The Toronto Association of BIAs (TABIA) recently honoured community builders at their annual awards dinner, and among the honorees was Albert Stortchak, the Chair of the Broadview Danforth BIA. Stortchak received the Michael Comstock Community Builder Lifetime Achievement Award, a well-deserved tribute to his contributions to the community.

Stortchak's dedication to the Broadview Danforth BIA and its members spans over 26 years, during which he has served as a Board member for 26 years and as Board Chair for the past 8 years. His passion and commitment to the neighborhood are evident in his work, and he is known as the unofficial "mayor with the mustache" of the area.

In nominating Stortchak for the award, the Broadview Danforth BIA highlighted his qualities of compassion, dedication, hard work, and endless passion for his community. Stortchak has followed in the footsteps of the award's namesake, embodying the traits that made Michael Comstock a beloved community builder.

Stortchak's contributions to the BIA and the community are numerous and impactful. He has been an invaluable resource for members of the community, providing guidance and support for businesses and individuals. During challenging times, such as the Danforth shooting in 2018 and the pandemic in recent years, Stortchak's leadership and compassion have shone brightly.

Stortchak's dedication to the community has been recognized by many, including BIA Board Treasurer Philip Kocev and Councillor Paula Fletcher. Kocev has worked with Stortchak for over six years and highlights his inclusive and collaborative approach to representing the interests of all members. Fletcher, who has worked with Stortchak for several years, commends his deep roots in the Broadview-Danforth community and his commitment to fellow business owners.

Stortchak's achievements as Board Chair include guiding the successful Thrill of The Grill event for 10 years, helping business and community members adapt to changes like bike lanes and curb lane patios, and supporting new lighting and landscaping projects in the area. He has also embraced new technologies, like email, text messaging, and social media, to help him in his work for the BIA.

The Michael Comstock Community Builder Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to Albert Stortchak's decades of hard work, dedication, and community-building in the Broadview Danforth area. Congratulations to Albert, and thank you for all you do to make our community a better place.