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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.

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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.

Riverside Rewards Raffle: Who’s Participating?

That’s end of Week 1 of the Riverside Rewards Raffle!

In case you didn’t know, the Riverside BIA recently launched the Riverside Rewards Raffle, a campaign to help support our BIA members affected by the ongoing Queen East Construction.

This is a fun and easy campaign to reward YOU for shopping, dining and using services at businesses located within the Queen 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 to local businesses – the more you enter, tye more chances to win!

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

In the meantime, here are just some of the amazing local businesses participating in Riverside Rewards Raffle. Check ‘em out!

Photo credit: Album Hair

Album Hair (@albumhair)

Address: 639 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

Award-winning hair salon that specializes in trendy cuts, colours and hair treatments

Photo credit: Downtown Automotive Group

Downtown Automotive Group (@downtownautogroupto)

Address: 77 E Don Roadway, Toronto, ON M4M 2A5

A collection of 10 automobile sales and service facilities representing 12 of the most respected brands in the automotive world

Photo credit: Riverside Dental

Riverside Dental (@riverside.dental)

Address: 690B Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Full service dental facility providing cosmetic and family dental care, such as veneers, fillings and cleaning

Photo credit: Toronto Community Acupuncture

Toronto Community Acupuncture (@tocacu)

Address: 3 Munro St, Toronto, ON M4M 2B7

Community clinic offering high quality, low-cost acupuncture, in support of health and wellness goals

Photo credit: Amavi Atelier

Amavi Atelier (@atelier_amavi)

Address: 634 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Importer of distinctive antique vessels and home decor items sourced from across the globe

Our first draw will close Feb 24th and winners announced Feb 25! There are still three weekly draws + the grand draw left! Riverside Rewards Raffle runs until Wednesday, March 25th. Good luck!

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. 

Black History Month: Remembering Joel Weeks and His Legacy

Located at 10 Thompson St in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, Joel Weeks Park is an integral space for this East End community. As many of you probably know, beloved community programming is held here, such as the Rivertowne Summer BBQ and Riverside Halloween Fest.

While residents and visitors have created fond memories here over the years, Joel Weeks Park has an important history behind it. In commemoration of Black History Month, we honour Joel Weeks and the legacy he left in the Riverside community.

Joel Weeks, Photo credit: Toronto Star

In 1982, eight-year-old Joel Weeks was playing with his friends when he crawled into a sewer through an exposed  opening, not realizing it had a slippery ledge and a strong current below from the sewage system. This led to his untimely passing.

Joel was a resident of Don Mount Court, a public housing community on Dundas Street east of the Don River, where play spaces were limited. The tragedy shook the community and his story remains a deeply painful reminder of the lack of safe play spaces for children at that time and a small greenspace and playground in the community was named in his memory “Joel Weeks Parkette”.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

However, decades later, the City of Toronto and Toronto Community Housing Corporation collaborated with the community and Janet Rosenberg Architects on designing a full scale park,as part of the larger revitalizaton of the Don Mount area to Rivertowne. The new park would serve as a communal space for the surrounding and broader community including hundreds of local children. In 2012, the new park opened and yes, you guessed it — it was named Joel Weeks Park, in celebration of Joel’s life and recognition of the strong need and desire for high quality public park space to serve local people.

Today, Joel Week Park is a recreational space where residents and visitors can connect, play, relax, connect with nature and engage with community activities and art. From afterschool playtime with friends to leisurely strolls with pets, the park offers much needed rest but also connection. 

Don Mount Courts – Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Almost a hectare in size, Joel Weeks Park boasts an impressive array of amenities such as the Don Mount basketball courts and children’s play areas, as well as the Riverside Community Gardens, and Carol Sutton Community Garden. As mentioned earlier, it is also a venue for some of the Riverside BIA’s and other community public programming.

As we remember the story of Joel Weeks this Black History Month, may his namesake park remind us of the importance of not just safe and inclusive spaces for kids but also of community and belonging between generations and cultures.

Community events – Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for stories from Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood!

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