We at the Bulldog have seen coyotes in the neighbourhood on two of the last four evenings — which means you have probably seen them too. They were lean and fast as they paced down the street. Luckily, the coyotes totally ignored our presence on these occasions. We thought it would be a good time to repost some advice from the City of Toronto about living with urban coyotes.

The City of Toronto website says that coyotes “generally do not pose a danger to people, but can pose a danger for pets. They are active during the day and at night, particularly dusk and dawn, and help to control rodent and rabbit populations. Coyotes thrive in urban areas because of the abundance of food and shelter available. They do not hibernate and may be seen more often during winter months as they are not hidden by foliage. Coyotes will eat whatever food is available such as small mammals and birds, and improperly stored garbage.”

“Keep dogs on a leash; Keep cats indoors or supervised when outside; If coyotes are in your area, do not let your pet out into your backyard alone.”

Source: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/wildlife-in-the-city/coyotes/

More information can be found on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/wildlife-in-the-city/coyotes

The good people at the South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) have written a nice explainer about the possible new riding of “St. Clair – Mt. Pleasant“.

A New Electoral Map is Taking Shape for all of Toronto

This weekend’s planned #ActiveTO road closures on Bayview Avenue and River Street have been cancelled due to emergency road repair work.
https://twitter.com/TO_Transport/status/1563207214206050312

Leaside Animal Clinic has kittens! Most are spoken for already, but they will let everyone know if any are available for adoption in the next few days. Watch their Facebook page for updates!

(Tim Douglas/Pexels)

(Toronto City Council News Release – July 21, 2022) Today, Toronto City Council adopted amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to provide a more supportive environment for residents, local businesses and community organizations in neighbourhoods across Toronto.

Today’s amendments are part of the City of Toronto’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods program which will include further consultation, research and actions including a Local Neighbourhood Retail and Services study to assess ways to permit more locally-serving small-scale retail, service and office uses in areas across the city currently zoned as neighborhood-designated areas. Supporting opportunities for these amenities will help to create vibrant, complete communities that offer a greater number of choices for retail, services and work within walking distance of people’s homes. Further work, including a city-wide Zoning Bylaw that expands permissions for local neighbourhood retail and service uses is anticipated to be considered by Council in 2023.

The use of local neighbourhood spaces for retail, services and offices will contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of an area by improving access to and the quality and diversity of services and goods; supporting residents with limited mobility and families with young children; providing employment and economic opportunities closer to home; and enhancing community safety through increased activity at different times of day. By reducing the need to travel longer distances by car for goods and services, this change will also support the City’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

A greater number of residents are now spending more time in their neighbourhoods as many employers have adopted hybrid and/or remote work. This has resulted in changes to shopping patterns and a heavier reliance on local shops and services. More information is available on the Local Neighbourhood Retail and Services webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/LocalRetail. The Chief Planner’s report to Council, Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods – Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study Final Report Phase One, is available on the City’s website at Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods – Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study Final Report Phase One. Read full media release here.

Harvest Fair (mountpleasantvillage.ca)

The Merchants of Mount Pleasant Village are thrilled to present their 11th annual Harvest Fair taking place on Saturday, September 24th, from 10am to 4pm.

The Harvest Fair will transform Mount Pleasant into an autumnal wonderland, complete with hay bales and pumpkins galore! This family-friendly event will see the return of Harvest Fair activities as well as new and exciting additions. Many businesses will be offering samples, sales, and workshops, so get ready to explore all that Mount Pleasant Village has to offer! More info can be found on the Mount Pleasant Village website.

If you were on Bayview early this morning you may have seen the procession of buses heading southbound with a generous amount of motorcycles providing a police escort. The VIP’s on board were a few dozen residents from Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, along with Sunnybrook staff and veterans’ family members. They were among the hundreds of people that attended the 100th anniversary of the Warriors’ Day Parade at The Exhibition grounds this morning. CBC

The Parade’s website says, “The Warriors’ Day Parade is a unique and spectacular event that includes the colour, sound and traditions of our Regiments and Squadrons as well as the recognition of those who served and those who serve today. Since 1921, the Parade has provided an opportunity to celebrate our military victories. For participants and spectators, it is also an opportunity to show deep appreciation for the priceless gift of freedom given to us by our Veterans and those brave women and men presently serving in the Canadian Forces.”

About 1,500 people march in 100th anniversary of Warriors' Day Parade at CNEhttps://t.co/F7kkdHk7s8

— CBC Toronto (@CBCToronto) August 20, 2022

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Carraway signs posted at Maurice Cody Junior Public School, August 2022.

Signs posted at Maurice Cody Junior Public School are advertising the need for crossing guards for September, when kids head back to school. Visit the City of Toronto’s website for more information about the crossing guard program.

Zellers at EYTC in 2012 (Goolge Maps)

Canadians are celebrating the revival of Zellers in response to Hudson’s Bay Co.’s announcement that they will be bringing back the brand in 2023. Inquiring minds all over social media want to know, will they also bring back the Zellers restaurant and Zeddy the bear?

The Bulldog reported on the closure of our local Zellers in East York Town Centre back in 2012. CBC

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We love this tweet showing off the beautiful produce being grown in the Leaside Park Community Garden. Looks delish.

According to the Community Garden’s website, they produced over 400 pounds of food last year. “The garden is like a “community farm”, with rows of vegetables that are maintained by residents/community members (volunteers) for the benefit of the community.”

https://twitter.com/nataliebikov/status/1559639747705901058