As many of you know- light has been shed on the fact that the namesake for our beloved Dundas Street (Henry Dundas) was an 18th-century politician who delayed Britain’s abolition of slavery by 15 years. He also aided in the continued subjugation of Indigenous peoples in Canada in his role as British Home Secretary. Although the city is still in the process of deciding the new street name, we feel it is exceptionally important to accurately display our values as a BIA, by removing the 'Dundas' from our BIA promptly.
Our new BIA name is now 'Little Portugal Toronto BIA'. We are currently rolling this out, including redesigning our website and will be publicly launching the name and logo later this month.
This change is significant to us as it marks a new chapter for the neighbourhood, of combined efforts in improving the area with business and true community spirit in mind.
Do West Fest (formerly Dundas West Fest),
is back- get ready to celebrate the first weekend of June 2022!
There has been much anticipation around the return of our BIA's annual festival. We're happy to announce that, after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, we can finally return to celebrating our community through arts and gathering this summer. A public save the date will go out next week.
As public health and health system indicators have continued to improve, Ontario has lifted capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings and has lifted proof of vaccination requirements for all settings at this time. Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. Masking requirements will remain in place at this time.
REGISTRATION FOR CURB LANE CAFES - OPEN UNTIL APRIL 2
CaféTO is back by popular demand. Restaurant operators can now apply for sidewalk café permits or register for curb lane cafés. Find info on the program here.
SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT - OPEN UNTIL MARCH 11
Small businesses that are subject to closure under the modified Step Two of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen plan are now able to apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant. Eligible businesses are able to apply for the program as of February 9, 2022, until March 11, 2022, to receive a grant of $10,000. Find info on the program here.
COMMERCIAL FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM - OPENING MARCH 2
The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program provides funding to commercial property owners and tenants of commercial property, to redesign, renovate or restore facades on commercial buildings that are commercial use at street level and may have commercial and or residential uses on upper floors.
