DesignTO is best known for the DesignTO Festival, Canada’s leading and largest annual design festival that celebrates design as a multidisciplinary form of creative thinking and making, with 100+ exhibitions and events forming Toronto’s design week from January 20 – 29, 2023.

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is a proud sponsor of the Festival, and will play host to multiple installations, featuring art takeovers of local commercial lobbies and a guided tour across the neighbourhood.

The Festival happens online and in-person at venues across the City of Toronto. All events and exhibitions happening at Yonge and St. Clair are free, and can be visited at your convenience throughout the event period between 9AM – 6PM.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS AND LOCATIONS

1. Alin Asli: Northern Radiance

Jan 20 – 29, 2023
12 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto

2. D.A.R. Proyectos – Weaving the Light

Jan 21 – 29, 2023
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto

3. Gensler – Illuminiscent

Jan 20 – 29, 2023
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto

4. Guillermo Juarez – Void

Jan 21 – 28, 2023
95 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto

5. Lauren Pirie – Divining (A Long Story V)

Jan 20 – 29, 2023
40 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto

ROM AFTER DARK X DESIGNTO INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

To celebrate the launch of this extravagant event that brings art and design together across the city of Toronto with over 100 exhibitions, we are giving away (2) two tickets (valued at $60) to ROM After Dark, an after-hours celebration of Canadian craft, design, and ingenuity that features curated music, visual arts, performances, and distinctive food and drink on Friday, January 20, 2023 7:30pm EST at the ROM! ⁠ ⁠

HOW TO ENTER:⁠

1. Head to our Instagram and like this post⁠
2. Follow @YongeStClair and @DesignTOFestival⁠
3. In the comment section, tag a friend you would like to bring to ROM After Dark
4. Unlimited entries

CONTEST RULES:⁣⁠ Contest starts from Saturday, Jan 14 and ends on Wednesday Jan 18, 2023 at 11:59PM EST. The winner will be announced on our IG story and notified via DM from this account the next day. This giveaway is not affiliated or sponsored by Instagram. By entering, entrants must be a GTA resident and 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.⁠ ⁠

***The winner will be contacted through this account only. We will never ask for banking, credit card information, etc.***⁠ ⁠

DESIGNTO TOURS: STOP. LOOK. THINK.

2:00pm – 3:00pm | Jan 28, 2023
12 St. Clair Avenue East (Concourse level), Toronto

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