Bid to give buildings on South Bayview heritage status

Thursday’s meeting of the Toronto Preservation Board will consider a recommendation from the Chief Planner, Jennifer Keesmaat, to include as many as 258 low-rise commercial buildings on Bayview Ave., Mt. Pleasant Rd, Eglinton Ave and Yonge Street in what is known as the Toronto Heritage Register. This status provides a measure of protection from demolition. The list of frequently anonymous-looking, but occasionally more distinguished buildings, dates from the 1920s and 30s when the streets north of St. Clair Ave. were being developed. On Bayview, the buildings on the list range from the Subway Sandwich shop at 1489 (and others nearby) to a building at 1575 which houses Must Boutique to 1588 Bayview, a former bank building which for many years housed Elegant Garage Sale. The recommendation is the subject of a release by Ward 22 Councillor Josh Matlow who also provides a link to the agenda for Thursday’s board meeting.