Cycle Toronto Survey & Volunteers Needed!

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Cycle Toronto Ward 14 as well as other policy and research minded groups around the city are planning on conducting a transportation survey in Parkdale (from Queen St W to Roncesvalles) and they need your help! Because the survey is unfunded, their ability to conduct it is dependent on successful volunteer recruitment as well as BIA member, resident and visitor participation in the survey. In the coming weeks we ask that you support this project and take a few minutes to complete the survey, or if you have additional time then please volunteer!

This is an opportunity to learn more about the role of different transportation options in and around the neighbourhood. They are providing volunteers with training in data collection for a transportation survey, qualitative research methods, and the opportunity to get involved with some amazingly dedicated people that want to make Queen Street even more dynamic.

We’re asking that volunteers commit about 5.5 hours in total, and you. There is a 90 minute training session on Wednesday Sept. 16th or Thursday Sept. 17th. We’re asking volunteers to sign up for a minimum of two data collection shifts (2h) between Tuesday September 22^nd and Saturday October 3rd. To volunteer please contact surveyparkdale@gmail.com

To learn more about Cycling in Parkdale, click here

To learn more about Cycle Toronto Ward 14, click here

August Newsletter: Graffiti, Planters, Instagram & Back to School

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Our August Newsletter is out and covers items such as:

Hooray for 80 New Planters which were recently installed along Queen Street west, if you notice any damages or vandalism please contact our office or 311
A reminder that the Parkdale Village BIA funds the removal of Graffiti tagging on your property, within certain guidelines & parameters. We are working to revise and upgrade the service for 2016, however until then please contact our office should you have any questions or have received a warning/ticket from a Bylaw officer.
8 Mistakes we make when using Instagram, click here
5 Back to School Tips for Retailers, click here
If you are interested in having a Mural painted along your wall please let us know. Our BIA is exploring Mural funding for 2016/2017, however, we work closely with Artists who are always looking for a way to display their work in public spaces. Murals are a great way to fight Graffiti tagging as well as help animate the Streetscape.
Parkdale Village BIA Annual General Meeting (AGM) is on Thursday October 8, save the date!
Reminder the summer series of Good Food Markets takes place every Wednesday from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm in Masaryk Park, just south of Queen St. W on Cowan Ave. If you are within the BIA contact us today to learn how you can participate in the market for free!
Welcome new Members: Top Brands for Less, Vape Hustler

To view the newsletter click here or subscribe to receive future newsletters.

Our Guide on where to stay when visiting Parkdale

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

It’s no surprise that tourists; new and returning, foreign and local are flocking to explore this incredible neighborhood of ours; Parkdale Village! For those looking to experience the village from a locals perspective there are numerous accommodation options, from Boutique Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts to Airbnb, here are some of the usual suspects as well as some new favorites and if you still aren’t sure about visiting, this should convince you; Vogue Magazine’s World Coolest Neighborhoods; A Riders Paradise; Quirky Parkdale; Peak Into Parkdale; Porter Airlines Visits Parkdale

Bed & Breakfast

Parkdale is home to three (3) of our favorite West End Bed & Breakfasts, all located just steps from the hustle and bustle of Parkdale’s nightlife, cafes, vintage shops and more! Beautifully restored and within historical Victorian mansions they offer a delightful alternative when exploring the hood.

Dunn House B&B

Located at 208 Dunn Avenue this historic B&B was built in 1890 by renowned Toronto architect George Miller who filled the house with charming Victorian features, most of which still remain, including stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, a wrap-around balcony and porch, and of course the stunning oak spiral staircase. The daily hot breakfast features local organic foods, fair trade coffee, and fresh-baked scones and muffins. Click here to book

The Garden House B&B

Located at 16 Laxton Avenue this beautiful historic manor house with gorgeous back garden will make you forget you are in a big city. Owners/hosts Patricia and Alan are very friendly and kind, know their city well and are happy to give tips – particularly for great restaurants nearby. We love the full English, vegetarian or gluten-free daily breakfast. Click here to book

The Elliott House B&B

The Elliott House located at 157 Dowling Avenue is a large Victorian home built around 1900. The house retains many of its unique and original features and furnishings and has been run by the charming Pauline for over 12 years. Don’t forget to enjoy the relaxing porch overlooking the garden. Click here to book

Airbnb

If the Victorian experience is not your cup of tea, check out the literally over 100 Airbnb locations within Parkdale Village and surrounding neighborhoods.

1. Charming Room in a Victorian House; located on Gwynne Avenue; click here to book

2. The Darling Mansion; located on Dovercourt Road & run by none other then Parkdales Tanya from Salvador Darling Bar; click here to book

3. Big, bright and near to everything!; located on King St West; click here to book

4. Urban loft in Parkdale; located on Noble Street; click here to book

5. Unique Downtown King West Loft!; located on King St West; click here to book

6. Hip and Modern Queen West retreat; located on Laxton Ave; click here to book

7. Urban Cottage Escape in the City; located on Elm Grove Ave; click here to book

8. The West Lodge Apartment; located on West Lodge; click here to book

Boutique Hotels

The more conventional way of staying in the west end falls on the Boutique Hotels, always a blast, filled with excitement and offering a very different feel from downtown, if you haven’t already then certainly explore these gems.

Gladstone Hotel, located at 1214 Queen St West this historic landmark is Toronto’s oldest continuously operating hotel, it boasts 37 artist designed hotel rooms and is a hub for art, music & of course karaoke!

The Drake Hotel opened its doors in 2004 after extensive renovations to an original turn of the century building. The Drake has come to be known as an energetic hub for visual and performance art as well as dining and hospitality.

Restaurant Study Reminder

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

A friendly reminder regarding the status or the Queen Street West Restaurant Study/ Interim Control Bylaw/ Moratorium; In July 2014, City Council approved lifting the Interim Control Bylaw and gave direction to begin enforcing the Queen West Restaurant Bylaw, including the concentration cap.

The Queen West Restaurant Bylaw places a concentration on bars, restaurants and eating establishments on Queen St West between Roncesvalles Ave and Dufferin St. This area of Queen Street West is divided into four sections where there is a concentration of 25% of properties as eating establishments in each section.

As the AGCO Liquor Licence sales permit requires food be served in order to sell liquor, a municipal food licence is required. The Queen West Restaurant bylaw limits the concentration of food licences in two segments of Queen West that have reached capacity.

The Queen West Restaurant Bylaw will be reviewed by city staff in 2016. As with the development of the bylaw, there will be an opportunity for community input in the review. Further, a task force on Liquor Licence issues has been established by City Council to provide advice to staff on the City’s role in liquor licensing.

The Staff Report, with specifics, is available on-line at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-59243.pdf .

To view past related articles and notices, click here

For more details, please email director@parkdalevillagebia.com

Good Food Market: Call for Vendors

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

The Parkdale Village BIA is happy to announce that we are participating in the summer series of the Parkdale Good Food Market taking place every Wednesday from 3:00pm – 7:00pm in Masaryk Park, just south of Queen St. W on Cowan Ave.

This sponsorship includes a 10×10 booth space for our BIA members to use for free! Each week the space can be used/shared by 1-2 Parkdale BIA business members to introduce the community to their products, the use of space will be first come first served with some guidelines. If you are interested in taking part, contact us today! (416) 536-6918 or email

About the Good Food Markets: The Parkdale Community Good Food Market brings people together in Masaryk Park for learning, kids activities, delicious food, and healthy affordable fresh fruit and vegetables! Brought to you by Greenest City, with the support of Parkdale Food Network, Parkdale Village BIA, and Toronto Public Health.
Every Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm in Masaryk Park, from July 8, 2015 through to September.
Every week there will be tasty prepared food, fresh produce, kids activities, a featured local business, information about urban agriculture, health and other community happenings, and more.

July Newsletter: Pan Am, Annual General Meeting & Events

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Our July Newsletter is out and covers items such as:

Pan Am torch visited Parkdale Village on July 9
The Parkdale Village BIA Annual General Meeting (AGM) is on Thursday October 8, save the date!
Reminder the summer series of Good Food Markets takes place every Wednesday from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm in Masaryk Park, just south of Queen St. W on Cowan Ave. If you are a BIA member contact us today to learn how you can participate in the market for free!
Join us at our monthly Board Meeting which generally take place the first Monday of every month from 6:30-8:30pm at the PVBIA office, if you would like to attend please contact the Executive Director to confirm schedule.
Unfortunately, due to permitting issues and summer staff transitions the scheduled July 18 Sidewalk Sale has been cancelled. For more information about Parkdale Village BIA events click here. If you have questions, comments, ideas or suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact our office (416) 536-6918 or via email
Welcome back from parental leave Executive Director Anna Bartula and thank you Project Manager Andrea Switzer for all your hard work over the past year
The Facebook Small Business Boost Bus Tour was in Parkdale. Stay tuned for next month’s BIA Facebook contest, you could be one of five lucky shop owners to win a $100 gift card to boost your Facebook advertising!
The City of Toronto is developing a new 10-year plan for growing, connecting and renewing Toronto’s cycling network. Lend your support and tell the City what you think
Welcome new Members: Miss Thing’s, Mojo’s Cycle & Ravi Soups

To view the newsletter click here or subscribe to receive future newsletters.

Pan Am Coming to Parkdale!

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

The Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Torch is making its way across the country in a 41-day journey that began in Canada May 30. The flame was initially lit in a traditional ceremony in Teotihuacan, Mexico before it travelled to Canada and represents the spirit of the games and is a symbol that unites the 41 Pan American Sports Organizations (PASO) member nations. The torch relay will end on July 10.

In between that time the torch will pass through 130 communities and of those 130 communities residents of Roncesvalles Village and Parkdale had the once in a lifetime chance to see the torch pass through their neighborhood.

On July 9, day 40 of the relay, the torch came cross Bloor Street West and head south on Roncesvalles Avenue between 10:30 a.m. and ten after noon. From there the torch made its way west on Queen Street stopping at the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), where the organization’s president and CEO, Dr. Catherine Zahn will be a torchbearer.

At 1001 Queen St. W., there was a small celebration as the torch then continued its journey along Queen West passing Trinity-Bellwoods Park, then north on McCaul Street and west along Dundas Street, north on Augusta Avenue and west on College Street until it stops at The Toronto West End YMCA by 1:40 p.m. For full article, click here

Road Closures: Please be advised of temporary traffic changes, including parking changes, in Ward 14 during the PanAm/Parapan Games. These are in addition to the road closures previously announced in my newsletter (click here to read).

Dufferin St (July 11 – July 26) No parking on Dufferin St. (east side) between Springhurst Ave. and Queen St. from July 11 to July 26. No parking on Dufferin St (west side) between King St. and Queen St. from July 11 to July 26. No standing on Dufferin St. (west side) between Springhurst Ave. and Thorburn Ave. from July 11 to July 26.

Manitoba Dr (July 4 to July 26) Manitoba Dr. will be closed from Saskatchewan Rd. to Strachan Ave. from July 4 to July 26

Ontario Dr (July 4 to July 26) Ontario Dr. will be one-way northbound between Lake Shore Blvd. and Manitoba Dr. from July 4 to July 26.

Springhurst Ave (July 11 to July 26) No standing on Springhurst Ave. (north side) between Jameson Ave. and Dufferin St. from July 11 to July 26. No standing on Springhurst Ave (south side) between Dunn Ave and Spencer Ave. from July 11 to July 26. Springhurst Ave will be one-way westbound between Dufferin St. and Tyndall Ave. from July 11 to July 26. No left turn from westbound Springhurst Ave. onto Jameson Ave. from July 11 to July 26

Strachan Ave (July 4 to July 26) No right turn from southbound Strachan Ave. onto Manitoba Dr. from July 4 to July 26. Strachan Ave southbound will be closed between Lake Shore Blvd. and Fleet St. from July 4 to July 26.

Tyndall Ave (July 11 to July 26) No standing on Tyndall Ave. (east side) between Springhurst Ave. and Thorburn Ave. from July 11 to July 26

In addition to traffic changes near Pan Am Park (Exhibition Place Grounds), some traffic restrictions will be in place for road race events near Exhibition Place and High Park. Find out more about the road race routes and traffic restrictions at toronto2015.org or by visiting https://www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/pan-am-parapan-am-games-toronto-2015.

The City of Toronto has revamped its website with a new road restrictions map that will provide real-time information on roadwork and other activities that are taking place on city streets. Residents will have the opportunity to look at the impacts of the road restrictions and see the level of severity – ranging from major to moderate to minor – as they prepare to travel.

The map can be accessed at http://www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions.

There will also be temporary public transit changes. Traffic restrictions will result in temporary diversions on some TTC routes, including Route 172 Cherry St., Route 29 Dufferin and Route 329 Dufferin. Be sure to visit ttc.ca regularly for the latest information.

Recent articles regarding Pan Am in Parkdale, click below:

New Planters Coming to Parkdale!

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Marking street locations for new planters

Parkdale Village BIA Board Vice-Chair Sarah Dougall (Made You Look) helps to mark locations for new planters to be installed in June 2015. Accompanied by vendors Deano and Chris from Humberview and Classic Displays and City planning staff Antonella Nicaso.

In early May our old planters were taken away and many have wondered what will replace them. We are thrilled to announce that in the next two weeks Parkdale will be in full bloom again with sleek new planters brimming over with a full summer floral display. This week we have been out with vendors and City of Toronto staff to mark out the final locations.
In addition to the new planters we are happy to bring back our summer floral hanging baskets and this year they look more beautiful than ever, adding to the charm and beauty of Parkdale.
Now that summer evenings are upon us we invite you to take a stroll down Queen Street and to have a look and enjoy these new additions to the streetscape!

For more information: Parkdale_New_Planters_June 2015

Spring into Parkdale – Performance Schedule

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Performance Schedule – Spring into Parkdale 2015

We are thrilled to have some great talent at this year’s festival, performing in four different locations (Queen and Dufferin, Queen and Triller, Queen and Elm Grove and Queen and Brock). Performance times and locations are below (please click on the image to make it bigger).

Come Spring into Parkdale with Us!

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Live entertainment, shopping deals and great food are just some of many reasons to come spend the day in Parkdale this Saturday May 9th!

Join us this Saturday as we celebrate the third Spring into Parkdale Festival and Sidewalk Sale from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. The Parkdale BIA will be set up at four (4) key intersections all day long Queen and Triller, Queen and Jameson, Queen and Cowan and Queen and Cowan. We have over 75 businesses and community organizations also joining in on the fun this year too! For a list of participating businesses and locations please see below and click here for a map to all the fun:

Norling – 10% off until 5:00pm

Contrast Living – When customer buys $10 or more, they will get a Hello!Sunshine Soap for free. sidewalk sale (selected items), and also some Mother’s Day gift set in store.

The Tempered Room – Spring Festival and Mother’s day special!

Cambie Designs – 10% off of our BLANKETS

North Standard Trading Post – 15% off sale on North Standard goods

Shopgirls Gallery Boutique – Sidewalk sale rack and mother’s day promotion

Food and Liquor – Food sampling/Drink specials

Wind Grove Interiors – Check out the new Showroom Upstairs – Sidewalk Sale on selected items

Black Pug DMK – Check out the new workshop with teaching/ tool clinics in the lower space.

This Little Piggy – pop up shop with Elise Maree Trickey in the store, we will have a sale as well. The entire shop will be 15 % off.

Mankind Grooming Studio for Men – Mankind will be very happy to offer complimentary beard/moustaches trims and 20% off on all of our products.

Public Butter – for a giant bicycle sale, as well as offering deals on all our furnishings and clothing.

Community 54 – DJ set-up outside doing scratch lessons and demos for kids

Duggan’s Brewery – Grab some BBQ, made on site root beer and cream sodas for the kids, live music – Brewery Tours inside

Yummy Stuff – Come by and decorate your own cookie! While you’re there pick up something for mom with discounts on mother’s day cakes, cookies etc.

Made You Look – Jewellery Artists will be set up outside to showcase their beautiful work and offer special deals!

Mata Petisco Bar – will be offering some delicious menu items, which include: specialty in house peppers and Brazilian style street food (Cheese Bread, Cassava Frites, Pastel)

Frou Frou Vintage – Sidewalk sale on selected items outside and offering discounts on goods inside the store

West End Comics – Storewide Sale – 20-75%! trades, comics, action figures, statues

Westend Food Coop – Mini farmers market and artisanal foods (gelato, cheese, etc.)

Studio Brilliantine – Sidewalk sale on selected items

The Boreal Gelato Company – will be hosting artist vendors in store and on the bench outside

Captains Treasures – Sidewalk sale on selected vintage and antique furniture and items. Don’t forget to check out the huge selection inside as well!

Glory Hole Doughnuts– Come visit Glory Hole at the Crown Flora Spring Market!

Chartreuse Style – Sidewalk sale – discount rack on selected items, plus save the tax on all purchases

Steve Pella Hair – Sidewalk sale on selected hair care products

Daisies Vintage – Sidewalk sale – Everything on sale for 30% off, this includes vintage clothing and antique household items / small furniture pieces. Free freezies, popsicles and drinks!

Capital Espresso – Refreshing cold drinks and great coffee!

Sylvie and Shimmy – We will be having a 20% off store wide sale for the Spring into Parkdale event which we will continue on Sunday, as we are celebrating our 2nd Anniversary.

96 Tears Vintage – Sidewalk sale – rack of clothing

House of Vintage – Lots of vintage goodies and deals.

Kid Icarus – This weekend only! – Buy any 2 Kid Icarus cards and get the 3 one for free

Cadillac Lounge – Seniors country live music matinee on our patio from 3:30 to 6:30

Crown Flora Studio – Spring Market, gift giveaways, special gifts for Mom

Jola’s Good Catch – Full day of programming and sales

Loonie Times – See the Loonie Times Mascot throughout Parkdale, Plus stop by the shop and get a behind the scenec look of the Loonie Times shop where some of the most recognized and loved mascots are made!

The Well of Alternative Medicine – will be doing a sidewalk sale, We will have items off on clearance as well as packaged basket bundles at discounted prices for those last minute Mother Day shoppers.

Spring into Parkdale Media Advisory – MAY 2015

Parkdale Village BIA

Queen Street West between Roncesvalles and Dufferin

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