South Bayview Bulldog Admin

Toronto’s parks shine under a thick winter blanket

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A series of multi-day snowstorms recently blanketed Toronto with 53 cm of fresh snow, transforming the city’s parks into stunning winter wonderlands. On February 17, 2025, despite frigid temperatures of -7°C (feeling like -20°C with the wind chill), nature enthusiasts — and dozens of enthusiastic tobogganers — braved the cold to soak in the beauty and capture these breathtaking scenes.

This peaceful video showcases Serena Gundy Park, Sunnybrook Park, and Riverdale Park East, each draped in a thick layer of snow, highlighting how Torontonians make the most of winter, no matter the weather. Bundle up, hit play, and enjoy a moment of winter calm.

Bayview included in city-wide snow mound removal plan

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The City of Toronto has included Bayview Avenue in its snow mound removal plan, focusing on clearing snow from the curb lanes to improve road safety and accessibility. While the city’s full cleanup is expected to take up to three weeks, each street, including Bayview, will only be impacted during its specific removal period.

During the removal period, the parking ticket machines will be covered and no curbside parking or stopping will be permitted, with ticketing and towing enforced. Residents will see temporary orange signage placed in snowbanks ahead of the removal and may receive door knocks from crews asking vehicles to be moved.

City crews are working 24/7 to manage the cleanup, following heavy snowfall that left 53 cm of accumulation over the last 10 days. Bayview is among streets prioritized for snow removal to maintain access for pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and public transit.

For more information on the cleanup efforts, visit the City of Toronto’s Major Snow Event page. View full press release here.

Meet Toronto-St. Paul’s provincial candidates, Feb 19th

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With the provincial election set for February 27th, Toronto-St. Paul’s residents have an opportunity to connect with their local candidates during a virtual Meet & Greet on Wednesday, February 19 at 7 p.m.

Candidates attending:

  • Jill Andrew (Ontario NDP/NPD)
  • Riley Braunstein (PC Party of Ontario)
  • Stephanie Smyth (Ontario Liberal Party)
  • Chloe Tangpongprush (Green Party of Ontario)

The event, hosted by AppleTree Markets, offers voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates and ask questions.

Register now at www.appletreemarkets.ca to receive the Zoom link.

Thanks to South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) for the reminder. Consider supporting their work by becoming a member or donating to their legal fund.

Track snow clearing with Toronto’s PlowTO Map

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Screenshot of PlowTO /toronto.ca

With a fresh layer of snow on the ground and more expected this weekend, Toronto residents can check the city’s PlowTO Map to track snow-clearing progress in their area. The online tool provides real-time updates on when streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes were last cleared, categorized by timeframes. Users can enter their address to see recent plowing activity and differentiate between road plows, sidewalk plows, cycling plows, and salters.

To check plowing updates, visit: PlowTO Map.

The Sweet Potato is closing its Bayview-Leaside location

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The Sweet Potato has announced that its Bayview-Leaside location will close permanently on Friday, February 14, 2025. In a statement on social media, the organic grocery store shared that the decision was difficult but necessary to focus on enhancing its flagship store in The Junction.

The store expressed gratitude to the Bayview-Leaside community for its support over the past couple years and encourages customers to visit the Junction location. Shoppers have a few more days to stop by before the doors officially close.

Major redevelopment proposed for 609 Roehampton Ave

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Block Context Plan prepared for Starbank Developments 609 Corp. by MHBC – MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson Planning Limited /City of Toronto

A rezoning application has been submitted for 609 Roehampton Ave, proposing two 15-storey residential buildings on the site, which is currently home to commercial properties, including The Beer Store and the recently closed The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer.

If approved, the development would bring 209 residential units, ranging from studio to three-bedroom apartments. The proposal includes 837 square metres of indoor and outdoor amenity space, with additional private balconies or terraces for south-facing units.

Vehicular parking will be limited to 11 spaces, primarily for visitor and pickup/drop-off use, while 231 bicycle parking spaces will be provided. The plan also features a north-south private driveway, which could eventually become a public road if the shopping centre to the south undergoes redevelopment.

Bayview Biz: Closures, new leases, and a fresh fairway

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Several changes are unfolding along Bayview Avenue with recent closures and upcoming new openings.

The Sweet Potato: Uncertain Future

The Sweet Potato grocery store at 1678 Bayview Ave has reduced its hours to 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, but the shelves are mostly empty. The Bayview location has also been removed from the company’s website, suggesting a possible closure soon. As of a recent visit, the store was still stocking some fresh produce and a full selection of ready-made meals and (delicious!) soups.

New Tenant at 1618 Bayview

The space at at 1618 Bayview Avenue has bee leased. This is the former home of Mexico Lindo, which closed in 2024 after a fire. While a Google search suggests a salon may be opening in the space, no official confirmation has been made.

Fairway Restaurant & Bar Opening at 1660 Bayview

A new sign has been installed at 1660 Bayview Ave, marking the arrival of Fairway Restaurant & Bar in the former Original’s space (closed in 2022). According to newlyopened.ca, the venue will offer a mix of dining, cocktails, and recreation, including golf simulators, a chipping and putting area, and a pool table.

The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer Closes

The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer, located in the plaza at Roehampton Ave & Bayview Ave (609 Roehampton Ave), next to Metro, has closed permanently. More news on this address coming soon.

Permit parking polls open for several Leaside streets

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The City of Toronto is conducting permit parking polls for several streets in Leaside, allowing residents to weigh in on whether overnight permit parking should be introduced.

Polls are currently open for Glenvale Boulevard, Parkhurst Boulevard, Parklea Drive, Randolph Road, Thursfield Crescent, and Crofton Road.

If approved, permit parking would be enforced from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., seven days a week. Residents should also be aware that implementation may require a No Parking prohibition on the opposite side of the street for operational safety.

Permit costs range from $21.34 + HST per month for applicants without on-site parking to $86.29 + HST per month for those with access to on-site parking. A response rate of less than 25% will be considered a negative result.

Ballots have been mailed to eligible residents, but those who did not receive one can request a ballot through the City’s website. The results of each poll will be made available 10 days after the closing date and will remain valid for two years.

For more details or to submit feedback before the deadlines, visit the City’s permit parking polling page: toronto.ca/polling.

Discover edible flowers w/Leaside Garden Society, Feb 13th

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The Leaside Garden Society invites guests and new members to its upcoming Speaker Series on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

This month’s special guest, Sherry Dodson of Durham Master Gardeners, will discuss “Edible Flowers” — covering safe varieties to eat, growing tips, and culinary uses. Dodson, a horticulturist and pollinator advocate, brings extensive experience in ecological gardening.

For more details and meeting information, visit leasidegardensociety.org.

In Memoriam: Robert (Bob) Christie Pashby (1947–2025)

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Leaside High School alumnus and longtime community coach, Robert (Bob) Pashby, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025. Bob was deeply involved in Leaside, coaching hockey and baseball, and was a respected ophthalmologist affiliated with SickKids and Mount Sinai Hospital. He will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to family, and contributions to the community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pashby Family Pine Crest Leadership Fund.

To read the full obituary, please visit humphreymiles.com.

Weigh in: Pickleball & holiday shopping surveys now open

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The City of Toronto is gathering community feedback on two topics:

Tennis & Pickleball Court Improvements

Share your thoughts on potential updates to city tennis courts, including opportunities to add pickleball. Complete the survey by March 3, 2025 at toronto.ca/CourtImprovements.

Holiday Shopping Bylaw Review

Provide your thoughts on holiday retail hours and the process for businesses to apply for Tourist Area Exemptions. The survey closes on February 20, 2025. Learn more at toronto.ca/HolidayShopping.

Reminder: TDSB Ward 11 By-Election – March 3rd, 2025

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Residents of Don Valley West are reminded that the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Ward 11 by-election is quickly approaching. The seat became vacant in November 2024 following Rachel Chernos Lin’s election to Toronto City Council.

Check your voter status, find polling locations, or apply to vote by mail through the City of Toronto’s MyVote portal.

The by-election features 10 candidates vying for the Trustee position. Full candidate information, including links to campaign platforms, is available on the City of Toronto’s Candidate Information webpage.