Toronto introduces ShowLoveTO to help local tourism and economy

Toronto has announced a new initiative that encourages residents to support local businesses and artists, ShowLoveTO.

According to a news release, the launch of City-led events embraces events from all over the city that offer fun experiences while following public health guidelines.

“This is our moment to show love to the places, spaces, businesses and people that make Toronto such a vibrant, dynamic and diverse city. ShowLoveTO is our way of bringing Torontonians together and providing them new opportunities to experience our great city,” said Mayor John Tory.

“I know these past six months have been challenging and we are not through it yet, but together, following Toronto Public Health’s direction, we can safely re-engage with our city and be a part of rebuilding it even better than before.”

Starting this fall, ShowLoveTO introduces BigArtTO, a city-wide temporary public art initiative that involves large-scale projections in 25 wards. On September 16, BigArtTO will offer this opportunity for local artists and create ArtworxTO, Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021.

Another initiative starting September 18, StrollTO, will feature self-guided tours across 25 wards to help motivate Torontonians to discover shops, places and so much more on their local main streets, according to the City.

From September 23 to October 30, DineOutTO will showcase the city’s diverse food culture online, offering content, special offers and culinary experiences. Restaurants who are looking to participate can register for free online.

HistoricTO, a time-ticketed, guided neighbourhood walking tour will be offered with Toronto history museums. Pay-what-you-can tickets are available until October 18 and if you are interested, it must be booked in advance.

Last but not least, the loved CafeTO, which launched this summer, is also part of ShowLoveTO, where more outdoor dining areas were created to support local restaurants and bars while creating space for guests.

“ShowLoveTO aims to bring joy and hope to a city that has endured difficult times throughout the pandemic. By supporting our local businesses, our neighbourhoods and each other, together we will get through this,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson.