Riverside and it’s BIA members a history of investing and giving back. Over the past 30 years, BIA members have invested to better the neighbourhood. Riverside is proud to be one of the longest running BIAs in the city of Toronto. Established over 30 years ago in 1980, this 10 block strip along historic Queen east from the DVP to just east of Degrassi, has a long tradition of promoting and investing in our community. While the retail businesses have changed with the times, many of the current property owners have been around since the inception of the BIA and continue to invest in the neighbourhood.
A BIA is formed when both business and property owners agree to come together and invest in the neighbourhood. They voluntarily agree to pay a levy – in addition to their taxes, mortgage or rent – specifically for the purpose of promoting and beautifying the neighbourhood. BIA members also donate countless hours of volunteering to administer the BIA, as the BIA is run by a volunteer Board of Directors who set the budget, the strategy and the plans. This board is responsible to each and every paying BIA member – and must hold an Annual General Meeting where the members can provide input and vote on the proposed budget and plans and priorities.
Beyond promotion and beautification – the BIA is the contact point for many communication needs – across all levels of government, neighbourhood associations and other groups.
Over the past 30 years, the Riverside BIA has invested a significant amout above and beyond any tax or individual business investment. The BIA also spear-headed government grant applications and private investments which help to make Riverside a safe and desirable neighbourhood. Examples of investment and improvements are: public art installations including the 3 part installation of world renowned artist Eldon Garnet – above the DVP bridge, the “Time” phrases on each of the 4 corners at Queen + Broadview and the Flags in the Jimmy Simpson Park. Other examples of public art are community Murals on the degrassi bridge and at Queen + Grant. Over the past 3 years, the BIA has been working on preserving our Urban Forest with environmentally friendly Tree Pits. We also help improving neighbourhood safety by encouraging pedestrian traffic with the addition of decorative benches and lighting. There is enhanced green space with contributions to the Joel Weeks Park – and Riverside Community Gardens- opened in 2012 and the Thompson Dog Parkette in 2013. The BIA pays for street maintenance above and beyond the city minimum standards with a weekly grafitti removal service, installation and maintenance of decorative planters and part time maintenance staff, who regularly cleans the sidewalks.
In keeping with the spirit of giving back to the neighbourhood – in 2012 the BIA adopted a charity policy where each event has a local charity partner to help increase awareness of their cause and provide a venue to raise funds. Riverside has partnered with Woodgreen, Nellies Shelter, Mustard Seed, St John’s Compassionate Mission and the Ralph Thornton Centre.
Supporting Nellie’s – Eats & Beats 2013
In 2013 the BIA played a leadership Role in establishing the Riverside Good Food Market – to bring fresh affordable food for those in need. The BIA dedicated a full time volunteer to help coordinate the market while it was in operation.
All of these initiatives and the community spirit that the BIA drives helps make the neighbourhood safe and desirable.