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Nestled within Toronto's Bloordale neighborhood lies a historical narrative often obscured by the urban landscape—a story of Indigenous presence and resilience that predates the city's modern landscape. At its core is Garrison Creek, a once-flowing waterway now confined beneath concrete, yet still echoing the Indigenous heritage that shaped this community.
The land we stand on today was once home to the Wendat (Huron), Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), and Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) peoples, who thrived along the banks of Garrison Creek for generations. This waterway was not merely a geographical feature but a vital lifeline, providing sustenance, transportation, and a gathering place for Indigenous communities. Garrison Creek and its surrounding lands were rich in biodiversity, boasting a diverse array of plants and wildlife that sustained Indigenous peoples for millennia. Indigenous flora such as wild rice, sassafras, milkweed, and cranberries flourished along its banks, providing important food sources, medicinal plants, and materials for crafting. The surrounding forests also offered a bounty of resources, including acorns, hickory nuts, hazelnuts, and various berries, utilized by Indigenous communities for nourishment and cultural practices. Archaeological excavations have unveiled fragments of this rich Indigenous history—artifacts, tools, and remnants of settlements that offer glimpses into daily life along Garrison Creek. These discoveries illuminate the resourcefulness and ingenuity of its inhabitants, whose connection to the land remains woven into the fabric of Bloordale's identity. Despite the encroachment of urbanization, Bloordale's Indigenous heritage persists, a testament to the enduring spirit of its original caretakers. As we reflect on this history, we acknowledge the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples to our community. We commit to amplifying Indigenous voices, recognizing their rights, and fostering meaningful relationships built on respect and understanding. Today, we invite members of the Bloordale community to connect with and honour the land and its original peoples. Acknowledge the Indigenous history of this place and the continued presence of Indigenous peoples in our community, reflect on the rich heritage, and take a moment to envision what life would have been like for the Indigenous communities who thrived along the banks of Garrison Creek—the sights and sounds of daily life, the connection to the land and its resources, and the resilience and ingenuity of its inhabitants. Through learning, listening, and collective action, a path of reconciliation and solidarity is strengthened, honoring the past as we shape the future of Bloordale together, for future generations to come. About Vicky auf der Mauer (she/her), a proud Inuk Woman from the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, known as Baffin Island, now resides as a guest on Dish with One Spoon Territory, known as Toronto. Committed to honoring Indigenous peoples worldwide, she shares her rich Inuit culture and values across Canada. As a cultural educator, speaker, and consultant, Vicky empowers individuals to challenge mainstream narratives and create positive change within societal systems. Alongside her cultural advocacy, she offers guidance in financial wellness, helping individuals navigate their financial paths with cultural sensitivity. To collaborate or connect with Vicky, reach out [email protected] or ig: @richindigauntie. Through her work, she fosters awareness and celebrates the resilience of her heritage. Resources: Whose Land is a web-based app that uses GIS technology to assist users in identifying Indigenous Nations, territories, and Indigenous communities across Canada. The app can be used for learning about the territory your home or business is situated on, finding information for a land acknowledgement, and learning about the treaties and agreements signed across Canada. https://www.whose.land/en/ The NCTR (The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation) educates Canadians on the profound injustices inflicted on First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation by the forced removal of children to attend residential schools and the widespread abuse suffered in those schools. https://nctr.ca/ Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action The 94 Calls to Action (CTAs) serve as actionable policy recommendations aimed at facilitating the healing process in two key ways: firstly, by acknowledging the complete and harrowing history of the residential school system, and secondly, by establishing systems to prevent such abuses from recurring in the future. According to the CTAs, prevention will be achieved by:
https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf It is important to not just learn about Canada’s part in the creation and facilitation of systemic oppression but to listen to Indigenous stories directly. We are a wonderful, funny, lively, passionate, wise, and deep people. Your life will be enriched by watching Indigenous stories via films, and shows, reading books from Indigenous authors, and listening to the wide array of podcasts from Indigenous creators. https://watchaptnlumi.ca/ https://www.uvagut.tv/
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Photo Credit to Richie Dos Santos (@rich3dee on Instagram) A big thank you to everyone that came to the annual Bloordale Pumpkin Giveaway held in Susan Tibaldi Parkette. This event has been hosted for approximately 7 years and is a community favourite.
Pumpkins are purchased locally through Family Fruit and Flower (1182 Bloor St W), marshmello treats were from Bakerbots and live music was performed by local artists Taylor Maslin and Nathan Beja. Stay tuned for the Bloordale Pumpkin Giveaway in October 2024!  Painted by Philip Cote
(MFA, Young Spiritual Elder Artist, Activist, Ancestral Knowledge Keeper, and Historian) Summer 2021 Funded and Supported by: City of Toronto Outdoor Mural Grant and the Bloordale BIA "The ancestors called this time we are in “The Eighth Fire”, a time of our return back to the original knowledge of our ancestors. It’s said the bear would leave a trail for us to follow and that would help us remember our identity and purpose. This will be a time of mingling of the western ways and the Indigenous ways and from this the new people will be born and they will change the world of man and mother earth will become balanced and in harmony again. The Eighth Fire is a time to look to those original sources of knowledge. Where do we start? We start with the original family, the animal kingdom that is the source of much of our wisdom. What the Indigenous People call this knowledge is Land-based Pedagogy. Meaning that the wisdom of the land and animals from thousands of years of observation has accumulated from these experts, the animals. Original families wisdom was put into our ceremonies to help us stay close to nature where balance and harmony prevail to this day. The Moose represents the wisdom of the forest and also the gentle teacher, a place where our young ones can learn. Turtle represents Turtle Island and Truth. Beaver represents Wisdom and the Earth. Wolf represents Humility and Humanity. Raven represents Honesty and the Sky. Bear represents Bravery and the power of the North. Eagle represents Love and the power of the South. Buffalo represents Respect and the power in the West." The Bloordale BIA and community are honoured to be given this incredible opportunity to work with Philip Cote.  About the Bloordale BIA
The Bloordale BIA is a community-oriented not-for-profit association of local business people and property owners who work in partnership with the City of Toronto to enhance the Bloordale business district, located along Bloor Street West from Dufferin St to just west of Lansdowne Ave to the first railway track. The BIA’s mandate is to improve, beautify and promote Bloordale as a business and shopping district through marketing, public programming and streetscape improvements. The Project: Bloordale Magazine The Bloordale BIA will be creating and publishing our inaugural community magazine. It is meant to highlight our member businesses, celebrate art and stories from the neighbourhood. What We’re Looking For -Photographers to take photos of specific places, spaces, people or items in Bloordale for the purpose of the magazine -Able to provide high-resolution photos, suitable for print publication -Once photos have been selected, there would be royalty-free, unlimited usage of the photos for our website, social media and Bloordale Magazine/Publication or other non-profit events Other Details: -We aim to have the publication printed, finalized and distributed in early to mid-June -There will not be any paid advertisements from third party entities -The Bloordale BIA is committed to ensuring an inclusive hiring process To Apply -Please submit 4-6 samples of your past work that will be used as part of the evaluation for your application for this role -Explain in 100-150 words your connection to Bloordale or surrounding area -Provide your desired hourly rate or rate per photo once selected by the BIA -Please send any specific questions to [email protected] We are accepting applications for consideration until March 31st, 2021 at 5pm (Note that this is not limited exclusively to one photographer for the project. We would like to be able to offer multiple folks an opportunity).  About the Bloordale BIA
The Bloordale BIA is a community-oriented not-for-profit association of local business people and property owners who work in partnership with the City of Toronto to enhance the Bloordale business district, located along Bloor Street West from Dufferin St to just west of Lansdowne Ave to the first rail way track. The BIA’s mandate is to improve, beautify and promote Bloordale as a business and shopping district through marketing, public programming and streetscape improvements. The Project: Bloordale Magazine The Bloordale BIA will be creating and publishing our inaugural community magazine. It is meant to highlight our member businesses, celebrate art and stories from the neighbourhood. It will be made available in hardcopy/print form and digitally. Refer to the following for a comparable scope of work: https://issuu.com/queenstreetwestbia/docs/long_live_queen_west_magazine Job Description The ideal candidate will oversee the print production, pre-press organization, and is up to date with current media and marketing trends (colours, fonts, styles, etc.) Fundamentals for the role would include strong interpersonal skills, positive “can-do” attitude, excellent time management. What We’re Looking For
Other Details
To Apply
We are accepting applications until Wednesday, March 17th at 4pm. Please direct any questions to: [email protected]  Bloordale Pumpkins is back! In celebration of Fall and Halloween, we created this community initiative in the fall of 2018. It is back for it's 3rd year! How does it work? Participating Bloordale businesses will be given a pumpkin to decorate, carve, dress up, paint or get creative with. Members of the community will then need to visit the pumpkins online (by following the hashtag #BloordalePumpkins) or visiting them safely in store. Then, members of the community will vote for their favourite pumpkins! When does it take place? Pumpkins should be ready and on display in stores or windows by October 25th for voting to take place from October 26th to November 1st @ 11:59pm. Where does voting take place? Vote online here OR by commenting under a picture on social media noting your favourite business pumpking followed by the hashtag #BloordalePumpkins: i.e. TOWN #BloordalePumpkins Voting closes on November 1st at 11:59pm. What are the prizes? The winning Business Pumpkins will win cash awards as follows:
Community Voter Prizes There are also 4 (four) cash prizes of $25 that will be drawn at random by all qualifying email addresses that voted for their favourite pumpkins. *individual staff members of businesses are eligible to vote. When will the prizes be announced? All prizes will be announced or winners contacted no later than November 10th, 2020. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] Entries from left to right:
The Bee Shop, Town Cards, Queen's Shop  Official Links to Various Governments on Updates and Statements Who Are We?
The Bloordale BIA is a Business Improvement Area that represents Bloor Street West from Dufferin to just west of Lansdowne. We have been around since 1976 and are considered one of the oldest BIAs in the City of Toronto. Within our BIA, we are an amazing mix of service, retail, food/restaurant businesses and most of which are small independent owners. The BIA works to improve the local economy, beautify the streets and adjacent public spaces, create some marketing efforts and advocate on issues that directly impact the business community (crime, safety and even taxes!) What We Need
Timeline for completion of project: July 15th, 2020. Terms:
The budget for this project: $9500 (before tax) and is inclusive of all associated costs including materials, equipment, artist fees, anti-graffiti coating etc. _____________________________________________________________________ Please submit your proposal, portfolio and a minimum of 2 references to [email protected] Before April 3rd, 2020 at 5pm. Questions may be emailed regarding the project to [email protected].  SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND
Bloordale Village BIA is one of 83 BIAs (Business Improvement Area) in the City of Toronto and is currently accepting proposals to create an inaugural neighbourhood publication. This magazine will focus on creating a printed publication with transferable elements to digital platforms that highlights our community, primarily focusing on the member BIA businesses. Each member business must be listed in the publication at least once. The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to solicit pitches from design firms and/or individual designers who can deliver a publication concept that meets these explicit audience goals and shares a passion for our community. Extraordinary proposals will include an understanding of our history, mission, current brand identity, and the potential for a pivotal evolution in our print design that informs all our existing platforms moving forward. Ideal proposals will come from the communities we aim to reach. Bloordale Village BIA was founded in 1976 and was one of the first BIAs formed in the world. Bloordale is an extremely diverse neighbourhood with a mix of creativity, grittiness, and good food! Find out more about Bloordale Village BIA at bloordalevillagebia.com. PROPOSAL GUIDELINES This Request for Proposal represents our requirements for a magazine that is deeply informed by multiple designers or a design team that offers perspectives and concepts from our target audience. Proposals will be accepted until 5 p.m. EST on March 11, 2020. If the designer or design team submitting a proposal will be subcontracting any work in order to complete requirements for this project (such as photographers, graphic designers, etc), each instance must be clearly stated on the proposal. Details on each subcontractor, including name and a link to the subcontractor’s work, must also be included. All costs should be itemized and clearly explained. Contract terms and conditions will be negotiated upon selection of the accepted proposal. All contractual terms and conditions will be subject to review by the Bloordale Village BIA and will include scope, budget, schedule, and other necessary items as pertaining to the project. PROJECT PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION Bloordale Village requires a visual design, layout, editorial team and photography team to showcase the member businesses alongside unique and positive elements of the community. There are so many untold stories and tales that lay within the neighbourhood that need to be captured and shared. Design a publication that makes community members want to learn more about the businesses in the neighbourhood and visit them! PROJECT DESCRIPTION This design should incorporate the rich history of Bloordale Village. Subtle nods to the BIA’s evolution will be appreciated. The publication should be undeniably page-turning, with an even mix of photography, intentional illustration, and clear, clean use of type. Above all else, the publication should be a product that can never be mistaken for a real estate ad, or another toss-away flyer. PROJECT SCOPE The scope of this project includes design and layout, editing, writing, photography and supporting in the sponsorship efforts to increase the revenue generated through selected ad placements. The selected design team will be responsible for working with our BIA Manager and some Board Members to help guide some of the elements of the magazine and to make connections with individual community members or businesses. The selected team will also be responsible for conducting necessary audience feedback and industry analysis. The following must be met to achieve a successful project: Deliverables: Deliver complete templates for designing various types of interior pages (plus covers) of a full-color magazine/publication, which will provide a flexible but distinct structure to work with in designing the actual magazine.
Bloordale Village will provide notes, on an ongoing basis, summarizing work and decisions from the Marketing Committee or Board including:
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND PROJECT TIMELINE
PROJECT TIMELINE
PROJECT BUDGET:
Please submit your proposals or questions to [email protected].  2019 #BloordalePumpkins Winner is: Town Cards! This was the second year that the Bloordale BIA hosted the friendly community contest of #BloordalePumpkins! Twelve businesses put their creativity to the test and had some fun. The community then voted on their favourite pumpkins. And the results are in! 1st Prize - $100 to Town Cards 2nd Prize - $75 to Dead Dog Records 3rd Prize - $50 to Anatomica The Entries Top Left: The Dupe Shop Top Right: Queen's Shop Bottom Left: Anatomica Bottom Right: Dead Dog Records  Top Left: Town Cards
Top Right: Safe Haven Bottom Left: Marit Stiles Bottom Right: That Dog Next Door |
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