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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Street Mural Projects 2024

Inspirational Art Opportunities:

1. From Mundane Electrical Boxes to Vibrant Icons

2. Culturally Iconic Mural

DEADLINE: Monday, September 2, 2024 @11:59pm EST


INVITATION

The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area [BIA] has been granted an exceptional opportunity to utilize funding from the City of Toronto to seek strategies to bring more people to the area via public street art and beautification projects. This initiative acknowledges the current steadfast densification creating neighbourhood identity obstacles across the area and seeks urban resilience for local people & businesses through a cohesive, vibrant aesthetic and character. We are calling on all motivated artists to submit budgeted mural design proposals for one or both of the following sites within the Yonge + St. Clair BIA:

Opportunity 1

  • Two (2) side-by-side electrical boxes located in front of a school along calm, lush Ferndale Ave.

Opportunity 2

  • One (1) partially protruding brick wall located along iconic St. Clair Ave. near Yonge St.

Please note these are two separate submissions.

BACKGROUND

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA was founded in 2018 to strengthen the economic health and livability of the neighborhood through strategic investments in the public realm, cultural programming, brand awareness, and advocacy. Our mission is to be a local economic growth accelerator that attracts new businesses, grows existing businesses, creates an enjoyable public realm experience, and generates visitor demand.

The immensely diverse area around Yonge + St. Clair is perched atop a hill and is characterized by the nearby ravine and pockets of green space. Commercial towers form the backbone along both Yonge St. and St. Clair Ave. Popular lunch spots, numerous schools, a public library, and residential buildings round out the programming. The area is well connected through public transit and contains numerous large-scale murals and sculptures to add character. With a wave of development coming in, we must ask, what does it take for the Yonge + St. Clair area to be a neighbourhood?

The areas of focus for these two projects are:

  1. Nature: highlight the natural components of the area [electrical boxes]
  2. Identity: uncover and display our neighbourhood’s character [brick wall mural]

Please reference the following projects as precedents for local artwork: #WaterfallYSC [Studio F Minus] // Inside Out Art installation [Rich Schutte & Jacqueline Vandervaart] // Untitled Mural – 2016 [Phlegm] // Deer Park Mural – 2019 [BirdO + Slate] // Toronto Island Sunset Mural [Leyland Adams Art] // Midtown Vibrance Mural [Leyland Adams Art]

OBJECTIVES

  • Showcase refined and modern art that reflects a local legacy & urban evolution.
  • Enhance visual appeal of the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood to increase foot traffic.
  • Reflect the diversity of not only the people, but their businesses.
  • Uncover the past, acknowledge & cherish the present, aspire for future advancements.

SCOPE OF WORK

You shall act as the project manager, advisor, and planner referencing our Strategic Plan and Streetscape Master Plan as a guide to better understand the full breadth of the area [history, diversity, culture, layout, building forms & typologies, etc.]. For opportunity (1) [mural on electrical boxes], we will grant you no more than $3,000 [total for the two electrical boxes] to beautify these typically mundane objects. For opportunity (2) [mural on a brick wall], we will grant you no more than $5,000 to create an iconic mural. Each proposal must include an executive summary, artistic concepts, artistic profile, images of previous work, and detailed budget and timeline. Please note that Yonge + St. Clair BIA will assume responsibility for cleaning and removing graffiti / postering for the two electrical boxes and brick wall prior to the initiation of the project.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

There will be a jury composed of members of the Yonge + St. Clair BIA to award the winning mural design. We expect your work to provide a true demonstration of our identity through in-depth research and analysis of local businesses, residents, and surrounding context.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR ARTWORK

Disclaimer: Artists must be aware and assume the risk that their artwork may be subject to damage by the elements or public.

Materials: The $3,000 and $5,000 budgets are all-inclusive. Please keep in mind costs of items such as primer.

Artwork Goals: opportunity (1) [electrical boxes] – create one design proposal that is vibrant, relevant, and cohesive across both electrical boxes; opportunity (2) [brick wall] – create one design proposal that acts as an all-encompassing depiction of the iconic Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood.

Design Approach: Please ensure each design is a painting [not wrap or poster/billboard] with no extruding elements and can be engaged with from all angles. Consider the goal of ensuring there will be no graffiti or posters on top of your work. Any form of advertising is not permitted.

Theme: Opportunity (1) [electrical boxes] “Depict nature in reference to geographical, historical, & cultural context”; Opportunity (2) [brick wall] “Display the culture of Yonge + St. Clair in relation to the past, present, and future.” For both themes, we still expect your own creative interpretation and unique style to be at the forefront of the design.

DELIVERABLES

Executive Summary [1 page maximum]: provide a brief description of your proposition in relation to the context [Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood] demonstrating how your vision aligns with our philosophy and theme.
Artistic Concept [4 pages maximum]: design proposals [images, descriptions, precedents, colour schemes, and/or themes] for each of the two electrical boxes and/or brick wall.
Artist Profile & Previous Work [2 page maximum]: provide an artist’s CV and images of previous work.
Detailed Budget & Timeline [1 page maximum]: detailed budget [not exceeding $3,000 & $5,000 respectively] and schedule outlining design / materials / prep / install phases & timeline.

TIMELINE [Opportunity 1 + 2]

  • Monday, September 2, 2024 @11:59pm: proposals due.
  • Friday, September 6, 2024: artists selected, and contracts awarded by Yonge + St. Clair BIA.
  • September – October 31, 2024: installation period.

HOW TO SUBMIT / QUESTIONS
Please note these are separate proposals. Submit each proposal as a single PDF electronically to [email protected] with the following subject line: For the opportunity (1) title: “RFP – Street Mural Projects 2024 – Electrical Boxes [Your Name]”. For the opportunity (2) title: “RFP – Street Mural Projects 2024 – Brick Wall [Your Name]”. Please also direct any questions to [email protected].

The deadline for all submissions is 11:59PM EST on Monday, September 2nd, 2024.

You can view a PDF copy of this RFP at this link.

Electrical Box & Brick Wall Locations
Dimensions provided are approximate and follow the format of Width x Depth x Height in inches [electrical boxes] and feet [brick wall]. Locations are designated by nearby intersecting streets and are shown on the corresponding map. Please note, only the bricks [not the bottom right portion where there are pipes] can be painted on for the wall. All faces of the electrical boxes are to be painted on.

2024 Canada Summer Jobs Program: 4 Roles Open

Are you ready to gain some valuable insight and work experience in the field of Economic Development this Summer 2024?

This industry encompasses a multi-disciplinary approach to creating more competitive and attractive urban districts, combining public policy + infrastructure, festivals + events, public relations, and marketing into one office function. Note: There are four (4) available positions listed below which suit a variety of academic and professional background and/or interests.

Eligibility

These positions are a part of the Canada Summer Jobs Program with funding provided by Service Canada. Candidates must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment (June 1, 2024). Candidates must also be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred for the duration of employment; and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Application Deadline: Friday, May 10, 2024 at 5:00 pm EST 

Salary: $19 per hour, Part-Time, 24 hours/week 

Terms: 3-month temporary contract: June 1 – August 31, 2024

Location: BIA Office, 1 St Clair Avenue West, Toronto 

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 and working closely with the senior management team, the Economic Development Coordinators will be responsible for the successful planning, organization, and implementation of targeted special projects. 

The dedicated roles could be focused on providing key support for events and cultural programming including the planning of art installations, summer activations, tactical events, partnerships, and more. You may also support the execution of the digital marketing strategy through social media channels, blog posts, web updates, and newsletters.

Responsibilities (4 Positions Below)

Please note, that 4 different roles specializations are defined below, serving as specialization areas for each of the individual Economic Development Coordinators.

Marketing & Events Coordinator Position: 

+ Under the direction of the Manager of Marketing & Events, assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of marketing initiatives and events to promote the BIA’s objectives and member businesses
+ Support the development and implementation of marketing strategies across various channels, including social media, print materials, and digital advertising
+ Aid in the creation of engaging content for promotional materials, such as event flyers, posters, social media posts, and website updates
+ Assist in coordinating outreach efforts to promote events and initiatives within the local community, BIA membership and target audiences
+ Support event management budgets by assisting with vendor communication, and financial tracking
+ Help monitor and analyze marketing performance metrics, such as engagement, reach, and conversion rates, and provide insights for optimization
+ Provide administrative support for marketing and event-related tasks, including scheduling meetings, maintaining databases, and responding to inquiries
+ Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment of marketing and event efforts with organizational goals and priorities
+ Assist in the coordination of marketing campaigns, including scheduling posts, monitoring social media channels, and managing ad placements
+ Post-secondary degree or working towards a degree in marketing, digital media, event planning or other relevant training

Streetscape & Design Position:

+ Under the direction of the Director of Operations, support the delivery of priority projects and goals
+ Continue to advance the BIA’s Streetscape Master Plan projects, working closely with stakeholders, consultants and contractors
+ Support the maintenance, beautification, and seasonal decoration strategies
+ Monitor all area-related public works and city-ordered area improvements, attend meetings, participate in consultations, survey stakeholders, and distribute information/updates as needed.
+ Liaise with City of Toronto staff and agencies including reporting issues to 311
+ Post-secondary degree or working towards a degree in urban planning, design, environmental studies or other relevant training

Communications Position:

+ Under the direction of the Executive Director, assist in preparation of weekly/monthly internal and external communication items
+ Liaise with BIA membership and various stakeholders on a weekly/monthly basis
+ Engage in business and community outreach relevant to the strategic plan
+ Research, develop and recommend public relations plans and programs including media coverage; and direct, coordinate and monitor execution of approved plans and programs
+
Public speaking skills are considered an asset
+
Post-secondary degree or working towards a degree in communications, public relations, political science or other relevant training

Special Projects Position: 

+ Under the direction of the Executive Director, organize and coordinate events as needed by the BIA such as community consultations, roundtables and working group sessions
+ Prepares cost estimates, prepares, and distributes invitations/maintains guest lists, orders event supplies, processes honoraria, communicates with event sponsors, invitees, and participants
+ Collects and keeps track of receipts and event related expenses; prepares expense reimbursement form
+ Prepares cost estimates, books space, oversees all aspects including set-up, catering, audio visual and IT support, and signage
+ Designs and distributes notice of events, schedules, and registration materials
+ Compiles and maintains registration and mailing lists
+ Prepares, collects, summarizes, shares and revises evaluations of each event on a regular basis
+ Support the creation of the BIA’s new sponsorship strategy for signature events
+ Post-secondary degree or working towards a degree in communications, public relations, event planning or other relevant training

Qualifications and Key Competencies 

+ Strong computer skills; proficient in Google Suite apps, Microsoft, and Mailchimp
+
Social media including Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok
+ Willing to work on a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as required for the completion of key project coordination goals
+ Able to prepare information for a diverse group of audiences, including general public, media, elected officials, government departments, business owners and senior corporate representatives
+
Provides a consistent and thorough approach to all organizational communications
+ Comfortable communicating in person and through documentation with all stakeholder groups, including business owners, tenant organizations, allied industry organizations, government departments, the media and the general public

The Yonge + St Clair BIA is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume with the subject line “Economic Development Coordinator + Position + (Your Full Name)” to [email protected] no later than 5:00 pm EST on Friday, May 10, 2024.

 

 

 

Discover your neighbourhood

Welcome to Yonge + St. Clair! Explore the links to unlock the neighbourhood
(Updated for Spring 2024)

 

Events

May to June 2024, Music + Dine : RSVP to the Music Series Happening May – June 2024
April 25, 2024, Register for the Yonge + St. Clair Community Cleanup as part of Earth Day 🌎

Sign Up for the Newsletter

Sign Up: Join 4000+ local subscribers and stay up to date on local events, highlights and initiatives

Have Your Say! Complete the Public Survey About Yonge + St. Clair

➕Complete the Survey: Provide your feedback on a comprehensive list of topics surrounding local safety, infrastructure, events and community.

Explore the Local Business Directory

➕ Disocover Local: Discover local businesses, services and more!

See Local Highlights

➕ Read the Blog: Get the scoop, see the topics making headlines in the local community!

 

 

Yonge + St. Clair Public Survey

Have your say. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA invites you to take part in a public survey to help build a safer, more accessible and vibrant community. Your responses will help address the various key topics surrounding the neighbourhood’s development by taking into account the feedback of all local residents, business owners, employees, and visitors to create a newly informed 5-Year Strategic plan. By completing this public survey, you will be able to help shape the Yonge + St. Clair of your future.

 

Who is the Yonge + St. Clair BIA? The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents 450+ businesses and 90+ property owners in the Yonge + St. Clair community in midtown Toronto, Ontario and serves its audience of local residents, visitors and 20,000 daily workers and commuters. Formed in 2018, the BIA strengthens the economic health and livability of the neighbourhood through strategic investments in the public realm, exciting cultural programming, brand awareness and advocacy on behalf of members.

In 2019, we created a Strategic Plan to accomplish several key goals with the ultimate purpose of establishing a framework to make Yonge + St. Clair a community of growth and success.

These goals were to: 

+ Review the context within which the Yonge + St. Clair BIA was working at the time
+ Identify key insights provided to us by the constituents of Yonge + St. Clair
+ Define the core vision and values of the Yonge + St. Clair BIA
+ Establish broad strategic objectives for our BIA to strive towards

You can review the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan here. 

We are seeking to update the Strategic Plan to better suit both present and future constituents of Yonge + St. Clair. While our key goals remain the same, our updated Strategic Plan will identify and adapt to the shifting contexts, community needs and available resources in Yonge + St. Clair. These considerations will be considered as we develop a formalized economic development process to expand upon our work and make Yonge + St. Clair a community that works for everyone. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Complete the survey below:

(Or use direct link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RTZG3MN)

Coffee with a Cop

 

Coffee with is a Cop is a public, drop-in meet and greet event, bringing Yonge + St. Clair’s police team (53 Division) together with members of public and local business owners for a casual chat over a coffee or tea. This informal event is designed to provide a chance for you to meet your local police team, ask any questions you’ve been curious about regarding police duties, and learn about the safety plan for Yonge + St. Clair throughout 2024.

On Thursday March 28 from 11AM – 1PM, come to La Barista Cafe located on the lower concourse of 12 St. Clair East to enjoy this community-led event produced by the Yonge + St. Clair BIA

Follow the Yonge + St. Clair BIA on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for ongoing updates.

 

How to Attend

 

RSVP now for a free coffee or tea when you come say hello to the 53 Division police team on event day. Limited beverage supply will be available for non-registered walk-in guests, while supplies last.

Details:

Thursday, March 28, 2024 – 11am to 1pm
La Barista Cafe, 12 St. Clair East – Lower Concourse


(Direct link to RSVP site: https://www.universe.com/events/coffee-with-a-cop-meet-and-greet-yonge-st-clair-tickets-J46WSX) 

 

FAQs

Where to Go
Enter through the main doors of 12 or 22 St. Clair East. Use the indoor escalators near the Loblaws, or stairs to reach the lower concourse. Follow signs to reach La Barista Cafe. Event staff and 53 Division police will be there to greet you.  
 
Photography
When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.  
 
Safety and Health
You are responsible for any dietary restrictions or allergy concerns. 

 

Monday Girl x Glisten Festival

Thank you for joining us at Yonge + St. Clair for the Monday Girl x Glisten Festival International Women’s Day Panel.

After the panel discussion these local storefront are inviting you into their spaces to learn more about their business/ organization and their experience as business leaders.

  1. Paula Renata – Co – Owner of Megumi Mazesoba
  2. Ronit Wilk – Owner of Oxygen Yoga – Yonge + St. Clair
  3. Ashley Saltsman – of Straight Up Health
  4. Rebecca Harrison – Executive Director of Unity Charity

Keep scrolling to learn more about the women leader’s at Yonge + St. Clair.

Business Leaders at Yonge + St. Clair

Paula Renata – Co – Owner of Megumi Mazesoba


Ronit Wilk – Owner of Oxygen Yoga – Yonge + St. Clair


Ashley Saltsman – of Straight Up Health


Rebecca Harrison – Executive Director of Unity Charity

 

If you would like to learn more about the Glisten Festival click here.

 

Event Agenda:

 

Glisten Festival 2024

We’re excited to introduce Glisten Festival — Toronto’s newest annual event highlighting the culture, creativity and community right here within the Yonge + St. Clair BIA.

Glisten Festival will run from February 15 to March 18, encompassing Family Day, March Break and International Women’s Day!

The festival is an opportunity to explore limited-time art installations, discover the local community, and experience the Tunnel of Glam — our pedestrian walkway filled with 14 million reversible sequins, as it returns for the last time — and discover the many, vibrant local businesses of Yonge + St. Clair.

Don’t miss our Glam Giveaway for the chance to win a $500 Glisten Prize Pack from local businesses. 🎁

From great food and self-care experiences to visual displays and fresh fashion finds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Glisten.

Save the date: Join us for the kick-off on Thursday, February 15th at 6 pm at The Tunnel of Glam, location: 📍 1501 Yonge St. Toronto ON | Follow this link to RSVP to the Launch Event.

Glam Giveaway✨

Don’t miss our Glam Giveaway for the chance to win a $500 Glisten Prize Pack from local businesses! 🎁

How to enter:

+ Snap and share a photo at the Tunnel of Glam, or outside a storefront located at Yonge + St. Clair on your feed or stories.

+ Tag Yonge + St. Clair (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok)

+ Register below to sign up for the Yonge + St. Clair Newsletter

Enter the Glam Giveaway below!

* indicates required

 

Glisten Festival at Yonge + St. Clair

 

 

 

KEY DATES AND LOCATIONS

 

Glisten Festival
Feb 15, 2024 – March 18, 2024

For the duration of the Glisten Festival, discover art installations and local hidden gems in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood.

 

 

 

Tunnel of Glam
Feb 15, 2024 – March 18, 2024
Address: 1501 Yonge Street, Toronto

The Tunnel of Glam is an 80-foot covered pedestrian walkway lined with over 14 million reversible sequins. Interactive and colourful, the tunnel represents the largest ever single use of the material. #tunnelofglam

 

 

Glisten Launch Day @ The Tunnel of Glam
Feb 15, 2024, 6PM – 8PM
Address: 1501 Yonge Street, Toronto

RSVP for the launch of Tunnel of Glam. Enjoy festivities, refreshments and snap a photo! RSVP Here.

 

 

 

Nature’s Child
Feb 15, 2024 – Feb 20,2024
Address: 2 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto

The 12-foot-tall inflatable by Mike Geiger draws inspiration from the heartwarming idea that, while Mother Nature diligently tends to the grandeur of the natural world, her sprightly young child is ever-eager to explore in Earth’s most enchanting and lively nooks and crevices.

 

 

BoomBoom
Feb 15 – Feb 20, 2020
Address: 40 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto

‘BoomBoom’ serves as a representation of the vibrant heart of Yonge + St. Clair, blending various aspects of life, work and play. Created by Gensler the installation comprises three heart-shaped hanging structures crafted from vibrant, recycled mesh and adorned with programmed lighting

 

 

Journey Though Geometry
Feb 15 – March 18, 2024
Address: 55 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto
Following 365 days of travel across historic Islamic regions to study geometric patterns in architecture and handcrafts, Safoura Zahedi presents ‘Journey Through Geometry’ — an immersive installation that explores geometry as a spiritual design tool and invites people to contemplate, connect, and partake in a spatial meditation.

 

 

MONDAY GIRL x Yonge + St. Clair

Monday Girl is Canada’s largest career platform for professional women to find mentors, job opportunities, inspiration, and more and will be co-hosting events throughout the Glisten Festival season at Yonge + St. Clair

 

 

 

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO YONGE + ST. CLAIR

 

 

 

Discover what’s at Yonge + St. Clair

The Glisten Festival season is the perfect time to discover Yonge + St. Clair, and discover new places to eat, play and visit. See what’s here.

 

 

 

 

FOLLOW YONGE + St. CLAIR ON SOCIALS, USE #GLISTENFESTIVAL

 

DesignTO 2024 comes to Yonge + St. Clair

DesignTO is Canada’s leading and largest annual design festival that celebrates design as a multidisciplinary form of creative thinking and making, with 100+ free exhibitions and events forming Toronto’s design week, Friday January 19 – Sunday January 28, 2024.

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is a proud sponsor of the Festival, and will play host to 6 installations and a guided tour across the neighbourhood. Installations will be displayed at the front lobbies of modern office towers providing audiences with a unique modern setting to experience original artworks.

Admission to all exhibition sites is free daily to the public, 9AM – 6PM* some site exceptions may apply. See below.

Use the map below to find all the festival programming, and click the links below for more information.

INSTALLATIONS

Admission to all exhibition sites is free from Jan 19 – 28. See schedule below.

1 – ‘Could You Take A Picture?’ by Cinzia Campolese (30 St. Clair W, Open 9AM – 6PM Daily)

2 – ‘At What Point Does Irrational Thought Become Rational?’ by Eric LaChance (55 St. Clair W, Open 9AM – 6PM Daily)

3 – ‘Santuario’ by Oliviana Cinco (45 St. Clair W, Open 9AM – 6PM and closed on weekends. Open Sunday Jan 28th, 130PM – 330PM)

4 – ‘BoomBoom’ by Gensler (40 St. Clair W, Open 9AM – 6PM Daily)

5 – ‘Nature’s Child’ by Mike Geiger (2 St. Clair W, Open 9AM – 6PM Daily)

6 – ‘Golden Beauty Supply’ by Ehiko Odeh and MCA Gallery (95 St. Clair W, Open 9AM – 6PM Daily)

EVENTS

7 – Tour: Space & Sanctuary Use Link to Register (Sunday January 28, 2:00pm – 3:00pm)

 


 

A Special Thanks to Our Local Sponsors In Support of DesignTO x Yonge + St. Clair 

 

Use #DesignTO24 and #YongeStClair when you share your photos, and we’ll feature them in our community newsletter and socials.

2023 Toronto Gingerbread Festival

 

Run, Run, Run as fast as you can…             

                                  

to the Toronto Gingerbread Festival at Yonge + St. Clair

                                

The 2023 Toronto Gingerbread Festival returns Thursday, December 7 – Monday, December 18th, 2023! Experience 12 festival days across 3 event sites located centrally at 📍Yonge + St. Clair, packed with gingerbread inspired activities for guests of all ages. [More details below]

With more than 500 attendees at the Toronto Gingerbread Festival launch alone last year, the Yonge + St. Clair BIA wanted to expand its festival scope to build more than just gingerbread houses, which is why we are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to raise funds to help build homes across the city.

 

Toronto Gingerbread Festival Activities

[click activity name to register]


+ Toronto Gingerbread Festival Launch 
🗓️ Thursday, December 7, 2023
⏰ 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
📍 55. St. Clair Avenue West
🎟️ Free, RSVP for a gingerbread class timeslot

Come see the unveiling of the spectacular large-scale gingerbread house and miniature Yonge + St. Clair gingerbread village at the Festival Launch! Enjoy live music, entertainment, holiday sweets and a gingerbread decorating workshop for free.

+ To set a reminder on your Facebook calendar, RSVP to the launch event here: RSVP on Facebook
+ To sign up for the free gingerbread decorating class led by Wilton method culinary instructors (Suitable for guests of all ages): Register Now

+The Gingerbread Trail [Scavenger Hunt]

🗓️ Thursday December 7 – Monday December 18, 2023
⏰ $500 grand prize raffle winner announced Tuesday December 19, 2023
📍 Self-led scavenger hunt
🎟️ Free to play, no download necessary

Compete against all other event-goers for the high score on this self-led scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $500 prize package. Complete as many challenges as you can and explore the Yonge + St. Clair during Gingerbread season! Use the following link to register and play: Sign Up for the Gingerbread Trail Scavenger Hunt

+ Toronto’s Largest Gingerbread Balloon

🗓️ Thursday December 7 – Monday December 10, 2023
⏰ Outdoor installation
📍 40 St. Clair W
🎟️ Free to visit

Toronto’s largest gingerbread balloon has floated back to Yonge + St. Clair. It will only be here for four (4) days so be sure to visit it before it floats away! 🎈Share your photos using #yongestclair and #gingerbreadfestTO and tag @yongestclair

+ Storefront Showcase

🗓️ Thursday December 7 – Monday December 18, 2023
⏰ 10AM – 6PM, Daily
📍 2 St. Clair W
🎟️ Free to visit

10+ local storefronts have assembled showcase gift baskets to personify their businesses and personal stories collected through Yonge + St. Clair memorabilia and gifts. Visit this festive, feel-good neighbourhood homage at 2 St. Clair W.

+ Gingerbread Competition Display Site: Office Team 

🗓️ Thursday December 7 – Monday December 18, 2023
⏰ 10AM – 6PM, Daily
📍 2 St. Clair W
🎟️ Free to visit

20+ local office teams are going head-to-head in a gingerbread building competition. Visit and submit your ballot to vote for your favourite gingerbread creation for your chance to win a $100 Yonge + St. Clair gift card!

+ Toronto Gingerbread Festival School Competition

🗓️ Thursday December 7 – Monday December 18, 2023
⏰ 10AM – 6PM, Daily
📍 40 St. Clair W
🎟️ Free to visit

30+ local classrooms across 3 local schools are creating this season’s most fun and imaginative gingerbread houses. Visit and submit your ballot to vote for your favourite contest submission for your chance to win a $100 Yonge + St. Clair gift card.

+ Gingerbread Workshop with Paula Zavala : Gingerbread House Decorating 1

🗓️ Thursday December 14, 2023
⏰ 530PM – 630PM
📍 55 St. Clair W
🎟️ Min. suggested donation $25, limited spots available

Decorate and take home your very own gingerbread house led by gingerbread expert Paula Zavala. 100% of your donations go to Habitat for Humanity. Minimum suggested donation is $25. Limited seats. Use this link to register: Sign up for Gingerbread House Decorating 1

+ Gingerbread Workshop with Lisa Philips: Royal Icing + Gingerbread 

🗓️ Friday December 15, 2023
⏰ 6PM – 7PM
📍 55 St. Clair W
🎟️ Min. suggested donation $25, limited class spots

Satisfy your sweet tooth with your very own take-home gingerbread creations led by gingerbread expert Lisa Philips. 100% of your donations go to Habitat for Humanity. Minimum suggested donation is $25. Limited seats. Use this link to register: Sign up for Royal Icing + Gingerbread

+ Gingerbread Workshop with Paula Zavala: Gingerbread House Decorating 2

🗓️ Saturday December 16, 2023
⏰ 1PM – 2PM
📍 55 St. Clair W
🎟️ Min. suggested donation $25, limited class spots

Decorate and take home your very own gingerbread house led by gingerbread expert Paula Zavala. 100% of your donations go to Habitat for Humanity. Minimum suggested donation is $25. Limited seats. Use this link to register: Sign up for Gingerbread House Decorating 2

+ Winter Treats Workshop: No-Bake Winter Power Balls

🗓️ Tuesday December 12, 2023
⏰ 12PM – 1PM
📍 55 St. Clair W
🎟️ Free, exclusive to event site office tenants. Confirmation required upon registration.

Exclusive to office tenants at 2, 40 or 55 St. Clair W. Craft your own, no-bake power balls with a winter twist. Chocolate mint/ chocolate-cranberry /white chocolate and coconut (rolled in coconut to look like snow). Craft with oats, flax meal, sunflower seed butter & maple syrup. Minimum suggested donation is $25. 100% of your donations go to Habitat for Humanity. Limited seats. Use this link to register: Sign up for Winter Treats Workshop: No-Bake Power Balls

+ Winter Treats Workshop: Mason Jar Cookies

🗓️ Wednesday December 13, 2023
⏰ 12PM – 1PM
📍 55 St. Clair W
🎟️ Min. suggested donation $25, limited class spots exclusive to event site office tenants

Exclusive to office tenants at 2, 40 or 55 St. Clair W. Create and assemble your own mason jar cookies. Each guest takes home 1 large jar equivalent to a dozen cookies. Minimum suggested donation is $25. 100% of your donations go to Habitat for Humanity. Limited seats. Use this link to register: Sign up for Winter Treats Workshop: Mason Jar Cookies

+ Give the Gift of Home: Donate or Pledge to Habitat for Humanity

🗓️ Thursday December 7 – Monday December 18, 2023
⏰ 10AM – 6PM, Daily
📍 Multiple sites: 2 St. Clair W, 40 St. Clair W, 55 St. Clair W

Beyond gingerbread houses, give the gift of home. Visit any of the event sites and use the donation displays to contribute directly to Habitat for Humanity or leave your business card to pledge a donation on behalf of your office or organization.

Toronto Gingerbread Festival Map