/ ABOUT CELEBRATE YONGE

Celebrate Yonge is a community-based event in the heart of downtown Toronto. For four weeks the Downtown Yonge community invites Torontonians and visitors alike to experience a transformed Yonge Street. By expanding public space onto the stretch of street between Queen and Gerrard, Celebrate Yonge offers the opportunity for people to stop and enjoy this iconic downtown roadway.

Beautiful wooden planters (crafted by the Carpenters' Union) serve as temporary barriers on Yonge Street separating the extra pedestrian space from vehicle traffic. Strategically placed laybys for deliveries and drop-offs encourage a steady flow of traffic for the two vehicle lanes, one northbound and one southbound. The extra wide lines leave plenty of space for bicycle traffic too!

The event street space offers public seating zones featuring comfy outdoor furniture, eight licensed patios serviced by area restaurants and pubs, and outdoor cafés to enjoy light snacks and drinks. Throughout the 11 themed event areas, art installations, event programming offering activities, games and more, as well as contests such as the Live Green Planter Box Challenge create an experience that cannot be missed. 

Celebrate Yonge is a collaborative event created by the Downtown Yonge BIA in conjunction with its member businesses and supported by City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam.

The event would not have been possible without the support of local partners: Atrium on Bay, the mixed retail and office complex at the corner of Yonge and Dundas, The Pickle Barrel a 40 year restaurant staple in the area, the official Celebrate Yonge hotel, the Delta Chelsea, and Local Unions 416 and 79. The beautiful downtown streetscape is thanks to the Carpenters Union, who built the wooden planters, Home Depot, who supplied wood and street furniture and Forward Signs who produced on-site signage and displays. Our broadcast sponsor, Rogers Media and print sponsor, the Toronto Star, spread the word about Celebrate Yonge.

/ ABOUT DOWNTOWN YONGE B.I.A.

The Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area advocates on behalf of approximately 2000 member businesses in and around Yonge Street from Alexander / Grosvenor to the north and Richmond to the south. The western boundary of the BIA is Bay Street to the west and Church / Victoria / Shuter streets to the east.

The Downtown Yonge BIA has been proudly serving its members for 11 years, working closely with the community and City of Toronto to encourage a vibrant streetscape and public realm in the area.

For more information on Downtown Yonge BIA initiatives, ranging from clean street programs and on-the-street visitor services, to signature events and street décor visit www.downtownyonge.com.

Home to over 600 retail stores and 150 bars and restaurants, Downtown Yonge is one of Toronto’s premier entertainment destinations. Boasting 124,000 residents within a 20-minute radius, Downtown Yonge is also home to a large residential population, which includes the Ryerson student community.

Celebrate Yonge’s 11 themed public spaces will highlight the area’s social and cultural diversity and showcase the best this vibrant neighbourhood has to offer.