Are you ready to gain some valuable insight and work experience in the field of Economic Development this Summer 2025?

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

View the job listing as a PDF.

Economic Development Coordinators – (4 Positions)

Application Deadline: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST 

Wage: $20 per hour, Part-Time, 30 hours/week 

Terms: 9 week temporary contract: June 2 – August 1, 2025

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

Start Date: June 2, 2025

Eligibility

These positions are a part of the Canada Summer Jobs Program with funding provided by Service Canada. Candidates must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment (June 2, 2025). Candidates must also be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred for the duration of employment; and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

About 

The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) was founded in 2018, and is one of Toronto’s most dynamic business districts. Our organization exists to drive economic development, plan streetscape improvements, implement community initiatives, and to deliver signature events for the 450 businesses and 14,000 employees in the district. Our funding is received through a special levy on commercial real estate within our boundaries. 

Opportunity

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

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

Responsibilities

Events Coordinator Position: 

+ Under the direction of the Executive Director, Events Manager and consulting with the Marketing Manager, assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of marketing initiatives and events to promote the BIA’s objectives and member businesses.
+ Support the development and implementation of event strategies across various channels, including social media, print materials, and digital advertising.
+ Aid in the creation of engaging content for promotional materials, such as event flyers, posters, social media posts, and website updates.
+ Assist in coordinating outreach efforts to promote events and initiatives within the local community, BIA membership and target audiences.
+ Support event management budgets by assisting with vendor communication, and financial tracking.
+ Help monitor and analyze events performance metrics, such as engagement, reach, and conversion rates, and provide insights for optimization.
+ Provide administrative support for event-related tasks, including scheduling meetings, maintaining databases, and responding to inquiries.
+ Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment of event efforts with organizational goals and priorities.
+ Conduct research into successful event models, case studies, and local trends to help propose new event ideas.
+ Assist with inventorying, organizing, and tracking current event equipment and supplies
+ Post-secondary degree or working towards a degree in marketing, digital media, public relations, event planning or other relevant training.

Streetscape & Design Position:

+ Under the direction of the Streetscape + Design Manager, support the realization and delivery of key projects while liaising with board members, businesses, and the City.
+ Conduct field audits of streetscape conditions and assets (paving, lighting, seating, public art, greenery, etc.).

Design and Develop a Neighbourhood Map of Yonge + St. Clair:

+ Create a visually compelling, interactive map of the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood using tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and ArcGIS.
+ Catalogue and spatially represent all street furnishings and public amenities (benches, planters, bike racks, murals, public art, etc.).
+ Develop a system for classifying, tagging, and interpreting different types of street assets.
+ Potential to turn the final map into a print piece, online tool, or public art feature – flex your creative muscles!

Assist with Strategic Plan Development through Data Analysis

+ Support the BIA’s first-ever strategic plan renewal by helping to analyze newly gathered demographic, economic, and survey data.
+ Identify trends in foot traffic, business mix, population shifts, and consumer behaviours.
+ Create charts, reports, and summary briefs to support stakeholder engagement and planning.
+ Contribute insights to shape the future vision of Yonge + St. Clair – your findings will directly inform key BIA priorities.
+ Assist in preparing public-facing materials (presentations, posters, and social media & website graphics) to share research outcomes and mapping outputs.
+ Analyze the neighbourhood to identify key locations for public realm improvements such as potential spots for feature benches, planters, artistic interventions, gathering spaces, etc. and help with the planning and conceptualization of these elements/locations.
+ Post-secondary degree or working towards a degree in urban planning, urban design, architecture, graphic design, geography, environmental studies or other relevant training.

Marketing + Communications Position:

+ Under the direction of the Executive Director and the Marketing Manager and consulting with the Events Manager, assist in preparation of scheduled internal and external marketing and communication items.
+ Assist in the production of Marketing channel content creation, including but not limited to Instagram Reels and similar social media posts.
+ Support graphic design and the creation of branding collateral as needed for various campaigns and projects across the organization.
+ Liaise with BIA membership and various stakeholders on a weekly/monthly basis.
+ Engage in business and community outreach relevant to the strategic and marketing plan.
+ Maintain and update the membership database and other timely website content on www.yongestclair.ca.
+ Research, develop and recommend public relations plans and programs including media coverage; and direct, coordinate and monitor execution of approved plans and programs.
+ Generate and monitor results for advertising and promotional campaigns across marketing channels
+ Public speaking skills are considered an asset.
+ Post-secondary degree or working towards a degree in communications, public relations, political science or other relevant training.

Special Projects Position: 

+ Under the direction of the Executive Director, organize and coordinate events as needed by the BIA such as community consultations, roundtables and working group sessions.
+ Collects and keeps track of receipts and event related expenses; prepares expense reimbursement form.
+ Prepares cost estimates, books space, oversees all aspects including set-up, catering, audio visual and IT support, and signage.
+ Designs and distributes notice of events, schedules, and registration materials.
+ Compiles and maintains registration and mailing lists.
+ Prepares, collects, summarizes, shares and revises evaluations of each event on a regular basis.
+ Support the creation of the BIA’s new sponsorship strategy for signature events.
+ Work closely with the Executive Director and BIA staff team to collect and analyze data and synthesize relevant information to support the BIA’s 2025 Strategic Plan update 

Other projects as required.

Post-secondary degree or working towards a degree in communications, public relations, event planning or other relevant training.

Qualifications and Key Competencies 

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

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

Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume with the subject line “Economic Development Coordinator + Position + (Your Full Name)” to info@yongestclair.ca no later than 5:00 pm EST on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Save the job listing as a PDF.

Coffee with is a Cop is a public, drop-in meet and greet event, bringing Yonge + St. Clair’s police team (53 Division) together with members of public and local business owners for a casual chat over a coffee or tea. This informal event is designed to provide a chance for you to meet your local police team, ask any questions you’ve been curious about regarding police duties, and learn about the safety plan for Yonge + St. Clair throughout 2025.

On Wednesday April 23rd from 11AM – 1PM, come to La Barista Cafe located on the lower concourse of 12 St. Clair East to enjoy this community-led event produced by the Yonge + St. Clair BIA

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

How to Attend

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

Details:
Wednesday April 23rd, 2025 – 11am to 1pm
La Barista Cafe, 12 St. Clair East – Lower Concourse

(Direct link to RSVP site: https://www.universe.com/events/coffee-with-a-cop-meet-and-greet-yonge-st-clair-tickets-76831J) 

FAQs

Together we can build a community that’s both locally rooted and nationally strong

On this page, you’ll find a quick-start guide to support our homegrown and Canadian economy. Whether you’re discovering new local Yonge and St. Clair businesses just around the corner from your home or office, or discovering homegrown options for your upcoming purchases and appointments you’ll find easy and practical tips below. Save and share this link: www.yongestclair.ca/proudlycanadian to stay in the loop.

Below are 4 Easy Ways to Kickstart Your ‘Buy Canadian and Buy Local’ Impact

4 Easy Ways to Kickstart Your ‘Buy Canadian and Buy Local’ Impact

1. Start with Low Hanging Fruit

Some inexpensive ways to kickstart your impact and keep your dollars here at home include:

● Review and reconsider your online and paid subscriptions, and pause or cancel subscriptions

● Explore and discover local, homegrown businesses and services using the Yonge + St. Clair directory including local:

+ Arts + Retail
+ Food + Drink
+ Health + Wellness
+ Office + Services
+ Go to www.yongestclair.ca/whats-here

● Switch to Canadian big box stores. See the big Canadian list of places to shop as researched by Canadians (source: Reddit/r/buycanadian)

● Reconsider your payment methods and opt for cash or Canadian institutions to process your payments

● Use local or local taxi services instead of Uber or Lyft and consider international ride-share apps, ie. Hopp app (by Estonian-owned company, Bolt) now available in Toronto

● Choose Canada and local for your upcoming vacation

2. Spread the word.

Tell your friends and family about ways they can support local and Canadian. Suggest that people start with the above Low Hanging Fruit listed above. You can always revisit this page at: www.yongestclair.ca/proudlycanadian

3. Help improve the Yonge + St. Clair local directory.

You can help out in Yonge + St. Clair by using the local business directory yongestclair.ca/whats-here 

● Suggest additions to the existing list by contacting info@yongestclair.ca

● Correct errors in lists, our team will be happy to update the directory to make locations easier to find

● Share stories or purchases that are local or Canadian on your socials by tagging or mentioning Yonge + St. Clair on either Instagram or Facebook via @yongestclair or #yongestclair. We will repost your local and Canadian finds!

● Post reviews of local stores, goods and services so other people can discover them too (Google Maps, Yelp etc.)

● Inform us about brands, establishments, local businesses that support underrepresented demographics or have great ethical/sustainable practices in Yonge + St. Clair

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA team can be reached directly at info@yongestclair.ca

4. Remember the big picture.

Our goal is to increase our impact in a way we can sustain for the long haul. We do not have to 100% divest from non-Canadian products to move the needle, as many existing Canadian and local businesses will have existing inventories and stock already. It will still help the local economy thrive whenever you purchase or book appointments and services with them. Buying and supporting local, independent Canadian-owned shops that source goods from abroad still sustains the Canadian way of life instead of purchasing directly from American alternatives.

You can email info@yongestclair.ca with any ideas, questions or concerns not covered on this resource page. Together we can build a community that’s both locally rooted and nationally strong

Things have gotten tougher lately—the Yonge + St. Clair BIA knows these aren’t just news headlines, they’re real issues affecting your shops and offices, your staff, and the community we all care about.

But here’s what we also know: resilience is woven into the fabric of small and commercial Canadian businesses. And with so much uncertainty at our doorstep, we’re focusing on what we can control: powering up our homegrown, neighbourhood economy by connecting your Canadian products, services, and expertise directly to the neighbors who need and value them most, while also uniting local businesses with domestic resources to keep growth rooted here.

Together we can build a community that’s both locally rooted and nationally strong

On this page, you’ll find timely resources gathered by the Yonge + St. Clair BIA to support your ongoing business efforts.

Have Your Say: Tariff Impact Surveys

The US-Canada tariffs remind us how quickly the business landscape can shift. And although we’re determined to turn these challenges into opportunities for Yonge + St. Clair businesses, we can’t do it without your feedback.

Right now, the City of Toronto, Yonge + St. Clair BIA and Canadian Urban Institute need your feedback now to start accurately addressing your business concerns, resulting in the types of support required to future-proof your business and our communities.

Your feedback will directly inform the creation of:

+ City of Toronto led purchasing and support programs for local businesses

+ Hyper-local Yonge and St. Clair programs to amplify your business efforts

+ Broader advocacy and campaigning by the Canadian Urban Institute to all levels of government

This is in addition to Provincial and Federal aid programs which are currently being planned, more announcements to come.

You can complete the surveys using the links below :

1. City of Toronto Tariff Impacts Survey (5 Minutes)

2. Yonge + St. Clair BIA Tariff Impacts Survey (4 Minutes)

3. Canadian Urban Institute Tariff Impacts Survey (4 Minutes)

City of Toronto Economic Response Resource Page

The City of Toronto aims to create and gather domestic resources that businesses can use to strengthen their self-sufficiency in response to US-Canada tariffs.

The City of Toronto is taking strong action to mitigate the effects of tariffs and strengthen local economic resilience, including:

+ Convening business and labour leaders to advise on the City’s response

+ Establishing a U.S. Engagement Secretariat within City Hall

+ Actively monitoring tariffs and implementing an action plan that includes enhanced local procurement to minimize disruptions

+ Gathering input from local businesses to understand how tariffs are affecting them.

Review and bookmark the City of Toronto’s economic response webpage, which contains ongoing updates and resources for all business types, including information on impacted sectors:

1. City of Toronto: Economic Response Webpage

A Practical Guide for Small and Medium Businesses: Responding to Tariffs

To support businesses, particularly SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), The Toronto Board of Trade compiled key resources, expert insights, and practical tools to help mitigate the impact and identify strategic opportunities.

This playbook is your concise, actionable guide to navigating this turbulent period. It’s designed specifically for Canadian SMEs who need immediate, low-cost strategies to mitigate the impact of these tariffs and emerge stronger. Split into five modules, the playbook covers:

Protecting Cash Flow
Adjusting Costs/Pricing
Diversifying Suppliers
Adopting Lean Methods
Optimizing Payments

Download the full playbook (PDF) here: PDF Download

You can email info@yongestclair.ca with any ideas, questions or concerns not covered on this resource page. Together we can build a community that’s both locally rooted and nationally strong

We are looking for a passionate, creative and process-oriented Events Manager who can join our team in a startup-style environment to help our emerging Business Improvement Area (BIA) strategize, plan, execute and manage its annual event calendar. You will become an integral part of our small, and hands-on team to help us in our efforts to organize innovative events with a focus on supporting local business communities, catering to a refined audience and furthering the ongoing events strategy. This is a great opportunity for someone who’s passionate about events, project planning, municipal economics, and strategic thinking to grow their career. 

Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area
Manager of Events (Full-Time Position)

Application Deadline: February 28th, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST
Pay Rate:  Starting at $60,000 based on experience
Term: Full-Time 35 hours/5 days per week (Hybrid in-office and from-home work schedule)
Location: 1 St Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Hybrid office model

About Us:

The Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) was established in 2018 and is one of Toronto’s most vibrant business districts. Our mission is to drive economic development, enhance public spaces, and deliver signature events for the 450 businesses and 14,000 employees in the district. Our efforts are funded through a special levy on commercial real estate within our boundaries through the City of Toronto and Toronto City Council.

Key Responsibilities:

Events

+ Work with the BIA management and team to identify creative events aligned with BIA strategic objectives
+ Plan, organize, and coordinate various events throughout the year, including our signature festivals, tactical programs, and partnership events
+ Identify external event partners to roll out events (as needed)
+ Serve as the primary point of contact for event-related inquiries, feedback, and concerns from stakeholders, participants, and the general public
+ Represent the BIA at community meetings, networking events, and industry conferences to promote the organization and foster partnerships
+ Develop schedules, retain consultants, maintain budgets, and execute on ongoing BIA-led events and event partnerships

Administration

+ Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements related to event planning, marketing, and community engagement
+ Coordinate with internal teams, including management, operations, and membership, to align marketing and event efforts with overall organizational goals and priorities
+ Assist in the establishment of inclusive, positive, constructive, and proactive relationships with all BIA members and community stakeholders
+ Support the development of schedules, maintaining budgets, and executing on ongoing BIA-led events and partnerships
+ Maintain accurate records and documentation related to event planning, marketing campaigns, budget expenditures, and stakeholder communications
+ Supervise and mentor event planning assistants, interns, and volunteers to support event planning activities when assigned
+ Attend, support and prepare presentations to the Marketing & Events Committee and Board of Directors Meetings 

Stakeholder Engagement

+ Act as the go-to contact for all event-related inquiries, feedback, and concerns.
+ Build and nurture relationships with local businesses, community groups, and key stakeholders, ensuring their involvement and satisfaction.

Post-Event Evaluation

+ Conduct thorough post-event evaluations to assess success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
+ Provide actionable recommendations for future events, helping us to continuously improve our community offerings.

Qualifications:

+ Proven experience in independently planning, coordinating, and executing events, ideally within a community-focused or non-profit setting.
+ Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to take full ownership of tasks and meet deadlines within a short-term contract.
+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for engaging and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders.
+ Demonstrated ability to manage budgets effectively and negotiate with vendors and service providers to achieve the best outcomes.
+ Self-motivated and able to work independently, while also being a collaborative team player when needed.
+ Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings and weekends as required to ensure the success of the events.
+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other relevant software applications for event planning and coordination.

Why Join Us?

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the vibrancy of one of Toronto’s most dynamic districts during a crucial period. You will work in a supportive and inclusive environment that values creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds.

Application Process:

If you are excited about this opportunity and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. 

Submit a cover letter and resume with the subject line “Events Manager + (Your Full Name)” to info@yongestclair.ca no later than 5:00 pm EST on Friday, February 28th, 2025.

► Download the above job description as PDF.

For 10 days from January 24 – Feb 2, 2025 Toronto will be buzzing with energy and innovation. The DesignTO Festival celebrates design as a multidisciplinary form of creative thinking and making. People come to explore, learn, and get inspired through architectural tours, craft and design exhibitions, window installations, thought-provoking talks, and other unique experiences.

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is a proud sponsor of the Festival, and will host 7 large-scale art installations in various highrise office lobbies and multiple guided walking tours across the neighbourhood, including one led by the artists. Installations include original and sponsored works designed and constructed by locally-based artists.

A special thanks to our site sponsors who have invested additional resources to ensure these art installations are larger than life: JLL, ChoiceREIT, Desjardins.

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

INSTALLATIONS

1 – ‘The Archivist’ by Pixel Heller ( 2-22 St. Clair E)

2 – ‘Narcissus Falls’ by Land Art Design ( 2 St. Clair W)

3 – Yes, And by Gensler ( 30 St. Clair W)

4 – Tangled Paths by Nargiza Usmanova, NUMZ Graphics ( 40 St. Clair W)

5 – Bubble Quilt by Studio Rat ( 55 St. Clair W)

6 – ‘Homing (Pigeon Store)’ by Maddy Young, and MCA Gallery ( 95 St. Clair W)

7 – ‘Beyond the Body’ by Pixel Heller, and MCA Gallery ( 95 St. Clair W)

SIGN UP FOR FREE: GUIDED WALKING TOURS

8 – DesignTO Tours: Dualities  This walking tour invites you to take a closer look at three temporary artworks with firsthand insight from the artists and designers behind the projects, delve deeper into the site-specific installations, their stories, and how they came to be.

Sunday February 2, 2025 2:00pm – 3:00pm, starting at 2 St. Clair West. RSVP Here.

9 – Yonge + St. Clair Guided Walking Tours This series of four (4), 45-minute long walking tours are expertly led by urbanism expert + published author Lloyd Alter. Each tour will take groups to 3 art installations while also providing deeper insight into the architectural and historical elements of Yonge + St. Clair.

When you sign up to attend a tour you will automatically be entered for a chance to win A DINNER FOR 2 AT ONE OF OUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS. Applicants must complete a sign up form and attend a tour to be eligible.

Please note that these tours will include indoors and outdoors routes, dress accordingly for the winter weather. 

Sign up for your preferred tour dates below:

Tour 1: Saturday, January 25th 2-3 p.m. RSVP and Tour Details Here.

Tour 2: Sunday, January 26th, 2-3 p.m. RSVP and Tour Details Here.

Tour 3: Tuesday, January 28th, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. RSVP and Tour Details Here.

Tour 4: Thursday, January 30th, 2-3 p.m. RSVP and Tour Details Here.

SNEAK PEEK: BEHIND THE SCENES 

Many of the artworks hosted at Yonge + St. Clair are all-new and original pieces that are being unveiled for the first time on January 24th. To keep your interest piqued, some of the artists have generously documented and shared images of their behind-the-scenes work below!

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Collaborators

Use #DesignTO and #YongeStClair when you share your photos, and we’ll feature them on our socials.

The Toronto Gingerbread Festival is back and sweeter than ever! This year’s festival will run from December 3-10, 2024. The week-long Gingerbread Festival will be unveiling 16 professionally-designed gingerbread houses at select storefront windows across Yonge + St. Clair, crafted by our resident gingerbread architect, Lisa Phillips, who has created edible architecture for A-List celebs and major retail displays.

The beloved annual event, presented by the Yonge + St. Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA), is set to transform the neighbourhood into a magical gingerbread wonderland. In addition to the professionally crafted gingerbread displays in storefront windows, come attend the launch event, get complimentary gift wrapping with proof of purchase, enjoy seven nights of musical pop-ups in local shops + eateries, and a weekend holiday block party at Fairgrounds + more!

To attend – save the schedule below and RSVP to all the programs following the links on this page.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Dec 3 – Dec 10 | Explore Gingerbread Lane: Discover 16 stunning gingerbread houses professionally-designed gingerbread houses at select storefront windows across Yonge + St. Clair, crafted by our resident gingerbread architect, Lisa Phillips, who has created edible architecture for A-List celebs and major retail displays! Vote for your favourite to enter a raffle for a $100 gift card (3 winners) either by visiting 2 St. Clair West to enter by ballot.

Dec 3 – Dec 10 | Free Professional Gift-Wrapping |At the public lobby of 2 St. Clair West Daily, 12PM -2PM and 5PM – 7PM : Spend $20 at any Yonge + St. Clair business, restaurant or service and bring any item to be professionally gift-wrapped at 2 St. Clair West from 12PM – 2PM or 5PM – 7PM Daily. Your item does not have to be purchased locally. Your item can be up to 2ft x 2ft x 1ft in size. Walk-ins are welcome. Or book your gift-wrapping timeslot below

Dec 3 – Dec 10 | Office vs Office Gingerbread Competition |At the public lobby of 2 St. Clair West Daily 9AM – 6PM. Vote for your favourite office-created gingerbread houses to enter a raffle for a $100 gift card. See the displays at 2 St. Clair West to enter by ballot.

Dec 4 – Dec 10 | Musician Pop-Ups across Yonge + St. Clair, Gingerbread Music Series, 5PM – 7PM
Pop-up live musicians at select shops and restaurants every day. Simply show up to attend at all 7 locations. Save the dates:

MUSICIAN SCHEDULE + LOCATIONS

Dec 4, 2024 | 5PM – 7PM| Grandma Loves You – 40 St. Clair West | Cuban Jazz with Pablo Terry & Sol De Cuba

Two shows, one night! Dec 5, 2024 | 5PM – 7PM | Paperboy Cards & Gifts – 7 Pleasant Blvd | Violinist, Natalie Wong

Two shows, one night! Dec 5, 2024 | 5PM – 7PM | Mary Be Kitchen – 21B St. Clair West | Brass and Keyboard, Sean & Eric

Dec 6, 2024 |5PM – 7PM | Gatherings Restobar | Classic Rock + Covers, The Copy Cats

Dec 7, 2024 | 5PM – 7PM | Ambiyan on Yonge, 1560 Yonge Street Ground Floor Courtyard | Guitar and Vocals, Michel Dequevedo

Dec 8, 2024 | 5PM – 7PM | Union Social, 21 St. Clair West | Upbeat Busking Band, Maple Noyz

Dec 9, 2024 | 5PM – 7PM | Zelden’s Deli and Desserts, 1446 Yonge Street | Classic 50s and 60s and Roots Rock, Bonnie Memphis

Dec 10, 2024 | 5PM – 7PM | St. Clair Greetings 1421 Yonge Street | Guitar and Vocals, Michel Dequevedo

Dec 7 | Free Padel / Pickleball at Fairgrounds Rosehill, 12PM – 6PM1375 Yonge Street Gingerbread Festival Holiday Block Party @ Fairgrounds (One Day Only!):  Don’t miss the FREE PADEL session and grand celebration at the heated Fairgrounds Pickleball Court with more goodies and programs —the perfect way to wrap up your Gingerbread Lane adventure!

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the season at the Toronto Gingerbread Festival. Click the map below to download to your device. Let’s make this the sweetest holiday yet!

FESTIVAL MAP
Click Map to Download

Follow us on Instagram or email info@yongestclair.ca if you have any questions! Or download the printable event flyer.

Are you ready to lead a dynamic team, champion community interests, and shape the future of Toronto’s urban landscape? The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is seeking an Executive Director who is passionate about driving strategic change, fostering innovation, and making a lasting impact. If this sounds like you, we invite you to explore the opportunity and apply 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, providing expert leadership to drive community initiatives, streetscape and economic development improvements, execution of programs, event and project management, communications and stakeholder relationships including forming productive coalitions, all in support of the BIA Board of Management.

Full Time
Salary starting at: $86K, commensurate on experience

Leadership:

• Strategic Direction: Set and communicate the long-term vision of the BIA, working closely with the Board of Directors to establish and implement a strategic plan that enhances the area’s economic vitality and community engagement. 
• Daily Team Management: Lead daily team meetings to ensure all projects are progressing smoothly, addressing any operational or interpersonal challenges to maintain momentum. 
• Team Guidance: Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Develop, and foster top talent to ensure the team is aligned with the BIA’s goals.

Innovation:

• Innovative Approaches: Identify and implement innovative programs (events, marketing, BIA-specific administration standards, streetscape) that enhance the BIA’s competitiveness and promote urban revitalization. Stay ahead of trends in community engagement, community advocacy and urban development.

Strategic Planning:

• Governance: Collaborate with the Board to manage all governance matters, implementing internal controls, project and staff work plans, and strategic initiatives that align with the BIA’s mission. 
• Opportunity and Risk Management: Proactively identify, monitor and capitalize on opportunities (i.e. strategic initiatives, grants, public engagements) and foresee risks or crises to protect the best interests of the BIA. Lead the BIA through change and ensure resilience in the face of challenges. 
• Financial Stewardship and Accuracy: Oversee budget management, interpret financial reports, and provide expert recommendations to the Board. Ensure transparency, timeliness and accountability in financial decision-making.

Engagement:

• Stakeholder Strategy: Develop and maintain a comprehensive engagement strategy to ensure that Board members, business owners, local residents, and city officials are informed, involved, and invested in the BIA’s initiatives. 
• Advocacy: Lead local advocacy efforts and build coalitions to effectively represent the BIA’s strategic interests within the community. Act as the primary ambassador for the BIA, representing its interests in public forums and negotiations. 
• Partnerships and Communications: Cultivate strong relationships with City officials, local businesses, community organizations, and other BIAs. 

Communications:

• Community Outreach: Foster strong relationships with BIA members, encouraging participation and open dialogue. Engage in regular communication with stakeholders to support the BIA’s strategic plan and community ties. 
• Public Relations Strategy: Develop and execute public relations plans, including media coverage, content creation, and distribution of press releases and news alerts to promote the BIA’s initiatives.

Management:

• Innovative Marketing:  Lead the exploration and implementation of new marketing initiatives in collaboration with the Marketing/Events Committee, positioning the BIA as a vibrant, local destination that resonates with the community while remaining open to opportunities for broader appeal. 
• Event Planning: Plan, promote, and execute events that align with the BIA’s goals, ensure compliance with relevant regulations and ensure valuable participation from local businesses and members. 
• Streetscape Strategy: Champion the BIA’s streetscape strategy, ensuring that the area’s physical environment aligns with the community’s vision and enhances its appeal. 

• Capital Projects: Oversee the submission and execution of capital cost-share requests, collaborating with the Streetscape Committee and the City of Toronto to implement streetscape initiatives.

Qualifications

+ University degree in Commerce, Urban Planning, Business, Government Relations, or a related field, or equivalent experience in similar sectors.

+ Proven management experience in business, non-profit, or municipal organizations, with a focus on driving change and executing strategic initiatives.

+ Previous experience with Business Improvement Areas (BIA) is a strong asset.

+ Demonstrated success in implementing change and leading initiatives with measurable outcomes.

+ Solid understanding of contemporary leadership and management principles.

+ Experience working with municipal government structures and processes is an asset.

+ Professional experience working directly with small businesses, fostering strong community and business relationships.

+ Experience with budgeting and financial reporting is advantageous.

+ Experience organizing and managing large-scale public events is preferred.

+ Proficiency in digital and traditional marketing strategies, including social media marketing and communications.

+ Self-starter with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

+ Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills, with a focus on effective stakeholder engagement.

+ Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 

Join Us: 

Interested candidates should email their cover letter and resume with the subject line “Executive Director + (Your Full Name)” to info@yongestclair.ca no later than 5:00 PM EST on September 18, 2024