South Bayview Bulldog Admin

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.

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.

Create a festive wreath with Milne House Garden Club

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Milne House Garden Club is hosting two festive wreath-making workshops on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, at the Toronto Botanical Garden, led by designer Michael Erdman. Participants can craft their own holiday wreaths perfect for tabletops, doors, windows, or mantles.

The workshops will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Floral Hall, located at 777 Lawrence Avenue East. Sessions are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a fee of $55, which includes all materials. Proceeds from this event will support the Children’s Education Department at the Toronto Botanical Garden. To reserve a spot, contact milnehouse.christmas@gmail.com.

For more information about the workshops or to learn more about Milne House Garden Club, visit their website at milnehousegardenclub.ca

SEDRA seeks revamp for Soudan & Redpath parkette

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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.

BAYVIEW BIZ: Festive greenery, fresh looks, and renos

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Evergreen arrangements bring holiday cheer to Bayview Avenue.
Hermie’s Diner shines with a bold facade and fresh signage.
Bayview’s RBC branch retools its space for expanded services.
Renovated and up for lease—1618 Bayview awaits its next chapter.

The Bayview-Leaside BIA has ushered in the holiday spirit by replacing fall mums with winter greenery displays—evergreens with pinecones and decorative twigs now brighten the streetscape, adding a festive touch.

Hermie’s Diner has also refreshed its look with a bold new façade and updated signage that highlights their Canadian Filipino offerings: “All Day Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner.”

RBC at 1554 Bayview is also in the midst of renovations, shifting away from its 2022 “meeting place” concept to restore a more traditional branch with expanded banking services.

Meanwhile, the property at 1618 Bayview Avenue has undergone a complete transformation. This fully renovated building, now up for lease, includes a ground-floor retail space and two upper-floor apartments, promising fresh opportunities in our bustling community.

Puppy love returns to Sleuth of Baker Street – Nov 16th

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Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides 2025 Calendar /sleuthofbakerstreet.ca

Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore (907 Millwood Road) is once again welcoming Future Dog Guide puppies for an afternoon of puppy cuddles and community support on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Hosted in partnership with the Lions Foundation, this event offers a chance to meet adorable guide dogs in training and learn about the foundation’s important work. For those interested in supporting, 2025 Puppy Wall Calendars will be available for $20 cash.

To avoid the busy puppy hours, the bookstore will open early at 11:00 a.m. for anyone looking to browse in peace before the furry guests arrive.

Toronto’s Port Lands unveils new island and river mouth

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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.





Leaside Memorial Gardens Act of Remembrance – Nov 8th

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Leaside Memorial Community Gardens will host an Act of Remembrance on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the William Lea Room to honour Leaside service members who sacrificed their lives in World War II. As a registered Canadian Military Memorial, Leaside Gardens holds a special place in the community’s history, dedicated to remembering those who served.

The ceremony will include the recitation of the Names of the Fallen, a reading of In Flanders Fields, and remarks by local historian Ted de Welles. Attendees will also hear The Last Post, Lament, and Reveille on trumpet and bagpipe. Following the service, coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be available. All are welcome to join in this meaningful tribute. More info.

Leaside Curling Club to host Toronto Hope Bonspiel Nov 2

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Leaside Curling Club will welcome 32 women’s teams from across the GTA for the Toronto Hope Bonspiel on Saturday, November 2, 2024. This annual event raises funds for the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook, with over $100,000 raised so far this year, building on last year’s total of $96,000. Sixteen curling clubs will be represented as participants gather to #curlforgood.

This year’s event will feature special guests Colleen Jones and Devin Heroux, who will join the opening ceremony at 10:15 a.m. and provide entertainment at the evening banquet.

For more information, visit torontohope.ca. Support A Curler.

St. Cuthbert’s Christmas Fair Returns on November 9th

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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!