About Downtown Yonge
Achievements
CleanlinessA full-time maintenance crew, the Clean Streets Team, is responsible for graffiti removal, poster removal and litter sweeping on public property beyond the standard that is provided by the City, helping our area live up to Toronto’s clean reputation. Yonge Street sidewalks are also pressure washed annually to rid them of gum, grime and stains. |
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Discovery TeamYou may have seen the team in green roaming the streets, offering information, or conducting free walking tours. This group of mobile ambassadors helps the public meet this business, shopping and entertainment needs in the Downtown Yonge area. The team is multilingual and provides a welcoming environment for area visitors, residents, businesses and employees. The team operates annually from Victoria Day to Labour Day. |
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Holiday DécorEvery November, Downtown Yonge welcomes the holiday season with décor that stretches across Yonge Street. This includes 22 trees filled with LED light sticks and three 3-dimensional polar bears at the Yonge-College median; cross street displays hanging above Yonge Street from Queen to Grosvenor; and a spectacular 35 foot sculptural light tree at Yonge-Dundas Square sparkling with 52,000 blue and white LED lights. |
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Holiday OpeningsDowntown Yonge was Toronto’s first designated tourist area, which allows our retailers to remain open on statutory holidays. |
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Property Clean-up CampaignA joint effort by the Downtown Yonge B.I.A. and the City’s Municipal Licensing & Standards Division encourages and requires property owners to address repair issues and other deficiencies on their building. To see before and after pictures of various properties click here. |
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PublicationsThe Toronto Prestige Map, Downtown Yonge Brochure, Yonge Buzz, Holiday Guide, and Downtown Yonge loyalty card are printed publications that serve to inform the public of various offerings in our district. |
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SafetyDowntown Yonge members have long advocated for additional policing. As of May 13, 2006, 20 additional foot patrol officers are patrolling the Yonge-Church-Bay corridors. This ongoing police presence, promoting community-based policing, has helped reduce street crime in the area. |
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Social ImprovementFollowing a successful pilot project in 2005, there is now an ongoing presence of trained street outreach workers who are working with the homeless population to connect them with housing and other social services. |
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Streetscape ImprovementsMuch of the Yonge Street sidewalks in the district have been replaced with new pavement that includes granite banding. Downtown Yonge branded traffic poles (20 in total), street name signs and banners are creating a sense of place throughout the area. They are also enhancing the fun and vibrant visual identity associated with Downtown Yonge. |
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