Downtown Yonge BIA begin virtual walking tour promotion
By Adnews Staff
The Toronto-based Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area has begun an online promotion called “Music Memories of Yonge” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort makes use of a website at <https://www.musicmemoriesofyonge.com> at which visitors can take a virtual walking tour of 15 historic music venues in the area. The presentation includes stories and photographs of the musicians who played at each location.
“Walking tours have been very popular among music fans, so we have taken them online,” said Mark Garner, chief operating officer and executive director of the organization. “Visitors can see and learn about the sites of these fabled stages even if they can’t be there in person. COVID-19 necessitated a new approach to community engagement, which has led to new opportunities and new connections within and from outside our neighbourhood. We are moving to an online marketplace, first for shopping and now for leisure and entertainment. ‘Music Memories of Yonge’ is part of our comprehensive music strategy to celebrate Toronto’s extraordinary musical scene past, present and future. Even as we stay at home, there is still much to celebrate.”