Who we are
When the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood thrives, all of Toronto benefits.
On behalf of the Downtown Yonge community, the B.I.A. is a non-profit organization that is committed to improving the daily experience of our members, residents, customers and all stakeholders with an end goal of strengthening the culture and economy of Downtown Yonge.
Contact Us Download our Annual Report 2020What We Do
We Envision
A world leading downtown neighbourhood renowned for its culture, commerce, opportunity and liveability.
To Enable This Vision
We strengthen the culture and economy of the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood through collaborative leadership, and transformative experiences and investments.
We Are
no.1
Catalytic
We ask timely questions and champion the needs of our members and the neighbourhood. We encourage strategic, sustainable decision making to build the culture and prosperity of the neighbourhood. We develop partnerships in support of long-term transformative change.
no.2
Inclusive
We represent the needs of a diversity of people and businesses. We are convenors of conversations that help balance multiple priorities and perspectives.
no.3
Innovative
We are creative and forward thinking in our approach to solving issues, building partnerships, and developing strategies, events and animations.
no.4
Transparent
We serve, engage, and communicate with our members, partners and stakeholders clearly and consistently, and act with integrity in every decision and action. We are balanced in the stewardship of all financial and human resources.
Strategic Plan- 2017-2022
In 2016, we embarked on a six month long community conversation, talking to members, stakeholders and neighbours about their vision for Downtown Yonge and the reality of the neighbourhood’s complexity. Living Yonge is the result of this extensive review to guarantee a consistent approach to the future of this vibrant neighbourhood.
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Contact Details
Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area
40 Dundas Street West, suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5G2C2
Staff
Office + Governance
Mark Garner
Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director
Phillip Chisholm-DeVeau
Accounts Manager
Economic & Community Development
Events + Partnerships + Operations
Communications + Marketing
Clean Streets Team
Armando
Glenn
Vincent
Daniel
Board
Executive Committee
Chair
Martin Wray
Vice President, Operations, Ontario Portfolio, Toronto Eaton Centre, Cadillac Fairview
Vice-Chair
Robert (Rob) Housez
General Manager, Chelsea Hotel
Treasurer
Alan Liu
Owner, Salad King
Secretary
Bill Logar
Vice President of Development, KingSett Capital
Mark Garner
Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, Downtown Yonge B.I.A.
Board of Directors
Dan McAllister
Senior Manager, Security and Life Safety, Toronto Eaton Centre, Cadillac Fairview
Sheila Jennings
General Manager, Toronto Eaton Centre, Cadillac Fairview
Najib Rahma
Chief Operations Officer, HNR Properties ltd, Director, HNR Dundas Square Tower ltd
Stephen McGrath
Media and Artist Development Manager, Massey Hall/RTH
Al Jr Lalani
Managing Partner of the Lalani Group
Jennifer Grass
Assistant Vice-President, University Relations, Ryerson University
Bob Emond
General Manager of Retail Services, 10 Dundas East
City Appointed Councillors
Councillor
Kristyn Wong Tam
Ward 13
Councillor
Michael Layton
Ward 11
Board Frequently Asked Questions
1.
The election of the Board takes place at the Annual General Meeting. The term aligns with City Council and is four years in length.
2.
People who are owners, operators, partners, officers, directors or employees of a business within the DYBIA, as well as stakeholders in the neighbourhood. City councillors are not eligible for nomination. All commercial property owners and tenants are likewise eligible for nomination.
3.
The Board currently has 11 members in addition to representation from Toronto City Council.
4.
- Acting as an ambassador for the DYBIA, its member businesses and the larger downtown community;
- Understanding and supporting the need for visionary city-building, a key focus of the DYBIA;
- Connecting to the wider downtown community to open doors and further the strategic vision of the DYBIA with a range of stakeholders;
- Helping to develop sponsorship opportunities for the DYBIA’s programs and services;
- Playing a constructive role to support positive change in Downtown Yonge; and
- Engaging in Board committee work from time to time.
5.
Board meetings are held bi-monthly and last approximately 2-3 hours. Board members are furthermore expected to attend a certain number of member or DYBIA events during the year, as well as dedicate time to preparing for Board meetings.
6.