Community Profile: Meet Jurij Klufas
As part of our 55th Anniversary spotlight, we are proud to feature another BIA Board Director and founder of the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, Jurij Klufas, a visionary whose dedication has helped shape and celebrate the spirit of Bloor West Village for many years.
Roots in Bloor West
Few people embody the heart of Bloor West Village like Jurij Klufas. A longtime BIA board member and proud local, Jurij has been giving back to the neighbourhood for more than a decade. He grew up here, with family homes on both Gothic and Humbercrest Avenues, before pursuing studies in Political Science at the University of Rome.
A Career of Many Chapters
Jurij’s career has been as diverse as the Village itself. From nightlife and hotels to the stock market, he eventually moved into broadcasting, producing the Ukrainian television program KONTAKT, which airs weekly on OMNI Rogers across Canada. Today, as National President of the Ukrainian National Association of Canada, with headquarters here in the Village at Bloor and Armadale, his focus is on guiding the organization toward its 100th anniversary in 2032.
Founding a Festival
Nearly 30 years ago, Jurij’s vision for celebrating culture left a lasting mark. He founded the Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival — what began in a small parking lot with a stage and a handful of food vendors has grown into Canada’s largest Ukrainian street festival. Each September, it draws more than 900,000 visitors and stretches from Jane Street to Glendonwynne Avenue, becoming a signature event for both Bloor West Village and Toronto.
What Makes BWV Unique
For Jurij, serving on the BIA Board for ten years is both an honour and a source of pride. He values the Board’s role in bringing businesses and residents together, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the Village continues strong. “Bloor West Village thrives because of the respect and energy shared between neighbours and businesses,” he says. As the BIA celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, Jurij looks forward to working on upcoming beautification initiatives that help foster and strengthen the spirit of community even further.
📍 Join us in Bloor West Village from September 12–14, 2025, for the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture organized by Jurij and his team. This year, the festival will also highlight the 55th Anniversary celebrations of the BIA, making it an extra special milestone for the Village.
Follow the festival at: @bwvtuf
