A critical public meeting on the prospects for a BIA for the South Bayview business district will be held tonight (Thursday, July 3, 2014) at 7 p.m. at St. Cuthbert’s Church at 1399 Bayview at St. Cuthberts Rd. This and other meetings flow from a request from the Bayview Leaside Steering Committee to the City for such consultation. A Toronto news release says that with the assistance of Councillors John Parker and Josh Matlow, the Steering Committee was formed in June 2012, and held four meetings to establish a boundary for the proposed BIA and identify how a BIA might benefit local businesses. The Steering Committee believes a BIA will provide opportunities to improve area streetscaping and appearance; establish a brand or image for the area; promote festivals and events; and advocate for off-street municipal parking lots in the area. Thirty-seven business and commercial property owners attended the sessions. On May 28, 2014, members of the Steering Committee did door-to-door canvassing from 1489 to 1639 Bayview Avenue to advise businesses in this area of a proposed public meeting to be scheduled for July 3, 2014. The canvassers also provided background information on the City of Toronto’s BIA program. The majority of the businesses contacted seemed “very much in favour” of proceeding with a formal public meeting.
