SafeTOBIA is a joint effort between the Downtown-Yonge BIA; the Economic Development & Culture Division of the City of Toronto; and SafeTO, a lead division within the Social Development, Finance and Administration Division of the City of Toronto. This pilot project is designed to investigate escalating community safety concerns, enhance community well-being, find solutions and foster growth within all BIAs across the city. During and post-pandemic, a significant increase in issues related to safety and well-being was identified among the business community through initial SafeTO consultations. SafeTObia was then created to better provide BIAs with resources, processes, and tools to help address their Community Safety and Well-Being (CS&WB) concerns in the downtown and across the city.
The genesis of these concerns stemmed from consultations and surveys with small business advocates and business owners, aiming to pinpoint issues related to improving community safety and well-being. CS&WB has been described by key stakeholders as a secure business community space that fosters a sense of belonging, encourages participation and provides an environment where families can meet their needs for education, healthcare, food, housing, income, and social and cultural expression. Through extensive communication, these are essential factors that foster a healthy business environment that invites tourism, consumers, and opportunities for innovation in the customer experience.
In the survey, a total of 644 responses were gathered from 84 BIAs in the city, with 26 out of 84 BIAs located in Wards 13 and 11. Top responses from the survey demonstrated that priority concerns from local businesses are Theft and Break-Ins; Substance Use; General Maintenance and Cleanliness; Complications working with City Departments; and Lack of Police Presence. Through the survey, potential solutions to ongoing BIA struggles were also brainstormed. Many responded that Improved relationship building and partnerships and improved communication between the city and BIA would be the best solution to continued strategic planning. Through reinforced communication and building of rapport, information, resources, processes and tools can be better shared amongst BIAs and the community.
A healthy and well-connected community attracts healthy and well-connected customer.
