Blog

Riverside Rewards Raffle: Things To Do in the Neighbourhood

Today is the last day of Week 3 of 4 of the Riverside Rewards Raffle!!

FYI, the Riverside Rewards Raffle is a fun and easy campaign by the Riverside BIA to reward YOU for shopping, dining and using services at businesses located within the Queen East construction zone (= Queen St E between East Don Roadway and Broadview Ave, Toronto).

The mechanics are simple: all you need to enter is a photo of your receipt (minimum $10 purchase) or a screenshot of your Google review from a participating business, and submit it through the official raffle form. Yes, it’s that easy!

You can enter once a day until March 25 for a chance to win weekly $100 gift cards (we have two weekly draws left!) and a $1000 grand prize gift card pack from local businesses – the more you enter, the more chances to win.

From trying handcrafted cocktails to burning calories with a fun workout, there’s plenty to do in Riverside. Here are just some of the many activities you can do, courtesy of these participating businesses in the Riverside Rewards Raffle:

Photo credit: The West Cork

The West Cork (@thewestcork)

Address: 701 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G6

This Irish pub is a great place to enjoy live music and watch sports. A visit to The West Cork wouldn’t be complete without indulging yourself with a pint of Guinness and a spice bag. Follow them on Instagram to stay updated on who’s performing and what games they’re screening at the pub!

Photo credit: La Femme Strong

La Femme Strong (@lafemmestrong)

Address: 655 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

La Femme Strong is a multi-disciplinary strength training community for women and non-binary folks. Whether it’s kettlebells, kickboxing, barre or pilates, their team of knowledgeable trainers helps you find the right program for you. You can read more about their classes HERE.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

Eastbound Brewing Co. (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Eastbound is more than just a place to get amazing craft beers; it’s a great community-oriented space too! From The Well Read Cantina Book Club to Smartypints Trivia, they host a lot of fun events where you can come and make a new friend or two! You can find more information on their programming HERE.

Photo credit: RISE Cycle

RISE Cycle (@risecycle)

Address: 672 Queen St E Main Floor, Toronto, ON M4M 1G8

Skip the home workout every once in a while and join a spin class at RISE Cycle. Their sessions are led by motivating instructors and driven by purposefully curated playlists. Each 50-minute class is a full-body workout designed to reinvigorate both the body and mind. Book a class with RISE Cycle HERE.

Photo credit: Aura

Aura (@auratoronto)

Address: 686 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Looking for the perfect nightcap? Head over to Aura and try their handcrafted, inspired cocktails! If you’re feeling a little peckish, they also have delicious appetizers you can pair with the drinks. They also have happy hour from 5pm-7pm. You can view Aura’s full menu and make a reservation HERE.

Week 3 ends tonight at 11:59pm and winners announced tomorrow, March 11th! But no worries if you miss it, Riverside Rewards Raffle runs until Wednesday, March 25th. Good luck!

You can find the mechanics, full list of participating businesses, key dates, raffle form, and fineprint of the Riverside Rewards Raffle HERE.

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check out the Riverside Blog as we’ll be coming out with more content on the Riverside Rewards Raffle this month!

Riverside Rewards Raffle: Enter to win!

This initiative is supported by the Riverside Business Improvement Area to support local businesses during the Queen Street East Construction project along Queen East between East Don Roadway and Broadview Avenue.

A Well-Pressed Goodbye for Better Way Cleaners

After 60+ years of serving the Riverside community with trusted and affordable dry cleaning, Better Way Cleaners will be folding into its final chapter as it closes its doors later this month.

Located at 724 Queen St East, Better Way Cleaners is one of Riverside’s longest-standing family businesses. Edward Jang, who took over after his late father William “Bill” Jang’s retirement in 1988, announced his own retirement this month to focus on the next chapter of his life.

On Wednesday, March 11th, Better Way Cleaners will be open from 1pm-4pm so drop by and share your wonderful memories of the business and congratulate them on an amazing run.

You can read more about Better Way Cleaners’ history through Edward’s interview with the Riverside BIA in the blog post linked below:

BLOG: Riverside 40 Years, 40 Stories: Better Way Cleaners, A Constant for 56 Years

Bill Jang started Better Way Cleaners in 1965, when Riverside was very different from the neighbourhood we now know and love today. Businesses have come and gone, but Better Way Cleaners clearly stood the test of time — in fact, they’ve had the same storefront since 1965.

Photo credit: City of Toronto Archives

Known for their quick and quality services, Better Way Cleaners is a Riverside institution that has built a loyal customer base through the decades. The machines may have been replaced over time, but the business’s promise has remained the same.

From suits to coats to dresses, every item you entrust with Better Way Cleaners comes out spotless and crease-free. This is the legacy Better Way Cleaners will leave behind in Riverside.

Better Way Cleaners will be open until Saturday, March 21st (except Tuesday, March 10th – CLOSED). Customers can pick up their orders from Monday to Saturday, 10:30am-4pm. 

On Wednesday, March 11th, Better Way Cleaners will be open from 1pm-4pm so drop by and share your wonderful memories of the business and congratulate them on an amazing run.

The people of Riverside will surely miss Better Way Cleaners, but we’re very excited for Edward Jang and the whole family behind Better Way Cleaners as they embark on a new journey.

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on amazing milestones from Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood!

Riverside Rewards Raffle: Businesses We Love

Can you believe we’re in Week 3 of the Riverside Rewards Raffle already?!

Riverside Rewards Raffle is a fun and easy campaign to reward YOU for shopping, dining and using services at businesses located within the Queen East construction zone (= Queen St E between East Don Roadway and Broadview Ave, Toronto).

All you need to enter is a photo of your receipt (minimum $10 purchase) or a screenshot of your Google review from a participating business, and submit it through the official raffle form. It’s that simple and easy!

Remember, you can enter once a day until March 25 for a chance to win weekly $100 gift cards and a $1000 grand prize gift card pack from local businesses – the more you enter, the more chances to win!

In today’s blog, we’re sharing the kind words we received from participants of the Riverside Rewards Raffle so far. Here’s what they had to say about the campaign and some of the participating businesses:

Photo credit: The West Cork

“Best staff on the planet! I have never felt more at home than at The West Cork.” – Aimee

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

“I love the Riverside Rewards Raffle because it encourages me to support local shops and businesses. I live in Riverside, so I’m really close to many of these stores. The campaign gives me the encouragement I needed to try places right in my neighbourhood.” – Rocio

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

“I’ve been a regular at Eastbound for almost two years now. I keep coming back because, to my delight, every single employee at Eastbound is fantastic. The food and drinks are great, but the people are the reason I love Eastbound.” – Julian

Photo credit: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness

“Oma has been a friendly and consistent pillar for me since I first moved to the neighbourhood nearly eight years ago. I’d travel across the city to come here if I had to!” – Kelsey

Photo credit: Happy Burger

“The Riverside Rewards Raffle is such a great campaign idea! It’s a great way to boost local businesses during the construction. Way to go, Riverside BIA team! Thank you!” – Jacob

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

“I truly enjoyed the culinary experience at The Broadview Hotel’s The Bistro. The dishes were delicious, offering a perfect mix of timeless classics and healthy choices, all served within a welcoming atmosphere and excellent service.” – Sebastian

Disclaimer: These statements have been edited for length and clarity.

Week 3 will close March 10th and winners announced March11th! Riverside Rewards Raffle runs until Wednesday, March 25th. Good luck!

You can find the mechanics, full list of participating businesses, key dates, raffle form, and fineprint of the Riverside Rewards Raffle HERE.

Don’t forget to check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for regular updates on the Riverside Rewards Raffle!

Riverside Rewards Raffle: Enter to win!

This initiative is supported by the Riverside Business Improvement Area.

TOUR: Riverside Film and TV

Over the past several decades, Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood has been a filming hotspot for many different movies and TV shows.

Learn about some of what has been filmed at some of Riverside’s most notable locations and explore it for yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Ralph Thornton Centre & Queen/Saulter Library located at 765 Queen St East
Scene from “In The Mouth of Madness” (1994) Directed by John Carpenter

Scene from “In The Mouth of Madness” (1994), Directed by John Carpenter

STOP 1: Ralph Thornton Centre & Queen/Saulter Library

765 Queen St East

Designed by E.J. Lennox, the architect behind Old Toronto City Hall and Casa Loma, this building was constructed in 1912 and known as Postal Station G until 1975, before the City of Toronto acquired the building and it was renovated into the Ralph Thornton Community Center and Queen/Saulter Library Branch in 1979. The building and its exterior have served as filming locations for scenes in films such as Cinderella Man (2005) and In The Mouth of Madness (1994). 

Broadview Beauty Parlour located in Toronto's Riverside neighbourhood

Photo credit: Christian Jay B. Quilo

George Iliades' barber shop in Riverside

Photo credit: The Toronto Star

STOP 2: George Iliades’ Broadview Beauty Parlour

741 Queen St East

Ever since George Iliades’ shop was rented out for a TD Bank Commercial that ended up also featuring him, he got an agent and has been featured in 14 movies including 2002’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding. His barber shop remains a fixture on Queen St E, having been here for over 50 years.

The Broadview Hotel located 106 Broadview Ave

STOP 3: The Broadview Hotel

106 Broadview Ave

Built by Archibald Dingman and known for its Richardsonian Romanesque style, pyramidal tower, and terra cotta relief sculptures on the facade, The Broadview Hotel was first established in 1891 and fully reopened in 2017 after years of acting as rooming houses and hosting entertainment clubs. It has since been featured in notable movies and TV series including Cinderella Man and Workin’ Moms. 

The Riverside Bridge

 

Scene from “Angel Eyes” (2001) Directed by Luis Mando

Scene from “Angel Eyes” (2001), Directed by Luis Mando

Il Ponte located at 625 Queen St East
Scene filmed inside Il Ponte for the TV series “Mary Kills People”

Scenes filmed inside Il Ponte for the TV series “Mary Kills People” created by Tara Armstrong (Credit: Global)

STOP 4: The Riverside Bridge & Il Ponte

Queen St East between River St & Davies Ave & 625 Queen St East

The Riverside Bridge, officially known as the Queen Street Viaduct, was established in 1803 before being reconstructed to its current state in 1911. It has been featured in the 2001 film Angel Eyes where the CN Tower can also be spotted, despite the movie’s Chicago setting. The popular Italian restaurant Il Ponte, named after the bridge it is located next to, is found at the eastern foot of the bridge and has been featured in the TV series Mary Kills People (episode 2×05). 

The Opera House located at 735 Queen St East
Scene from “The Rocker” (2008)Directed by Peter Cattaneo

Scene from “The Rocker” (2008), Directed by Peter Cattaneo

STOP 5: The Opera House

735 Queen St East

The Opera House was first established in 1909 as a vaudeville stage before becoming a movie theatre in the 1930s before transforming into the well-known music venue in 1989 that has hosted many iconic artists from Metallica to Eminem. The location has been featured in many different music videos, TV, and film, including The Rocker (2008) and Johnny Mnemonic (1995).  

The Comrade located at 758 Queen St East
Tell Me Lies (Disney+/Hulu)

Tell Me Lies (Credit: Disney+/Hulu)

STOP 6: The Comrade

758 Queen St East

Originally a rougher “hole-in-the-wall” spot, The Comrade evolved into a beloved, cozy local hangout famous for its cocktails, burgers, and taxidermy decor. The pub has been a filming hotspot for TV series, such as the Disney+/Hulu series Tell Me Lies’ third season. 

The Kids of DeGrassi Street

The Kids of Degrassi Street (Credit: Amazon)

STOP 7: De Grassi Street & Bruce Mackey Park

812 Queen St East & 55 Wardell St  

Named after the soldier Filippo De Grassi, De Grassi Street served as the inspiration for the hit Canadian TV franchise, which started in 1979 with The Kids of Degrassi Street, continuing into the 80s and 90s with Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, and the 2000s iteration Degrassi: The Next Generation notably launched the career of artist Drake, with the latest series Degrassi: Next Class streaming on Netflix in 2016. Bruce Mackey Park was dedicated to friend and supporter of the series, Bruce Mackey who aided the series’ creators Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood. 

Filming for a Handmaid’s Tale also took place around De Grassi and Queen St East and at local cafe Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen St East).

If you use this tour and post on social media, be sure to tag the businesses along with us @riverside_bia, we’d love to see!

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on the neighbourhood! 

This feature is part of our self-guided tours series curated by Richard – a Communication & Media Studies major at York University – in collaboration with the Riverside BIA.

Neighbourhood Food Crawl: Enter the Riverside Rewards Raffle to Win!

We’re now in Week 2 of the Riverside Rewards Raffle!

The Riverside BIA recently launched the Riverside Rewards Raffle, a fun and easy campaign to reward YOU for shopping, dining and using services at businesses located within the Queen Street East construction zone.

All you need to enter is a photo of your receipt (minimum $10 purchase) or a screenshot of your Google review from a participating business, and submit it through the official raffle form.

You can enter once a day until March 25 for a chance to win weekly $100 gift cards and a $1000 grand prize gift card pack from local businesses. The more you enter, the more chances to win!

Looking for weekend plans? Come with us on a fun food crawl in Toronto’s Riverside, featuring these delicious businesses participating in Riverside Rewards Raffle:

Photo credit: Aura

Aura (@auratoronto)

Address: 686 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Intimate lounge-style bar and restaurant known for tasty appetizers and contemporary cocktails, plus a heated back patio!

Photo credit: Blackbird Baking Co.

Blackbird Baking Co. (@bbirdco)

Address: 635 Queen St E Unit 101, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

Purveyor of handcrafted baked goods, such as breads, pastries and sandwiches made fresh daily

Photo credit: il Ponte Cucina Italiana

il Ponte Cucina Italiana (@ilponte.to)

Address: 625 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 2A5

Upscale restaurant serving Italian flavours with a Venetian touch, from handrolled pastas to house-butchered meats

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House

Prohibition Social House (@prohibitionsocialhouse)

Address: 696 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Cozy gastropub specializing in refined cocktails and pub fare, as well as a weekend brunch menu

Photo credit: Riverside Burgers

Riverside Burgers (@riversideburgers)

Address: 688 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Casual neighbourhood burger joint that makes everything in-house with the highest quality of meats and produce

Photo credit: White Lily Diner

White Lily Diner (@whitelilydiner)

Address: 678 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G8

Cozy breakfast-to-dinner restaurant that works with small family-owned suppliers in Ontario for their comfort diner fare. BUT this Michelin-rcommended restaurant operates via Waitlist, so make sure you get on it.

—

Raffle Week 2 will close March 3rd and winners will be announced March 4th! Riverside Rewards Raffle runs until Wednesday, March 25th. Good luck!

You can find the mechanics, full list of participating businesses, key dates, raffle form, and fineprint of the Riverside Rewards Raffle HERE.

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check out the Riverside Blog as we’ll be coming out with more content on the Riverside Rewards Raffle in the coming weeks!

Riverside Rewards Raffle: Enter to win!

This initiative is supported by the Riverside Business Improvement Area.