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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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