5 Cool Pop-up Facts & Your #DreamPopup

It’s hard to believe, but it’s only been about a year or so since the first pop-up shops opened in the DECA ‘hood. Since then, all sorts of cool new things that have happened, including an important change we’ve just made to our application process (cool thing #3). Gay Stephenson (cool thing #1), shares 5 things you might not know about the project.

Then we’re turning it over to YOU. Please tell us what kind of businesses you’d like to see in the ‘hood (captain of Team Fishmonger over here…or is that Team Wine Store?). Fill out the survey and shout your ideas from the rooftops on our Facebook page or tweet it using #DreamPopup.

We also want to take this opportunity to send a huge thank you to each and everyone of you. Whether you read this blog for local news, join us for special events, shop locally or lend a hand as a volunteer, THANK YOU – without you, the wonderful things going on in the ‘hood couldn’t happen.

5 COOL THINGS…

1. We now have two Community Economic Development Coordinators

Working in partnership with DECA’s board, these two share a full-time job at WoodGreen, funded by a grant from the Metcalf Foundation. Tina Scherz and Gay Stephenson, two keen DECA pop-up volunteers were hired in July 2013. Here are some of their goals: filling the empty storefronts, promoting the value of shopping locally and spreading the pop-up shop project to other neighbourhoods.

Congratulations to In This Closet and their landlords Klaas and Mark! This local favourite is now a permanent fixture on the Danforth.

2. Results by numbers

3 pop-up shops are now permanent businesses. Hip, hip hooray! In This Closet, Fareal Custom Tshirts and LEN: Democratic purveyors of beautiful things in a new space.
1 pop-up shop applicant skipped becoming a pop-up completely and secured a permanent store of her own. Congratulations to Isabelle of Ankh Yoga at 2017 Danforth.
2 pop-ups shop landlords secured long-term leases after hosting successful pop-ups last year: 1872 Danforth (Canine Social Company) and 1948 Danforth (Canadian Nutrition).
In the last six months, 8 new shops have popped up along Danforth East, bringing the grand total participating to 23, since the first launch in October 2012.
Nearly 100 volunteers have contributed their talent, labour, expertise, and hundreds of hours to this project.

3. We are changing the way we do things…

Beginning this month, new pop-up tenants can apply at anytime! We’re switching things up a bit so as to have an ongoing intake for tenant applications. The tenant recruitment committee will review applications as they are received. All pop-up shop applicants complete detailed applications, submit business plans and are interviewed by a team which includes local retailers. Find out how to apply for a pop-up shop here.

We are very grateful to all the landlords who participate! We couldn’t operate without you. Building owners receive a minimum of $700 per month in rent to help defray their costs (property taxes, heat, hydro, maintenance and insurance). Tenants also pay a fee of $50 per month to DECA which helps to fund pop-up shop promotions and defray some of the costs. Property owners can find out how to participate here.

4. We’re keeping track

Did you know that pop-up shops keep track of how many people visit each day? They also track their daily sales. This data helps shed light on what’s working well, and what’s not. What have we learned? Shops with beautiful window displays tend to get more foot traffic. When our expert volunteers help pop-ups to beautify their windows, they see immediate results! Saturdays are often the busiest day of the week, and Sundays can be so slow that it’s a good day to close. The south side of Danforth is now attracting far more people than when we first got started.

Eyob outside Cheap Thrills, photo credit Bruce Reeve

4. Fewer vacant storefronts

Have you noticed how many new businesses are moving into the hood? Some recent additions include a beautiful lighting store bella lite, a new yoga studio Ankh Yoga. This week, the Shoe Clearance store opened in their new location at 2000 Danforth, just west of Woodbine. A recent study, conducted by UofT’s graduate Urban Planning students, shows that the percentage vacant stores on Danforth East (within DECA’s borders) has declined from 17% in 2012 to 9% in the fall of 2013. While the number of vacant shops does fluctuate over time, it’s wonderful to see so many new businesses in the hood.

5. A work in progress

Pop up shop are still a relatively new phenomenon, so we keep experimenting, hoping to find out what works best. Some shops come for a month or two, like over the holidays when we hosted Zilberschmuck Jewellery and Asiri’s Treasures (specializing in alpaca wool fashion from Peru). Other businesses come for six months, hoping to become permanent fixtures in the hood – six month tenancies give these small businesses a better chance to get established than shorter terms.

Are you interested in getting more involved with the pop-up shop project? Click here to join our email list. We’ll send you updates and opportunities to get involved.

Volunteers make this project tick. From expert window dressers, communications professionals, marketing, graphic design, painters, project leaders, handy people, tenant recruiters, landlord recruiters, interviewers, researchers and so much more. We’re learning together and we welcome your involvement.

We’d also like to give a warm welcome to Veritus Pictures at 1801 Danforth Avenue, our newest pop-up shop. Owner James Buffin, a documentary film maker, specializes in “how to” workshops, and documentary and corporate video production. In January, he’s offering a 50% discount on workshops through Groupon and he also has a store launch special on until the 31st: 10% off everything and 50% off a workshop when you sign up with a friend.

Please stop in and say hello. James is open Tues. & Wed. 1:00-5:30 pm, Thurs. 2:30-6:30 pm, and Fri. & Sat. 1:00-5:30pm.

6. What do you think our neighbourhood is missing?

Now it’s your turn… What do YOU think our neighbourhood is missing? Tell us your wish list and we promise to try and bring those businesses to Danforth East! Don’t be shy, the more responses we receive, the stronger our case for convincing those businesses to come.

Get the conversation going by commenting here on the blog, on Facebook or on Twitter (#DreamPopup)- wherever you like to chat. And please fill out this tiny survey.

January 21, 2014

Local events to warm you up

Beating the January Blues

So it’s really winter. With no sign of spring, and no warm vacation in the calendar, what is a Danforth East resident supposed to do? Luckily, our awesome local businesses have offers galore. Here are some…

Melanie’s Winter Special

Melanie’s Bistro at 1870 Danforth Avenue is offering a winter special! $25 3-course prix fixe menu during the week, ($28 on weekends) or a $6 weekday lunch. Oh, and don’t forget, they offer free corkage on Wednesdays if you want to bring your own wine, or $20 corkage any other day. If that’s not enough, did you know that they also do takeout? And, if you ask nicely, someone will even deliver it to you curbside, with the credit card machine and everything. A-mazing!

Pilates Anyone?

A new business has opened just west of East Lynn Park at 1911 Danforth Avenue. Come and see Counterbalance Studio Pilates for yourself, this January 25 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.! www.counterbalancestudiopilates.com

PA Day Fun at Monarch Park Stadium

From their website: www.monarchparkstadium.com

Same great FUN as Toddler Playtime for Ages 13 and Under

MPS is opening two fields for open play this PA Day. Featuring bouncy castles, soccer activities and obstacle courses, the kids won’t be bored this P.A. Day.

Date: Friday, January 24
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: *$6 per child| $10 per family
1 Hansen Street

*Toddler Playtime Passes/Memberships are Valid

January 20, 2014

Development Updates and Fire truck petition

Updates on Development at Woodbine Station and 2359 Danforth Avenue (Morris Auction site), plus a petition about the Woodbine fire truck at the end.

Woodbine Station

You’re invited to a pre-construction open house, on Monday, January 27, 2014 at Danforth Mennonite Church.
2174 Danforth Avenue from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

2359 Danforth Avenue Development

Back in November, a community consultation was held on the development proposal at 2359 Danforth Avenue, the Morris Auction site. DECA is not taking a position at this time, but we are committed to conveying information as it is available. Councillor McMahon’s report on the meeting is below – send her an email if you would like more information. (We are not forwarding emails to her about this – please send them to her directly)

Save the Woodbine Fire Truck

You don’t think much about first responders until you need them, and believe me that when you need them, you want them there as fast as possible! Please consider signing this petition.

From Councillor Davis:

The 2014 City Budget includes reallocating one pumper truck and crew from Station #224 Woodbine (Woodbine and Holborne Avenue) to a new station in Scarborough. This would leave only one truck in our local station. I am concerned about what impact this will have on response times and safety in our community.

Neighbours have started a petition calling for the City to hire additional staff for the new station and to maintain the current level of fire service in our community.

Please sign the online petition < https://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/maintain-the-current-vehicles-and-crew-at-fire-station-224-woodbine > and ask your neighbours to sign as well.

If you would like to take further action on this, write to Clerk@Toronto.ca and ask for your email to be sent to all Councillors, or contact Councillor Davis councillor_davis@toronto.ca for more information.

January 19, 2014

Ten Questions for DECA Board Members: Lorraine & Stephen

Here is the second post in the series of Ten Questions for DECA Board members spearheaded by DECA volunteer Heather Bean. She posed ten questions to each of our board members to learn a little bit about where they come from, who they are, and what their dreams are for our neighbourhood. Meet DECA’s former treasurer, Lorraine Cheng and our local history expert and Jane’s Walk leader, Stephen Wickens.

Ten Questions for . . . Lorraine Cheng

How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?

I have been living in the neighbourhood since 2007.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Hong Kong.

How do you spend your Saturday mornings?

Saturday mornings I have coffee, share a plate of fruit with my husband and read the Saturday newspaper at home.

What’s your favourite thing to buy at the Farmer’s Market, and what do you do with it?

Corn: steam it, put on butter, salt and pepper. Yum yum.

How did you get involved with DECA?

In 2008 I was at the market and signed up to be a member at large. From 2011 to 2013 I took on the role of treasurer.

Do you have a dream DECA project?

Too many! I would like to bring in more restaurants in our community.

Which business on the Danforth sees you the most–and what brings you there?

The fruit and veggie store—Kelly Food Market.

If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?

A bookstore with a little cafe.

If you could change one thing about the neighbourhood, what would it be?

Get rid of all the nail salons.

When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?

We are changing.

Ten Questions for . . . Stephen Wickens

How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?

My wife and I moved into DECA territory in January 2002, and clearly the timing was excellent.

Where did you grow up?

In the Beach neighbourhood, just a few doors up from the lake. From that vantage point, the Danforth seemed like an exotic, real-world place. I was quite excited when the subway opened in 1966. I remember going to see a few movies at the Prince of Wales theatre (now Valu–mart), and in the late 1960s, John’s Hobby Shop and, of course, Stan Lane’s Cycle and Sports (which I think was where the Home Hardware is now). Stan’s was the first store I knew of where you could buy curved hockey sticks.

How do you spend your Saturday mornings?

No set pattern, though it’s often reading the longer feature stories in the papers.

How did you get involved with DECA?

I was kicking myself for not being in DECA from day one. I had been involved in two previous attempts to start a neighbourhood association, but they went nowhere. When I heard that a group was up and going, I was eager to join.

Do you have a dream DECA project?

We’re working on it. Though only in its nascent stages, the visioning project should be a bottom-up consultation process aimed at generating a broad understanding of our neighbourhood economy. Armed with that, through DECA, residents should be able to contribute wisely and credibly to city planning policy discussions and debates over development proposals or empty storefronts. It’s all about generating diversity and vibrancy.

Which business on the Danforth sees you the most–and what brings you there?

Most of the bread in our house comes from Celena’s. I go to Moberly Natural Foods and The Twelfth Fret. I love the chicken wings at TKO’s, but don’t get to eat them enough. I do my banking at the Woodbine RBC. Because we’re in DECA’s wild west, I’m often on the strip over to Greenwood. Local Supermarket has the best mangoes and the Linsmore has had some really fun bands in recent months. I go east of DECA turf when I have that fish and chip hankering: You can’t beat Duckworth’s at Main.

If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?

A really good supermarket. We do most of our grocery shopping at the Coxwell No Frills, but….

If you could change one thing about the neighbourhood, what would it be?

As Jane Jacobs pointed out in The Death and Life of Great American Cities, we need to get lots of people on our sidewalks at different times of day, and for different reasons. She argued that a key and often overlooked factor in the decades of decline neighbourhoods such as ours experienced during the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s was that we lost employment. It’s not that we’ll get the factories back, nor would many locals stand for the inconveniences of industrial neighbours but, again as Jacobs pointed out, office jobs fit wonderfully into residential areas around subway stations, as long as it’s all within a human/pedestrian scale. We need to become the model for the city’s mid-rise avenues plan. So, along with the residential density we’ll inevitably get in the coming years, we need to rejuvenate the mix of primary uses in the neighbourhood, mostly by getting people to come here during the daytime when so many of us are working in other ’hoods. A healthy time-spread of local foot traffic makes it so much easier for secondary-use businesses — local stores and restaurants — to thrive.

When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?

There aren’t many prewar neighbourhoods that are still very much on the rise. But this is one. I also tell folks they should join me for the Jane’s Walk I lead each May.

January 12, 2014

Ten Questions for DECA Board Members – Natasha & Anita

DECA volunteer Heather Bean has been busy interviewing DECA Board Members for this new Ten Questions series. This series will run every Sunday for the next few weeks. Heather posed questions to each of our board members to learn a little bit about where they come from, who they are, and what their dreams are for our neighbourhood. Here’s the first two interviews of the series from our founding and past chair, Natasha Granatstein and current chair, Anita Schretlen.

Ten Questions for… Natasha Granatstein

How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?

My husband and I moved from our apartment in Parkdale to this neighbourhood in 2004. We first saw the house on a miserably cold and grey day in January. It was the fifth house we had bid on and we were getting used to losing bidding wars. This house didn’t sell in the first week so we put in an offer and were shocked when they accepted it. We’ve never once regretted buying this house or moving into this neighbourhood.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Calgary and lived next door to fantastic neighbours who are still like family. My parents were involved in our community association, and both sat on the executive board at various times. They were also involved when seven communities came together to raise funds and build a double-pad ice rink in our neighbourhood.

How do you spend your Saturday mornings?

Most Saturdays I go to Legacy Cycling Studio just west of Coxwell and do the boot camp or the spin class. I often go to Royal Beef and Kelly’s fruit market for supplies. It’s not uncommon to make a stop at Silly Goose Kids for a birthday present or three. In the winter, odds are good that I’ll spend some time at East York Memorial Arena watching some form of hockey, and if it’s a really early game, we’re likely to end up at the Sunset Grill for post-game pancakes and omelettes.

What’s your favourite thing to buy at the Farmers’ Market, and what do you do with it?

Tough decision. But I think my favourite thing to buy is raspberries. I have two little boys and they love to stick the raspberries on the end of their fingers and eat them off one by one. There are lots of yummy things at the market, but the sight of them having such a wonderful time giggling and soaking everything in makes raspberries the winner.

How did you get involved with DECA?

I was on my first maternity leave. I wished for a better commercial strip so I could get a decent cup of coffee somewhere with my baby. I wished that politicians would pay more attention to this neighbourhood. At first, the group was going to centre around the intersection of Woodbine and Danforth. When those involved decided to expand out a bit further, I jumped in. I said I would write a newsletter for them. Next thing I knew, I was hosting meetings around my dining room table, and I became the founding chair of the Danforth East Community Association. It’s still hard for me to believe that DECA’s become so much more than just the ideas of half a dozen people sitting around drinking wine.

Do you have a dream DECA project?

I would love for DECA to be able to invest in public sculptures and tuck them in nooks and crannies around the neighbourhood. Over time, they would become an attraction for visitors to come and take a tour of the neighbourhood and the sculptures. For residents, the sculpture would be little, almost intimate, pieces of art that become woven into the fabric of our community.

Which business on the Danforth sees you the most–and what brings you there?

Certainly the Legacy Cycling Studio. I try to get in there two or three times during the week at 6:15 a.m. and once on the weekend at 8:30 a.m. I love Royal Beef, Silly Goose Kids, and Impressions (for my dental cleanings). These are the places I go because they have the things I need most frequently, but also because their owners have made the effort to get to know me and always make me feel absolutely welcome.

If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?

I would love to see some more clothing and shoe stores. I’m thrilled to see some of the pop-ups trying out clothing shops. I hope at least some of them can stay!

If you could change one thing about the neighbourhood, what would it be?

The LITTER! I hate the litter on the Danforth. I hate the litter on the side streets. I wish the BIA would use some of its budget (which includes my tax dollars) to pay for extra litter pick up on the Danforth. But mostly I wish people wouldn’t litter. It makes me crazy.

When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?

I tell them that I have terrific neighbours. I feel very fortunate to have landed here among such smart, funny, interesting, kind and down-to-earth people.

Ten Questions for…. Anita Schretlen

How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?

Three and a half years. We knew almost nothing about the neighbourhood when we chose our house and it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small northern Ontario mining town called Elliot Lake. Anyone who knows me now will not be surprised to hear that I did not fit in.

How do you spend your Saturday mornings?

My littlest one insists that I make pancakes on Saturday mornings. She’s pushy, so it’s turned into a bit of a family ritual. She talks about it all week and then manages to eat her weight in them, so it’s worth the effort.

What’s your favourite thing to buy at the Farmer’s’ Market, and what do you do with it?

There is no way I could pick one favourite thing. I buy as much as I can. In fact, I’ve been known to fill up the stroller so full of food that I have to make my two year old walk home. Everything’s so fresh and tastes so much better that my kids are actually excited to be eating fruits and vegetables. This past Thursday, they actually ignored the pizza on their plates and made dinner of the basket of peas I’d bought. Then begged for the raspberries for dessert.

How did you get involved with DECA?

A friend told me about the blog. I followed along for a while, and then decided I wanted to contribute, so I contacted the folks in charge. I believe my first contribution was hauling pumpkins for waste pickup after the pumpkin parade.

Do you have a dream DECA project?

I would primarily like to see more people getting involved in the projects we have going right now. We have a lot of supporters, but there are also a lot of people in the area who don’t know what DECA is. The more people get involved, as volunteers, members or participants, the more successful we will be in fulfilling our mandate.

Which business on the Danforth sees you the most–and what brings you there?

I’d like to say I’m at my gym, Bomb Wellness, every day, but I’m pretty sure they’d just laugh me out of there at that little exaggeration. We’re at Silly Goose a lot-they are fantastic at helping choose birthday presents and we have our fair share of those. We also hit up Royal Beef pretty often; they have plenty of last-minute dinner inspirations and the quality can’t be beat.

If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?

I would open up a kids’ clothing store. No, a home decor store. I mean a fishmonger… there’s such a market in this neighbourhood for so many things, I don’t think I could decide on just one…. Ummm, actually I could use a wine store for sure!

If you could change one thing about the neighbourhood, what would it be?

I’d like to feel safer walking around at night. Unfortunately that’s something that still needs to change.

When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?

Mainly, I tell people what a great community vibe we have here. I love bumping into so many friends and acquaintances on the street, at the coffee shop, or in the park. The last neighbourhood I lived in was really beautiful, but no one talked to you. Imagine my shock when I moved here and a new acquaintance (with three kids under three and a full-time job, no less) showed up at my door with a lasagne after the birth of my daughter. That’s just not something you see in most parts of the city.

January 10, 2014

Suds & Skates: DECA Board Meeting & Skating at Local Parks

DECA Board Meeting Next Tuesday

On Tuesday, January 14th the DECA Board will be meeting a a local establishment to talk ideas and initiatives for the neighbourhood. If you would like to attend, please contact us.

Local Skating – Monarch & East Lynn Parks Open

Time to sharpen those blades! Looks like a fun day has planned by the Friends of Monarch Park group for a day of skating this Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30p.m. Also, the East Lynn Park skating rink is also open for business! Thank you to all the volunteer for bringing so much winter fun to our neighbourhood.