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Bloordale BIA Blog

Rediscovering Bloordale's Indigenous Roots: A Land Acknowledgement

 
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:
  • Educating all Canadians about the true treatment of Indigenous Peoples.
  • Creating educational and economic opportunities for Indigenous Canadians to enable their full participation in society.
The CTAs of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission can be categorized into Legacy (numbers one to 42) and Reconciliation (numbers 43 to 94). Each category encompasses various subcategories designed to address specific aspects of the reconciliation process. Read the full report here:
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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Bloordale Pumpkins 2023

 
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! 
1 Comment

The 8th Fire and Original Family - Mural by Philip Cote

 
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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. 
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On the Search for Some Photographers

 
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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). 
Apply Directly Here
1 Comment

On the Search for a Graphic Designer

 
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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

  • Experience in graphic design working on print and/or magazine publications
  • Strong knowledge of relevant software programs such as Adobe Creative Suite, In Design
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to be flexible, adaptable, open to working with new ideas, open to criticism 
  • Extreme attention to detail, great time management skills, able to meet deadlines


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
  • Publication must also be made available digitally on a platform such as issuu.com

To Apply

  • Please submit 4-6 samples of your past relevant/related work that will be used as part of the evaluation for your application for this role
  • Explain in 100-150 words of your connection to Bloordale or surrounding area
  • Why do you think you are a good fit for this role? Explain in 100 words (or less). 
  • Provide 3 work related references 
  • Provide your desired hourly rate (please note that we have fixed budget for this project)


We are accepting applications until Wednesday, March 17th at 4pm.

Please direct any questions to: 
[email protected]​


Apply Directly Here
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#BloordalePumpkins 2020

 
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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: 
  • 1st Place - $100
  • 2nd Place - $75
  • 3rd Place - $50
***Prize money is intended for the winning business to spend it on their staff/team such as buying treats or a round of coffees or beverages in celebration. 

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
1 Comment

Tips and Resources for coronavirus/COVID-19

 
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Official Links to Various Governments on Updates and Statements

  • City of Toronto 
  • ​Public Health Ontario
  • ​Government of Canada
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RFP: Zodiac Themed Planter Murals

 
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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


  • To add murals to the standard and dull concrete planters that the BIA maintains that are currently seen throughout the BIA at the following locations:
    • NE corner of Bloor St W/Brock
    • NW corner of Bloor St W/Brock
    • NW corner of Bloor St W/Marguretta 
    • SE corner of Bloor St W/St Clarens
    • NW corner of Bloor St W/St Clarens
    • NW corner of Bloor St W/Emerson


  • Design Theme: 
    • Zodiac 
      • each of the 6 planters will represent 1 star sign each
      • Note that there will be 6 star signs NOT represented and will be executed in a separate initiative by the BIA separate from this project
    • Astrological


Vendor Details/Specs


  • Previous samples of work supplied 
  • An initial in-person meet and greet will be had with the Streetscape Committee 
  • Designs will be presented to the Streetscape Committee for initial review 
  • A minimum of 2 revisions to be included in the contract to ensure the final product meets the needs and satisfaction of the BIA 
  • Anti-graffiti coating MUST be applied to the planters as a proactive maintenance measure
  • The artist must also be available to fix any major tagging for a period of 3 years
  • All finalized designs become the product, property and asset of the Bloordale Village BIA with no further commissions, royalties or financial compensatio paid
  • The Bloordale Village BIA reserves the right to take photos, and to market the murals as they see fit acknowledging the work by the artist in communication 
  • A point person will be assigned to the project who will respond within 3 to 4 business days to inquiries or requests during the project
  • Must be Toronto-based 

Timeline for completion of project: July 15th, 2020.


Terms:


  • 40% upon signing
  • 30% upon finalized design as signed off on by the Streetscape Committee
  • 30% upon completion of the final murals (all 6 to be completed before final payment released)

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]. 

​
5 Comments

RFP for Bloordale Neighbourhood Publication

 
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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.
  • Include distinct designs for major sections as well as individual pages for table of     , masthead, and contributors’ pages.
  • Each section has a unique purpose and requires a specific visual identity within the design system. Sections to be developed with the editorial team members and the Marketing Committee of the Bloordale Village BIA 
  • Provide framework for ad pages, as well as ad-page templates: interior, inside covers, back cover


Process Considerations:


Bloordale Village will provide notes, on an ongoing basis,  summarizing work and decisions from the Marketing Committee or Board including:

  • List of updated member businesses (may be a working list as this can change month-to-month)
  • List of approved types of ads or sponsorships 
  • Acceptable placement of where ads can be throughout the publication
  • Brand elements that must be included
  • List of topics that will NOT be appropriate for the magazine (may be a working list)
  • Relevant thumbnail sketches to describe function of specific pages within sections, if helpful
  • Brand elements that must be included (logo/masthead, cover elements, etc. partnership logos, etc)
  • Target-audience information
  • Print specifications (including trim size of magazine)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND PROJECT TIMELINE

  • Consider that this magazine could feed into a website iterative design and version, social media, .
  • Approach the work with a content-driven approach that highlights work or accomplishments of small businesses, art in the community, and the history of the community 
  • Display an open, collaborative approach, welcoming of feedback but with a distinct design point of view. 
  • We will rely on your expertise and preferences to develop our more specific schedule for design, including additional discovery and ways to engage our team (design, and editorial stakeholders) at key points in the process.

PROJECT TIMELINE

  • Discovery must be completed by August 1st, 2020 (this date is slightly negotiable). 
  • Design and Development must be completed by August 30th, 2020 (this date is slightly negotiable). 
  • Files must be ready for implementation by September 15th, 2020 (this date is non-negotiable).

PROJECT BUDGET: 

  • $20000 - FIRM (HST can be charged separately and is not considered part of the total project budget)
  • Does not include hard copy printing costs - final look, size, finish and material will be jointly discussed between the BIA and the vendor
  • This project budget includes all sub-contractor fees and any other  fees needed to complete the design, curation, photography, editing, etc. There is no room for any overages in charges and will not be accepted.


Please submit your proposals or questions to [email protected]. 

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Winners of #BloordalePumpkins

 
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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

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Top Left: The Dupe Shop
Top Right: Queen's Shop 
Bottom Left: Anatomica 
Bottom Right: Dead Dog Records
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Top Left: Town Cards
Top Right: Safe Haven 
Bottom Left: Marit Stiles 
Bottom Right: That Dog Next Door
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Land Acknowledgement
The City of Toronto acknowledges that what we now call Toronto is on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The City also acknowledges that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

African Ancestral Acknowledgement

The City of Toronto acknowledges all Treaty peoples – including those who came here as settlers – as migrants either in this generation or in generations past - and those of us who came here involuntarily, particularly those brought to these lands as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery. We pay tribute to those ancestors of African origin and descent.

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