Danforth Mosaic BIA Celebrates Toronto’s Rich Diversity

The Danforth Mosaic is one of Toronto’s newest Business Improvement Areas, having been formed in 2008. True to its name, the Danforth Mosaic is a kaleidoscope of shops and services that blends the old and the new, in a mix of Canadiana that is uniquely Toronto.

The Danforth Mosaic encompasses a stretch of 2.9 kilometres along Danforth Avenue (just east of the popular Greek Town restaurant area around Pape Avenue). The Danforth Mosaic officially extends from Westlake Avenue to Jones Avenue. You will know when you have arrived in this shopping district by all the streetlights decorated with colourful banners proudly proclaiming that you are now in “The Heart of the Danforth.”

The Danforth has been an integral road in Toronto since it was conceived in 1797. It started out as a country road. When the city of Toronto expanded its borders in the 1910s and 1920s commercial buildings began to line the street. Many of these two-storey brick buildings are still standing and add charm to the streetscape.

In a nod to smart community planning, the historical art deco façade of the former Allenby Theatre, built in 1935, is being integrated into the new development that is underway on the south side of the Danforth at Greenwood Avenue. This blending of the old with the new really captures the ambiance of the area.

The Danforth Mosaic has been a magnet for many new businesses. The familiar used-car dealerships, fruit markets and neighbourhood pubs have been joined by an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops and professional services that reflects the multicultural population of the area.

If you need an excuse to come and visit the Danforth Mosaic, check out one of its annual events, such as Pumpkinfest in October, or a jazz festival or other community event. To see what’s going on in the Danforth Mosaic visit: www.danforthmosaicbia.com.