BusinessTO News is a weekly newsletter highlighting opportunities that are available to Toronto businesses such as programs, grants, resources and guidelines. For a full list of City of Toronto resources for businesses visit toronto.ca/BusinessSupport. Announcements Applications are now open for City of Toronto’s Trade Accelerator Program The City of Toronto is pleased to present the TradeTO Trade Accelerator Program, a training and grant program that supports export-ready small and medium-sized Toronto-based businesses looking to expand into international markets. Through expert-led training, mentorship and customized export planning, program participants gain the knowledge, tools and connections needed to successfully pursue international growth opportunities and build long-term competitiveness in the global economy. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. The City of Toronto will be hosting free virtual information sessions on June 25, July 7 and July 9. Applications are now open for eligible businesses seeking training and up to $5000 in grant opportunities to support their international business expansion and/or trade diversification. Learn more and apply. The Public Markets Entrepreneurship Forum is fast approaching Join us for a dynamic gathering designed for market operators, entrepreneurs, vendors and small business owners shaping Toronto’s vibrant public market scene. Connect with peers, gain valuable insights from expert-led panels and breakout sessions, and explore practical strategies to grow your market or business. From leveraging technology and strengthening policy frameworks to enhancing community engagement and supporting small business success, this forum delivers the tools and connections you need to thrive. Plus, learn about the City’s new Public Markets Action Plan and discover funding, mentorship and business support opportunities. Learn more and register. Prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the Business and Institution Travel Demand Guide Toronto will be hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™, featuring six matches played at Toronto Stadium (at Exhibition Place) and 22 days of FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto at Fort York National Historic Site and the Bentway. Each FIFA World Cup 2026™ match at Toronto Stadium will welcome up to 45,000 attendees, while each FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto event could draw up to 20,000 attendees. The City of Toronto and its partners have developed the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Business & Institution Travel Demand Guide to provide organizations with information needed to plan accordingly. We encourage you to review and use this Guide to help your organization plan for the impacts of the Games. By taking proactive steps, you can help the city, your organization, employees, customers/ visitors and goods to keep moving during this busy period. Learn more. Business Community News Expand your business at FrancoTech 2026 The Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA) is recruiting Ontario-based Francophone businesses for a trade delegation to FrancoTech 2026 to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 14 to 16. Franco-Ontarian and bilingual businesses that are export-ready and wishing to explore international development opportunities, particularly in Southeast Asia, are encouraged to apply. This mission represents a strategic opportunity to position your business within a growing economic environment, develop business relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of international market dynamics. Register your expression of interest. Learn to build your own website for your small business Having a personal website is essential for any small business. This eight-week course will cover everything from the basic fundamentals and tools of WordPress, all the way to the platform's advanced features that support promoting and running a small business. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop, but it is not required to attend. Program begins on Wednesday July 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Toronto Reference Library – Learning Centre 2, 789 Yonge St. Learn more and register. The Smart Mobility Technology Accelerator is open for applications YSpace's Smart Mobility Technology Accelerator, powered by SmartTO (Technologies of Ontario) at York University, is built for market-ready automotive and smart mobility tech startups ready to accelerate their growth, from executing go-to-market strategies and acquiring customers to preparing for fundraising. With the guidance of experienced mentors, program advisors, and ecosystem partners, you'll sharpen your go-to-market strategy, build a capital roadmap, and develop a scaling plan built for the realities of the mobility industry. Application deadline is Monday, July 20. The program runs from October to February. Learn more and apply now. Toronto Video Game Month is officially underway The city is leveling up this June with the return of Toronto Video Game Month. Explore workshops, talks and events showcasing Toronto’s thriving game development ecosystem, and connect with local and international talent. Toronto Video Game Month offers the perfect opportunity to engage with the industry’s top minds as we celebrate Toronto’s gaming scene like never before. Learn more and explore the full schedule. Find energy incentives with the help of Natural Resources Canada Explore energy efficiency incentives by province or territory from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Find programs from governments and utilities that can help reduce costs and support operational upgrades. Learn more. Claim tax credits for clean economy investments Claim tax credits for investments in clean technology, clean electricity and low-carbon projects through the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credit from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Reduce capital costs while advancing sustainable business growth. Explore tax credits. Help build Toronto’s Festival Association The Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), in collaboration with the City, is working to establish Toronto’s Festival Association. Anyone interested in festivals or event development is invited to sign up with TABIA and help shape this new organization. Find details and sign up. Webinars and Events Incubators: How CQCC Can Help Your Business Thursday, June 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) Service Canada: Support Measures for Businesses in Labour Adjustment Wednesday, June 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) Financial Survival for Entrepreneurs Thursday, June 25, from 10 to 11 a.m.– Register (Free) Search Engine Optimization: Understanding SEO Basics Tuesday, June 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Friday, July 3, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Email Marketing for Small Businesses Tuesday, July 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) How to Do Business with the City of Toronto Wednesday, July 8, from 2 to 3 p.m. – Register (Free) Accounting for Non-Profits: Understanding Financial Statements Thursday, July 9, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Your Digital Storefront: Growing Your Business Online Tuesday, July 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Getting Comfortable and Confident with Networking Wednesday, July 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) T2 Corporation Tax Literacy Friday July 17, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Social Media for Your Business Tuesday, July 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free) Getting Good at Pitching and Presenting Ideas Wednesday, July 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) The Top 5 Common Mistakes Startups Make Thursday, July 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) is a network representing and supporting BIAs across Ontario. They encourage and guide BIAs to increase their effectiveness, contribution to the economic, cultural and social well-being of communities. The OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, training, resources and best practices. Click the button below to read the newsletter.

CelebrateTO is a monthly newsletter that highlights upcoming City of Toronto festivals and events, as well as the latest updates on the FIFA World Cup 26™ Toronto. Indigenous Arts Festival at Biidaasige Park Discover traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, theatre, storytelling, film, crafts, and culinary experiences at the annual Indigenous Arts Festival at On Saturday, June 20, at Biidaasige Park, 51 Commissioners St. Supported by the City in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and this year’s curator Tkaronto Music Festival, the event brings together artists and community for a day of cultural celebration. Learn more. Step back in time at the 1920s Picnic at Spadina Museum Pack a picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon of 1920s charm with live jazz, vintage fashion and plein air painting on the grounds of Spadina Museum. Enjoy swing dance lessons, pose among the gardens, join the costume parade hosted by the Imperial Court of Toronto and browse a silent auction. Explore the picnic Sunday, June 14 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Advance tickets $18; walk‑up $20, subject to capacity. Find details. Beat the rush on peak ferry travel days to Toronto Island This weekend is the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race at Centre Island. Plan ahead for peak ferry travel and save time by purchasing your tickets online ahead of time or avoid peak periods, typically 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to the Island and 5 to 9 p.m. returning to downtown. Learn more about service and ticket information. Gather for Pride on Market Street Pride returns to St. Lawrence Market this Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with music, workshops, food and drink, local queer vendors and live performances, including a headlining performance by Canada’s Drag Race’s BOA. Come dance, create, shop and celebrate on Market Street! Find details. Cultural Hotspot launch celebrates Scarborough’s KGO Join a day of live music, culture and celebrating Scarborough’s Kingston-Galloway/Orton Park community at the Cultural Hotspot launch, June 20 at Scarborough Town Centre. Kick off a season of arts programming with a free family-friendly celebration featuring a panel discussion, live performances by JUNO-winning artists Choclair and Savannah Ré, JUNO nominee Yanchan Produced, and more Scarborough talent. Plus, art, music and community-focused activities. Learn more. Toronto Video Game Month is officially underway The City is leveling up this June with the return of Toronto Video Game Month, spanning free and low-cost public gaming events, AR/VR experiences, indie game showcases digital art installations and more. Whether you're a casual player, digital artist or just game-curious, there's something for everyone. Join the fun as we celebrate Toronto’s gaming scene like never before. Learn more and explore the full schedule. Celebrate Dad at St. Lawrence Market Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Dad? From unique gifts to delicious ingredients for a brunch or barbeque, St. Lawrence Market has everything to make Father’s Day extra special. Shop local, support small businesses and make this Father’s Day one to remember. Summerlicious returns July 3 to 19 This summer, taste the world in a City! Get together with friends and family to savour each moment and every delectable bite of a three-course prix fixe menu at more than 200 Toronto restaurants. Reservations open Thursday, June 18. Browse restaurants and start planning your must-visit list.

Saturday July 11th: 11AM - 9:30PM Sunday July 12th: 11AM - 8:30PM Hillcrest Village BIA has a contract with The Canadian Salsa Festivals Group. The Chair of the BIA Board of Management has a few special instructions and points to share with our members to be ready for the Festival. During the Salsa Festival all BIA Businesses may conduct your usual business on the sidewalk, as long as it is the same business. This particularly includes CafeTO patio owner/operators. All non-related day-to-day business activities are prohibited without express permission from the Organizer. No sublets of your space are allowed! You may be closed if this occurs. Restaurants are prohibited from acting as Beer Tents and having amplified music in the festival footprint.(No outside speakers or inside music is allowed or so loud that it can be heard outside.) Food Vendors who intend to sell food outside, must submit the TPH form to Toronto Public Health prior to the Festival. * Link will be available soon.* Canadian Salsa Festivals (TLN Media Group) has exclusive control over the public spaces and can select where the food trucks can park. (except where there are CafeTO patios) City of Toronto Special Occasion Permits (SOP) for daily use and Temporary Liquor Licence Extension of Premises (TEP) Permits are available on their website.https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/ licence-to-serve-alcohol/ Only On-Line applications are available. Garbage: Only Organic Waste is picked up on Saturday July 11th. Porta Potties: Minimum of 40 Ontario Liquor Laws/Food Handling Procedures must be followed. Barricades: BIA will supply, free of charge. Delivery Sat. before 9:00AM to your location.Pick up, after the festival is over Sunday, 8:30pm. Please stack at the curb for pick-up when the Festival ends. Police, Security and TLN Volunteers: will be on site. Call 911 or 311 in case of Emergency. BIA Coordinator: Elaine Smith #437-452-0234 *elaine.biahillcrest@gmail.com BIA Chair: Dr. H.Hannah #416-654-0242 stclairvets@bellnet.ca

In this issue: Mobilizing the Creator Community Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™; FIFA World Cup 26™ Briefing Recording and Resources Now Available; Inside the Buyer Meetings at Rendez-vous Canada, and more. Mobilizing the Creator Community Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™ Ahead of FIFA World Cup™, Destination Toronto and Toronto Travel Massive co-hosted Game On, Toronto at The Well, convening 40 local creators to explore how Toronto storytellers can shape perceptions, spotlight businesses creating unique experiences, and inspire visitors to experience more of the city. FIFA World Cup 26™ Briefing Recording and Resources Now Available Last week, Destination Toronto hosted its final virtual briefing with representatives from Toronto’s FIFA Secretariat, the City of Toronto, TTC, Metrolinx and Toronto Police Services. The briefing covered Toronto’s Host City plans, including updates on transportation, safety, citywide operations, participation opportunities, and resources to support business and community preparedness. FIFA has also released a Know Before You Go guide for Toronto Stadium that includes info on the bag policy, ticketing, wayfinding and more. International fans will need to present a valid passport if consuming alcohol on site. Inside the Buyer Meetings at Rendez-vous Canada A record number of international travel buyers and Canadian tourism sellers gathered in Toronto last week for Rendez-vous Canada (RVC), allowing buyers to experience the city firsthand. Read our RVC recap for some of the key opportunities, trends, and market insights emerging from the event. Building Future Business at IMEX Frankfurt At IMEX Frankfurt, the Toronto team completed over 200 global planner meetings including hosting the IAPCO Destination Partner Breakfast, generating new leads and future business opportunities for the city. Toronto’s immersive MirrorDome activation attracted strong engagement in a high-traffic area of the conference show floor, which saw 13,000 attendees and more than 4,500 buyers from 94 countries. Toronto Continues to Build International Momentum Destination Toronto continues to raise the city’s profile with international audiences through earned media highlighting Toronto’s culture, experiences, architecture, sports, and major events. Recent coverage includes FIFA-related stories in Parade, Observer, Le Journal de Montreal, and Smart Meetings; Toronto’s growing women’s sports scene in Conde Nast Traveler; and a Frank Gehry feature in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.), one of Germany’s leading national newspapers. April 2026 Monthly Accommodation Report The Monthly Accommodation Report outlines hotel and short-term rental market performance. Industry News Pride in Toronto: Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and Community June is Pride Month, with celebrations all month long. Check out some of the vibrant cultural programming that makes Toronto one of the most welcoming and inclusive cities in the world. Celebrate Indigenous History Month in Toronto June is National Indigenous History Month. Learn about Indigenous culture, history and art in Tkaranto (Toronto) this month and throughout the year. AccessFest Highlights Inclusive Experiences in Toronto It’s National AccessAbility Week and AccessFest is returning on June 6, 2026 at David Pecaut Square, a free public festival focused on celebrating, advocating, and activating for accessibility and inclusion in the city. Destination Toronto207 Queens Quay West, Ste. 405Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A7CanadaDestinationToronto.com Copyright © 2025 Destination Toronto, All Rights Reserved.

New from OBIAA: The BIA Board Elections Toolkit OBIAA's new BIA Board Elections Toolkit is now available - a single reference covering every stage of the process, from what the Municipal Act actually requires to strategic recruitment, running a sound election, and onboarding new directors. It includes sample notices, nomination and candidate profile forms, ballots, a sample letter to the Municipal Clerk, a sample recount procedure, an FAQ section, and a built-in Quick Reference Guide and One-Page Action Checklist for at-a-glance use. We're hosting a webinar to walk you through the toolkit and take your questions. Click below to download the toolkit, register for the webinar, and submit any questions you'd like covered in advance.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Business & Institute Travel Demand Guide The FIFA World Cup 2026 Business & Institution Travel Demand Guide was recently commissioned and published by the City’s FIFA Host City Secretariat to help businesses and institutions, especially those affected by the road closures on match days. This resource is full of information and best practices for businesses to plan, including their delivery schedules and travel plans for staff. EDC has encouraged the primary messaging to be “plan ahead”, “transit first” and “adjust travel times” rather than “work from home”, although it remains on the City’s official Mobility Plan list as a tool for traffic demand management. For other resources like the Community Activation Toolkit and the guide, visit the City’s Host City site: https://torontofwc26.ca/ 2026 Levies and Assessment The 2026 levies and assessment list by BIA is attached. The BIAs levy disbursement schedule depends on their respective auditor’s submission of BIAs 2025 audited financial statement and management letter before the deadline on Friday September 11, 2026, preferably by the end of August. The tentative levy disbursement schedule for BIA Operating Budgets Reports is as follows: 1st disbursement – Report 1 fully issued as of now. Report 2 expected around June 5, 2026. 2nd disbursement – expected around June 30, 2026. 3rd disbursement – expected around September 30, 2026 Dining District Program – Stream 2 The Dining District Program supports Toronto’s diverse culinary and restaurant scene, particularly in areas where outdoor dining is less common. Stream Two supports high-impact projects that enhance outdoor dining experiences and attract visitors to Toronto’s restaurant neighbourhoods. This competitive funding stream prioritizes creative, well-developed proposals that animate public spaces, support restaurants and bars, and generate measurable economic and community impact citywide. Applications are open until June 30 at 4 p.m. Information sessions will be held on May 28 at 2 p.m. and June 11 at 10 a.m. Learn more and apply.

May 2026 Update This this e-mail is an update for CaféTO curb lane café program participants and BIAs..  This update provides useful information about the CaféTO program, including necessary information for your permit. Please take the time and read carefully. Curb Lanes Cafe are Live! Great news — the majority of curb lane cafés have been installed! If you have not received your permit, you need to submit your insurance information, legal agreement and pay your invoice. Get these in as soon as possible to maximize your time on the patio this season. Before you can begin operating your curb lane café, two things need to be in place: Traffic safety equipment for your curb lane café has been installed by the City of Toronto You have your valid 2026 CaféTO Curb Lane Café permit in hand Once both are confirmed, you're good to go! We want to say a special thanks to the Road Ops crew for their support and hard work in successfully delivering the café installations ahead of schedule. We appreciate all the work that went into making this possible. Temporary Accessible Platform Temporary Accessible Platforms create a level surface and transition from the sidewalk to a curb lane café. New operators and renewing operators who have made changes to their curb lane café sizes are required to submit detailed design drawings for review and approval by City staff. Once operators receive their official traffic plan, they maybe begin the design process. Temporary Accessible Platforms must be installed by June 1, 2026. Staff will work with operators and are prepared to answer technical questions to facilitate approvals in advance of the June 1st deadline. Requirements are outlined on pages 14-17 of the Curb Lane Café Guidebook. The Toronto Association of BIAs (TABIA) also have resources available on their website, including a list of 3rd party vendors and sample architectural drawings. If you choose to operate your café before your temporary platform is installed, a ramp into your café MUST BE PROVIDED. Information on ramps is available in Curb Lane Café Guidebook on page 22. Waste Collection Please leave your waste bins on the sidewalk in the gaps between curb lane cafés so they can be picked up from the road. Coordinate with neighbouring businesses and residents on placement, and label all bins with the corresponding address. All waste — garbage, recyclables, organics, and yard waste — must be set out between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on the first evening of the night-time collection period. AGCO Notification Your CaféTO curb lane café permit serves as the City of Toronto's endorsement of your temporary curb lane patio for the sale and service of alcohol. As a permit holder, you're required to log into your AGCO online account and notify the AGCO of your permit. Detailed instructions are available here. Bicycle locking ring parking and your café CaféTO operators may temporarily limit access to a bicycle locking ring if the ring — or a parked bike — restricts accessibility to your café. If you need to take a ring out of service temporarily, you must notify the City. Temporary decommissioning can include coverings like bags or signage but must not damage or compromise the ring in any way. Bike rings cannot be temporarily or permanently removed. CaféTO Made Easier: New Short Videos As we kick off the new CaféTO season, we’re excited to launch a new series of short CaféTO support videos for operators — check out our CaféTO Best Practices video for helpful tips and guidance to help set your cafe up for a successful summer season. CaféTO Best Practices for Success These videos are for educational purposes only. All CaféTO applicants must review the 2026 CaféTO Curb Lane Café Guidebook and Chapter 742, Sidewalk Cafés, Parklets and Marketing Displays before applying for a CaféTO permit. Key Dates April 22nd – May 19th Traffic safety equipment is installed by the City for approved CaféTO curb lane cafés May 1st CafeTO Curb Lane Café season begins June 1st Curb lane café temporary platform must be installed October 1st – 15th Curb lane café removals Contact We’re here to support you throughout the season. If you have questions, reach out anytime at CafeTO@toronto.ca When communicating with the City, please use your business email address. If you no longer wish to receive these communications, please let us know at CafeTO@Toronto.ca Thank you, CaféTO

In This E-Newsletter: Taking Action to Protect Tenants' Health and Safety Fighting For a Safe and Reliable TTC Moving Towards a More Beautiful City Sign Our Petition: Stop Doug Ford’s TTC Takeover Parks Updates and Improvements in Our Community Reminder: Tenant Townhall in Oakwood - Vaughan on April 28th Taking Action to Protect Tenants' Health and Safety Several years ago, I moved a motion which led to the creation of RentSafe, a property standards enforcement program focused on keeping tenants’ homes safe and healthy. Since then, we've fought to give RentSafe more teeth, including advocating for colour coded signs modelled after the Dinesafe program. We also called for the consistent use of remedial action – where the city goes and does repairs if a landlord is negligent, and then adds the bill to their property tax bill. I am grateful that the Mayor and Council have supported out efforts. Beginning this June, landlords will finally be required to display a colour-coded sign (Green, Yellow, or Red) at building entrances and disclose their ratings to tenants. City staff are now finally moving forward with a more robust and transparent framework to guide when they will use remedial action. There are still ways the program can be improved, which is why I moved a motion to explore broadening the scope of the program, to strengthen the use of in-unit inspections, and a request that information be provided directly to tenants doors instead of only posted in common areas. Making Our Parks More Fun and Vibrant with More Food Options Last year, I moved a motion requesting city parks staff to develop a plan to bring more food and beverage options into many of our parks. In many cities across the world, you can go to a park to meet up with friends and grab a coffee or snack, but in Toronto, the food options are limited. That needs to change. I’m happy to see a plan move forward which will allow more opportunities for vending in parks, and a review of the city’s contracts with long-term providers in existing spaces to prioritize more local and diverse options in parks where it makes sense. Obviously, garbage, recycling and access to public bathrooms will be considered as part of the strategy. I also moved a motion requesting that parks staff create a Park Kiosk pilot in Toronto - St. Paul's. Modelled after kiosks in many great global parks, such as Bryant Park in New York, I want food kiosk to become vibrant, community-oriented spaces that encourage people to gather and enjoy our parks together. Fighting For a Safe and Reliable TTC The first weeks of April saw several major service disruptions on the TTC, including hydraulic fluid leaks and major signal failures that led to prolonged subway shutdowns. This had major impacts for Torontonians trying to get to work, school, or appointments on time. These delays are unacceptable and cannot become normalized. Transit needs to be fast and reliable. Right now, transit riders use the TTC with the expectation that their daily commute will be impacted by a delay. Torontonians deserves better. Infrastructure failures are the second largest cause of service disruptions, often due to aging infrastructure and delayed capital investments over many years. The TTC urgently needs to identify any required capital investments to the TTC’s assets and infrastructure which will reduce the frequency of delays caused by infrastructure failures such as hydraulic fluid leaks. That’s why I moved a motion at the TTC Board requesting an urgent action plan to address infrastructure-related disruptions. The status quo of daily delays impacting customers cannot continue any longer. Click below to listen to my remarks at the TTC Board Meeting: Moving Towards a More Beautiful City I introduced the Towards a Beautiful City initiative in 2024 because I believe that Toronto can do better than rising to the height of mediocrity. Like our own homes, we want our city to be clean, comfortable, and beautiful – a place we can enjoy, and which we can be proud of when people come to visit. The City has taken an important step in advancing this initiative. An extensive inter-divisional report was brough to Council which identified significant opportunities to promote design excellence in our public spaces and landmark buildings, introduce new procurement changes to elevate design outcomes, minimize the impact of construction, and improve the maintenance of our public realm. Additionally, I worked with staff to introduce new measures to improve service standards for maintaining public garbage bins. While the contract with Astral media for these bins continues until next year, it’s already the City’s responsibility to address any overflow, which happens all too often. Solid Waste Management has committed to increase litter bin monitoring with real time information to litter crews, accelerate the implementation of bin sensor technology, and improve route optimization. I appreciate that Council and City staff have embraced this opportunity to work towards a more beautiful city. FIFA Fan Fest The World Cup is coming to Toronto in June, and while we look forward to welcoming the world for this celebration, we also want to ensure that this is a great experience for Torontonians. The most significant free event hosted by the City during the World Cup is going to be the Fast Fest, which is intended to host up to 20,000 people per day to watch matches live. So when a plan was brought before Executive Committee to charge $10 per ticket to Fan Fest, I fought to stop it in it's tracks. Toronto residents have spent more than $180 million on the World Cup, yet with the high cost of tickets, most Torontonians won’t be able to attend the matches in person. That’s why it’s so important that there be free events that people can attend to be part of the celebrations. I’m happy to confirm that we've been able to ensure that general admission tickets will continue to be free. I am still concerned about how the initial recommendation to charge for access to Fan Fest was made, and disappointed that 3,900 tickets will be set aside for “premium access” to what was promoted to the public as a completely free event. This question will need to be part of a review of how the World Cup was managed. Stay Connected: Join Our WhatsApp Group Stay connected and never miss an update! Sign up for our WhatsApp channel to be the first to know about volunteer opportunities, upcoming events and important news from our office. This is an easy way to stay informed and engaged about our work in your neighbourhood. Sign up here: Join WhatsApp Group

The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) is proud to announce the launch of a nationwide campaign: Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local. This movement urges Canadians to embrace a local-first mindset, recognizing the essential role Main Street businesses play in driving economic prosperity, job creation, and vibrant communities. At OBIAA, we believe that thriving Main Streets are the backbone of strong, resilient towns and cities. Every dollar spent at a local business fuels job creation, sustains entrepreneurs, and enhances the unique character of our communities. As businesses navigate ongoing economic challenges, investing in locally owned and Canadian-made products is an investment in the future of our neighbourhoods.

The Hillcrest Village BIA is pleased to announce that the Capital Cost Share Accessibility Project at 803–815 St. Clair Avenue West is now underway. The project has commenced on schedule, beginning with the removal of existing railings, which are set to be reinstalled later this spring, weather permitting. Crews are carefully demolishing the existing cement planters one at a time, using protective measures to minimize dust and disruption. We’re happy to report that the work site has been maintained exceptionally well, with a strong focus on cleanliness and organization throughout the process. To ensure smooth coordination, the BIA Board of Management will be meeting bi-weekly with the Construction Manager, Architect, and City of Toronto Streetscape team from early April through the first week of June. These meetings will take place virtually and, at times, on-site to monitor progress and address any updates. Informational posters will be installed along the construction fencing and within participating businesses, showcasing before-and-after visuals and keeping the community informed. All businesses within the project area remain open and fully operational during this initial phase, continuing to provide the same high level of service to customers. We look forward to the transformation ahead and are excited to bring a more accessible, welcoming streetscape to the community. For any questions or concerns regarding the project, please don’t hesitate to contact the Hillcrest Village BIA team, we’re happy to assist.

St. Paul's Safety Town Hall April 7th 6 PM St. Paul’s Safety Townhall will take place on April 7 th , 6 PM – 7:30 PM at Yonge & Eglinton. At the event, constituents will have the opportunity to interact with MP Leslie Church and Police representatives from both 13 and 53 Divisions. We want to share some information about recent federal actions that can help shape the conversation. This year our federal government has introduced several bills that will make major changes to the criminal code and has made significant investments in stepping up law enforcement. Here is some more information on actions that we are taking to address certain crimes: Auto-theft: Budget 2025 funds hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers and 1,000 new CBSA officers to step up enforcement at ports Bill C-12 provides new tools for CBSA to find stolen cars before they leave Canada Home invasion: Bill C-14 adds reverse onus bail & consecutive sentencing for home invasions and auto-theft. The onus will now be on people alleged to have committed violent crimes like home invasion to prove why they should be released on bail, rather than the onus being on prosecutors to show why they shouldn’t Hate crimes and antisemitism: Bill C-9 codifies the Supreme Court definition of hate, and adds new hate offences including intimidating people attempting to access places of worship and cultural centres, and willful promotion of hate through use of Nazi or terrorist symbols Drug trafficking: Bill C-12 provides new tools for CBSA Officers to find drugs and supports the RCMP in disrupting illegal drug production Sexual Assault: Bill C-14 adds a reverse-onus bail for sexual assault Bill C-16 increases the maximum penalty for sexual assault Intimate Partner Violence and Deepfakes: Bill C-16 creates a new offence to prohibit engaging in a pattern of coercive or controlling conduct against an intimate partner Bill C-16 also expands the offence prohibiting the non-consensual distribution of intimate images to ensure that it applies to non-consensual deepfakes, and makes it illegal to threaten to distribute intimate images including deepfakes Youth Crime: Bill C-16 creates a new offence of recruiting youth into crime Bill C-14 allows the police to publish identifying information about a youth without a court order in urgent situations when the youth is at large and there is an immediate grave danger to members of the public. Also expands the legal definition of a “violent offence” for youth offenders And here is some information on the progress of these bills through Parliament: Budget 2025 | Passed by the House of Commons; in the Senate Bill C-9: The Combatting Hate Act | Facing third (and final) vote in the House of Commons this week, after which it will go to the Senate Bill C-12: Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act | Passed by Parliament, soon to receive Royal Assent and become law Bill C-14: The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act | Passed by the House of Commons; in the Senate Bill C-16: Protecting Victims Act | Currently being studied by the Justice Committee Residents of Toronto-St. Paul’s can register at https://lesliechurch.libparl.ca/events/ . We hope to see you there!