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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, STEPS supported GTA 11 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to develop 41 art installations in collaboration with 20 local artists. Ranging from sidewalk decals to storefront exhibits, installations fostered a sense of community during local economic recovery. A heartfelt thank you to all our Award Committee members who generously donated their time, expertise, and knowledge to select the I heART Main Street Art Challenge winners!

“Our one-of-a-kind table coverings in parklets, captured the vitality and unique qualities of the Chinatown community, producing an inviting space for visitors to safely enjoy their meals, supporting our local businesses.” said Lucia Huang, of Chinatown BIA.

BIAs competed for a chance to win prizes to help them bring more art to their districts. The winners include: the Chinatown BIA, the Riverside BIA, and the Port Credit BIA, who each won prizes in three respective award categories, Innovative, Community-Engaged, and Transformative. Winners receive financial and other support for future placemaking in their districts, including artist fee subsidies.

The Main Street Art Challenge is just one of the COVID-response programs STEPS launched to support communities impacted by the pandemic. Reach out to see how we can help support your post- pandemic recovery!

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In accordance with the practices as recommended by the Toronto Public Health (TPH)’s hand sanitizing standards, businesses in Toronto Chinatown will be entitled to pick up one(1) unit of a wall-mounted hand sanitizing dispenser to be installed in their respective facilities accessible to employees and visitors. In order to ensure the sustainability of this initiative moving forward, business owners could pick up sanitizing refills at supplier price directly at the CBIA office located at 287 Spadina Ave Unit 202, Toronto, ON M5T 2E6.

“Businesses around Toronto Chinatown have been adversely affected by the reduction in tourists and patrons following the latest public health concerns. This initiative is a long-term goal of the CBIA as part of our continuous efforts in enhancing and reinforcing hygienic practices for the entire community in Toronto Chinatown. Safety for the whole community begins with hands sanitizing at all times”, said Tonny Louie, Chair of the CBIA.

Toronto Chinatown is home to over 500 businesses and attracts a large number of visitors to the neighbourhood everyday. The CBIA would like to seize the opportunity to remind the large population of the TPH’s practices “to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth without sanitizing or cleaning their hands, and keeping their hands clean through good hygiene practice is one of the most important steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs”.

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In the year 2020, the first day of the Lunar New Year will fall on January 25, 2020. To highlight the fifteen-day celebrations and in welcoming the Year of the Rat, Toronto Chinatown BIA is proud to spearhead the celebrations on the weekend of January 25 – 26, 2020 starting at 12:00 PM with a formal opening ceremony at the iconic Dragon City Mall, located at 280 Spadina Avenue, Toronto followed by a magnificent fifteen-day Lantern Exhibition by STEPS Initiative, and a lineup of interactive games, surprises and stunning traditional Chinese performances to showcase the rich heritage of Asian traditions during the 2020 Lunar New Year Celebrations.

As per traditions, the Lantern Festival will come to mark the last day of the fifteen-day Lunar New Year celebrations where families come together and light up different colours and shapes of lanterns. Lanterns are iconic and have transcended time through generations in Asian culture. During the fifteen-day celebrations, temporary installations of lanterns in different shapes and colours will illuminate the venue.

“Come to Chinatown to kick start the Year of the Rat! May you all live as prosper as a centenarian”, said Tonny Louie, Chair of Chinatown BIA.

As a nonprofit, public art organization with a mandate to engage community, promote emerging artists and activate public space, The STEPS Initiative presents Yue Moon; a Lunar New Year Lantern Installation with Lead Artist PUFF Paddy. In Yue Moon, PUFF Paddy has created a truly intergenerational community art project, facilitating four, free lantern making workshops within Chinatown from January 11-21, 2020. “In each of our programs, STEPS sees first hand how accessible public art programming can foster relationships, cultivate new skills and create vibrant spaces that reflect local culture and community,” says Bebhinn Jennings Program Manager with The STEPS Initiative. “Under the artistic direction of PUFF Paddy and in partnership with the Chinatown BIA and OCADU, we have seen participants as young as 2 years old create a lantern that will be shared with the community, – it’s magical.” 

For more information about the two-day event, please click here.

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“Mrs. Jean Lumb is an outstanding Chinese Canadian and role model, who contributed a lot to our community. Since Year 2019 marks the 100th year of birth of Jean Lumb, the unveiling of Jean Lumb Lane this year means so much to us,” said Tonny Louie, Chairperson of Chinatown BIA. 

“On behalf of the Lumb Family and the Jean Lumb Foundation, I thank the Chinatown BIA and Councillor Joe Cressy for making the Jean Lumb Lane a dream come true! It is such a lasting tribute to acknowledge my mother’s work for the Chinese community and for our city,” said Arlene Chan, Chairperson of Jean Lumb Foundation. 

In May, The City of Toronto received an application from a resident, requesting to name an existing public lane in West Chinatown after Jean Lumb, the first Chinese Canadian female recipient of the Order of Canada. In August, the Toronto and East York Community Council approved the name “Jean Lumb Lane” for an existing lane located east of Huron Street, extending south of Dundas Street West. 

Jean Lumb, C.M. (1919-2002) was a pioneer Chinese Canadian woman who has done incredible work in fighting against racial discrimination and received honourable recognition in Chinese Canadian community. Jean was well-known for her success in lobbying for the withdrawal of the discriminatory immigration law in the 50s and leading the “Save Chinatown” campaign in the 60s. As a social activist, Jean paid tireless effort in embracing multiculturalism, improving women’s social status and preserving Chinese culture.

Photos by: Morris Lum/Jean Lumb Foundation

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We are proudly announcing that the first Newsletter in 2019 has been published and distributed in the Chinatown community!

You may click http://bit.ly/CBIAMayNews to read the contents.

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It locates at Huron Street, the North of Dundas Street West. There will be Chinese art pieces, bronze Quilin, and lighting to create a Chinese cultural atmosphere. Visitors can take a break at the resting area and enjoy the artworks when they explore the Toronto Chinatown.

During the final installation period, the side road access will be restricted and please be careful when passing at the construction area. Chinatown BIA  thank you for your patience and look forward to the completion of Huron Street Public Square.

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