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.
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.
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.
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.
The January 2025 edition of the North Toronto Post highlights key developments and community updates in the area, from infrastructure projects to new business ventures. Here’s a quick summary of some of their latest coverage:
Big changes are coming to Davisville Avenue as part of the City’s “Complete Street” initiative. Expect cycling infrastructure, greenery, and pedestrian-friendly upgrades starting in 2025. (North Toronto Post, Nisean Lorde)
You can share your comments on where improvements are needed on Davisville Avenue between Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant Road. Submit comments by February 1, 2025 by using the City’s interactive mapping tool.
More info: Improving Davisville Avenue: Designing a Safer & More Beautiful Street Together
Proposed legislation could alter the historic cemetery’s public trust status, sparking concerns over public access to its 1,200-acre urban forest. (North Toronto Post, Jemicah Colleen Marasigan)
Sustainable seafood continues on Bayview Avenue with Fair Catch’s new location. Owners Rob Despins and Geneviève Lemaire are committed to quality and eco-friendly practices. (North Toronto Post, Jennifer Schembri)
Read the whole issue here.
Have Your Say: Toronto Seniors Strategy Survey Launches January 30
The City of Toronto is launching public consultations to shape the third iteration of its Toronto Seniors Strategy. Starting January 30, 2025, residents will be invited to participate in an online survey designed to gather input on how the city can better support seniors and older adults through municipal programs and policies.
The Toronto Seniors Strategy, first introduced by Councillor Josh Matlow during his first term, aims to create an accessible and age-friendly city. The upcoming survey is part of a broader consultation process, which includes workshops, small group discussions, and key informant interviews.
The 10–15-minute survey will be available in multiple languages, including English, French, and the 10 most common languages spoken by Toronto residents over the age of 65. The initiative builds on the successes of previous strategies, with a continued focus on adapting city services to meet the evolving needs of Toronto’s senior population.
For more information and to participate, visit the Toronto Seniors Strategy page.
The redevelopment proposal for 1840 Bayview Avenue has been updated, reducing the height of the mixed-use building from 34 to 29 storeys. The revised plan now includes 303 residential units, down from 377, plus 202 square meters of ground-floor retail along Bayview.
For background on the site and earlier proposals, see previous coverage:
Public Meeting on Proposed 39-Storey Development on Glenavy Avenue
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to discuss a new proposal for a 39-storey residential building at 17-29 Glenavy Avenue, a residential street in the Bayview-Eglinton area. This development would include 398 rental dwelling units.
The Official Plan Amendment Application proposes to redesignate the block which includes the lands at 590-592 Roehampton Avenue, 7-29 Glenavy Avenue, and 7 Glazebrook Avenue from Neighbourhoods in the Official Plan to Mixed Use.
This development is part of the growing trend of high-rise buildings in the area and raises concerns about the impact on local infrastructure and the surrounding community. The public meeting will offer residents the opportunity to learn more and voice their concerns.
For details on how to join the virtual meeting or to register, visit the City’s Planning Consultations page.
Thank you to the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) for highlighting this important update.
UPDATE
Link to archived video of meeting: https://toronto.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/toronto/recording/0df24a09b5c7103db885a61c04b8c537/playback
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
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.
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.
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
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.
