Category: Calendar Events

Meet your Toronto-St. Paul’s Candidates over a pint, Apr 16

The South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) has shared details about an upcoming opportunity for residents to meet candidates running in the Toronto-St. Paul’s federal election.

On Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m., voters are invited to the Celtic Irish Pub for a casual “meet and greet” with the local candidates. Organized by AppleTree Markets and Events, the gathering promises an informal setting to discuss important community and national issues — all over a pint.

This event offers a chance to hear directly from candidates, ask questions, and get a better sense of where they stand ahead of the federal election later this month.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Celtic Irish Pub, 1954 Yonge Street
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:30 p.m.

This initiative is brought to you by AppleTree Markets and Events, known for their local community activities. For more information about the event, visit www.appletreemarkets.ca.

LRA: Federal Candidates Forum and AGM set for April 14th

Area residents are invited to attend the Leaside Residents Association’s (LRA) 2025 Annual & Special Meeting, followed by a federal Candidates Meeting, on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the William Lea Room in the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (1073 Millwood Road).

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for check-in, with the LRA meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Members will vote on key items including Board elections, financial resolutions, and a proposed expansion of the association’s boundaries.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., the evening continues with remarks from Stephanie Bowman, MPP for Don Valley West, followed by Rachel Chernos Lin, City Councillor for Ward 15. After a short break, the Federal Candidates Meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m., where candidates from the NDP, Liberal, Conservative, and Green parties will share their platforms and respond to audience-submitted questions ahead of the upcoming federal election.

7 – 7:15 p.m. – Annual and Special Meeting
7:15 – 7:30 p.m. – Remarks by Stephanie Bowman, MPP Don Valley West
7:30 – 7:45 p.m. – Remarks from Rachel Chernos Lin, Ward 15 Councillor
7:45 – 8 p.m. – Break
8 – 9:30 p.m. – Candidates meeting

All members of the public are welcome to attend the Candidates Meeting. To vote during the LRA portion, an active membership is required. Memberships may be purchased in advance (preferred) or at the door.

The LRA is inviting the following candidates:

  • Linnea Löfström-Abary, New Democratic Party of Canada
  • Rob Oliphant, Liberal Party of Canada
  • Robert Pierce, Conservative Party of Canada
  • Sheena Sharp, Green Party of Canada

🗳️ More info: leasideresidents.ca

The LRA remains neutral in all such meetings and campaigns and does not nominate or sponsor in the name of the association any person as a candidate for election. Info about past candidates meetings is online: leasideresidents.ca/events

UPDATE FROM THE LRA

Due to circumstances beyond our control over the weekend, the Leaside Residents Association (LRA) regrets to inform you that although all four main parties were invited to attend and participate in the Candidates Meeting, only the Liberal and Green Party candidates have agreed to appear at our Meeting tonight.

The LRA tried to accommodate other candidates’ schedules, but was unable to do so.

Learn to grow your own veggies w/ Leaside Garden Society

The Leaside Garden Society’s 2025 Speaker Series continues with a practical and inspiring session for anyone looking to get their hands a little dirty this season.

On Thursday, April 10th at 7:00 p.m., guest speaker Desré Kramer will present “Growing Vegetables, From A-Z: The Basics of Vegetable Growing” at an in-person event at the Leaside Library (165 McRae Drive). Refreshments will be served starting at 6:30 p.m.

An experienced gardener, re-greener, and Toronto Master Gardener, Desré Kramer brings decades of hands-on knowledge to the topic. From planning new garden beds to starting seeds, soil health, crop rotation, and extending your growing season, Kramer’s presentation promises helpful tips for gardeners of all levels. Whether you have a large backyard or just a small patio, you’ll come away with practical advice to grow your own food — and enjoy all the taste, savings, and satisfaction that comes with it.

Guests and new members are welcome to attend.
For more information, visit leasidegardensociety.org.

Got old gadgets? Recycle them with Leaside Rotary, Apr 5th

Got old electronics collecting dust?

Leaside Rotary’s e-waste recycling event is the perfect chance to clear them out responsibly! On April 5, 2025, from 10am to 4pm at East York Town Centre, drop off your outdated gadgets and help reduce waste while supporting community initiatives. It’s an easy way to make a positive impact—just gather up those unused devices and recycle them for a greener future.

More details here: Leaside Rotary.

Sunnybrook Plaza Redevelopment: Virtual Meeting April 2

An update brought to you by the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA)

Rendering for proposed mixed-use development of three towers at a height of 32, 37 and 43 storeys at 660 Eglinton Ave E. View: Looking north from the park (by Turner Fleischer Architects Inc. for CONCERT PROPERTIES) /City of Toronto

SUNNYBROOK PLAZA (VIRTUAL) PUBLIC MEETING APRIL 2nd AT 6 P.M.

The City of Toronto will hold a virtual public meeting to hear community input on the updated proposal for the redevelopment of the Sunnybrook Plaza site at the northeast corner of Bayview & Eglinton on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m.

You can join online or by phone. Register anytime in advance here to be able to attend next Wednesday’s meeting.

The developer had originally proposed two mid-rise mixed-use buildings of 11 and 16 storeys. Following the subsequent changes to the city’s official plan made by the Ontario government, a revised application for three towers of 32, 37 and 43 storeys has since been submitted.

The Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) and the Leaside Residents Association (LRA) are encouraging area residents to participate in the public meeting and make their concerns known to city planners.

BROADWAY PARKETTE CHALLENGE

The city’s plan to designate three lots adjacent to the planned redevelopment of the Esso station site at Broadway and Eglinton as future green space is being challenged by the property owners. The original motion, passed by Toronto City Council, was one of the last initiated by the late area Councillor, Jaye Robinson.

Designed to increase the amount of public park space amid the massive redevelopment plans for both the Esso site and the adjacent Glazebrook Ave. townhouses, the measure is being challenged at the Ontario Land Tribunal, a provincial body which can override municipal decisions. BARA is seeking party status for the proceedings, to support the city’s argument against the appeal and in favour of keeping the future parkette plan in place.

The Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) is a volunteer organization of Bayview/Eglinton residents who care deeply about their neighbourhood.

We work hard to ensure that our concerns about the impact of new developments on the history and character of our neighbourhood are fully and fairly considered. BARA opposes inappropriate redevelopment in our area, such as 25 to 46-storey towers abutting 2-storey houses and buildings with inadequate parking for residents and guests.

Stay informed by joining the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) Facebook Group, or mailing list. Input your e-mail address below to subscribe:

Stay informed by joining the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) mailing list. Input your e-mail address below to subscribe:

Local churches join together at St. Cuthbert’s for service

St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church (1399 Bayview Ave.) will host this year’s World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 14, at 2 p.m. The annual event brings together local churches for an afternoon of reflection, prayer, and community, followed by light refreshments.

The ecumenical World Day of Prayer has been celebrated each March for almost 100 years — now in over 170 countries. This year’s service was written by the women of the Cook Islands under the theme “I Made You Wonderful.” All are welcome to attend.

🎨 Artwork on poster by: Tarani Napa & Tevairangi Napa.

DVW4EA surveys Ward 11 Trustee candidates on climate

As Don Valley West prepares for the TDSB Ward 11 Trustee by-election on Monday, March 3, 2025, Don Valley West for Environmental Action (DVW4EA) has surveyed candidates on their positions regarding climate action in schools. The group, focused on sustainability and community advocacy, asked candidates about their stance on net-zero targets, energy-efficient retrofits, active transportation, and student food programs.

Six of the ten candidates responded, with answers highlighting varying levels of commitment to Toronto’s Net Zero by 2040 goal, improving school infrastructure, and incorporating climate-focused education. Some emphasized expanding active transportation options like safe walking and cycling routes, while others proposed energy retrofits for aging TDSB buildings and stronger partnerships with municipal climate initiatives.

DVW4EA is encouraging voters to consider where each candidate stands on these issues before heading to the polls. To read the full survey results, visit this link.

For official election and candidate information, visit the City of Toronto website.

Election Day is Monday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can use MyVote to find their voting place, access their voter card, check the list of candidates and more.

The boundaries of Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Ward 11 (Don Valley West) are the same as the boundaries of the City of Toronto Ward 15, Don Valley West.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Have Your Say: Toronto Seniors Strategy Survey


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.

Public Meeting to discuss 39-storey Glenavy Ave proposal

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