Category: Bayview Biz

Bayview included in city-wide snow mound removal plan

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.

The Sweet Potato is closing its Bayview-Leaside location

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.

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

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.

Davisville changes, cemetery debate & Bayview’s fishmonger

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:

Davisville Avenue Revamp

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

Mount Pleasant Cemetery Debate

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)

Fair Catch Fishmongers Comes to Leaside

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.

New lifestyle boutique ‘Homebody’ coming to Bayview

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.

BAYVIEW BIZ: Festive greenery, fresh looks, and renos

The Bayview-Leaside BIA has ushered in the holiday spirit by replacing fall mums with winter greenery displays—evergreens with pinecones and decorative twigs now brighten the streetscape, adding a festive touch.

Hermie’s Diner has also refreshed its look with a bold new façade and updated signage that highlights their Canadian Filipino offerings: “All Day Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner.”

RBC at 1554 Bayview is also in the midst of renovations, shifting away from its 2022 “meeting place” concept to restore a more traditional branch with expanded banking services.

Meanwhile, the property at 1618 Bayview Avenue has undergone a complete transformation. This fully renovated building, now up for lease, includes a ground-floor retail space and two upper-floor apartments, promising fresh opportunities in our bustling community.

BAYVIEW BIZ: Fall flourishes ahead of Applefest

Bayview Avenue had its seasonal switchover this past weekend, as crews replaced summer blooms with beautiful fall plantings. Ornamental peppers, cabbage, grasses, and mums now fill the tree boxes and planters throughout the Bayview-Leaside BIA area. The refreshed greenery sets the stage perfectly for the upcoming Applefest, scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join in the festivities and enjoy the newly adorned streets!

Taste the flavours at Bayview Shawarma’s soft opening

Bayview Shawarma (1549 Bayview Avenue) is now open, in soft opening mode, offering a taste of Turkish cuisine to Bayview-Leaside. Enjoy chicken and beef shawarma with all the fixings, Turkish pide, lentil soup, and more. Drop by to say hello, explore the current menu, and discover what’s coming soon. Fresh pita bread is made in-house daily. Keep an eye on their social media @bayviewshawarma for the Grand Opening announcement!

Bayview Biz: What’s cooking and coming up on the strip

Could Zzavía Pizza at 1597 Bayview Avenue be opening soon? With the paper off the windows and the interior nearly ready, it looks like it!

Meanwhile, 1618 Bayview Avenue is under new ownership and undergoing a significant renovation. The former tenant, Mexico Lindo, was forced to close in March, due to fire damage.

Man vs Lobster returns to McSorley’s on Saturday, August 17th. Arrive early for live lobster cooked to order, served with potato salad, corn on the cub, melted butter, silly bib and a beer on draft — 5:00pm until sold out.

Must Boutique is movin’ on up (the street)


Fari and Nika from Must Boutique shared on Instagram that they are moving due to a rent hike at their current location. The good news is they’re staying on Bayview, just a block away at 1673 Bayview Avenue. Catch their Instagram reel for all the details and get ready to visit them at their new spot soon! 🛍️🫶🏼

Welcome Fair Catch Fishmongers to Bayview Avenue!

Fair Catch Fishmongers has opened at 1543 Bayview Avenue, offering high-quality, sustainable seafood to the Bayview-Leaside community. Owned by Geneviève and Rob, Fair Catch is committed to providing ethically sourced, fresh seafood while supporting local fishermen and promoting environmental stewardship.

Continuing the tradition of excellent service and sustainability, Geneviève and Rob invite you to visit their store for a fresh and ethical seafood experience. We wish Fair Catch the best in their new venture on Bayview.