New Year’s Eve fireworks returns to Toronto’s waterfront

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The City of Toronto has announced the return of its New Year’s Eve celebrations at the waterfront, promising a night of fireworks, music, and performances to ring in 2025. This year’s event features a 10-minute high-altitude fireworks display synchronized to music, lighting up Toronto’s inner harbour at midnight. The display, one of the largest in Canada, will also be live streamed for those celebrating at home.

Festivities kick off at 10 p.m. with pop-up performances at Sherbourne Common, Toronto Music Garden, and other locations along Queens Quay. Highlights include DJ sets, dance sessions, INCIRQUE performers, and a special countdown at 11:45 p.m. led by Mayor Olivia Chow and drag entertainer Sanjina DaBish Queen.

Viewing locations with audio broadcast /www.toronto.ca/NYE

Designated viewing areas for the fireworks include HTO Park, Sugar Beach Park, and Harbourfront Centre. Visitors are encouraged to use public transit, with free TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express service available from 7 p.m. on December 31 to 8 a.m. on January 1. Road closures on Queens Quay West, Bay Street, and York Street will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. to accommodate the festivities.

For more information on viewing locations, transit schedules, and road closures, visit the City of Toronto’s New Year’s Eve event webpage.

The City acknowledges the valuable support of Waterfront BIA and media partners Toronto Star and Now Toronto in making this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration possible.

  • Full list of viewing areas, performances, transit and safety information on the City’s New Year’s Eve event webpage: www.toronto.ca/NYE.
  • TTC: Subway services will run until 3 a.m., with the last trains leaving Union Station at approximately 2:30 a.m. Overnight buses and streetcar service continue until 8 a.m. For schedules and departures, visit the TTC webpage.
  • GO Transit & UP Express: Free service is offered. Details and schedules are available on the GO Transit website.
  • Residents are reminded that fireworks cannot be set off without a permit. More information is available on the City’s fireworks regulations and bylaws webpage.

Revised proposal for 660 Eglinton (Sunnybrook Plaza)

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Dec. 2023 – 660 Eglinton Ave E (Sunnybrook Plaza) /South Bayview Bulldog archive photo

A revised redevelopment proposal has been submitted for the former Sunnybrook Plaza site at 660 Eglinton Ave E and 278 Bessborough Dr. The updated plan, led by Concert Properties, seeks rezoning approval for a mixed-use development featuring three residential towers at 32, 37, and 43 storeys. The project includes 1,201 residential units — a mix of rental and condominium housing — and 419 parking spaces, along with retail spaces fronting Eglinton and Bayview.

Building B (43-storeys) is anticipated to be built first introducing 460 rental apartments that will be managed and marketed by Concert. Approximately 43% of the rental apartments are expected to be 2 and 3-bedroom suites. Buildings C (37-storeys) and D (32-storeys) are anticipated to be condominium ownership and may be built independently or together, depending on market conditions.

The proposal also dedicates 278 Bessborough Dr as a new public park, expanding the adjacent Bessborough Parkette. Since the previous 2020 planning approval, Concert acquired the residential property at 278 Bessborough Drive adjacent to the existing public park on the northeast corner of Eglinton Avenue East.

Vehicle access will be provided from Bayview and Eglinton, with parking integrated both underground and within podium levels.

The revised plan marks a significant departure from earlier approvals in 2016 and 2020, reflecting evolving city planning priorities and a stronger focus on transit-oriented development. For a detailed history of past applications and planning decisions for the redevelopment of 660 Eglinton Ave E and 278 Bessborough Dr, including key milestones from 2016, 2020, and the revised 2024 proposal, readers can refer to the Planning Rationale document available on the City of Toronto’s Application Details page.

Traffic woes bring side streets to a standstill in Leaside

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Construction on Eglinton Avenue East has caused gridlock on nearby side streets, with Donlea Drive among the hardest hit. Increased traffic, exacerbated by navigation apps like Waze, has brought neighbourhood roads to a standstill, sparking growing frustration among residents.

Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin has responded with a message (on Facebook) to the community, sharing efforts underway to address the issue, including working with City staff and Metrolinx on traffic signals and intersection improvements. Residents are encouraged to contact her office directly with concerns.

Read her full statement, shared on December 10, 2024, below.

Read more →

Mount Pleasant development proposal bumped to 61 storeys

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A revised proposal for 808 Mt Pleasant Road has been submitted to the City of Toronto, featuring a significant height increase from 35 to 61 storeys. The updated proposal places the development among the tallest in the area.

More info:
urbantoronto.ca/news/2024/12/proposal-bumped-61-storeys-near-crosstown-lrts-mount-pleasant-station.57604

Robin is getting a kidney!

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Today is the day! After an emotional and challenging journey, Leaside mom Robin Spragg is receiving the kidney transplant that will transform her life. Thanks to an anonymous donor, Robin’s fight against stage 5 kidney disease is taking a hopeful turn. The surgery is scheduled for today, December 12, 2024.

Robin’s health challenges began in 2021, when kidney failure left her reliant on full-time dialysis and unable to work. Despite these hurdles, her resilience and the tireless advocacy of her husband Len inspired a community-wide campaign to find a donor. Over the past year, Robin’s story touched countless hearts, rallying friends, neighbours, and even strangers to help in any way they could.

This life-changing transplant follows more than a year of uncertainty and struggle. For Robin, Len, and their four children, today represents a turning point after years of challenges. The family has expressed overwhelming gratitude for the kindness and generosity that has carried them through this journey.

As Robin begins the long road to recovery, her friends have organized ways to continue supporting her family. A GoFundMe campaign, meal train sign-ups, and Uber Eats gift card donations have been set up to ease their path forward. Those wishing to contribute or send well wishes can find details on the Facebook page, Robin Needs a Kidney.

Robin’s story is a testament to the power of community and the profound impact of organ donation. The community sends its heartfelt wishes for her recovery and brighter days ahead.

Farm Boy opens December 12th in former Sobeys spot

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Dec. 3, 2024 – Farm Boy signage now in place at 147 Laird Drive, replacing the former Sobeys location. /South Bayview Bulldog

Farm Boy is set to open its doors at 147 Laird Drive in the Leaside Business Park on Thursday, December 12, 2024, taking over the space previously occupied by Sobeys. This new location will be Farm Boy’s 51st store in Ontario and 22nd in the Greater Toronto Area. The new store will provide fresh produce, meats, dairy, and a variety of private label products, along with prepared meal options including a Hot Bar, Soup Bar, and Salad Bar. According to a press release from Farm Boy, the store is set to serve Leaside’s growing community with a focus on local and high-quality offerings, featuring an updated and expanded shopping experience.

Opening celebrations from December 12 to 15 will include live music, product samples, giveaways, and exclusive offers, as Farm Boy makes its official debut.

Dec. 12, 2024 – Farm Boy (Leaside) opening day. /South Bayview Bulldog

New lifestyle boutique ‘Homebody’ coming to Bayview

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A new sign in the window of 1575 Bayview Avenue has revealed that Homebody, a lifestyle boutique, will soon be opening its doors in the neighbourhood. The message, “Hey Bayview… Homebody for the home + for the body … we can’t wait to meet you,” hints at the arrival of a store that blends fashion and home décor.

According to their website, Homebody offers a selection of fashion-forward clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings. Founded by Claire Hatziioannou in 2020 as a sister store to her family’s established interior design business, the boutique has grown into a destination for luxurious yet accessible items. With its roots in Oakville, the Bayview location will mark the next step in their expansion.

Stay tuned for more details on this new addition to Bayview Avenue. For now, you can follow them at @thehomebodystudio or visit their website at thehomebodystudio.ca.

Celebrate Illumination at Todmorden Mills this season

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Illumination at Todmorden Mills

From November 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, visitors can experience Illumination at Todmorden Mills, a vibrant celebration of light and warmth. This free, family-friendly event runs every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding December 7), featuring crafts and seasonal recipes from different cultures. The Brewery, Papermill, and Atrium will also be lit nightly from November 23 to January 12 for guests to explore at their leisure.

Comedy Night & Workshop

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, laughter takes center stage at the Papermill Theatre with Illumination: Light Up with Laughter Comedy Night. Headliner Martha Chaves, joined by Crystal Ferrier and MC Jen Sakato, promises an evening of humour and fun. Tickets include mulled apple cider and historic shortbread cookies. Reservations / advance tickets are required, $20 + HST (This event is suited for adults, 18 years and older.)

Earlier that day, budding comedians can join Martha Chaves for a Comedy Workshop from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This hands-on session offers a creative way to learn the art of stand-up in a supportive setting, complete with seasonal refreshments. Reservations / advance tickets are required, $50 + HST

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Todmorden Mills Events page.

267-275 Merton Street Community Consultation, Dec 2nd

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275 Merton Street /Google Maps, June 2021

Residents are invited to a virtual consultation meeting to discuss the proposed development at 267-275 Merton Street. This significant rental project includes 148 affordable units, offering a key opportunity to address housing needs in the City of Toronto. The consultation will provide details about the proposal and allow participants to ask questions and share feedback with the project team. Pre-registration is required to attend.

267-275 Merton Street – Virtual Community Consultation Meeting
Monday, December 2, 2024 — 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Click here to register.
When your registration is approved, you’ll receive an invitation to join the webinar.

You may find additional details about this development at the City’s Application Information Centre with the following LINK.

SEDRA has provided a copy of the formal invitation on SEDRA’s website. You can find a copy of the City’s invitation HERE.

SEDRA’s Giving Tuesday + Manor Rd’s pancake breakfast

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SEDRA’s Fourth Annual Giving Tuesday Challenge: Double Your Impact

This Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, SEDRA challenges you to help stamp out food insecurity by donating to the Daily Bread Food Bank. A generous SEDRA member will match all contributions, effectively doubling the impact of your donation.

Join SEDRA in supporting those in need and help make a difference this holiday season. For more information, and to donate, visit Manor Road United’s Giving Page and indicate that your donation is for the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Manor Road United’s Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Manor Road United Church is also partnering in this effort and will host a pancake breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 7th, 2024 between 10am – noon. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item! See poster for more info.

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To find out more about the Daily Bread Food Bank or to donate online after December 3rd, use the following LINK.