Downtown Yonge BIA - Annual Report 2017 - PROOF5 [PDF]

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members, Toronto Police Service, and other related agencies, provides tools and support .... unlimited opportunity and as a key economic driver. As a vibrant ... (416) 597 - 0255. FAX. (416) 597 - 0233. EMAIL [email protected]. WEB.
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Annual Report

Building our Path to Prosperity

Vision

A M E SSAG E FRO M TH E CH A I R & E XECUTI VE D I R EC TO R

With such exceptional progress and growth in our world-renowned downtown, 2017 was an

Mission

T O E N A B L E T H I S V I S I O N we strengthen the culture

and economy of the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood through collaborative leadership, and transformative

Living Yonge, which is focused on building the area to address the needs of future generations,

experiences and investments.

including ensuring the iconic Yonge Street can meet the needs of all users.

ensures that the continued effort to make the area clean, safe and welcoming gained further

neighbourhood renowned for its culture, commerce, opportunity and liveability.

exciting year for our neighbourhood. We began the implementation of our new Strategic Plan,

Keeping our business owners, employees, residents and visitors at the forefront of our work

W E E N V I S I O N a world leading downtown

Values

I N T H E S T E W A R D S H I P O F T H I S V I S I O N we are

catalytic, inclusive, innovative and transparent.

momentum. The launch of our Safe & Inclusive Strategy as well as the implementation of the strategy’s key initiatives saw the addition of important new resources to the neighbourhood. Accommodating the ongoing growth of the area by ensuring the development of services required for this residential growth is a priority and ongoing commitment for our team. Our focus on the future also includes our involvement in the critical work of the Yonge Street Environmental Assessment which was launched this year; data collection is now underway. And of course, underpinning all of our work in the neighbourhood with partners that make it all possible, was the entire team’s intentional focus on leadership, advocacy and community engagement. It is on the strength of these pillars that together we will ensure Yonge Street meets the needs of our growing neighbourhood and truly brings prosperity to Downtown Yonge.

OU R S TR ATEG I C PR I O R ITI E S

Clean, Safe & Welcoming Economically Strong Liveable & Vibrant Cohesive Identity

M A R T I N W R AY Board Chair

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MARK GARNER Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director

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Clean, Safe & Welcoming

EM POWER I N G OUR MEM B ER S Creating safe streets and spaces is a top priority, which is why, this year, we launched our Safe & Inclusive Streets Strategy. The introduction of new programs, including regular safety and security meetings between members, Toronto Police Service, and other related agencies, provides tools and support for members, while building relationships with key

Cultivating an appealing public realm that attracts a diversity of audiences and investments.

partners. Another key program introduced are the semi-annual neighborhood assessments, which provide opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of street involvement in the neighbourhood and how the community can be made safer by working with our members.

TR ANSFO R MATIVE I NVES TMENT S THAT B E AUTIF Y OUR S TR EET S We continued to beautify and enhance our neighbourhood in 2017 with more than $450,000 spent on capital improvements that both increased enjoyment of the area and provided much-needed infrastructure upgrades. Transformative investments included the launch of the redesign process of Trinity Square Park, and new cycling infrastructure such as bike racks and planter barriers on the Richmond Street bike lanes made commuting more pleasant and safe. 2017 also marked the completion of the second side of the Yonge Mural, our spectacular showcase of the Yonge Street music legends of the late 1960s, 70s, and 80s. This impactful investment contributes to the attractiveness of the area and is another step in supporting our Music Strategy, launched in 2015. 4

CLE AN S TR EET S TE AM S TAT S

90 + 1000+

GARBAGE BINS SERVICED GRAFFITI TAGS REMOVED

A once in a generation opportunity... TO R E I M AG I N E TO R O N TO ’ S I CO N I C M A I N S T R E E T

With necessary infrastructure upgrades to be done, the Yonge Street Environmental Assessment (EA) is our opportunity to reinvent what the Yonge Street of the future looks like. In 2017

2900+

STICKERS REMOVED

we kicked off this important project, and with the first phase well underway, the community will soon have the opportunity to provide input and have their voice heard. Potential changes to support growing populations include larger sidewalks, reduced vehicle lanes, intersection redesigns, enhanced street furniture, and a more flexible streetscape. 5

Economically Strong Supporting a best in class destination that features a range of opportunities and experiences, and bolsters Toronto’s economy.

WELCO M I N G GLO BAL B R AN DS 2017 saw a shift in our commercial landscape, with 37

EN GAG I N G E XPER IEN CES, ALL Y E AR LO N G The streets were alive and buzzing, with plenty of year-round opportunities to explore and interact with the neighbourhood, driving demand in our local economy. K I DZFES T With many families that live, work, and play in Downtown Yonge, Kidzfest continues to be a staple event in our community. Kidzfest 2017, hosted by TVOkids, was a day filled with fun for the whole family, with stage performances, arts and crafts, meet ‘n greets, and more!

FA SH I O N O N YO N GE Complete with pampering from local salons, bits and bites from local restaurants, and runway shows, Fashion on Yonge is an interactive experience that highlights and showcases 25 retailers in the neighbourhood, with all proceeds of ticket sales going to Covenant House to help support their vital programs for at-risk homeless youth in Toronto. Now in its fifth year, Fashion on Yonge supports our members and brings together the fashion community.

proposed mixed use developments on the horizon, bringing endless opportunity for new local and global pedestrian foot traffic in Toronto.

Leadership and guidance...

Retail thrived in Downtown Yonge as we welcomed much anticipated stores including the

T H AT E N SU R E S O U R B U S I N E SS E S C A N T H R I V E

brands to take advantage of some of the highest

Samsung Experience Store, Footaction, Air Jordan, Babaton, Wilfred, and Maje, all of which add to the diversity of offerings in our neighbourhood. SOURCI N G NEW R EVENUE S TR E AMS Additional revenue was generated via fee-for-service projects, where we provided consulting support for various organizations, including the City of Toronto’s Chief Planner’s Office, the Midtown Yonge BIA, and the Toronto Entertainment District BIA. 6

With the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)’s review of all properties in Toronto came an unprecedented increase in property values, with some Downtown Yonge members reporting increases of 100%-400% in their property taxes. While the increase in value speaks to our vibrant neighbourhood’s appeal, it can also pose a challenge for some businesses. With this increase affecting many of our members, the DYBIA took an advocacy and knowledge-sharing approach, hosting information sessions to learn more about the property assessment process and how to appeal an assessment. Our Executive Director has also played an active role in assisting Councillor Wong-Tam in advocating for a reassessment and an increase cap to allow our members to be able to thrive. 7

Liveable & Vibrant

CO NVER SATI O NS, EN GAGEMENT & SUPPO R T To build member confidence and empowerment in dealing with social issues, while keeping safety for them and their customers a priority, workshops around mental health and methods of de-escalation were piloted with business owners as part of the Supporting People on the Street (S.P.O.T.S) project. Member experiences were so successful that these programs continue as part of the suite of education opportunities to be offered in 2018.

Championing the evolution of a people-centred neighbourhood that provides vibrant and accessible spaces, amenities, and experiences.

I certainly learned a lot that I never knew or hadn’t thought of before. — BIA MEMBER PARTICIPANT*

In addition, our Downtown Toronto Drop-In Resource booklet continued to grow and AC TIVATI N G OUR SPACES

proved to be a useful resource for members, with more than 3,000 copies distributed since the program began in 2016.

This year, we partnered with Ryerson University’s Architectural Science program to design and execute the seasonal Elm Street parklet, also known as ParkletTO. For the third summer in a row, parking spaces on Elm Street were converted into a beautiful parklet, creating a welcoming space for visitors and a hands on learning opportunity for students.

CO NTI NU I N G THE CULTUR E OF CR E ATIVIT Y

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Facilitating partnerships on social issues... B R I N G I N G PR OAC T I V E S O LU T I O N S TO L I F E

To celebrate our neighbourhood’s passion for music, we hosted the fifth

To better support individuals in our neighbourhood who are chronically street involved, an

annual Play the Parks music series, curated by Canada’s Music Incubator,

outreach program was piloted in partnership with the Metropolitan United Church. Once a

with a focus on artist and audience development. Building on our Music

week for 4 hours, a housing & outreach worker, supported by Toronto police officers, reached

Strategy launched in 2015, Play the Parks supports local Toronto talent,

out to these individuals to better understand how we could help. In the short, 3-month pilot

animates our parks, and showcases our members through a variety of

period, seven individuals accepted support services to begin the transition into housing and

activations. With 30 free live concerts presented by TD Bank in 5 public

begin a new journey. This nontraditional partnership demonstrates the real power that comes

spaces, and nearly 45,000 attendees, it was our biggest year yet.

from helping our neighbours, and improves our neighbourhood for everyone. *Toronto.com: "Yonge Street businesses learn to de-escalate risky situations" December 30, 2017

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Cohesive Identity Creating a cohesive neighbourhood identity that is befitting of Canada’s iconic main street.

B U ILD I N G OUR R EPUTATI O N Amplifying the story of Downtown Yonge’s past, present, and future to both residents and visitors is key to creating more neighbourhood champions. We continue to build Downtown Yonge’s reputation by cultivating media relations opportunities and growing our social following. These efforts resulted in 290+ million estimated mainstream media impressions with an estimated earned media value of $9 million, and more than 20 million potential impressions through our social channels.

ACH IEVI N G R ECO G N ITI O N FO R LE ADER SH I P In 2017, Downtown Yonge was recognized as a thought-leader, receiving four Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) Awards for initiatives including ParkletTO, Yonge Mural, Canada150 Banner program, and Urban Beekeeping. Downtown Yonge was also nominated for a Heritage Toronto award for our Yonge Mural in the “Public History” category. Additionally, The Walkabout outreach program, created to break down silos between police and the Indigenous community, was awarded the Mayor’s Community Safety Award and a Toronto Police Service Board Teamwork Commendation. The program has been so widely recognized and successful

Telling our story... R E AC H I N G M O R E PE O PLE I N M O R E PL ACE S

Living in a culture of innovation, we are constantly looking for unique ways to engage and enhance our community, while building the positive reputation of the neighbourhood. From creating new public spaces in the form of parklets to meet the needs of this ever growing area, to new education opportunities for all members, our out-of-the-box initiatives earned us six awards, engaged the community, promoted our members, and continued the conversation about Downtown Yonge. There were conversations in the mainstream media about the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood 266 times.

that it is looking to be expanded city-wide. 10

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Embracing our Tradition of Music, Arts and Culture Our neighbourhood is known for its passion and opportunity for all things music, culture, theatre and events and has a proud reputation as an iconic Canadian entertainment destination. Music in particular has held a longstanding important position in Downtown Yonge, even from the earliest of days. That’s why we always respect collective nostalgia for the past and will continue to place an intentional focus on Downtown Yonge’s dynamic culture to strengthen our neighbourhood’s success, today, tomorrow, and long into the future.

Yonge Street has been a gathering place for celebration and culture for generations.

Today, our neighbourhood continues to showcase the passion and heart of visitors and residents alike.

Photo courtesy of the Toronto Public Library

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Photo courtesy of Yonge-Dundas Square

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Financials

Downtown Yonge will continute to actively generate revenue streams through corporate partnerships, grants and

Looking Ahead

other funding opportunities, and fee-for-service projects. Stewarding the evolution and interconnectedness of Canada’s iconic main street and the vibrant, emerging neighbourhood around it is the exciting opportunity in front of us. This ambitious work is only possible with our extensive partnerships and we look forward to continuing to address the neighbourhood’s priorities together. We will do this by supporting, promoting and advocating for the neighbourhood as a renowned destination, as a place to call home, as a hub of unlimited opportunity and as a key economic driver. As a vibrant, inclusive, innovative and ever-evolving community, we are committed to working together EXPENSES

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each day to meet the demands and opportunities

REVENUE

2018 APPROVED BUDGET

2018 APPROVED BUDGET

Administration

$

1,110,600

Capital

$

Maintenance

$

Promotion & Advertising

$

Festivals & Events

$

400,000

Provision for Tax Appeals

$

249,263

Total

$

3,490,708

of our neighbourhood. Everyone who lives, works,

BIA Levy

$

2,741,889

783,200

Grants

$

20,000

667,645

Donations & Sponsorships

$

60,000

280,000

Festivals Revenue

$

-

Other Revenue

$

60,000

Total

$

2,821,889

Funds from Surplus

$

608,819

plays, learns, shops and invests in our neighbourhood is welcome to join us.

WE THANK OUR MEMBERS FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT AND LOOK FORWARD TO EXCITING CHANGE FOR DOWNTOWN YONGE IN 2018!

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D OW NTOW N YO N G E B US I N E SS I M PROVE M E NT A R E A

40 Dundas St. West, Suite 300 Toronto, ON, M5G 2C2 PHONE

(416) 597 - 0255

FAX

(416) 597 - 0233

EMAIL

[email protected]

WEB

downtownyonge.com