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.
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SEDRA: Progress, Challenges, and Community Engagement
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SEDRA Reflects on 2024: Progress, Challenges, and Community Engagement
As 2024 comes to a close, the South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) has released its Year in Review, highlighting key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and community updates for Davisville Village.
This year brought progress on pedestrian and traffic safety, an important focus for SEDRA, with more improvements anticipated in 2025. Residents also celebrated the approval of the Regent Theatre’s renovation project, a significant win for local heritage and culture. Meanwhile, Raccoon Park opened in September, adding a welcomed green space to the neighbourhood.
SEDRA also marked a moment of reflection following the sad passing of Ward 15 Councillor Jaye Robinson in May. Robinson, who represented the eastern half of the SEDRA area, was a dedicated advocate for her community. Her legacy of service and leadership is fondly remembered by residents and colleagues alike.
SEDRA hosted its first speaker series event in November, Elevating Insights: A Conversation on High-Rise Community Planning in Davisville, featuring Oren Tamir from City Planning. The discussion shed light on intensification around transit hubs, highlighting opportunities to improve public spaces and pathways in the growing apartment neighbourhood.
Community Initiatives
SEDRA’s Green Working Group has been actively advocating for improvements to the neglected park at Soudan and Redpath. Temporary upgrades, including planters and maintenance commitments, are expected in spring 2025 after community pressure and collaboration with city representatives.
The annual Giving Tuesday challenge remains a key initiative, supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank. With a matching donor stepping up again this year, SEDRA urges residents to give generously to help combat food insecurity.
For updates on local developments, community events, and volunteer opportunities, visit SEDRA’s website. Read the full SEDRA Owl Year in Review newsletter here.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Holly Berry Fair brings festive fun to Rosedale, Nov 23rd
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Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 23, as the Holly Berry Fair returns to Rosedale United Church (159 Roxborough Drive) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This beloved community event features something for everyone—whether you’re hunting for unique holiday gifts, enjoying festive activities, or supporting local outreach programs.
Visitors can explore dozens of vendor stalls offering handmade crafts, knitted goods, eco-friendly items, vintage treasures, and delectable baked goods. Stop by Fran’s Deli Lunch for a bite, bid in the silent auction, or pick up a live poinsettia. For kids, Santa’s Workshop will be buzzing with activities like cookie decorating, writing letters to Santa, and creating ‘Swiftie-inspired’ friendship bracelets. Admission is free, and the #82 bus stops at the door. Bring a donation for the 500 Coat Drive and help make this season warmer for those in need! Proceeds from the event will benefit local outreach initiatives.
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Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre Breaks Ground
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A rendering of the exterior of the building, looking northeast from Davisville Avenue. /toronto.ca
A rendering of the aquatic centre. /toronto.ca
A rendering of the exterior of the building, looking northeast from above Davisville Avenue. /toronto.ca
Construction has officially begun on the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre, a highly anticipated facility designed to serve as a hub for recreation and wellness in the Yonge and Davisville area. The state-of-the-art centre will feature a 25-metre swimming pool, a warm-water leisure pool, a fitness centre, and multi-purpose spaces for group activities, workshops, and events. With sustainability at its core, the facility also includes energy-efficient systems and a shared-use agreement with Davisville Junior Public School, integrating community and educational spaces.
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the new centre aims to address the community’s need for expanded recreational services and accessible public spaces. Along with other recent projects such as the Wallace Emerson and East Bayfront community centres, it reflects ongoing efforts to improve public infrastructure across Toronto. For additional details, visit the City of Toronto’s website. Press release.
