BUSINESSES OF THE TORONTO ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT PREPARE FOR SPRING CLEANING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Toronto, ON, April 19, 2017 – The businesses of the Toronto Entertainment District will participate in the City of Toronto’s Corporate 20 Minute Makeover and focus on cleaning parks in the Entertainment District. This citywide initiative supports the Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area’s (TEDBIA) Clean Streets Program aimed at eliminating litter in the neighborhood and fostering community pride.
On Friday, April 21, 2017, businesses will roll up their sleeves to support the City of Toronto’s annual spring clean-up event, which aligns with the TEDBIA’s Clean Streets Program – a year-round initiative focused on beautifying and maintaining the public realm. Participating businesses in the Entertainment District include Albert Gelman Inc., Brill Communications, Entertainment One, BTY Group, Fairmont Royal York, Hyatt Regency Toronto, InterContinental Toronto Centre, Hôtel Le Germain Mercer, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Ritz-Carlton Toronto, Toronto International Film Festival and Steam Whistle Brewing. Businesses will cover their surrounding public realm and nearby green spaces namely Clarence Square Park, David Pecaut Square, Isabella Valancy Crawford Park, Olympic Park, Roundhouse Park, Simcoe Park and the University Ave. Triangle.
Michael Emory, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Properties REIT and Chair of the TEDBIA’s Board of Directors, explains, “As our neighborhood continues to develop and evolve, efforts towards clean-up and beautification are important initiatives that support the growth of this live-work community.”
During the makeover, the TEDBIA office will team up with representatives from the offices of Councillor Joe Cressy, MP Adam Vaughan and MPP Han Dong to focus clean-up efforts on David Pecaut Square. Joe Cressy, Ward 20 Councillor explains why emphasis is given to parks in the area –
“The Entertainment District is a community of residents, workers and visitors. As the population of this area grows, working together to build and maintain our community – our green spaces, and more – is crucial to really making our neighbourhood livable.”
Janice Solomon, Executive Director of the TEDBIA commented on the Corporate 20 Minute Makeover by saying, “This event has become a yearly spring kick off to our Clean Streets Program, which is now in its 7th year. The program employs a team responsible for litter pick-up, graffiti removal and poster removal. This year we are going one step further with an anti-litter campaign that calls for greater community involvement. The Entertainment District is a significant part of Canada’s economic hub and welcomes millions of annual visitors coming to Toronto for arts, culture, sports, hospitality and attractions. Additionally, this district continues to see a steady increase in our commercial and residential population making the cleanliness of this area is a top priority.”
In addition to the Clean Streets Program, the TEDBIA has a flower program that covers the neighborhood with vibrant florals seasonally. Spring flowers are in bloom and will be installed on all streets in the Entertainment District. The arrangements are placed on street poles, along sidewalks and in the bike lanes for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists to enjoy as they move through the neighborhood.
About the Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area:
Established in 2008, in support of the businesses of this area, the Toronto Entertainment District BIA’s mandate is to promote, improve and preserve this dynamic area of Toronto. Benefitting from economic, environmental and social factors driving downtown growth, the Entertainment District has established itself as a thriving and vibrant district for living, creating, working and entertainment.
With distinct architecture both old and new, the Entertainment District is a thriving commercial hub of creative houses, hospitality and retail. From the Air Canada Centre to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Entertainment District includes many of Toronto’s most iconic cultural landmarks including the CN Tower, Steam Whistle Brewing, Toronto Railway Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Canada’s Walk of Fame, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Metro Hall, Rogers Centre, Roy Thomson Hall, Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, TIFF Bell Lightbox, 401 Richmond, Canadian Broadcast Corporation, Bell Media. The District is home to an array of talent that is comprised of the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet of Canada, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.
The Entertainment District has a growing population of 25,000 residents, 17 million visitors annually and a workforce of 80,000.
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For more information, please visit www.torontoed.com or contact:
Janice Solomon, Executive Director
Toronto Entertainment District BIA
416-926-1337
jsolomon@torontoed.com