South Bayview Bulldog Admin

Long-term closure announced for Beth Nealson Drive

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Beth Nealson Drive to close for up to two years for Ontario Line construction

Metrolinx has advised that Beth Nealson Drive will be fully closed between Wicksteed Avenue and Pat Moore Drive starting as early as Monday, March 23, 2026, as work begins on a new underpass related to construction of the Ontario Line.

The closure is expected to last approximately two years while crews build the underpass, which will allow vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians to pass underneath the future Ontario Line tracks. Once complete, trains on the new rapid transit line will run at ground level above the roadway.

Construction work is expected to take place Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with occasional extended hours or weekend work as needed. Traffic signage will be installed to help maintain access for local residents and businesses during the closure.

TTC bus routes and local school bus routes will also be affected, with detours in place and service changes including adjustments to the 88 South Leaside route and the introduction of a temporary 156 Millwood bus beginning March 15.

The work is part of the broader Ontario Line project. The new line will bring 15 stations to the city, including Thorncliffe Park, and will run from Don Valley Station through the heart of downtown to Exhibition Place.

More information about the project is available on the Ontario Line project page, or by viewing the construction notice.

Sweetie Pie Leaside confirms reopening after short break

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Photo credit: @mysweetiepie.ca / Instagram
Screenshot via Instagram (@mysweetiepie.ca)

A quick update following yesterday’s Bayview Biz post. Sweetie Pie has announced that it is back open at 1639 Bayview Ave.

The shop posted on Instagram, “Hey Leaside after our brief hiatus we are back!!! Same great pies, wonderful staff and of course great coffee!! … We missed you Leaside!!”

More details can be found on Sweetie Pie’s Instagram announcement or visit their website.

Bayview Biz: Expansions, sales and a few question marks

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West Coast Kids expansion into 446a Manor Rd E.
Former vacuum store at 446a Manor Rd E /Google Streetview (2024) screenshot
Modella Ladieswear closing Bayview location (only)
Sweetie Pie (Leased) has moved out of 1639 Bayview Ave.
Live Music nights at Fairway Restaurant & Bar
Mamma’s Pizza, 1627 Bayview Ave
Interior of Mamma’s Pizza, 1627 Bayview Ave. (February 2026)

There’s been plenty of quiet movement along Bayview in recent weeks, with several storefront changes and updates for local shoppers.

West Coast Kids continues to expand its already substantial footprint on Bayview, having taken over the former Bayview Manor Appliance (vacuum sales) space at 446A Manor Rd. E. Exterior renovations appear complete with a refreshed façade, new windows and double doors now installed. Signage is up, though the windows remain papered over as the space prepares to open.

Further south, signs in the window at 1579 Bayview indicate that Modella Ladieswear is closing its Bayview location only, with remaining stock now on sale. Other Modella locations remain open; store details can be found via their store locator.

Sweetie Pie has also vacated its Leaside shop at 1639 Bayview Ave. (with the entrance formerly around the corner on Fleming Cres.). Fans can still visit other locations listed on the company’s website.

At 1660 Bayview Ave., Fairway Restaurant & Bar continues to evolve, with an updated food menu and the addition of live music evenings. Signage out front is currently advertising a Feb. 26th performance and encouraging reservations. More information is available on the restaurant’s website. Longtime residents will remember the address as the former home of Original’s, which operated there for decades.

And finally, a bit of a mystery: Mamma’s Pizza at 1627 Bayview Ave. appears closed. The signage remains, but inside the shelves are bare and the space looks largely cleared out — with no “for rent” notice yet posted. Google currently lists the location as “temporarily closed,” though exactly what that means remains unclear. Stay tuned.

Spotted something new to report? Let us know. 🙂

UPDATE: February 27, 2026 — Sweetie Pie has announced that it is back open at 1639 Bayview Ave. The shop posted on Instagram, “Hey Leaside after our brief hiatus we are back!!! Same great pies, wonderful staff and of course great coffee!! … We missed you Leaside!!”

Continuing the legacy of Leaside Eye Clinic & Vizio Eyewear

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The local optometry community continues to feel the loss of Dr. Jonathan Slivka, who cared for patients in the neighbourhood for more than 16 years and is remembered for his compassionate, dedicated approach to care.

Patients have now been advised that Leaside Eye Clinic (1532 Bayview Ave.) will continue operating, with care transitioning to the team led by Dr. Olga Savitska of nearby Bayview Vision (1709 Bayview Ave.). The Bayview Vision team will continue seeing patients at the 1532 Bayview Avenue location, while also offering additional appointment availability and services further north at 1709 Bayview.

The eyewear retail shop operating as Vizio Eyewear at 1532 Bayview Avenue remains open and continues to serve the community.

More information:

TTC Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown LRT opened — yes, really

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After roughly 15 years of construction, countless delays, and more than a few “we’ll believe it when we see it” moments, TTC Line 5 — the Eglinton Crosstown LRT — officially opened on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The new 19-kilometre light rail line now runs from Mount Dennis to Kennedy with 25 stations along Eglinton Avenue. By all accounts, the first day of service arrived with little fanfare — but plenty of curiosity from riders finally able to step aboard.

Locally, the opening also marks the end of an era. The long-running 56 Leaside bus route made its final trips on February 7, after nearly a century of service dating back to the 1920s. With the launch of Line 5, service along Laird and Donlands is being absorbed by other routes and the new LRT — a quiet goodbye to a familiar neighbourhood bus.

More info:

Snowstorm declaration over — crews still clearing streets

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January 25, 2026 — mid-snowstorm, just a few hours after the snow began really coming down.

Just a quick update for local residents: the City of Toronto advises that the Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declarations put in place on January 25, 2026 officially ended February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The declarations helped crews respond to nearly 90 cm of snowfall from two major January storms. Since mid-January, approximately 300,000 tonnes of snow have been hauled to storage sites across the city as part of the cleanup effort.

Targeted snow removal will continue in the coming days, particularly on narrow residential streets, sidewalks and bike lanes. Drivers are still reminded not to park where temporary orange No Parking – Snow Removal signs are posted. Vehicles left in these areas may be ticketed ($100) or towed, as they can interfere with ongoing snow removal operations.

Residents can continue to report areas needing extra attention through 311.

Full details: City of Toronto news release.

Cartographer behind TTC map’s biggest update in decades

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The TTC map gets a makeover — just as the Eglinton Crosstown (finally?) prepares to open

With the long-awaited (and long overdue) Eglinton Crosstown LRT now being widely reported as opening on Feb. 8, 2026 (we’ll believe it when we see it), most headlines are understandably focused on the launch itself.

But here’s a fun behind-the-scenes angle that’s getting much less attention: the TTC map has undergone one of its biggest updates in decades. In a CBC segment, reporter Haydn Watters interviews the cartographer behind the modernized TTC map — and explains how it’s been redesigned to reflect the growing rapid transit network, including both the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5) and the Finch West LRT (Line 6).

More:

Remembering Ted Krawchuk, a proud Leaside resident

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Leaside Life has shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Ted Krawchuk, who passed away on January 14, 2026. This news will be received with deep sadness by many in our community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to Lorna and the entire Krawchuk family.

Ted was a longtime Leaside resident, devoted family man, retired science teacher, and active member of St. Cuthbert’s, Leaside Anglican Church, where he was well known for his warm smile and community spirit.

A memorial service will be held at St. Cuthbert’s (1399 Bayview Ave.) on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception (with livestream available).

Leaside Life: Remembering Ted Krawchuk | Humphrey Funeral Home obituary & service details

CP24 was live at Leaside Gardens for Capes For Kids, Friday

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Holland Bloorview’s ‘Capes on Ice’ skate-a-thon celebrates 10 years

CP24 broadcast live from Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (1073 Millwood Rd.) on Friday morning, January 30, 2026, to help promote Capes For Kids, Holland Bloorview’s signature fundraising campaign, which is celebrating 10 years of supporting kids and youth with disabilities.

The campaign’s kick-off event, “Capes on Ice,” is a community skate-a-thon encouraging participants to “dare to wear a cape” while raising funds for pediatric disability care.

Since launching in 2017, Capes For Kids has raised over $7.7 million to support Holland Bloorview’s vital programs, services, and research.

Want to get involved? Register for free, fundraise to earn your red cape, and take part in Capes Week. Learn more, register, or donate here: capesforkids.ca

Winter walks: Bayview during & after TO’s record snowfall

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Toronto experienced a once-in-a-generation snowstorm on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with record snowfall totals reported across the city.

Below are two short videos filmed on Bayview Avenue — the first captured mid-storm, and the second filmed the following afternoon under brighter skies after roads had been plowed.

A snowy walk in the Bayview Leaside BIA

Filmed January 25, 2026 (afternoon) — mid-storm, just a few hours after the snow began really coming down.

After the storm: cleared roads & bright skies in the Bayview Leaside BIA

Filmed January 26, 2026 (afternoon) — the day after the storm, under sunny skies, with roads plowed and the neighbourhood beginning to dig out.

How much snow fell?

According to CityNews, Environment Canada’s updated snowfall analysis reported:

  • 61 cm fell in downtown Toronto, one of the highest totals ever observed in the core
  • 46 cm fell at Toronto Pearson Airport, making it the snowiest day on record for the site
  • With earlier snowfall included, January 2026 became Toronto’s snowiest January — and snowiest month overall — since records began in 1937

Sources:

Reminder: Snow route parking restrictions in effect

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Just a reminder for area residents to take note of designated snow routes.

On January 25, 2026, the City of Toronto activated its second Major Snow Event Response Plan (MSERP) of the year, declaring a Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event.

While this declaration is in effect, parking on snow routes is strictly prohibited. These routes are marked with permanent snow-route signage, and enforcement is active to allow crews to clear roads.

Parking on a designated snow route during a major snow event can result in fines of up to $500 and towing. Temporary orange No Parking – Snow Removal signs carry a $100 ticket and possible towing.

Full media release and additional information are available on the City’s website.

Editor’s note: The Bulldog has seen quite a few ticketed cars along Bayview since the storm. Consider this a friendly heads-up.

UPDATE

The City of Toronto advises that the Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declarations put in place on January 25, 2026 officially ended February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. Read City of Toronto news release.

Leaside mourns the passing of Nick Mitchell

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Leaside is mourning the loss of longtime educator Nicholas (“Nick”) Martin Mitchell, who passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026.

A beloved drama and English teacher at Leaside High School, Nick is being remembered across local Facebook groups and social media through an outpouring of tributes from former students, colleagues, friends and community members of all ages.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, February 8 at 1:00 pm at Humphrey Funeral Home (1403 Bayview Ave.), followed by a celebration of life from 3:00–5:00 pm at the Granite Brewery (245 Eglinton Ave. E.).

Read the full obituary and service details.