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We’re excited to share that there will be a mural on the south wall of the future Ontario Line bridge/station at Queen Street East.

Our blank canvas for the mural located just between McGee and Strange St

For this impactful project, Indigenous artist Quentin Commanda, also known as “Que Rock” (@miangunclan), was selected through a juried application process open to Indigenous artists. Que Rock is a Nipissing First Nation-born artist who utilizes traditional Indigenous styles and techniques to create striking images of animals and nature, while collaborating to include community pespectives and ideas.

Photo credit: Que Rock

Que Rock has collaborated previously with the Riverside BIA. In fact, you’ll see his work dotting the neighbourhood such as the Riverside Common Art Project (2025) at 657 Queen St E.

The Riverside Common Art Project (2025) by Que Rock, featuring letters by Pop Marquee

Explore Riverside’s public art with this self-guided tour

With the theme “The River of Life”, this mural will depict the enduring relationship between Indigenous communities, the river and its surrounding landscape while ensuring a strong grounding identify at this eastern gateway for the Riverside neighbourhood. 

Permitted by Metrolinx and led by the Riverside BIA, this won’t just be an ordinary mural — this will be a landmark and key wayfinding piece in the Riverside neighbourhood. Hence, we want to collaborate with all of you!

This project is happening and it’s happening quickly. To get the ball rolling, here are ways to get involved in the ideation process of this exciting new mural in Riverside:

Take the community survey

What do you want to see on the mural? Let us know! Answer the community survey (+ learn more about the project) HERE. We look forward to reading your suggestions!

Attend the open house

The community is invited to join the open house, view the mural design drafts, meet and talk with the artist, share ideas, and take a tour of the wall. See open house details below:

Meeting Point: 807 Queen St E (with tours at the wall just west of this)

Date: Monday, August 24th, 6pm-7:30pm

Reach out to us

If you have any questions regarding the mural, feel free to contact us!

Be sure follow us on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on public art in Riverside. We hope to see you at the Open House on August 24th!

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

Are you ready to take the stage? This week on Riverside BIA We’re Growing, we have Spotlight Dance Arts!

Located at 2 Strange St in Riverside, Spotlight Dance Arts aims to inspire a lifelong love of movement in the youth. Set for its grand opening September 8th, the studio is now open for registration for dance classes for children ages two through teens. Dance season runs from September to June, and interested students can enroll in a class at anytime.

Spotlight Dance Arts has a wide range of dance classes, starting from the introductory Parent & Tot Dance (for ages 2-3) and Creative Movement (for ages 3-4) all the way to Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and even a Competitive Dance Program for the older age groups. These classes are designed to help young dancers develop technique and build confidence.

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby to introduce to your little one or have a pre-teen that wants to hone their craft, you can count on Spotlight Dance Arts to help shape the next generation of dancers right here in Riverside in Toronto’s East End when it opens its doors soon. More than just learning the art of dance, it’s also a place to enjoy and have fun! 

Classes start in September so head over to the website and sign up your kids for a class, stat! Follow @spotlight_dance_arts on Instagram for updates on the studio’s grand opening!

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood!

Photo credits: Spotlight Dance Arts

Put your workout clothes on because we’re going to the gym this week on Riverside BIA We’re Growing!

Whether you enjoy a morning workout, a post-work exercise or a lunch break gym sesh, Anytime Fitness – Riverside makes staying active convenient and sustainable.

Located at 100 Broadview Ave, Anytime Fitness’s branch in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood offers East End residents 24/7 access to top-notch equipment and expertise from an on-site coaching team.

From cardio to strength training, members at Anytime Fitness – Riverside are spoiled for choice when it comes to equipment. Ellipticals, rowing machines, kettlebells, squat racks, you name it, this gym has it.

If you have time to kill post-workout, you’re just steps away from the amazing community of local businesses along Queen East, which includes restaurants, cafes and more.

More than just the comprehensive arsenal of fitness equipment at your disposal, Anytime Fitness – Riverside is staffed by a team of talented trainers to help you find the perfect workout routine for you.

These certified coaches are there to provide you with extra guidance and support when needed. After all, fitness isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. 

Member can start with a comprehensive body scan (complimentary and repeatable) to help guide their fitness journey.

Hop tip: don’t miss out on the complimentary massage chair at the front 😉

Start your fitness journey at Anytime Fitness – Riverside and sign up for a membership plan now. Follow @af.riverside on Instagram for updates, including fun content from the coaches themselves!

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood!

Photo credits: Anytime Fitness

The wedding bells are ringing! Ava Elite brings the art of bespoke bridal wear to Toronto’s East End. 

For brides looking for something truly personal, Ava Elite at 711 Queen St E specializes in handcrafted bridal gowns, prom gowns, and other special occasions, that seamlessly combine timeless elegance with modern sophistication.

They also conveniently offer other services including event planning support services, floral arrangements, and more. They set themselves apart through their quick service turnaround times for custom pieces created locally. 

Sepideh Zeinalian, the designer behind Ava Elite, started the business to address the lack of stylish options for bridal dresses and evening wear. Ava Elite’s approach is all about customization, with each piece not only meticulously designed but also personal to the wearer.

“To me, a dress is more than just clothing. It is a beautiful manifestation of the soul. This belief is what inspired me to start this business, turning fashion into a form of artistic expression,” says Sepideh.

At Ava Elite, clients can collaborate directly with the designer to discuss their vision, from silhouette to fabric choices to accents. With custom sizing and made-to-order garments, the process is all about creating a look tailored specifically to each bride.

Book a consultation appointment with Ava Elite through the official website. Follow @ava.elite.ca on Instagram for updates!

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on new businesses in the neighbourhood!

Photo credits: Ava Elite

Who’s excited for Afraspektion 2026 this Saturday?!

The much anticipated celebration of the Afrodiaspora will be back on Saturday, August 15th (2-7pm) at Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E) in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

Now in its fifth year, Afraspektion is an annual event curated by Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA.

As always, the family-friendly festival is free and open to the public. Before the big event this weekend, here is a handful of reminders: 

Make a plan.

From musical performances to cooking demos, there’s a lot happening in a span of five hours so be sure to plan accordingly. Estimate your commute or research where to park. Come early so you have time to check everything out. See the official schedule above!

Learn about the history behind the event.

Afraspektion is more just a celebration of the Afrodiaspora’s contributions to culture. It’s also a commemorative event during Emancipation Month. If you want to learn more about the significance of Emancipation Month, there are plenty of resources online.

Bring good company.

Tell your family, friends, coworkers, etc. to tag along! Afraspektion is best enjoyed with your favourite people. It’s a community celebration, after all. Plus, there will be activities that everyone can enjoy!

Dress for the weather.

Afraspektion is a rain-or-shine event so be prepared for all kinds of weather. Wear a hat if it gets a little too hot, bring an umbrella in case an unexpected drizzle happens and most importantly, choose an outfit that you can dance and have fun in! 

RVSP. 

Let us know you’re coming by clicking on the RSVP button above! Get your free tickets and event information straight to your inbox. See you this Saturday?

Follow @oddsidearts and @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on Afraspektion. In the meantime, read the blog post linked below for a preview of some of the participating entertainers and vendors!

BLOG: Afraspektion is back August 15th! Here’s What’s Happening

Thanks go to the City of Toronto’s Cultural Festival Funding Program, Hullmark, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council and the Government of Canada Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative for their support of Afraspektion 2026.

Photos from past Afraspektion events, by Jennifer Gomez