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A vision to our Future: West Queen West Urban Development Framework

As one of Toronto’s most dynamic and progressive neighbourhoods, the West Queen West Art + Design District is an eclectic cultural Mecca boasting over 300 of the city’s most creative businesses and attractions including art galleries, designers, unique clothing and furniture stores, restaurants, nightlife spots and boutique hotels. Located on the 2 kilometer strip of Queen Street that runs between Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue, West Queen West is a hub of activity from morning till night and is the destination of choice for creative Torontonians and tourists of all ages and backgrounds.

The West Queen West Business Improvement Area (BIA) is the association of business people and commercial property owners along the West Queen West strip who have come together, with official approval of the City, in a self-help program aimed at stimulating local business and the Queen St. W economy.

We use our own money in an ongoing effort to draw more prospective customers to the area by improving the attractiveness of the area and promoting it as a good place to shop, visit and do business.

Having been approved by City Council in November, 2005 – now every business between Bathurst St. and Gladstone Ave. is a member of the West Queen West BIA.  There are no exceptions, under the principle that all who benefit should be required to bear their fair share of the cost of the program.

And while the West Queen West BIA arises from the retail and professional activities of the main street, as time goes on, it has an increasingly profound effect on the surrounding area – serving as an economic and social anchor, helping to stabilize and revitalize the local community.