TORONTO, July 31, 2013 /CNW/ - Businesses in Toronto's Entertainment District BIA (TOED BIA) are blooming around the Entertainment District's 55 plus patios. It is all thanks to record breaking summer temperatures and the District's 579 newly planted flower baskets.
Outdoor improvements, over the course of 5 years, have seen urban gardening in the District go from ad hoc garden projects to a more balanced decoration of the area. Over 12,000 beautifully designed plants now grow from patios, planters, street-side boxes and hanging baskets throughout the District.
The TOED BIA's outdoor beautification campaign stemmed from its membership's collective desire to contribute to the character of the neighbourhood and to encourage residents and visitors to spend time outdoors in the Entertainment District. Using small cuttings sourced from North America, the TOED BIA project began when the plants were cultivated in an Ontario greenhouse complex in early February before being installed in the Entertainment District in late May.
The District by numbers:
For Janice Solomon, Executive Director, TOED BIA "…there is a wonderful sense of community in the TOED, and the patios are an influential part of creating and encouraging residents and visitors to feel connected to the area and the energy of the city. The floral decorations have transformed the Entertainment District into an outdoor oasis, detailing the picturesque views seen from the neighbourhood's patios."
The beautification campaign has increased the quality of the patio experience, from panoramic views at the Tap House or Crocodile Rock roof-top patios, to street-views from venues like Gabby's or Jack Astor's. The initiative is further supported by Kate Hancock, General Manager of the Ballroom (recently named among the best rooftop patios in Toronto by blogTO), who commented that "It's a huge improvement to the area and brings vibrancy to the community."
In addition to the floral arrangements, other outdoor improvements include the installation of wayfinding icons throughout the District. The icons will represent the five distinct areas of the District: the Warehouse Area, the Theatre Area, the Commerce Area, the Events Area and the Union Station Area. To date, 18 new light poles with decorative icons have been installed in the Entertainment District.
About the Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area:
Established in 2008, TOED's mandate is to promote, improve and preserve a dynamic area of Toronto. Benefitting from economic, environmental and social factors driving downtown growth, the Entertainment District is in the midst of a renaissance, firmly establishing itself as a thriving and vibrant district for living, creating, working and entertainment. From the Air Canada Centre to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Entertainment District includes many of Toronto's most iconic buildings. In the heart of the District is the CN Tower, Steam Whistle Brewing, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (Sept. 2013), Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Rogers Centre, Roy Thomson Hall, Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre and TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Image with caption: "Before and After Shot of Flowers on Bremner Blvd 2013. (CNW Group/Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130731_C2457_PHOTO_EN_29392.jpg
SOURCE: Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area
Janice Solomon, Executive Director
Toronto Entertainment District BIA
416-926-1337
[email protected]
torontoed.com
facebook.com/ torontoed
Twitter: @toronto_ed
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