#ShopTheHood never looked this good!

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Your Perfect Parkdale Day to #ShopTheHood

Parkdale is a microcosm of Toronto: it’s where you’ll find almost every ethnicity represented, almost every language spoken, and almost every walk of life accounted for. That’s what makes it the perfect place to Shop The Neighbourhood – no matter what your style. What kind of day in Parkdale is perfect for you? From November 28th and throughout December tag us online in your perfect #ShopTheHood day in #Parkdale!

The Girly Girl

You’re a girly-girl, through and through. Femininity is your favourite style and spending time with your girlfriends makes you smile. Start your perfect day getting your hair done at the delightfully eclectic Quinn West Salon. Then, head over to Sylvie and Shimmy for the prettiest shopping experience ever. You’ll love browsing the uber-feminine displays. Afterwards, take a little break at Kitten and The Bear’s tea room. Seated in a cozy window nook, indulge in house-made preserves, scones and tea served in beautiful pastel china or visit them online to learn more about their ‘pastel christmas tea party’ ideas and inspirations. Then finish off with a stop at charming floral boutique Coriander Girl, where you can pick up an artistic bouquet of fresh flowers or vintage vase to remember the occasion.

The Rock-and-Roller

A true rock-and-roller, your soul belongs in music. Start your perfect Parkdale day at a selection of vintage shops, including Stella Luna and The Public Butter, picking up some authentic duds from whatever era rocks loudest in your heart. Then head over to Playdead Cult for some unique art that will bring out your dark side, before lining your belly with an Easy Rider all-day breakfast at Easy Restaurant. Party away the rest of your perfect day at Stones Place or the Cadillac Lounge. They always have something going on – from trivia to karaoke and live bands.

The 6ix Styler

Drake is your god and you wear the 6ix style with pride. Kick off your day in Parkdale with a classic shave and a haircut at Lionel’s Barber Shop before stocking up on top gear at Community 54. With headwear, tees & tanks, footwear and bags, this Parkdale style mecca has got you covered. Once you’re sufficiently decked out, saunter down the Milky Way Graffiti Alley to check out some cool street art. Afterwards, head over to the Parkdale Drink and dance the night away to old school ‘90s and R&B.

The Dapper Gentleman

The masculine version of the Girly-Girl, you’re a dapper gentleman and you only want to present your best. Parkdale has the perfect day for you and it starts at Elevator, a clothing and accessories shop with a classy and vintage feel. From brogues and Oxfords to ties and bow ties, everything you need for a polished persona can be found here. Then head over to the west end’s year-round indoor market, the Toronto Designers Market, to pick up some thoughtful holiday gifts. Finish off your day with a pan-Asian dinner at Miss Thing’s, followed by a nightcap at The Grand Trunk.

The Locavore

You shop the neighbourhood every day, and support local establishments whenever possible. Decked out in Canadiana cool from North Standard Trading Post, you pick up your organics at Good Catch General Store. Your perfect Parkdale day includes sipping on craft beer at Toronto beer baron Mike Duggan’s Brewery and chowing down on 100-mile Ontario beef. Then head down to appropriately named The Yukon for some oysters while you browse Worker Bee Supply Co.’s online shop for your next order of inspirational Prints from local artists.

The World Traveller

You get around, but you always come home. And when you’re home, you like to remember what it was like to be out travelling the world. In Parkdale this is easy to do – you can eat your way through Tibet, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Italy, India, Asia, Mexico, South America and more. Plus, there are so many shops featuring items from around the globe that you will feel like you’re still travelling. End your perfect Parkdale day at The Shameful Tiki Room. This brand new destination is the first Toronto outpost of a Vancouver favourite, and features wood totems inspired by Polynesian culture that are hand-carved by the bar’s owner.

The Hipster

Not that you want to admit you are one, but the Hipster is to Parkdale what the Yummy Mommy is to Leslieville: an integral icon. Your perfect day starts by picking up a cup of Sam James Coffee at The Tempered Room before your bike tune-up appointment at Metro Cycle TO and MacBook service at Garuda Tech. Grab some quality vintage duds at Three Fates or In Vintage We Trust, before heading to Parts & Labour for dinner. If you want to keep the night going, pop downstairs for some sweet DJ sets.

The Artiste

For the Artiste, Parkdale offers a myriad of antique shops to peruse like Captains Treasures and Black Pug DMK. The gallery selection here is just as vast, from the florescent strokes at Shawn Skeir Gallery, to the contemporary art at General Hardware and the cultural centre at Black Artists’ Network in Dialogue (B.A.N.D.). Parkdale is a hub of creativity; check out the exhibits at the non-profit Gallery 1313 or join the Poetry Circle at the Toronto Public Library’s Parkdale Branch. And when you’re all done, stop by the Rustic Cosmo Café for a coffee and a chat about your perfect day.

The Philanthropist

For the Philanthropist, a perfect day is not complete without a charitable component, and there’s many ways to give back in Parkdale. You can donate to less-advantaged youth at West Neighbourhood House, volunteer to serve lunch at St. Francis Table, or attend a fundraiser for one of Parkdale Intercultural Association’s many programs. Why not cap off your day by donating your gently used clothing to The Salvation Army’s Thrift Store or drop off baby/kids clothing at the Creating Together Family Resource Centre.

The Green Goddess

Green Goddesses love to create a holistic lifestyle that’s gentle on themselves and the environment. Parkdale is the perfect place to spend a healthy day for this health-conscious lady. Begin your morning with a Far Infrared Sauna at The Well of Alternative Medicine to release toxins and relax your body & mind. Afterwards, pick up an all-natural fresh fruit smoothie made with almond milk at Boreal Gelato. You’ll love the canning and cooking workshops at the West End Food Coop. And JR’s Natural Health and Bulk has all the organic ingredients you need for tonight’s vegan dinner. Stop by the Toronto Tool Library to pick up a hot glue gun for your weekend D.I.Y. project, before ending your perfect day with restorative yoga and meditation at Parkdale Prana Room.

Are you ready to Shop the Neighbourhood Nov 28!

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Shop the Hood On November 28, 2015, Canadians nationwide are being encouraged to Shop the Neighbourhood and make a local purchase and take advantage of exclusive event deals offered by the businesses in their neighbourhood. The weekend celebrates small businesses and reminds Canadians how local shopping makes a difference in all our lives.

So we ask you Parkdale, help us celebrate and chose to #Shoplocal or #Shopthehood on Nov 28 within our amazing Parkdale Village! Shop Local NOW Mag - 2015 But that’s not all, don’t let your support of community entrepreneurs end on Nov 28, we hope you’ll continue to shop and re-explore your community throughout December.

Stay tuned for dozens of deals, promotions and local stories we’ll be sharing over the next few weeks. Share your own local recommendations and favorites to shopping local by using hashtag #parkdale #shopthehood & #shoplocal

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

October Newsletter: Shop Local Campaign, Facebook, Small Business Forum & Holiday Decor

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Our October Newsletter is out and covers items such as:

Shop Local – Starting November 28: Don’t miss out, join hundreds of businesses across the City as they Celebrate Shopping Local! We will be launching a Shop Locally campaign in November with print advertising, radio, eblasts , subway & in store Posters! Simultaneously you can upload any Holiday deals to the City of Toronto/Yellow Pages Shop the Neighborhood website.
Facebook Contest: Win $100 in Free Facebook Advertising Credits when you participate in the Shop The Hood and/or Shop the Neighborhood Campaign in November/ December. How to Enter: Celebrate shopping locally in store by offering a deal, hosting a sale, doing a giveaway, making a holiday window display, hosting a holiday party….anything goes. Share your ideas with us and/or upload them onto the Shop The Neighborhood website. We will promote your campaign online as well as enter you into the draw! A winner will be picked before the New Year! Good Luck!
Board Vacancy: The Parkdale Village BIA wants you to join the Board of Directors! The BIA is governed by a volunteer Board of Management made up of eleven members serving a four-year term concurrent with the term of Council. The Board works on behalf of its BIA members (the shop owners & property owners), along with an Executive Director & Assistant Coordinator and meets regularly to ensure Marketing and Streetscape Strategies are implemented. Contact us today for details about how to join.
Merchant Cycling Survey: CycleTO Ward 14 is completing their residents/ visitor surveys and still needs many business owners to cpmplete the Merchant Cycling Survey. Please take a moment to fill out the survey which was emailed to merchants or to take the survey when a volunteer visits your store.
Thanks for a Great AGM: Thank you to everyone who participated in last nights Annual General Meeting. The approved 2016 Budget and programming will be up on our website shortly. We have three (3) Board vacancies and encourage you to contact us today to find out how you can join. We are also still recruiting Marketing & Streetscape Committee members to help executive strategies in 2016 – join us today!
Pigeon Issues: If your store front is experiencing challenges with Pigeon’s, here are a few resources you may want to review, if you need assistance exploring your options please contact us; Humane Society; Pigeon Control ; Control Products
Small Business Forum; Join 2,500+ small businesses at the 2015 Small Business Forum to learn more about how your business can survive and thrive in the digital economy. Thursday Oct 15, 9am-4:30pm Metro Toronto Convention Centre Registration is Free!
Naming the Dufferin Amphitheatre: The Dufferin Amphitheatre needs a name! If you have any ideas about what the parkland should be called, email us or Councilor Gord Perks office today; more details to come!
Winter Holiday Décor: In the coming weeks you will notice the Summer Florals being removed, followed by a period of time where the planters sit empty, before Winter Florals are installed in November. We ask members to do their part and help keep the planters clean should they see anyone using them as garbage cans.

Annual General Meeting: Oct 8, 2015

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

You’re Invited!

As a member of the Parkdale Village BIA (Business Improvement Area), you are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting: Thursday, October 8^th, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.(Registration starts at 6:30 p.m.) St John’s Polish National Catholic Cathedral, 186 Cowan Ave (basement hall).

It’s Free! Enjoy snacks and meet other business owners, Board Members, staff, City officials and residents. This meeting is also open to residents, visitors and media.

To view the Agenda, Budget or to Assign a Delegate, download the following document: AGM Notice – PVBIA – Sept 15 2015

September Newsletter: Surveys, Board Vacancy & Vintage Crawl

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Parkdale Village BIA

Our September Newsletter is out and covers items such as:

Annual General Meeting: Join us for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) Thursday October 8th, 2015 @ 6:30pm at the St John’s Polish National Catholic Cathedral, 186 Cowan Ave (basement hall).
Board Vacancy: The Parkdale Village BIA wants you to join the Board of Directors! The BIA is governed by a volunteer Board of Management made up of eleven members serving a four-year term concurrent with the term of Council. The Board works on behalf of its BIA members (the shop owners & property owners), along with an Executive Director & Assistant Coordinator and meets regularly to ensure Marketing and Streetscape Strategies are implemented.
Cycling Survey & Call for Volunteers: Cycle Toronto Ward 14, as well as other policy and research minded groups around the city are looking for volunteers to help with a transportation study on Queen Street between Dufferin and Roncesvalles. In the coming weeks you may be approached at your business or along Queen Street West and asked to complete a short survey about how Cycling impacts you in Parkdale. In order for the project to work, Cycle Toronto Ward 14 need Volunteers for Sept 16 or Sept 17 and Sept 22 and Oct 3.To volunteer please contact us at surveyparkdale@gmail.com
Good Food Market Vendors: The Good Food Market, taking place every Wednesday from 3-7pm in Masaryk Park on Cowan Ave, still has some dates available for you to display your goods within a 10×10 tent, at no cost to you – it’s Free! This is a great way for you to introduce your Business to new customers and help build brand awareness. Sell your goods, hand out brochures/coupons and promote your product/service! If you are interested in taking part, call us today.
Vintage Crawl: Explore over 50 Vintage shops in Toronto as they open their doors late, from 5pm till 11pm and enjoy shopping, music, drinks, snacks and more – check out the over 8 locations participating in Parkdale – click here for more info!
Parkdale Community Economic Planning & Development (PCED) Business Owner Survey: The Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre, a community organization in Parkdale is undertaking a community planning and research project for the Parkdale neighbourhood. This project is led by PARC in partnership with many local groups including Parkdale BIA and (one more). As a part of this project, they are conducting a short survey with local business owners, asking who you are, what unique strengths you have for community, and what kind of challenges in Parkdale you face as a business owner. Over the coming weeks you or your staff may be asked to participate in a short 5-10 minute survey. Your ideas as a key member of the Parkdale community with local knowledge and expertise are very important. For more details, please contact kkamizaki@parc.on.ca

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.

Parkdale Village BIA

Queen Street West between Roncesvalles and Dufferin