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In the process of being named, the latest BIA stretches the length of Dupont Street between Davenport Road and just west of Walmer Road. Community members are encouraged to drop into local shops to fill out a ballot comprised of all the favourites put forth so far. In no particular order, they are Dupont Village, Casa Loma Village, Dupont Station, Dupont Station Village and South Hill Village. People are encouraged to add any other suggestions they might have as well.
The group wanted to get the neighbourhood involved, said Ben Mohamud, owner of The Yellow Brick Road Holistic Centre, who spearheaded the BIA process.
"We just got formal approval in November last year," said Mohamud. "This was something that's been in the works for 18 to 22 months."
Mohamud approached several business owners, initially in 2008, in an effort to form some kind of union or association to better the neighbourhood. The idea was well received.
"I've been here a year," said Nancy Peppler, proprietor of Nancy's Cheese, on Dupont Street, just east of Spadina Avenue. "I've gotten lots of comments about how the area is changing."
Peppler rented space at Harbord Bakery in the Annex before opening her own shop.
"I was looking for a place that wasn't fully developed," she said. "I wanted to be a part of the change. I felt a nice sense of community."
The BIA's first order of business, said Mohamud, is to attract people to the area.
"We want to emphasize the historic relevance of Dupont," he said. "We want to freshen up the are by eradicating graffiti, putting in plants and benches along the street."
The BIA's long-term goal is to establish a street festival and open a farmer's market on the weekend.
"We want to create an identity," said Mohamud.
The BIA consists of an interesting mix of specialty stores, restaurants, professional services, a drug store and an LCBO.
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By Lisa Rainford
January 29, 2010
Neighbourhoods: Dupont Street
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