Are you a long-time DECA Diaries subscriber who knows all about DECA but can’t figure out what the BIA is? Did your spouse sign you up for this blog and you don’t know what DECA is or what it even stands for? Perhaps you have just joined and are keen to learn more? Regardless of the reason for your thirst for DECA knowledge, we are here to quench that thirst.
Here are some answers to some of the most common questions we hear, and some details about this year’s AGM/Cocktail Party.
What is DECA?
The Danforth East Community Association (DECA) is a residents’ association that was formed in 2007 by a group of people who were looking to focus on building something, as oppose to fighting something. DECA’s goal is to make our neighbourhood a more vibrant, walkable and safe place.
What are our boundaries?
Our boundaries are Monarch Park Ave. in the west to Main St., Mortimer/Lumsden in the north, to the Go Train tracks south of Danforth.
Why do we need paying members?
To give us clout and legitimacy, and also to raise revenue. The $10 contributions allow us to put on so many events and activities each year. Stay tuned for more info about membership renewals.
What does DECA do?
Business Revitalization Team (did you like the pop-up shops the past couple of weekends?), East Lynn Farmers’ Market, Danforth East Arts Fair, safety walks, political debates, and more recently, the kids stuff sale and pub crawls.
What’s the difference between DECA and the BIA?
The short answer is that DECA represents the residents of the neighbourhood, and the BIA represents the business owners.
The Business Improvement Area (BIA) is run by a voluntary board of property owners and tenants, with an aim to stimulate business in the area. BIAs are regulated by the City, and are funded partially by the City, and partially by levies paid by each business.
On the other hand, DECA is funded entirely by membership fees and fundraising, and we get no funding from the City.
We are fortunate in our area that our BIA, the Danforth Mosaic BIA, is currently very supportive of DECA and both groups are working to foster a good working relationship, which is good because it makes sense to keep good lines of communication open.
What does our BIA do?
The Danforth Mosaic BIA was established in 2008 and covers a larger stretch of the Danforth than DECA’s borders cover, from Jones to Westlake. There are actually 400 shops in this BIA – one of the geographically larger BIAs in the city. The BIA puts on some events, and they pay for the flowers that are put in along the stretch each spring, which we at DECA know is something that many residents really appreciate and enjoy.
When is your Annual General Meeting (a.k.a. the neighbourhood cocktail party)?
If you want to learn more about DECA or just have a drink and tappas with your neighbours, mark November 12th in your calendar. We’ll be hosting the 4th annual DECA AGM & Cocktail Party – this year at a new location – Relish Bar & Grill.
If you want to get more involved, this is your time to speak up! If you are interested in becoming a Board Member of DECA or want to volunteer in other ways, please let us know ahead of time by emailing here.
And if you want to stay in touch in other ways, follow us on facebook or twitter, or our website.
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And one more thing that DECA does is keep you all updated about neighbourhood news and events – like posting this invitation from Councillor Janet Davis about a Senior’s Strategy Consultation taking place tomorrow, October 29, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.:
