Submission Deadline: Tuesday March 15, 2022
Apply here: https://forms.gle/ZKzpedd2ZumGQBBb6
Questions? Email: info@yongestclair.ca

Project Overview
The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) is currently accepting applications for an outdoor three-dimensional public artwork that captures the essence of “Springtime” and has an element of buzzworthy engagement and accessibility with the public. The art installation will also serve as a unifying theme across select local storefronts to establish neighbourhood participation. This art installation is intended to become an ongoing annual feature in the heart of Midtown Toronto.

Consideration for the Artwork

Artwork Goals and Themes: The “Springtime” art installation celebrates the return of public life to the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood capturing the vibrancy, sense of play and excitement of springtime in Toronto. Artists should consider how their proposed installation will develop the connectivity between public and storefront spaces located around Yonge + St. Clair, transform the streetscape, and excite and engage the public.

Selection Process and Budget
The art component of this new public space will be selected through an open, one-stage competition, with a net budget of up to $30,000 (+HST). The project budget includes all costs directly associated with the artwork: all fees for design, fabrication, installation, engineering and professional services, insurance, travel and other incidental expenses.

An additional contingency budget may be set aside to retain the artist’s service for critical repair or maintenance work for the 2022 springtime event.

Location Details

The selected artist/designer will be invited to construct their installation on the privately-owned public space at the intersection of Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue in midtown Toronto, Ontario.

The installation will be located on flat, even pavement on the ground plane and exposed to the elements. The location is largely unobstructed, featuring square or rectangular placement configurations.

Proposed art sites. Image of 1 St. Clair E and 2 St. Clair E, proposed sites for the art installation. Location may be one of either locations; may be subject to change.

Design Requirements and Considerations

Art installation designs should meet the following design considerations:

+ Art installation must function as public outdoor art, enduring outdoor weather conditions

+ Art installation materiality and design must be optimized for public interaction with minimal outdoor security or supervision

+ Art installation must be designed for annual re-usability. Creative or innovative solutions for re-usabiliy and/or modular design are welcome.

+ Art installation must be designed in a way to facilitate seasonal transport and off-site storage listing the artist’s recommendations.

+ Art installation must not contain content in breach of any intellectual property, trademarks, brands or depictions of vulgar, offensive or illegal activity.

General Terms of Entry

The Springtime submission is open to all artists and designers of all mediums.
Acceptance of work is not guaranteed. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA’s decision is final. Any work not meeting the stated terms of entry will not be considered.

Entry forms must be filled out correctly. When filling out your application, you must use your legal name. Companies/organizations/collectives may submit 1 application package, but must apply with the full legal name of a representative/contact person.

To be eligible as a collective, you must have produced a collaborative body of work and worked together for a minimum of two years to develop a singular artistic/design practice.

Who can apply

We welcome individual artists, designers, and artist groups at any stage of their careers with formal or informal training, from all disciplines, to apply to be a part of the Yonge + St. Clair Spring Art Installation. Artists and designers must be comfortable working with materials and structures that can withstand outdoor conditions.

Application Process

Submissions must be made through the online Google Form at https://forms.gle/ZKzpedd2ZumGQBBb6
Applicants must submit a completed application form – including an artist statement, brief summary of budget and expenses and a maximum of 5 images in JPG format, each image no larger than 3MBM.

Please upload 2 – 5 concept sketches or images, in JPG format, that show your proposed installation. Images can include a sketch, diagram, rendering, model, or photograph. Images should help inform the basis on which this project could be awarded.

There is no submission fee.

Alternatively, you can respond to the submission requirements outlined in https://forms.gle/ZKzpedd2ZumGQBBb6 via direct email to info@yongestclair.ca

Selection

All submissions will be reviewed, scored, and selected by representatives of the Yonge + St. Clair BIA. Works will be selected based on originality, quality, expression of the theme, and overall impression. We recommend all applicants to submit high quality images that effectively communicate the proposed installation.

2022 Important Dates

February 28 – Submissions open
March 15 – Submissions close
March 25 – Selected artists notified
May 6 – Installations complete
May 6 – Media Preview – selected artists must be available to attend (time TBD)
May 7 – Launch Event
June 5 – Art Installation End

Use of Images and Media

Selected artists will grant the Yonge + St. Clair BIA educational and promotional usage rights for your images. You are agreeing to license the Yonge + St. Clair BIA usage rights only; the artist always retains their copyright.

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/ZKzpedd2ZumGQBBb6

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is Inviting Applications for a Board Member Secretary and for Board Members At-Large

The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) is inviting applications by interested BIA members to join the Board of Management. Applicants must be a business tenant and/or the owner of a commercial property within the Yonge + St. Clair BIA boundaries.

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA represents 450+ businesses and 90+ property owners in the Yonge + St. Clair community in Midtown Toronto, Ontario. 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.

Board Members are critical parts of our organization’s success and oversee and manage the BIA’s annual levy and service delivery. You’ll play a key role in supporting our neighbourhood alongside a diverse group of local business owners, property owners, and tenants.

A description of Secretary of the Board and Board Member At-Large responsibilities are provided below.

Commitments

+ Attend monthly Board Meetings, approximately 1 hour in length
+ Highly encouraged to join additional subcommittees
+ Approximately 3 – 8 hours of additional time commitment per month
+ Be available for occasional communications with BIA staff

Applicable Skills / Assets

+ Leadership
+ Strategic thinking
+ Communication
+ People management
+ Legal / Risk management
+ Knowledge of the Yonge + St. Clair Community

Responsibilities of Board Members

+ Act on the behalf of the Yonge + St. Clair BIA and our membership though strategic decision-making with your fellow Board Members at Board Meetings
+ Support BIA organizational operations and service delivery
+ Provide oversight and accountability on behalf of the BIA membership
+ Review monthly Board packages prepared by BIA Staff which include information relevant for decision-making
+ Support BIA staff with leadership and insight

Additional Responsibilities of the Secretary

In addition to the regular duties of a Board Member At-Large, the Secretary shall:

+ Support the Executive Director and the Chair in preparing and delivering the monthly Board Meeting agendas
+ Prepare the minutes of the monthly Board Meetings
+ Certify copies of any record, registry, by-law, resolution, minute, or BIA policies
+ Support the Executive Director and the Chair in preparing and delivering the Annual General Meeting agenda and notice

The 2021 holidays are just around the corner, and the Yonge + St. Clair community is bustling. What’s new this season? The Yonge + St. Clair BIA reached out to local storeowners to get the full scoop, while welcoming new and exciting businesses that you’ll love to visit.

In addition, if you’ve received a Yonge + St. Clair flyer to your doorstep this season, bring it into participating storefronts in the neighbourhood to use as a coupon. Ask in-store for details, conditions may apply.

For a full list of local shops and businesses in the neighbourhood, visit yongestclair.ca/whats-here

RETAIL SHOPS

The Health Shoppe

The Health Shoppe has been a midtown staple for over 40 years offering a boutique shopping experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Newly renovated and stocked with all your health needs from specialty groceries and vitamins to skin- care, they’re a treasure trove of beautiful products!

Open 7 days a week and always happy to accommodate special orders, The Health Shoppe has your best interests at heart!

Offering $2 off any purchase over $20.00 when a customer brings in Yonge + St. Clair branded prints. Expires: February 28, 2022 (*not applicable to other in-store specials – including but not limited to Senior’s
Discount and Yellow Sticker items*)

Get in touch: 1378 Yonge St. | (416) 968-1225 | healthshoppetoronto.com

Eden Flower Shop

The local, family-owned flower shop was most recently featured by BlogTO. Eden Flower’s selection of floral products is constantly updated, with the freshest and most relevant selection of seasonal greenery you can imagine. You can bet that they have winter and holiday arrangements that are perfect for your celebration, event or festive home décor.

Get in touch: 1391 Yonge St. | (416) 925-8188 | edenflowersto.ca

Marquess Jewelers

Known for their range of custom and personalized jewelry selection, the family-owned Marquess Jewelers is a neighbourhood staple for finding your next gift or statement piece. Tucked away on the lower level of the 2 St. Clair East indoor mall, it’s worth a visit if you have someone special on your mind to shop for (yourself included!)

Get in touch: 2 St. Clair E, Lower Level | (416) 927-8430 | marquessjewellers.com

Winston

Yonge + St. Clair’s boutique fashion store , Brian Winston has been in the business for well over 30 years. After a well storied career working for some of the top names in the industry Brian noticed store after store starting to look the same and a void in the market for accessible luxury tailored specifically for a fashion savvy customer.  The WINSTON brand offers handpicked assortments of apparel, footwear, accessories and home décor from around the world. 

Shop in-store or online at https://shopwinston.ca/

Get in touch: 1568 Yonge St. | (416) 901-6633 | shopwinston.ca

Rucci Menswear

What started as a love for fashion developed into a local legacy. Rucci Menswear is a local favourite, all stocked for the winter season, carrying new seasonal inventory for men’s fashion. Get in touch with Rucci Menswear by phone or visit them in-store.

Get in touch: 1426 Yonge St. | (416) 975-5330

Prairie Boy Bread

The newest neighbourhood bakery has arrived at 1 St. Clair E. Prairie Boy Bread’s arrival to the area marks the expansion of their growing operations across the city. Known for their organic sourdough bread and homemade baked goods, their most recent project included a collaboration with Blood Brothers Brewery to create a custom beer-bread loaf. Quantities and supply may vary. See in-store for details.

Get in touch: 1 St. Clair E | (416) 531-1211 | instagram.com/prairieboybread

Paperboy Cards & Gifts

The boutique neighbourhood gift and card shop is the place to complete your shopping list. Paperboy is known for their witty and humorous selection of products. This is a local gem you don’t want to miss. Paperboy is stocked for all your winter celebration needs. Come in to browse for your perfect card or gift.

Get in touch: 7 Pleasant Blvd. | (416) 926-8622

Book City

Tuck into a great read with Book City’s amazing selection of classic reads, publisher overstock prints, and the newest releases. It’s everything you’d want from a local, neighbourhood book store. Independently owned, and their staff love to make book recommendations if you need some new titles.

Get in touch: 1430 Yonge St. | (416) 926-8622 | bookcity.ca

The Papery

The Papery is the local stationery shop that will help you keep your gifting under wraps. With its own unique inventory of stationery, gifts, wraps, and cards this is a neighbourhood gem you’ll want to include in your shopping plans. They take custom orders too with enough advanced notice.

Get in touch: 1424 Yonge St. | (416) 968-0706 | papery.ca

DINING AND RESTAURANTS

9 Bars Café

The revamped 9Bars Cafe includes major upgrades, including a new liquor license allowing them to serve beer and wine, as well as a full-on Latin inspired menu including steak and classic staples, not to mention some great interior renovations. 9Bars welcomes you to experience their whole new approach to the Latin café experience. Visit them in-store or order to go.

Get in touch: 46 St. Clair E | (416) 901-9227 | 9barstoronto.ca

Zelden’s Deli and Desserts

The famous local deli also has a candy stand at the front of their shop, be sure to stock up on your favourite sweets in addition to Mr and Mrs. Z’s classic deli specials. Did we mention they also have their own custom mustards for sale? A must-visit during the holidays.

Get in touch: 1446 Yonge St. | (647) 347-3474 | zeldensdelianddesserts.com

Istanbul Doner Wrap

New to the neighbourhood, the team at Istanbul Doner Wrap has crafted an authentic and familiar menu of Turkish wraps, platters, and flatbreads that will leave you hungry for more. You can get a taste of this new restaurant in-store or online through delivery and takeout.

Get in touch: 1404 Yonge St. | (647) 391-9727 

Midtown Gastro Hub

Holiday bookings are back at Midtown Gastro Hub! The owners and management are happy to announce its the first time in 2 years that holiday bookings are available. To make your reservation contact midtowngastrohub@gmail.com and enjoy your celebration!

Enjoy karaoke nights at Midtown Gastro Hub every Thursday, hosted by Gold Entertainment.

Midtown Hub also has an ongoing “Molson Madness” daily specials which offers pint or bottle specials with food specials.

Get in touch: 1535 Yonge St. | (647) 341-3400 | midtowngastrohub.net

Pastucci’s

Pastucci’s is the newest stop for pasta on the go at Yonge + St. Clair. The concept takes traditional pasta that you build and order from their wide selection of toppings and accompaniments, that is made quickly and conveniently cooked for you. Pastucci’s prides themselves on the customizability and portability of their dishes.

Get in touch: 55 St. Clair W | (647) 350-5683 | pastuccis.com

Playa Cabana Taquiera Norte

Playa Cabana is everyone’s favourite taqueria at Yonge + St. Clair. Their books are open for holiday reservations – and it’s time enjoy their newly renovated interior. Perfectly in time for the return of indoor dining for the colder months! Serving cocktails, tequila and specials throughout the season. Come warm up at Playa Cabana.

Get in touch: 21 St. Clair E | (416) 519-4646 | www.playacabana.ca/taqueria

Shenanigans Pub + Patio

The neighbourhood rooftop bar has introduced additional programming to their evenings, including Tuesday Trivia nights and Thursday live music. Reservations available online on their website.

Get in touch: 11 St. Clair W | shenaniganspubpatio.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Balance Fitness Gym

Balance’s location features both a gym and health practitioner services from various specializations. Included in Balance Fitness’ approach to wellness is a strict adherence to health and safety measures in every step of their service.

As Balance celebrates its 20^th year this year, anyone who joins Balance and signs up for an annual membership, will receive one month free, a free health assessment as well and a one-hour free personal training session.

Give them a call at 416-225-2623 or email Balance at reception@balancefit.com for more details.

Get in touch: 52 St. Clair E | 416-225-2623

Oxygen Yoga and Fitness

The popular Oxygen Yoga and Fitness studio features an infrared heating system, designed to help you get even more out of all of your fitness and exercise routines. This Winter, get a $25 gift card for the price of $20 and give the gift of wellness this holiday season.

Straight Up Health

Straight Up Health is a local talk therapy office, with experienced therapists and coaches covering a broad range of personal needs and goals. Conquer your wintertime goals this season, and connect with Straight Up Health for an introductory 15 minute consultation. Reach out to their team directly to learn more.

Get in touch: 2 St. Clair W, Unit 1004 | (416) 666-5482

F45 Midtown Toronto

The newest addition to the F45 family and a welcome addition to the Yonge + St. Clair health and wellness community, the latest F45 location can be found at 1 St. Clair East, in the new connection corridor to the St. Clair TTC Station. Follow their Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/f45_toronto_midtown) for ongoing contests and offers!

Get in touch: 1 St. Clair E | 416 799 3468

BEAUTY AND COSMETICS

Salon Lyol

Salon Lyol is running a winter contest where every $50 you spend in-store on retail products will allow you entry into their raffles throughout December. Visit their salon to learn more, or to book your next appointment!

Get in touch: 1452 Yonge St | 416 922 0611

For a full list of local shops and businesses in the neighbourhood, visit yongestclair.ca/whats-here

The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) is inviting applications by interested BIA members to fill vacant Board of Management positions!

Board Members are critical parts of our organization’s success and oversee and manage the BIA’s annual levy and service delivery. You’ll play a key role in supporting our neighbourhood alongside a diverse group of local business owners, property owners, and tenants.

Applicants must be business tenant or the owner of a commercial property within the Yonge + St. Clair BIA boundaries.

A description of a BIA Board Member’s board responsibilities and expectations is provided below.

Interested applicants: please send an email including your name, the company/property you represent in the BIA, a little information about yourself, and why you want to get involved with the BIA to info@yongestlclair.ca

BIA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT – ROLE OVERVIEW

Commitments
– Volunteer position
– Attend monthly Board Meetings, approximately 1 hour in length
– Approximately 2 – 4 hours of additional time commitment per month
– Be available for occasional communications with BIA staff

Responsibilities
– Act on the behalf of the Yonge + St. Clair BIA and our membership though strategic decision-making with your fellow Board Members at Board Meetings
– Support BIA organizational operations and service delivery
– Provide oversight and accountability on behalf of the BIA membership
– Review monthly Board packages prepared by BIA Staff which include information relevant for decision-making
– Support BIA staff with leadership and insight

Applicable Skills / Assets
– Leadership
– Strategic thinking
– Communication
– People management
– Legal / Risk management
– Knowledge of the Yonge + St. Clair Community

This Thanksgiving, enjoy the seasonal specials at Yonge + St. Clair offered by local restaurants and retailers, and explore local dinner offers and limited-time neighbourhood offerings.

Thanksgiving Family Dinner (Thanksgiving Weekend Fri – Mon)
Ambiyan on Yonge
1560 Yonge St.

Come enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner that serves 4 – 6 people, for a set rate at Ambiyan on Yonge! Enjoy modern Indian cuisine over the Thanksgiving weekend. Get in touch with Ambiyan on Yonge by visiting their website.

Thanksgiving Dinner Cooked For You! (Thanksgiving Weekend Fri – Mon)
Midtown Gastro Hub
1535 Yonge St.

Let them do the cooking for you! Midtown Gastro Hub has a $20.99 / per person Thanksgiving meal from Friday October 8 – Monday October 11. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner when you visit Midtown Gastro Hub this weekend.

Sunday Thanksgiving Dinner, 1 day only!
Shenanigans Pub and Patio
11 St. Clair W

Shenanigans Pub and Patio is serving a maple-roasted Turkey breast and leg dinner with seasonal vegetables only on Sunday, October 10. Pre-orders and reservations can be made on their website.

A Month of Thanks, Complimentary Hair Treatment and Gift 
Hair Artisans Salon
76 St. Clair W

Enjoy Baked Goods from the new Prairie Boy Bakery at Yonge + St. Clair!
Prairie Boy Bread
1 St. Clair E

Visit the newly opened location of Prairie Boy Bread, a bakery that offers 100% Organic Sourdough Bread, coffee, pastries from scratch, delicious things to go with bread, bread books and sourdough bread classes. Follow them on Instagram for more updates.

Grand Opening October 16, and Introductory Welcome to F45 Midtown Toronto!
F45 Midtown Toronto
1 St. Clair E

Enjoy the new F45 location here at Yonge + St. Clair, which is currently offering a promotional 7-Day trial period, and regular classes. And on October 16, 2021 you can visit F45 for a free 1-hour class, featuring a DJ, giveaways and more! Book a time using the F45 Training App. Or contact their team directly to learn more.

Programming and Events by CNIB Are Ongoing Through the Season
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge St.

Join CNIB for children and youth groups, employment workshops, tech sessions or book clubs – CNIB’s innovative programs are designed to educate, entertain and engage! Their free programs are available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. To view local program offerings visit their event and programming page.

Toronto Public Library Events are Returning In November
Deer Park Public Library
40 St. Clair E

Public programming from the Toronto Public Library is set to return in November 2021. To see the programming that will become available, bookmark or visit the Toronto Public Library page.

Flu Vaccinations Ongoing Until Early 2022
AVA Pharmacy
81 St. Clair E, #210

AVA Pharmacy is open for Flu Vaccine bookings, which you can reserve online on their website.

Yonge + St. Clair BIA congratulates local hair salon, Hair Artisans on their 10 year anniversary! Here is a introductory article about their operations, a tour of their salon, insights into their return from the lockdown, and a peek into what’s going on at their storefront .

Hair Artisans located at 76 St. Clair West, is the neighbourhood salon with a boutique touch.

Hair Artisans opened in August of 2011 by owner and colourist Rebecca Sutherland. Friend and fellow master colourist Ryan McLaughlin joined the team in the fall of 2011 and became an owner in 2016. Together, along with long-standing staff of Emma Milligan, Anya Martin and Sam Odell, Hair Artisans have been serving the St. Clair and Yonge community for a decade worth of healthy, stylish, superb looking hair. 

Hair Artisans specializes in modern styling for everyone. Services include colour, highlights, balayage, extensions, plus hair cuts for all – adults and kids!

What’s Hair Artisans like? As soon as you step through the door, you are met with warm vibes. The clients are treated more like good friends, and everyone walks away feeling loved and revitalized with fresh new styles and hair colour. 

While celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, Hair Artisans’ connection to the St. Clair & Yonge area started well over 15 years ago when Ryan and Rebecca both worked at other professional salons in the area. Rebecca began her career at Exit Salon, and Ryan and Anya, and Sam first established themselves in the area at Fiorio Salon. 

The relationships built with their amazing clients over the years is what has sustained them during the two major prolonged closures to hair salons because of the Covid pandemic. To make it through, Hair Artisans temporarily transitioned to a storefront for product pickups and deliveries. True to form, The neighbourhood stood arm in arm with this local small business by purchasing gift cards, shampoo, styling products and blow-dryers. When the salon was finally able to reopen this July, Hair Artisans extended hours, working 12-14 hour days, 7 days a week in order to fill the large backlog of hair appointments. 

“We were committed to getting everyone in. Emotionally, it was gratifying, but physically it was  exhausting. None of us were used to being on our feet all day after 9 months closed!” Says Rebecca. She equates seeing her coworkers and clients in the salon again as being reunited with old friends. “A lot can happen in 9 months, even in a pandemic. The catch-up conversations and the home-dye colour corrections were epic” Says Ryan. “We are so grateful to be back”

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary and to thank the St. Clair & Yonge community, Hair Artisans are running a promotion for all bookings in October. Clients will be treated to a complimentary L’Oreal Professionnel hair treatment with their service. Pureology, Kevin Murphy and Color Wow have also provided samples and goodies to share with everyone. Finally, there will be a gift basket full of product and prizes up for a draw at the end of month. Anyone who books an appointment in October will have the chance to win! 

Rebecca puts it this way – “Our community was there for us when things were bad, now we want to pamper them to show our thanks and heartfelt appreciation”  

When asked what Rebecca and Ryan were looking forward to for the next ten years… “more fabulous hair, long-lasting friendships, and health and happiness for all our neighbours.”

To learn more visit hairartisans.ca, or call them to speak with one of their team members at (416) 792 8223!

Join the official Deer Park scavenger hunt! Runs from Friday, September 10 until Friday, October 15, 2021

The Deer Park Challenge is a self-led, 5-week scavenger hunt taking place across the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood.

Complete challenges on your mobile device, including the 5 new challenges released every week, between September 10 and October 15  to earn points and be entered for a chance to win $100 in weekly prizes, and for your chance to win the final grand prize draw of a $350 Yonge + St. Clair gift card, plus the official Deer Park Challenge Trophy.

The Deer Park Challenge includes riddles, neighbourhood exploration, creativity challenges, and proof-of-purchase challenges.

How to Play

STEP ONE
Download the free Goosechase scavenger hunt app either in the official Apple App Store here (iPhone users), or in the Google Play Store here to play directly from your mobile. Once you’ve opened the Goosechase app, search for “The Deer Park Challenge” or enter Game Code 8ZMEKL.

STEP TWO
Complete the challenges. Eligible entries will be submitted in-app as photo, video, text, or GPS upload. Only original submissions will be accepted and scored as eligible entries.

STEP THREE
At the end of each week, the player(s) with the highest score will win a $100 Yonge + St. Clair gift card to a local establishment of their choice. If there are multiple players tied for the high score one winner will be determined by a random draw.

One (1) grand prize winner of the $350 grand prize, and Deer Park Challenge Trophy will be determined likewise on Friday, October 15.

*Any points earned above the maximum intended point total (as determined by the sum of all earnable points associated with available challenges) will not count towards the high score total.

You can also follow our social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to see if you’ve won the prize draws.

We look forward to seeing your entries and wish you all the best in completing the first ever Deer Park Challenge!

The BIA is currently hiring! See below for available opportunities and more information on how to apply.

Part-time Clean Streets Ambassador
Deadline: September 24, 2021
Job Description

How to apply
Submit a resume to info@yongestclair.ca no later than 5:00pm EST on September 24, 2021

While we appreciate all applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.
No phone calls please.