The Taste of the Danforth was officially cancelled by the GreekTown BIA (business improvement area), citing logistical issues and a short timeline that could not accommodate the festival’s scale. 

Originally slated for Aug.5 to 7, this is the third consecutive year that the festival will be cancelled. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there was initial hope the festial would return in 2020 as well.

From 1994 to 2019, the festival has been situated in the East York community, bolstering a large Greek presence and a host of local businesses.

More than one million people attend the three-day festival annually, according to the BIA’s website. 

Several issues that could not be resolved in time include working around installed bike lanes and the CafeTO project. 

CafeTO was established in 2020 to allow restaurants to transform their front area and parts of the road into patios. This allowed more customers to dine in without having to sit inside. 

Earlier this month, BIA executive director Mary Fragedakis expressed that it would be best for the festival if the city dismantled the bike lanes and CafeTO patios to allow full use of the roads.  

The GreekTown BIA released its statement regarding the festival's cancellation, as well as plans for more localized events this summer. Photo courtesy of the GreekTown BIA.

However, the city, including chief communications officer Brad Ross said it is "unimaginable" to allow nine days of disruption and deconstruction. 

In a written statement, the BIA writes that there was not enough time to adapt to the changing streetscape of the community, and are hoping to have a "reimagined take" of the festival in 2023. 

The BIA is inviting residents to still come to the Danforth despite the festival’s cancellation.  

"GreekTown is and remains a vibrant destination for Torontonians and vistors alike," the statement reads. "This summer, the BIA will bring exciting localized events to Greektown where the spirit of music, the love of food, and the incredible people who make the Danforth the special place that it is, are celebrated."

The statement also mentions that residents will visit the community’s local artworks through Toronto's Artworx initiative. 

CJRU contacted the Greektown BIA by email for comment about the festival’s cancellation and what are some future plans this summer for the localized events, both for the restaurants and other local businesses.  

The BIA wrote back that "no one is available to speak" at this time.  

Prior to this announcement, CJRU was in contact with Mary Fragedakis five months ago about the festival’s potential return when preliminary plans were announced. No response was given at that time. 

More details to come. 

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