photo: SNAP Bloor West The Junction BIA has a good sense of its DNA. (see article on p.2) Mary Ann Di Bernardo, Vice Chair; Eric Viellette, movie critic; and Jim Roche, Junction BIA Chair, at the BIA’s movie night. Revealing a BIA’s DNA by John Kiru, Executive Director, TABIA Differentiate or fade away! creative process is designed to tease out “A place should reveal its personality, JT practically shouts out his mantra: the DNA or true genius of a community and emphasize its sense of purpose and play to “Differentiate or fade away!” He believes then formulate symbolic actions that are its strengths.” This is a quote taken from that when areas such as BIAs start to reminiscent of the DNA to make the story the talented JT Singh in a presentation he become more uniform with less to distinguish stronger, truer and easier to spread. JT made to the TABIA board recently. A few themselves from any other areas, there’s less summed up his presentation in this way: “It’s months ago, when we first encountered JT, reason to visit or invest. not about making places better. It’s about making places matter.” we asked him to take on the assignment of Chandan Singh, a business owner at Gerrard looking at three very different BIAs and come India Bazaar, had the following to say after I would suggest that The Junction BIA, up with a brief analysis of how they might reviewing JT’s analysis which is called a profiled in this month’s News & Views, move forward. PlacePrint report. “I learned a great deal already has a good sense of JT’s aims. We were quite impressed to see his initial about ourselves and what makes us so JT is available for BIAs that would like to findings for the pilot projects of Gerrard India unique. This report creates absolute clarity hire him, and TABIA has negotiated with him Bazaar, Cabbagetown and Kennedy Road of who we are, why we exist, and what to ensure BIAs get the best rates available. BIAs and to see how quickly he got a sense we could and should be. The creative and Here’s how you can get in touch: of each BIA as well as a suggested direction actionable recommendations can literally breathe more life into this BIA. We must 416-893-2970, [email protected], for each. His website is very informative and www.jtsingh.com offers some clues as to how he operates. “To rapidly apply them if this BIA wants to be the understand a place, you must want to get lost best it can possibly be.” Here’s the link to the presentation he made to in a place and then try to find your way.” He The PlacePrint is a meaningful and the TABIA Board: advocates exploring the unusual spots, not purposeful interpretation of a community, www.toronto-bia.com/images/stories/tabia/ just those that are well known. captured in a narrative platform. This BIA_DNA/tabia_%20presentation.pdf
Profile and Kudos: Junction BIA 2 Upcoming Events and Dates 3 What’s inside News to Use for Business Owners and Managers 3 Tax Tips: Property Tax Update 2011 4 Profile: Junction BIA Combined this month with Kudos!
The profile column highlights a different BIA each month and the Kudos column recognizes the significant accomplishments of our BIAs. Normally, we showcase a different BIA from the one we profile, but in this issue, we proudly tip our hats twice to the Junction BIA. Let us know what you’ve done so we can spread the good news. Only eight blocks long, the Junction BIA boasts 200 businesses and a proud and supportive community. Since the emergence of trains in the area around 130 years ago, the junction of railway lines has defined the area that’s become the BIA, along Dundas from Indian Grove in the East to Quebec Ave in the west. While current Executive Director Moe McGuinty has been at the helm of the BIA for only 15 months, it’s clear he revels in the demands of the position and is filled with imaginative ideas. He works with 11 dedicated Directors on the Board who are all area business owners and some are also property owners, chaired by Jim Roche, owner of the Agora Cafe. The Board has three active committees: marketing, streetscape and events. Moe says that no Board recruitment was necessary. “They came out in droves for the AGM and were self-motivated to join the Board.” This BIA has been around for around 25 years. Kudos for so many streetscape ideas When Moe started working for the BIA, he saw ways he could improve the streetscape. For example, flowers were planted in the ground around 121 trees which made a handy stomping ground for bikes and dogs. Only 21 trees with in-ground concrete planters had flourishing flowers. So Moe “invented” a collapsible elevated rack to surround the trees and contain the flowers. The powder coated steel could The Junction BIA's imaginative elevated flower baskets be easily assembled with pin nuts and bolts. Suddenly the flowers were raised to a level where they encircle the trees and are supported by two graceful could be seen and not trampled. Moe says he has gotten many enquiries from other BIAs who wanted to ladder-like stakes replicate the containers. Contact Information Another idea that’s “on track” came from Streetscape Chair Mary Ann DiBernardo. The BIA will eliminate all the ho-hum bike racks and replace them with ones made from the steel rails of railway Executive Director: Moe McGuinty track. A third idea that also capitalizes on the railway theme is a historical plaque to commemorate the Chair: Jim Roche area. Unlike all the plaques that rest on little posts, the Junction’s bronze plaque will sit on three and a [email protected] half tons of railway wheels! 416-767-9068 www.thejunctionbia.com Retail renewal Moe has been excited with the recent transformation in the area, with no less than 40 new businesses that have recently come to the Junction. But what’s also significant are the ones that have left. A dollar Moe has been excited with store closed and was replaced by an organic clothing store. Another discount store left, only to be replaced by a fitness studio. Other new businesses include a gluten-free bakery, a specialty tea store, the recent transformation a pilates studio, a skateboard/snowboard store and perhaps unique to any BIA – a sitar music school! in the area, with no less He’s also most pleased with the 40 restaurants. “They really comprise every ethnicity. Not high end or pretentious – just good food,” he said. What the area has been known for are the reclaimed industrial than 40 new businesses salvage stores. These are still around and as popular as ever. that have recently come “If you listen to the hype,” says Moe, “this is a new artist community.” And he thinks that the hype has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The residents are the primary market and Mo contends they are to the Junction. fiercely loyal to the Junction. Eventful place The Contact photography event has been one of the BIA’s most successful events, complementing the initiatives around the city with 23 of their own venues. Outdoor movies are a relatively new idea. They show classic B&W 16 mm films on the “train platform” in a vacant lot at Dundas and Pacific Ave. The free movies run at dusk on Thursday nights in July through to August 4.
News & Views | August 2011 For Business Owners News to Use and Managers Changes to patio bylaws The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA and If your BIA is interested in obtaining copies of the Rather than note all the possible changes to the the Yonge Lawrence Village BIA each ordered map with a customized cover highlighting your patio bylaws, we’re going to sit tight till changes customized versions of the map and launched BIA’s logo and branding, you can order copies for reach Council in October or November, with them at festivals in their neighbourhoods on the $1 each, a special price only for member BIAs. possible enactment next February. We know weekend of June 11 - 12. They had a positive The minimum order is 1,000 copies. that changes are in the works that will affect response to the maps, with large numbers of festival-goers picking them up. As well, Beck TABIA is also producing copies of the map the businesses that have patios or want to have with an attractive multipurpose “City of patios in your BIA. It seems at this stage that Taxi is distributing 10,000 copies of the map through their fleet. Neighbourhoods” cover design. These are businesses in Area 2 (which pertains to most free to all BIAs, in lots of 50, to hand out at of the BIAs except downtown), will still not be The City of Neighbourhoods map is the first and your festivals and place in your members’ permitted to have rear yard patios, but existing only map product in Toronto to highlight our BIAs. businesses. If you would like to receive your patios will be grandfathered. Different bylaws are It is meant for locals and for visiting friends copies of the map or order customized covers in place for East York, Scarborough, North York and relatives (VFR). Statistics Canada's Travel designed for your BIA, please get in touch with and Etobicoke. Survey of Canadian Residents (2006-7) showed Edward Nixon who is working with TABIA to Brand your map! that 80 per cent of visitors to Toronto stay with coordinate the map program: you can reach their friends and family, in our many vibrant Edward at 416-605-6311 or TABIA’s much anticipated City of Neighbourhoods neighbourhoods. Traditional tourism products do [email protected] map was launched in June with an initial print not necessarily reach this important market. The run of 50,000 copies. The map highlights BIAs City of Neighbourhoods map will. and key attractions throughout the City. The map folds into a passport style card-stock cover, which can be customized with the logo and branding of any organization or individual BIA that wishes to order maps to distribute to their members and customers.
Upcoming Events Here’s the info you need now, for you, your Board and Dates to Keep in Mind AND your members
Third Tues. of each month- TABIA inter-departmental meetings –City Aug. 5-7 – GreekTown on the Danforth – GreekTown Pilaros Taste of the Hall, from 2-4 p.m. Room TBA. No meeting in August. These are great Danforth. Come enjoy the culture that makes the Danforth a year-round sources of information on the latest news coming from City Hall or issues destination. www.tasteofthedanforth.com affecting BIAs. Questions? Contact Patricia at TABIA at 416-263-3229. August 12 -14 – York Eglinton International Street Festival - Enterprise Toronto – programs and seminars for business people Created to celebrate the rich diversity of the community. Check the Enterprise Toronto website each month for the latest offerings www.internationalstreetfest.com to help business people at www.enterprisetoronto.com or contact them at Aug. 13 – Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Street Fair, between Shaw [email protected] and Dovercourt. Family-friendly events with craft vendors, musical entertainment, kids zone and more. www.bloorcourt.com or call AT THE BIAs 647-547-8731. Every Friday and Saturday from July 22-Sept. 10 – Toronto Chinatown Aug. 13 – Crossroads of the Danforth Festival in the Park - Family fun Night Market, from 5-11 p.m. on Huron Street between D’Arcy St. and day at Oakridge Park with activities and demonstrations for all ages. Dundas St. www.chinatownbia.com/NightMarket/default.asp www.crossroadsofthedanforthbia.ca Let us know about your upcoming events. Aug. 14 – Church Street Village Fair - Celebrating the community and the merchants of the BIA with live music, carnival games and a market place of Send details to Patricia at TABIA who will publicize it on the TABIA all things naughty and nice! 416-393-6363, www.churchstreetfetishfair.com website and share the info with News & Views. [email protected] (continued on page 4) UPCOMING EVENTS (continued) Aug. 20-21 – Fairbank Village BIA Summer Fest 2011 - Family events, live music, Canadian Idol Winner- Ryan Malcolm, Dr. Draw and more. Contact: Monique at 416-646-0661 or [email protected] Sept. 10 and 11 – Taste of the Kingsway Festival. A food and entertainment extravaganza. www.thekingswaytoronto.ca/taste-of-the-kingsway Sept. 16-18- Roncesvalles Polish Festival - North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture. http://polishfestival.ca Oct. 24 to 31 – Halloweek, Church Wellesley Village - A week of wickedly weird with the annual Jack-O-Lantern Competition and more on October 31. 416-393-6363, www.churchwellesleyvillage.ca Now to Sept. 1 – Waterfront BIA - My Waterfront Photo Contest. Prizes for best photos. 416-561-3683, [email protected], www.waterfrontbia.com
across its occupants. A Shoppers Drug Mart in a stand-alone store will reap TAX TIP$ the entire benefit, while a small business tenant in a multimillion-dollar plaza will see almost none. The result lends credence to those who say that Property Tax Update 2011 the entire CVA (Current Value Assessment) system, from assessment to the By Lionel Miskin,TABIA Vice-President and Secretary of the Kennedy Road BIA applicable rate, is more like a lottery than a tax. Have you noticed a huge reduction in your property tax bill recently? Over The Provincial program is to provide a uniform rate for business education the past five years, three tax relief programs were introduced. Two were tax across the province by the year 2014. The Government introduced this implemented by the City and one by the Province. Two of them are being program in its 2007 Budget with great fanfare, announcing that it would phased in over a lengthy period of time. One is fully in effect now. If you save commercial property owners hundreds of millions of dollars in tax. It haven’t noticed any relief on the bottom line of your tax bill, this article will attracted a lot of excellent media attention with that provision. Toronto just explain why. began to see some benefit from it this year. If the program continues to completion, there could be a significant reduction in the tax burden. The City initiated a program to reduce the ratio of tax rates between commercial and residential property. The goal is a ratio of 2.5:1 which, if The “kicker” to all of these measures is the “cap and claw back” regime. achieved, would be a huge improvement over the previous ratios of four or (See page three of Property Tax Explained.*) It continues in effect, vitiating five to one. The target ratio is to be achieved by 2020 (theoretically 2015 most of the prospective benefits. Ever since Current Value Assessment for “small business,” a term which has never been defined) by raising was introduced in 1996,TABIA has had to educate and explain to its 25,000 taxes, not lowering them. If you increase everyone’s taxes, but increase the members, City Councillors, members of the provincial legislature, civil residential rate more quickly than the commercial rate, sooner or later, the servants, the media and the public. Very few understood its true effects on goal is reached. business and property owners, hence on the very fabric of the City and its citizenry. Even fewer understood its unintended consequences. The second City program, which instituted a graduated tax, started in 2008. The first one million dollars of assessed value on commercial property is Recently TABIA has been much hampered by the reluctance of the civil now taxed at a lower rate, while that portion of the assessed value over service to share the information within its control, thereby making it difficult one million is taxed at the regular rate. The crux to this program is the to understand what input TABIA could contribute to future decision making differential between the two tax rates. Both rates are set by City Council on these issues. Such information could have been made available with each year. So far the differentials have been modest, but any reduction is appropriate deletions to comply with privacy laws. Inasmuch as a new significant to our members. property assessment will be done next year, this data is of greater significance than ever, and its data which should be well within the public domain. Some properties might see some real benefit from the graduated tax. The saving depends on the value of the building and how its tax burden is spread *This document can be found as the first document on the home page of the TABIA website, www.toronto-bia.com
TABIA Staff TABIA Board Executive Board Directors (BIA Board Chairs or Members) Executive Director: John Kiru President: Michael Comstock, St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA Christena Chruszez, Bloor-Yorkville BIA; Kevin Currie, The Waterfront Office Manager: Patricia McCartie Past President: John Wakulat, Roncesvalles Village BIA BIA; Beverly Don, Yonge Lawrence Village BIA; Jeff Gillan, Corso Italia BIA; Jacques Jones, Bloorcourt Village BIA; Dan Glazier, Communications Advisor and Newsletter Editor: Deborah Etsten Past-President: Alex Ling, Bloor West Village BIA Crossroads of the Danforth BIA; Darryl Kaplan, Babypoint Gates Secretary:Paul Dineen, Cabbagetown BIA BIA; Tonny Louie, Chinatown BIA; Don Panos, St. Clair Gardens BIA; Treasurer: Henny Varga, The Kingsway BIA Carl Porritt, Long Branch BIA; John Scheffer, Lakeshore Village BIA Contact TABIA at [email protected] or 416-263-3295. Vice-Presidents: Amy Chow, The Danforth BIA Board Directors (BIA staff): Website: http://www.toronto-bia.com and Lionel Miskin, Kennedy Road BIA Lynn Clay, Liberty Village BIA; Keith Denning, Roncesvalles BIA; Grace Russo, Little Italy BIA; Laura Schaefer, Queen St. West BIA; Robert Sysak, West Queen West BIA This newsletter is also produced electronically and can be found at www.toronto-bia.com