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Sunny Side & Canada’s Smallest National Park (Sort Of).

Welcome to Sunny Side

A New Public Space at Yonge + St. Clair

This summer, step into something a little brighter.

This summer from July 3 to August 28, 2025 we’re opening up something small – but full of charm.

Located at 📍 Wally Crouter Walkway (1507 Yonge Street –  See Map) Sunny Side is a reimagined pedestrian cut-through – now transformed into a linear public seating area filled with picnic benches, dappled shade, and just enough programming to brighten your day.

It’s not a walkway anymore. It’s a stay-awhile spot. Perfect for lunch breaks, mid-day meetups, or a quiet moment with a coffee.

Whether you’re stepping out of the office or strolling in from the neighbourhood, Sunny Side offers a new kind of pause – unhurried, laidback, and right around the corner.


Open Daily, Alive Thursdays

Pull up to a bench any day of the week. No need to book, no need to rush. Just a spot to enjoy Midtown’s sunny side.

And every Thursday from 12PM – 2PM, the space comes to life with curated lunchtime programming: freebies with community partners, and the occasional DJ set. Each week brings a new reason to step outside and linger a little longer.


One Day Only: Canada’s Smallest National Park (Sort Of).
Thursday July 3, 2025 from 12PM – 3PM

Canada’s Smallest National Park. Sort Of. You’ve heard of Banff. Now get ready for… something much smaller (and significantly more convenient). On Thursday July 3, we’re unveiling a proudly miniature, mildly educational, and questionably authentic national park experience – right in the middle of Yonge + St. Clair. Expect interpretive signage that doesn’t take itself too seriously, rubber wildlife sightings, and picnic benches tucked into an urban nook.

All set to a freshly curated live DJ set by Young Teesh that’s far better than this park deserves.

📍 Wally Crouter Walkway, 1507 Yonge Street steps north of the Yonge + St. Clair intersection

🕛 12PM – 3PM 🎶 Showcasing DJ Young Teesh, fun freebies, and some deeply unserious Canadiana.

No hiking boots required. Just swing by on your lunch break.


Programming

📅 Thursday July 3, 2025
🕚 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Canada’s Smallest National Park (Sort Of).
Live DJ Set: DJ Young Teesh

We made a national park so small it fits in your lunch break. Come for a tongue-in-cheek take on everything Canadiana. Featuring DJ Young Teesh, freebies and other surprises await.

📅 Thursday July 10, 2025
🕚 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
Live DJ Set: Ark1tek

📅 Thursday July 15, 16th and 17th, 2025
🕚 Reserved 9AM – 2PM for private event
🧺 Artisanal Crafts and Goods Market 4PM – 8PM. More details to come.

📅 Thursday July 24, 2025
🕚 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
Live DJ Set: Chinelo

📅 Thursday July 31, 2025
🕚 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
Programming TBD

📅 Thursday August 7, 2025
🕚 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
Live DJ Set: Chinelo

📅 Thursday August 14, 2025
🕚 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
DJ Set: TBD

📅 Thursday August 21, 2025
🕚 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
Live DJ Set: Chinelo

📅 Thursday August 28, 2025
🕚 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
Programming TBD


Sunny Side is a community-run space, made possible through local partnerships and care.
We kindly ask that you treat it like your own backyard—leave no mess, share the space, and keep it welcoming for everyone.

Find us just a minute walk north of Yonge + St. Clair, and follow along on Instagram or sign up to your newsletter for monthly highlights.

Legacies: Tours

 

Step Into the Stories of Yonge + St. Clair: Heritage Toronto Walking Tours This July

This summer, we’re proud to bring the past and present together through a special collaboration with Heritage Toronto — offering a rare chance to walk the streets of Yonge + St. Clair through the lens of over a century of local stories.

These walking tours aren’t just about architecture or old photographs (though there’s plenty of that too). They’re based on real interviews with six long-standing local business owners whose stories span more than 120 years of life, change, and charm in this iconic Midtown neighbourhood. Through this partnership, Heritage Toronto historians-in-residence worked closely with the Yonge + St. Clair BIA to design three unique experiences that spotlight everything from the beauty industry to mom-and-pop diners — all told from the people who helped build them.

Whether you’re a history buff, a curious local, or just looking to see your city with fresh eyes, we invite you to sign up and step into the layered legacy of our community.


Upcoming Tours

Tour 1: Yonge & St. Clair — Reflections of Beauty
📅 Saturday, July 5
🕚 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Explore how fashion, wellness, and personal care have shaped the look — and feel — of the neighbourhood across generations.

Tour 2: Yonge & St. Clair — From the Ground Up
📅 Saturday, July 5
🕒 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Discover how small businesses and local developments transformed this corner of the city, one storefront at a time.

Tour 3: Yonge & St. Clair — Diners, Drinks, and Delis
📅 Thursday, July 24
🕡 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
A twilight tour through the tastes and tales of the neighbourhood’s food scene — from family delis to classic cocktail spots.


🗓 Spots are limited, so we encourage you to register early.
👉 Sign up now using the Heritage Toronto links below

Come for the walk — leave with the stories.
Let’s celebrate the past, present, and people of Yonge + St. Clair.

Tour 1 : Yonge & St. Clair: Reflections of Beauty | Saturday, July 5, 11 am-12:30 pm
Tour 2: Yonge & St. Clair: From the Ground Up | Saturday, July 5, 3 pm – 4:30 pm
Tour 3: Yonge & St Clair: Diners, Drinks, and Delis | Thursday, July 24, 6:30 pm – 8 pm

Homegrown Guide to Yonge + St. Clair

Discover What Locals Already Know

This isn’t just a list—it’s a guide written by the people and storeowners who live and work here. From tucked-away cafés to indie retailers and trusted neighbourhood services, these are the hidden gems that give Yonge + St. Clair its character. Start with what’s nearby and discover the neighbouhood from the lens of locals who know the block.

Scroll down to browse these categories: Shopping | Dining | Services
All walkable. All homegrown. All yours to explore.


🍽️ DINE LOCAL

Whether you’re craving a sit-down meal or something sweet to-go, these restaurants and cafés serve up flavour with community spirit.

El Inka

Authentic Peruvian cuisine + cocktails in a laidback atmosphere
One look at their menu and you’ll see why El Inka is a as real as they come. Family-owned, authentic Peruvian recipes without compromising identity, and forever growing in popularity, this restaurant is a place you hope will remain a local hidden gem for years to come.

📍 21 St. Clair E →
📞 (647) 812-4652
🕒 Open daily: 1130AM – 9PM
🌐 elinka.ca | IG: @elinkacanada

Zelden’s Deli and Desserts

One of the City’s last remaining traditional deli experiences that’s consistently delicious
A pillar of the deli scene since the 1980’s Zelden’s is a local legacy that scratches the classic deli itch with hearty sandwiches and homemade sauces. Delicious, wholesome and familiar. It’s hard to imagine a more traditional deli in Toronto. Don’t miss their outdoor patio this summer.

📍 1446 Yonge Street →
📞 (647) 347-3474
🕒 Mon–Fri: 8AM – 9PM Sat-Sun: 9AM-9PM
🌐 zeldensdelianddesserts.com IG: @zeldensdeli

Ambiyan on Yonge

Wine, dine, and unwind with modern Indian cuisine
A refined-yet-relaxed spot serving modern Indian dishes alongside a curated wine list. A must-add to your repertoire of dine-in restaurants in this neighbourhood, enjoy a summer evening on their cozy covered patio. A family-owned restaurant with a sister location in Unionville.

📍 1560 Yonge St. (In the Ground-Level Courtyard) →
📞 (416) 792-5656
🕒 Open daily: 12PM–10PM
🌐 ambiyan.ca | IG: @ambiyanonyonge

Eva’s Original Chimneys

Sweet summer desserts, with a twist
Crunchy pastries with ice cream fillings? This might be your new go-to summertime treat. This Toronto-based hotspot is growing quickly across the City with its third of five locations in the City here at Yonge + St. Clair.

📍 55 St. Clair W (Unit 101) →
📞 (226) 700-3479
🕒 Mon-Fri: 11AM-10PM Sat-Sun: 12 Noon – 9PM
🌐 originalchimneys.com | IG: @ogchimneys

La Barista Café

Your go-to for friendly faces and coffee/tea
Known for their owner’s neighbourly charm and infectious personality, this tucked-away café offers locally roasted coffee, pastries, and warm welcomes daily. Serving this neighbourhood for over 20 years.

📍 2 St. Clair Ave E (Lower Concourse, find it down the escalators) →
📞 (416) 922-2233
🕒 Mon–Fri: 7AM–5PM | Sat: 8AM–4PM | Closed Sun
IG: @labaristacafe

Pita Lite

On the run? Grab your shawarma and Mediterranean grill staples for a fast casual bite
Whether it’s a pita wrap, rice or fries you’d like to accompany your choice of Mediterranean grill selections this locally-owned and operated shawarma shop serves up great flavour and value.

📍 1409 Yonge St.→
📞 (416) 923-1777
🕒 Open Daily: 11AM-12AM
🌐 pitalite.com IG: @pitalite_

Grandma Loves You

Toronto’s most popular sandwich shop has its flagship location here
A local startup success story, the entrepreneurial couple from Germany took the premium sub sandwich scene by storm in 2018 expanding from a single, over-the-counter shop in Rosedale to multiple locations across Toronto’s busiest intersections. From savoury subs to creative takes on grilled hot dogs this is a go-to hotspot for a satisfying bite.

📍 40 St. Clair W→
📞 (416) 735-3233
🕒 Open Daily: 830AM – 8PM
🌐 grandmalovesyou.ca IG: @grandmalovesyoutoronto


🛍️ SHOP LOCAL

Looking for something special? These retailers offer unique finds, curated collections, and proudly Canadian picks—all within a short stroll.

photcred: IG @patriciamccowan

Book City

Independent bookshop with eclectic finds at great prices
Since 1976, this Toronto-run independent bookstore has stocked its shelves with an eclectic mix of new and backlist titles, packing their shelves high with bargain and unexpected finds.

📍 1430 Yonge St.
📞 (416) 926-0749
🕒 Mon-Sat: 10AM-6PM Sun: 11AM-5PM
🌐 bookcity.ca | IG: @bookcityto

Pawmart

Boutique finds for your pet and other rare treats
An indie pet shop that pampers shoppers and their pets, Pawmart focuses on retailing high quality pet products and premium treats you won’t find anywhere else. Locally-owned with some of the friendliest service you’ll encounter, stop by if you’re shopping in the area for you and your pets.

📍 1402 Yonge St.→
📞 (416) 923-1777
🕒 Open Daily: 830AM – 8PM
🌐 pawmart.ca | IG: @pawmart.ca

St. Clair Greetings

Gifts for every occasion with a Canada Post mailing centre for added convenience
30 years and going strong, this family-owned gift and card shop boasts a postal mailing service via Canada Post on-site too!

📍 1421 Yonge St.
📞 (416) 961-7678
🕒 Mon-Fri: 9AM-7PM Sat: 10AM-5PM
🌐 stclairgreetings.ca | IG: @stclairgreetings

Paperboy Cards & Gifts

Boutique gifts and flair in the heart of Midtown
For 22 years Steven Gerry has been collecting, curating and vending some of this neighbourhood’s most unique and trendy gifting options. You’ll find a touch of class and humour in the stock they carry. This spot is perfect for your next special occasion.

📍 1421 Yonge St.
📞 (416) 926-8622
🕒 Mon-Sat: 10AM-6PM Sun: Closed

Health Shoppe

Your local home goods to feel your best
Andrea Szomor has been a trusted local source of natural health products, supplements and curated home goods for the Yonge + St. Clair community for over 25 years. Their shoppe also has a mini grocery store stocking vegan, non-GMO and green foods.

📍 1378 Yonge St.
📞 (416) 968-1225
🕒 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10AM–7PM | Wed 10AM – 6PM| Sat 10AM – 5PM | Sun: Closed
🌐 healthshoppetoronto.com


💈 LOCAL SERVICES

From self-care to everyday essentials, these services are run by people who live—and care—right here in your community.

Top Knot Pet Grooming & Atelier

Expert pet grooming with heart, style, and a splash of colour.
New to the Yonge + St. Clair community, Top Knot is a woman-led, Canadian-owned boutique salon offering low-volume, high-quality grooming with a focus on gentle handling, skin + coat care, and beautifully styled cuts—from breed-standard to Asian Fusion and Teddy-Bear trims. They even offer pet-safe colouring and spa-like treatments for your pup.

📍 46 St. Clair East E, Unit B102
📞 (647) 325-6274
🕒 Tue–Fri 10AM-5PM | Sat 11AM – 5PM 
🌐 IG: @thetopknotgrooming

Haru’s Barbershop

Classic men’s cuts, newly rooted in the neighbourhood
New to the area and independently run, Haru’s offers men’s cuts with a side of community charm.

📍 1388 Yonge St.
📞 (416) 975-0000
🕒 Mon-Sun: 10AM-8PM
🌐IG: harusbarbershop
📅 Book your appointment online

HealtFlow Wellness

Proudly locally owned and operated for nearly 8 years, many of this wellness clinic’s clients are local office workers who stop in for massages on their lunch breaks or after work—making wellness a part of their regular routine.

📍 49 St. Clair W
📞 (416) 983-4325
🕒 Mon-Sat: 10AM-8PM Sun: 10AM-6PM
🌐healflow.ca
📅Book your appointment online

Straight Up Health

Straight Up Health is the neighbourhood mental wellness clinic for youth, adults, and families using evidence-informed mental health support in a way that’s modern, personalized, rooted in real connection and grounded in clinical expertise. Supporting individuals and families in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood for over half a decade their office is easy to access, and they regularly collaborate with local schools like The York School, UCC, and Branksome Hall, and local businesses like Fitzrovia and Wittington.

📍 2 St. Clair W
📞 (647) 250-7579
🕒 Daily: 8AM-9PM
🌐straightuphealth.ca
📅Book your appointment online

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness 

Ronit Wilk, owner and operator of the local Oxygen Yoga & Fitness Studio comes from a Biomolecular Research background and has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to combining health sciences, fitness and wellness. This studio space features far-infrared panels for additional warmth and therapy, and focuses on group classes within their vibrant community. OYF studios are proudly Canadian with 15 years of operational history.

📍 1560 Yonge St. (Entrance on Yonge)
📞 (416) 964-3247
🕒 Mon 7AM – 830PM | Tues 930AM – 730PM | Wed – Thurs 6AM – 830PM | Friday 645AM – 730PM | Sat 9AM – 230PM | Sun 9AM – 730PM
🌐oxygenyogaandfitness.com
📅Book your classes online


🎟️ UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Sunny Side
July 3 – Aug 28 at 📍1507 Yonge Street (Yonge + St. Clair)

Sunny Side is a reimagined pedestrian cut-through – now transformed into a linear public seating area filled with picnic benches, dappled shade, and just enough programming to brighten your day. Visit yongestclair.ca/sunnyside to learn more.


🖱️ Explore the full directory at yongestclair.ca/whats-here


More listings are being added—check back soon!

 

Collect the Stories That Make Yonge + St. Clair Tick

The Yonge + St. Clair Collectible Card Series is our love letter to this neighbourhood — a celebration of the characters, corners, and community projects that give the area its pulse. These aren’t just fun, vintage-inspired keepsakes. They’re snapshots of the people and ideas shaping this place — one storefront, community project, and story at a time.

Each card is a tribute.

To the business owners who open early and stay late.
To the artists turning blank walls into conversation starters.
To the city-builders, dreamers, and neighbours doing the good work, often without a spotlight.

How to Find a Card

These cards are limited-edition — printed in small batches and only available through local events, featured storefronts, and special activations. So if you spot one, don’t wait. Start your collection. Not every card will be easy to find, and we think that’s part of the fun.

We’ll be announcing each new card drop right here on this page — and on our social media channels, in the digital newsletter (subscribe here), and out in the wild at participating local businesses and neighbourhood events.

Think of it as a bit of a scavenger hunt — but with more local flavour and fewer cryptic clues.

Card Releases So Far

Paperboy Cards & Gifts – Featuring Steven Gerry (June 2025)

Front: Paperboy Card & Gifts, Storefront at 7 Pleasant Blvd.
Back: Steven Gerry, Owner + Operator. For 22 years Steven has operated his shop at 7 Pleasant Blvd – just steps from Yonge + St. Clair – collecting, curating and sharing boutique treasures with the neighbourhood.

Zelden’s Deli and Desserts – Irene and Shelley Zelden (June 2025)

Front: Zelden’s Deli and Desserts, Storefront at 7 Pleasant Blvd.
Back: Irene and Shelley Zelden. Carrying forward a Toronto deli legacy since the 1980s, Irene and Shelley Zelden blend tradition, innovation and sweet neighbourhood charm at Zelden’s Deli and Desserts.

Respecting Our Storytellers

All cards featuring real individuals are created with their knowledge, input, and full permission. We’re proud to work closely with the people who make Yonge + St. Clair special, and we aim to reflect their stories with care, creativity, and respect.

What’s the BIA got to do with it?

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA (Business Improvement Area) is behind the scenes — supporting local businesses, making the streets better to walk, gathering neighbours, and spotlighting the stories that don’t always make the news. This card series is just one way we’re doing that: celebrating the folk heroes of this neighbourhood.

What’s next?

This page is where we’ll keep things rolling — new cards, new stories, and local projects you’ll want to know about. To stay updated, subscribe to the monthly newsletter, follow us on Instagram, Facebook or X/Twitter.


🎊 Raffle Alert! Shape Your Neighbourhood: Complete the Survey and Win $150 (See Below)

From June 1, 2025 to August 1, 2025 we’re also inviting you to complete a website feedback survey. Comment on how you’d like to see the yongestclair.ca website evolve into a lively community bulletin where you can find new events, discover businesses and find inspiration to explore this area. Complete the survey here to be entered into a draw to win $150 to Barnsteiner’s restaurant. The winner will be contacted via email and announced through social media.

Heritage Toronto x Yonge + St. Clair BIA Tours

Heritage Toronto is hosting local walking tours on the following dates. This tour was crafted based on interviews with local business owners around the neighbourhood, bridging the gap between modern day Yonge + St. Clair BIA and the past 100 years of the neighbourhood. Sign up below!

Tour 1 : Yonge & St. Clair: Reflections of Beauty | Saturday, July 5, 11 am-12:30 pm)
Tour 2: Yonge & St. Clair: From the Ground Up | Saturday, July 5, 3 pm – 4:30 pm)
Tour 3: Yonge & St Clair: Diners, Drinks, and Delis | Thursday, July 24, 6:30 pm – 8 pm)

Summer Jobs 2025

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 a Cop 2025

 

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

Where to Go
Enter through the main doors of 12 or 22 St. Clair East. Use the indoor escalators near the Loblaws, or stairs to reach the lower concourse. Follow signs to reach La Barista Cafe. Event staff and 53 Division police will be there to greet you.  
 
Photography
When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.  
 
Safety and Health
You are responsible for any dietary restrictions or allergy concerns. 

 

 

 

A Quick Guide to Supporting Homegrown and Canadian at Yonge + St. Clair

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.

 

Pictured above: Canadian-made birthday cards at Paperboy Cards & Gifts (7 Pleasant Blvd.) in Yonge + St. Clair

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 🍁

 

 

Tariff Resources

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.

What You’ll Find on This Page [Updated: March 10, 2025]

+ Tell us how trade tariffs are impacting your business: Take the time to complete the three (3) surveys from the City of Toronto, Yonge + St. Clair BIA and Canadian Urban Institute, so each organization can plan, advocate, and act appropriately on behalf of your interests

+ Bookmark and review the City of Toronto’s economic response webpage: Stay up to date on the City of Toronto’s response programs.

+ Review the practical guide to US-Canada tariffs for small and medium sized businesses: Read, save and share the free guidebook created by the Toronto Board of Trade on how to navigate the complexities of tariff impacts on your day-to-day operations.

+ Additional available grants, resources and key updates affecting Yonge + St. Clair BIA member businesses will be posted here. 


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 🍁

 

Now Hiring: Full-Time Events Manager

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.