Husky Gas Station at 30 Laird Dr. has closed /TS, Sept 2025
The Husky Gas Station at 30 Laird Drive has closed, with temporary fencing now surrounding the property. At this point, no redevelopment, zoning, demolition, or building applications appear in the City of Toronto’s online database.
Former gas station sites typically require extensive soil testing and remediation before new projects can move forward, a process that can take years. For now, the future of the site remains uncertain.
Bayview Avenue restaurants have been busy making changes over the past few weeks, with some refreshing their spaces and others expanding their offerings.
Eggstatic Back After Glow-Up
Eggstatic (1568 Bayview Ave) closed briefly in late August for a “glow-up,” reopening in time for the Labour Day long weekend. Regulars can once again enjoy brunch plates at the refreshed spot.
Mirage Patio Upgrade
Mirage (1620 Bayview Ave) has upgraded its patio with new touches, including decorative lighting. The changes give diners a covered option while still enjoying open-air dining.
Dinner Coming to Tiarré’s Brunch n Cakes
Known for its brunch, Tiarré’s Brunch n Cakes (1614 Bayview Ave) will soon begin offering dinner service. The new “Dinner, Drinks & Dessert” option launches September 5, 2025, adding an evening component to the café’s lineup.
A few weeks ago, you reported that the site where the former Sweet Potato was located was being renovated, and it would likely reopen as a new No Frills supermarket. I just want to confirm that this is correct – I walked by the site this morning, the windows are still covered by paper, but I was able to find a crack to peek inside. I saw a No Frills sign inside. I also saw that several of the shelves were already stocked with food, and there were shopping carts inside as well. I also saw contractors tools and the usual dust and debris on the ground that you would see during a renovation, but I get the sense that the store should be opening soon, perhaps in the next few weeks? ~Edmund
Thanks, Edmund! We checked it out too and spotted the shelves starting to fill up. Looks like they’re almost ready—opening day could be just around the corner.
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BETA Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) electric aircraft /media.billybishopairport.com
While Air Canada strikes are dominating headlines, Billy Bishop Airport quietly introduced Toronto to the future of electric aviation. BETA Technologies brought its ALIA electric aircraft for a demo, showing off Toronto’s future in “clean, high-tech aviation”.
Bonus: the airport now has Canada’s first BETA Minicube charger, ready to power both electric planes and vehicles.
Curious about the flight, the tech, and what it could mean for the city? Check out the full media release here.
Whole Foods, Bayview & Broadway, August 16, 2025 /South Bayview Bulldog
After eight years as a neighbourhood staple, the Whole Foods at 1860 Bayview Avenue in Leaside and its counterpart at Yonge & Sheppard are closing their doors on August 22. The surprise announcement, confirmed by Whole Foods representatives, comes as the company says it is “positioning for long-term success” and planning new locations in the city. (BlogTO, CTV News, Toronto Star)
The Leaside store, which opened in April 2017 to much fanfare, occupies the second floor of the complex at Bayview and Broadway. Many in the community will remember its grand opening as the long-awaited arrival in 2017. (South Bayview Bulldog archive)
Shoppers looking to stock up before the final day have been taking advantage of some serious markdowns. A closing sale began Saturday, August 16, with discounts starting at 50% off and climbing to 70% off by Monday. The deep cuts will continue until the doors officially close on the 22nd. (BlogTO)
If you’ve been to Leaside in the past few days, you may have noticed shoppers leaving with overflowing paper bags. Community Facebook groups lit up over the weekend with reports of long lineups—including waits just to reach the elevator—and shelves looking bare by Sunday. Some residents joked that with nothing left to sell, the store might not make it to its planned closing date.
Whole Foods says the decision isn’t tied to Amazon ownership or global trade issues, but rather to underperformance at these locations. A company spokesperson confirmed that no other closures are planned at this time, and that existing stores in Yorkville and Markham will continue operating. Meanwhile, a new downtown location on King Street West is set to open in 2026. (BlogTO, CTV News)
As for what’s next for the soon-to-be-vacant Bayview space? That’s a mystery, but residents will be watching closely. For now, if you’re hoping to grab some last-minute deals—or just say goodbye—you’ll need to act fast. Judging by the empty shelves, the neighbourhood has already cleaned house.
Toronto’s Midtown and Don Mills areas are seeing a wave of new developments, with proposals for high-rises and community facilities closely linked to the city’s upcoming transit expansions.
Paired Towers Across from Mount Pleasant Station
A major redevelopment is planned at 245 Eglinton Avenue East — among its current tenants is Granite Brewery, a well-known fixture in the community. The project, designed by Superkül for Crestview Investment Corporation, envisions two towers rising 60 and 65 storeys atop a shared podium. The mixed-use development would include 1,278 residential units, retail space, townhomes fronting Taunton Road, and both indoor and outdoor amenities for residents. A publicly accessible plaza is also part of the plan. Read more on UrbanToronto; Application.
Dual 59-Storey Towers to Replace Midtown Rental Building
Nearby at 299 Roehampton Avenue (east of Mount Pleasant Rd, across the street from Northern SS), KG Group is proposing two 59-storey towers to replace a 12-storey rental building, while keeping two other existing rental towers on the property. The new towers would provide 1,519 rental units, including a full replacement of the 218 existing units, alongside a new recreation centre and outdoor amenity space. Read more on UrbanToronto; Application.
Don Mills Community Recreation Centre Gets Site Plan Submission
Further east, the City of Toronto has advanced plans for a new Don Mills Community Recreation Centre in the Crosstown Community. Designed by MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects, the two-storey facility will include pools, ice arenas, a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, and an EMS satellite post. The centre, located within walking distance of the future Don Valley station, will feature underground parking and cycling facilities, connecting to surrounding parks and trails. Construction is now targeted to start in Fall 2026, with an expected opening around Fall 2029. Read more on UrbanToronto; Application.
The Mount Pleasant Village BIA is once again inviting local residents to enjoy a summer evening under the stars with its free outdoor movie series, set to run on three Wednesday nights this August at the Manor Community Green (190 Manor Rd. E.).
The lineup features a mix of classic and crowd-pleasing favourites:
August 6 at 8:30 PM – The Wizard of Oz
August 13 at 8:30 PM – Top Gun: Maverick
August 20 at 8:15 PM – E.T.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy complimentary popcorn courtesy of local sponsors Scholars Leaside and Dunfield Retirement Residence. Organizers will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food items in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank.
All films are weather permitting. For updates and more information, visit: mountpleasantvillage.ca/movies.
Leaside’s Summer Street Festival Just Got Bigger
Leaside’s summer street party is just around the corner. Viva La Leaside will take over 25 Commercial Rd., east of Laird on August 10th and 11th, 2025 with two days of music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
The free event is open to all and promises something for everyone — from tethered hot air balloon rides and a bumper car–filled Kids Zone to a vintage car exhibit and live art installations. Local musicians will take the stage throughout the weekend, and festivalgoers can explore a vendor market, enjoy eats from top Toronto food vendors, and cool off at the Latina Beer Lounge. New this year is a dog talent show hosted by KYON Dog Daycare, along with an immersive heritage exhibit called Walk Through the Ages. Saturday night wraps with a high-energy All-Star Performance Party at 9 p.m., featuring DJs and surprise acts.
Full schedule and updates are available on the Viva La Leaside Instagram page, or visit their website.
UPDATE – August 6, 2025
Organizers have announced that this year’s hot air balloon rides at Viva La Leaside have been cancelled following the recent passing of Chief Pilot Ernie Lee. A veteran balloonist whose career spanned over 50 years and continents, Lee flew for brands like Re/Max, Pizza Pizza, and Labatt’s — and once piloted the world’s largest passenger balloon in the Netherlands.
This year’s festival is now dedicated to his memory. Though his balloon won’t rise over Leaside this time, his legacy as a passionate, joyful, and generous ambassador of flight will remain part of the festival’s spirit.
For schedule updates and tributes, visit Viva La Leaside on Instagram.
Watch highlights from the inaugural Viva La Leaside in 2024 below.
Metrolinx Laird Station, March 2024
There’s still no confirmed opening date for Line 5 Eglinton, but when it does launch, the TTC will roll out its most significant bus network overhaul in decades. Among the biggest changes: the end of overlapping bus service along Eglinton Avenue East between Yonge and Leslie, with routes like the 56 Leaside eliminated and others restructured to better align with the new LRT. The goal? Streamlined service, fewer buses, and quicker transfers to rapid transit.
Read the full breakdown at UrbanToronto.
The tree before it was felled, pictured here in June 2021. /Google Maps
A large and much-loved tree on a Leaside corner lot was recently cut down without a permit — despite the City of Toronto having approved design changes meant to preserve it. Residents say they woke up on June 25th to the sound of chainsaws at 712 Eglinton Ave. E., where a fourplex is currently under construction. The City has since launched an investigation. Local councillor Rachel Chernos Lin and the Leaside Residents Association are calling for stronger enforcement tools to protect Toronto’s urban canopy.
Watch CBC’s video report below and read the full story at CBC Toronto.
The vacant storefront at 323 Moore Ave., formerly home to Dove Cleaners, may soon be absorbed into the adjacent Rexall Drug Store at 325 Moore Ave. A building permit application submitted to the City on July 7th proposes interior alterations that would expand the pharmacy into the neighbouring space. The application, which is still under review, describes the work as “interior alterations to expand interior space of an existing pharmacy store – Rexall Pharmacy Store.”
Those neatly stacked cones won’t stay that way for long — road resurfacing is scheduled to begin July 21st, 2025 on Bessborough Drive, from Airdrie Road to Parkhurst Boulevard. The City of Toronto says work will include curb and sidewalk repairs, sewer adjustments, and full road repaving. The project is expected to run through mid-September, weather permitting. Residents should anticipate noise, dust, and traffic impacts during working hours, typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday with work after hours and on weekends as required.
