The Bloorcourt Podcast

Episode 4 - "The Art of Bloorcourt" Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall

Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios

Featured Guests: Victor Fraser (Street Artist), Michael Cavannaugh (Bell Box Murals), Jordi Small (Long & McQuade), Antonia Yee (Chair of Bloorcourt BIA), Simone Weir (former Manager of the Bloorcourt BIA)

Guide to this Podcast

0:36 - Introduction to The Art of Bloor
5:55 - Chat with the Chair
23:35 - Victor Fraser - Street Artist
30:00 - Michael Cavannaugh from Bell Box Murals
49:15 - Jordi Small from Long & McQuade
61:45 - Bite of Bloor

Links and Information to Topics Discussed in the Podcast

City of Toronto Outdoor Mural & Street Art Program
Business associations and community groups with strong business participation can receive one-time funding for outdoor mural projects that help promote a local theme and facilitate commercial or industrial neighbourhood identity. The mural program helps local businesses and communities create an attractive and positive identity for their area.
Victor Fraser - Sidewalk Artist
Michael Cavanaugh with Bell Box Murals
- Bell Box Murals Map

| | |

| TTC Metropass for April 2018 - featuring the mural by Jason Pinney | Long & McQuade Mural created and painted by Jason Pinney, Jarus and One Day Creates in July 2019. |

Not for Profit Community Organizations

Gladstone Public Library - 1101 Bloor St W
Working Women’s Centre - 533A Gladstone Ave,
CONC (Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre) - 854 Bloor St W

Bloorcourt Jane's Walk in 2015 featuring the Rosina Shop Keeper's Project.

-Jane’s Walk - On the first weekend of May every year, Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours. - Jane's Walk Toronto

-Poem - Working Women’s Centre - Marci Ponte - beautiful idea and it started with a grant idea

Toronto Poet Laureate - https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/poet-laureate/

Bites of Bloor

Thai Room - 810 Bloor St W
https://thairoom.ca/order/bloor
Jerk King - 1104 Bloor St W
https://jerkkingfood.com/
Maz Sushi - 993 Bloor St W
http://www.mazzsushi.com/

View Details

Stronger Together- Annabelle Bernard from Sistering Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Annabelle Bernard

In a look back to Episode 3 "Stronger Together" show hosts Arthur Geringas and Meg Marshall discuss the role that Sistering plays in the Bloorcourt community with community liaison Annabelle Bernard. Annabelle provides some deescalation tips and highlights the importance of accessible services for those in need.

Annabelle Bernard started as a volunteer and now serves as the community liaison for Sistering and has worked in non-profit organizations for the past ten years in both Vancouver and Toronto. Annabelle has a masters from Ryerson in Finance for Social Innovation. Her skill set include social media management, community engagement and event organization. She has a clinical knowledge of opioid dependence treatments as well as extensive anti-oppression, harm reduction and mental health training with over half a decade of experience in low barrier community drop-in spaces.

Sistering is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed. Sistering's mission is to create a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental space for women and trans people. Guided by principles of feminism, anti-racism and anti-oppression Sistering offers practical and emotional support to those who experience social isolation, homelessness or precarious housing, trauma and violence, discrimination, substance use, or need mental health support. Offering equitable programs and services that enable women and trans people to take greater control over their lives. Sistering works in collaboration with others in the community to change the social conditions that endanger the welfare of women and trans people.

http://www.sistering.org

416-926-9762

962 Bloor St West Toronto, Ontario Canada M6H 1L6

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

View Details

Life On Bloorcourt - Supporting Small Business Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios

Hosts Meg and Arthur discuss various ways to support small businesses and what make the businesses in the Bloorcourt community unique. "A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the City as a whole." - TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs)

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

Covid -19 Resources

Digital Mainstreet: $2500 - Digital Transformation Grant Program: will provide Digital Transformation training and guidance and provide the opportunity for main street businesses to apply for a grant of $2500.
City of Toronto - Mask Bylaw: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/bills/2020/bill0511.pdf
City of Toronto - Mask or Face Covering Posters: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-how-you-can-help/covid-19-spread-the-word/?accordion=face-masks-coverings
City of Toronto - Staff Self Assessment Survey: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/95f0-Survey-Screening-poster-TPH.pdf
City of Toronto - Contract Tracing - Collection of Information Notice for Food & Drink Establishments: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8d95-Restaurant-Customer-Log-Sheet.pdf
City of Toronto - Proper Hand Washing Instructions: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/971a-COVID-19-WashYourHands.pdf
City of Toronto - Social Distancing
City of Toronto - COVID-19 Guidance for Workplaces and Businesses: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/9538-Fact-Sheet-for-Workplaces-Non-Healthcare_final.pdf

Thank you for listening to the Bloorcourt Podcast
Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
http://www.bloorcourttoronto.com/
Copyright 2021 - Bloorcourt BIA - All rights reserved

View Details

Welcome to Bloorcourt - Bite of Bloor Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Simone Weir

A bite of Bloor is a featurette with former BIA member Simone Weir who shares some favourites about where to grab a bite to eat in the Bloorcourt neighbourhood.

Bites of Bloor

Coo Cafe Bread or Rice - 1049 Bloor St W
https://www.coocafeborr.com/
Available for delivery on Ritual

The Black Horse - 928 Bloor St WAvailable for delivery on Door Dash

Bloor Court Cafe - 201 Delaware Ave
Available for delivery on Uber Eats.

Madras Masala - 796 Bloor St W
https://madrasmasalatoronto.com/
Order online directly through their website

"A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the City as a whole." - TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs)

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

Thank you for listening to the Bloorcourt Podcast
Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
http://www.bloorcourttoronto.com/
Copyright 2021 - Bloorcourt BIA - All rights reserved

View Details

Life On Bloorcourt - Resident and Event Producer Dan Rice Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Dan Rice

Local resident Dan Rice joins Arthur and Meg for a conversation about what life is like in the Bloorcourt neighbourhood and why he chose to produce comedy events at the Comedy Bar.

Dan Rice's Comedy production company is called Brickworks. The sole purpose of Brickworks Entertainment is the put a smile on everyone’s face through monthly comedy shows and live events while raising the bar for production quality. Since their beginning in the spring of 2015, Brickworks is already making a name for themselves with high quality shows that feature only the very best comedians that Toronto has to offer with a level of detail and professionalism that has been noticeably missing from the local independant comedy circuit. Currently Brickworks can be found producing monthly stand up shows at the Comedy Bar in Toronto Canada, with many more exciting projects and shows currently in development.

http://www.comedybar.ca

Instagram: Danmonic

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

View Details

Life On Bloorcourt - Chris Caira from the Maker Bean Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Chris Caira

Chris Caira joins Arthur and Meg for a conversation about a unique business in the Bloorcourt neighbourhood - the Maker Bean Cafe.

The Maker Bean Cafe hosts creative technology camps to engage your kids & teens! Topics include Robotics, Inventions, 3D printing & laser cutting. Chris is an M.B.A. graduate from the University of Toronto with both start-up and corporate experience. After 10 years in management consulting, he & his wife Lorraine founded The Maker Bean Cafe. The Maker Bean's philosophy revolves around creating a warm, welcoming environment in which guests connect, learn and collaborate using creative technology such as 3D printing and laser cutting. The Maker Bean currently has 2 locations: the Ontario Science Centre and 1052 Bloor Street West!

http://www.themakerbean.com

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

View Details

Life In Bloorcourt - Chat with the Chair Antonia Yee ``` Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Antonia Yee

Chair of the Bloorcourt BIA Antonia Yee shares some introspection about what life is like in the Bloorcourt neighbourhood and how the Bloorcourt BIA works towards the betterment of the community.

"A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the City as a whole." - TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs)

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

Thank you for listening to the Bloorcourt Podcast
Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
http://www.bloorcourttoronto.com/
Copyright 2021 - Bloorcourt BIA - All rights reserved
```

View Details

Welcome to Bloorcourt - Bite of Bloor Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Simone Weir

A bite of Bloor is a featurette with former BIA member Simone Weir who shares some favourites about where to grab a bite to eat in the Bloorcourt neighbourhood.

La Bella Managua - 872 Bloor St W
https://www.labellamanagua.ca/
Available for delivery on Skip the Dishes

African Palace - 977 Bloor St W
https://africanpalacetoronto.wordpress.com/
Available for delivery on UberEats and Door Dash

"A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the City as a whole." - TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs)

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

Thank you for listening to the Bloorcourt Podcast
Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
http://www.bloorcourttoronto.com/
Copyright 2021 - Bloorcourt BIA - All rights reserved

View Details

Welcome to Bloorcourt - Pandemic Best Practices Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios

Hosts Meg and Arthur discuss some best practices and support for businesses during the Covid-19 Pandemic. "A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the City as a whole." - TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs)

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

Covid -19 Resources

Digital Mainstreet: $2500 - Digital Transformation Grant Program: will provide Digital Transformation training and guidance and provide the opportunity for main street businesses to apply for a grant of $2500.
City of Toronto - Mask Bylaw: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/bills/2020/bill0511.pdf
City of Toronto - Mask or Face Covering Posters: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-how-you-can-help/covid-19-spread-the-word/?accordion=face-masks-coverings
City of Toronto - Staff Self Assessment Survey: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/95f0-Survey-Screening-poster-TPH.pdf
City of Toronto - Contract Tracing - Collection of Information Notice for Food & Drink Establishments: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8d95-Restaurant-Customer-Log-Sheet.pdf
City of Toronto - Proper Hand Washing Instructions: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/971a-COVID-19-WashYourHands.pdf
City of Toronto - Social Distancing
City of Toronto - COVID-19 Guidance for Workplaces and Businesses: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/9538-Fact-Sheet-for-Workplaces-Non-Healthcare_final.pdf

Thank you for listening to the Bloorcourt Podcast
Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
http://www.bloorcourttoronto.com/
Copyright 2021 - Bloorcourt BIA - All rights reserved

View Details

Welcome to Bloorcourt - Chat with Ron Nash Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Antonia Yee

Ron Nash joins Arthur and Meg for a conversation about how the City of Toronto works alongside local BIAs.

Ron is a passionate city builder with over 20 years experience in economic development, commercial area revitalization, housing and commercial property development. At the City of Toronto, he is part of a dynamic team at the forefront of Business Improvement Area (BIA) development, advising BIA boards on effective decision making, area competitiveness and streetscape design and improvement. Ron connects the City, businesses, communities and other key stakeholders to solve problems and shape vibrant business areas.

"A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the City as a whole." - TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs)

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

Thank you for listening to the Bloorcourt Podcast
Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
http://www.bloorcourttoronto.com/
Copyright 2021 - Bloorcourt BIA - All rights reserved

View Details

Welcome to Bloorcourt - Chat with the Chair Antonia Yee ``` Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Antonia Yee

In our inaugural chat on the Bloorcourt Podcast we welcome Antonia Yee to the show and discuss what makes the Bloorcourt BIA special to her and highlight what the Business Improvement Area's (BIA) role is in the community.
What is a BIA?

"A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the City as a whole." - TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs)

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

Thank you for listening to the Bloorcourt Podcast
Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
http://www.bloorcourttoronto.com/
Copyright 2021 - Bloorcourt BIA - All rights reserved
```

View Details

Episode 3 - "Stronger Together" Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Annabelle Bernard (Sistering), Michelle Palmer (Pause Beauty)

Guide to this Podcast

1:20 - Introduction to Stronger Together
- Diversity
- 3:30 - Art of Bloorcourt
- - Socan that Dufferin Grove Neighbourhood has one of the highest density of artists
12:32 - Chat with the Chair - Antonia Yee
40:20 - Interview with Annabelle Bernard from Sistering
52:30 - Tips on De-Escalating a Situation
66:30 - Interview with Michelle from Pause Beauty
87:10 - Discussion on How To Care For One Another
Bite of Bloor

Links and Information to Topics Discussed in the Podcast * Socan Article - “TORONTO’S TRINITY / LITTLE PORTUGAL: CANADA’S MUSIC CREATOR GROWTH CENTRE” * + https://www.socan.com/torontos-trinity-little-portugal-canadas-music-creator-growth-centre/?fbclid=IwAR2d_ZCK1sEXh4raN_6FNC1A6BBJMjaG1aWPUAW1Ktarj0bhNmjYZl8VlDc * Golden City Fruit Market - basketball mural to Kobe Bryant * Article: Major Companies Talking About Permanent Work From Home Positions * + https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/01/major-companies-talking-about-permanent-work-from-home-positions.html * Canadian Wage Subsidy * + https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html * City Councillors - Ana Bailao, Mike Layton * CafeTO * + “The CaféTO program aims to provide space for expanded outdoor dining areas to help some restaurants and bars who are impacted by COVID-19. On February 5, 2021, City Council approved a report to authorize a reprisal of the CaféTO program from April 15, 2021 to April 14, 2022.” - + https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-reduce-virus-spread/covid-19-cafeto/ * The Laneway Project - open air dining and using back lot patios * + https://www.thelanewayproject.ca/ + PRIVATE OUTDOOR REAR-YARD PATIOS IN TORONTO https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kGohv2jhR3rd8vARVgiNxirb-C5P_lmu/view?usp=sharing + PRIVATE OUTDOOR SALE AND DISPLAY AREAS IN TORONTO https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pz2-HL9f4RnavTN-QtHqf6KDjNblpPMp/view?usp=sharing * Bag of Toronto Initiative * + https://bagoftoronto.ca/ + “There is no better time to support and celebrate small businesses in our community, and there is no easier way to do this than with the Bag of Toronto - a curated assortment of specialty products from local vendors in five different neighbourhoods, delivered right to your doorstep. Each purchase is for one bag, this is not a subscription service.”

Advocacy - Property Tax burdens for commercial property owners
- https://www.toronto-bia.com/property-tax-page/property-tax-explained/
Parkettes
- Refer back to Episode 2
Planters
- Include a picture
Bike Rings
Improvements to the Garbage Cans
Social Service Agencies
- Houselink - Houselink provides permanent affordable housing, supports and programs to enable people with mental health challenges to stay housed, connected, healthy and in charge of their own lives.
- - https://houselink.on.ca/
- Sistering - Sistering is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed.
- - https://sistering.org/
- CONC (Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre)
The World in Ten Blocks
Benches with “Hello” - photo
Jane’s Walks
- https://www.janeswalkfestivalto.com/
Poems - Gianna Patri, Ann Michaels, Al Moriz,
Gianna Patriarchial
Storefront Theatre - did plays from various time periods in front of theatres
Ann Ball
Dufferin Mall - Horse Race Track
List all of the old theatres in the area
The Hurly Burly
The Comedy Bar
Innovation Grant
Sistering
- Domestic violence rose during the pandemic
Tips on De-Escalating a Situation
- Ask for someone’s name - shows that you are genuinely trying to connect and shows respect
- - Give your name
- Respect personal space - making sure there is an “exit” for the person to leave
- Use a non-threatening and non-verbal behaviour
- - Might be more sensitive to non-verbal body actions
- Re-Direct challenging questions
- - Re-Direct their attention to the behaviour at hand that is
  - Don’t engage in a power struggle
  - “You voice is quite loud - it would be safer
  - Note why you are asking someone to leave
- Setting Limits
- - Provide clear, forceable limits
  - People may not alway sbe able to immediately self-regulate or self de-esccalate themselves
  - Will call the police as a final strategy
  - Helps to
- Choose wisely on what you will assist upon
- - Consider what is negotiable or what you can provide
  - If there is something generous that you can do, offer it to them i.e. offer them a coffee or drink to take with them
  - Have a candy bowl so that people can take a free candy and feel the need for them to take something
Harm Reduction
- Become a practice in Vancouver in 2001
- Having a safe disposal for harm reduction materials is a huge help
Sistering Fundraising Contact 416-926-
CAMH
SAD Disorder

Names of Businesses Mentioned in the Podcast:

Paradise Theatre
The Comedy Bar
Sistering
Pause Beauty
Hard Feelings

Bites of Bloor

View Details

Episode 2 - "Life in Bloor" Show Notes Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Chris Caira (The Maker Bean Cafe), Dan Rice (local Bloorcourt resident) Guide to this Podcast * 1:20 - Introduction to Life in Bloorcourt * 3:55 - A Moment with Our Chair * 10:30 - Learn About Microgrants * 13:23 - Discussion on the Streetscape Masterplan * 15:32 - Literature as Art * 19:45 - Chat with Chris Caira from The Makerbean * 29:50 - Chat with Dan Rice - Local Resident * 38:05 - Bloor Street Bustle - How to Support Local * 56:10 - Bite of Bloor ft. Coo Cafe Bread or Rice * 57:48 - Bite of Bloor ft. The Black Horse * 59:05 - Bite of Bloor ft. Bloor Court Cafe * 1:00:24 - Bite of Bloor ft. Madras Masala

Links and Information to Topics Discussed in the Podcast Names of Businesses Mentioned in the Podcast: * Paradise Theatre * The Piston Bar * The Comedy Bar

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

Microgrant Programhttp://www.bloorcourttoronto.com/bloorcourt-microgrant-program.htmlThe Events and Activations Microgrant Program is to embrace, showcase, and celebrate art, talent, and businesses within our community that will benefit the business area and make Bloorcourt a move coveted, exciting, and destination place to live and visit.

Bites of Bloor

Coo Cafe Bread or Rice - 1049 Bloor St W
https://www.coocafeborr.com/
Available for delivery on Ritual

The Black Horse - 928 Bloor St WAvailable for delivery on Door Dash

Bloor Court Cafe - 201 Delaware Ave
Available for delivery on Uber Eats.

Madras Masala - 796 Bloor St W
https://madrasmasalatoronto.com/
Order online directly through their website

Bloorcourt Scavenger Hunt

How many telephone booths do we still have in the neighbourhood? Considered old technology to some, they still exist and work! Take a walk in our neighbourhood and note down all of the locations of where you see them. Bonus points if you take a selfie with one in the background!

Use the hashtag #BloorcourtPodcast to get noticed or regrammed!

View Details

Episode 1 -"Welcome to Bloorcourt" Show Notes Hosted by: Arthur Geringas & Meg Marshall
Recorded & Edited by: Arthur Geringas & Telejet Studios
Featured Guests: Ron Nash, Antonia Yee, Simone Weir Guide to this Podcast * 2:30 - Explanation of the Innovation Grant * 6:25 - A Moment with Our Chair - Antonia Yee * 10:20 - What makes Bloorcourt special and different? * 13:25 - What can be expected from the Bloorcourt BIA in the second half of 2020? * 15:05 - Introduction to Ron Nash * 15:50 - What is a City Builder? * 16:35 - Suggested authors to read and find inspiration by for City Building * 19:25 - Roncesvalles Village BIA Streetscape - Example of a BIA project * 22:45 - Outlining some of the different offices and departments involved with streetscape and public realm projects * 26:00 - How to get involved with your local community * 27:00 - Educational approach to City Building * 30:20 - Covid-19 Discussion * 31:25 - Digital Mainstreet Ontario Grant * 44:56 - Bite of Bloor ft. La Bella Managua * 46:40 - Bite of Bloor ft. African Palace * 48:00 - Bloorcourt Scavenger Hunt

Links and Information to Topics Discussed in the Podcast What is a BIA?

"A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the City as a whole." - TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs)

City of Toronto BIA Office official website:
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/

City of Toronto BIA official email:
biaoffice@toronto.ca

What is the Innovation Grant?
"The BIA Innovation Fund provides grants to BIAs to test innovative and creative solutions to local challenges. Successful projects will be profiled as case studies and shared through our BIA network.

Potential projects could include pop-up shop programs, creative retail recruitment strategies, asset monitoring systems, or other unique initiatives that push the limits of the work traditionally done by BIAs." - Kickstartbia.ca

Bloorcourt Parkettes
Locations include: * Bloor St W and Salem * Bloor St W and Concorde * Bloor St W and Bartlett

Suggested Reads & Authors for City Building and Inspiration: * Toni Morrison: "Jazz" * Dionne Brand: "What we all long for" * Zadie Smith: "NW " * Ian McEwan: "Saturday" * Teju Cole: "Open City" and "Every day is for thief"

Example of a BIA Streetscape Project - Roncesvalles Village BIA

Some links to the projectand some background information on it: * https://www.toronto.com/news-story/35881-residents-get-glimpse-at-roncesvalles-streetscape-plan/ * http://chisholmfleming.com/roncesvalles-avenue-road-reconstruction-and-ttc-track-reconstruction/ * https://roncyworks.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/lobe-and-mail-on-roncesvalles-renewal-the-result-is-quite-marvellous/

Covid -19 Resources * Digital Mainstreet: $2500 - Digital Transformation Grant Program: will provide Digital Transformation training and guidance and provide the opportunity for main street businesses to apply for a grant of $2500. * City of Toronto - Mask Bylaw: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/bills/2020/bill0511.pdf * City of Toronto - Mask or Face Covering Posters: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-how-you-can-help/covid-19-spread-the-word/?accordion=face-masks-coverings * City of Toronto - Staff Self Assessment Survey: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/95f0-Survey-Screening-poster-TPH.pdf * City of Toronto - Contract Tracing - Collection of Information Notice for Food & Drink Establishments: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8d95-Restaurant-Customer-Log-Sheet.pdf * City of Toronto - Proper Hand Washing Instructions: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/971a-COVID-19-WashYourHands.pdf * City of Toronto - Social Distancing * City of Toronto - COVID-19 Guidance for Workplaces and Businesses: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/9538-Fact-Sheet-for-Workplaces-Non-Healthcare_final.pdf

Bite of Bloor

La Bella Managua - 872 Bloor St W
https://www.labellamanagua.ca/
Available for delivery on Skip the Dishes

African Palace - 977 Bloor St W
https://africanpalacetoronto.wordpress.com/
Available for delivery on UberEats and Door Dash

Bloorcourt Scavenger Hunt
Where do you see these vintage Bloorcourt wooden hanging signs?

These were made a couple of decades ago and were found outside shops. There are still a handful left.
Send us an email at bloorcourtbia@gmail.com or send us a DM on Instagram noting the locations of where you see them. *Bonus points if you take a selfie with one of them in the background!

Use the hashtag #BloorcourtPodcast to get noticed or regrammed! After our 6th and final episode of the project, we will have some draws for great prizes from our local businesses.

The Bloorcourt Podcast: Recent Episodes

Bloorcourt BIA