Bloordale Magazine 2021 by Bloordale Village BIA

BLOORDALE Magazine | 2021

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Artist credits: Gosia Komorski Jieun June Kim (at right)

What’s Inside

Message from the Board

Walk Bloordale’s Nature Laneways

Lookin’ Good

Celebrating Local Business Owners

Bloordale Loves Public Art

Pride and Inclusivity

Big on Bloor

Then and Now

Bloordale Bites

Bacon the Doggers

Celebration of Life: Mr.Siddique

What’s in a Name?

Our Very Own Beach

Covid What Became Essential

Bloordale Business Directory

31 Comic Strip

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Message from the Board

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

‘Celebrating Life & Community’ is the theme of this inaugural edition of the Bloordale BIA Magazine. After a long year under the shadow of the pandemic, and now with reopening and the hope brought on by the fastest and biggest vaccination campaign that Toronto and the world has ever seen, we are coming out, showing our community pride and celebrating everything that makes this community special. In this first issue of Bloordale BIA Magazine we’re highlighting people, projects and places in our theme of celebration and community, while sharing some of the different elements of what makes Bloordale BIA, with over 45 years in operation, a tight-knit business-community and a great place to work, live and play. To quote the words and sentiments of Victor Ugwueke, local Bloordale Chef/Owner of Afrobeat Kitchen we’ve “learned we can always figure out a way to celebrate life, no matter how hard things are. This [past] year has also been a time for many of us to see how we can come together as a city; how we all need to learn to have difficult

This theme permeates these pages - intimate stories shared by local businesses (pg 8 & 9), to the highlights of Nature Laneways (pg 5), the Pride & Inclusivity features of local folks (pg 14 - 16), and the Celebration of Life of beloved late business owner Mr. Siddique (pg 23). We also share some fresh local looks in our Lookin’ Good spread of street fashion trends (pg 6 & 7), public art (pg 12 & 13), a dog’s eye view from local pooch celebrity Bacon the Doggers (pg 22) and much more content to explore like recipes in Bloordale Bites (pg 20 & 21), and history in What’s in a Name (pg 24 & 25). Plus we’ve included a convenient directory to our 100+ businesses at the back (pgs 28-30) P.s. Don’t miss the Comic Strip by local artist Lianne Mauladin (pg 31). Despite the challenges that the past year has represented, Bloordale is rolling with the punches and emerging stronger and ready to embrace the new normal and make it our own.

#livebloordale Board of Directors

Magazine Team & Credits

Chair: Liza Lukashevsky Vice Chair: Matt Park Secretary: Niki Tsourounakis Treasurer: Alicia Lumsden Director: Carmine Scioscia Director: Alycia Duff-Bergeron Director: Rob Perry Director: Harrison Mazis Director: Oliver Couto Director (Ex-Officio): Councillor Ana Bailao, Ward 9 - Davenport

Editors: Jennifer Lay, Liza Lukashevsky, Meg Marshall, Niki Tsourounakis Printer: Reprodux Graphic Design & Illustration: Maria Piñeros Contributing Writers & Artists: Ann Ball, Bacon The Doggers, Grace Cameron, Lindsay McDonald, Liza Lukashevsky, Marla Warner, Meg Marshall, The Bloordale Beach

Questions / Comments, please contact: Bloordale BIA bloordalevillagebia.com | bloordaleinfo@gmail.com

conversations, grieve, look for new ways of doing things and, most of all, take care of each other.” (You can read Victor’s story on pg 8).

Photographers: Cosmos Laneway Group, Daniel Neuhaus, Jadyn Cialini, Kimberly Simmons, Liza Lukashevsky, Marla Warner, Matt Park, One Day Creates, Richie Dos Dantos, Selina McCallum, Shari Kasman, Toronto Archives @discoverbloordale

@livebloordale

Walk Bloordale’s Nature Laneways Contributed by: Lindsay McDonald

By: Cosmos Laneway Group

“An urban commons where neighbours and nature meet. Make it yours.” Your neighbours are transforming two Bloordale alleys into nature lanes. Walk and watch the laneways transform and imagine what you can do in yours to create a safe and more welcoming place for our community. All you have to do to start is find a patch in your lane and make it beautiful. Connect with us at: facebook.com/NatureLaneways. The Bloordale BIA provided a micro-grant in 2019 to help bring this project to life.

A special mention and honour to Michelle Seneyah, who was the Executive Director and co-founder of The Laneway Project. She was Toronto’s laneway expert who passed suddenly in June 2021. Her friendship to the Bloordale BIA will never be forgotten, and her ground-breaking community work has left a legacy and movement that will carry on. thelanewayproject.ca

@lanewayproject

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Kelly Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

(she/her) | @galaxybloor Favourite shop: Value Village

Lookin’ Good By: Jadyn Cialini

Adam

Odd Finds General Store

(they/them) Favourite shop: Odd Finds General Store

1178 Bloor St W (647) 345-1178

@jaaddyynnn

NutHouse 1256 Bloor St W (647) 352-3385

Ataa & Ameir Ataa (she/her) and Ameir (he/him) Favourite shop: Nuthouse

Dusty (they/them) | @local.wench Favourite shop: Value Village

96 Tears Vintage 1267 Bloor St W (416) 829-4778

Donald (he/him) | Favourite shop: Value Village

Rosie & Briar Rosie (she/her) and Briar (she/her) Favourite shop: 96 Tears Vintage

Galaxy T&T 1227A Bloor St W

Value Village

Charlie (he/him) | @darkcitydriver Favourite shop: Value Village

1319 Bloor St W (416) 539-0585

Evan (they/them) | @evankwebb Favourite shop: Galaxy T&T

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Celebrating Local Business Owners Edited by: Grace Cameron, Editor & Publisher of JamaicanEats Magazine

By: Daniel Neuhaus

@jamaicaneatsmagazine

@dan_neuhaus

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Chop Life As a chef who was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, I’m inspired by my roots. Lagos is a global city where people from all over the world connect and exchange ideas. This creative energy is why we like to put our own twist on some of our dishes. A fun bite on the menu is our Kelewele Tostones, inspired by a seasoning from Ghana as well as an AfroLatinx method of double cooking plantain - a staple in West African and Black diaspora diets. Food helps us to explore who we are. It connects us, heals us and keeps our identities intact. By tracing some of the linkages between our food and diasporic eats, we remember the pots of those taken from us across the AtAfrobeats Kitchen lantic to the Americas and the Caribbean, the strength 1165 Bloor St W of their fires in new homes and the recipes that have (416) 880-2994 traversed generations of slavery, resistance and families. Food is life. The opportunity to cook this food out of spaces that have been so generous in hosting us has been incredible, especially in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests and the pandemic in the last year. Our family lost the security of my full-time income as the head chef of a restaurant, but in some of that loss there was a new freedom too: to cook the food that really matters to me. Chef/Owner, Afrobeat Kitchen | 1165 Bloor St W

Victor Ugwueke @afrobeatkitchen

What is an Afrobeat Kitchen Party? As a popup, our roving Afrobeat Kitchen party has found a temporary home out of the Caravan Café and Teahouse at 1165 Bloor Street West. We offer modern African eats inspired by West African traditions. It can be challenging to be seen outside of society’s ideas of who we are as Africans, let alone Nigerians or any distinct regional food identity. So, it’s great that there was already a strong East African presence in Bloordale when we got here. Our kitchen is now introducing the community to another part of the continent.

“I learned we can always figure out a way to celebrate life, no matter how hard things are. This year has also been a time for many of us to see how we can come together as a city; how we all need to learn to have difficult conversations, grieve, look for new ways of doing things and, most of all, take care of each other.” Victor Ugwueke

‘Chop life’ in Nigerian Pidgin slang literally means ‘eat life’ – in other words, enjoy life! Our hunger for life also contains an ability to celebrate in the face of hardship. It’s strange to talk about celebrating when there has been so much loss for all of us, but growing up in Lagos, I learned we can always figure out a way to celebrate life, no matter how hard things are. This year has also been a time for many of us to see how we can come together as a city; how we all need to learn to have difficult conversations, grieve, look for new ways of doing things and, most of all, take care of each other.

strumentalist, composer, political activist and Pan-Africanist. Today, Afrobeat lives on, remixing sounds from Lagos to London and crossing over worldwide.

Find our monthly playlist “Afrobeat Kitchen Party” on Spotify!

The best way we have been able to do that is to cook!

Naija No Dey Carry Last Through Afrobeat Kitchen, we are building a “Faaji Food” movement in Toronto - faaji translates to ‘the pleasure of enjoyment’. Finding a way to celebrate, even when things are not easy, is part of the culture. Lagos, as a city that never sleeps, is renowned for its nightlife. Yet, the best party you go to all week could be a birthday that closes a whole street in the neighbourhood, where food is “plenty plenty”, the speakers are turned up all the way and everyone from old to young dances. As Nigerians, we also say ‘Naija no dey carry last,’ which reflects our competitive, friendly spirit. In a country of more than 200 million, the hustle is so real. It’s ingrained in us... taking pride in where we come from, owning our greatness and this insistence on excellence. It’s an expectation to seek success in order to look after those around us. I think this is something that is part of many immigrants. Our culture is known for being loud, we are a people who are unafraid of excess. This is also reflected in the big flavours of our food. Our kitchen is also powered by big tunes. A music genre that mixes African rhythms with jazz, Afrobeat is a sound from West Africa created by Fela Kuti - the late Nigerian multi-in-

By: Selina McCallum

@shotbyselina

Mohamad Abadir Owner, Sun Dry Cleaning and Professional Alterations 673 Landsdowne Ave.

@sundrycleaning1

I opened my own tailor shop in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu when I was 12.

By: Matt Park

At first, people thought I was too young, until they realized what I could do.

Sun Dry Cleaning 673 Lansdowne Ave (416) 532-3222

I started doing tailoring because my next door neighbour was a tailor. He would give us kids in the neighbourhood a little bit of money to run errands – like getting coffee – for him, but I also used to watch him working at the sewing machine. He noticed my interest and one day sat me down at the machine. I was 9.

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Celebrating Local Business Owners By: Selina McCallum

“This is a beautiful and supportive neighbourhood, that’s why I’m sticking around. Without that support you can’t succeed.”

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Mohamad Abadir

I remember that I started by learning how to sew a straight line. My first garment was a pair of short pants. He had to cut the cloth and then I sewed it. I spent more and more time there and soon started working for him. When I opened my own shop, he was happy for me. I came to Canada with my family 18 years ago, due to the conflicts back home, and soon opened a tailor shop in the west end of Toronto. I was still learning to speak English but missed being a tailor and all the while my mind was constantly thinking about it. l was 23 when I opened the shop and because I looked so young, people thought my father owned the business. So, I had to show my passion and expertise. I wasn’t scared because when you have experience and know what you’re doing, you just have to put it out there and do it for people to see. Plus, I believe if you explain and show people what you’re doing, and if you’re honest, you’ll reach your goal. Sometimes I put more hours into doing a perfect job than I could possibly charge for. But, when I do that, it makes me happy because I’ve done something good, and the customers are happy. Customers sense the effort you put in and they keep coming back. If you’re just looking to make money, that is not good. I took over the dry cleaning business in 2009. I lived in the area and used to drive by every day to visit my friend’s coffee shop. The dry cleaner had been closed for several years and was somewhat run down. I took some time to make renovations before opening at the beginning of 2010, starting almost from scratch. Nobody in the area knew me and therefore I had to build my reputation. I love being a tailor and meeting different people, but I had to earn the trust and support of the community. Since then, people in the neighbourhood have come to know and support me because I provide the same high level of customer and tailoring services that I did when I ran my tailoring studio. This is a beautiful and supportive neighbourhood, that’s why I’m sticking around. Without that support you can’t succeed.

Family Fruit & Flower 1180 Bloor St W By: Matt Park

(416) 531-2188

The Ye Family Owners, Family Fruit & Flower | 1180 Bloor St W This story as told by their 14-year-old daughter Joanne Ye (pictured)”

My parents came to Canada in 2000 when they were in their early 20s. They are both from China, but my father had been working in South Africa as a chef while my mom had remained

By: Selina McCallum

in China to take care of her mother. They tell me that they migrated to Canada to start a happy family in Toronto and to own a business so that their children would grow up knowing what it is like to work hard. My brother Jeffrey, who is 10, and I were born in Canada and have lived in Bloordale Village, above our store, for as long as I can remember. We’ve been running Family Fruit & Flower since 2008 when my parents took over the business from her brother. Our store is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (9 p.m. since the start of COVID) but our day begins long before that. My parents are up early to buy goods, restock and put out the plants, flowers and herbs at the front of the store and along the side street. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they wake up at 2 a.m. to shop at the Ontario Food Terminal in Etobicoke and I usually go with them. Sometimes we’re there until 7 a.m., depending on how much we need to get. When the store is opened my mom works at the front while my dad is in the background unloading the truck, arranging things in the store and doing other tasks. In all, they each work more than 100 hours a week. I attend Bloordale Collegiate and will be going into grade 10 in September. I work at the store after school and on weekends. I sometimes study until 11, prepare for bed and do the same thing the next day.

Sometimes when I’m going to the food terminal with my parents, I stay up throughout the night to read or study. It’s great working in the store because I get to talk with people and learn new things. It actually helps me with school because the more I talk with people, the more comfortable I become speaking in front of my class and making presentations. It also helps my social life as I get to learn and experience more things than other kids. The best part is that I have a head start in experiencing working life. Plus, it’s nice helping my parents because they work so hard, so I try to help as much as possible. For the future, I’m thinking of studying business at the University of Waterloo, but I haven’t decided. I’m still considering various careers and universities.

“The best part is that I have a head start in experiencing working life. Plus, it’s nice helping my parents because they work so hard, so I try to help as much as possible.” Joanne Ye

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Bloordale L ves Public Art Words by Meg Marshall

Bloordale BIA loves public art! In recent years the BIA has been ramping up collaborations with local artists to build up a local open air gallery with a diversity of works. Check them out:

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

THE SACRED BEE MURAL By Oliver Couto (concept), Slavka Kolesar (illustration) & One Day Creates (mural). Where to find this: 1340 Bloor St W. By: Dan Couto

This very special mural’s conceptual design was by Oliver Couto with the illustration by Slavka Kolesar and painted by One Day Creates. In August 2020, The Sacred Bee Mural was brought to life on the east wall of 1340 Bloor St W. The mural is set in vignettes as a mystical vision. It’s centre-piece features Mother Earth with the zodiacal constellations as her tiara representing the cosmic con-

“BLOORDALE” By SKAM

@skamoney

In spring 2017, the Bloordale BIA commissioned SKAM, one of Toronto’s original street writers/artists, to bring his old school writing talent, great energy and colour through a mural that depicts a subtle nod to the City’s iconic skyline while also highlighting the love of parks, and outdoor space by our community. Much thanks to a grant from the City of Toronto Outdoor Mural & Street Art Program.

Where to find this: east wall of TL Variety at 1264 Bloor St W By: Kimberly Simmons

@canadiankas_photos

sciousness of this model of the feminine principle par excellence that the honeybee symbolically inspires. Other vignettes of the mural such as the honeybee society compared to our democratic society, the honeybees and Venus dances of the honeybees and more. The mural was made possible in part by the City of Toronto’s Outdoor Mural & Street Art Program and The Bee Shop.

BELL BOX MURALS By Gosia Komorski (top image) and Lauren Pirie (bottom image) In 2018, many of the brown, vandalised utility service boxes started receiving artistic makeovers through a partnership with the Bell Box Murals Project and Bloordale BIA. Over the past three years, this has helped create opportunities for eight artists and has beautified the majority of the boxes in the BIA’s boundaries and adjacent areas in the theme of “Celebrating the Arts” - acknowledging the amazing creativity that lives and thrives in Bloordale. Where to find this: multiple locations throughout the BIA and surrounding areas By: Kimberly Simmons

SIDEWALK ART By Victor Fraser

@whatsvictorupto

Beginning in summer 2019, the BIA commissioned vibrant sidewalk art by international artist, Victor Fraser. These unexpected pops of colour on otherwise grey and drab concrete, have been warmly received. While not permanent, these pieces of artwork last between 12-18 months, depending on how much foot or bicycle traffic traverse them. Where to find this: on sidewalks throughout the BIA By: Kimberly Simmons

ZODIAC PLANTERS By Peru (Part 1)

@peru143

In the summer of 2020, six concrete planters were painted by International street artist Peru Dyer Jalea. Zodiac signs with the glyphs, dates and associated colours were incorporated into each design. The first six signs represented include: Gemini, Taurus, Scorpio, Libra, Virgo and Leo. Remaining signs will be designed and applied to six on-street planters west of Lansdowne in 2021 and 2022. Where to find this: on sidewalks throughout the BIA By: Richie Dos Santos

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Pride and Inclusivity By: Marla Warner of Rebel Howl Studios Curated by Niki Tsourounakis

@rebelhowlstudios

AS SHARED MAY 2021

Katy Farrell What initially brought me to/keeps me in Bloordale? I initially came to Bloordale in 2016 because it was one of the last affordable, centrally located areas of the city- and now it feels like home. There’s an incredible restaurant scene, great art all around, green space on the Railpath, and incredible local businesses that make the area so vibrant. What makes it inclusive (and also what keeps me here)? What I love so much about Bloordale is that it feels like a real neighbourhood. I am friends with my neighbour and we hang out! When I walk along Bloor, I feel recognized, seen, and looked out for. There’s less anonymity than other places I’ve lived and I think it’s partly because people who live here recognize the incredible social and economic diversity and work to protect that. How are you going to celebrate Pride this year? I’m not sure what Pride will look like this year. It feels like a perfect year to make a donation to an organization, like the The 519’s Trans People of Colour Project. I think Pride is more about honouring the people who came before us to fight for their right to be who they are and love who they want, and those who are still fighting that fight.

Danny Papadatos What initially brought me to/keeps me in Bloordale? I came to Bloordale for love, and stayed for the amazing community... I love this neighborhood.. the shops, the people, the personality. What makes it inclusive (and also what keeps me here)? There’s a young spirit in this neighborhood and I definitely think that feeds the Bloordale vibe. There are so many amazing young entrepreneurs taking pride in our neighborhood, it definitely has created an inclusive vibe. This community truly cares for one another. Prior to, and throughout the pandemic, our neighbours have rallied to support those in need adding to the inclusive vibe and helping folks feel like they belong in Bloordale. How are you going to celebrate Pride this year? I wish I could hit a dance floor with friends and dance until the sun comes up. This year hopefully I can at least celebrate socially distant in a park with friends or at home with Nick and Steve. I’m sure there will be a few more group Zooms and online events to help keep people connected while keeping people safe.

Amanda Connell What initially brought me to/keeps me in Bloordale? I moved here because a friend of mine was moving out to Prince Edward County and her and her partner and child told me about their place becoming available. It was a little further west than I was used to, but the apartment was a great price, the neighbourhood was not pretentious, and the proximity to the West Toronto Railpath was a huge plus. What makes it inclusive (and also what keeps me here)? When I first moved here there was Holy Oak, there was The Steady, there was the DIY/all-ages vegan cafe D-Beatstro... all of these places felt like places where I could be myself. I would study at D-Beatstro. Holy Oak was a place I was comfortable going to alone for a drink. As time has gone on, the neighbourhood has felt more and more like a community everyday. The bars and restaurants and shops are mostly mom & pops, it feels like we support each other and genuinely care. How are you going to celebrate Pride this year? I have a hard time with Pride, because I am proud of my queerness and celebrate the beauty and magic of so many people in my community - but I do not do well in crowds. A neighbour of mine usually puts on a DJ set on his patio across the street from me and Im hoping that will happen again this year. I want to stay close to home, outside, with good music and good food. I hope I’ll be able to hug some friends by then.

MJ What initially brought me to/keeps me in Bloordale? I moved to Toronto ten years ago from Vancouver and based on good advice from friends, landed in the neighbourhood and never left! I’ve lived in a few different homes but have been lucky enough to stay within the borders of Bloordale. The incredible, diverse community of people and businesses keeps me here. Everything you need is on the block! What makes it inclusive (and also what keeps me here)? I’ve worked in bars and restaurants and cafes in Bloordale so I’ve been lucky enough to get to know so many of the wonderful business owners in the area. I can speak from first hand experience on how much they all care about this community and work so hard to keep it safe and inclusive for everyone. People really rally around each other and lend a hand when it’s needed. How are you going to celebrate Pride this year? With Pride 2021 being online again, I’ll probably just have a small backyard bbq hangout with my close pals and stream some of the live performances. Maybe a picnic in Dufferin Grove. Usually I’d be down in The Village at the 519 community centre, beer garden, getting a bad sunburn and taking in the parade. But we gotta stay safe so there’s always next year!

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Donald Carr What initially brought me to/keeps me in Bloordale? My mother, at 96, lived at St. Clair and Oakwood and I wanted to be close to her. And I found this neighbourhood and I found a very good, nice simple place. And I liked the community so I stayed here. What makes it inclusive (and also what keeps me here)? I think it’s that we all say hello to each other on the street. We recognize each other and there are a lot of older people living here from different communities. And we all smile and give warm greetings. And I love that because you are never alone. There is an old fashion way of community. How are you going to celebrate Pride this year?

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Every year I celebrate pride every day. I am always happy and I smile and I share my happiness with others who are with me.

Kaitlyn Wickson What initially brought me to/keeps me in Bloordale? I started working for Cafe Neon a few years ago as their baker. I love working for a company that takes pride in how inclusive they are, it’s a great feeling to be able to come into work and not have the fear of being judged for who you are. What makes it inclusive (and also what keeps me here)? I think small business owners should take a lot of that credit. They are the ones in the community providing access to safe places and services for everyone. How are you going to celebrate Pride this year? I feel like vibrant colours play a huge part in pride, so I will probably dye my hair and spend some time with my friends (hopefully in person, outside).

Wellington Warner What initially brought me to/keeps me in Bloordale? A large part of my adolescent/teen years were spent in this neighbourhood as I would often come and visit my sister from out of town. I would say the familiarity and sense of community that I’ve been able to cultivate for myself is what keeps me in Bloordale. What makes it inclusive (and also what keeps me here)? I believe that putting forth effort to maintain connections with familiar faces (business owners, neighbours, etc) creates a sense of comfort. Through conversation you’ll realize that we’re much more alike than we are different. How are you going to celebrate Pride this year? Even though we can’t celebrate the same as previous years, I believe the ethos is still the same in that you should spend time with those close to you. Practice gratitude for all that you currently have and enjoy the present moment.

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Words by Darren Leu By: One Day Creates

@onedaycreates

For the last 14 years, the BIG on Bloor Festival of Arts & Culture has brought forth public art, city-building and a strong sense of neighbourhood pride to Bloordale, attracting upwards of 100,000 people annually. Traditionally, the festival was a large-scale pedestrian takeover celebration on Bloor Street. Over the pandemic it has been adapted to become stand-alone art projects and installations to comply with COVID-19 protocols.

Looking back to the festival’s roots The BIG (Bloor Improvement Group) was formed in 2006 as a non-profit coalition organization, which included an alliance of 26 different local organizations, three levels of government, social service agencies, residents groups, cultural producers/ artists and small business owners. These organizations and individuals came together to coordinate a concerted effort and find ways to celebrate Bloordale’s rich diversity through a strong presentation of the local arts and culture. Their goal: to strengthen the community and create better connections between local people. Much has changed in the years since the original events which provided the impetus to form the BIG and, by extension, the BIG on Bloor Festival. Bloordale has emerged as a community of note. The festival has succeeded in bringing new business owners and residents to elect Bloordale as a desirable neighbourhood to live/ work in because its public community spirit now define it. Big On Bloor both encourages and sustains participation by creating a context for working on a positive common goal (year

round) as a community. It nurtures everyone from emergent to senior artists, by creating a regular occasion to present musical and theatrical performances and participatory art projects by making opportunities to contribute, to be constructive and to learn to exercise leadership. The festival has raised the profile of Bloordale in a way that indicates who we are within the city: a vibrant and thriving, engaged community. It reaches well beyond Bloordale, to become a microcosm representing the magnificent diversity of the GTA. “Public spaces meet more than one community need. We are excited to present an alternative community event that respects social distancing while celebrating community-building, local businesses, and the diverse arts and culture. Made possible by the Bloordale BIA, BIG on Bloor Festival is free and open to everyone.” Darren Leu, Founder Big on Bloor

Various location-based projects will be on view 24/7 starting July 24th, 2021. Curated by Festival Director Darren Leu, anticipate impactful murals, large-scale installations and window exhibitions by Jana Ghalayini, Daniel Hunt, Curtia Wright, Crafty Chas and several more. bigonbloorfestival.com

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Then and Now Words by: Liza Lukashevsky

By: Liza Lukashevsky

These stories take a deep dive into three locales which are inexorably linked with the evolving history of Bloordale. Each story shares how Torontonians’ own history is intrinsically connected to local establishments.

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

‘Boxing, Bars, and Burgers’ at 1316 Bloor W Sitting at the bottom of an old three storey building at 1316 Bloor W is a takeout burger place called The Burger Bros but, in 1969, it was the place responsible for saving a 15 year-old Serbian immigrant named Bob Bozic and making him the National Amateur Heavyweight Boxing Champion of Canada.

It was the toughest boxing club in Toronto, but with trainers Bev Carter and Max Kadin, Bertie Mignacco was responsible for turning lives around for hundreds of boys in Bloordale.

The Lansdowne eventually closed, but its infamous sparring ring was moved and is still used 1316 Bloor St W today at Bloor Street Boxing and (416) 533-4044 Fitness on Roncesvalles. The gym behind Ciro’s then became the popular Bozic, who had been living on the streets, started Siam-1 Thai Boxing Club which closed Sugo working at Ciro’s in 1965. His “work” involved running in 2019 and was transformed into Patelbrown 1281 Bloor St W cash and collecting debts for bookie Bertie Mignacco and his Art Gallery. (416) 535-1717 crew who sat at the back of the restaurant playing cards with gangsters named Kochie, Dukey, Squeaker, and Weeper. But boxing is not dead in Bloordale. Today, a new The Burger Bros

In addition to organized crime, Mignacco managed boxers, running a boxing gym behind the restaurant called The Lansdowne Athletic Association. Like many other troubled boys in the neighborhood, Bozic trained at The LAA, sparring with some of Toronto’s meanest boxers like Ronnie Ewards, Jimmy Grandson “Pretty Boy” Felstein, Punchy Rick Wallin, and of course Lansdowne’s own beloved five- time Canadian heavyweight champion, George Chuvalo.

generation of boxers are turning to the sport as a safe space to learn self-discipline and motivation with help from Bloordale’s Sugo. The popular sandwich joint has worked with Bloor Street Boxing and United Athletics and has sponsored a team of 6-10 boxers through Cuba Links boxing and Budo boxing club. Owners Connor Joerin and Alex Wallen are passionate about boxing, hiring numerous local amateur fighters, to work in the kitchen or the front of house - giving them a trade possibly more bankable than fighting. Wallen, once an amateur boxer himself, has collected numerous posters and photographs from local fighters and gyms, including The Lansdowne Club. In addition to running Sugo and the newly opened Conzo’s Pizzeria, Wallen still boxes, believing its greatest gift is humility: “Your parents money, the colour of your skin…nothing matters in boxing but your output. It takes a lotta guts to get beat up and come back the next day for more.”

‘The Many Eras of Duffy’s Tavern’ at 1238 Bloor W Throughout the 1940s, “Duffy’s Tavern” was one of the most popular American radio sitcoms. So, when the hotel at the corner of Margueretta and Bloor W added a tavern to its main floor in 1949, the name Duffy’s was sure to draw crowds.

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Duffy’s Tavern 1238 Bloor St W (416) 628-0330

‘There was a Taste of Little Portugal’ at 1184 Bloor W In 1987, Manuel Gonclaves bought a corner building at 1184 Bloor W. It was at the northern end of Toronto’s “Little Portugal”, but he believed it would be the perfect spot to open Churrasqueira Aveirense, a place where meat is cooked in Churrasco (bbq) and served “rodizio”-style, where roving waiters serve the meats from large skewers directly onto diners’ plates. Gonclaves was right, his Churrasqueira became immensely popular, with Bloordale’s Portugese community showing up for a taste of home. It was a family place with Gonclaves’ own family there to help run it.

Of course, 1238 Bloor Street West had been a fixture of Bloor W for 70 years as both a hotel and a bank, but because Toronto’s strict liquor laws were finally being loosened, the hotel was able to add a proper place where people could legally drink cocktails. With neighboring communities west of Lansdowne and North of Dupont still “dry”, Duffy’s Tavern was one of the few places one could get a drink. Toronto’s drinkers of the 60s, 70s, and 80s went to Duffy’s gritty watering hole to get a Labatt Blue and listen to a Rock n Roll cover band. During the 70s and early 80s, Duffy’s was the favorite meet-up for the city’s tow truck drivers. But after the strip club opened up across the street, the atmosphere at Duffy’s got “edgier”: pimps, drug dealers, and those looking for a quick drink before heading to the peeler bar gave the bar a stained reputation. In 2006, Harrison Mazis, who grew up in the neighborhood, decided to buy the building, clean it up and bring it back to its original glory. Understanding that many regulars wanted to keep coming daily, Mazis renovated the bar and apartments upstairs without closing (patrons had to put coasters over their drinks to stop debris from getting into their glasses). Mazis kept many of the relics that speak to Duffy’s past: the basement still holds the walk-in safe from the bank and framed pictures of famous patrons adorn the walls.

Behind on Pauline street was St. Sebastian’s Church, which hosted packed services every Sunday. Afterwards, hungry Catholics would head over to Gonclaves’ take-out window, picking up Sunday night chicken dinners and talking to friends. Churrasqueira Aveirense was a community hub. During the Northeast Blackout of 2003, Bloordalians were left with little to no power for 41 hours. With no refrigeration and no electricity to cook their food, people happily flocked to this corner spot where Gonclaves smartly set up a huge gas BBQ on his patio, serving up whole roasted chickens “ChurBurdock rasco” style. 1184 Bloor St W As the aughts moved on, more and more Portugese residents moved to the suburbs and Manuel’s business slowed down. The restaurant closed in 2010.

(416) 546-4033

Today, this corner spot is “Burdock”: a brewery, restaurant and music hall, which specializes in craft beer and a 100-mile menu. Gonclaves’ old takeout window is once again in action, transformed into Burdock’s popular Bottleshop - selling IPAs instead of chicken - and everyday is busy, not just Sunday.

As one of the oldest drinking establishments in Toronto, Harrison Mazis didn’t want Duffy’s to die in a state of disrepute. He has successfully cleaned it up while keeping the atmosphere of the Tavern alive. Music has always been an important component. Mazis proudly states that “over 5,000 international musicians have played Duffy’s and I don’t intend to ever stop booking live shows. Duffy’s Tavern is still an unpretentious bar where you can enjoy a beer and listen to live music 365 days a year”.

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Bloordale Bites Words by Meg Marshall

By: Richie Dos Santos

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

There are so many great eateries here in Bloordale. Community members have continually shared shout outs and praise to local businesses for their amazing diversity and affordable food options. While we can’t highlight all of our incredible local food spots in just two pages, here’s a sample of some Bloordale Bites!

Galaxy T&T

Galaxy T&T 1227A Bloor St W

Mai and Kai are the owners and operators of this small but homey takeout window. They serve up bright, vibrant and fresh smoothies made with real fruit which pair nicely with a traditional Vietnamese banh mi. Bring cash (as this spot doesn’t accept debit or credit) to enjoy these delicious grab-and-go items.

Alma Anna Chen is the chef and owner of Alma. It’s her home away from home and she really enjoys making everything fresh. Customers love the delicious staple items like the soy molasses glazed fried chicken or the pork wontons. There are also meatless options like the comte tapioca fritters. Visit often as there are seasonal menu item changes that shouldn’t be missed!

Alma 1194 Bloor St W (647) 346-1881

Caribbean Queen of Patties

Owner Georgia is the Queen of Patties here in Bloor1294 Bloor St W dale. This long-standing grab-and-go spot serves (416) 538-1732 up traditional Jamaican and Caribbean eats like rotis, patties, curries and drinks like Ting! Expect meats like oxtail, goat and jerk chicken to be used. Vegetarian menu options are available too.

Dosa Mahal

Dosa Mahal 1285 Bloor St W

A long-time family favourite owned and operated by the Logan family. Dosa Mahal got its start in Bloordale and now boasts three locations. They serve up vegan and vegetarian street-style South Asian menu items like dosa, samosas, curries and more! Portion sizes offered here are quite generous and also make for a great catering option!

(416) 588-4147

THANK YOU

for continuing to eat, shop and celebrate local!

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Dog Next Door 1230 Bloor Street (416) 533-8363

the Doggers Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Shares Life in Bloordale Words by: Bacon

By: Richie Dos Santos

Hi, I’m Bacon and I live near Bloordale. I’m a fashion influencer, so I have to always look my very Dee Tails Grooming best. Liz at That Dog Next Door is the only one 1264 Bloor St W who is allowed to touch my hair. They also sell a (416) 887-3590 variety of curated pet food, treats, toys and more. My best friend Nala the Schnoodle tells me that Dee’Tails around the corner is her choice of spa. Each queen has got their choice of stylist I guess! I like to pull us both into the Wine Rack. I always announce my We also have a turtle at home and Earth entrance with a little howl and they greet me with treats and Echoes has all the right crawly snacks water. Mom usually gets something too but I’m never allowed for pets of a more scaly nature. to drink it. Mom likes to take me into Dead Dog Records, which to me (416) 389-3143 has a strange name, but don’t worry I feel perfectly safe browsing through stacks of records. My pawrents work in the music industry so supporting our local record store is very important to us. Earth Echoes

1192 Bloor St W

Dead Dog Records 1209 Bloor St W (647) 748-0748

I love to eat and I’m an ice cream fanatic. I’ll always miss my beloved Lansdowne Cone and Emmy’s but there’s still the delicious Home and rurubaked. Sometimes we’ll also stop by the window of the Galaxy T&T to get a Banh Mi sandwich and, if I’ve been a good boy (always), I’ll get a little bite.

Along the way I have to leave my markings at the beautifully painted Bell Box murals. My favourite is the brightly coloured one at St. Clarens and Bloor by Jieun June Kim. If you let yourself look, there’s actually little pieces of art everywhere in Bloordale. On doors to apartments, by parkettes, on street corners. We’ve used many of them as the backdrops to our fashion shoots. My Instagram is actually dotted by odes to our neighbourhood and the surrounding ones because I’ll always be a local Toronto dog at heart. Follow Bacon on Instagram:

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@baconthedoggers

Celebration of Life:

Mr. Siddique Words by: Liza Lukashevsky Early this year, Bloordale suffered a big loss when Mashud Siddique, beloved owner of Vena’s Roti, suddenly died. Siddique originally ran Vena’s out of a small shop on Queen Street West’s north side during the 90s and is fondly remembered there for giving away thousands of rotis for charity. In 2004, he moved his business to Bloordale, where he quickly gained a loyal following for his Guyanese-style rotis. After his death, many of his devotees posted handwritten notes and pictures on the front window of Vena’s, extolling the virtues of his food and his community work. In celebration and in memoriam of Mr. Siddique and Vena’s Roti (2004-2021), we’re sharing some of those notes and fond memories:

“Mr. Siddique’s roti shop had the best mixed vegetable rotis in Toronto, and he loved his customers and the neighbourhood. He will be missed” Elizabeth St. Claren’s Ave. “Vena’s Roti was a regular meal in our house, on those nights when we were too busy or too tired to cook. A goat roti with squash and spinach was a quick, and deeply comforting meal. It became closely tied to a particular feeling of life at home, of life in the neighborhood.” Shery Pauline Ave. “Mr. Siddique was one of the nicest guys and last remaining businesses from the old Bloordale. I’ll miss sitting in Vena’s playing tabletop Ms. PacMan and drinking Ting with my GF. Vena’s was a part of my neighborhood family and welcoming to all. He will be missed” Mysterion St. Clarens Ave. “With the happy family portraits on the wall, with the certain experience of his quiet kindness, with his annual offer of free meals to those in need, Mr. Siddique’s small shop was a landmark. He will be missed” Steve Pauline Ave.

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

What’s in a Name? Words by: Ann Ball

By: Toronto Archives

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Bloordale: Land Acknowledgment Bloordale 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. We acknowledge 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. All those who come to live and work here are responsible for honouring this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect. For information on the Treaties and more, please visit Mississaugas Of the Credit First Nation: mncfn.ca/torontopurchase/

The Bloordale section of Bloor Street West remarkably remains much the same as when it was established in the early 1900’s. Many buildings were built between 1905 to 1920; the former Eaton’s operated a warehouse which to this day is part of built form of Bloor Collegiate. The Bloor District Business Men’s Association sponsored wildly popular Good Friday Road Races which drew crowds to watch runners from across Canada between 1920 and 1940. Bloordale BIA – one of Toronto’s first BIA’s - was founded in 1976 and strove to bring the community together with sidewalk sales and celebrations. Always a busy shopping district, Bloordale ran into troubled times when Dufferin Mall opened, streetcars were removed after the Bloor subway lined opened and, still later, when the Galleria Mall opened. In the late 1980s, the BIA and Resident’s Association came together as the Bloor Lansdowne Committee Against Drugs and worked with the various agencies from the City of Toronto for a healthier and safer community. The Bloor Improvement Group took up animation of Bloor Street West with their wildly successful BIG on Bloor Street Festivals.

lansdowne avenue Lansdowne Avenue is named after Henry Charles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, Lord Lansdowne, a British politician and Canada’s Governor General from 1883 until 1898. The Village of Parkdale awarded the street name in honour of his Canadian posting. After his Governorship, he followed Lord Dufferin’s career posting as the Viceroy of India.

Bloor Street Bloor Street is named for the energetic Joseph Bloor. After he left Staffordshire, England for the Township of York, Bloor in turn founded the Farmer’s Arm Inn and Bloor’s Brewery. He amassed enough funds from these ventures to buy land north of The Second Concession Line – an area known as the

Photo Credit: At Bloor, looking north on Lansdowne Avenue: John Bromley Archives.

“Liberties”. Years later, along with William Jarvis, Bloor subdivided this land and created the Village of Yorkville. The Second Line abutted his home, his former Brewery in Rosedale Valley and Yorkville though the street previously had been named Tollgate, St. Paul’s and Sydenham. Ultimately in 1855, the renaming of the Second Line was awarded in recognition of Bloor’s wealth, faith, philanthropy and social linkages.

Photo Credit: Hamwood Family, 442 Brock Avenue at Cobourg 1927: TPL 977-26-31.

Brock avenue Brock Avenue is not named after Sir Isaac Brock, as is commonly incorrectly assumed, but rather for Isaac’s first cousin, James Brock. James Brock was the paymaster for his cousin’s Isaac’s military regiment, Isaac’s private secretary and, importantly, a recipient of numerous land tracts Isaac negotiated for him. When James died in 1828, Brock’s widow, Kingston native Susannah Lucy Quirke Brock, inherited it all. Lucy Brock sold most of the land, but speculated and adroitly subdivided his tract known as Brockton. She had the name of the main road shortened to Brock Avenue – still home to generations of families.

dufferin Street Dufferin Street is named after Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, First Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, who was granted the position as Canada’s third Governor General in 1872. A life long British diplomat, the multi-lingual Lord Dufferin’s Canadian tenure is remembered for his involvement in preservation of Old Quebec, establishment of sports awards and diplomatic/expedition excursions across Canada. The former side-line was named in Lord Dufferin’s honour at the end of his Governorship in 1876. Bloordale’s eastern border holds significance for one particular piece of property. In the 1880’s, the neighbouring landowners, the Denison Family leased their private riding track to Abe Orpen. Orpen operated the short – 0.5 mile long track - as the popular Dufferin Park racetrack and also leased the track for circuses, events and festivals. Numerous race tracks left the Toronto core in the 1950s, the Dufferin Park Track was sold and converted to Dufferin Mall - with more than ample parking - to the detriment of many Bloordale and Bloorcourt shops.

Susan Tibaldi Parkette Susan Tibaldi Parkette is named after Susan (Assunta) Tibaldi. Unlike many local streets, the Margueretta Parkette re-naming was a mere twenty years ago, for a local activist. Raised on Montrose Avenue and lived with her family on Margueretta Street, Susan, a shopkeeper, utilized her leadership skills and savvy for numerous local organizations/efforts: Bloordale BIA; St. Sebastian’s PTA; St. Sebastian’s/Pauline School’s Breakfast Club; local election campaigns; Bloor Lansdowne Committee Against Drugs; and Toronto Public Health outreach projects. For Susan, the natural link between all these actions was neighbourhood betterment with improved well-being and safety for everyone. Ms. Tibaldi was a warm, considerate woman who worked with and was loved by people from a range of ethnic groups, ages and walks of life. All photographs of her capture her smile.

Photo Credit and Memories: Ms. Liz Estok, Suzie’s best friend.

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Our Very Own Beach Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Words by: Bloordale Beach

By: Shari Kasman

It might seem surprising to find a beach in a location that lacks a significant body of water, but Bloordale Beach is real, and is a true delight for anyone who stumbles across this oasis. The beach came to be in spring of 2020 on a lot at Brock Avenue and Croatia Street, on the site of a former school that bulldozers tore apart in 2019. Once bricks and rubble were gone, a giant hole remained, which was later filled with gravel and some sand to create a level surface, like a beach. Prior to demolition one could head through the little alley next to Three Speed and cut across the school’s parking lot to Dufferin Mall. Construction fencing that surrounded the lot obliterated Three Speed the convenient shortcut, but after 1163 Bloor St W some months, certain panels of (647) 430-3834 the fence were removed so folks could carry potatoes home from No Frills, without having to go the long way around. First, painted signs appeared at the site, identifying the space as Bloordale Beach, and the City’s Shared Space signs were hung, though the image of the car was replaced by an umbrella. Things developed as the year progressed. Letters were changed on the Danger signs to create Linger signs. Instead of No Trespassing, the words became So Yespassing, and Due to Demolition became Due to Devotion, among other variations. Bloordale Meadow signs were posted at entrances to the area next to the beach, which is normally used as the field for the school.

All sorts of items showed up at the beach, including mannequin parts, blue and green rocks in a spiral formation, shopping carts, turtles that laid eggs in a Sea Turtle Nesting Area, plus beach chairs, providing beachgoers with a comfortable place to suntan and sip on lemonade. One area was filled with buckets, pool noodles, and planks to form a jungle gym for canines, also known as the barkour area—parkour for dogs. In late summer, beach tours were offered as part of the BIG on Bloor Festival. In the autumn, piles of sand arrived on the beach, followed by a burned out RV. There have been so many gorgeous beach sunsets. Bloordale Beach, which spans an entire city block, came at just the right time, as it allowed for outdoor space to socially distance during the pandemic. As TDSB Trustee Stephanie Donaldson said, “It has brought a lot of joy at a time when the community really needed it.” Minor hiccups sometimes prevented beach access, but lucky, the beach reopened in the winter so neighbours could cross-country ski and build snowmen. As of now, Bloordale Beach remains open. It’s nice to have this little slice of utopia, right in the neighbourhood. Word of the beach has spread across the city. Even Mayor John Tory commended Bloordale Beach and neighbouring Bloordale Meadow in a speech, as he addressed the Bloordale BIA, saying the beach showed the neighbourhood’s creativity and helped to save businesses during these unprecedented times. This beach is truly the best thing to have happened in Bloordale. Hoping to see some great sandcastles this year.

Covid What Became Essential Edited by: Grace Cameron, Editor & Publisher of JamaicanEats Magazine

By: Selina MacCallum

@shotbyselina

had a hard time raising us, but she was strong. She made sure we were educated. She gave us everything. She’s 84 now and lives with me and it’s our time to give to her. When I get home, I want to see my mom first to make sure that Tower City Inc. she’s alright. Dollar & Variety 1232 Bloor St W My oldest brother Belal was the first to come to (416) 533-7007 Canada. Before that, he went to the Middle East to work and support the family. He now lives in the U.S. with three of our sisters that he helped to leave Bangladesh. I came to Canada at age 21 as a political refugee. It was 1988 and I was leaving behind the strife and lack of freedom in my country. Subsequently, I helped my siblings and mother to get here.

Mohammad ‘Salik’ Muhaimin Owner, Tower City Dollar and Variety, 1232 Bloor St W

I was born into a business family. My father Mannan had a wholesale business, selling construction material, food items and other goods. Everything was in bulk. He was such a nice man and people in our district of Sylhet, Bangladesh, loved him. He died when I was 9 1/2 but I used to watch him, and I remember how polite he was. I try to apply what I learned from observing him. I realize that my son Tanvir also observes what I do and is following in the same way. He’s 21 and one of the best kids. Besides his criminology studies at U of T, he helps a lot in the store and customers love him. Besides Tanvir, I have a son in grade 9 and daughter in grade 7. I always tell my kids that business and money are not everything. My policy is that you need to give your best to people. I provided them with the proper foundation to learn and now it’s their choice. My parents had nine children. I’m son number two and the sixth child. When my father died, we were young and my mother Nessa

Back home, I dreamt of being a journalist but I was steered to the drama department. When I passed the voice interview, it was one of the happiest moments of my life. However, the very day I was scheduled to participate in my first drama, was also the day I was leaving for Canada. I felt good about my decision because it meant getting myself out of that environment and helping my family. I landed in Montreal to be with my brother and started working as a dishwasher because I spoke little English or French. Within three years, I moved up to cook’s helper, cook and then assistant chef. I quit and bought a supermarket that I operated with three partners. After 10 years I decided to move to Toronto because my English was stronger than my French. Plus, Toronto is such a multicultural city. We moved to Bloordale and have been here since. First, I worked at my cousin’s Bengal grocery store on Bloor Street. Following that, I had a stint as a cook and then heard that this business was for sale. I took it over in 2005 with my brothers Muhit and Suhel. At first it was a regular dollar store, but not profitable. With my supermarket experience, we expanded into grocery and then hardware and added other items based on what people were looking for. Our focus is on the customer. We carry the small things to make people’s lives easier. Customers leave nice comments online and this gives us a good push. Besides what we sell in store, we also connect people with the right sources, especially seniors. Being a business owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. It’s challenging, but I enjoy it.

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

BLOORDALE BUSINESS DIRECTORY Updated as of early June 2021

BIKE STORE

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Bike Depot 1222 Bloor St W (416) 531-1028 Sweet Pete’s Bike Shop 1204 Bloor St W (416) 533-4481

Cafe/Bar/Restaurant/ Food Takeout African Delight 1180 Bloor St W (416) 537-4063 Afrobeats Kitchen 1165 Bloor St W (416) 880-2994 Ali Baba’s 1283 Bloor St W (416) 913-4463 Alma 1194 Bloor St W (647) 346-1881 Baddies & Cops Donuts 679 Lansdowne Ave Bar Neon 1226 Bloor St W (647) 748-6366

BRG Virtual Kitchens 1208 Bloor St W (647) 340-4360

Daily Grind 426 St Clarens Ave (416) 546-6933

Mereb Resturant & Cafe 1160 Bloor St W (416) 519-9223

Brock Sandwich 1260 Bloor St W (647) 748-1260

Duffy’s Tavern 1238 Bloor St W (416) 628-0330

Penny’s 1306 Bloor St W (647) 350-2337

Buco Cafe Mercato 615A Brock Ave (647) 919-8685

Food Benders 1162 Bloor St W (647) 303-2363

Pizza Pizza 1193 Bloor St W (416) 967-1111

Burdock 1184 Bloor St W (416) 546-4033

Galaxy T&T 1227A Bloor St W

Roll & Bowl 685 Lansdowne Ave Unit 2 (416) 531-0166

Cafe Piccolino 1201 Bloor St W (416) 849-6501 Caravan Cafe and Tea House 1165 Bloor St W (416) 516-8986 Cassava Gastronomy 685 Lansdowe Ave (416) 551-6558 Caribbean Queen of Patties 1294 Bloor St W (416) 538-1732 Chito’s 1308 Bloor St W (416) 530-7777 Club Paradise 1313 Bloor St W (416) 535-0723 Conzo’s 1279 Bloor St W (416) 792-1279

Gino’s Pizza 1158 Bloor St W (866) 310-4466

Ruru Baked 659 Lansdowne Ave

Grey Tiger 1190 Bloor St W (647) 925-3310

Seoul Shakers 1241 Bloor St W (416) 535-8606

Happy Cup Bar & Restaurant 1274 Bloor St W (647) 350-0287

Shakers Club 1261 Bloor St W

Home Baking Co 1242 Bloor St W (647) 350-3400 House of Lancaster 1215 Bloor St W (416) 534-2385 Indian Home Cooking 675 Lansdowne Ave King’s Chef Chinese Restaurant 1266 Bloor St W (416) 532-8882 Latin World 1229 Bloor St W (416) 603-3311

South Indian Dosa Mahal 1285 Bloor St W (416) 588-4147 Subway Restaurant 1171 Bloor St W (416) 535-9559 Sugo 1281 Bloor St W (416) 535-1717 The Burger Bros 1316 Bloor St W (416) 533-4044 The John 1174 Bloor St W (416) 532-7583

The Three Speed 1163 Bloor St W (647) 430-3834 Tim Horton’s 1251 Bloor St W (416) 551-9329 Uncle Sid’s Deli 1263 Bloor St W (416) 516-2327 4th and 7 1211 Bloor St W (647) 348-4500

Gallery

Midwives Collective of Toronto 1203 Bloor St W (416) 963-8842

MP Julie Dzerowicz Constituency Office 1202 Bloor St W (416) 654-8048

Safe Haven 1173 Bloor St W (416) 535-8525

TESOC Multicultural Settlement Services 685 Lansdowne Ave Unit1 A (416) 536-5678

Darren Gallery 346 Marguretta St (647) 494-9633

Mercer Union 1286 Bloor St W

(416) 536-1519

Community Service/Faith Based Organization Ana Bailao Constituency Office 1240 Bloor St W (416) 392-7012

Islamic Information & Dawa Centre 1168 Bloor St W (416) 536-8433

Marit Stiles MPP Constituency Office 1199 Bloor St W (416) 535-3158

Grocery/ Corner Store Bangladesh Corner Variety 611 Brock Ave (416) 537-2661 Bengal Grocery 1220 Bloor St W (416) 534-9868 Easy Health 1276 Bloor St W (416) 474-2526 Economy Fruit 1170 Bloor St W (416) 534-4889 Family Fruit & Flower 1180 Bloor St W (416) 531-2188 Five Star Variety 1210 Bloor St W (416) 532-3461 Harar Grocery 1320 Bloor St W (416) 220-4442

Hasty Market 1310 Bloor St W Nuthouse 1256 Bloor St W (647) 352-3385 Super Mart Convenience 1205 Bloor St W (416) 531-3771 TL Variety 1264 Bloor St W (416) 536-5496 Tower City Dollar & Variety 1232 Bloor St W (416) 533-7007 Viva Latinos 685 Lansdowne Ave (416) 855-2323

Health & Wellness Anatomica 1302 Bloor St W 1277 Bloor St W (416) 890-1505 Discount Optical 1312 Bloor St W (416) 532-7997 Dr. Tri Tang Ngyuen Dental Office 1198 Bloor St W (416) 536-8523 Metro Drugs Pharmacy 1290 Bloor St W (416) 538-9962 Ultra-Bloor Pharmacy 1254 Bloor St W (416) 792-3021 YDO - Your Dental Office 1196 Bloor St W (416) 588-2880

Spa/Beauty/Hair/ Barber Shop/ tattoo Aces Hair Studio 430 St Clarens Ave (647) 448-7877 B Side Barbers 428 St Clarens Ave (416) 564-5191 Comfrey Spa 1252 Bloor St W (416) 792-8457 Corner Pocket Tattoo 1185 Bloor St W Ice Nails & Beauty 1296 Bloor St W (416) 532-2421 Ink & Water Tattoo 1303 Bloor St W (647) 341-4030 Magic Touch Beauty Salon 1250 Bloor St W (416) 588-0632 Mona Lisa Hair Salon 1179 Bloor St W (416) 530-0247 Nail Spa & Massage 1203b Bloor St W (647) 352-3689 Pravda Tattoo 1275 Bloor St W (647) 430-5891 Queen’s Shop Fine Hair Dressing 1169 Bloor St W (416) 539-0660 TCM Spa 1218 Bloor St W (416) 538-1331

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

Virgo Beauty 1156 Bloor St W (416) 532-8132

Sunny Buy & Sell 1273 Bloor St W (416) 539-9170

Odd Finds General Store

1348 Bloor St W (416) 670-3047

Vito’s Barbershop 1258 Bloor St W (416) 531-4771

Furniture Emporium 1237 Bloor St W (416) 535-3844

Sun Dry Cleaning 673 Lansdowne Ave (416) 532-3222

Ransack the Universe 1207 Bloor St W (647) 703-6675

Giants Buy Sell 1301 Bloor St W (416) 532-3013

SL Graphics & Printing 1246 Bloor St W (416) 531-4377

Salvation Army Thrift Store 1219 Bloor St W (416) 533-9553

Great Furniture 1300 Bloor St W (416) 516-4997

Sonali Currency Exchange 1284 Bloor St W (416) 536-7266

Tara Thrift 1292 Bloor St W (647) 832-8006

Indestructible HQ 1185 Bloor St W

The Bee Shop 1340 Bloor St W (416) 533-2337

Uncle Vintage 1342 Bloor St W (416) 546-2205

The Spot 1280 Bloor St W (416) 901-4070

Value Village 1319 Bloor St W (416) 539-0585

The Sword & Board 1193 Bloor St W (647) 350-7529

Wayback Vintage

Specialty Retail & SERVICE

Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

African Modern & Traditional Dresses 1346 Bloor St W (647) 719-9134 Amkay’s Textiles 1181 Bloor St W (416) 532-3130 A2Z Vacuum 1189 Bloor St W (416) 536-5956 Bloor Army Surplus 1212 Bloor St W (647) 350-3322 Bloordale Village Laundromat 1268 Bloor St W (647) 456-8965 BMO Bank of Montreal 1293 Bloor St W (416) 531-3561 Cell Phone Clinic 1212A Bloor St W (416) 997-6162 Dead Dog Records 1209 Bloor St W (647) 748-0748 Earth Echoes 1192 Bloor St W (416) 389-3143

Fohr Design Studio

International Cellular Ltd 1192 Bloor St W (416) 588-0710 It’s Pay Day 1250 Bloor St W (416) 588-5626 Mackie Biernacki 1244 Bloor St W (416) 816-4661 Music Therapy Centre 1175 Bloor St W (416) 535-0200 New Way Upholstery 609 Brock Ave (416) 532-0195 Qrint Studio 1243 Bloor St W (416) 535-7468 QT Jewellery & Watches 1183 Bloor St W (416) 459-2779 Saponetti Refill Depot 615c Brock Ave (647) 344-1875 SPAR Marathon 1360 Bloor St W (416) 534-8421

Town 1187 Bloor St W (647) 748-8696 Tram Anh Studio 1198 Bloor St W (647) 346-2649 Wine Rack 1298 Bloor St W (416) 538-0314

1178 Bloor St W (647) 345-1178

1344 Bloor St W 96 Tears Vintage 1267 Bloor St W (416) 829-4778

Pet Store Dee Tails Grooming 1264 Bloor St W (416) 887-3590

Earth Echoes

Thrift & VINTAGE Eyesore Cinema 1176 Bloor St W (416) 955-1599 Final Touch Vintage 1269 Bloor St W (416) 901-9511

1192 Bloor St W (416) 389-3143

That Dog Next Door 1230 Bloor St W (416) 533-8363

By: Lianne Mauladin

@jokeladyhaha Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com

@livebloordale

@discoverbloordale | bloordalevillagebia.com