• Okay, what is the Toronto Dollar?
• How does it work?
• What are the economic benefits to the community?
• How do businesses beneit?
• When did it begin?
• Where can I use Toronto Dollars?
• What about the expiry date?
• How are operating costs paid?
• How can I become a participating business to receive Toronto Dollars?
• How can I participate?
• Where can I get Toronto Dollars?
• How can I find out more?

Okay, what is the Toronto Dollar? Back to top>>

The Toronto Dollar is a symbol of caring, created by community-minded citizens in the hope that it will help to build a more just and compassionate city. It is a supplemental currency, in the form of a gift certificate. Like barter dollars, Toronto Dollars are taxable when received for business.
The work of the Toronto Dollar is to strengthen social and economic relationships among people from the community, business and government sectors and particularly among those in the community in greatest economic need.

How does it work? Back to top>>

Community minded citizens exchange Canadian dollars for an equal amount of Toronto Dollars. They can use them at par at participating businesses and in many other ways. Ten percent of the Canadian dollars exchanged is put aside in a Community Fund for grants to community partners. Ninety percent is put in a Reserve Fund to back Toronto Dollar redemptions. Businesses can use Toronto Dollars for goods and services, or redeem them at 90% of their face value.

What are the economic benefits to the community? Back to top>>

Charitable and non-profit community organizations and approved projects can benefit in two ways. They can exchange 110 Toronto Dollars for 100 Canadian dollars by contacting our treasurer, Richard Hotta at phone # 416 361 0466. They are also eligible to receive grants from the Community Fund.

Charitable and non-profit community organizations and individuals can offer Toronto Dollars as gifts for work. In the case of welfare recipients, the Toronto Dollars received as gifts do not affect welfare benefits. Thus Toronto Dollars can provide an incentive to welfare recipients to supplement their income.

The first Toronto Dollar grant of 1,000 Toronto Dollars was given to the Out of the Cold program. To date over 35 community organizations have received funds. This has meant: free dance classes for youth, nutritious breakfasts for school children, food and clothing for street people, furniture for low income people, camping trips for children, ‘thank-you gifts’ for caring services etc.

How do Businesses benefit? Back to top>>

Businesses receive the loyalty of community minded citizens. Through association they benefit from word-of-mouth advertising and brand identification that indicates their community-mindedness. The Toronto Dollar has received the support of the Governor-General, Toronto’s mayors and a growing number of celebrities who speak of it as an innovative tool for citizen action, community building and healthier local economies.
Businesses that wish to redeem their Toronto Dollars for Canadian dollars are able to do so twice a month on Tuesday afternoons at the North St. Lawrence Market. Instead of redeeming Toronto Dollars, businesses are encouraged to use Toronto Dollars at other participating businesses and as gifts to staff or for volunteers who will assist them in needed tasks.

When did it begin? Back to top>>

Toronto Dollars Community Projects Inc began as a citizens’ action in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. It was launched on December 5, 1998 at the St. Lawrence Market with Mayor Mel Lastman.

Where can I use Toronto Dollars? Back to top>>

See the list of businesses. These are always being updated. The main focus is the businesses of the St. Lawrence Market area and Gerrard Square in Riverdale. They can also be used in any number of imaginative ways among citizens.

What about the expiry date? Back to top>>

Toronto Dollars are currently useable beyond the “valid until” date noted on the bills.

How are operating costs paid? Back to top>>

Overhead costs are paid for through private donations and fundraising events and interest earned on the Reserve Fund.

How can a participating business receive Toronto Dollars? Back to top>>

Register your business with Toronto Dollars by completing the form on our web site: www.torontodollar.com Accept Toronto Dollars for your home based business and your goods and services.

How can I participate? Back to top>>

• ·Exchange Canadian dollars for Toronto Dollars and use at participating businesses.
• Approach Toronto Dollar businesses and offer services for Toronto Dollars.
• Offer Toronto Dollars to individuals as gifts in exchange for help.
• Volunteer to help Toronto Dollar Community Projects Inc.
• Urge businesses, friends and organizations to use the money that builds community.
  

Where can I get Toronto Dollars? Back to top>>

• The Toronto Dollar Information Booth in the St Lawrence Market, Saturdays, 8 to 2.
• Dr. Maryan Koval’s’kyj in the lobby of the St. Lawrence Market, Saturdays.
• Royal Bank Marjory and Gerrard St. E.
• CIBC, 1 Toronto Street, King St. (east of Yonge)

How can I find out more? Back to top>>

• Visit the Toronto Dollar web site: www.torontodollar.com
• Visit the Toronto Dollar Information Booth in the St Lawrence Market.
• Phone 416 361-0466
• Write to: Toronto Dollar Community Projects Inc., P.O. Box 6523, Station A, Toronto, ON, M5W 1X4
  
  
  The Toronto Dollar Project is a Work in Progress