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New on the Streets of Riverside: Riverside Bike Rings & Plaques Project

If you walked along the sidewalks along Queen Street East in Riverside, you might have noticed a few new additions to the pavement.

Installed at key sites all along Queen Street East between East Don Roadway/Davies Ave and Empire Ave, the Riverside Bike Rings & Plaques Project honours the Riverside BIA’s 45th anniversary (in 2025) and the community’s ongoing spirit of connection to the river. 

Photo credit: Kasia Grobel

Inspired by the original shape of what is now called the Don River, these new bike rings and plaques trace the forgotten bends of the river, each frame capturing a different curve of the Don River before it was straightened in 1886.

Collectively, they form a subtle wayfinding trail. As visitors move through the Riverside BIA, they encounter one historic curve after another, linking the neighbourhood’s vibrant present to its layered past.

The Riverside Bike Rings and Plaques Project is a collaboration between OCAD University, the Riverside BIA, and the City of Toronto.

Consisting of over two dozen new bike racks and commemorative plaques designed by OCAD University student Daniel Roe, this project invites the community to lock your bike, trace the steel, and pause — even just for a moment — to feel the river beneath your wheels.

Daniel Roe is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary designer working at the intersection of brand, product, and experience design. Currently in the Industrial Design program at OCAD University, he is honing his craft in form, materials, and manufacturing.

Guided by the belief that good design should be engaging, inclusive and contextual, he creates pieces that spark conversation and transform ordinary moments into memorable experiences.

Check out @danielroe.design on Instagram and his official website to see more of his work!

Special thanks to Mitch Korman and Korman & Company for providing the display space at 721 Queen St E for the project prototypes and information. 

FUN FACT: Korman’s has a special connection to the Riverside BIA as the late Jack Korman was one of the original founders of the BIA and his son Mitch Korman (owner of Korman & Company) was a long-time Chair of the BIA Board!

Head over to Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood and check out the Riverside Bike Rings & Plaques Project! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on what’s new in Riverside!

Photos by Riverside BIA unless stated otherwise

Let’s Get Ready for Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market 2026!

In case you didn’t know, the annual Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market will be back for its fifth run on Sunday, September 20th (12-5pm) at Riverside Common Park and Joel Weeks Park!

BLOG: Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market 2026: What’s Happening This Year

Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market 2026 is co-hosted by the Riverside BIA and Toronto Dog Moms, with friends Dirty Pawz Dog Wash, Toronto Humane Society, the City of Toronto’s Micro Chip Truck, and many more.

Are you excited for the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market? We’ve got a few reminders for you to make sure you have an amazing time at the event:

Come with a plan.

While the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market runs for the entire afternoon, 30+ vendors and so many activities across two venues might be a lot to cover. We recommend making a note of the things you plan to shop or do at the event so you can plan accordingly.

Prepare your dog’s essentials.

From their favourite treats and water to leash and poop bags, don’t forget to pack your pup’s necessities. The Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market is a rain-or-shine event, so be sure to prepare for all types of weather.

Tell your family and friends.

— and your dog’s friends! The Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market is a great opportunity to meet not only fellow dog owners but also discover local Riverside-based businesses and organizations like Dirty Pawz Dog Wash, Oma Chiropractic & Wellness, and Toronto Humane Society – and also small pet-focused businesses/vendors from all over the city. So spread the word!

Connect with us on social.

If you want a sneak peek into what’s happening during this year’s Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market, be sure to follow @riverside_bia and @torontodogmoms on Instagram as we’ll be posting updates at the event in real time!

Let us know you’re coming.

If you sign up right now, you’ll get event details straight to your inbox. RSVP and get your FREE tickets to the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market by clicking on the RSVP button below!

Paw-some activities, fun shopping, and free treats await you and your pup at the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market? See you all on September 20th!

Photos by Riverside BIA

Riverside Vintage Crawl – Fall 2026 Edition: All You Need To Know

Fall is officially here! And you’re in luck because the Riverside Vintage Crawl is back for a special fall edition on Friday, October 2nd (6pm-9pm)!

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Riverside Vintage Crawl – Fall Edition:

Vintage Shopping in Store + Sidewalk Sales

Participating locations include:

The Pop-Up Outdoor Vintage Market is special to this installment of the Riverside Vintage Crawl, and hosted by Glass House Garden Centre & Cafe !

We Pay The Tax (in-store)

For the duration of the Vintage Crawl, the participating vintage shops will be covering the HST, which means all purchases made in-store during the event will be tax-free. Yes, that’s a 13% discount on top of other deals they might have, so take advantage of this limited time offer.

Complimentary Snacks & Refreshments

Aside from unbeatable deals on one-of-a-kind fashion finds, there will also be snacks and refreshments for Riverside Vintage Crawl shoppers courtesy of the participating shops.

DJ Beats

It’s not a party without music, no? Select locations will have live DJs spinning beats and tunes to bring the vibes at select shops!

Local Raffle Prizes

You can enter the raffle in-store for a chance to win a gift card from the participating businesses. For more details on the raffle, RSVP by clicking on the button below!

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly for Riverside Vintage Crawl-related updates and content in the coming weeks!

Photos by Riverside BIA

Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market 2026: What’s Happening This Year

It’s that time of year – the 5th annual Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market is coming up! 

Come to Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood on Sunday, September 20th (12-5pm) at Riverside Common Park and Joel Weeks Park, and join us for a day of paw-some activities, fun shopping, and free treats!

Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market 2026 is co-hosted by the Riverside BIA and Toronto Dog Moms, with friends Dirty Pawz Dog Wash, Toronto Humane Society, the City of Toronto Micro Chip Truck, and many more!

From local businesses to exciting activities, here’s a sneak peek of some of the 30+ vendors and activities happening at this year’s Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market:

Vendors at Riverside Common Park

Photo credit: Dirty Pawz Dog Wash

Dirty Pawz Dog Wash (@dirtypawzto)

Doggie ice cream, treats, towels and dog wash tokens

Photo credit: Zoey Snaps

Zoey Snaps (@zoeysnaps.pets)

Pet photography sessions

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Oma Chiropractic & Wellness (@omachiropractic)

Complimentary care assessments for your pooch — yes, Oma does offer animal chiropractic care!

Photo credit: Woolves Pets

Woolves Pets (@woolves_pets)

Locally made pet beds and accessories made from locally sourced Ontario wool, dead stock wool, and other natural fabrics

Photo credit: Jumping Jake Dog Co

Jumping Jake Dog Co (@jumpingjake_dogco)

Doggy bandanas and accessories

Activities at Joel Weeks Park

Photo credit: Paramount Pictures Canada

“Heart of the Beast” Promo

A team on behalf of Paramount Pictures Canada will be on site to promote the upcoming film “Heart of the Beast” starring Brad Pitt, which will come out in cinemas on September 25th. Limited edition branded film merchandise, including t-shirts, dog and owner bandanas, dog tag necklaces, posters, and more will be up for grabs. There will also be a QR code for attendees to scan and enter for a chance to win tickets!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

City of Toronto Micro Chip Truck

Get your pet chipped and vaccinated at affordable rates! Here are some guidelines:

  • Cost: $10 for a microchip and/or rabies vaccine (with a valid, current City of Toronto pet licence)
  • Leash & Carrier Requirements: Dogs must be on a leash at all times; cats must be properly contained in a secure carrier.
  • Identification: A valid photo ID with your current address is required.
  • Pet Licencing: A current City of Toronto pet licence is required for each pet receiving services.
  • Access: No appointment required — services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Toronto Public Health, Animal Services

Enjoy free giveaways and public health information from the City of Toronto for pet owners.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Meet and Greet with Toronto Humane Society

Learn about adoptables and the affordable services offered at Toronto Humane Society’s new satellite veterinary clinic here in Riverside.

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia and @torontodogmoms on Instagram for updates on the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market. In the meantime, get your FREE tickets by clicking on the RSVP button below!

This programming is made possible thanks to funding support from the Transit Construction Mitigation Fund of the City of Toronto and Fed Dev Ontario. This programming is also funded and coordinated by the Riverside BIA.

Caribbean Street Food Festival 2026 Highlights

From delicious food from the islands to fun nostalgia-filled games, the Caribbean Street Food Festival yesterday at Riverside Common Park was the perfect culmination to the whirlwind of a month we had in Riverside with back-to-back weekend events!

On behalf of JamaicanEats Magazine and the Riverside BIA, thank you to all who came out and enjoyed the flavours of the Caribbean with us in the neighbourhood. We hope to see you again next year. In the meantime, grab a copy of JamaicanEats Magazine for delicious stories on Caribbean cuisine!

In case you missed it, here’s a recap of this year’s Caribbean Street Food Festival:

Visitors with lucky raffle tickets got to spin the wheel for a chance to win cool prizes

Look at all that delicious jerk chicken on the grill from Winnie’s Jerk Hut

Their knowledge on all things Caribbean was put to the test in a fun game of Jeopardy

Basso’s Bajan Cuisine’s hefty lunch sets were packed with Caribbean favourites such as oxtail curry and fish cakes

These were just some of the many sweet treats that Cake for Dinner brought to the festival

Chocolate lovers were spoiled for choice with Spice Isle’s artisanal Grenadian chocolate bars

Dereck Ayum treated the crowd at the festival to a steelpan drumming session

There’s nothing more refreshing than freshly squeezed sugar cane juice from Healthy Belly Smoothie Bar 

Who wants to play a round or two of the classic Jamaican board game Ludi?

These mini pepper sauces from Kungwaani’s are the perfect travel condiment

It wouldn’t be a Riverside BIA event without a fun photo op like this one

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly for updates on exciting programming and community events happening in the neighbourhood!