Get to know the Danforth Mosaic BIA

BIA Meeting Information

We got a few comments on our recent Cozy Cafe post that conveyed some frustration about landlords, the BIA, and what to do about our empty storefronts.  DECA is really taking on this problem, and our February pop-ups are being announced one-by-one on our Facebook page, which is also linked to our Twitter account! (We’ll post about them here too, but all in good time.)

You may or may not know this, but for many years, DECA has worked with the Mosaic BIA.  We have consistently appointed one Board member to be the BIA liaison to attend their meetings and flow information between the BIA and our Board, just to keep apprised of what we’re all up to.

Recently, we asked ourselves why we have never used DECAdiaries to let all of you know when the BIA will be meeting. The answer?  No reason at all!  So, here are the details of their next meeting:

Monday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Toronto Model Photography, 1840 Danforth Avenue
(This is the business owned by BIA Chair, Jason, where the BIA will now have their office)

There is also a new BIA-DECA sub-committee, that the BIA formed.  Our liaison, Susan, is co-chairing it and she would welcome any new members!

If you want any further information about the BIA, the BIA-DECA sub-committee, or Monday’s meeting, please email Susan by clicking here.

(Remember, we are not the BIA – so if you go to the meeting, you are not going to a DECA meeting!)

East Side Represent!

There is a certain section of DECA’s area that sometimes doesn’t get all the love it deserves. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m talking about the area known as E.O.W. – or east of Woodbine. (Okay fine, nobody calls it that, but I think it’s definitely going to catch on now that I’ve coined it.) Here is some of the exciting news from DECA’s east end…

Sandwich anyone?

We were all very sad to see the shuttering of True Brew Cafe in November, but rumour has it that a new sandwich shop is getting ready to open up in that space in the very near future. Stay tuned!

Bell’s Martial Arts

In early November, Tristan Bell opened Bell’s Martial Arts in the newly renovated building at 2200 Danforth Ave. New classes are being added all the time for children age 4 all the way up to adults, so call to find out about what classes might work for you and/or your family. The focus there is on building self-confidence, self-reliance, awareness, and strong bodies. You can contact Tristan to arrange a free trial class for you or your kids. What have you got to lose? To send an email, click here.

Bell’s Martial Arts
Monday-Friday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday: closed
2200 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4C 1K4
Bells Martial Arts

Kia Dealership

It’s really coming along, and it’s looking like it might be quite beautiful!

Danforth Village BIA

DECA is pretty connected to the Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Area (BIA), which spans from Westlake Ave and west all the way to Jones. There is, however, a second BIA in our boundaries that goes from Westlake Ave and east all the way to Victoria Park Ave, called the Danforth Village BIA. They have an excellent website, which shows you all the businesses in that area, broken down into categories and there is even a map for ease of reference. DECA is planning to reach out to this BIA to get to know them better and see how we might be able to partner up. (And no, we’re not just cozying up to them because Target will be moving into their zone in a couple of months!)

Safe Crossing at Last

Many thanks to City Councillors Mary-Margaret McMahon and Janet Davis for extending the green lights at Woodbine and Danforth so that there is actually time to cross the street. Walking E.O.W. has never been so easy. (See? It’s catching on.)

Coming up: We’ve had some chatter on the blog about the BIA and the relationship between landlords, the city, the businesses, and our struggling storefronts. We’ll post more about that soon, along with exciting news about our ongoing Pop-up project!

Something to say about the TTC?

Has the subway gone past you twice because it was too full?  Got an opinion on strollers on the TTC?  Or perhaps the friendly fare collector who makes you smile every morning needs to be recognized?  TTC is looking to hear about it!  Ward 32 Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon is hosting a session with TTC’s Chief Customer Officer, Chris Upfold, on customer service.  It will be held at the Navel Club next Tuesday, January 29th at 7pm.

And if you haven’t heard, there are some local TTC construction projects in the works.  The Easier Access Program at Coxwell Station and the Second Exit Project at Woodbine Station both have construction planned to begin in 2013.

chris-upfold-flyer2

DECADiaries Fun Fact: Casinos. Love them or hate them.  Have your say by January 25 by clicking here to access the online Toronto Casino Consultation form.  

Farewell to Cozy Cafe

We are so sad to tell you that Cozy Cafe at 2075 Danforth Ave will be closing their doors this weekend. Our sources tell us that tomorrow (Saturday) will be their last day of operation. Evidently, they were unable to renew their lease.

Many of you will recall that DECA and the rest of the community rallied to save Cozy a while back, when they were struggling to keep up with the bills. (click here to read about those efforts)

If you want the best egg and cheese sandwich ever, stop in for brunch tomorrow – and don’t forget to leave room for a cinnamon bun!

To Vera and Slavica, we thank you for always greeting your customers with a smile, a story, and so much kindness. We will miss your beautiful baked goods, and your home-cooked meals; but most of all we will miss you!

Follow DECAdiaries on our new twitter account – @DECAdiaries

What’s Up on Woodbine?

If you frequent the Woodbine Avenue corridor, you may have noticed some changes along the strip, including new stores and new hours.

Leeman International (1202 Woodbine Ave)

Although this nautical and cottage gift shop is new to our neighbourhood, it’s not a new company. East enders Joyce and Jeanine purchased the 27-year old company and moved it closer to home from Markham. They have every type of boat imaginable, nautical themed lamps and mirrors, and will be expanding their home furnishing selection in the near future.

p.s. It’s suppose to ‘feel like’ -16C on Friday. If a Caribbean vacation isn’t in your plans then you can always pick up a schooner from Leeman and draw yourself a warm bath. Happy Sailing!

photo 5 photo 4 photo 3 photo 2 1photo 1 1photo 2

Changes at Valu-Mart

Well, the picture pretty much tells you everything I was going to say about this change. Happy Shopping!

IMG_5841

wefunk Skateboards

How the Eurpoean skateboard company wefunk decided to pick our neighbourhood to open their newest showroom at 1083 Woodbine doesn’t matter. They are here and we’re all cooler for living here now. Fortunately, the boards at wefunk don’t look a thing like the florescent green Canadian Tire special that brings back scabby knee nightmares from my childhood. As their website says, they have “serious, calibrated sporting equipment”. Happy Skateboarding!

522528_470972886287112_906241903_n

news for a chilly night

Here are a few tidbits to distract you from that Visa bill that recently showed up.

Happy 5th Birthday to Melanie’s – $25 prix fixe menu!

How much do we love having this superb little bistro in our neighbourhood?  A lot, that’s how much.  Melanie’s Bistro is turning 5, and to celebrate, they are offering a special $25 prix fixe menu, $2 off sandwiches and wraps at weekday lunches, AND half off desserts during the week.  I’d say these are some pretty good reasons to stop in to celebrate right along with them!

melanies 5th anniversary

Artisans at Work: Call-out for Teachers

Renos are under way at one of the neighbourhood’s new businesses, Artisans-at-Work, and owner Tara has asked us to post this message:

Artisans At Work, 2071 Danforth, is almost finished construction.
We will be open in February to the public for classes, workshops and events, whilst we continue to stock our shelves with Toronto artist’s work!
We would like to take this opportunity to invite all local art, music, dance, and theatrical teachers in the neighbourhood and beyond, to submit proposals to hold classes for children, teens and adults.
We are looking to fill many series of classes in time slots, but also single classes here and there. March break classes are also ready to be planned and booked!
Please submit your proposed class, time and day(s) preference, cost, and any other information to us by clicking here.
Thank you,
Tara
PS – Website coming soon: www.artisans-at-work.com; in the meantime you can “like” us on Facebook to keep in touch!

Monarch Park Stadium Info Night with Trustee Cathy Dandy – January 22nd

Trustee Cathy Dandy is holding a community meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7pm at Monarch Park Collegiate (enter at the front doors of the school).  The event is described as “an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss the new Monarch Park Stadium.”

DECADiaries Fun fact: You can call 3-1-1 to order a new recycling bin and/or second green bin – FREE!  Garbage bins can also be exchanged, but remember that the larger the bin, the more you will have to pay for pick-up on your bill.