Submission Date: Friday, October 31st, 2025 @ 5pm Contract Commences: Monday, January 5th, 2026
► To download this entire RFP as a PDF: Click here.
1. Introduction
The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) is committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming,
and visually inspiring neighbourhood. To achieve this, the BIA invests annually in seasonal floral displays
and landscaping initiatives that enhance the pedestrian experience, highlight the area’s identity, and
strengthen its sense of place. The project consists of all labour, equipment, and materials necessary to
supply, install, water, and maintain floral displays and landscaping features within the Yonge + St. Clair BIA
boundaries. Services will include a spring display, a summer display, and a winter display, as well as
ongoing maintenance of planters and tree pits.
The contract will commence January 5, 2026, and continue until December 31, 2026, with the potential for
renewal based on performance and budget approval. Work will not commence until April and must adhere
to this schedule:
– Spring plantings to be installed no later than April 30, 2026
– Summer plantings to be installed no later June 30, 2026
– Winter plantings to be installed no later than November 15, 2026
2. Scope of Services
i. Seasonal Displays & Installation
● Supply and installation of seasonal floral displays in the following planters (dimensions provided
below in Appendix A):
○ 31 large raised planters (fixed) along either side of Yonge Street
○ 4-6 medium raised planters (moveable) to be installed along Wally Crouter Walkway
○ 2 small planters integrated into feature benches (fixed) out front of 1 St Clair Ave E
● Each planter to include dark mulch (preferably black) and vibrant flowers that align with some if not
all the BIA’s brand colours (yellow, orange, teal, purple). Planter boxes must be completely filled.
● Installation of seasonal displays three times annually: Spring, Summer, and Winter.
● Replacement of plants as needed to ensure planters remain vibrant and healthy.
● Installation of dark mulch (preferably black) in 2 tree pits located out front of 1 St. Clair Avenue E
(dimensions provided below in Appendix A)
ii. Watering & Maintenance
● Watering services minimum three (3) times per week, adjusted seasonally and based on weather
conditions.
● Continuous inspection of planters and tree pits to prune and remove garbage, debris, weeds, or
dead plant material.
● Maintenance of mulch for tree pits as well as within all BIA planters.
● Preference will be given to vendors who can include expanded weeding services (areas
surrounding planters, tree pits, and throughout the rest of the BIA boundary) as part of their
offering.
iii. Monitoring & Reporting
● Weekly condition checks of plant health, mulch coverage, and planter cleanliness.
● Immediate notification to the BIA of any issues (e.g., vandalism, damage, dead plants).
● Photo documentation of seasonal displays upon installation.
3. Submission Requirements
Quotations must include the following:
1. A cover letter introducing the company, quotation summary, and a clear description of services –
including frequency of watering and any additional services (e.g., weeding).
2. A breakdown of proposed fees by season (Spring, Summer, Winter) and ongoing maintenance.
3. Examples of comparable past floral/landscaping projects.
4. A proposed workback schedule and staffing plan.
5. At least three (3) references of previous clients of similar projects including name, company,
telephone, and email address.
6. Draft planting program including: potential colour schemes, types of flowers, watering approach
4. Pricing
The BIA anticipates pricing in the range of $45,000–$50,000 annually (HST included) for all services
described above. Preference will be given to vendors who provide comprehensive services (including
weeding) within this range. Pricing can be discussed further, however, proposals that fall within this range
will receive priority consideration.
5. Submission Instructions
Please submit your detailed quote to our Streetscape + Design Manager, Jason Glionna at: [email protected]. Please also contact this email with any questions.
Submission Deadline: Friday, October 31st, 2025 @ 5pm
Yours truly,
Yonge + St. Clair BIA
Appendix A
► To download this entire RFP as a PDF: Click here.
Call for Proposals: Legacies of Yonge + St. Clair The Yonge + St. Clair BIA invites artists to submit proposals for Legacies of Yonge + St. Clair, a major new public art commission launching in Spring 2026.
The commission for this multi-phase project is $40K (inclusive of tax)
Submission Deadline:November 7, 2025 at 11:59pm ET
Legacies of Yonge + St. Clair builds on Heritage Toronto oral histories with six longtime business owners,representing more than 120 years of neighbourhood history. Through portraiture and storytelling, the selected artist will transform these narratives into a bold, accessible cultural landmark for residents, workers, and visitors.
The commissioned artist will lead a photoshoot, develop a unified visual treatment, and install a large-scale work. Artists are encouraged to propose concepts that:
+ Work with a combination of exterior and interior space + Consider how interior and exterior environments connect visually and thematically + Respond to the site’s architectural context while maintaining a unified vision
Legacies is intended to evolve over multiple years. This first commission launches a portraiture exhibition that may be reinterpreted in future murals, exhibitions, galleries, and print or digital formats. Proposals should present a visual approach that stands alone now and can potentially adapt to future iterations. The BIA may reference, re-scale, or adapt elements of the commissioned work for future program iterations, such as additional murals or installations, exhibit formats, printed/digital communications, and related cultural programming. Any such reuse will include appropriate artist credit and will respect the integrity of the original work.
Please note that this is only a summary of the full RFP.
+ Full details and submission info are hosted on the Akimbo website: View here.
+ You can download the full Call for Proposals as PDF here. Download.
This isn’t just a list—it’s a guide written by the people and storeowners who live and work here. From tucked-away cafés to indie retailers and trusted neighbourhood services, these are the hidden gems that give Yonge + St. Clair its character. Start with what’s nearby and discover the neighbouhood from the lens of locals who know the block.
Scroll down to browse these categories: Shopping | Dining | Services All walkable. All homegrown. All yours to explore.
🍽️ DINE LOCAL
Whether you’re craving a sit-down meal or something sweet to-go, these restaurants and cafés serve up flavour with community spirit.
El Inka
Authentic Peruvian cuisine + cocktails in a laidback atmosphere One look at their menu and you’ll see why El Inka is a as real as they come. Family-owned, authentic Peruvian recipes without compromising identity, and forever growing in popularity, this restaurant is a place you hope will remain a local hidden gem for years to come.
One of the City’s last remaining traditional deli experiences that’s consistently delicious A pillar of the deli scene since the 1980’s Zelden’s is a local legacy that scratches the classic deli itch with hearty sandwiches and homemade sauces. Delicious, wholesome and familiar. It’s hard to imagine a more traditional deli in Toronto. Don’t miss their outdoor patio this summer.
Wine, dine, and unwind with modern Indian cuisine A refined-yet-relaxed spot serving modern Indian dishes alongside a curated wine list. A must-add to your repertoire of dine-in restaurants in this neighbourhood, enjoy a summer evening on their cozy covered patio. A family-owned restaurant with a sister location in Unionville.
Sweet summer desserts, with a twist Crunchy pastries with ice cream fillings? This might be your new go-to summertime treat. This Toronto-based hotspot is growing quickly across the City with its third of five locations in the City here at Yonge + St. Clair.
Your go-to for friendly faces and coffee/tea Known for their owner’s neighbourly charm and infectious personality, this tucked-away café offers locally roasted coffee, pastries, and warm welcomes daily. Serving this neighbourhood for over 20 years.
On the run? Grab your shawarma and Mediterranean grill staples for a fast casual bite Whether it’s a pita wrap, rice or fries you’d like to accompany your choice of Mediterranean grill selections this locally-owned and operated shawarma shop serves up great flavour and value.
Toronto’s most popular sandwich shop has its flagship location here A local startup success story, the entrepreneurial couple from Germany took the premium sub sandwich scene by storm in 2018 expanding from a single, over-the-counter shop in Rosedale to multiple locations across Toronto’s busiest intersections. From savoury subs to creative takes on grilled hot dogs this is a go-to hotspot for a satisfying bite.
Whole food for the soul With great coffee too! Mary Be Kitchen serves wholesome, made-from-scratch comfort food that feels like home – hearty bowls, seasonal salads, and baked goods made with real ingredients. It’s the go-to spot at Yonge + St. Clair for anyone who wants a meal that’s both nourishing and genuinely satisfying.
Looking for something special? These retailers offer unique finds, curated collections, and proudly Canadian picks—all within a short stroll.
photcred: IG @patriciamccowan
Book City
Independent bookshop with eclectic finds at great prices Since 1976, this Toronto-run independent bookstore has stocked its shelves with an eclectic mix of new and backlist titles, packing their shelves high with bargain and unexpected finds.
Boutique finds for your pet and other rare treats An indie pet shop that pampers shoppers and their pets, Pawmart focuses on retailing high quality pet products and premium treats you won’t find anywhere else. Locally-owned with some of the friendliest service you’ll encounter, stop by if you’re shopping in the area for you and your pets.
Gifts for every occasion with a Canada Post mailing centre for added convenience 30 years and going strong, this family-owned gift and card shop boasts a postal mailing service via Canada Post on-site too!
Boutique gifts and flair in the heart of Midtown For 22 years Steven Gerry has been collecting, curating and vending some of this neighbourhood’s most unique and trendy gifting options. You’ll find a touch of class and humour in the stock they carry. This spot is perfect for your next special occasion.
Your local home goods to feel your best Andrea Szomor has been a trusted local source of natural health products, supplements and curated home goods for the Yonge + St. Clair community for over 25 years. Their shoppe also has a mini grocery store stocking vegan, non-GMO and green foods.
From self-care to everyday essentials, these services are run by people who live—and care—right here in your community.
Top Knot Pet Grooming & Atelier
Expert pet grooming with heart, style, and a splash of colour. New to the Yonge + St. Clair community, Top Knot is a woman-led, Canadian-owned boutique salon offering low-volume, high-quality grooming with a focus on gentle handling, skin + coat care, and beautifully styled cuts—from breed-standard to Asian Fusion and Teddy-Bear trims. They even offer pet-safe colouring and spa-like treatments for your pup.
📍 46 St. Clair East E, Unit B102 📞 (647) 325-6274 🕒 Tue–Fri 10AM-5PM | Sat 11AM – 5PM 🌐 IG: @thetopknotgrooming
Haru’s Barbershop
Classic men’s cuts, newly rooted in the neighbourhood New to the area and independently run, Haru’s offers men’s cuts with a side of community charm.
Proudly locally owned and operated for nearly 8 years, many of this wellness clinic’s clients are local office workers who stop in for massages on their lunch breaks or after work—making wellness a part of their regular routine.
Straight Up Health is the neighbourhood mental wellness clinic for youth, adults, and families using evidence-informed mental health support in a way that’s modern, personalized, rooted in real connection and grounded in clinical expertise. Supporting individuals and families in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood for over half a decade their office is easy to access, and they regularly collaborate with local schools like The York School, UCC, and Branksome Hall, and local businesses like Fitzrovia and Wittington.
Ronit Wilk, owner and operator of the local Oxygen Yoga & Fitness Studio comes from a Biomolecular Research background and has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to combining health sciences, fitness and wellness. This studio space features far-infrared panels for additional warmth and therapy, and focuses on group classes within their vibrant community. OYF studios are proudly Canadian with 15 years of operational history.
