Anyone residing on Whitewood Road, or with access to security camera footage in the area between 9:30 am and 3:45 pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, is urged to reach out. Help solve this hit-and-run mystery by contacting news@bayview-news.com. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
End of an era: Sunnybrook Plaza demolition has begun
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•Since its fencing off in 2020, the long-anticipated demolition of Sunnybrook Plaza has finally commenced — in December 2023.
“Leaside Heritage is proud to say we now have in our LHPS collection, donated by Concert Properties, the clock, SP and Sunnybrook Plaza signage from the tower plus the letters that surrounded the offices which spelled, “Sunnybrook Plaza Offices”.” Leaside Heritage on Facebook
- Sealed off and forlorn Sunnybrook Plaza awaiting wrecker (The Bulldog, June 2020)
- The end of Toronto’s first strip mall (Macleans, July 2020)
Bayview holiday shopping: Meet Santa – Dec 9th!
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•Enjoy your holiday shopping with Santa and his carolers this Saturday, December 9th, 2023. Find them on Bayview Avenue from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. Take a selfie and get a candy cane!
Don’t forget to tag @bayviewleasidebia to share the joy!
Letter to the Editor: Aging in Place
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•Hi there Bulldog team,
I was searching around for resources for my elderly mom and came across information on a Lunch n Learn you ran in September called: Aging in Place. Sadly – I missed the event BUT it looks like it would have provided info that I am always looking for – resources in Leaside to help seniors, like my mom, to continue living independently in their family homes.
I think that a regular series showcasing senior’s services available in the ‘hood would be a great idea for the South Bayview Bulldog. There are so many folks – like me – trying to keep aging Seniors in the family home and info about what is available would be sooo helpful.
In this context I came across an amazing Personal Trainer in Leaside who works exclusively with SENIORS that is really deserving of some profile. I found Carolyn, when I was looking for in-home help for my elderly, yet fiercely independent mom who needs a regular, regimented fitness program to keep her active.
Without inspiration, coaching, structure and a little cheerleading my dear old Mom simply will not do much to maintain her physical well-being and a regular escort to a gym, aquafit or some other out-of the-home programming is not an option.
Seniors need to move to keep their mobility, dexterity and balance; they have to ‘use it or lose it’ to stay independent and Carolyn is truly dedicated to keeping seniors mobile, active and MOTIVATED!! She really knows her stuff, she’s kind, super professional and personable.
I was pretty lucky to find this service and truly blessed that Carolyn had room in her schedule for twice-weekly sessions for my mom. It is such a relief to know that Carolyn is stopping into the house regularly to get Mommy movin’.
I think that your readers would be thrilled to hear of this in-home option for their aging Mom or Dad and to hear of other services like this on a regular basis. Carolyn’s email is carhayes1609 at gmail.com, or call 416.320.1614 for anyone who would like to get in touch.
Best regards,
Tricia B. (Leaside Resident)
Please note that the views expressed in this letter belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or stance of the blog or its administrators.
The SEDRA Owl: December 2023
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•
The SEDRA Owl is the South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association Quarterly Digital Newsletter.
Traffic Safety
An important message from John Hiddema, SEDRA Co-President
The term traffic safety is used as a catch-all for conversations about what happens on our streets as we move about the city. It covers what goes wrong when vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists collide.
That said, it’s not traffic we want to keep safe, it’s people.
Lost in the dry factual reports of collisions are the people. They’re our neighbours, our friends and our family.
People inside vehicles are protected by the mass of their vehicles, and by crumple zones, seat belts, child seats and airbags. Those protections have their limits, as we see every day in collisions between vehicles.
In collisions between a pedestrian and any kind of vehicle, pedestrians lose the most, every time.
Too often, the pedestrian loses everything.
On October 16, 2023, Wendy Patterson was struck and killed by a dump truck in the intersection of Mt. Pleasant and Davisville. She was crossing Mt. Pleasant on the south side of the intersection, with a green light when the dump truck made a right turn and hit her. Wendy was a long-time resident of Davisville Village, active in the community and known to many. Our condolences go out to Wendy’s family and friends.
On November 28, 2023, a pedestrian was crossing northbound on Yonge, on the east side of Soudan, when she was struck by panel truck making a left turn from southbound Yonge onto Soudan. She suffered “life threatening” injuries according to the police report. We offer her our best wishes and hope recovery is possible.
Condolences and best wishes seem inadequate to the problem at hand, so SEDRA board members are escalating our efforts to improve traffic safety in our neighbourhood.
TD Bank renovation nears completion at 1213 Bayview Ave
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•Previous: (March 2023) TD Bank taking over former Hasty Market (Bayview/Moore)
Bayside Medical Centre is accepting new patients
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•The new “medical centre and pharmacy” at 1685 Bayview Ave is going to be Bayside Medical Centre. A banner says that they are accepting registrations from prospective new patients. Visit www.baysidemedical.ca for more info.
Bayview Biz: Fresh additions to our diverse restaurant scene
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•Hermie’s will be setting up shop at 1595 Bayview Ave. They closed their popular Filipino & Canadian restaurant at 701 Queen Street East on October 29th, 2023, with hints of a new location on their social media feeds.
Zzavía, is a new pizza place that is set to open at 1597 Bayview Avenue. Their banner says “Reimagine Pizza”. Intriguing, we’re looking forward to it! (A Turkish restaurant was supposed to be opening at 1597 and 1599 Bayview Avenue, but from what we could see through the windows, they started demolition of huge space in 2022, but all work stalled after that.)
Grand opening specials at My Roti Place/My Dosa Place (1574 Bayview Avenue). On December 6th, starting at 11:00am, they will have select dishes including Butter Chicken Roti and Channa Masala Roti (Vegan) on offer for only $4.99.
Filmmaker and Leaside alumnus, Charles Officer has died
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•In remembrance of former Leaside High School student Charles Officer: a visionary filmmaker whose compelling portrayals of Black Canadian life touched hearts and garnered acclaim.
Watch CBC’s tribute to Charles Officer’s legacy…
Bayview holiday shopping: Meet Santa & Shop Local!
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•Discover the joy of the season with the Bayview-Leaside BIA as Santa and carolers will be strolling along Bayview on two special Saturdays, December 2nd and December 9th, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
It’s a delightful opportunity to infuse your local holiday shopping with a festive spirit. Don’t miss the chance to capture a magical moment with Santa himself – snap a selfie and spread the holiday cheer by tagging @bayviewleasidebia. 🙂
Festive delights: December’s Yuletide celebrations
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•Leaside United Church
822 Millwood Road, Toronto, ON
416-425-1253 www.leasideunited.org
- Advent Event – All Ages Afternoon Drop In – Fri, Dec 8, 12:30 – 4:00pm
- Carols by Candlelight Service at Leaside United Church – Sun, Dec 10, 7:30pm
– A joint musical celebration with Northlea United Church - Quiet Christmas Service – Thu, Dec 21, 7:30pm
- Advent IV (10:30 am); All Ages Family Christmas Eve Service with Junior Choir (4:30 pm); Christmas Eve Communion Service with Chancel Choir (8:00 pm) – Sun, Dec 24 Services
- Grief Support Group. Jan 10 – May 1, 2024, 2:00-3:30pm
Facilitated by Jean Marie Suchora, Minister of Pastoral Care.
No cost for participation.
plus
Northlea United
125 Brencliffe Road
northleaunited.ca
- Carols By Candlelight – Sun Dec 3, 7:30pm
- Caroling in the Pines with Surprise Guest – Sat Dec 9, 7:00pm
St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church
1847 Bayview Avenue
416-485-2656 saintaugustine.ca
- Gingerbread House Decorating – Dec 14, 6:00pm (pre-registration required)
- Family Friendly Christmas Eve Worship – Dec 24, 4:00pm
- Candlelight, Carols, and Communion – Dec 24, 7:00pm
St. Cuthbert’s Leaside
1399 Bayview Avenue
416-485-0329 stcuthbertsleaside.com
- Quiet (Blue) Christmas Service – Dec 17, 4:00pm
- Carols with Friends – Dec 18, 7:00pm
- Christmas Eve Family Service – Dec 24, 4:00pm
- Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist with Candelight – Dec 24, 8:00pm
- Christmas Day Service – Dec 25, 9:00am
Manor Road United Church
240 Manor Road East
manorroadunitedchurch.com
- Santa Pancake Breakfast – Sat Dec 2, 9:30am-12:00pm
- Outdoor Nativity (with live animals!), carols and the Christmas story – Dec 17, 5:00pm
- Blue Christmas Service – Wed Dec 20, 4:30pm
- Christmas Eve Family Service – Sun Dec 24, 4:00pm
Leaside Presbyterian Church
670 Eglinton Ave. E.
416-422-0510 leasidepc.ca
- Leaside Christmas Memories – Sun Dec 10th @ 10:30am
- Choir Carol Service – Sun Dec 17th @ 10:30am
- Christmas Eve Service – Sun Dec 24th @ 10:30am
Another Terry Fox Donation Success!
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•An update from Children’s Garden School, by Sarah McGowan, Director of Admission & Parent Engagement
What an amazing Terry Fox Day at CGS! In a remarkable display of determination and devoted community spirit, our CGS 2023 Terry Fox Walk and fundraiser was an incredibly successful day. Thanks to all of the participants and supporters, CGS has raised an outstanding amount of $20,000 for cancer research! This success story is a testament to the enduring legacy of Terry Fox and the power of collective action when we all come together for a common purpose.
Seeing Terry’s legacy live on in our community in this way is awe-inspiring. A huge thank you to everyone. The $20,000 our CGS school community raised will be directed towards cancer research, a field where every dollar brings us closer to finding a cure and improving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease. The impact of this fundraiser will be felt for years to come as it contributes to advancements in cancer treatment and care for all.
This incredible achievement is a reminder that we can all be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s an example of how ordinary people, coming together for a shared cause, can create extraordinary change. Way to go CGS! We are all so proud.