Change is in the Air in Riverside This Summer

Change is always in the air in Riverside, check out some of the big and little changes in the ‘hood this summer!

The Broadview Hotel: Grand Opening Soon!

The biggest and most anticipated change coming to Riverside this summer is the opening of the revitalized Broadview Hotel. Now with a target opening of early July, the hotel has all sorts of hype surrounding what’s inside, from its amazing rooftop space to the lux toiletries (by Riverdale-based Graydon) and vinyl record collections that will be curated for its rooms (by Riverside’s own Tiny Record Shop!). Everyone is so excited to see the Broadview Hotel open its doors and discover what’s inside. Keep an eye out for announcements!

New ‘Riverside Roots Aboriginal Mural’: Coming to 650 Queen St East

Riverside is getting a new mural on the wall of 650 Queen Street East, thanks to support from the Riverside BIA, Canada 150, StreetART Toronto, and Woodgreen Community Services (for providing the wall for the mural). The mural is being completed by Aboriginal artists: Isaac Weber (a well-known street artist), Philip Cote (a veteran Indigenous artist, elder and muralist), and Destiny Rae Wheatley.

We invite you to join in the community consultation happening next week – RSVP at https://riverside2017mural.eventbrite.ca

The mural is anticipated to be completed by early August.

 

Broadview and Queen Keeps Changing

With the An Sibin Pub and now Dangerous Dan’s closed there is much speculation on what’s going in at either location. It’s top secret at the moment – and no we don’t have the answers – but have only heard that a big tenant has signed a lease at the former An Sibin. We will share any news when we have it.

Caribbean Sunset Opens

Caribbean Sunset opened up on June 15th in 753A Queen East, a space that had sat vacant for some months since vacated by Green Jar and formerly occupied by long time tenant Ambiance Chocolate.  Offering mouth watering fare such as Jerk Chicken, Goat Curry and Oxtail at reasonable prices- you can also get a fresh coconut to sip on! A big welcome to the neighbourhood for owner Douglas and his team!

Queen Garden Centre

They only opened in late May, but the Queen Garden Centre already feels like a fixture in the community. From their contributions to the success of local community events such as the Ralph Thornton Centre’s Spring Affair Fundraiser and Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest, to their hard work to beautify this former parking lot, they are an amazing team.  Stop by and say hello, while checking out their great native plants. They should be open three seasons of the year!

Clinique De Mode Opens

Another recently opened business animating a formerly quiet space is Clinique De Mode, a medical skin boutique that opened up in late May in the former Northern Cross Diamonds space at 750 Queen East. Check out their sunny space and see what they have on offer!

Urban House Cafe

Coming soon is the Urban House Cafe, which will occupy a formerly long time vacant space at 718 Queen East. They will be serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks inside and on their outdoor patio space. Read more about them on GOODHOOD.

Riverside Square Full Steam Ahead

After a long hiatus, the Riverside Square development – that will stretch from Queen Street, south to Eastern and west to the East Don Roadway – is full steam ahead. With the crane in place since late March, work is well underway on Riverside Square’s four-level-deep parking garage, which will rise to grade level over the next several months. Following the completion of the project’s first phase, future residential and commercial phases will add even more life to the 4.5 acre site, while a new public park fronting Queen Street will create a new neighbourhood amenity.Read up on the latest from Urban Toronto.

Burger Shoppe/ BQM Getting Licensed

The Burger Shoppe/ BQM is moving forward with getting their liquor license so you can enjoy some brews with your burgers!

Speaking of Brews…Saulter Street Brewery is Opening!

Eastbound Brewing Co. opened up just recently at 700 Queen E to much acclaim, and now Riverside’s second brewery will be opening soon!

Anticipated to be opening in June, the Saulter Street Brewery is going in at 1-31 Saulter St (walk down Strange Street past Stemz to find it), and will be equipped with a 20-hectolitre brewery, a 40-seat tasting room with a retail area to try and take home beer. We look forward to their Riverside Pilsner!!

Check out more news at GOODHOOD and saulterstreetbrewery.com

Genesis Downtown

In late May, Genesis Motors Canada launched its first Canadian retail boutique at 630 Queen Street East in Riverside. “Athletic elegance in design is at the core of Genesis vehicle design for its vehicles, and that inspiration is reflected in Genesis Downtown. With sleek, modern, and rich finishes, this new space sets the brand apart from traditional dealerships with a luxurious, yet welcoming, boutique-style facility for clients.” Read more.

Last for now but certainly not least….

Riverside Celebrates 150 Banners are Up!

Thanks to the Ontario 150 Celebration program for support of Riverside’s festivities in 2017, Riverside now has colourful banners celebrating this special occasion as well as local pride. These special banners will be up until the end of the year to enjoy!