KQQR Construction
OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Although the Infrastructure Improvements at the Intersection of King St W, Queen St W, The Queensway, and Roncesvalles Ave (KQQR Construction) are well underway, the sidewalks are accessible and open to pedestrians. We remind visitors to dismount from bikes when travelling the block and encourage everyone to use street or Green P parking when shopping.
To stay in the loop, please visit the dedicated page on our website here, or attend the weekly virtual calls the City hosts where members of the public can join, (virtually), to ask questions about the ongoing KQQR construction work. City staff and a representative from the local City Councillor’s office will be at the meeting to either provide answers on the spot or report back shortly after.
- Date: Every Tuesday
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Login to the virtual trailer , or call 416-915-6530 (access code 133 652 6676)
The KQQR Construction area will be supported in the coming weeks with Posters, 3,000+ Canada Post flyers, Transit Shelter, Radio and more. Posters will be delivered to storefronts and installed around the community in the coming weeks.
BUY TORONTO TIME
The Toronto Association of BIA's has launched an awareness Media campaign around the City which focuses on a few communities such as Parkdale and reminds residents and visitors that on average local businesses have racked up $170,000 in debt. Supporting our neighbors is more urgent than ever. As more businesses close down weekly, we need to buy time for the remaining who are just barely hanging on. Please support local! The campaign is supported by billboards, transit shelters, subway posters, digital advertising, radio, and TV, and will feature some Parkdale businesses. Follow along here.
CAFETO
Queen St West will see approx.16 cafe's installed along sidewalks or curb lanes this summer. This CafeTO initiative is to assist Restaurants and Bars and help animate our streets. Please enjoy these cafes safely and eat locally!
SUMMER FLORALS, MAINTENANCE ETC
As we work towards increasing the capacity of our office, please note that some services will continue to be impacted by the current Pandemic. Thus floral services, graffiti removal, street cleaning, and overall maintenance requests may be delayed at times. We thank all the individuals, organizations, and City department staff working tirelessly as a team.
Floral planters are being installed within the next week. The flowers will be regularly watered and cleaned of debris, however, we encourage all business owners to assist by reporting any damage or theft of plants, and giving your storefront a regular sweep. Help us keep Parkdale Village clean and colorful!
RESOURCES
- Support for Indigenous Businesses
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program
- Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program
- Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
- Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI)
- Business Credit Availability Program
- Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
- COVID-19 Business Support Grants – Energy and Property Tax Rebates
- COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP-SB)
- Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant
- Ontario Community Environment Fund - Deadline June 23rd
Black Entrepreneurship Loan Program
The Government of Canada has announced that the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is now accepting loan applications from Black business owners and entrepreneurs through the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE). It will provide loans up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs. Loans can be used for capital investments, working capital, short-term receivable financing. Visit FACE to apply. |
City of Toronto Programs and Resources
Business licensing and permit application portal BusinessTO Support Centre: Provides one-on-one virtual support to help businesses CurbTO: Provides temporary curbside parking pick-up zones for main street businesses Digital Main Street: Provides support for businesses interested in adopting technologies COVID-19: Guidelines for Businesses & Community OrganizationsMandatory mask-wearing guidelines Printable posters Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace: Requirements of employers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace ShopHERE powered by Google: Get help to set up and launch an online store quickly, easily and at no cost Free Webinars |
RESOURCES TO PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR REOPENING!
As businesses prepare to reopen there will be a need to re-engage with your customers and clients. New strategies will vary based on your location, industry, and as the environment changes overtime. Developing a thorough reopening plan provides businesses with an opportunity to be transformational.
- COVID-19 Posters & Graphics
- CaféTO Registration
- COVID-19 Safety Plan Checklist
- COVID-19 Workplace Reporting Tool
- Digital Main Street
ANTI RACISM & INCLUSION RESOURCES!
Every business can put a plan in place to address racism and help eradicate it. Below are some resources to help.
- Indigenous Affairs Office in Toronto
- City of Toronto Resources (incl. Anti-Black Racism Conversation Guide)
- Black organizations and fundraisers you can support in Toronto
- Anti-Racism Resources from the Government of Canada (incl. Indigenous Atlas of Canada)
- List of Indigenous Businesses in Toronto
- TorontoToronto For All (Anti-East Indian Racism, Disability Awareness Inclusion, and more.)
BUSINESSTO
Support for one-on-one help with applications for any of these programs.