2026 Annual Report
Welcome Messages
“The Toronto Downtown West BIA plays an important role in the success and vitality of downtown Toronto. 2026 has been a year of continued evolution for our district. We have taken a strategic approach to strengthening our organization, supporting our businesses and creating vibrant and welcoming neighbourhoods. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together and excited for what comes next as we look toward a refreshed strategic plan and embark on the next chapter for Toronto’s Downtown West.”
— Veronica Maggisano, Chair, Toronto Downtown West BIA
“Our strong partnership with the Toronto Downtown West BIA is helping set the bar for what a vibrant and welcoming downtown can look like. Through its leadership in elevating and activating public spaces, supporting local businesses and bringing people together, the BIA is strengthening our downtown and setting an example for what can be achieved when we work together.”
— Ausma Malik, First Deputy Mayor of Toronto & City Councillor for Spadina-Fort York, Ward 10
“Partnerships are essential to creating safe, vibrant and welcoming communities. The Toronto Police Service values the Toronto Downtown West BIA’s continued advocacy and its commitment to bringing businesses, residents and public safety partners together. By working collaboratively, we can better understand the challenges facing one of Toronto’s busiest districts and develop practical solutions that support community safety and well-being.”
— Myron Demkiw, Chief of Police, Toronto Police Service
“In 2026, we continued to strengthen our advocacy and respond to the evolving needs of our businesses and communities. I’m proud of what our Board, the BIA staff, our members and partners have accomplished together, and grateful for their continued commitment to Toronto Downtown West. As our district evolves, we remain focused on turning the priorities we hear from our members into action and ensuring Downtown West continues to be a vibrant and welcoming destination.”
– Janice Solomon, Executive Director, Toronto Downtown West BIA
“While uncertainty continues to be part of the environment we operate in, resilience has always been one of our greatest strengths.
In 2026, we saw that resilience in action as businesses adapted, partnerships grew stronger and our community continued to come together. We invested in our public spaces, supported local businesses, advanced advocacy efforts and created new opportunities to connect people with the district.
We are proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to building on that momentum in the year ahead.”
– Dana Duncanson, Managing Director, Toronto Downtown West BIA
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
We grew our digital presence across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok, using social media to showcase the people, places, businesses and experiences that make Toronto Downtown West unique. Through engaging content, we kept our community connected to events, initiatives, member stories and everything happening across the district.
We also amplified relevant content through organic collaborations with local creators and influencers, reaching new audiences and showcasing the district through different perspectives. Paid social media advertising further supported our promotional efforts, increasing the visibility of BIA events, initiatives and local businesses.
- 9.8M+ Content Views
- 40k+ Followers
Social Media
Website
The BIA continued enhancing the promotional website to better showcase local businesses, events and experiences. The seasonal neighbourhood guides were updated to feature more evergreen content across dining, shopping, entertainment, wellness and more, with rotating seasonal highlights to keep content fresh and relevant.
The website generated more than 4,300 clicks to external destinations, helping connect visitors directly with businesses and organizations across the district. The ArtWalk website was also refreshed and rebranded as Placemaker Tours, expanding beyond public art to showcase a broader range of neighbourhood destinations, stories and experiences.
www.yourexperienceawaits.ca:
- 104k+ Website Views
- 4.3k+ Outbound Link Clicks
Website
Advertising
We promoted our Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer Guides through bus shelter advertising in the district, highlighting local businesses, attractions and experiences. The campaigns increased visibility for our promotional initiatives and encouraged residents, workers and visitors to experience more of what Downtown West has to offer.
Advertising
Table 6ix Podcast
This year, Table 6ix brought together leaders and changemakers shaping Toronto’s culture, communities and downtown experience. Guests included Olivia Ansell of Luminato Festival Toronto, Geoff Macnaughton of TIFF, David Downey of the International Downtown Association, and more. Episodes were shared across Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, supported by short-form content on social media to extend the reach of each conversation and connect with new audiences.
- 275k Social Media Views
- 321k Episode views/ streams
- 2.9k+ Followers/ Subscribers
Table 6ix Podcast
Placemaker
The BIA introduced Placemaker, its first annual print publication, celebrating the businesses, destinations, people and stories that make Toronto Downtown West unique. Featuring local restaurants, retailers, cultural institutions and community spaces, the magazine showcased the district’s vibrant character and the people shaping its future. A total of 1,300 copies were distributed to downtown leaders and delegates attending the International Downtown Association’s (IDA) 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace in Toronto, introducing the district to a global audience of downtown and place management professionals.
Placemaker
Media Coverage
We strengthened the BIA’s media profile through proactive storytelling and targeted media outreach around our events, initiatives and key issues impacting Downtown West. Our Summer Campaign, Doggie Fest and Downtown Movies in the Park generated significant earned media coverage, while timely media opportunities helped position the BIA as a voice on major downtown issues and events.
Coverage included CP24, CBC Toronto, CityNews, CTV Toronto, the Toronto Star and other local and national outlets.
Media Reach:
- Overall Earned & Reactive Media Reach: 144M+
- See You Downtown Summer Campaign: 67.7M+
- Doggie Fest Toronto: 64.1M+
- Downtown Movies in the Park: 5.9M+
- Reactive Media Relations: 6.2M+
Media Coverage
Member Communications
We kept our members informed and connected through monthly newsletters featuring important updates, upcoming events, BIA initiatives, opportunities and resources. Additional communications were shared throughout the year to provide timely information on road closures, construction, neighbourhood updates and other matters impacting businesses across the district.
Member Communications
BIA Member Events
Throughout the year, we brought members together through events designed to build connections and strengthen our business community. These gatherings created opportunities to network, connect with the BIA team and engage with fellow members and community partners.
BIA Member Events
Awards
The BIA is proud to have received awards this year for several initiatives:
- 2026 Hall of Honour Award for Champions of Toronto Community Awards
- 2026 OBIAA Award of Excellence in Streetscaping & Public Realm Improvements for The Deck at Clarence Square: A People-First Public Realm Transformation
- 2025 TABIA Movement Award for AI Guidebook for BIAs,
- 2025 TABIA Placemaking Award for Programming Downtown Parks
- 2025 TABIA Honourable Mention for the Deck at Clarence Square
- 2025 OBIAA Award of Merit in Marketing & Promotions for Table 6ix Podcast
- 2025 OBIAA Award of Merit in Marketing & Promotions for Neighbourhood Tours
Awards
Public Realm Experiences
Beautification & Maintenance
Our Beautification and Maintenance Programs help keep Toronto Downtown West clean, welcoming and vibrant. Our team works year-round to maintain the district’s public spaces through litter and graffiti removal, deficiency reporting, and the installation of flower baskets and planters.
We also introduced the first phase of a coordinated district branding strategy for the Entertainment District and King West Village. Updated banners were installed throughout the BIA, featuring new designs and wayfinding elements that help establish a distinct visual identity for each neighbourhood. We redesigned our pole wraps to better reflect the BIA’s brand identity, creating a more cohesive and recognizable look across the district. New branded signage blades are also scheduled for installation towards the end of the year to further strengthen neighbourhood identity and improve wayfinding.
Public Realm Enhancements:
- 172 New Pole Wraps
- 1,000+ BIA Flower Baskets & Planters
- 550+ New BIA Banners
- 220 New Branded Street Signage Blades
- 3,000+ BIA Maintenance Team Reports
Beautification & Maintenance
Public Realm Audit
We partnered with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and three summer students specializing in Urban Planning to conduct a comprehensive neighbourhood audit. The assessment of streetscapes, parks and open spaces will help inform the BIA’s Public Realm Strategy and Plan, guiding future improvements and investments to create a more welcoming, accessible and well-maintained district.
Public Realm Audit
University Triangle Improvements
Building on last year’s improvements, we continued to enhance University Triangle near Union Station as a vibrant and welcoming public space. The pollinator garden and mural remain key features of the space, complemented this year by additional placemaking elements, including a soccer-inspired sculptural installation celebrating Toronto’s role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Together, these enhancements bring more colour, creativity and interest to this highly visible gateway into the district.
University Triangle Improvements
David Pecaut Square Improvements
We enhanced David Pecaut Square with the installation of nine custom benches, providing additional seating for residents, visitors and employees across the district. Flowers were also added to tree beds, bringing more colour and vibrancy to the square and creating a more welcoming public space.
David Pecaut Square Improvements
Rod Robbie Bridge & King Street Parkettes
We enhanced Rod Robbie Bridge, The Deck and two King Street parkettes with colourful decals featuring abstract patterns by artist Steph Boutari. Inspired by recognizable elements of Downtown West, including Roy Thomson Hall, the railway tracks and the CN Tower, the designs bring more colour and character to these public spaces. One of the King Street parkettes also features panels developed with the Toronto Society of Architects, sharing interesting facts about the neighbourhood and its history.
Rod Robbie Bridge & King Street Parkettes
The Deck at Clarence Square
Building on the success of The Deck, we enhanced Clarence Square as a vibrant and welcoming gathering space in the heart of the district. Expanded programming brought live music, chess, art, wellness activities and community events to the space, alongside special activations like our FIFA World Cup kickoff celebration.
New placemaking elements further enhanced the space, including PULSE, an interactive light installation featuring integrated seating and hourly light shows that brought new energy to The Deck into the evening.
Enhancements and features:
- PULSE interactive light and seating installation
- 5 shade structures
- 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
- Enhanced planting and greenery
Programming:
- Summer Kick Off
- Summer Music Series
- Chess in the Park
- Mahjong in the Park
- Art in the Park
- Toronto Silent Book Club
- Guitar Society Showcase
- Community Dog-friendly Events
The Deck at Clarence Square
Downtown Movies in the Park
We partnered with TIFF to bring weekly outdoor movie nights back to David Pecaut Square, featuring a sports-themed lineup in celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Each screening included pre-show entertainment, with live music, DJs, performances and interactive activities adding to the experience and bringing the community together for summer evenings in the heart of the district.
- Attendance: 4,000+
Downtown Movies in the Park
Wellness & Community Programming
We supported wellness and community programming to spaces across the district, working with local businesses and partners to offer free activities, classes and experiences. Programming included the West of Spadina Festival at St. Andrew’s Playground, Pilates Block Party at Portland Commons, and outdoor Yoga and Pilates classes at Clarence Square. These activations created new opportunities for people to get active, connect and experience local businesses.
Programming Highlights:
- West of Spadina Festival: 3,700 attendees across daytime and evening programming, 25 vendors and 11 activations
- STRONG Pilates Block Party: 100 attendees, 4 classes, 5 activations and 5 vendors
- Refined Reformer at Clarence Square: 3 outdoor Pilates classes
- WellnessTO Unlocked: 45 attendees and 3 vendors
Wellness & Community Programming
Doggie Fest
We brought Doggie Fest back to Roundhouse Park, attracting more than 9,000 attendees for a day of dog-friendly activities and entertainment. The event helped draw visitors to Downtown West while showcasing local businesses and creating opportunities for vendors to connect with new audiences. Programming included agility and lure courses, a ball pit, live entertainment, food and drinks, and mini train rides.
- Attendance: 9,000+
- Vendors: 45
- Activations: 11
- Free activities for dogs
- Live DJ
- Food and drink by Steam Whistle Brewing
- Mini train rides by the Toronto Railway Museum
Doggie Fest
Clean Toronto Together
We participated in the City’s Clean Toronto Together initiative, bringing members together to help clean and care for streets, green spaces and public areas across the district.
Clean Toronto Together
CafeTO
Curb lane patios continued to grow across the district in 2026, with 32 permits issued, representing a 60% increase over 2025. We supported businesses throughout the process and advocated for successful approvals, helping more members activate the streets and expand their outdoor dining spaces.
CafeTO
John Street
The BIA remains actively involved in the John Street Cultural Corridor Improvements, working with the City and area stakeholders as plans for the pedestrian-focused corridor move forward. The City held a public stakeholder meeting last spring, with a second meeting planned for fall. The City is currently finalizing the tender package, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2027-2028 and continue through 2031.
Ongoing discussions and design refinements are focused on loading and delivery operations, street furniture, construction coordination and phasing.
John Street
CN Tower 50th Anniversary Wayfinding
In celebration of the CN Tower’s 50th anniversary, we collaborated with the CN Tower on wayfinding initiatives to help visitors navigate the district and better connect the landmark with surrounding attractions, businesses and destinations.
CN Tower 50th Anniversary Wayfinding
Ontario Line
The BIA continues to work closely with Metrolinx through monthly meetings and project updates, advocating on behalf of members on site-related issues and maintaining consistent lines of communication throughout construction. Road and lane closure impacts remain a standing feature of our member communications, ensuring businesses have advance notice of conditions on their block. We have hosted Metrolinx representatives at BIA events for direct community access, and continue to participate in Construction Liaison Committee meetings to keep members informed.
Ontario Line
Safety & Wellbeing Highlights
The King West Safety Plan
The King West Safety Plan brings together the BIA, City of Toronto, Toronto Police Service and local stakeholders to strengthen safety and coordination across the King West area.
The plan has entered its next phase, with a key focus on consultations with local businesses, residents and community stakeholders. This includes one-on-one discussions with business owners, engagement with residents and a broader community survey to gather feedback on safety concerns and experiences in the area. These consultations will help identify shared priorities, better understand the challenges facing the neighbourhood and inform the development of recommendations and strategies to improve safety and coordination across King West Village.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Business, resident and community consultation
- Coordination with Toronto Police and City partners
- Safety awareness and education
- Data collection and analysis
- Hospitality safety initiatives
- Advocacy
The King West Safety Plan
Neighbourhood Community Officers
Our partnership with Toronto Police supports a visible foot patrol presence across the district, helping strengthen connections between officers, local businesses and the community. Regular communication with community foot patrol and command officers helps address emerging concerns, coordinate safety efforts and support a safer downtown.
Neighbourhood Community Officers
Donations
We partnered with Toronto Shelter and Support Services at 129 Peter Street to support community outreach initiatives and address local needs. As part of these efforts, we hosted a Community Give Back Day at The Deck, inviting residents, businesses and visitors to donate seasonal clothing and essential items for individuals accessing services at 129 Peter Street.
- 100+ items donated
Donations
Community Sessions
We hosted educational and information sessions throughout the year to help members stay informed, prepared and connected. Sessions covered community safety, practical tools for businesses and updates on major projects impacting the district.
- De-Escalation Workshop with Rebecca Higgins
- Ask for Angela
- John Street Update
- King Street Sidewalk Construction
- Safety & Security Session
Community Sessions
Safety & Security Groups
The BIA maintains an established Safety Advisory Committee and works with members, Toronto Police Service, City divisions and community partners to address safety and security issues across the district. Meetings and engagement take place as needed, allowing the BIA to respond to emerging concerns and coordinate with relevant partners.
We also established a dedicated WhatsApp communication group to provide members and stakeholders with a direct channel to share safety concerns and stay connected. The BIA participates in broader downtown safety and security groups, including the SAFE Group, to strengthen coordination beyond the district.
Safety & Security Groups and Channels:
- Downtown West Safety Advisory Committee
- Downtown West WhatsApp Communications Group
- SAFE Group
- King Street West Nightlife Committee
- Bremner Boulevard Traffic Committee
Participating Community Stakeholders:
- Toronto Police Service 14 Division
- Toronto Police Service 52 Division
- Toronto Police Emergency Management
- City Shelter, Support and Housing Administration
- City of Toronto BIA Office
- Toronto Office of Emergency Management
- Toronto Transit Commission Community Engagement Unit
- Metrolinx
- Transportation Services
Safety & Security Groups
Community Partnerships
International Downtown Association Conference
We welcomed the International Downtown Association’s (IDA) 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace to Toronto, bringing together downtown and place management leaders from around the world. In collaboration with the City of Toronto, the Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance and Destination Toronto, we supported conference planning, sponsorship, branding and promotion. We also showcased Downtown West through an opening reception at Steam Whistle Brewing, neighbourhood tours and educational sessions.
Conference Highlights:
- 1,350+ Attendees
- 11 Countries Represented
- 5 Tours & Sessions Facilitated
International Downtown Association Conference
The Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance
We continued to collaborate with the Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance, bringing together six major downtown BIAs to strengthen our collective voice and advance shared priorities. Through ongoing collaboration, the Alliance works to address issues impacting Toronto’s downtown and identify opportunities to support a vibrant, welcoming and competitive city centre.
- 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
Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA)
Through weekly meetings with TABIA, we connect with BIAs across Toronto to exchange knowledge, share best practices and collaborate on issues affecting local businesses and commercial districts.
Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA)
Gardiner Corridor Alliance
Through the Gardiner Corridor Alliance, we engage with organizations and stakeholders connected to the Gardiner Expressway corridor, including The Bentway, waterfront partners and area developers. The collaboration provides opportunities to discuss public realm improvements, connectivity and the future of spaces surrounding the Gardiner.
Gardiner Corridor Alliance
Toronto Police Services
We worked closely with the Toronto Police Service to strengthen communication and coordination on safety and security across Downtown West. Through regular engagement with command officers, neighbourhood community officers and participation in Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) meetings, we supported ongoing safety initiatives, including the King West Safety Plan. A dedicated WhatsApp group was also established to provide BIA members and stakeholders with a direct channel to communicate concerns and stay connected with Toronto Police.
Toronto Police Services
Advocacy Highlights
Downtown Priorities for 2026 Municipal Elections
Ahead of the 2026 municipal election, the BIA, in conjunction with other members of the Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance, provided a briefing document to mayoral and councillor candidates on key issues affecting downtown. The briefing outlined three priorities for a stronger downtown, supported by seven practical actions:
- A Downtown That Moves
- Maximize the Traffic Agent Program, deploying agents where and when congestion is greatest.
- Coordinate construction as one network, planning overlapping projects, closures, and traffic management together.
- A Clean and Well-Maintained Downtown
- Establish Downtown Public Realm Standards that reflect downtown’s intensity of use.
- Modernize the Streetscape Improvement Program to create a fairer maintenance model that encourages BIA investment.
- A Safe and Welcoming Downtown
- Measure the Downtown HART Hub and scale interventions that deliver results.
- Expand CORE across downtown to increase capacity and allow teams to respond where needs emerge.
- Expand Neighbourhood Community Officers to strengthen long-term, relationship-based community policing.
The briefing underscored the importance of this alliance in generating $140 billion in GDP and 41 percent of the city’s employment, and the need for meaningful action from the next Mayor and Council. The alliance is meeting with mayoral candidates, and the Downtown West BIA shared this note Ward 10 candidates for their response.
Downtown Priorities for 2026 Municipal Elections
Expansion of CORE Pilot Program to Union Station
The BIA submitted a letter of support to expand the Downtown Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) pilot program to include Union Station, reinforcing the need for proactive, city led action on health, safety, and outreach in high traffic areas. The Board of Health adopted the item with amendments on March 30, 2026, directing staff to assess expanding the CORE service boundary to include Union Station and to engage key stakeholders, including the BIA, with final recommendations due back in Q3 2027.
Expansion of CORE Pilot Program to Union Station
City By-law Chapter 545 Impacts on Hospitality Businesses
New definitions under the Chapter 545 Toronto Municipal Code Amendments created confusion for hospitality operators, reclassifying some restaurants and bars as nightclubs and resulting in licensing conflicts, zoning challenges, and financial risk for compliant businesses. The BIA retained advocated for structured consultation, and Municipal Licensing and Standards has since re-engaged with the BIA to review the proposed changes.
City By-law Chapter 545 Impacts on Hospitality Businesses
Downtown BIA Alliance Recognized in Sidewalks to Skylines Plan
The City of Toronto’s Sidewalks to Skylines 10 Year Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy formally recognized the Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance (DTBIAA) as a key outcome supporting downtown stewardship and economic development. The report highlighted the Alliance as a collaboration of six downtown BIAs representing more than 10,000 businesses, $50 billion in commercial real estate, and 400,000 employees, reinforcing its growing role as a collective voice for downtown Toronto.
Downtown BIA Alliance Recognized in Sidewalks to Skylines Plan
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
-
Veronica Maggisano
Chair
Vice President, Development at Oxford Properties Group
-
Maya Kane
Vice Chair
Executive Director, Communications, Marketing, Brand & Research at CBC/Radio-Canada
-
Michael Manuel
Secretary & Treasurer
General Manager at The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited
-
David Kelley
Governance & Director
General Manager at The SOHO Hotel
-
Eva Chapman
Director
General Manager at The Well
-
Oliver Geddes
Director
President & CEO at The Fifth Group
-
Simon Gitalis
Director
Abe Gitalis Real Estate Ltd
-
Ron Pellerine
Director
Chief Operating Officer at Metro Toronto Convention Centre
-
Alyssa Kornet
Director
Vice President, Operations and Productions at TIFF
-
Deborah Scott
Director
Scott Shields Architects Inc.
-
Stratton Townley
Director
Vice President, Investments & Corporate Strategy at Woodcliffe Landmark Properties
-
Laura Weyland
Director
Chief Pharmacy Officer at iRx Investments
-
Cecilia Williams
Director
President & CEO at Allied Properties REIT
Our Staff
-
Janice Solomon
Executive Director
-
Dana Duncanson
Managing Director
-
Anojan Sathasivam
Director, Planning & Public Realm
-
Chris Chreston
Director, Strategic Initiatives & Communications
-
Diego Almaraz De La Garza
Senior Manager, Placemaking & Operations
-
Justine Smith
Manager, Operations
-
Nadine Macandog
Manager, Marketing & Communications
-
Shelby Lee
Manager, Member Experience