Item - 2026.MM43.74

Councillor Lily Cheng, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak, recommends that:

1. City Council, subject to the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture securing any licenses, permissions, consents or other authorizations required from the holders of any applicable intellectual property rights:
 

a. authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services to negotiate with various sponsors and enter into and execute any sponsorship and/or donation agreements and ancillary documents providing for the sponsors’ payment of all costs associated with the fabrication, installation and removal of the honourary single blade signs referenced in Recommendation 1.b., and the donation of same to NeighbourLink North York upon their removal, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Economic Development, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor;
 

b. direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to design, fabricate and install temporary honourary single blade signs co-naming Yonge Street from its intersection with North York Boulevard to its intersection with Finch Avenue as “BTS Boulevard” from on or about August 21, 2026, until September 23, 2026; and
 

c. authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to negotiate, enter into and execute a sponsorship/donation agreement and any ancillary documents with NeighbourLink North York to provide for the receipt of the honourary single blade signs referenced in Recommendation 1b following their removal, the auction of same by NeighbourLink North York with proceeds to the 415 Food Hub and such other matters as may be required to facilitate the donation and auction, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
 

2. City Council exempt the agreements contemplated in Recommendations 1.a. and 1.c. from Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195, subsection 195-12.2 and the application of the City’s Surplus Materials and Equipment Disposal Procedure, to the extent that same would otherwise apply and conflict with the proposed donations.
 

3. City Council direct the City Clerk to light the Toronto sign purple on the dates of the BTS concerts, being August 22 and 23, 2026, and ensure other days of recognition during these dates are also accommodated. 

BTS is coming to North York, bringing their global phenomenon and passionate ARMY with them.

Fans will be given "Permission to Dance" as they gather along Yonge Street, providing North York with an opportunity to showcase Korea Town North that is hosting the largest Korean Festival in Canada at Mel Lastman Square over the same weekend as the BTS concerts happening in North York.

BTS proves that "Life Goes On" after their military service with their Arirang World Tour with music that inspires millions and reminds us to "Stay Gold." Fans can make their way along honorary "BTS Boulevard" to take photos with commemorative street signs and enjoy a plethora of Korean restaurants while celebrating one of the most influential musical acts of our time.

It's our way of saying "You Never Walk Alone," welcoming BTS and ARMY to Korea Town North with open arms, celebrating the cultural connections they have helped foster, and hoping that this visit kicks off many more memorable moments in our city “Yet to Come”.