The Kingsway Business Improvement Area began as the Kingsway Business Men’s Association in 1949. On December 3, 1973, the Council for the Borough of Etobicoke passed a by-law establishing the Kingsway Business Improvement Area and creating a Board of Management.

One of the KBIA’s crowning achievements is the Taste of the Kingsway Festival. This event held in early September each year has grown from humble beginnings of just restaurants to a large community festival attracting over 200,000 people in 2019. One of the key successes of this festival is the funding raised for local charities such as Out of the Cold, The St. Joseph Health Centre Foundation, The Gatehouse and The Dorothy Ley Hospice.

In addition to promotional events, the Kingsway BIA greatly enhances the area through beautification and capital projects programs. The centre medians along Bloor Street in the Kingsway are truly unique with lighted trees, distinctive flags and beautiful flowers. Wrought iron benches, waste receptacles and coach lanterns add a decorative flair to the area. The Coach Lantern Logos adorning the hydro poles help light the night sky and provide a warm ambiance welcoming visitors to the Kingsway.

*Images credit:  www.etobicokehistorical.com