South Bayview Bulldog Admin

Celebrate Robbie Burns with the East York Kiwanis Club

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Get ready to don your tartan and join the East York Kiwanis Club for their annual Robbie Burns Supper on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the MG Event Centre/York Masonic Hall (1100 Millwood Road, Toronto).

The evening kicks off with cocktails at 6:15 p.m., followed by a traditional roast beef dinner at 7:00 p.m., complete with haggis, neaps, and tatties. Enjoy live Scottish Highland dancing, a silent auction, door prizes, and the ever-popular Single Malt Whisky Bar. Whether you come in Highland dress or business attire, the event promises a lively celebration of Scotland’s national poet.

Tickets are $100, with an income tax receipt available, and proceeds go directly to local community programs. Advance purchase is preferred.

For tickets and more information:
Visit: Eventbrite
Or: Kiwanis Club of East York
Or call: 416-451-6777

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Leaside Garden Society: Explore two Quebec gems, Jan 9th

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Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents /Tristan in Ottawa, Wikimedia Commons

On January 9th, gardening enthusiasts are invited to a Zoom presentation by Pat de Valence, exploring Jardins de Quatre Vents and Reford Gardens in Quebec. Both gardens boast rich histories, innovative designs, and creative inspirations, offering practical ideas for gardeners of all skill levels.

With over 35 years of gardening experience and two decades as a Master Gardener, Pat will share insights drawn from her passion for garden design and travel. An engaging virtual event for garden lovers!

Leaside Garden Society January Speaker Series
Two Gardens in Quebec: Jardin Quatre-Vents and Reford Gardens
With special guest speaker Pat de Valence
Thursday January 9th, 2025 at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Visit: www.leasidegardensociety.org for more info.

Leaside Garden Society welcomes Guests and New Members to join the Society for their meetings.

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Local leaders to host New Year’s Levée, January 12th

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Don Valley West MP Rob Oliphant and MPP Stephanie Bowman are hosting a New Year’s Levée on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Ave E). The event offers attendees an opportunity to connect with local representatives and enjoy music and refreshments in a community setting.

RSVP online or by phone, see images above for more information.

New Year’s Eve fireworks returns to Toronto’s waterfront

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The City of Toronto has announced the return of its New Year’s Eve celebrations at the waterfront, promising a night of fireworks, music, and performances to ring in 2025. This year’s event features a 10-minute high-altitude fireworks display synchronized to music, lighting up Toronto’s inner harbour at midnight. The display, one of the largest in Canada, will also be live streamed for those celebrating at home.

Festivities kick off at 10 p.m. with pop-up performances at Sherbourne Common, Toronto Music Garden, and other locations along Queens Quay. Highlights include DJ sets, dance sessions, INCIRQUE performers, and a special countdown at 11:45 p.m. led by Mayor Olivia Chow and drag entertainer Sanjina DaBish Queen.

Viewing locations with audio broadcast /www.toronto.ca/NYE

Designated viewing areas for the fireworks include HTO Park, Sugar Beach Park, and Harbourfront Centre. Visitors are encouraged to use public transit, with free TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express service available from 7 p.m. on December 31 to 8 a.m. on January 1. Road closures on Queens Quay West, Bay Street, and York Street will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. to accommodate the festivities.

For more information on viewing locations, transit schedules, and road closures, visit the City of Toronto’s New Year’s Eve event webpage.

The City acknowledges the valuable support of Waterfront BIA and media partners Toronto Star and Now Toronto in making this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration possible.

  • Full list of viewing areas, performances, transit and safety information on the City’s New Year’s Eve event webpage: www.toronto.ca/NYE.
  • TTC: Subway services will run until 3 a.m., with the last trains leaving Union Station at approximately 2:30 a.m. Overnight buses and streetcar service continue until 8 a.m. For schedules and departures, visit the TTC webpage.
  • GO Transit & UP Express: Free service is offered. Details and schedules are available on the GO Transit website.
  • Residents are reminded that fireworks cannot be set off without a permit. More information is available on the City’s fireworks regulations and bylaws webpage.

Revised proposal for 660 Eglinton (Sunnybrook Plaza)

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Dec. 2023 – 660 Eglinton Ave E (Sunnybrook Plaza) /South Bayview Bulldog archive photo

A revised redevelopment proposal has been submitted for the former Sunnybrook Plaza site at 660 Eglinton Ave E and 278 Bessborough Dr. The updated plan, led by Concert Properties, seeks rezoning approval for a mixed-use development featuring three residential towers at 32, 37, and 43 storeys. The project includes 1,201 residential units — a mix of rental and condominium housing — and 419 parking spaces, along with retail spaces fronting Eglinton and Bayview.

Building B (43-storeys) is anticipated to be built first introducing 460 rental apartments that will be managed and marketed by Concert. Approximately 43% of the rental apartments are expected to be 2 and 3-bedroom suites. Buildings C (37-storeys) and D (32-storeys) are anticipated to be condominium ownership and may be built independently or together, depending on market conditions.

The proposal also dedicates 278 Bessborough Dr as a new public park, expanding the adjacent Bessborough Parkette. Since the previous 2020 planning approval, Concert acquired the residential property at 278 Bessborough Drive adjacent to the existing public park on the northeast corner of Eglinton Avenue East.

Vehicle access will be provided from Bayview and Eglinton, with parking integrated both underground and within podium levels.

The revised plan marks a significant departure from earlier approvals in 2016 and 2020, reflecting evolving city planning priorities and a stronger focus on transit-oriented development. For a detailed history of past applications and planning decisions for the redevelopment of 660 Eglinton Ave E and 278 Bessborough Dr, including key milestones from 2016, 2020, and the revised 2024 proposal, readers can refer to the Planning Rationale document available on the City of Toronto’s Application Details page.

Warm and joyous wishes to you & yours this holiday season

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Traffic woes bring side streets to a standstill in Leaside

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Construction on Eglinton Avenue East has caused gridlock on nearby side streets, with Donlea Drive among the hardest hit. Increased traffic, exacerbated by navigation apps like Waze, has brought neighbourhood roads to a standstill, sparking growing frustration among residents.

Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin has responded with a message (on Facebook) to the community, sharing efforts underway to address the issue, including working with City staff and Metrolinx on traffic signals and intersection improvements. Residents are encouraged to contact her office directly with concerns.

Read her full statement, shared on December 10, 2024, below.

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Mount Pleasant development proposal bumped to 61 storeys

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A revised proposal for 808 Mt Pleasant Road has been submitted to the City of Toronto, featuring a significant height increase from 35 to 61 storeys. The updated proposal places the development among the tallest in the area.

More info:
urbantoronto.ca/news/2024/12/proposal-bumped-61-storeys-near-crosstown-lrts-mount-pleasant-station.57604

Robin is getting a kidney!

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Today is the day! After an emotional and challenging journey, Leaside mom Robin Spragg is receiving the kidney transplant that will transform her life. Thanks to an anonymous donor, Robin’s fight against stage 5 kidney disease is taking a hopeful turn. The surgery is scheduled for today, December 12, 2024.

Robin’s health challenges began in 2021, when kidney failure left her reliant on full-time dialysis and unable to work. Despite these hurdles, her resilience and the tireless advocacy of her husband Len inspired a community-wide campaign to find a donor. Over the past year, Robin’s story touched countless hearts, rallying friends, neighbours, and even strangers to help in any way they could.

This life-changing transplant follows more than a year of uncertainty and struggle. For Robin, Len, and their four children, today represents a turning point after years of challenges. The family has expressed overwhelming gratitude for the kindness and generosity that has carried them through this journey.

As Robin begins the long road to recovery, her friends have organized ways to continue supporting her family. A GoFundMe campaign, meal train sign-ups, and Uber Eats gift card donations have been set up to ease their path forward. Those wishing to contribute or send well wishes can find details on the Facebook page, Robin Needs a Kidney.

Robin’s story is a testament to the power of community and the profound impact of organ donation. The community sends its heartfelt wishes for her recovery and brighter days ahead.

Farm Boy opens December 12th in former Sobeys spot

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Dec. 3, 2024 – Farm Boy signage now in place at 147 Laird Drive, replacing the former Sobeys location. /South Bayview Bulldog

Farm Boy is set to open its doors at 147 Laird Drive in the Leaside Business Park on Thursday, December 12, 2024, taking over the space previously occupied by Sobeys. This new location will be Farm Boy’s 51st store in Ontario and 22nd in the Greater Toronto Area. The new store will provide fresh produce, meats, dairy, and a variety of private label products, along with prepared meal options including a Hot Bar, Soup Bar, and Salad Bar. According to a press release from Farm Boy, the store is set to serve Leaside’s growing community with a focus on local and high-quality offerings, featuring an updated and expanded shopping experience.

Opening celebrations from December 12 to 15 will include live music, product samples, giveaways, and exclusive offers, as Farm Boy makes its official debut.

Dec. 12, 2024 – Farm Boy (Leaside) opening day. /South Bayview Bulldog

New lifestyle boutique ‘Homebody’ coming to Bayview

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A new sign in the window of 1575 Bayview Avenue has revealed that Homebody, a lifestyle boutique, will soon be opening its doors in the neighbourhood. The message, “Hey Bayview… Homebody for the home + for the body … we can’t wait to meet you,” hints at the arrival of a store that blends fashion and home décor.

According to their website, Homebody offers a selection of fashion-forward clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings. Founded by Claire Hatziioannou in 2020 as a sister store to her family’s established interior design business, the boutique has grown into a destination for luxurious yet accessible items. With its roots in Oakville, the Bayview location will mark the next step in their expansion.

Stay tuned for more details on this new addition to Bayview Avenue. For now, you can follow them at @thehomebodystudio or visit their website at thehomebodystudio.ca.