2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Explore our work, our community and life in the Toronto Downtown West BIA in 2025 and beyond!
A note from Toronto’s First Deputy Mayor
“This year, I’ve been proud to continue working closely with the BIA, especially in revitalizing and activating our public realm and green spaces, like Clarence Square Park, for us all to enjoy. Thank you to the Toronto Downtown West BIA for your ongoing support and commitment to making our communities better for everyone.”
— Ausma Malik, First Deputy Mayor of Toronto & City Councillor for Spadina-Fort York, Ward 10
Watch Ausma'sVideo Message
LOVE LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL
LOCAL ARTS, LOCAL BUSINESS
DISCOVER LOCAL, DINE LOCAL
UNIQUE FINDS, NEW EXPERIENCES
EXPLORE LANDMARKS, SEE A SHOW
Messages
“Our BIA plays a vital role in the success of downtown Toronto by helping to build a more vibrant, resilient city. 2025 has been another year of growth and evolution for our district. Congratulations to the BIA for continuing to embrace new opportunities, supporting businesses, showcasing our community, and addressing the challenges that come with change.”
— Sarah Turney, Chair, Toronto Downtown West BIA
“Business Improvement Areas and community organizers play a vital role in bringing our city to life. Through inclusive public events and welcoming spaces, they bring people together and inspire us to support the businesses that make our neighbourhoods unique."
— Mayor Olivia Chow
“Collaboration is at the heart of community safety and well-being. Our work with the Toronto Downtown West BIA unites key partners to enhance crime prevention, support local businesses, and maintain a strong police presence in one of our city’s busiest districts – where people live, work, and play. By working together on proactive initiatives, emergency preparedness, and coordinated safety strategies, we are making our city safer.”
— Myron Demkiw, Chief of Police
A Message from our Executive Director
“I’m pleased to share the key achievements of the past year and extend my gratitude to our Board of Directors for their leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing the BIA’s strategic plan. This year, we strengthened our advocacy by formalizing the Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance—amplifying our voice on critical issues impacting the city’s core. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and a clear long-term vision, we remain focused on supporting the continued success of our businesses and the growth of our neighbourhood.”
— Janice Soloman, Executive Director, Toronto Downtown West BIA
Watch Janice'sVideo Message
Our District By The Numbers
Working Population
Annual Visitors
Residential Population
Projected Residential Population in 2030
A Year In Review
Marketing & Communications Highlights
Social Media
Our district is celebrated across a variety of social platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Our goal is to showcase local businesses, highlight the vibrancy of the neighbourhood, and encourage residents and visitors to explore all it has to offer.
- 9.6M+ Content Views/ Impressions
- 30K+ Followers
Social Media
TodoToronto Campaign
To engage broader audiences, the BIA leveraged influencer partnerships and collaborations with platforms like TodoToronto. TodoToronto ran a monthly campaign showcasing events across our district, complemented by several additional videos that highlighted BIA initiatives and promoted local businesses.
TodoToronto Social Media Campaign Metrics:
- 4.5M+ Views
- 3.2M+ Reach
- 129.2K Interactions
TodoToronto Campaign
Media Coverage
We raised awareness of our public realm initiatives and events through press releases and targeted media outreach, securing coverage on CTV, CP24, CityNews, CBC News, The Weather Network, and more—reaching hundreds of millions of viewers.
Media Reach:
- University Triangle 250M+
- The Deck at Clarence Square 130M+
- Downtown Movies in the Park 70M+
- Doggie Fest 85.4M+
Media Coverage
Website
Our website, yourexperienceawaits.ca, serves as the central hub for showcasing the district. Featuring guides, blogs, directories, and experience pages, it connects residents, visitors, and workers with the businesses and experiences that define our neighbourhood.
- 1.5K+ member features
- 100K+ views
Website
Table 6ix Podcast
This year, we were honoured to have some remarkable guests on the Table 6ix podcast, including Mayor Olivia Chow, Jason Thorne, Toronto's Chief Planner, and Cameron Bailey, the CEO of TIFF. We launched Season 2 on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Across these platforms, we saw strong follower growth, with significant increases in streams and views compared to last season.
- 1.4M+ Social Media Views
- 140K+ Episode views/ streams
- 2.3K+ Followers/ Subscribers
Table 6ix Podcast
Member Communications
Staying connected to our members is key. We send monthly newsletters with updates on road closures, grant opportunities, BIA initiatives, and more, along with additional communications as needed to share timely information.
Member Communications
BIA Member Events
We bring members together to build community in person, with this year’s Summer Social offering networking opportunities and direct engagement with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
BIA Member Events
Marketing and Promotions Awards
The BIA is proud to have received two OBIAA Awards of Merit in Marketing & Promotions this year.
The Table 6ix Podcast won in the Marketing category. Now in its second season, the podcast spotlights influential voices shaping our city, sharing local stories, and amplifying issues that matter to our community.
We also received an award in the Special Events category for Neighbourhood Tours. This initiative invites residents and visitors to explore our district through guided food, architecture, and art experiences, driving foot traffic to local businesses and showcasing the cultural and culinary vibrancy of the area.
Marketing and Promotions Awards
Public Realm & Placemaking Highlights
Beautification & Maintenance
We had another successful year with our core Beautification and Maintenance Programs—removing trash and graffiti, addressing deficiencies, installing pole wraps and street furniture, and ensuring a consistently clean environment across the district. We continued to bring life and colour to the streets through hanging baskets and planters.
This year, we expanded our work with other agencies and levels of governments through increased reporting and piloting wrapping Canada Post boxes.
Public Realm Enhancements:
- New Pole Wraps: 174
- Total BIA Flower Baskets: 984
- Total 311 Reports: 3.3K+
- Number of BIA Maintenance Team Reports: 3K+
Beautification & Maintenance
University Avenue Triangle
This year, we focused on improvements to the University Avenue Triangle, a gateway space across from Union Station. In collaboration with the Fairmont Royal York and OCAD University, we launched Phase 1 of a new pollinator garden and mural to support urban biodiversity and enhance the public realm. Supported by the City of Toronto’s PollinateTO Grant, this first phase included planting over 30 varieties of native species to support more than 80 pollinator species, along with a new mural by artist Julia Prajza. Additional enhancements are planned for the coming year, including fencing, permanent interpretive signage, and further improvements to the site.
University Avenue Triangle
The Deck at Clarence Square
We enhanced Clarence Square Park with new temporary decking, furniture, and an artistic installation that served as a vibrant backdrop complementary to the urban setting, transforming the space into an inviting “outdoor living room” for visitors and residents to enjoy. The space was activated throughout the summer with live music, activities, and community programming. The Summer Music Series featured over 50 local musicians in partnership with Canada’s Music Incubator, bringing weekly performances to the park. We partnered with Knightcap on the Chess in the Park series, offering an opportunity for players of all skill levels to gather, play, and enjoy live music outdoors. Paws in the Park welcomed dog owners and their companions for a festive Halloween costume event with prizes and music, further encouraging social connection and use of the space. Members were also invited to showcase their products and services throughout the season.
Clarence Square Enhancements:
- 3,200 sq. ft. raised wooden platform
- 20 bistro tables and 40 chairs
- Chess and checkers boards with game pieces
- 8 Muskoka chairs
- Wooden benches and railings
- Seasonal planting and beautification
The Deck at Clarence Square
Downtown Movies in the Park
We partnered with TIFF to mark its 50th anniversary with weekly outdoor movie nights at David Pecaut Square. To celebrate this milestone, the series showcased six past People’s Choice award winning films, and included complementary pre-show programming including live dance and music performances, trivia and more. The series provided promotional opportunities for members and community stakeholders.
- Attendance: 4.2K+
Downtown Movies in the Park
TIFF 3D Mural Installation
We partnered with TIFF to commission artist Adrian Hayle to bring to life a 3D Light Box mural celebrating TIFF’s People’s Choice Award winners and 50 years of film innovation, now showcased as an outdoor public installation beyond the festival.
TIFF 3D Mural Installation
WellnessTO
WellnessTO was a free full day event in Victoria Memorial Park focused on movement, mindfulness and community. This event featured over 20 classes and activities including a 20k run, yoga, pilates, meditation and cold plunging. We collaborated with StretchLab, Mobility House and other local vendors. This initiative highlighted the diverse offering of wellness services throughout our neighbourhood.
- Attendance: 3K+
- Vendors: 38
WellnessTO
Doggie Fest
To celebrate International Dog Day, we hosted our second annual Doggie Fest Summer Carnival this time at Roundhouse Park. This year’s expanded event featured dog-friendly vendors, activities, live music, photo ops, agility courses, a ball pit, train rides, and more—making it a full day of fun for pups and their humans.
- Attendance: 10K+
- Vendors: 25+
Doggie Fest
Clean Toronto Together
We brought the community together through the City’s Clean Toronto Together initiative, assisting more than 20 member businesses with registration and supplies. Over 150 staff helped clean green spaces, streets, and public areas across the district.
Clean Toronto Together
CafeTO
We coordinated with the City to support members with their CaféTO on-street and sidewalk patios throughout the district. We continue advocating for simplifying the application process to make it easier for businesses to take advantage of the program.
CafeTO
Infrastructure Projects
John Street: The BIA continues to advocate for advancing the work of the John Street Corridor Improvements. This pedestrian-focused corridor will feature widened sidewalks, new paving, plantings, and lighting. The City expects construction to commence in 2027.
Ontario Line: We continue to monitor major infrastructure projects like the Ontario Line and participate in regular Construction Liaison Committee meetings to keep members informed.
John Street
Safety & Wellbeing Highlights
Wellbeing and Safety Award
We are proud to have received the TABIA Wellbeing and Safety Award for the installation of Toronto’s first outdoor SaveStation. Located beside the CN Tower, the SaveStation provides 24/7 public access to an AED, supporting faster emergency response and helping save lives in cardiac emergencies. This initiative strengthens community safety and enhances the public realm.
Wellbeing and Safety Award
The King West Safety Initiative
We advanced the groundwork for the King West Safety Initiative—a coordinated effort to strengthen public safety through advocacy, partnership, and evidence-based planning. In collaboration with The City of Toronto, Toronto Police and local businesses and community stakeholders, we’ve established a framework for implementation in 2026, laying the foundation for the program’s future success.
The main goal of this initiative is to improve nighttime safety in the King West District.
Key Objectives:
- Facilitate and foster effective communication between businesses, emergency services, community members and stakeholders.
- Establish community safety groups to cultivate connections and sustain discussions regarding safety, security and crime-prevention in the King West District.
- Propose and advocate for the implementation of safety by design elements (eg. additional street lighting, security cameras, red light cameras), to enhance safety within the King West District – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
- Collect statistics, resources and data on crime as it is relevant to the community and business members. Using statistical modeling systems like “Risk Terrain Modeling” (RTM).
- Community awareness and education through BIA community sessions with subject matter experts on topics such as safety by design, de-escalation, fraud-detection, cybersecurity, and crime-prevention tactics.
The King West Safety Initiative
Foot Patrol Officer program
Our collaboration with Toronto Police on The Downtown West Foot Patrol Officer program helps ensure quicker response times and stronger relationships with local businesses and residents.
Foot Patrol Officer program
Donations
The BIA collects and coordinates member donations for Toronto Shelter and Support Services at 129 Peter Street, and provides opportunities for members to support the community through donations, accommodations, and employment.
Donations
Community Safety Sessions
We support education and community care by hosting sessions that bring together local businesses and stakeholders to address key safety and wellbeing issues. This year, we hosted a De-Escalation Workshop with Rebecca Higgins, providing practical, mental health-informed tools to help front-line staff and business owners respond to difficult situations with confidence and care. We also held a Community Safety & Wellbeing Session with Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, which brought together business security leads, City staff, and community partners to align on safety priorities, share resources, and strengthen collaboration across the district. Presenters included Toronto Police, City of Toronto Public Health, and members of the FIFA Integrated Safety & Security Unit.
Community Safety Sessions
Safety & Security Groups
We hold regular meetings to address emerging concerns, reinforcing our commitment to a safe, secure, and welcoming neighbourhood.
Safety and Security Committees:
- Downtown West Security Group
- Community Liaison Committee
- King Street West Nightlife Committee
- Bremner Boulevard Traffic Committee
- SAFE Group
Participating Community Stakeholders:
- Toronto Police Service Division 14
- Toronto Police Service Division 52
- Toronto Police Emergency Management
- City Shelter Support & Housing
- City of Toronto BIA Office
- Toronto Office of Emergency Management
- Toronto Transit Commission Community Engagement Unit
- Metrolinx
- Transportation Services
Safety & Security Groups
Advocacy Highlights
The Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance
To strengthen our positioning, we continued our work with the major downtown BIAs and formalized this group as the Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance. This alliance enables us to drive more impactful collective efforts through a unified voice.
- Bloor-Yorkville BIA
- Old Town Toronto BIA
- Toronto Financial District BIA
- Downtown Yonge BIA
- Toronto Downtown West BIA
- Waterfront BIA
The Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance
Community Safety & Wellbeing
The safety and wellbeing of our neighbourhood remain a top priority. The BIA works closely with all levels of government, Toronto Police Service, emergency responders, and multiple City divisions to address safety concerns and respond to evolving challenges in our rapidly changing district. Through regular safety committee meetings, community roundtables, and joint initiatives like the Officer Foot Patrol program, we take a proactive, collaborative approach. We also host educational sessions, facilitate donation drives, and support member engagement to create a safe, connected, and welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit the area. These efforts are foundational to our vision of a resilient downtown built on trust and shared responsibility.
Community Safety & Wellbeing
Transportation, Transit & Mobility
A growing downtown requires a transportation network that is safe, efficient, and accessible. We continue to advocate for investments that improve the TTC—specifically around safety, cleanliness, service reliability, and capacity. We support congestion mitigation through smart mobility infrastructure and better integration between transit, pedestrian, and cycling networks. The movement of people and goods is essential to the vitality of our local economy, and our efforts are focused on ensuring streets are walkable, well-managed, and equipped to meet future growth. By prioritizing mobility, we help keep downtown Toronto connected and competitive.
Transportation, Transit & Mobility
Supportive & Affordable Housing
Downtown Toronto faces growing pressure on housing affordability and access to supportive services. The BIA continues to advocate for long-term solutions that expand affordable and supportive housing options in the core and contribute to safer, more inclusive communities. Stable housing is critical not only for individuals but for the overall health and function of the downtown. We support wraparound service models that provide access to care, outreach, and employment pathways—recognizing that a safe and thriving neighbourhood depends on secure housing for all.
Supportive & Affordable Housing
Commercial Tax Reform
The commercial property tax system continues to place a disproportionate burden on small and medium-sized businesses operating in high-demand areas like ours. We advocate for more equitable and sustainable tax policies, including a reduction in the commercial-to-residential tax ratio and reforms that simplify the regulatory environment. Fair taxation is critical to enabling long-term investment, job creation, and the vibrancy of our business community. Through our advocacy, we aim to protect our commercial tenants and ensure downtown Toronto remains a place where businesses can grow and succeed.
Commercial Tax Reform
Addictions & Mental Health
The BIA supports a citywide, coordinated approach to address the growing challenges of mental health and addictions in the downtown core. We advocate for increased investment in supportive housing, treatment programs, mental health outreach, and harm reduction services. These systemic solutions are essential to reducing public realm impacts and improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals. In collaboration with City divisions, service agencies, and first responders, we work to ensure our district is equipped with the right tools and resources to respond with care, compassion, and accountability.
Addictions & Mental Health
Visitor Economy
Toronto Downtown West is home to world-class attractions, entertainment venues, cultural institutions, and hospitality experiences that form the backbone of the city’s visitor economy. The BIA plays a key role in supporting tourism recovery, attracting foot traffic, and showcasing the neighbourhood to local and global audiences. We advocate for continued investment in destination marketing, event hosting, and public realm improvements that enhance the visitor experience. A strong visitor economy supports local businesses, animates our streets, and helps position downtown Toronto as a dynamic destination for culture, sport, and commerce.
Visitor Economy
Our Financials
Thank You to Our Team
A special thank you to our Board of Directors who have dedicated their time to provide advice and expertise for the betterment of our community, as well as our BIA staff for managing the day to day operations.
Our Board of Directors
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Sarah Turney
Chair
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Veronica Maggisano
Vice Chair & Governance
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Michael Manuel
Secretary & Treasurer
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Oliver Geddes
Director
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Simon Gitalis
Director
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Maya Kane
Director
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David Kelley
Director
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Ron Pellerine
Director
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Deborah Scott
Director
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Stratton Townley
Director
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Laura Weyland
Director
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Cecilia Williams
Director
Our Staff
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Janice Solomon
Executive Director
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Dana Duncanson
Managing Director
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Mike Josifovic
Director, Safety & Security
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Anojan Sathasivam
Director, Planning & Public Realm
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Diego Almaraz De La Garza
Senior Manager, Placemaking & Operations
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Justine Smith
Manager, Marketing & Communications
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Nadine Macandog
Manager, Social Media
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Shelby Lee
Manager, Member Experience