The 2026-2031 Strategic Plan sets the direction for the Yonge + St. Clair BIA over the next five years. Adopted by the Board of Management in September 2026, it is the reference point for the BIA’s decisions across streetscape, marketing, events and district advocacy.

The plan was shaped by BIA staff with input from local residents, member businesses, district partners, data on the district’s businesses, visitors, and incoming development – ultimately reflecting a neighbourhood-level approach to Yonge + St. Clair.

What’s in the plan:

+ Four interconnected priorities for 2026-2031: promoting the neighbourhood, its businesses, and the BIA; building strategic partnerships and advocacy; shaping an exceptional public realm; and elevating and activating the district

+ Background and situational analysis: the district’s businesses, residents, visitors, workers, and incoming development outlook

+ How we got here: implementation of the 2019 Strategic Plan

+ The way forward: key areas of focus, guiding principles, goals and strategic action areas

+ How the BIA works: governance, committees, and the path from staff-led projects to Board approval and the City of Toronto

Download:
Download the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan (PDF)

Questions about the plan?
Contact us at [email protected]

You might think of Graffiti Alley or Little Portugal before you think about Yonge + St. Clair for public art in Toronto, but Midtown has a collection all its own. With art from local and international artists ranging from the scientific to the surreal, these are the top 7 public artworks you should visit in Midtown Toronto.

Phlegm Mural 

📍 1 St. Clair Ave W, commissioned by Slate Asset Management with help from STEPS

This might be the most visible public art in Midtown Toronto and at eight storeys high it’s also one of the biggest. This massive black and white mural by British artist Phlegm was meant to create a Yonge + St. Clair landmark through art as part of a revitalization project in the area, and it delivers. 

The quirky comic style of this piece is eye-catching to say the least, and while you can see it from down St. Clair W it’s worth getting a closer look. At first glance, you’ll see the shape of a human but as you get nearer you’ll see a fantastical cityscape of buildings, bridges, and trees, designed after consultation with local residents.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Toronto cityscape without a few iconic buildings, so next time you’re passing try to spy the CN Tower, Old City Hall, and a few other recognizable spots hidden in plain sight.

birdO Mural

📍 1 St. Clair Ave E, commissioned by Slate Asset Management

Crossing Yonge to the east side of St. Clair you’re in for a very different approach to muralism. The mural at 1 St. Clair is 10 storeys of colour, geometry, and optical illusion towering over the TTC subway station.

Local Toronto-based artist birdO is known for creating surreal art featuring animals, and for a mural in Deer Park you can probably guess which one he chose to include here. In an interview with the Yonge + St. Clair BIA, the artist explained that much of the inspiration for this piece came from walking the trails in the ravine just a few steps away, a place he finds magical.

From the huge deer head to the play with shadows and light, all popping with vibrant colours, this mural tricks the eye and makes you question what you’re really looking at.

Toronto Man Sculpture 

📍 101 St. Clair Ave W, commissioned by Camrost Felcorp

They say art should spark discussion and this next work has been doing that since it was installed in 2019. Toronto Man, often called Condo Man, by prominent German artist Stephan Balkenhol is a 25 foot tall conversation piece right off the sidewalk on St. Clair W. Some people love it, some people don’t, and some people think it’s a joke we’re not in on, an idea the artist himself alluded to in an interview.

Any image of Toronto Man, preferably with the coloured blocks visible.

What looks like a giant papier-mâché businessman holding a condo building is actually a modern take on a medieval art technique. The artist chisels and hacks his vision out of a single block of wood creating a rough, jagged shape. To update the technique, the sculpture is then cast in bronze before being painted.

This piece was added to the streetscape at a time when condo developments in Toronto were rampant and it only served to stir up more conversation with people visiting Yonge + St. Clair just to see Toronto Man for themselves.

Reclining Figure 

📍 95 St. Clair Ave W, commissioned by Imperial Life Assurance

Right next door, Reclining Figure by Canadian sculptor John Fillion is more universal in its appeal. This bronze sculpture was commissioned in 1967 as part of the Centennial Project to mark 100 years of the Canadian Confederation and was installed in 1969.

Seeming to balance so delicately, this sculpture of a muscular male torso and legs is a hidden gem at Yonge + St. Clair. Although it’s located right on St. Clair Ave W, it’s set back from the street and thousands of people pass this work every day without seeing it. The front of this building is open to the public and benches welcome visitors to bring a coffee and come view the art.

The Water Molecule Sculpture 

📍 David A. Balfour Park, 75 Rosehill Ave, created by Works Division of Metropolitan Toronto with engineers Gore & Storrie Ltd

David A. Balfour Park is an absolute haven tucked away just off Yonge St but it also happens to hold a secret with a 30 foot tall clue. The Water Molecule sculpture sits on the Rosehill Avenue side of the park and marks the Rosehill Reservoir, the city’s largest ground-level water storage facility for drinking water.

The reservoir has been here since the 1870s and was open air until it was eventually covered over and the sculpture was added in 1967. The Water Molecule sculpture is exactly what it sounds like, a massive metal water molecule of spheres and rods. It sits suspended in a tall arch and with some helpful plaques nearby adding historical context, it’s well worth visiting.

Gosia Komorski Mural 

📍 2 St. Clair Ave W, commissioned by Yonge + St. Clair BIA

When walking toward Yonge St on the north side of St. Clair Ave W this next mural explodes with colour from a narrow alleyway. Gosia Komorski is a Polish-Canadian artist who is known for popping colours and bold patterns. Her work can be seen all over the city and is really easy to spot thanks to her recognizable signature style.

This mural features huge flowers that hold their own amidst the tower buildings close to Yonge + St. Clair and brings a cheery burst of colour in contrast to the black and white Phlegm mural just across the street.

The Iron Horse 

📍 1801 Yonge St, commissioned by Midtown Yonge BIA in partnership with Councillor Josh Matlow and the City of Toronto

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that there used to be horses and carts on the streets of Toronto instead of streetcars and buses, but the Iron Horse sculpture is a nod to that history. At the boundary of Deer Park and Davisville, just south of Davisville Ave, is the Kay Gardner Beltline Bridge. This bridge used to be a thoroughfare for horses and buggies before being converted to railway tracks, and eventually the walking trail we have today.

If you’ve ever crossed this boundary you’ve probably seen the Iron Horse sculpture of twelve lifesize black horse silhouettes crossing the bridge. The sculpture was created by Toronto artist Robert Sprachman as a temporary work in the 1990s before being brought back by popular demand as a permanent feature. Robert is known for creating work to highlight the relationship between mankind and nature, and in this case he also linked the Toronto of the past to present day midtown.

Application Deadline: Sun, Oct 11, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST
Wage: $20 per hour, Part-Time, 24 hours/week
Terms: Temporary contract from Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 (contract extension TBD)
Location: Hybrid Work, 1 to 3 days in-office (TBD) at the Yonge + St Clair BIA Office, 1 St Clair Avenue West, Toronto
Start Date: As early as Oct 22, 2026 (TBD)

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is seeking a contract Social Media + Communications Coordinator to run its social media accounts, while supporting digital and print campaigns for a multi-month contract, with contract extension to be determined by the end of Mar 2027. 

This position is within the Economic Development industry, a multi-disciplinary field focused on making urban districts more competitive and attractive: blending private-public policy and infrastructure, festivals and events, public relations, and marketing into a single office function. As a Coordinator in a small and cross-functional professional team, you’ll get exposure to all of it.

About

The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) was founded in 2018, and is one of Toronto’s most dynamic business districts. Our organization exists to drive economic development, plan streetscape improvements, implement community initiatives, and to deliver signature events for the 450 businesses, 90 property owners, and 14,000 daily office commuters in the district. Our funding is received through a special levy on commercial real estate within our boundaries. Led by an elected Board of local business representatives, the BIA works under the purview of Toronto City Council to deploy strategic investments – with BIA staff regularly working on the ground within our community directly with local business owners, members of public and project stakeholders to deploy new initiatives. 

Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director and the Marketing Manager, the Social Media + Communications Coordinator will be responsible for the successful planning, organization, and implementation of targeted Social Media + Communications operations and projects. 

Responsibilities 

+ Create and execute original social media content; specializing in Reels-style video, from vlog and on-camera segments to voiceover clips, aligned with the BIA’s ongoing content strategy

+ Serve as the on-camera face of the BIA’s social media presence, appearing regularly in video content

+ Plan, draft, and publish a consistent calendar of posts across the BIA’s channels

+ Under the direction of the Executive Director and the Marketing Manager and consulting with the Events Manager, assist in preparation of scheduled internal and external marketing and communication items.

+ Support on-brand, graphic design and marketing collateral as needed for various digital and print campaigns across the organization.

+ Draft and publish timely and relevant website articles and content (yongestclair.ca)

+ Regularly monitor and report on established KPIs, goals, and budgets related to assigned marketing content via Hootsuite.

+ Stay informed and adhere to industry trends, best practices, and BIA regulatory requirements related to marketing, communications, and community engagement

+ Engage in face-to-face business and community outreach relevant to the marketing content calendar.

+ Attend and present at Committee meetings where required

Qualifications

+ Experienced with Reels, video and audio editing

+ Strong eye for design and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Indesign, Photoshop) considered an asset

+ Public speaking skills and comfort with a public, digital presence are considered an asset.

+ Experience with social media, communications, public relations, marketing, graphic design, or other relevant practice, and/or relevant post-secondary experience within these fields

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume with the subject line “Social Media + Communications Coordinator, Contract – [Your Full Name],” along with a portfolio of works if relevant to [email protected] no later than 11:59 PM EST on Sun, Oct 11, 2026. 

Timeline 

Oct 11: Applications due 

Oct 12-13: First-round candidates selected

Oct 14-16: Interviews

Oct 16: 2nd round interview candidates selected for brief assignment

Oct 20: Interview assignments due

Start Date: As early as Oct 22, 2026 (TBD)

Yonge + St. Clair BIA
yongestclair.ca
[email protected]
Facebook @yongestclair.ca
Instagram @yongestclair 

Yonge and St Clair is the business hub of midtown Toronto but whether you work from home or from the office, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. So we’ve put together a local guide of the best coffee shops to work from to help you find your new favourite midtown spot.

1. Mary Be Kitchen 

Mary Be Kitchen is perhaps best known for being a healthy local choice in a sea of french fries. But it’s also an excellent place to work remotely, and with strong WiFi you won’t be the only laptop in there.

This is a bustling spot with both grab and go, and sit down service. There are plenty of tables to choose from, an intimate patio in summer, and hot desk style communal seating options complete with individual outlets for those who really want to lock in on productivity.

Grab a sandwich or order off the delicious guilt-free seasonal menu that lets you build your own combo. They also open early during the week and have a dedicated breakfast menu to kick off your day right. The vibe here is bright and fresh, and the uplifting atmosphere is ideal for tackling your to-do list.

📍21B St. Clair W
marybekitchen.com

2. Lil E Coffee Cafe 

If you like your remote work cafes with a side of purpose, you won’t find a better place than Lil E Coffee Cafe. This cafe is part coffee shop, part social enterprise. Lil E is staffed by young individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. Here, they receive training and employment experience to equip them as they enter the workforce.

Choosing Lil E as your work spot means supporting this all-Canadian cause, but it also means high quality coffee from Calgary-based Rosso Coffee Roasters and delicious baked goods from local Toronto bakeries.

Seating is limited but designed thoughtfully for laptop users with counterheight outlets, comfortable stools with backs, and good WiFi. This is the perfect place to pop in for a few hours of work in a bright and friendly environment.

📍2 St. Clair W, #107
instagram.com/lilecoffeeyyz

3. La Barista Cafe 

La Barista Cafe is the place long-term Yonge & St Clair residents love and new arrivals overlook. This family-owned cafe has been serving the neighbourhood for over 20 years and their friendly service and affordable prices have kept locals coming back again and again.

Situated just below Loblaws at the northeast corner of Yonge and St Clair, this neighbourhood favourite has it all. Ample comfy seats in their dedicated seating area, good WiFi, warm service, and a menu with something for everyone. From coffees to smoothies and sandwiches to fruit salads, you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot at La Barista.

There can be plenty of foot traffic here so pack your headphones if you need to concentrate on your work. Outlets can be tricky to nab so charge your devices in advance. La Barista is also connected to the subway so if the weather isn’t on your side, this is a great place to stop in for a hot drink served with a smile.

📍12 St. Clair E, lower level
instagram.com/labaristacafe.toronto

4. The Coffee 

The Coffee is a newer addition to the neighbourhood and is poised to become our next hidden gem. You’ll find this little haven up a few steps at the back of the lobby at 30 St Clair Ave W. 

This is not a place for video calls, but if you’re looking for a calm and quiet spot to answer emails or work distraction free, this is the one. There’s a good array of tables, reliable WiFi, and plenty of natural light, but outlets are limited so be sure to charge up if you plan to stay more than a few hours.

If you’re a coffee aficionado, you’ll appreciate the perfectionist approach to the “Purist” menu that includes a latte that’s hard to beat. And if you’re looking for something less serious, the Signature menu offers flavoured coffees, matcha, soda, and teas.

They also feature pastries from local Toronto bakery Circles & Squares and a variety of sandwiches to fuel your work day.

📍30 St. Clair W
thecoffee.jp

5. Union Social Eatery 

Although not actually a coffee shop, Union Social Eatery is a local favourite for remote work. With a long bar, high top tables, quiet corners, and big booths perfect for larger groups, whatever your work day brings there’s a spot for you here.

Set yourself up by the huge open window in the warm weather, or nestle into a cozy table on a snowy day. Soft lighting, large tables, and a spacious layout make this a perfect place to work for a few hours or the whole day.

Like the other spots on this list, Union Social Eatery serves coffee but they also serve great food, like the fan favourite almond crusted chicken tenders. Plus, they have vegetarian and gluten-free options, and Social Hour food and drinks deals 2-5pm daily.

In addition to the free WiFi, comfy seats, and tasty eats, what really makes this place special is the staff. The team here is so welcoming and are the sort of people who will remember you the next time you visit.

📍21 St. Clair W
unionsocial.ca

6. Circles & Squares 

There are so many excellent businesses around Yonge and St Clair, but this last pick is a little further north. Toronto has no shortage of excellent bakeries, but Circles & Squares, opposite Davisville subway station, has accolades to back it up, including being named Ontario’s best butter tart maker for 2025. When one of Toronto’s best bakeries is one subway stop or three stops on the 97 bus away, it belongs on the list.

They offer a wide variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and bowls, all made in house and they’re so good they supply countless other coffee shops across the city.

There is window seating in the main cafe, perfect for work with some intermittent people watching, but if you head toward the back and up the stairs you’ll find a full seating area. The tables are well spaced and private enough for video calls. They have free WiFi, outlets, and tables large enough for all your devices plus any other supplies you bring along.

This is a bit of a favourite remote work spot in Davisville so you’ll want to come early to grab a table and if it is busy, we’ve given you plenty of other great options to check out in midtown.

 📍1909 Yonge St.
circlesandsquares.ca