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Welcome Back! Personal Care Businesses Re-Opening

June 29, 2021

This round of lockdown across the city of Toronto including right here in Riverside neighbourhood, left us all in desperate need of some social time with friends and family. But it also left many of us in even greater need of a haircut, a new skin care routine and maybe even a new set of lashes- we earned it!

With patio season now in full swing across the city we know everyone is already out and about enjoying all the good eats this side of the Don Valley. So we wanted to shed some much needed light and love on all the personal care businesses in Riverside neighbourhood that are reopening today/ over the next week, in line with the Ontario Step 2 guidelines. Yes, our personal care services ARE BACK, and we have all missed them so its’s time to show them some love!

Here is our rundown of Riverside-based beauty and personal care spots reopening this week/next, and they are here to help you look and feel your best in Summer 2021!

Important note: Photos may not properly convey, but all businesses are strictly following Public Health protocols for Personal Care Services including capacity limits, sanitation, masking, etc to serve you safely! Please ensure you check with the business and confirm your appointment prior to visiting them in person.

Untitled by Flaunt Boutique – IG @untitledtoronto

(Opening July 2nd) Not just an excellent spot to have a spa status hair cut and colour but also a great location for stocking up on all things skin and hair care. They have a selection of products, chosen with sustainability and your health in mind, for you to enjoy while being pampered in house or to take with you to enjoy over and over again at home! Check out their Instagram and their website https://untitledtoronto.ca/ for booking details.

WAXON Wax Bar – IG @waxon

Look, I know none of us have been exactly thrilled to do this kind of personal care since the start of the second lockdown. But it’s summer, and we all need to get out and enjoy some sun, SPF required, and remember what summer in Toronto means, the beach! WAXON is the perfect place to get you feeling prepped and silky smooth for every beach day, pool side hang, and event this summer. Plus you can have your brows and eyelashes done here too! It’s a one stop ‘best-you’ shop! Check out their website https://waxon.ca/ to book now!

Clinique De Mode – IG @cliniquedemode

With a focus on providing honest professional advice, combined with the highest quality, medical-grade skin services at the absolute best value, instead of selling you product to meet their bottom line; Clinique De Mode is the perfect place to achieve you healthiest skin ever! You can book a free consultation on their website https://cliniquedemode.com/ or treat yourself to a vampire facial to help you relax after one too many zoom meetings!

Hair Code – IG @hair_code

“If you are reading this, you are already one step closer to beautiful hair. Born with a crazy desire to create the unique and unwilling to accept the ordinary, Hair Code thrives on the premise that no hairstyle is ever the same as another. Hair Code is home to an elite team of talented and passionate stylists, obsessed with crafting a hair design that best matches your unique personality and lifestyle.” – Hair Code Team. Check out their website https://www.haircode.ca/ and social or give them a call to book!

Broadview Beauty Parlour

This Riverside parlour has been a staple in the neighbourhood for decades. Locals know the friendly owner, George, to be a great barber and community character. They don’t do social media or have a website because they are keeping it old school but you can book with George by calling the shop (416) 466-6568.

Oreya Studio – IG @oreyastudio

Founded by Alexa Brittany, Oreya means beautiful (in Greek). Oreya was created to inspire confidence and good vibes, with a focus on how you feel, not just how you look. A perfect mentality to take with you for the rest of this lockdown free summer. Get you hair, lashes and a wax done all in the same space. This team of gorgeous professionals are your hype (wo)men and biggest fans. Follow them on instagram to get their contact info or give them a call (416) 463-0001 to book.

Beauty by Geet – IG @beautybygeet

We all know wearing mascara then spending an afternoon in the summer sun is a recipe for racoon eyes waiting to happen! So lash extensions are the perfect summer solution for feeling beautiful without the worry! Beauty by Geet offers lash extensions, brow laminations, and makeup services. Their specialization in lashes allows them to be on the cutting edge of technique and technology by attending workshops, training and conventions. Head to their website https://www.beautybygeet.com/ to schedule your lash appointment!

Lone and Co – IG @loneandco

Think of Lone and Co as a club for the best hair care consultants, where you get to pick who from this collection of independent creators, is your hair’s perfect match! All the stylist set their own schedules and prices and you can check them all out on the website https://www.loneandco.com/ .Right now they ask that you give them a call to book at (647) 351-8480

Dreamy Beauty Bar – IG @dreamybeautybar

Lynda Quach, owner of the Dreamy Beauty Bar

“The Dreamy Beauty Bar experience is a balance of artistry and relaxation. It’s ever-evolving too: each visit is an opportunity to keep you up-to-date on the newest products, techniques, and services. After all, time spent here is YOUR time. Contact me, Lynda and let’s talk about your beauty goals!” – Owner, Lynda. Specializing in lashes and brows, Dreamy Beauty Bar is here to make your dreams come true this summer! Get in touch with Lynda on the website https://www.dreamybeautybar.com/ to book!

Album Hair – IG @albumhair

(Opening July 2nd) Ready to have the perfect sun-kissed, glossy hair this season. Album hair is here to help you achieve the perfect custom balayage and fresh cut or a wash and blowout for your first big outing this summer! Check out their Instagram to stay up to date with booking information and head to their website https://www.albumhair.com/ for store hours and contact information!

Hill Studio – IG @hillstudioto

“Good Energy, Good Hair” – Hill Studio.

Hill Studio is a Black-owned hair studio catering to women and children. They have expertise working with diverse hair types and getting desired results. Hill Studio also stocks hair products, offers classes, and sells merchandise. They offer an extensive range of services from relaxing to colouring to extensions. They are also hosting a running club this summer #hillrunclub. To achieve your best hair and your best self head to their website https://www.hillstudioto.com/ to book and learn more!

Riverside 40 Years, 40 Stories: BIA Branding Evolution

June 24, 2021

Story Contributed by Aarti Sharma

In this feature, #20 of the ‘Riverside 40 Years, 40 Stories’ series, we’re sharing the story of the BIA’s brand evolution! The brand has evolved greatly over 40 years thanks to the bold ideas of Board members, Marketing Committee members, and innovative graphic designers. Today, the Riverside BIA’s award-winning brand is on full display throughout the neighbourhood. Read on to learn the story and see examples of the brand over time…

The vibrant pole banners and pole wraps along Toronto’s Queen Street East from the Queen Street Viaduct to Empire Avenue can’t be missed – the hot pink, purple and blue hues are sure to catch your attention while passing through the Riverside BIA.

Since 2018, these striking colours have become an indispensable part of the Riverside BIA’s brand. This was the year when the BIA thoughtfully invested in re-branding with the Riverside Board of Management and Marketing Committee and designer George Conidis of geocdesign.com. From then on the brand was built and fused into the BIA’s identity online and on the street, giving it a striking new makeover.

Riverside BIA current branding thanks to the Riverside Marketing Committee and graphic designer geocdesign.com

Riverside BIA current vibrant branding, thanks to the Riverside Marketing Committee and graphic designer geocdesign.com

But this followed a long tale of evolution of branding which is equally fascinating. It all began with Queen-Broadview Village….

Early BIA Branding

Riverside BIA began as ‘Queen-Broadview Village BIA’ in 1980. Then BIA founders including Albert Edelstein proudly displayed the BIA brand via street banners, planters and BIA swag as seen in the images below. The brand emphasized the close-knit community feel of the BIA as a collection of main street businesses working together toward a common goal of marketing and beautify the business district:

Examples of branding of the Queen-Broadview Village BIA (now Riverside BIA) from the 1980s and 90s

In the early 2000s a renaming effort got underway to bring the BIA to a name that reflected the neighbourhood original roots as ‘Riverside’ since the 1880s. In 2004, the name ‘Riverside’ was officially adopted as the BIA’s new identity. The branding came to reflect the connection to the Riverside with a water theme and the idea of being ‘Toronto’s Authentic Urban Neigbourhood’ with its focus on small businesses, community, sustainability, and public art and culture – as illustrated by the example below of a Riverside BIA banner illustration by Toronto artist Jessie Durham:

Branding of BIA once it has been renamed to Riverside BIA in the 2000s – illustration by artist Jessie Durham

Why the 2018 re-branding?

By 2017, the Riverside BIA had developed a robust schedule of annual public programming and community events, and the area had attracted a diversity of vibrant community-oriented businesses to call Riverside their home. The persona of Riverside BIA had changed into a go-to, lively and compelling neighbourhood with a lot to offer.

The Riverside BIA Board, Marketing Committee and designer George Conidis of GEOCDESIGN wanted to introduce that same vibrancy and life to the area’s brand, along with a cohesion online and on the streets. Coupled with new creative technologies such as branded poles wraps, the BIA invested in website changes, street banner and poles wraps, TTC ads, and decals and more.

The re-branding journey…

George recalls his discussion with the Riverside BIA team: “The guidepost for this mission was clear. Community has always been at the core of Riverside, and the ambiance and the feel it offers were the compasses that steered all of our branding discussions.”

George followed the ideology ‘Simple is more’ throughout the design process.

The archive of images of all the Riverside events over the years, gave the design team an overview the past design and branding. This helped in considering each element that would go into the new design.

A look at Riverside BIA’s re-branding work over 2018-19

Color Palette

George brought forward the creative vision of splashing the Riverside brand with the bold and beautiful hues of hot pink, purple and blue; thus bringing character to the brand that palpably brought out the personality of Riverside.

This versatile palette was chosen to work well in all seasons, from spring to winter. These colours were weaved into Riverside BIA logo, marketing collaterals (posters, pole banners, pole wraps, Riverside magazine, TTC shelter, postcards, and visiting cards), Riverside icon, and the website.

Riverside’s New Brand Becomes Award-Winning

In 2019, Riverside BIA’s new brand was recognized by the Toronto Association of BIAs (TABIA) and awarded the ‘Branding Award’.

Riverside BIA Won TABIA 2019 Branding Award (Left to Right: TABIA Chair; Jennifer Lay of Riverside BIA; Geo Conidis, Graphic Designer for Riverside; BIA Co-Chair Mitch Korman)

George and the Riverside team have given this modern flair to the Riverside brand thus breathing a new life and character into the neighbourhood; while the old emotion of being community focused is distinctly reflected as the focal point.

This passion for the neighbourhood will always get the spotlight in the Riverside brand even as it continues to evolve!

The ‘Riverside BIA 40 Years, 40 Stories’ Series is part of how we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of this incredible neighbourhood of community-builders.

Media Release: Riverside BIA and Leslieville BIA Say ‘Cheers’ to 2021 Patio Season with ‘Queen East Eats’

June 17, 2021

Press Releases

Tours, colourful promotional displays, giveaways and more to welcome patrons to summer/fall al fresco dining experience

Toronto, ON – To mark the return of the City’s CafeTO program, two Business Improvement Areas have teamed up to launch ‘Queen East Eats’ – a unique, first-of-its-kind collaboration to promote the ‘support local’ experience and a patio season like no other on their shared main street.

Queen Eats East is a promotional collaboration between the Riverside BIA (Queen St E between Davies and Empire Avenues) and Leslieville BIA (Queen St E between Empire and Vancouver Avenues). The goal is to drum up support and increase foot traffic to outdoor dining at 50+ local restaurants, bars and cafes, and make the Queen East strip the preferred summer destination to experience al fresco dining.

Through a series of exciting activations such as patio map, tours, contests, and public art over summer and fall 2021, the program aims to attract tourism to the east end neighbourhoods of Riverside and Leslieville. By leveraging the appeal of their many famous eating and drinking establishments as anchors, the BIAs are leading local pandemic economic recovery efforts.

Why ‘Queen East Eats’?

The neighbouring BIAs share many common features, including a diverse catalogue of small independent businesses along Queen Street, one of Toronto’s economic driving forces. Queen Street East maintains a close relationship with its surrounding communities.

This relationship is a springboard to launch this exciting summer/fall dining program, with the support of partners including the City of Toronto CafeTO program, and community sponsors including Hullmark, Wright Sisters Group, Outline Financial and Radical Road Brewing Co Marketplace. While the program caters to their communities, they are reimagining and creating a vibrant main street to support economic recovery and welcome tourism back in a safe way.

Highlights of Queen East Eats

A detailed map identifying 50+ outdoor patios in both BIAs, with links and information to each location.
Self-guided/ small group guided patio tours, exploring various culinary themes.
Public parklets, featuring public art installations and spaces for patrons to unwind.
Specially curated public art pieces along a 3 km stretch.
BIA monthly giveaways to some of the east end’s most talked-about restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Many food and drink specials from popular neighbourhood eateries and drinkeries
An extended patio season, with the program running until November 2021.

Patrons are invited to subscribe to #queeneasteats across the BIAs’ social media platforms and to stay connected to these networks for exciting updates on the Queen East Eats program.

For more information, please contact us

About the Riverside BIA – www.riverside-to.com

The Riverside BIA, established in 1980, is one of Canada’s first BIA’s, located along Queen Street East between the Queen Street Viaduct to just past De Grassi Street. Rich in history, green spaces and public art, the BIA includes over 100 unique eateries, retails shops, boutiques and a range of professional services.

About the Leslieville BIA – www.visitleslieville.ca

Representing over 200 businesses and property owners along Queen Street East from Empire to Vancouver Avenues, the Leslieville BIA strives to create and maintain a sustainable and vibrant commercial Main street. As an award-winning Main Street recognized for its marketing efforts, it taps into its biggest assets, including being a preferred destination for film, world-class restaurants, and a landing place for the creative community, to attract tourism. It maintains a strong focus on animating its Main Street to encourage patrons to walk and shop the strip.

Commemorating Albert Edelstein in Toronto’s Riverside BIA

June 9, 2021

General Interest

COMMEMORATING OUR ORIGINAL BIA FOUNDER AND LONG-TIME COMMUNITY-BUILDER

We are commemorating long-time community-builder Albert Edelstein. His passing on May 1, 2021 touched many in our BIA and we want to recognize his incredible work as a founder of our BIA and long-time community member.

Please feel free to share any of your own memories, photos and mementos of Albert to office@riverside-to.com, as we will be adding to this live blog (at bottom).

An excerpt from Albert’s official familial obituary:

“Our much-loved family patriarch, collector of papers, repairer of watches, and taker of pictures. Beloved husband of Ruth Edelstein for 72 years. Loving father and father-in-law of Annette (z’l) and Robert Joseph, Barry and Brenda Edelstein, Gayle and Jeffrey Jackson, and Deena and Menachem Mendlowitz. Loving grandfather to 11 close-knit grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren in Toronto and Israel. Founding member and long-time chair of the Queen-Broadview (now Riverside) BIA, and lifelong devotee to public art and Yiddishkeit.”

We spoke to Albert’s daughter Gayle in May 2021, and she shared many memories and photos of her father’s time on Queen Street East with the BIA which are included below with some from the BIA archives:

“My father’s store was ‘Albert Jewellers’. He originally opened a store on Larchmount and then bought the building at 718 Queen Street East in 1953. It was near the corner of Queen East and Broadview Ave. Toward the corner at the time there was a little diner, then a men’s clothing store, and then my dad’s store. ”

June 1999 Photo inside the former ‘Albert Jewellers’ at 718 Queen E, with the late Albert Edelstein (forefront at left) speaking with the late Jack Layton (June 23rd, 1999) (Photo from the Edelstein Family)

In the late 1970s, Albert was one of several local community-minded business owners along Queen Street East near Broadview Avenue in Toronto, who had been sitting and planning around a kitchen table on many a late night. There was Albert, Jack Korman, owner of Corby’s men’s clothing store (late father of current BIA Chair Mitch Korman), along with a handful of others.

From there the original founders of the Queen-Broadview Village Business Improvement Area – the 12th formed in the city of Toronto and one of the first in the world – fostered the BIA as a labour of love for the community and out of a real need to collectively improve the marketing, programming and streetscape of the area.

Albert Edelstein, former Chair of the Queen-Broadview Village BIA (now Riverside BIA) in a 1993 photo showing off the BIA’s new banner and planters improving the streetscape on Queen East (Photo by Jack Kohane)

“He always had lots of ideas. He had a great relationship with City Planning during his decades with the BIA and always used to call them up when he had an idea and say ‘You’ve got to come down to the store to talk about this’ and they would. He was able to work with the BIA Board and City Hall to put a lot of those ideas into fruition. He wanted things to be better for the community.”

In this 1993 photo Albert Edelstein, is with former Mayor of Toronto the late June Rowlands in the Mayor’s office (Photo by J. Richards)

“He envisioned the art for the Bridge, the weather vanes, the inscriptions about time, and so many of the happenings that went on in the BIA at the time like the Harvest Moon festival, the summer street festival, and holiday lighting.”

The only way the family was able to get Albert and his wife Ruth to retire when in their mid-70s was when a good offer came in to buy their building and they closed up shop in the year 2000.

Apparently, Albert always liked to say he “was not stubborn, he was determined”.

“When the shop closed up, we made little memory boxes for the kids, including a TABIA (Toronto BIA Association) newsletter from 1992, which was when Albert stepped down as Chair of the BIA, but was still involved as a Board member until just after the closing. The memory box also had an original Queen-Broadview Village banner, and other mementos.” says Gayle

This June 1999 photo shows Albert Edelstein speaking at the launch of new public wayfinding art in the Queen-Broadview Village BIA with local officials (now Riverside BIA) (Photo from the Edelstein Family)

This June 1999 photo shows Albert Edelstein speaking at the launch of new public wayfinding art in the Queen-Broadview Village BIA (now Riverside BIA) with local officials (Photo from the Edelstein Family)

This June 1999 photo shows Albert Edelstein speaking at the launch of new public wayfinding art in the Queen-Broadview (now Riverside BIA) Village BIA with local officials (Photo from the Edelstein Family)

In 2016, the Riverside BIA, thanks to a grant from the City of Toronto, commissioned mural artist Nick Sweetman to create a mural on the wall of 777 Queen Street East. Nick created a special mural called “A Time for Pollinators” which among other themes, pays homage to Albert with its references to watches and time, while connecting the many other art pieces about time in the Riverside neighbourhood that Albert helped bring to fruition in his time with the BIA.

Albert and his wife Ruth were so pleased and attended the launch of this mural in fall 2016. They are pictured below with Riverside BIA Chair Mitch Korman:

Albert and Ruth Edelstein pictured with Riverside BIA Chair Mitch Korman in 2016 at the launch of the Riverside Pollinator Mural by artist Nick Sweetman which pays homage to Albert’s time with the BIA (Photo by Riverside BIA)

“The area eventually became what my dad always thought it could be.” says Gayle

A big thanks to Gayle and her family for sharing these precious memories of Albert.

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The ‘Riverside BIA 40 Years, 40 Stories’ Series is part of how we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of this incredible neighbourhood of community-builders.

Buy Toronto Time Campaign in Riverside BIA

May 28, 2021

General Interest

Buy Toronto Time is a campaign aimed at getting customers to help their local businesses survive. It aims to trigger action by making people think about how every single business makes their local area special.

Riverside BIA is taking part.

View posters in 20+ local business windows to learn when the business started and check out our Riverside BIA COVID Directory to find out the ways you can support local, right here in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

Here are just a few of the iconic businesses right here taking part in the campaign and stayed tuned for more on our Instagram!

Buy Riverside Time / Buy Toronto Time – Quince Flowers

Buy Riverside Time / Buy Toronto Time – Korman & Co

Buy Riverside Time / Buy Toronto Time – Eastbound Brewing Co

Buy Riverside Time / Buy Toronto Time – Bonjour Brioche

Buy Riverside Time / Buy Toronto Time – Indian Spice Room

Buy Riverside Time / Buy Toronto Time – Dimensions Custom Framing & Gallery

Buy Riverside Time / Buy Toronto Time – Blackbird Baking Co