Having just got back from an epic Pride weekend in Toronto, I am still spinning from excitement of in person events and all that fabulous energy. Ottawa is where we lay our heads each night but Toronto will always be special for Julio and I. While I love a good conversation, parade and event, I have to admit that in many situations if there’s a dog I probably want to meet it before I do someone new. Guess that’s why I am so excited to share this BIG dog news with those of you living in or planning to visit Toronto this summer!
By now it’s no shock that I’m KINDA obsessed with stackt in downtown Toronto. Designed entirely out of shipping containers, the market is an ever-evolving cultural marketplace featuring a mix of shops, a microbrewery, top chefs, killer city views + lots of ongoing community programming.
Well for all you dog owners and dog lovers out there, get ready.
Bark Yard is a 4800 square foot off-leash dog area on the North end of stackt. It’s one portion of the new massive Community Lane enhancement project, which transforms an empty laneway into an expansive 12,000 square feet of outdoor public space designed for activity, creativity, and community connection. The Community Lane will be divided into three separate sections of enhanced public space; the Pocket Park, Play Zone, and Bark Yard.
First and foremost, the project reflects the community’s need for public space, and aims to offer guests a wide range of options that don’t always require you to pay to enjoy. The Community Lane will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 9AM-11PM all year round.
Pocket Park: Welcoming guests as they enter from Bathurst, the Pocket Park features sprawling green space and public seating, accompanied by a community pollinator garden by Bowery Project and a collection of murals painted by local artist, Julia Mercanti. The space invites community members to come together and celebrate art and connection.
Play Zone: The Play Zone offers 3,500 sq ft creative space to get active and have fun. It features a basketball court with spectator seating, welcoming the public to watch or play. The Play Zone is also home to ISO Radio, a local radio station that runs live broadcasts daily.
And the most important of all in my opinion….
Bark Yard: Bark Yard is a 4,800 sq ft off-leash dog area, which will soft-open its gates on June 29, 2022 and feature a bar where pet parents can quench their thirst at the slushie Cocktail Box while their dogs can roam freely. Bark Yard will provide an elevated experience for all to come together to meet fellow neighbours, see a unique destination and attend a wide range of events:
- Bark Yard soft launch party on June 29, 2022,
- BACKYARD festival series on July 16, 2022, August 20, 2022, and September 17, 2022.
- Brews + Chews bi-weekly dog meet-up returning for the summer season on July 13, 2022
- stackt will be working with community partners and brands throughout the entire year to program special events and activations. The inaugural brand partner will be Dyson, popping up with their Pet Science event starting July 1.
- Starting June 29, the Cocktail Box will feature sake slushies from Soto Sake and will rotate throughout the year
I am already planning a visit back to spend time with Julio’s family while we shoot fun campaigns and you KNOW you’ll find me here with Canela!
For more inspiration for your upcoming summer plans, make sure to follow @stacktmarket – and of course come along with Julio & I if you aren’t following us yet at @dothedaniel & @fashionights on all platforms!
Photos: Daniel Reyes Cocka and aforementioned participating brands
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year
Mobile photos were taken with my Mobile Device of choice on the Rogers network.
*Please note that this may be a sponsored post and promotional consideration may have been offered by participating brands – our disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.