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Weld Done Designs #RiversideTO

The iconic macFAB has struck gold again with another amazing store opening, or should we say struck metal!

Wendy Kelloway designs both custom and one of a kind furniture pieces made from metal! Wendy has been involved with creating works of art from sheet metal since 1997, and has had her own business/show space since 1999.

When asking Wendy what we can expect from her new pop up store at 759A Queen Street East and why in Riverside, Wendy could hardly hide her excitement. Firstly, she wanted people to understand how her store is different than other stores. This store is like a “pop-up store,” meaning it is coming now, and we don’t know how long it will be here till – so come and check it out now! The store is by appointment only- but not to worry, it is very easy to get in.  To take a look, pop into macFAB and mention that you’d like to check out the Weld Done and the sales associates at macFAB will be happy to let you in. On occasion, Wendy will be around so you can actually talk and meet the designer.

Wendy wanted her latest storefront showcase to be here in Riverside because she said “this is my neighborhood, I live here and I love it here!” Wendy was really excited that she was going to get to show her unique pieces of art in her community and in the neighborhood she loves. Another great thing about this store and Wendy is even if you see something you like but maybe it is not the right size, everything is custom; you chat with Wendy and she will be able to make something custom for you and your home.  See something you love, but it is a bit difficult for you to transport? You can purchase it and Wendy can organize for it have it professionally delivered to your home.

We asked Wendy if she had any “hot items” that she really wanted to comment on. She replied by saying that “Every item is a hot item, offering something different for each person.”  And it was so true! Everything is so beautiful and unique, plus she also has an amazing wine rack that can hold over 140 bottles of wine! We highly suggest you come check out her new store and see what ‘Weld Done’ things she has created!

Listed below are all of Wendy’s contact information and other store location:
-759A Queen Street East, Toronto ON, N4M 1H3

Guest Blogger
-Alysha Ford

Invitations will be going out to local businesses by the end of January for the First Annual Riverside District BIA Bonspiel on March 25 at the Royal Canadian Curling Club.

More than 60 BIA business owners and employees played in the inaugural bonspiel last year that was promoted as a way for BIA members to get acquainted with the curling club tucked away behind a row of houses on Broadview Ave. just north of Queen St. E.

Historic Royal Canadian Curling Patch

The 700-member curling club is one of the oldest active organizations in the Riverside District neighbourhood. Its history dates back to the Royal Canadian Volunteers, a 750-member militia regiment recruited from across Upper Canada and disbanded in 1802.

It started with the Royal Canadian Athletic Club, a group of about 100 men that evolved into the Royal Canadian Bicycle Club in 1891.

The bicycle club was located in a portion of Dingman Hall at 112 Broadview Ave., better known today as “Jilly’s.” The Toronto Evening Star wrote: “The club parlours are upholstered and furnished in the best of style and the pictures of the winning teams decorate the walls. A padded boxing room, a pool room, a card room, a smoking room, a reading room and a first class gymnasium are among the attractions.”

In 1907, the bicycle club built a new clubhouse at 131 Broadview Ave. They added an arena for curling, skating and hockey to the back of the clubhouse in 1929 and changed the name to the Royal Canadian Bicycle and Curling Club. The ice house runs north behind the row houses on Broadview Ave. to the alley beside the St. John’s Bakery.

Curling has been the sole sport played at the club since 1953.

Royals Dunlop Race

Inside the curling club lobby stands one of the world’s largest athletic trophies. The silver and ebony Dunlop Challenge Cup – seven-feet tall and named for the bicycle tire manufacturer – was won by the Royal Canadian Bicycle Club in 1895 and 1896. The 20-mile race started with four laps around the defunct Greenwood Racetrack on Queen St. East before heading out Kingston Road and back for another four laps around the track in front of the horse racing grandstand packed with spectators.

By Brian McAndrew

Brian McAndrew is a long-time curler at the Royal Canadian Curling Club and is a member of its board of directors and history committee. He can be reached at bmcandr@gmail.com

This winter, the Riverside BIA has been extremely lucky to have on board two volunteer interns from George Brown College.  We would like to welcome Alysha Ford and Ai Kobayashi, who are the newest east-enders to be walking the streets of Riverside.

Alysha Ford

Alysha will be with us for 7 weeks and is currently a second year George Brown College student studying in Special Event Planning, with much experience in fashion merchandising, the world of Bridal, and event coordination. When Alysha is not helping out with an event you can find her sipping tea and reading many bridal magazines. Alysha comes from the small city of Stratford ON, but has always thought of herself as a true upper East-Sider girl. Alysha hopes to one day have her own Event Company, but as for right now, glad to be giving back to you Riverside!

Ai Kobayashi

Ai will be with us for 14 weeks and is a first year student at George Brown College studying Strategic Relationship Marketing. She is looking forward to getting experience in marketing, event coordination, and streetscape as well as getting acquainted in admin tasks. Ai is very excited to work for Riverside District and is really looking forward to meeting the interesting people who have businesses in the Riverside BIA!

We are thrilled to start the New Year with these two talented interns. If you see them around be sure to say hi.