The South Bayview Bulldog

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.

Soudan & Redpath Parkette /Google Maps, Sept 2023

Soudan & Redpath Parkette /change.org

The South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) is urging the City of Toronto to revitalize the neglected parkette at the corner of Soudan and Redpath Avenues. Dedicated to the neighbourhood following the development at 71 Redpath, the small green space currently features little more than garbage cans and an old bench, serving primarily as a dog relief zone.

SEDRA envisions the parkette as a vibrant green gateway connecting the low-rise neighbourhood to the high-rise apartment area and is calling on the City to engage residents, the Councillor’s office, and the Parks Department in a design consultation process. A petition on Change.org invites the community to support the creation of a park that residents can take pride in. Visit SEDRA’s website to learn more and get involved.

Before its removal, the North Plug can be seen on the left, creating a barrier between the Keating Channel and the new river valley. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

An excavator using a grinder attachment removing the north plug. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

Removal of the north plug, in progress. Looking west towards the new island. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

An excavator removing the North Plug south of Lake Shore Boulevard, west of Don Roadway. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

Looking towards the new island from the south side of the new river. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

Toronto’s Port Lands Transformation Moves Forward with Completion of Don River’s New Mouth

Toronto’s waterfront is undergoing a major transformation with the completion of the new mouth for the Don River and creation of the island, Ookwemin Minising, as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project. This collaborative $1.4 billion effort by all three levels of government aims to protect 240 hectares of Toronto’s Port Lands from flooding, setting the stage for new housing, parks, and recreational spaces.

The 39.6-hectare island includes 20.2 hectares of greenspace and 19.4 hectares for development, along with kilometers of trails, roads, and a naturalized shoreline. In 2025, Toronto’s largest new park system in a generation will open on and around the island. With over 15,000 future residents, extensive parkland, and sustainable development, this waterfront project will introduce a “city within a city” for Torontonians to live, work, and play. More info on waterfrontoronto.ca.

Former TDSB trustee Rachel Chernos Lin has won the Ward 15 (Don Valley West) by-election, securing her seat as Toronto City Councillor. Chernos Lin’s campaign focused on affordable housing and community advocacy. She will succeed the late Councillor Jaye Robinson.

St. Cuthbert’s Church in Leaside is welcoming back its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1399 Bayview Avenue.

Enjoy browsing holiday favourites like baking, preserves, jewelry, and books, plus a Christmas Boutique, gift baskets, and a hand-made quilt raffle. Visitors can also enjoy boxed lunches, a coffee cart, and unique finds, including royalty memorabilia and “Red Tag” treasures. Proceeds will support St. Cuthbert’s Church and its community outreach. All are welcome!