Call for Proposals
Art Installations for DesignTO Festival • January 20 – 29, 2023

Deadline
11:59pm, Friday, September 23, 2022

Installation Details

Overview
The Yonge + St. Clair BIA  is seeking proposals for art installations as part of the 2023 DesignTO Festival – the largest cultural celebration of design in Canada with over 100 exhibitions and events forming Toronto’s design week. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA welcomes visual artists, sculptors, designers, architects, and others to submit proposals of all mediums. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is seeking medium to large-scale pieces to be displayed in the installation exhibit areas.

Duration
10 days • January 20 – 29, 2023

Exhibit Areas

• 2 St. Clair W, Lobby – 1 piece (Location image)
• 12 St. Clair E Concourse – 1 piece (Preference for a hanging installation: See location image)
• 40 St. Clair W, Lobby – 1 piece (Location image)Power supply, or additional operational and infrastructure assistance may be provided on-site at the discretion of the review panel.
  These sites are deemed accessible in terms of accessibility features.

Submission Details

Budget
Artists will receive a $3000-$5000 budget per installation piece (includes artist fee and the cost of supplies/materials) to support the production of their piece. If you are submitting existing pieces, the budget is still valid. A brief artist bio will be displayed with the works.

TO NOTE: Applicants can submit proposal for multiple exhibit areas, however, it is not guaranteed that the panel will select all works together. The panel may only select 1 of your submitted pieces.

Criteria

+ Artists are responsible for arranging their own General Liability Insurance

+ Submit pieces separate and specifically for each installation area

+ Pieces must fill all spaces appropriately

+ Artists retain ownership of their work after the exhibition period

+ Large scale pieces are strongly encouraged

+ Artist must handle all associated costs for installation and de-installation

+ Preference given to a hanging installation for 12 St. Clair E

Eligibility
Preference may be given to artists who are available in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

Site Tours
Applicants are encouraged to independently visit the installation exhibit locations during publicly accessible hours. Office lobbies are open to the public Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, and 12 St. Clair E, 10AM – 8PM.

Please submit any inquiries regarding site details to [email protected] 

Timeline
September 23, 2022 – Proposals due
September 30, 2022 – Artist is selected
January 18-19, 2023 – Installation period
January 29, 2023 – Last day of exhibit

Proposal Package Requirements

* To be delivered via DropBox link or email to [email protected] // Subject line: DesignTO Festival – Art Proposal

1. Cover Letter: including your name, telephone number, email, project title, and 100-word artist bio.
2. Proposal and Budget: renderings/sketches of the proposed pieces. If the pieces are already produced, dimensions and high-resolution photos of the works are required.
3. Current Resume: include prior relevant education, work experience, exhibition history, and awards.

We look forward to your ideas and proposals!

Submit Your Proposal to [email protected]. Deadline September 23, 2022.

The official Deer Park scavenger hunt is back! It runs from Saturday, June 4 2022 until Sunday, July 10, 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 June 4 and July 10 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 $250 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 2022” or enter Game Code EPVVW5

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 $250 grand prize, and Deer Park Challenge Trophy will be determined likewise on Monday, July 11 2022.

*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 second annual Deer Park Challenge!

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is on the search for a new Executive Director.

Are you interested in marketing and events, city building and contributing to the unique urban landscape of Toronto? Then please review the below posting and send in your application today!

Job Description:

Reporting to the Yonge + St. Clair Board of Management through the Chair of the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for helping to develop and successfully execute the Yonge + St. Clair BIA’s strategic plan. This includes acting upon the motions of the board and of the advisement of the BIA Chair.

This position plays a critical role in developing the BIA and in driving community

initiatives, streetscape and economic development improvements, execution of programs, event and project management, customer service, communications and stakeholder relations, all in support of the BIA Board of Management.

Responsibilities:

I. Manage/support governance of the BIA

a. Handle/oversee all matters related to governance of the BIA – set meetings, prepare agendas, distribute minutes for monthly board meetings and regular committee meetings, implement internal controls as directed by the board

b. Work with board and committees to develop and execute a strategic plan, budgets and work plans

c. Manage annual budget, develop regular financial reports, support with reporting financials to the board

d. Prepare agenda alongside Chair, attend meetings, and act on the decisions made by board’s sub-committees.

e. Organize & attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

f. Attending appropriate TABIA meetings and seek out other relative networking events as a representative of the Yonge + St. Clair BIA.

g. Liaise with City of Toronto personnel with respect to soliciting their help and advice on capital and marketing issues.

II. Oversee BIA Office

a. Act as the contact person and spokesperson for the BIA – answer telephone and email inquiries, and follow up/advance as required

b. Develop and then maintain weekly/ monthly internal and external communication items

III. Communication

a. Liaise with BIA membership and various stakeholders on a weekly and monthly basis

b. Engaging in business and community outreach relevant to the strategic plan.

IV. Develop and Execute Public Relations

a. Research, develop and recommend public relations plans and programs including media coverage; and direct, coordinate and monitor execution of approved plans and programs.

b. Creates and distributes internal/ external public relations materials

c. Writing and distribute press releases, information and news alerts

V. Marketing/ Events

a. Along with the direction of the Marketing/ Events Committee, explore new initiatives that help promote the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood.

b. Plan, promote and execute Yonge + St. Clair signature events, as well as facilitate participation with city wide events.

c. Liaise with City of Toronto to ensure all proper permits have been submitted and event guidelines are being followed

d. Engage local business owners and BIA members to participate in the various events and marketing opportunities

VI. Streetscape and Involvement in Capital Projects

a. Along with the direction of the Streetscape Committee, submit any capital cost share requests on a yearly basis.

b. Execute requests and vision set out by Streetscape Committee

c. Liase with City of Toronto to roll out streetscape initiatives brought forward by committee

b. Implement continue to develop the BIA’s Streetscape Beautification and Maintenance program working closely the associated stakeholders.

c. Prepare and recommend positions and actions on issues affecting the BIA.

Qualifications

– University degree in one or more of the following: Commerce, Urban Planning, Business, Government Relations or experience in similar fields.

– Progressive management experience either in an applicable business field, non-profit or municipal-focused organization.

– BIA Experience considered an asset

– Proven track record for implementing change and successfully carrying out initiatives

– Knowledge of leadership and management principles

– Experience dealing with municipal government

– Professional experience working with small businesses

– Experience with budgeting and financial reporting (considered an asset)

– Experience organizing large scale public events preferred

– Professional experience in digital and/or traditional marketing

– Experience in social media marketing and communications

– Self-starter able to work with minimal supervision

– Strong communication, administration, organizational and time management skills

– Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Adobe, PowerPoint etc.)

Full Time

Salary $75,000- $85,000 commensurate on experience

Interested candidates should email their cover letter and resume to [email protected] by Friday, May 27th at 5:00pm. No phone calls please.

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 8, 2022! Yonge + St. Clair is bustling again with springtime energy, and we want to help you celebrate and pamper Mom with some retail and dining ideas.

Here you’ll find a shortlist of local products and shopping ideas from local shops, businesses and restaurants who are eager to help you complete a perfect Mother’s Day.

Reach out to each storefront directly for their Mother’s Day products, hours and availability. Information listed below may be subject to change.

Gifts, Cards and Retail Services

Paperboy Cards and Gifts

Paperboy Cards and Gifts is locally owned and operated, known for their boutique and unique selection of cards and gifts you won’t find anywhere else. They’re fully stocked for this year’s Mother’s Day – find the perfect gift to go along with your cards this year!

Simply show up at the door for curbside shopping and you will be assisted by store staff.

Location: 7 Pleasant Blvd., Toronto ON, M4T1K2 
Phone: +1-416-926-8622

St. Clair Greetings

St. Clair Greetings offers a large selection of gifts and cards for every occasion. What originally started as a Post Office centre has gradually evolved into today’s familiar retail and gift shop.

You can visit St. Clair Greeting’s website below:

Location: 1421 Yonge St., Toronto ON, M4T1Y7 
Phone: +1-416-961-7678
Website: www.stclairgreetings.com

Hair Artisans

Hair Artisans is a boutique hair salon who have established a warm and friendly neighbourhood feel.

For Mother’s Day, they have promotions on Shampoo and Conditioner sets from Kevin Murphy, Pureology, and Authentic Beauty Concept. They range from $63-$70 (20-30% off) and include a gift with purchase.

Contact Hair Artisans directly using the contact info below to place your orders for curbside pickup.

Location: 76 St. Clair W., Toronto ON, M4V1M7
Phone: +1-416-792-8223
Website: www.hairartisans.ca

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness  is a modern Yoga studio, offering FAR Infrared studio classes. They are back in action and welcoming you to join their many health + wellness classes this spring season.

Location: 1560 Yonge St., Toronto ON, M4T2S9
Phone: +1-855-699-4362
Website: https://oxygenyogaandfitness.com/oxygen-yoga-yonge-st-clair/

Manis Cosmetic Consulting

Manis Cosmetic Consulting  helps you achieve your cosmetic goals through a variety of professional services and beauty products.

Location: 1560 Yonge St. Unit 201, Toronto ON, M4T2S9 
Phone: +1-416-522-8286
Website: https://helenmanis.com

Flower Shops

Eden Flower Shop

Eden Flower Shop focuses on pre-cut flowers, plants and arrangements with a constantly evolving variety of seasonal plants. They have a fairly active Instagram account which showcases their currently featured arrangements, or you can visit their website and order by type of floral arrangement.

Location: 1391 Yonge St., Toronto ON, M4T1Y4 
Phone: +1-416-925-8188
Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/edenflowersto
Website: https://edenflowersto.ca/

Florigens Design
Florigens Design is a unique and artistic floral boutique specializing in floral design and botanical urban design.

Location: 1360 Yonge St., Toronto ON, M4T3B2 
Phone: +1-416-935-0130
Website:  http://www.florigensdesign.com/

Ginger Flower Studio

Ginger Flower Studio is family owned and operated and has an online catalogue made just for Mother’s Day 2022, available on their website. They also offer a wide variety of floral arrangements in-store.

Location: 1560 Yonge St., Unit 113, Toronto ON, M4T2S9 
Phone: +1-416-925-8188
Instagram:  https://www.gingerflowerstudio.com/

Dining and Meals For Home

Barnsteiner’s

Barnsteiner’s restaurant is independently owned and operated, serving upscale versions of rustic, pan-European dishes.

This weekend, they are serving a Mother’s Day brunch. Contact Barnsteiner’s directly to learn more!

Location: 1 Balmoral Avenue, Toronto ON M4V3B9
Phone: +1-416-515-0551
Website: www.barnsteiners.com

Capocaccia Trattoria

Capocaccia Trattoria

Started in 2003 by Salvatore Mele, and located in the heart of midtown toronto, Capocaccia Trattoria is a neighbourhood trattoria inspired by the rustic cuisine of southern Italy.

Discover their covered patio this Mother’s Day!

Location: 1366 Yonge St, Toronto ON M4T3A7
Phone: +1-416-921-3141
Website: www.capocaccia.ca

For a complete a complete listing of local businesses and services in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood, see the local online directory at yongestclair.ca/whats-here

St. Patrick’s Day is here on Thursday March 17, 2022. Enjoy the fun food offerings and libations from all around Yonge + St. Clair offered by local dining spots. Return to your favourite neighbourhood haunts as St. Patrick’s Day returns to in-person dining for the first time in a long time. Support your local midtown bars and restaurants. Cheers!

St. Paddy’s Guinness Pints and Contest Raffle
Midtown Gastro Hub
1565 Yonge St.

Grab a pint of Guinness and be entered to win a Guinness Food Smoker. For every pint of Guinness your purchase, you gain 1 entry to the raffle. Get back into the bar groove with a night of karaoke and drink specials for St. Paddy’s Day, March 17 2022. To contact the restaurant directly or to book a table, visit their website.

St. Paddy’s Day Exclusive Menu
Shenanigans Pub and Patio
11 St. Clair W

Grab a bite and enjoy a cold beverage from the taps of Shenanigans Pub and Patio. They have a special St. Paddy’s menu being released on March 15 which will run for the duration of their St. Paddy’s Day. To get the latest updates straight from the source, visit their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/shenaniganspubpatio

Weeklong St. Paddy’s Guinness and Chicken Sandwich Special
Shenanigans Pub and Patio
21 St. Clair W

In honour of St Patrick’s, Union Socual will be offering their Killer Guinness Chicken Sandwich! It’s Guinness braised chicken thigh seasoned with Montreal steak spices on a butter-brushed Ace Bakery bun, topped with Guinness mayo, BBQ mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and crispy onion straws. Plus Guinness and Irish martini’s are $6 the entire week. To book your table visit http://www.unionsocial.ca

Share your photos to the Yonge + St. Clair social media page!

All throughout St. Paddy’s Week, share your photos to @yongestclair on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for a chance to be featured. Enjoy!

Submission Deadline: Tuesday March 15, 2022
Apply here: https://forms.gle/ZKzpedd2ZumGQBBb6
Questions? Email: [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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