Today, Metrolinx President & CEO Phil Verster issued the following statement:

“We had expected the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to be fully built, thoroughly tested, and in service this fall in accordance with our project agreement with Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the construction consortium responsible for building the project.

Unfortunately, while progress has been made, Crosslinx Transit Solutions have fallen behind schedule, are unable to finalize construction and testing, and therefore the system will not be operational on this timeline.

We know construction has been difficult for commuters, communities, and businesses along the Eglinton corridor. We are doing everything to hold Crosslinx Transit Solutions accountable and to redouble efforts to meet their commitments and complete the work quickly so we can welcome riders onto a complete, tested, and fully operational Eglinton Crosstown LRT as soon as possible.”

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT will be delayed by about a year, a source with knowledge of the project has told CBC Toronto. Toronto-St. Paul’s MPP Jill Andrew said business owners in Little Jamaica who have endured these “never-ending delays” deserve to be compensated for their financial losses throughout the prolonged construction period. (CTV Toronto)

Portrait of Peter Oliver, co-founder of Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality (oliverbonacini.com)

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved leader and co-founder, Peter Oliver. Peter was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in May 2021, a challenge he faced head-on with strength and grace. Throughout his treatment he maintained a positive spirit for which he will be forever remembered.

Peter Oliver’s remarkable career in hospitality spanned 45 years, during which time he set the bar for high standards of quality, service and professionalism. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Peter moved to Canada in 1967 to attend McGill University. In 1978, following a successful career in stock brokerage and commercial real estate, he opened his first restaurant in Toronto: a small sandwich shop at Yonge and Eglinton named Oliver’s Old Fashioned Bakery. In 1993, Peter partnered with Chef Michael Bonacini to open Jump Restaurant, marking the inception of Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality.

The full tribute is available on their website: https://www.oliverbonacini.com/news/tribute-to-peter-oliver/,

Join Drink Juice Co this Sunday, September 25th from 10am – 6pm for their customer appreciation party. They’ll be sampling their new fall menu and featuring their new meal prep program, meet their favourite vendors, and there will also be a flash sale and prizes. 463 Manor Rd East, at Bayview Avenue.

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Happening on Saturday, September 24th and Sunday, September 25th, 2022 between 11am – 5pm, the nine Bayview Tour venues are located in the general area bounded by Mt Pleasant Road on the west, Laird Drive on the east, Broadway Avenue on the north and East Moore Park on the south. The venues are outdoors this year!

This weekend the Bayview Outdoor Art Tour & Sale is back with another lineup of local artists.

Visit nine venues to tour oil and acrylic painting, ceramics, jewelry, photography and glass art.

https://t.co/AtLOgj9xkd.

— Jaye Robinson (@JayeRobinson) September 21, 2022

The early morning hours saw a head on collision at Bayview and Lawrence Avenues. Later this afternoon a driver struck a pedestrian on Bayview Avenue, south of Lawrence at Armistice Drive. Slow down, keep your eyes on the road and be careful out there everyone. More.

Rendering of the mural slated to be painted at Mount Pleasant Rd and Manor Rd E. (mountpleasantvillage.ca)

Mount Pleasant Village BIA is pleased to announce that a new mural will be installed at the intersection of Mount Pleasant and Manor Road. Keep an eye out for the painting of the mural, which is anticipated to begin mid to late September. You will be able to see artist Alexander Bacon busy at work on the southeast corner, bringing this rendering to life. More info.

Piano Piano on the northeast corner of Mount Pleasant Rd and Manor Rd E.

Manor Road E., east of Mount Pleasant Road (Google Maps)

Alexander Bacon is one of the artists behind the floral mural that brightens the walls of the Piano Piano restaurant, on the northeast corner of Mount Pleasant and Manor.

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The long standing Hasty Market business at 1213 Bayview Avenue, at the corner of Bayview and Moore Avenues has vacated their space. If you’re wondering where to get your lottery tickets, jug of milk or a bag of chips, don’t worry, they’ve relocated to the plaza at Bayview and Merton, south of the Pizza Hut.

Photo: leasidegardens.com

Leaside Memorial Community Gardens will host its 4th FREE Concussion Education Clinic in the William Lea Room 7:00pm on Tuesday September 27th, 2022. (The event will also be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person.) All members of the community are invited to attend this important educational event, now that our kids are getting back on the ice to enjoy the activities they love so much.

Parents, coaches, volunteers, and instructors will all benefit from hearing the latest information on kids and concussion. The concussion education clinic is the fourth health and safety event offered by Leaside Gardens and the second to focus on concussion. The facility is grateful for the financial support of the Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Fund, which enables these sessions to be offered at no charge to attendees.

For more details about the event, visit www.leasidegardens.com.

The seminar is FREE, but you must register to attend in person at LMCG, or to watch the LIVE webcast: follow the Eventbrite link here.