OLT approves 46 storeys at Bayview Car Wash site

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An update brought to you by the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA)

Bayview Carwash, March 2025 /Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA)

On March 19th, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) gave its approval for a 46-storey mixed-use building on the site of the Bayview Car Wash at the corner of Bayview Ave and Roehampton Ave (1802 Bayview Avenue).

The proposal was challenged at a December hearing by city planning and legal staff, and the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA). Key to BARA’s position was the fact that the city’s Official Plan states that the tallest buildings around Crosstown LRT stations should be closest to those stations, with all surrounding developments transitioning into the neighbourhood.

City council previously approved a 35-storey building directly atop the Leaside LRT station entrance on the southeast corner of Bayview and Eglinton.

“According to the city’s Official Plan, everything outside the actual corners of Bayview and Eglinton should therefore be less than 35 storeys,” said BARA Co-President Jesper Thoft. “We are very frustrated by this decision.”

The Toronto Star recently reported an analysis of OLT rulings which found that 97 per cent go in favour of developers’ applications. The OLT is a provincial body, and its decisions on development applications are final and binding.

One of the few alterations ordered by the OLT on the car wash site development is for a slightly bigger setback from Bayview Ave than the developer had proposed, something BARA and city planners had advocated for at the hearing.

The Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) is a volunteer organization of Bayview/Eglinton residents who care deeply about their neighbourhood.

We work hard to ensure that our concerns about the impact of new developments on the history and character of our neighbourhood are fully and fairly considered. BARA opposes inappropriate redevelopment in our area, such as 25 to 46-storey towers abutting 2-storey houses and buildings with inadequate parking for residents and guests.

Stay informed by joining the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) mailing list. Input your e-mail address below to subscribe:

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BAYVIEW BIZ: Beauty, flags, and Canadian pride! 🇨🇦

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On March 15th, Fara Beauty Lounge officially opened its doors at 1618 Bayview Ave, celebrating with a grand opening event and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new salon is now open and welcoming clients.

Meanwhile, Canadian pride is in full display along Bayview. MP Rob Oliphant’s office (#310, 1670 Bayview Ave) is offering free Canadian flag pins, handheld flags and they’re keeping a waiting list for full-sized flags (3′ x 6′) — call ahead to check office hours and availability.

Just down the street, a large Canadian flag now waves proudly in front of Ramona’s Kitchen (1608 Bayview Ave). 🇨🇦

Skyline in motion: The Frederick & Viva Leaside progress

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The Frederick, a 28-storey condo tower, is progressing steadily after replacing its crane following a collapse last fall. The building, part of the Upper East Village community, is now seeing glazing and cladding installation as it nears its full height. See photos on UrbanToronto.

Meanwhile, Viva Leaside, a retirement rental development at 150 Laird Drive, has topped off its two towers at seven and eight storeys. The project incorporates the preserved heritage facades of the former Durand Cars administrative building and is now in the final phases of exterior work. Learn more and see photos on UrbanToronto.

Glazebrook townhouses get reprieve as demolition paused

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An update brought to you by the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA)

GLAZEBROOK TOWNHOUSES TO STAY – FOR NOW

A bid by the developer of #2-20 Glazebrook Ave to demolish the existing townhouses has been rejected by North York Community Council. Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) and Leaside Residents Association (LRA) both spoke against the proposal, which would have seen the site sit vacant for an indeterminate amount of time – possibly years – before construction begins on an approved 31-storey tower. Don Valley West Councillor Rachel Chernos-Lin made a motion to refuse the application and North York Community Council agreed that the townhouses should remain in place until a building permit is issued for the new development.

BAYVIEW CAR WASH TOWER RULING EXPECTED

We are awaiting word from the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) on the final height and mass of the new tower proposed for the Bayview Car Wash site at 1840 Bayview at the corner of Roehampton Ave. A hearing was held in December, at which BARA had official party status and spoke against the developer’s bid to construct a 46-storey building – by far the highest of any approved project for the Bayview-Eglinton area. Concerns were also expressed about the proposed width of the sidewalk on Bayview being too narrow. City staff objected to a tower in excess of 40 storeys. The OLT’s decision – which will be final and binding – is expected in the coming weeks.

HIGH RISE DEVELOPMENT PUSHING WEST OF BAYVIEW INTO NEIGHBOURHOOD

A public meeting was recently held to hear views on a proposed 39-storey condo building on Glenavy Ave stretching south from Glazebrook. BARA and a sizeable number of area residents told city planning and legal staff that while intensification along the major arteries of Bayview and Eglinton makes sense, tearing out houses on a side street and putting a 39-storey tower in the midst of single-family homes is poor planning. Further, it contradicts the city’s Official Plan, which calls for a “transition down in height and scale” from high-rise buildings on the main streets into the existing neighbourhood. Councillor Rachel Chernos-Lin also attended and echoed the concerns of area residents.

The Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) is a volunteer organization of Bayview/Eglinton residents who care deeply about their neighbourhood.

We work hard to ensure that our concerns about the impact of new developments on the history and character of our neighbourhood are fully and fairly considered. BARA opposes inappropriate redevelopment in our area, such as 25 to 46-storey towers abutting 2-storey houses and buildings with inadequate parking for residents and guests.

Stay informed by joining the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) mailing list. Input your e-mail address below to subscribe:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Stay informed by joining the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) mailing list. Input your e-mail address below to subscribe:

Road resurfacing coming to Bessborough, Rolland & Rolph

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Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the start of construction season in Toronto. As part of the City’s 2025 Capital Works Program, road resurfacing is planned for several local streets, including:

  • Bessborough Dr. (Airdrie Rd. to Parkhurst Blvd.)
  • Rolland Rd. (Hanna Rd. to Bessborough Dr.)
  • Rolph Rd. (Sutherland Dr. to Southvale Dr.)

Work will include sidewalk and curb repairs, repaving, and drainage improvements. Construction is expected to begin this summer and wrap up by fall.

A detailed construction notice with specific timelines will be issued closer to the start date. Residents can expect some traffic disruptions, noise, and temporary parking restrictions. Stay informed via the City’s Don Valley West webpage: toronto.ca/donvalleywest.

Online pet scams playing on emotions – spot the red flags

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Many local residents turn to Facebook groups and other social media for community connections—but scammers are also lurking. A Scarborough man recently lost hundreds of dollars to a fraudulent online pet adoption scheme, paying fake fees before realizing he had been duped. The Toronto Humane Society warns potential pet owners to adopt only from reputable sources and to be cautious of free or low-cost pet listings that demand unexpected payments. Read more on CTV News: link.

Fun Fact Friday: Why this old Toronto crane is here to stay

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Meet the Atlas Crane: An Unusual Park Feature in the Port Lands /waterfrontoronto.ca

Towering over Toronto’s Port Lands, the 300-ton Atlas Crane isn’t just a striking piece of industrial machinery — it’s a designated heritage landmark. Installed in 1961 at the former Marine Terminal 35, it played a key role in Toronto’s shipping industry, even helping unload TTC streetcars in the ‘60s. Now, as part of Waterfront Toronto’s revitalization project, the crane is being restored and will be a permanent feature of the new Promontory Park.

Explore local birdlife w/Leaside Garden Society, Mar 13th

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Bird lovers and gardeners alike are invited to the next installment of the Leaside Garden Society’s Speaker Series, featuring special guest Sasan Beni on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The event will take place in person at the Leaside Library (165 McRae Drive), with refreshments available from 6:30 p.m.

Beni, a horticulturalist, author, and avid birdwatcher, will present a photo-essay showcasing Toronto’s birdlife throughout the seasons. Attendees will learn how to make their gardens more bird-friendly, discover ethical birdwatching tips, and explore the benefits of birdwatching as a relaxing and rewarding hobby.

Guests and new members are welcome!

For more details, visit leasidegardensociety.org.

Leaside Garden Society March Speaker Series
Speaker: Sasan Beni
Topic: Our Feathered Friends
Date: Thursday March 13th, 2025
Time & Place: Leaside Library, 165 McRae Drive

Local churches join together at St. Cuthbert’s for service

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St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church (1399 Bayview Ave.) will host this year’s World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 14, at 2 p.m. The annual event brings together local churches for an afternoon of reflection, prayer, and community, followed by light refreshments.

The ecumenical World Day of Prayer has been celebrated each March for almost 100 years — now in over 170 countries. This year’s service was written by the women of the Cook Islands under the theme “I Made You Wonderful.” All are welcome to attend.

🎨 Artwork on poster by: Tarani Napa & Tevairangi Napa.

DVW4EA surveys Ward 11 Trustee candidates on climate

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As Don Valley West prepares for the TDSB Ward 11 Trustee by-election on Monday, March 3, 2025, Don Valley West for Environmental Action (DVW4EA) has surveyed candidates on their positions regarding climate action in schools. The group, focused on sustainability and community advocacy, asked candidates about their stance on net-zero targets, energy-efficient retrofits, active transportation, and student food programs.

Six of the ten candidates responded, with answers highlighting varying levels of commitment to Toronto’s Net Zero by 2040 goal, improving school infrastructure, and incorporating climate-focused education. Some emphasized expanding active transportation options like safe walking and cycling routes, while others proposed energy retrofits for aging TDSB buildings and stronger partnerships with municipal climate initiatives.

DVW4EA is encouraging voters to consider where each candidate stands on these issues before heading to the polls. To read the full survey results, visit this link.

For official election and candidate information, visit the City of Toronto website.

Election Day is Monday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can use MyVote to find their voting place, access their voter card, check the list of candidates and more.

The boundaries of Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Ward 11 (Don Valley West) are the same as the boundaries of the City of Toronto Ward 15, Don Valley West.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at St. Cuthbert’s, Leaside

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St. Cuthbert’s, Leaside is inviting the community to its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. The event marks the traditional feast before the start of Lent, with pancakes and sausages served alongside juice, coffee, and tea.

Reservations are required and can be made on Sunday at the church, by phone at 416-485-0329, or through the church website at stcuthbertsleaside.com. A free-will offering will be accepted (cash or debit).

For those interested, Ash Wednesday services will follow the next day at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

📍 St. Cuthbert’s, Leaside – 1399 Bayview Avenue
📞 416-485-0329
🌐 stcuthbertsleaside.com