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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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.

The Rooftop Wellness Series is back for 2021! Refresh and recharge your mind, body and soul. Starting August 24 and through September, enjoy instructional sessions led by local wellness professionals every Tuesday from 7am – 8am on the rooftop of 40 St. Clair W.

Enjoy beautiful, unobstructed views of the downtown skyline from atop a high-rise building and practice healthy living from a range of wellness disciplines.

This event is ticketed, including a $5 registration fee. 100% of all proceeds will go directly to the instructor / wellness establishment leading the class.

The Rooftop Wellness Series is hosted in partnership with Slate Asset Management.

See below for full instructor lineup and to register for your class.

Class availability will be limited due to high demand. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for ongoing updates.

Schedule 2021

Tuesday, August 24 – 7am to 8am – Pilates Class| Ace Sports Clinic | Register Here |

Tuesday, August 31 – 7am to 8am – HIIT Class | F45 Midtown | Register Here |

Tuesday, September 7  – 7am to 8am – Stretch Class | The Centre for Fitness, Health and Performance| Register Here |

Tuesday, September 14 – 7am to 8am – Yoga Flow Class | Oxygen Yoga & Fitness |  Register Here |

Tuesday, September 21 – 7am to 8am – TBA | Register Here When Available |

More dates and registrations to be included as they become available. Please note dates and times may be subject to change on short notice due to weather.

.

The Outdoor Jazz Series returns July – August 2021 and will be hosted at PATIO at Yonge + St. Clair. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA welcomes you to enjoy a series of live jazz performances free of charge every Thursday evening from 6PM – 830PM, on the outdoor patio located at 1503 Yonge St.

PATIO at Yonge + St. Clair is an outdoor food + drink patio where you can enjoy 10+ local restaurants plus an on-site bar. Table reservations can be made at the official PATIO website, and walk-ins are welcome with limited capacity.

Enjoy great live musical duos with a roster of seasoned, local performers.

See artist schedule below.

Schedule

Thursday July 8 @ 6PM – 830PM | Alison Young (Sax) and Jeff McLeod (Keyboard)

Thursday July 15 @ 6PM – 830PM | Sam Broverman (Vocals) and Peter Hill (Keyboard)

Thursday July 22 @ 6PM – 830PM | Queen Pepper (Vocals) and Eric Boucher (Keyboard)

Thursday July 29 @ 6PM – 830PM | Alexander Brown (Trumpet) and Ewen Farncombe (Piano)

Thursday August 5 @ 6PM – 830PM | Donne Roberts Trio

Thursday August 12 @ 6PM – 830PM | Irene Torres (Vocals) and Eric St. Laurent (Guitar)

Thursday August 19 @ 6PM – 830PM | TBD

Thursday August 26 @ 6PM – 830PM | TBD

Please note that this schedule is subject to change, including rescheduling due to inclement weather. Follow Yonge + St. Clair on social media for updates.

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 9, 2021 – and with a second year of lockdown happening through Mother’s Day, we want to help you celebrate Mom in a safe and socially-distanced manner.

Here you’ll find a list of specials and current offerings from local shops, businesses and restaurants who remain open for curbside shopping and delivery at Yonge + St. Clair!

Reach out to each storefront directly for their Mother’s Day specials, curbside pickup and delivery options. Information listed below may be subject to change.

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/

The Chocolate Tulip

The Chocolate Tulip Floral Design Studio is fueled by a culture of enthusiasm for both modern and organic design married with a passion for flowers, botanical and sustainable appreciation. Their creative floral design and curated selection of plants draws from Japanese and Scandinavian esthetic.

Please Note: For all Mother’s Day orders through The Chocolate Tulip, place your order several days in advance for purchase – same day delivery and pickup is not possible this Mother’s Day.

Location: 1251 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W6
Phone: +1-416-921-5559
Website: https://www.thechocolatetulip.com/

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 2021, available on their website. Their online catalogue makes shopping from home very easy.

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

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.

For Mother’s Day, you can shop St. Clair Greetings online or through phone or email orders. Every purchase over $50 will come with a free gift (retail value $7). Limited time offer.

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

David Scott Beauty

David Scott Beauty began locally in 2005 and has since expanded to 2 locations at Yonge + St. Clair, including a salon, and a beauty & brow bar, offering their own line of cosmetic goods and beauty products.

For Mother’s Day, inquire about their available gift card options and any ongoing promotions on their line of skin care products (check in for availability).

You can shop their products online at www.davidscottbeauty.com 

Location: 1560 Yonge St. – Unit 117, Toronto ON, M4T2S9
Phone: +1-647-348-1150
Website: www.davidscottbeauty.com

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness  is a modern Yoga studio, offering FAR Infrared studio classes. In the meantime, their classes are all digital. As part of their Mother’s Day promotions, if you book 10 paid classes you will receive an additional 2 classes free of charge.

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. For Mother’s Day, inquire about their Oxygeneo facial and skin tightening treatment.

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

Dining and Meals For Home

Barnsteiner’s

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

Mother’s Day pre-orders are now open, you can order and pay through the Barnsteiner’s website: www.barnsteiners.com or call Barnsteiner’s using the number below.

Free Delivery applies to orders $60+ and within 3km.

On Mother’s Day (May 9), you can place orders as early as 10AM.

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.

You can pre-order Mother’s Day meals until Thursday May 6, 2021 and choose to add a bottle of rosé, prosecco, or flowers. Call the number below to place your order and to be eligible for free delivery.

There is also a Mother’s Day contest which you can join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/COYg8lZh-yA/

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

Cucina Buca

Cucina Buca puts a modern spin on traditional Italian dining. For Mother’s Day, they are accepting meal pre-orders until Thursday May 6 and for their cookie box, pre-orders are open until Wednesday May 5.

You can order directly from their website, link provided below.

Location: 2 St. Clair W, Toronto ON M4V1L5
Website: www.buca.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

You’ve heard the message many times during the COVID lockdown: support local businesses. It’s become an everyday slogan – but behind the constant reminder, what’s really driving this message? In this Q+A we take a look at the impacts of lockdown on local businesses from the other side – the perspective of an independent business owner.

In 2019, Salon Scavo – a locally operated and independent salon – celebrated it’s 40th anniversary. In the beauty industry that’s a big milestone and no one was prouder than owner Gianfranco Scavo, who celebrated alongsode his talented staff and loyal customers, marking the occasion with a grand re-opening at Yonge and St. Clair. Nobody would have thought that just a year later, Salon Scavo, along with small businesses everywhere, would face the toughest fight of the lives – for their livelihoods. 

Marylene Vestergom is a freelance writer and marketing professional, she has generously conducted and contributed this Q+A to the Yonge + St. Clair BIA.

Please note that salon services remain closed at the time of this article’s publishing, in accordance with Ontario public health measures.

Yonge + St. Clair: How has COVID-19 impacted your business?

Gianfranco Scavo: There are no words to describe it. It has not been easy. No one planned for this – how could you? The first shut down last March, we quickly took steps to ensure our salon implemented the highest hygiene and sterilization protocols outlined by the Ministry of Health, keeping the health and safety of our employees and clients top-of-mind. This, of course, wasn’t new to us, but we took it to the next level. We are fortunate our clients have returned, but we know the routine is different. Now in 2021 we are awaiting the next re-opening and will do our best to make the salon an experience that eases [clients] into this new norm. We are here for our clients and we are eagerly waiting to see everyone again.

Y+S: How did it impact your employees? 

GS: When we first closed, our stylists were sending messages of hope and well-wishes to our clients on Instagram. It was incredible to see the response and the connection. They miss their clients. 

Y+S: What did your clients miss? What did you miss?

GS: They wanted to look and feel like themselves again. And we miss their smiles. During the last re-opening, with everyone wearing masks, the eyes became the windows to the soul. The eyes say everything!

Y+S: What were the latest styles or trends before the lockdown came back?  

GS: Hair takes a cue from nature. So during the past fall for example, the warmer tones of hazel, caramel and spicy reds were making a subtle appearance. It’s a great way to transition from the beachy blonde of summer. The key is being subtle about the colour transition – just like the fall leaves. Balayage allows our colourist to paint in these beautiful tones, which catch the light. So, it’s not an all-over colour – it provides dimensions with soft-focused roots. And with texturizing and a bit of layering – your hair will come alive. 

Y+S: What products would you recommend?

GS: With many clients who will be coming back to the salon in the near future, we’ve noticed their hair requires an intervention. Once salons are open again, it’s the perfect time to treat your hair and we have a wonderful selection of hair treatments for all hair types. If you need any recommendations, we are here to guide you through which would best suit your needs. The result – shiny, healthier hair.

Y+S: Is it a cut or a trim?

GS: It’s all about low maintenance and being natural. In other words, work with what you have but accentuate it. We know a few clients who have tried colouring their hair at home and even attempted to cut their hair – the results were not surprising. Clients now understand that a colourist at our salon is an artist. They come by this experience not by accident and that’s why they can make the colouring look natural; when your hair grows out – it still looks great. An at home mistake can be costly, instead we suggest giving us a call once we’ve reopened.  

Y+S: What makes the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood special?

GS: This is a tightly knit community. Businesses and customers alike support one another. 

Y+S: Any last words as we wish for a reopening soon?

GS: In regards to COVID-19, it’s important we don’t let down our guard. As a small business owner who provides employment to our team that allows them to feed their families, pay rent etc., we appreciate and look forward to the days that we can be open.  To our loyal clients – we are glad they are part of the Salon Scavo family.  

Most importantly, we would like to thank the frontline workers at all levels who continue to do their job, who help us re-open and be safe. Please – wear your masks, wash your hands and maintain social distancing. Our community at Yonge + St. Clair depends on you.

Salon Scavo is located at 1470 Yonge Street or salonscavo.com or call 416-964-1229

Please note that salon services remain closed at the time of this article’s publishing, in accordance with Ontario public health measures.