Celebrate the Town of Leaside’s 110th anniversary in May!

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May 7, 2023 will mark the 110th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Leaside.

Leaside is one of Canada’s few truly planned communities, spearheaded by the Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) and originally designed by landscape architect Frederick Gage Todd using the principles of the Garden City. As our city and community continue to grow, it remains important to recognize and celebrate our “wonderful community within a city” that we are privileged to be a part of.

With the support of Leaside Life’s Geoff Kettel and a number of community organizations and advocates, a number of events have been created to celebrate the 110 milestone. Most events will take place in the month of May, including:

  • May 4-6: An archival exhibit at the Leaside Library
      The exhibit features historical and archival displays highlighting key aspects of Leaside’s evolution and history – such as Early Housing, the Thorncliffe Development and Racetrack, the Leaside Aerodrome, Police and Fire Protection, and Industry and Railways. A centrepiece of the exhibit will be a large map, designed by local historian and cartographer John Naulls, which details Leaside’s growth as a community from 1913-1934. The exhibit also features pop-up exhibits from several established community organizations — including Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, Leaside High School Alumni Society and the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society. “It’s so for people to be aware of Leaside’s role as one of Toronto’s most significant and historic communities,” says Geoff Kettel, an organizer of Leaside 110. “Leaside has a unique cultural heritage that is worth remembering and preserving. Events like this help ensure that it continues to thrive as a successful and livable community.”
  • May 19: A partnership event with Thorncliffe Park