Toronto is well-known as being an innovative city. Great artists, businesspeople, thinkers and scientists call Toronto home.

What is less well-known is that the BIA movement started in Toronto. In 1970 the Bloor West Village BIA became the first BIA in the world. Last Saturday we were pleased to attend a celebration of the 40th anniversary of BIAs. Mayor David Miller was in attendance and declared BIAs to be “Toronto’s greatest export.”

MPP Cheri diNovo honoured TABIA president and RVBIA Chair Emeritus John Wakulat for his tireless volunteer efforts to improve business life in Toronto.

RVBIA Chair Tony Cauch, Vice-chair Andrew Chomentowski, John Wakulat and Coordinator Keith Denning attended on behalf of Roncesvalles Village, and we provided a tasty spread of food courtesy of Benna’s Bakery and Deli.