Takeaways from SEDRA’s 2025 AGM & Townhall

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The South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) welcomed a great crowd at its 2025 Annual General Meeting and Townhall held on Tuesday, May 6. The evening began with updates from SEDRA Co-President John Hiddema, who shared the board’s recent efforts and accomplishments. The association also confirmed the return of its current board members for another term.

Following the business meeting, a townhall featured remarks from local representatives including Councillor Josh Matlow, Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, and TDSB Trustee Stacey Cline, who also spoke on behalf of fellow Trustee Shelley Laskin. Trustee Laskin was away attending a Historica Canada event celebrating a new Heritage Minute honouring her uncle, Bora Laskin, Canada’s 14th Chief Justice.

Topics of discussion included local development activity, improvements to parks and green space, updates on councillor-led initiatives, and news from the Toronto District School Board.

SEDRA encourages residents to stay connected by subscribing to newsletters from local councillors and school trustees, and by keeping their SEDRA memberships current.

For more details, you can read the full SEDRA recap here.

Source: South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) AGM Recap, 2025.

Metrolinx work will limit Don River access for two years

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Don River restrictions adjacent to West Don Crossing work area /Metrolinx
Metrolinx sign, E.T. Seton Park (2025)
Don River, E.T. Seton Park (2016)

On or about May 20th, 2025, a portion of the Don River near E.T. Seton Park will be closed to paddlers and other river users as Metrolinx begins in-water work for the Ontario Line’s West Don Crossing bridge that will carry the Ontario Line across the valley, over the E.T. Seton Park area, connecting the Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park guideways and stations.

This phase — expected to last until September 2027 — will involve stabilizing riverbanks, installing a temporary cofferdam, and other erosion control measures to support the bridge structure. The river closure is significant for paddlers, kayakers, and canoeists who use this stretch of the Don. To safely bypass the work zone, Metrolinx will install a portage route—requiring river users to carry their vessels around the closure.

According to Metrolinx’s construction notice, crews will be using heavy equipment to place riprap and meter bags in the riverbed, with care taken to minimize vegetation loss and restore the area with native plantings after work concludes.

Read full Metrolinx Construction Notice: Click here
BlogTO: Stretch of Toronto river to be closed off to public for over 2 years



Mark your calendars for some Good Vibes, Sat. May 10th

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Spring Fest 2025 📷 Instagram/@appletree_to
Spring Fest 2025 📷 Instagram/@appletree_to
Spring Fest 2025 📷 Instagram/@appletree_to

The Good Vibes 🌼 Spring Fest is rolling into June Rowlands Park on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Appletree Group and the Yonge Eglinton Community Centre, this cheerful community gathering promises a full day of fun.

Expect family-friendly games, garden activities, yoga, live music, and even a DJ dance party. Little ones can look forward to meeting costumed characters like Benny Beaver and Mickey Moose during the afternoon storytime. Meanwhile, the #ShopONCanada Marketplace will offer a variety of local finds for curious shoppers.

📍 June Rowlands Park
📅 Saturday, May 10, 2025
⏰ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Milne House Garden Club hosts annual flower show May 15

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Get ready for a feast of floral creativity! The Milne House Garden Club returns with its annual Flower Show on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Floral Hall.

This year’s theme, “Floral Artistry,” invites visitors to marvel at stunning garden specimens, houseplants, and imaginative floral designs inspired by visual art forms — think ‘Sculpture,’ ‘Still Life,’ ‘Op Art,’ ‘Mixed Media,’ ‘Picasso,’ and ‘Stained Glass.’

🌷 Where: Floral Hall, Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave East
⏰ When: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Open to the public)
🎟 Admission: Free!

🔗 Learn more at Milne House Garden Club

Walk, learn, explore: Jane’s Walk returns May 2nd – 4th

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Jane’s Walk Festival returns the first weekend of May for three days of free, community-led walking tours, happening May 2–4, 2025. Inspired by urbanist Jane Jacobs, this global event invites people to explore neighbourhoods, hear untold stories, and spark conversation about the places we call home.

This year’s theme, “Walk With Us,” encourages curiosity, connection, and re-imagining our city together. There are dozens of walks across Toronto—here’s a sampling of some of the walks happening in and around our area:

  • 🔍 Digital Walk: Walmsley Brook in Leaside & Thorncliffe Park
    Explore the traces of a long-buried river that shaped Leaside’s topography. Hosted by Lost Rivers, this virtual tour follows the ghostly path of Walmsley Brook from Bayview and Eglinton to Thorncliffe Park.
    More info
  • 🧱 Ruins to Renewal: The Story of the Brick Works
    Learn how a former industrial site became a hub for sustainability and community at Evergreen Brick Works. Expect stories of bricks, raves, and civic activism. Sat May 3, 1pm.
    More info
  • 🌿 Save Ontario’s Science Centre Nature Ramble
    Celebrate the green spaces surrounding the Science Centre while discussing lost rivers, Indigenous trails, and the site’s uncertain future. Sat May 3, 2pm.
    More info
  • 🎨 Public Art Walk on Danforth
    Discover murals, installations, and other public art gems along Danforth Avenue on this casual Sunday stroll. Sun May 4, 2pm.
    More info
  • 🏙️ Yonge & Eglinton is for People
    Ever wondered how zoning and city planning decisions shape your neighbourhood? This walk breaks it down as you tour the bustling midtown hub. Sat May 3, 1pm.
    More info
  • 🍃 Ravine Reveries: Footprints of Nature Through the East End
    A guided journey through ravines and hidden waterways from Greenwood Station to the Beaches, blending ecology, urban history, and reflection. Sun May 4, 9:30am.
    More info

And there’s more—from historical tours of Riverdale and Summerhill, to a butterfly corridor walk in Corktown, to stories of Little Jamaica’s resilience and renewal.

📅 For the full list of walks, visit janeswalkfestivalto.com/walks.

Jane’s Walks are always free, volunteer-led, and open to all. They’re not guided lectures, but opportunities to walk, listen, ask questions, and share your own perspectives. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or just curious about the neighbourhoods around you, there’s a walk waiting for you.

Mabel’s Fables is on the move — and needs your help

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Much-loved children’s bookstore Mabel’s Fables is relocating after nearly 37 years at 662 Mount Pleasant Road. Due to redevelopment plans, their building will be demolished to make way for a condo.

The good news? They’ve secured a new space just down the street at 540 Mount Pleasant, with plans to reopen in early September 2025. The new location promises the same charm, books, staff, and beloved bookstore cat—plus room for more events. To support the big move and renovations, visit their GoFundMe page.

Leaside Garden Society seeking 2025 Scholarship applicants

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The Leaside Garden Society (LGS) is seeking applications for its 2025 Founders’ Scholarship. One $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student entering their second or later year in a horticulture-related program such as Botany, Plant Science, Ecology, Forestry, Landscape Architecture or Environmental Science at a recognized Canadian Institution. The goal of the scholarship is to support a student whose work will help advance horticultural knowledge in the community—reflecting the Leaside Garden Society’s mission to inspire and educate through gardening.

Eligible students with a connection to the Leaside community (including Bennington Heights, Thorncliffe Park and Kilgour Estates), will receive extra consideration. The application window runs from May 1 to June 30, 2025, with the scholarship awarded before the end of September.

📄 Full eligibility details and the application form are available at: leasidegardensociety.org

St. Cuthbert’s Leaside Spring Fair set for May 3rd

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St. Cuthbert’s, Leaside is once again opening its doors — and lawn — for its annual Spring Fair on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoppers can browse a wide range of goods including crafts, kitchenware, vintage finds, books, baking and more. There’ll also be games, face painting, and BBQ fare on the green.

Proceeds support the church and its outreach programs.

St. Cuthbert’s Leaside Anglican Church
1399 Bayview Avenue
(Corner of Bayview & St. Cuthbert’s Road)
More info: stcuthbertsleaside.com

Your guide to the 2025 Community Environment Days

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Mark Your Calendars!

Looking to responsibly declutter and reduce waste? The City of Toronto’s Community Environment Days offer convenient local drop-off events to recycle household items, electronics, and hazardous waste — plus free compost while supplies last!

Here are some upcoming dates in and around the South Bayview area:

  • 📍 York Mills Collegiate Institute
    📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info

  • 📍 Bermondsey Drop-Off Depot
    📅 Sunday, May 18, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info
    Note: Vehicle required for drop-off.

  • 📍 Dieppe Park
    📅 Saturday, May 24, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info

  • 📍 North Toronto Memorial Arena
    📅 Tuesday, June 10, 2025
    🕓 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Event info

  • 📍 Sunny View Jr. & Sr. Public School
    📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info

  • 📍 Evergreen Brick Works
    📅 Sunday, September 28, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info

Residents are encouraged to bring old electronics, unused household goods, and hazardous waste for proper disposal. Compost and kitchen green bin containers will also be available — while supplies last.

🔗 Full city-wide schedule and more info

Signs of spring sprout along Bayview Ave

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Spring has sprung!

A sure sign of spring: new pansies and fresh seasonal touches have arrived in the planters along Bayview Avenue! After being cleaned out last week, the Bayview-Leaside BIA’s planters were recently refreshed with cheerful blooms — adding a much-needed pop of colour to the neighbourhood.

Meet your Toronto-St. Paul’s Candidates over a pint, Apr 16

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The South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) has shared details about an upcoming opportunity for residents to meet candidates running in the Toronto-St. Paul’s federal election.

On Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m., voters are invited to the Celtic Irish Pub for a casual “meet and greet” with the local candidates. Organized by AppleTree Markets and Events, the gathering promises an informal setting to discuss important community and national issues — all over a pint.

This event offers a chance to hear directly from candidates, ask questions, and get a better sense of where they stand ahead of the federal election later this month.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Celtic Irish Pub, 1954 Yonge Street
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:30 p.m.

This initiative is brought to you by AppleTree Markets and Events, known for their local community activities. For more information about the event, visit www.appletreemarkets.ca.

LRA: Federal Candidates Forum and AGM set for April 14th

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Area residents are invited to attend the Leaside Residents Association’s (LRA) 2025 Annual & Special Meeting, followed by a federal Candidates Meeting, on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the William Lea Room in the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (1073 Millwood Road).

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for check-in, with the LRA meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Members will vote on key items including Board elections, financial resolutions, and a proposed expansion of the association’s boundaries.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., the evening continues with remarks from Stephanie Bowman, MPP for Don Valley West, followed by Rachel Chernos Lin, City Councillor for Ward 15. After a short break, the Federal Candidates Meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m., where candidates from the NDP, Liberal, Conservative, and Green parties will share their platforms and respond to audience-submitted questions ahead of the upcoming federal election.

7 – 7:15 p.m. – Annual and Special Meeting
7:15 – 7:30 p.m. – Remarks by Stephanie Bowman, MPP Don Valley West
7:30 – 7:45 p.m. – Remarks from Rachel Chernos Lin, Ward 15 Councillor
7:45 – 8 p.m. – Break
8 – 9:30 p.m. – Candidates meeting

All members of the public are welcome to attend the Candidates Meeting. To vote during the LRA portion, an active membership is required. Memberships may be purchased in advance (preferred) or at the door.

The LRA is inviting the following candidates:

  • Linnea Löfström-Abary, New Democratic Party of Canada
  • Rob Oliphant, Liberal Party of Canada
  • Robert Pierce, Conservative Party of Canada
  • Sheena Sharp, Green Party of Canada

🗳️ More info: leasideresidents.ca

The LRA remains neutral in all such meetings and campaigns and does not nominate or sponsor in the name of the association any person as a candidate for election. Info about past candidates meetings is online: leasideresidents.ca/events

UPDATE FROM THE LRA

Due to circumstances beyond our control over the weekend, the Leaside Residents Association (LRA) regrets to inform you that although all four main parties were invited to attend and participate in the Candidates Meeting, only the Liberal and Green Party candidates have agreed to appear at our Meeting tonight.

The LRA tried to accommodate other candidates’ schedules, but was unable to do so.