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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.

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.

• (June 19, 2024) Laird & Wicksteed Sobeys closing to make way for Farm Boy

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

A rendering of the exterior of the building, looking northeast from Davisville Avenue. /toronto.ca

A rendering of the aquatic centre. /toronto.ca

A rendering of the exterior of the building, looking northeast from above Davisville Avenue. /toronto.ca

Construction has officially begun on the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre, a highly anticipated facility designed to serve as a hub for recreation and wellness in the Yonge and Davisville area. The state-of-the-art centre will feature a 25-metre swimming pool, a warm-water leisure pool, a fitness centre, and multi-purpose spaces for group activities, workshops, and events. With sustainability at its core, the facility also includes energy-efficient systems and a shared-use agreement with Davisville Junior Public School, integrating community and educational spaces.

Scheduled for completion in 2027, the new centre aims to address the community’s need for expanded recreational services and accessible public spaces. Along with other recent projects such as the Wallace Emerson and East Bayfront community centres, it reflects ongoing efforts to improve public infrastructure across Toronto. For additional details, visit the City of Toronto’s website. Press release.

Soudan & Redpath Parkette /Google Maps, Sept 2023

Soudan & Redpath Parkette /change.org

The South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) is urging the City of Toronto to revitalize the neglected parkette at the corner of Soudan and Redpath Avenues. Dedicated to the neighbourhood following the development at 71 Redpath, the small green space currently features little more than garbage cans and an old bench, serving primarily as a dog relief zone.

SEDRA envisions the parkette as a vibrant green gateway connecting the low-rise neighbourhood to the high-rise apartment area and is calling on the City to engage residents, the Councillor’s office, and the Parks Department in a design consultation process. A petition on Change.org invites the community to support the creation of a park that residents can take pride in. Visit SEDRA’s website to learn more and get involved.

Before its removal, the North Plug can be seen on the left, creating a barrier between the Keating Channel and the new river valley. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

An excavator using a grinder attachment removing the north plug. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

Removal of the north plug, in progress. Looking west towards the new island. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

An excavator removing the North Plug south of Lake Shore Boulevard, west of Don Roadway. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

Looking towards the new island from the south side of the new river. /Waterfront Toronto, Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker

Toronto’s Port Lands Transformation Moves Forward with Completion of Don River’s New Mouth

Toronto’s waterfront is undergoing a major transformation with the completion of the new mouth for the Don River and creation of the island, Ookwemin Minising, as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project. This collaborative $1.4 billion effort by all three levels of government aims to protect 240 hectares of Toronto’s Port Lands from flooding, setting the stage for new housing, parks, and recreational spaces.

The 39.6-hectare island includes 20.2 hectares of greenspace and 19.4 hectares for development, along with kilometers of trails, roads, and a naturalized shoreline. In 2025, Toronto’s largest new park system in a generation will open on and around the island. With over 15,000 future residents, extensive parkland, and sustainable development, this waterfront project will introduce a “city within a city” for Torontonians to live, work, and play. More info on waterfrontoronto.ca.

UPDATE: Published Dec 5th, 2024, by Waterfront Toronto

Former TDSB trustee Rachel Chernos Lin has won the Ward 15 (Don Valley West) by-election, securing her seat as Toronto City Councillor. Chernos Lin’s campaign focused on affordable housing and community advocacy. She will succeed the late Councillor Jaye Robinson.

St. Cuthbert’s Church in Leaside is welcoming back its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1399 Bayview Avenue.

Enjoy browsing holiday favourites like baking, preserves, jewelry, and books, plus a Christmas Boutique, gift baskets, and a hand-made quilt raffle. Visitors can also enjoy boxed lunches, a coffee cart, and unique finds, including royalty memorabilia and “Red Tag” treasures. Proceeds will support St. Cuthbert’s Church and its community outreach. All are welcome!