Application Deadline: Sunday, August 9th, 2026 – 5PM EST

Contract Position | Toronto, ON
Tour Date: September 1, 2026 – 8:45am – 3pm
Compensation: $1,250–$1,500 flat fee, based on experience
Lunch provided

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA, in collaboration with Midtown Yonge BIA, Rosedale Main Street BIA, and Bloor-Yorkville BIA, is seeking an engaging and knowledgeable tour guide to help lead a full-day tour of Yonge Street as part of the 2026 International Downtown Association (IDA) Annual Conference.

Yonge Street: A Corridor of Time will take an international audience of downtown leaders, urban professionals, and place management practitioners on a journey from Eglinton to Yorkville, exploring how one of Toronto’s most iconic streets has evolved into a series of distinctly different urban environments.

The tour will move through locally supported main streets in Davisville, active intensification at Yonge + St. Clair, heritage-protected areas in Rosedale and Summerhill, and Yorkville’s historic village fabric layered within a contemporary vertical district. Along the way, participants will visit local businesses, heritage landmarks, public spaces, and cultural institutions that bring the corridor’s evolution to life.

The Role

We are looking for someone who can serve as the narrative thread connecting the entire six-hour experience. Working alongside representatives from each BIA and individual tour-stop hosts, the selected guide will:

• Conduct thorough research to develop and deliver an engaging historical and urban narrative connecting the different neighbourhoods along Yonge Street.
• Provide context on the corridor’s evolution, including its early development, village main streets, transit infrastructure, architecture, planning, cultural history, and changing urban form.
• Introduce and transition between neighbourhoods and tour stops, helping participants understand how each location contributes to the larger story.
• Facilitate discussion and engage with a professional international audience throughout the day.
• Collaborate with the four participating BIAs in advance to refine the tour narrative and avoid overlap with presentations from local representatives and stop hosts.
• Participate in a pre-tour walkthrough and briefing prior to September 1.

The successful candidate will be a confident storyteller with strong knowledge of Toronto history and an ability to connect historical events to the city people experience today. Experience in architecture, urban planning, heritage, cultural history, or leading professional walking tours would be considered an asset.

This is an opportunity to help tell the story of Yonge Street beyond downtown, introducing an international audience to the history, people, places, and decisions that have shaped Midtown Toronto.

Submission Instructions

Deadline: Sunday, August 9th, 2026 – 5PM EST

To apply, please submit a brief introduction outlining your relevant experience, examples of previous tours or interpretive work, and your proposed fee.

Email: [email protected]

Subject Line: Lead IDA Tour Guide 2026 – Your Name

We look forward to finding an engaging storyteller who can bring Yonge Street’s history and evolution to life for an international audience.

Meet me at Lunch

A community seating area brought to you by the Yonge + St. Clair BIA

Yonge + St.Clair just got a new temporary picnic space that’s open to public, perfect for when you need somewhere to sit for quick meeting breaks, chat with friends, or to eat your takeout.

Meet Me at Lunch is now open and welcomes everyone to embrace the summer weather from now until September 8th. Head on over to Wally Crouter Laneway (1501 Yonge St) to enjoy the space.

This space responds to BIA community surveys which identified the community’s desire for more public seating + gathering spaces resulting in this temporary transformation of an unassuming pedestrian walkway into a functional space with vibrant picnic tables, shady umbrellas, scenic murals and potted plants perfectly in bloom.

Take a midday break and head on over to enjoy the best of summer: impromptu picnics, iced coffee breaks, and sunshine and breeze.

We want to give a special thank you to the City of Toronto and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for contributing to the initiative through the Dining District Program.

This seating area is a shared space, we rely on everyone who visits to do their part to help maintain the cleanliness of the space and to clean up and dispose of their own litter after using it.

The Yonge + St.Clair BIA is constantly looking for ways to create spaces that strengthen connections and keep the community thriving.

Connect With Nature Before Work

A Wellness Series brought to you by Yonge + St. Clair BIA

Refresh and recharge your mind before work at a local park with instructional sessions led by wellness professionals found in the neighbourhood.

Held every Thursday from July 16 – August 13 between 7:30am – 8:30am at David A. Balfour Park (75 Rosehill Avenue), engage in soothing your mind with various wellness disciplines in a peaceful environment with foliage and a view overseeing the city skyline. Enter the park from the north via Avoca Ave. or from the West via Rosehill Ave. Once you reach the clearing, you’ll find us!

Each class is $5, a cost that goes towards supporting events and initiatives held by the BIA, and encourages participants to bring their own mats, water, and change of clothes. Washrooms can be found on-site and can be used as changing facilities, however no shower facilities are on the park grounds.

Scroll below to find out more about some of the amazing businesses we will feature in the coming weeks:

Balance Fitness

A fitness studio dedicated to achieving your personal, unique state of balance that brings health, happiness, and potential together in perfect harmony. Set your own goals and get fit on your own terms and standards. Join a session with Terry on July 23 or August 6.

To find out more information about them visit their website here: website

Oxygen Yoga Fitness

A yoga studio with a unique variety of group yoga and fitness fusion classes with intense cardio and core work outs, balance training, flexibility & strengthening, complimented by deep breathing, relaxation and a calming of the mind in FAR Infrared heat therapy. Join a session with Lida on July 16 or 30, or Gemma on August 13.

To find out more information about them visit their website here: website

RSVP your spot for any of the lessons here: Tickets

Disclaimer: Participants will be required to sign a safety waver as well as photography release waiver. Yonge + St. Clair BIA is not liable for any injuries incurred during the session. You may opt out of participating in this class should you not wish to have your photograph taken.

In the event of inclement weather, the class will be cancelled, and all registrants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance. Registrants will be invited to a replacement class on the earliest available date for the instructor.

The Yonge + St.Clair BIA is constantly looking for ways to create spaces that strengthen connections and keep the community thriving.

Summerlicious is back in season and Midtown has you covered for the best eats. From July 3 – 19, you can get either lunch lunch or dinner from a prix-fixe menu, or maybe even get both in one day. Scroll down below to see which restaurants are participating, and who you need to hit up for your next food tour.

El Inka Peruvian Cuisine

Flavours from Peru, El Inka is bringing South America to Toronto. We recommend going with a group of 4 and snagging a bite from everyone’s meal to experience all the mains. Both the lunch ($34) and dinner ($45) menus have gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options, so you can eat to your heart’s desire without any restrictions.

Find more information on their menu, address and hours below: Menu Information

RSVP directly with them here: Website

Capocaccia Trattoria

Capocaccia is a neighbourhood trattoria inspired by the rustic cuisine of southern Italy and reimagined for present day Toronto. Tomatoes, 24 month prosciutto, and Baked focaccia, what more can you ask for? The lunch menu ($34) offers both vegetarian and gluten free options and the dinner menu ($45) features vegetarian options.

Find more information on their menu, address and hours below: Menu Information

RSVP directly with them here: Website

Ambiyan on Yonge

Ambiyan directly translates to fresh, and that is exactly what they’re bringing. A fresh take on authentic contemporary Indian cuisine with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced produce and meats. Featuring 8 mains for dinner, even the pickiest eater will find the perfect dish for them. Both the lunch ($34) and dinner ($45) menus have gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Find more information on their menu, address and hours below: Menu Information

RSVP directly with them here: Website

Barnsteiners

Brining you the various flavours of Europe under one roof their lunch ($41) and dinner ($55) menus might just be a pot of gold for those who like to experiment with their food. With 6 apps and 6 mains to choose from, you can try a different one every day of the week.

Find more information on their menu, address and hours below: Menu Information

RSVP directly with them here: Website

Brownes Bistro

A classic bistro menu that pays homage to all things French, including fresh daily creations. Featuring 3 options for apps, main, and dessert for both the lunch ($34) and dinner ($45) options, get transported to France with every bite.

Find more information on their menu, address and hours below: Menu Information

RSVP directly with them here: Website

Union Social Eatery

For banging food, drinks, and an elevated casual dining experience go to Union Social. This is for all you food fenatics who can not be contained to one cuisine type. Both their lunch ($27) and dinner ($35) menus feature options using flavours from around the world and offer vegetarian and gluten free options.

Find more information on their menu, address and hours below: Menu Information

RSVP directly with them here: Website

For more updates on the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood, follow us on social media @yongestclair on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Request for Proposals

Art Installations for DesignTO Festival • January 23 – 31, 2027

Deadline

11:59 pm, Sunday September 13th, 2026

Installation Details

Overview

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA  is seeking proposals for art installations as part of the 2027 DesignTO Festival – Canada’s largest annual celebration of art and design with over 100 exhibitions and events forming Toronto’s design week. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA welcomes artists, architects, designers, fabricators and multidisciplinary creatives to submit ambitious, site-specific installations that activate space, encourage exploration, and create memorable experiences. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is seeking medium to large-scale installations to be displayed throughout Yonge + St. Clair, reaching thousands of residents, office workers, and visitors. In addition, each installation will receive exposure through DesignTO Festival’s marketing channels, guided walking tours, artist talks, and neighbourhood programming. The theme for the Yonge + St Clair neighbourhood this year is: Intersections.

Yonge + St. Clair has long been a place where people, ideas and city life intersect. Situated between downtown and uptown Toronto, the neighbourhood brings together residents, businesses, office workers and visitors while continuing to evolve through significant growth and investment. These intersections between communities, disciplines, history, and progress shape the identity of the neighbourhood and the experiences of those who move through it each day.

Artists are invited to interpret Intersections through their own creative and critical lens. Proposals may explore themes of convergence, transformation, movement, identity, exchange, and/or the evolving relationship between people and place. The theme is intentionally broad, encouraging innovative responses that activate the selected site.

Duration

10 days • January 22 – January 31, 2027
(potential to extend for certain sites)

Sites

• 2 St. Clair Ave W, Lobby – 1 installation (Location images)
• 2 St. Clair Ave E – 1 installation (Location images)
• 30 St. Clair AveW, Lobby – 1 installation (Location images)
• 40 St. Clair Ave W, Lobby – 1 installation (Location images)
• 55 St. Clair Ave W, Lobby – 1 installation (Location images)
• 95 St. Clair Ave W, Gallery – 1 installation (Location images)
• 1521 Yonge St, Window – 1 installation (Location images)

Power supply, or additional operational and infrastructure assistance may be provided on-site at the discretion of the review panel.

These locations are accessible and include appropriate accommodations.

Submission Details

Budget

Artists will receive a $5000-$7000 (inclusive of HST, artist fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation and de-installation) budget to support the production of their installation. Applicants are encouraged to request only the funding necessary to successfully realize their proposal. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate exceptional value while maximizing the visual impact and activation of the selected site. A brief artist bio will be displayed with the works.

Budgets must include a detailed line-item breakdown outlining all anticipated project costs. Generalized or lump-sum budgets will not be considered. Artists retain ownership of their work following the exhibition unless otherwise agreed.

TO NOTE: Applicants can submit a proposal for multiple sites, however, the panel may only select 1 of your submitted installations. Preference will be given to proposals that are site-specific.

Criteria

+ Respond thoughtfully to the exhibition theme.

+ Be designed specifically for a selected site.

+ Maximize the scale and spatial potential of the selected site.

+ Create an engaging public experience through immersion, interaction or visual impact.

+ Be achievable within the proposed budget and timeline.

+ If working at heights, artists and/or installers are required to have the appropriate certifications

+ Comply with DesignTO Festival Artistic Guidelines

+ Alignment with the theme: Intersections 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to emerging and established artists, designers, architects, and creative practitioners working in any medium. Preference will be given to applicants based 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 7:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday – Sunday 11:00am – 6:00pm. Please submit any inquiries regarding site details to [email protected]

Timeline

Date                                     
September 13, 2026, Submission deadline
Late September 2026, Artists selected
October 2026, Final project information submitted to DesignTO
November 2026, DesignTO Festival announcement
January 14-21, 2027, Installation period
January 22–31, 2027, Exhibition
February 1–2, 2027, De-installation (unless exhibit extended)

Proposal Package Requirements

Submit proposals electronically via email or Dropbox link. // Subject line: DesignTO Festival 2027 – Installation Name – Artist Name

Submit one (1) PDF for your proposed installation(s) containing:

1. Artist Information: Including your name, phone number, email, project title, and brief artist biography (maximum 300 words).
2. Executive Summary: A concise project description (between 500 & 1,000 words) outlining your concept, how it responds to the selected site and its relationship to the exhibition theme (Intersections).
3. Artistic Concept: Visual material sufficient to communicate your proposal, including sketches, renderings, diagrams, precedent images, material samples, and/or photographs of existing work. If the works are already produced, submit dimensions and high-resolution photos.
4. Budget: A detailed line-item breakdown outlining all anticipated project costs. Generalized or lump-sum budgets will not be considered.
5. Current Resume: Include prior relevant certifications, work experience, exhibition history, samples of work, and/or awards.

Applicants may submit proposals for multiple locations; however, each proposal must be submitted separately and tailored to its intended site. 

We look forward to receiving proposals that contribute to the evolving identity of Yonge + St. Clair while creating memorable experiences during DesignTO Festival 2027.

Submit your proposal(s) to [email protected]. Deadline: Sept 13th, 2026

Yonge + St. Clair BIA
yongestclair.ca
[email protected]
Facebook @yongestclair.ca
Instagram @yongestclair 

Father’s day is coming up this weekend and we’re covering the best places to get unique gifts at Yonge and St.Clair for all you last minute shoppers. from services like haircuts and massages, to practical gifts like hats, t-shirts and books, we got it all in Midtown.

Harus Barbershop

Have your dad feeling extra fresh with a hair cut, beard trim, shave, or fade with Harus Barbershop. Combining modern styles with with timeless class and technique, they’re serving high-quality services for the entire family. Maybe make it a group trip and bring three generations of the family with you for an extra flair.

Find more information on Harus Barbershop below:

Address: 1388 Yonge St.

Phone: 416-975-0000

Website: Haru’s Barber Shop

Ace sports clinic

Give your dad the gift of movement and book a trip to Toronto’s leading osteo and physio clinic. The team focusses on creating curated treatment plans built around each patients unique needs. Trusted by top athletes around the world, Ace Sports will have him feeling like the star quarterback of the family.

Find more information on Ace Sports Clinic below:

Address: 1 St. Clair W, 303

Phone: 1-833-266-5223

Website: Ace Sport’s Clinic

Roots

A Canadian classic, everyone loves a Roots. Conveniently located at the heart of midtown, check out their end of season sale to snatch the best deals for your dad. They got hats, sweaters, joggers, t-shirts and anything else you can imagine under the sun.

Find more information on Roots below:

Address:  1491 Yonge St

Phone: 416-967-4499

Website: Roots

Paperboy Cards & Gifts

If you’re looking to get something fun and unique, look no further. Paperboy Cards & Gifts has BBQ aprons, mugs, fragrances and more for you, and your grandpa. Check them out on Mondays-Fridays from 9am-7pm or Saturday-Sunday from 10am-6pm.

Visit them at: 7 Pleasant Blvd

Phone: 416-926-8622

Book City

This is for all the readers out there. Book City, one of Toronto’s oldest independent book stores, has a location right here in Midtown. They have books ranging through every genre imaginable, as well as gift cards, puzzles, games, and stationary. Take a pop in and maybe start a book club with your dad.

Find more information on Book City below:

Address: 1430 Yonge St

Phone: 416-926-0749

Website: Book City

Cupcake Paradise

Give your dad a treat with a sweet treat. Don’t let the name fool you, Cupcake Paradise has cupcakes, cookies, and cakes to fit all your dessert needs. And if your family is vegan or gluten-free, they still got you covered.

Find more information on Cupcake Paradise below:

Address: 15 St. Clair W

Phone: 647-857-3663

Website: Cupcake Paradise

For more updates on the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood, follow us on social media @yongestclair on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

The World Cup is kicking off tomorrow and Yonge + St.Clair is featuring every game this season. These 3 bars have the competitive spirit, drink and food deals, and most importantly, all the screens you could possibly need.

St. Louis Bar and Grill – 11 St. Clair West

St.Louis Bar and Grill is bringing $4 happy hour from 11am-5pm and 9pm-close covering sliders, pickle coins, fries, cheesy honey buns, bar rail mixed drinks, house wine, and beer. For all the patio lovers you’re in luck! They have outdoor seating, as well as seating on the main and second floor, all equipped with TVs and fit for 250 people.

Visit their website for more information on operating hours: St.Louis Wings

Union Social Eatery – 21 St. Clair West

For banging food, drinks, and good vibes go to Union Social. With multiple TV screens situated right by the bar, you can get refills and catch the winning goal at the same time.  They’re serving up 3 specialty burgers honoring the countries hosting the world cup this year, the Canuck, the All-American and the El Japapeno, plus get a 16oz pint of Michelob Ultra, the official beer sponsor of the 2026 World Cup, for only $8 when your order any of the 3. From cozy booths, personal tables  to bar stools, they got it all.

Visit their website for more information on operating hours: Union Social

Gatherings Restobar – 49 St. Clair West

If you want to catch intense scenes up close Gatherings Restobar has floor to ceiling TV screens in their bar and billiards room. Show up anytime during FIFA season and get your hands on special drink deals.

Visit their website for more information on operating hours: Gatherings Resto Bar

For more updates on the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood, follow us on social media @yongestclair on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

When: June 11-14, Daily 11AM – 5PM
Location: 📍 30 Alvin Ave (steps from St. Clair Station – Line 1)
Cost: Free and Open to Public

This June, the world’s game arrives in Toronto, and Midtown Kickoff is bringing the celebration to Yonge + St. Clair. From June 11-14, partnered with the City of Toronto two outdoor parking lots will combine to become a free, soccer-inspired festival site with a pop-up soccer field, sports jersey shops, global food vendors + trucks, goods market, and a signature photo moment that lets visitors become the face of their own tournament soccer card.

Timed with the opening energy of FIFA 2026, Midtown Kickoff is designed for that special window of time when every nation is still in the tournament and the City’s excitement is at its peak. While official FIFA celebrations bring major activity downtown, Midtown Kickoff is meant to be a fun daytime hub for soccer fans of every nation.

Whether you’re representing your country, favourite club, childhood team, or simply looking for a free community event with food trucks, market bustle, and sporting atmosphere, Midtown Kickoff gives everyone outside of the downtown core a way to celebrate Toronto’s once-in-a-generation soccer celebration.

RSVP FREE FOR UPDATES: https://www.universe.com/events/midtown-kickoff-2026-tickets-NSZW49

FESTIVAL HIGLIGHTS

1) The Fan Card Factory

Daily, 11AM – 5PM

At the centre of Midtown Kickoff is The Fan Card Factory, a custom photo pop-up where fans can step inside, strike their pose, and walk away with a free personalized soccer trading card. Wear your jersey to rep your country, your club, your favourite colours, or just bring your best match-day energy. Ultimately, no jersey is required to participate, although it looks really good in the printout if you wear one.

2) Pop-Up Soccer Field

Daily, 11AM – 5PM

A fully self-contained soccer pitch, finished with arena-style boards, brings scheduled and free-play directly into the festival site. Programmed by JAM Sports, the pitch will host intramurals, friendly matches, workshops, and skills-based programming throughout Midtown Kickoff. Recreated by staff teams who brought the Soccer Rink to Nathan Philips Square this past winter.

3) Multicultural Food Offerings + Seating Areas

Global flavours meet match-day energy with a curated mix of multicultural food offerings available throughout Midtown Kickoff. From quick bites and street food favourites to specialty snacks and refreshments, the festival food experience is designed to reflect the diversity and energy of international football culture.

A nearby seating area gives visitors a place to settle in, eat, regroup, and take in the festival atmosphere between matches, shopping, and activations.

4) Vendor Market

Surrounding the pitch, the Midtown Kickoff vendor market will feature a curated mix of local makers, independent vendors, artists, and handmade goods from across Toronto. Inspired by the diversity and energy of international football culture, the market is designed to create a lively street festival atmosphere with plenty to explore throughout the day. From apparel and accessories to art, lifestyle products, and handcrafted goods, the vendor market adds another layer of discovery to Midtown Kickoff while supporting local small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.

Getting Here

Make it a Day at Yonge + St. Clair

Midtown Kickoff is just the start. Before or after visiting the festival site, explore nearby restaurants, cafés, shops, patios, public art, and local services throughout Yonge + St. Clair. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, meeting friends, taking the kids for a walk, or turning your visit into a full afternoon, the neighbourhood is ready to welcome you.

Want to watch the game? See the local Bars + Eateries showing the games: (Link Coming Soon)

Looking for what’s nearby while you’re here? See the visitor’s guide and map, made by locals:

FAQ

Is this event free?
Yes – Midtown Kickoff is free and open to everyone. No tickets, no registration required.

Is it family friendly?
Absolutely. The event is designed for all ages – bring the kids. If you’d like to catch the games or grab a drink see the local bar + restos list (Link coming soon)

Are washrooms available on site?
Yes, portable washrooms will be available throughout the event.

Is there security?
Event and security staff will be present throughout all four days.

What if it rains?
Please follow our Instagram account for ongoing updates. Public indoor spaces are steps away, located at 2 St. Clair East.

Follow us on Instagram or email [email protected] if you have any questions!

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Yonge + St. Clair with a free honey tasting experience in the heart of the neighbourhood. Taking place during lunch hours on Thursday, April 23, this drop-in activation invites passersby to slow down, sample a variety of delicious local honeys, and learn more about the fascinating world of bees.

THURS APR 23
11:30 – 2:00 PM
2 St. Clair Avenue West

Whether you’re on your lunch break or just passing through, this is a great opportunity to connect with your community and discover the important role bees play in our ecosystem. From how honey is made to why pollinators are essential for our environment, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation (and maybe a new favourite flavour).

No registration required—just stop by, taste, and enjoy a sweet moment at Yonge + St. Clair.