February 9, 2007
Presenting: Neil Macdonald and the Beach
Business Improvement Association - A Community Overview
The article series about the
Beach contains an entire kaleidoscope of personalities and organizations
that make up this great community. The following interview with
Neil Macdonald, Chair of the Beach
Business Improvement Area, is intended to provide you with a
general overview of the area that touches on many different aspects
of the community.
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself. What connection
do you have to the Beach? What is your role with the Beach Business
Improvement Association?
My name is Neil Macdonald, and I am the Chair of the Beach Business
Improvement Area (BIA) for two years. I have my own freelance business
and marketing writing business, which I run out of my home. I have
been living in the Beach for 15 years.
The Leuty Lifeguard Station
2. What is the mandate of the Beach Business Improvement
Association? What areas does it cover? How is this organization
funded?
The Beach BIA
is an association of business people that have come together in
order to improve business conditions along Queen Street East in
the Beach, from Lockwood Avenue (three blocks west of Woodbine Avenue)
to Neville Park Boulevard. Like any other BIA, we are working to
make our area a more attractive place to work, visit, and do business.
The City of Toronto, which supports our organization with various
resources, collects a levy on our behalf from all commercial property
owners within our district. They also provide matching funding for
capital works projects.
Merchant on Queen Street
3. Please explain to us: is it "the Beaches" or "the
Beach"? Some people might be confused.
There is no “official” designation, and there are plenty
of historical precedents for using both terms. However, as you probably
know, this can be a controversial topic. You may be aware of last
year’s neighbourhood vote that we conducted to decide which
name should be used – we received an amazing amount of media
attention during this campaign. As part of our initiative to erect
historically themed street signs along Queen Street to strengthen
our district’s visual identity, we felt we should consult
Beachers on the matter, rather than arbitrarily choose one name
over the other. “The Beach” was the preferred choice,
by a comfortable margin. However, by no means do we wish –
nor would it be possible - to enforce the usage of this name. Call
us what you will, just so long as you come on down to visit us!
Winter sunset on the Boardwalk
4. Please give us some general information about the Beach, its
demographics, its residential architecture and other unique features.
What makes the Beach such a special neighbourhood? Please also talk
about some of the awards and special designations the Beach has
earned.
Of course, the feature that most defines The Beach is the lake and
its beaches. We are fortunate to be the only neighbourhood in Toronto
that has preserved and enhanced its connection with the lake, and
our lakefront, with the boardwalk and numerous recreational facilities,
is the focal point of our neighbourhood. However, the beaches and
boardwalk aren’t the only things that bring people to our
area. Queen Street in the Beach is a thriving commercial strip,
with unique stores and vibrant pubs and restaurants. Beachers are
fiercely proud of their neighbourhood. There’s a real small-town
feel to our community, with many grassroots organizations that have
come together to strengthen our community through charitable, cultural,
social, and recreational activities.
Beautiful residential buildings
Our residential architecture is typical of many inner-Toronto neighbourhoods.
Most homes in the area were constructed in the early 20th century,
though there are pockets of much more recent development. The area
is densely developed – there’s the usual mixture of
modest detached and semi-detached homes and low-rise apartment buildings,
while some areas of the Beach feature larger, upscale homes. In
the past couple of decades, the Beach’s desirability has made
this one of the more expensive districts in Toronto to buy a house,
where even one of those modest semi-detached homes will set you
back a bit.
Bustling commercial activity
5. What kind of merchants and services can be found in the
Beach?
Please visit our website, at www.beachbia.com,
for the only complete directory of Beach businesses on the Internet.
It’s a mix of unique stores,one-of-a-kind stores and restaurants,
with bigger well-loved stores and restaurants like Pier 1 or Lick’s.
We have a wonderful array of sidewalk cafes and patios to take advantage
of the great people-watching and laid-back atmosphere that prevails
in The Beach. Residents and visitors alike enjoy our coffee and
tea places, amazing pastries, casual clothing at great prices, our
many stores catering to dogs and their needs as well as their owners,
and a terrific assortment of health, fitness, spa and beauty offerings.
We are considered an “artsy” area and have many fine
places to buy gifts, impressive artwork and jewellery. Last but
not least, we offer some of the best ice cream and gelato in the
city!
The Fox Cinema - an institution in the Beach
6. What kind of restaurants, bakeries and cafes are located
in Beach? Which places have outdoor patios?
Our website will give you a good idea of how many places there are
to go for a meal. There’s a wide variety of cuisines, most
of which offer a casual atmosphere for families and friends to gather,
though there is a good selection of restaurants all along Queen
that provide fine dining. There is a good selection of outdoor patios
– everyone has their favourite – which prove to be most
popular in the summer months.
Harvest time
7. Please tell us about the flagship event in the Beach:
the Beaches Jazz Festival. When and where is it held?
When was it started and by whom? How has the festival evolved over
the years? And how many people attend?
The Beaches International Jazz Festival
is indeed our flagship event, drawing hundreds of thousands of people
to our neighbourhood over five days. I suggest you visit their website
at www.beachesjazz.com
for more information.
[You can find an interview with Lido Chilelli, founder of the Toronto
International Beaches Jazz Festival at this web address: http://www.travelandtransitions.com/interviews/lido_chilelli.htm].
The historic Fire Station 227
8. Summer definitely is one of the most active times in
the Beach. What festivals, activities and special events can one
partake of during the summer months?
See attached list – Yes – it’s great without
a doubt, but every season has its advantages – even winter,
when the frozen spray from the waves makes magical formations by
the lake. It’s quite breathtaking, in many ways, to take a
walk on the boardwalk, in winter. I love fall and spring, equally
well.
9. What about some of the special events in the fall?
See attached list
An urban oasis of rest and peacefulness
10. Christmas must be a special time in the Beach. What
special events take place leading up to and during the holidays?
Our BIA has begun a tradition of inviting the local high school
choral groups and instrumental groups to serenade shoppers on the
sidewalk. We’d like to build on that. Of course, the Lions
Tree Lighting has become a must-see event for the community. It’s
definitely filled with small-town charm and Santa. Speaking of Santa,
he comes strolling on our sidewalks throughout December.
Winter in the Beach
11. The Beaches Library is a historic building and community
gathering place. Please provide us with more background about that.
What are some of the special events put on by the Beaches Library?
The New York- based Carnegie Corporation gave the Toronto Public
Library $50,000 for three branch libraries. Mayor Tommy Church laid
the cornerstone for Beaches Library in Kew Gardens. It was opened
in 1916. Eden Smith & Sons were the architects and their design
was almost identical to Wychwood and High Park branches. In 1980
it was renovated by Stinson Montgomery Sisam Architects. Once again
it was closed for renovations in 2004 with work undertaken by Phillip
H. Carter Architect and Kingsland & Architects Inc., (in joint
venture) and re-opened in 2005. A one-ton cast bronze owl by architect
Phillip H. Carter and artisan Ludzer Vandermolen was unveiled by
the entrance on July 7.
The Beaches Library
12. What community, non-profit and service organizations
are active in the Beach? What about places of worship?
The Beach is a very caring community with many dedicated individuals
and social service organizations that work really hard to improve
life here. For example, there’s Community Centre 55, The Beaches
Lions, Rotary, and many other groups all working to make this place
the best place to live. We have a wide representation of places
of worship that open their doors to visitors.
Centre 55, a hub of community activity
13. What sports and recreation facilities are available
in the Beach? What activities are going on by the waterfront? Is
it possible to swim in Lake Ontario?
The easier question would be: what can’t you do in the Beach.
Favourites include rollerblading, rollerskiing, bicycling, running
and strolling (all on the Martin Goodman Trail), beach volleyball,
kite-flying, sailing, windsurfing, cross-country skiing, rock skimming,
sand castle-building, tanning, kayaking, canoeing, and of course,
swimming – either in the Olympic pool or at Woodbine Beach
with its Blue Flag indicating excellent water quality. People watching
is another favourite activity!
Beautiful residences along the waterfront
14. Please tell us about new initiatives regarding street
furniture and signage that will adorn the neighbourhood.
We are about to engage the services of an urban design streetscaping
firm to guide us as we make decisions about the years to come. It
won’t be something that happens overnight because it will
take a big budget and we’re not there yet. We began the beautification
process in the summer of 2006 with gorgeous terra cotta street planters
and we filled the existing concrete planters with flowers. We also
installed banners. In the summer of 2007 we should get our new street
signs.
Toronto landmarks
15. If someone was to come in from out of town, what would
you recommend to them to get to know the area? Are there guided
walking tours available?
I would love to see people walk from one end of our BIA
to the other, which is just over 2 kms, starting three blocks west
of Woodbine. If they are unable to walk distances, they might want
to consider the streetcar for a great ride. It’s not just
interesting stores and restaurants, with colourful facades. It’s
the beautiful canopy of trees, Kew Park, Glen Manor Ravine and interesting
architectural details and buildings, like the Firehall, along the
way. Of course, I’d also recommend that they take a parallel
walk on the Boardwalk, enjoying wonderful sights like the Kew Williams
(Gardener’s) Cottage, Leuty Lifeguard Station, Balmy Beach
Club, the RC Harris Filtration Plant and the delightful walks around
Ashbridge’s Bay. As you can see, you need many hours and ideally,
many visits!
Serenity by the water
Thank you, Neil, for taking the time for this interview, and for
informing us about the Beach community. Good luck to you and the
merchants from the Beach
Business Improvement Area!
Upcoming events in the Beach for 2007:
March 7 to 31: "The Beach - My Second Home"-
a photo exhibition, celebration and Toronto Community Fundraiser
(part of the “Celebrate Toronto” series)
Travel journalist, Susanne Pacher created a website www.travelandtransitions.com
to chronicle not only the interesting places she visits but the
people behind the destinations. After she returned from an international
trip last year, Susanne experienced a veritable “light bulb
moment”: she realized that Toronto was a really special place
and that she wanted to give something back to this city that has
provided her, an immigrant herself, with so much opportunity. •
So she decided to launch the “Celebrate Toronto” project
(http://www.travelandtransitions.com/celebrate_toronto.htm)
which will encompass an extensive article collection, as well as
a series of neighbourhood portraits and photo exhibitions featuring
local community organizations, volunteers, philanthropists, artists,
merchants, restaurateurs and enlightened entrepreneurs – people
and organizations that make our city special.
The articles will be published in a book and a portion of revenues
from photo and book sales will benefit community organizations including
Centre 55, Scadding
Court Community Centre and Skills
for Change.
Event information:
Event: Photo Exhibition & Fundraiser "Celebrate Toronto:
The Beach - My Second Home" (March 7 to 31, 2007),
• Gallery opening & story-telling event: March 7, 2007,
7:00 pm (includes a free gelato and panini tasting)
• Second story-telling event: March 14, 2007, 7:00 pm (includes
a free gelato and panini tasting)
• Additional story-telling events may be slotted in based
on demand
• Location: Gelato Milano, 2156 Queen Street East (between
Glen Manor Avenue & Maclean Avenue)
• Due to space restrictions please register your attendance
at textron3@bellnet.ca
"Juxtaposition" at Zilberschmuck Art-Jewellery
One of ongoing openings at the gallery. Check the website, below.
• March 25th - May 5th.
• 3 rd Annual National Juried Fine Jewellery and Metal Arts
Exhibition.
• Shown alongside the oil paintings of Joanna Strong , this
exhibition will display work submitted by metal artists from across
Canada.
• Opening reception: Thurs, March 29th, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• 1852 Queen East, #101
• 416-693-7109
• www.zilberschmuck.com
BEACHES SPRING SPRINT
A fun annual tradition on the Boardwalk that attracts all ages in
welcoming spring. Great prizes, good food and all your friends and
neighbours
• March 31, rain or shine, at the foot of Silverbirch
• To benefit the Beaches Rec Centre
• 5 km run or walk
• 2 km run or walk for kids and seniors.
• Registration from March 19-21 and 16-27at the Beaches Rec
Centre, 6 Williamson Rd, 7-9 p.m. More info: 392-0740.
COMMUNITY CENTRE 55 SILENT AUCTION
• Friday, March 30, from 6-9 p.m.
• More info at events at www.centre55.com
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, through Community Centre 55
Hop on over for fun event!
Saturday March 31 from 8:30am-10:00am
Call 416-691-1113 ext. 222 for info
TORONTO BEACHES LIONS CLUB EASTER PARADE
The unofficial arrival of spring (at last!)
• Sunday, April 8, 2007 from 2-4 p.m.
• From Victoria Park to Woodbine, along Queen Street
• 45,000 people enjoying bands, cubs and scouts, sports teams,
politicians, cheerleaders, police cars, fire trucks, dogs and even
bunnies
• Look for the famous Grand Marshalls
• Returning this year, Dog Day Parade, with prizes for the
best-dressed dogs
• For more information: www.beacheslions.com or 416 820-0790
COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAY
• Sat., Apr. 21
• More details to come.
Beach Studio Tour
A unique opportunity to visit local artists and artisans in their
interesting homes and studios and purchase original crafts and works
of art
• Friday, May 4, 2007, 6-9 p.m., May 5, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday
hours are 11-6.
• This biannual event is held each spring (the weekend before
Mother's Day) and in the fall (the weekend after Thanksgiving)
• Numerous locations and artists
• Make a day of it, strolling the Boardwalk and visiting cafes
and shops
• For more information: www.beachstudiotour.ca
________________________________________
Victoria Day Fireworks Display
THE place to watch the fireworks, relaxed, in a lawn chair, on a
wide expanse of beach!
• Monday, May 21, 2007 after 9:30 p.m. but come MUCH earlier!!
• Why come early? To stroll, shop and enjoy the eats and drinks
of The Beach.
• Fireworks are at Ashbridge's Bay; take the TTC and avoid
the traffic
• Take the Queen streetcar east to Coxwell or Woodbine or
the subway to the same and then any bus going south. Definitely
forget the car; the TTC IS the better way.
• Beach blankets and beach chairs are a great idea!
Yard Sale for the Cure
Raising money for breast cancer research at hundreds of homes and
businesses
• Sat May 26, starting at 8 a.m.
• Area from Warden to Coxwell and the CN tracks to the Lake.
• Expanding every year!
• More info: www.yardsaleforthecure.com
Doors Open Toronto
• May 26 & 27
• The 8th Annual Doors Open Toronto architectural adventure
is coming back to the Beach after its first successful year! in
a big and exciting way.
• The Beach BIA will be conducting tours on both days.
• Take a tour with some of our finest historians
• Meet outside the Beaches Library, just west of Lee, at 11,
1 and 3 and explore the Beaches boulevards, streets, parks, waterfront
and buildings of architectural significance.
• Watch for more information! www.doorsopen.org
Beaches Arts & Crafts Show
Now in its 23rd year, this popular event showcases 150 juried arts
and crafts people from across Canada
• Show is Saturday, June 9 and Sunday June 10, rain or shine
• Tempting designer silks, woodworking, custom-designed jewelry,
pottery, painting, photography and even yummy things to eat!
• Kew Gardens Park, at Queen and Lee
• Admission is free.
• For more information, contact email: contact@beachesartsandcraftsshow.com
or www.beachesartsandcraftsshow.com
Neighbours Night Out at Community Centre 55
Part of the National Crime Prevention Strategy
• Tuesday June 19, 2007 from 6-8 p.m.
• NNO is part of the National Crime Prevention Strategy,
• BBQ, Live Entertainment, Children's Activities, Demonstrations
• More info: www.centre55.com
Slobberfest, courtesy of Community Centre 55:
• A popular returning event for dog lovers.
• Saturday July 7 from 11:00 am-6:00 pm inWoodbine Park
• Slobberfest Packathon Parade.
• Ask the VET
• Enter your dog in our "Pack"Party and compete
in various pet contests:such as Slobber Fest King and Queen; pet/owner
look-a-like
• BBQ that even vegetarians will like
• Shop the pet vendors at the "Dog Pound". Vendors
can call Lainey at 416.691.1113 for details.
• Get a photo with your dog.
• Meet the Animal Communicator; and police dog(s).
• Watch demonstrations.
• Attend the Pet blessing and memorial service
• More info at www.centre55.com/slobberfest.htm
June ?? Rock 'n' Roll Up Your Sleeves (No confirmation
yet)
For a clean sweep of the Beach
• Volunteers needed from 10-5 p.m.at the Leuty Lifesaving
Station
• Music by Pauly and the Greaseballs at 3 p.m.
• Pre-registration required at 416 699-0507
• Sponsored by Swiss Chalet Express in the Beach
• Volunteers receive a gift bag, T-shirt, possibility of winning
prizes and lunch!
• More info - www.greatcanadianpromotions.com
Beach Garden Society Annual Garden Tour
• Get up close and smell the flowers in some sensational Beach
gardens!
• Sunday June 24 from 1-5 p.m.
• Locations given out at the time of registration
• More info- 416 694-9794 or 416 699-1581 or www.beachgs.ca
Canada Day Fireworks Display
THE place to watch the Ashbridge's Bay fireworks, on a wide expanse
of beach, on a cosy blanket or beach chair!
• July 1, 2007 after 9:30 p.m. but come early!
• Forget the car. The way to go is by TTC. Take either the
Queen East streetcar to Coxwell or Woodbine or the subway to Woodbine
and the bus going southbound.
• Come early and enjoy a great day at the Beach -- stroll,
shop and nosh on delicious eats!
13th Annual Heatwave Beach Volleyball
See Toronto's largest beach volleyball event, now in its 13th year!
• Sat. July 14 and Sunday July 15 from 9-5
• Recreational and competitive events
• Raising money for childhood cancer research at Sick Kids
• Ashbridges Bay Park, in the Beaches, at the foot of Coxwell
Avenue
• More information at 416 237-0123 or at: www.heatwaveevents.com/heatwave
19th Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival
Canada's largest (and best) Summer Street Festival
• July 26-28 - Streetfest in the Beaches
• July 28 and 29 - Mainstage - Kew Gardens Park
• July 25- Ovation of Jazz - Balmy Beach Club
• Over half a million visitors
• Look for the Jazz Up Your Windows and lively sales in Beach
businesses
• For more information: www.beachesjazz.com
The Beach Celtic Festival
The pipes are heard across the world…and ancient highland
blood is stirred!"
• Sat. Sept 15 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Kew Gardens Park
• Fun for the whole family
• Featuring the 48th Highlanders
• Scottish and Irish bands and dancers
• A traditional ceilidh (pronounced "kay-lee")
• Food and vendors
• Win a trip to Scotland!
• More info: 416 699-1548
Beach Studio Tour
• A fall visit to local artists and artisans in their interesting
homes and studios where you can purchase original crafts and works
of art
• The weekend after Thanksgiving) - Oct. 12, 6-9 p.m. Oct
13, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Oct. 14, from 11-6.
• Numerous locations with multiple artists
• Make a day of it, strolling the Boardwalk and visiting cafes
and shops
• For more information: www.beachstudiotour.ca
BEACH BIA'S BEAT ON THE STREET -- H.S. musicians
provide holiday music --Weekends in December
Rosedale School of the Arts
• Featuring the stars of tomorrow
• TBA
Neil McNeil High School Jazz Band
• An energetic and exciting instrumental group
• TBA.
Malvern Collegiate Institute Girls Choir
• A talented student-run choir featuring 12-part harmony
• TBA
Malvern Collegiate Brass Ensemble
• Playing your holiday favourites
• TBA
BEACHES LIONS CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
The big tree lighting!
• Dates and times TBA
• Alex Christie Bandshell, Kew Gardens
• MC
• Entertainment for the whole family
• Hot chocolate, glow sticks, song sheets, carol singing and
a visit from Mr and Mrs. Claus
• Bring your "Loonies for the Lions"
• www.beacheslions.com
SANTA SIGHTINGS IN THE BEACH, after the Christmas Tree Lighting
Where and when can you see the jolly old fellow on Queen Street?
• TBA
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND HAMPER THE REINDEER
• Dates and times, TBA
• Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Hamper.
• Location: Community Centre 55, 97 Main St.
• Contact: Evonne Hossack or Shane Aldridge at 416-691-1113
CAROLLING IN THE PARK
A Beach tradition, now in its 18th year!
• Dates and times TBA
• Kew Beach United Church Choir and Salvation Army Band providing
music
• Scouts providing refreshments
• Glen Stewart Ravine for fine weather and Kew Beach United
Church on Wineva for stormier times
• Dress warmly!
• More information: 416-694-0617
Related Articles:
Celebrate Toronto
- An article series to celebrate my chosen home town
Gene Domagala - A human convenience
store of charity and community involvement in Toronto's Beach
Arie Nerman & the Beach Hebrew Institute:
The People's Synagogue
Vivetha Bistro: A popular spot
with eclectic food
Glenn Cochrane - Media
personality, author and expert fundraiser – a champion of
the Beach for almost 40 years
Michelle Gebhart: A
true Renaissance woman: from army brat to expert renovator, biker
lady, successful restaurateur & dedicated youth volunteer
Michael Prue: A working class success
story - from Regent Park to Queens Park
Alex Winch & the
Beach Solar Laundromat – Unstoppable when it comes to championing
renewable energy & innovative entrepreneurship
Mary Lee: A restaurant owner with a heart
for the arts
Marie Perrotta from the Pegasus
Community Project reaches for the stars
Burgie and Benedetta from the Konditor
coffeehouse create Austrian delicacies in Toronto's Beach
Bob Murdoch from Community Centre
55 - 25 years of community service in the Beach
Steve and Paul from Accommodating
the Soul B&B: hospitality with a personal touch
John Dowding: A private lesson in
photography from a true master
Lucille Crighton: A textile
arts Hall of Famer in Toronto's Beach
Lido Chilelli: Founder
of the Toronto International Beaches Jazz Festival
Fire Station 227: History, heroism
and local connections in the Beach
The Green Eggplant: Healthy Mediterranean
food and big solid portions
The Balmy Beach Club - Legend
by the Lake & Toronto's best-kept secret
The Garden Gate Restaurant a.k.a. "The
Goof" - Good food in the Beach since 1952
Ralph Noble: Firefighter,
lifesaver and creator of the most famous mural in the Beach –
a noble man indeed
Sandra Bussin
- City Councillor and Deputy Mayor shows me her neighbourhood
The Toronto Beach Rotary Club:
Service above Self and the joys of volunteering
The Beaches Lions
Club: Charity and community projects in the Beach since 1935
The Beach Business
Improvement Area: A general overview of the Beach and the merchants
and activities on Queen Street East
Maria Minna:
An Italian-Canadian immigrant story and a life-long fight for social
justice
The Beach Metro Community
News: Much more than just the news
The Kingston Road Business Community:
A neighbourhood undergoing revitalization and an integral part of
the Beach
Andrew Smith and Rachel Howard:
Creative entrepreneurs and dedicated community builders
Nevada's Ristorante: Where
hospitality is a family affair
Maria Minna: Another neighbourhood
walk and talk and discoveries along Queen Street East
St. Aidan's Church:The spirit of charity
in the Beach comes full circle
Gene Domagala takes me on a history
tour of the eastern and northern part of the Beach - a perfect day
of discovery
The Beaches Library: A centre
of learning for all ages
A walk along Kingston Road:
A shopping district definitely worth a visit
55 Division: Serving and protecting
- community policing in action
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