street-side flea market in the late seventies (photo below). Other arts + craft groups to come out of PARC include Bitch ‘n Stitch, a candid harm reduction group from the 80’s and the modern-day Knitting Group, responsible for various ‘yarn bombings’ seen on traffic poles around the neighbourhood.

A recent edition to PARC’s programming is the BOOK WITH US, reading and discussion series, with next week’s guest author Andrew J. Borkowski, Winner of the 2012 Toronto Book Award, as he shares his collection of short stories from “Coppernicus Avenue” on Monday January 21st, 2013 at 7pm.

PARC Book with US

Set primarily in the neighbourhood of fictional Copernicus Avenue, Andrew Borkowski’s debut collection of short stories is a daring, modern take on life in Toronto’s Polish community in the years following World War II. Featuring a cast of young and old, artists and soldiers, visionaries and madmen, the forgotten and the unforgettable, Copernicus Avenue captures, with bold and striking prose, the spirit of a people who have travelled to a new land, not to escape old grudges and atrocities, but to conquer them.

To learn more about PARC, visit them here.

Get to know PARC’s Neighbours: grab some breakfast, cater your next party or order more cowbell!

Photo: PARC

Artscape helps Celebrate Parkdale Village Anniversary!

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There’s no shortage of history at 1313 Queen Street West at Cowan Avenue, currently the home of the Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area and other community groups.The corner lot, including Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre has evolved from the areas Fire Hall and Police Station to a community based centre. The original building at 1313 Queen St W was demolished in 1931 to make room for a more modern police station, which still stands today. The buildings more recent development wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Artscape, which opened the space as the Parkdale Arts & Cultural Centre in 1998 and is now home to the BIA as well as groups such as Gallery 1313 and Kababayan Community Centre. Thanks to Artscape for helping us to retain and celebrate Parkdale’s diverse culture. To read more, click here.

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To read more about Parkdale Village History, click here.

Get to know our neighbours:  buy some art,  volunteer your time, read a book, reupholster that chair, buy some vintage fashion or replace that broken light bulb.

Photos: City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Public Library Archives

Jinks Art Factory Celebrates Parkdale Village Anniversary!

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If you haven’t yet met Parkdale’s identical twin sisters Sarah and Jen Wetmore, this month is the perfect time, they’re celebrating Parkdale’s Anniversary all month long with a 30-70% off sale at Jinks Art Factory (1664 Queen St. W). The factory space has no shortage of gems and distractions, offering tattoo services, coffee and fashion, it’s an ideal place to support Parkdale made and Canadian inspired! Jinks Art Factory

To learn more about Jinks Art Factory and their story, take a peak: Post City

Get to know Sarah and Jen’s Neighbours: Order some custom pastries, bring your furry friend in for a checkup, hunt for treasure, get your hair done.

Photos: Jinks Art Factory

Glory Hole Doughnuts Celebrates Parkdale Village Anniversary!

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Since opening her doors to the D-Nut lovers of Parkdale, Ashley’s Glory Hole Doughnuts (1596 Queen St. W.) has added new dimension to the growing food movement in Parkdale, and we love her for it!Having only opened in 2012, one would never think the shop was a new kid on the block, but the GHD team has embraced Parkdale as much as Parkdale has embraced them (bear hug!).

If you think your guts can’t handle another delight, you’re wrong, come out and support Glory Hole Doughnuts and Parkdale by taking a big bite out of the Parkdale Village Anniversary inspired Doughnut – the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Cracker Jack!!!

Parkdale Anniversary themed Doughnut!To learn more about Glory Hole Doughnuts and Ashley’s story, take a peak: Coriander Girl Blog, blogto.com, The Food Files, Little Red Umbrella

Get to know Ashleys Neighbours: Pick up some flowers, read a Comic, get a tune up,  buy some art, make a dinner reservation

Photo: Glory Hole Doughnuts

AODA Wheelchair Accessibility Information Session

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accessibilityDid you know that Accessibility Ontario (AODA) requires all businesses to support people with disabilities through mandated Customer Service Standards? 

The AODA standards also include requirements for accessible employment practices (such as policies on hiring and accommodation of people with disabilities) and accessible communications (such as websites).  The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) and AODA are hosting a free online meeting on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 10:00 am, to share information about the wheelchair accessibility standards for businesses in Ontario. For more information contact Constance Exley, Accessibility Ontario at director@accessontario.com or info@obiaa.com  or call at 1-866-807-2227 | 647-521-5341

Restaurant Study – Interim Control Bylaw

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If you did not have a chance to attend Mondays community meeting to discuss the Interim Control Bylaw Restaurant Study), please take a moment to view the presentation below and share your comments with Dan Nicholson at dnichol2@toronto.ca
http://www.gordperks.ca/park_post/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Queen-Street-West-Restaurant-Study1.pdf

We’re Hiring! – Assistant Coordinator

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Position:  Assistant Coordinator, Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area (PVBIA)

Employment Terms:  Part-Time, hourly

Start Date:  November 2012

The Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents over 240 businesses and restaurants in Parkdale Village along Queen Street West from Dufferin Street to Roncesvalles Avenue, providing diverse retail shopping opportunities and excellent entertainment venues. Our dining establishments reflect the character of Toronto, in that you can find food from every corner of the planet here: from Tibet to the Caribbean to Vietnam to Indian and more. We have a thriving vintage and antique shopping district in our west end that anchors our sense of history, and there are several galleries in Parkdale that display the amazing talents of the many artists who live in the neighbourhood.

Overview of Position:

The Assistant Coordinator position is responsible for supporting the PVBIA streetscape and marketing programs and all related administrative duties.

This position reports to the PVBIA Executive Director and works closely with the PVBIA Board, Members, third parties, external suppliers, community leaders, residents and volunteers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Administrative support including but not limited to filing, fielding calls, research, sourcing, customer service, general inquiries, bookkeeping etc.
  • Events logistic coordination and execution such as sourcing vendors, booking equipment, scheduling volunteers, talent coordination, audio video set up, venue co-ordination, etc.
  • Social media writing and activation such as website and Facebook updates, Twitter,             Instagram, blogging, etc.
  • Meeting coordination such as sourcing venue, catering, printing materials and minute/note taking, etc.
  • Fielding and fulfilling inquiries and/or requests from PVBIA members
  • Maintain documents such as critical paths, event briefs, expense forms and invoices
  • Liaise with volunteers, committees as well as other staff and suppliers to plan and execute events
  • Researching and database management
  • Staying current on new developments in the community
  • Manage other areas and initiatives as directed

Experience and Competencies Required: 

  • Relevant Post-Secondary Degree or equivalent experience.
  • Proven ability to balance multiple assignments and tasks simultaneously.
  • Outstanding organizational and planning skills with strong attention to detail
  • Ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, community groups, sponsors and members.
  • Ability to work flexible hours as needed (particularly at event time).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills required for media and marketing writing (press releases, media advisories, etc.)
  • Experience with grant writing an asset.
  • Social media savvy.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook.
  • Experience working with or volunteering for another BIA an asset.
  • Experience supporting events an asset.
  • Knowledge of Parkdale Village community and businesses an asset.
  • A passion for community and non-profit organizations an asset.

 

Deadline for applications is Nov 9th or till filled

Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • Resume highlighting projects you have worked on
  • Cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements of the job, listing two (2) references and three (3) things you enjoy about Parkdale Village

 

Hiring Committee

Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area

1313 Queen Street West

Toronto, ON.  M6K 1L8, or email to

director@parkdalevillagebia.com

 

Parkdale Village BIA Seeks New Executive Director – Job Posting

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Executive Director

Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area [BIA]

The Parkdale Village BIA is looking for a full-time Executive Director.  The BIA has a staff of 1.5 staff who serve the over 270 members of the BIA on Queen St W between Dufferin and Roncesvalles.

The Executive Director, as the only full-time employee of the BIA, provides administrative support, customer service and general assistance to the BIA. The individual must be a self-starter and possess strong organizational skills to ensure that priorities are assigned to projects and activities.

Reporting to the Board of Management through the BIA Chair [or designate], the BIA Executive Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Implement programs and policies as approved by the Board;
  • Financial management and human resource coordination;
  • Establish, encourage and maintain positive, constructive and proactive relationships with the BIA members as well as those non-members whose action can impact the BIA; and
  • All administrative functions of the BIA.

Duties of the BIA Executive Director include the following:

Administrative  

  • Schedule meetings and prepare agendas with Board/Committee Chair;
  • Prepare and distribute committee minutes or notes, follow-up on issues as required;   Responsible for regular office operations such as filing, folding, stuffing and mailing;   Maintain mailing lists [members, media, committee members, etc]; and
  • Prepare cheques, invoices and other financial documents.

Meeting Organization  

Provide support for Board and committee meetings;

  • Make all required physical arrangements including refreshments, seating etc.;
  • Contact all required committee members and other interested parties to attend.

Communications

  • Prepare, produce and distribute member newsletters;
  • Maintenance of social media program;
  • Regular communications with existing BIA members via site visits throughout the year;
  • Outreach to new BIA members ;
  • Liaise with City departments such as: Economic Development Culture and Tourism Department, Works and Emergency Services, Urban Development Services Departments and other departmental staff as appropriate;
  • Liaise with members of other BIAs and BIA associations; and
  • Liaise with community groups and agencies.

Streetscape and Marketing

  • Maintain and develop streetscape programs;
  • Support and implement the ongoing street beautification program
  • Support and implement the marketing strategy of the Board
  • Play a lead role in the promotion and development of a positive image of the Parkdale business community

Qualifications:

  • University or College Training in Administration or equivalent;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • Motivated, organized and ability to concurrently manage projects and initiatives;
  • Detail-oriented; and
  • Strong computer skills (Microsoft and Word Press]

 

Deadline for applications is Monday June 25, 2012 at 4:00 pm.

Cover letters and resumes outlining how you meet the requirements of the job to:

Hiring Committee

Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area

1313 Queen Street West

Toronto, ON.  M6K 1L8, or email to

johndoherty198@sympatico.ca

 

Participate in Jane’s Walk!

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The 6th Jane’s Walk is taking place on May 5 & 6, 2012 in Toronto and many other cities over the world.


Through the simple act of walking together and discussing what makes a neighbourhood, Jane’s Walk helps knit people together into strong and resourceful communities. Created in 2007 in Toronto by friends of the urban thinker Jane Jacobs, the annual series of free, volunteer-led urban walks has grown from 27 to over 500 walks around the world. While we are looking for volunteers for these walks, people are also encouraged to consider leading a walk themselves, or as part of a group. This provides a chance to share a part of the city or a specific topic which they interested in sharing with a wider audience.
Leading a Walk: There are only two rules to these walks: all walks are freely given and freely attended, and are meant to be walking dialogues. To post a walk, you just need to fill in the online form on our website, which you’ll find here: http://janeswalk.net/pages/new_tours You’ll find lots of tips and resources on our website under the “Walk Leaders” section: http://janeswalk.net/lead.

Event Volunteers Event Volunteers’ roles include assisting Walk Leaders with managing large groups, circulating the newsletter sign-up sheet, taking pictures and answering general queries about Jane’s Walk. This year, we’d also like to use social media during and after the walks to connect people even more, and we’d like to collect feedback in the form of vox-pop videos after each walk. There will be orientation sessions for new and returning volunteers, with specific training on social media and video making. If you’re not on Twitter and don’t have a camera phone, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to participate. I

If you want to be part of the Jane’s Walk Event Volunteer Team, please send an email to volunteer@janeswalk.net We hope that you will join us in celebrating our city and the people and stories that build it every day