Music, food & fun at Arraiá on Yonge – June 21st

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Brazilian-Inspired “Arraiá on Yonge” Festival Coming to Midtown

Midtown Yonge is about to come alive with the sounds, flavours, and colours of Brazil! Arraiá on Yonge — inspired by Brazil’s festive Festa Junina — is set to take over Yonge Street (between Manor Rd. and Belsize Dr.) on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Expect a full day of live music, traditional Brazilian food, dance, family-friendly games, and vibrant cultural performances. Featured acts include Joy Brandt, known for her Afro-pop and Latin-infused energy, and Orquestra Zabumba, a Toronto-based quintet re-imagining traditional forró with flair.

This free event is organized by @MYBIA (Midtown Yonge BIA) with support from Councillor Josh Matlow.

Interested in volunteering? It’s a great way to meet neighbours and be part of something special. Just message @mybia.ca on Instagram to get involved.

Source: @mybia.ca via Instagram

Cactus Curious? Toronto’s prickliest plant sale is June 8th

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🌵 Mark your calendars!

Join the Toronto Cactus & Succulent Club‘s Annual Show and Sale on June 8, 2025 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a day filled with unique plants from all part of the world, expert advice, and a chance to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. Explore a wide variety of cacti and succulents available for purchase most of which are not readily available anywhere else. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your plant journey, this event is perfect for you. FREE admission.

More info: torontocactus.club

Takeaways from SEDRA’s 2025 AGM & Townhall

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The South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) welcomed a great crowd at its 2025 Annual General Meeting and Townhall held on Tuesday, May 6. The evening began with updates from SEDRA Co-President John Hiddema, who shared the board’s recent efforts and accomplishments. The association also confirmed the return of its current board members for another term.

Following the business meeting, a townhall featured remarks from local representatives including Councillor Josh Matlow, Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, and TDSB Trustee Stacey Cline, who also spoke on behalf of fellow Trustee Shelley Laskin. Trustee Laskin was away attending a Historica Canada event celebrating a new Heritage Minute honouring her uncle, Bora Laskin, Canada’s 14th Chief Justice.

Topics of discussion included local development activity, improvements to parks and green space, updates on councillor-led initiatives, and news from the Toronto District School Board.

SEDRA encourages residents to stay connected by subscribing to newsletters from local councillors and school trustees, and by keeping their SEDRA memberships current.

For more details, you can read the full SEDRA recap here.

Source: South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) AGM Recap, 2025.

Metrolinx work will limit Don River access for two years

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On or about May 20th, 2025, a portion of the Don River near E.T. Seton Park will be closed to paddlers and other river users as Metrolinx begins in-water work for the Ontario Line’s West Don Crossing bridge that will carry the Ontario Line across the valley, over the E.T. Seton Park area, connecting the Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park guideways and stations.

This phase — expected to last until September 2027 — will involve stabilizing riverbanks, installing a temporary cofferdam, and other erosion control measures to support the bridge structure. The river closure is significant for paddlers, kayakers, and canoeists who use this stretch of the Don. To safely bypass the work zone, Metrolinx will install a portage route—requiring river users to carry their vessels around the closure.

According to Metrolinx’s construction notice, crews will be using heavy equipment to place riprap and meter bags in the riverbed, with care taken to minimize vegetation loss and restore the area with native plantings after work concludes.

Read full Metrolinx Construction Notice: Click here
BlogTO: Stretch of Toronto river to be closed off to public for over 2 years



Mark your calendars for some Good Vibes, Sat. May 10th

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The Good Vibes 🌼 Spring Fest is rolling into June Rowlands Park on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Appletree Group and the Yonge Eglinton Community Centre, this cheerful community gathering promises a full day of fun.

Expect family-friendly games, garden activities, yoga, live music, and even a DJ dance party. Little ones can look forward to meeting costumed characters like Benny Beaver and Mickey Moose during the afternoon storytime. Meanwhile, the #ShopONCanada Marketplace will offer a variety of local finds for curious shoppers.

📍 June Rowlands Park
📅 Saturday, May 10, 2025
⏰ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Milne House Garden Club hosts annual flower show May 15

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Get ready for a feast of floral creativity! The Milne House Garden Club returns with its annual Flower Show on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Floral Hall.

This year’s theme, “Floral Artistry,” invites visitors to marvel at stunning garden specimens, houseplants, and imaginative floral designs inspired by visual art forms — think ‘Sculpture,’ ‘Still Life,’ ‘Op Art,’ ‘Mixed Media,’ ‘Picasso,’ and ‘Stained Glass.’

🌷 Where: Floral Hall, Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave East
⏰ When: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Open to the public)
🎟 Admission: Free!

🔗 Learn more at Milne House Garden Club

Walk, learn, explore: Jane’s Walk returns May 2nd – 4th

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Jane’s Walk Festival returns the first weekend of May for three days of free, community-led walking tours, happening May 2–4, 2025. Inspired by urbanist Jane Jacobs, this global event invites people to explore neighbourhoods, hear untold stories, and spark conversation about the places we call home.

This year’s theme, “Walk With Us,” encourages curiosity, connection, and re-imagining our city together. There are dozens of walks across Toronto—here’s a sampling of some of the walks happening in and around our area:

  • 🔍 Digital Walk: Walmsley Brook in Leaside & Thorncliffe Park
    Explore the traces of a long-buried river that shaped Leaside’s topography. Hosted by Lost Rivers, this virtual tour follows the ghostly path of Walmsley Brook from Bayview and Eglinton to Thorncliffe Park.
    More info
  • 🧱 Ruins to Renewal: The Story of the Brick Works
    Learn how a former industrial site became a hub for sustainability and community at Evergreen Brick Works. Expect stories of bricks, raves, and civic activism. Sat May 3, 1pm.
    More info
  • 🌿 Save Ontario’s Science Centre Nature Ramble
    Celebrate the green spaces surrounding the Science Centre while discussing lost rivers, Indigenous trails, and the site’s uncertain future. Sat May 3, 2pm.
    More info
  • 🎨 Public Art Walk on Danforth
    Discover murals, installations, and other public art gems along Danforth Avenue on this casual Sunday stroll. Sun May 4, 2pm.
    More info
  • 🏙️ Yonge & Eglinton is for People
    Ever wondered how zoning and city planning decisions shape your neighbourhood? This walk breaks it down as you tour the bustling midtown hub. Sat May 3, 1pm.
    More info
  • 🍃 Ravine Reveries: Footprints of Nature Through the East End
    A guided journey through ravines and hidden waterways from Greenwood Station to the Beaches, blending ecology, urban history, and reflection. Sun May 4, 9:30am.
    More info

And there’s more—from historical tours of Riverdale and Summerhill, to a butterfly corridor walk in Corktown, to stories of Little Jamaica’s resilience and renewal.

📅 For the full list of walks, visit janeswalkfestivalto.com/walks.

Jane’s Walks are always free, volunteer-led, and open to all. They’re not guided lectures, but opportunities to walk, listen, ask questions, and share your own perspectives. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or just curious about the neighbourhoods around you, there’s a walk waiting for you.

Mabel’s Fables is on the move — and needs your help

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Much-loved children’s bookstore Mabel’s Fables is relocating after nearly 37 years at 662 Mount Pleasant Road. Due to redevelopment plans, their building will be demolished to make way for a condo.

The good news? They’ve secured a new space just down the street at 540 Mount Pleasant, with plans to reopen in early September 2025. The new location promises the same charm, books, staff, and beloved bookstore cat—plus room for more events. To support the big move and renovations, visit their GoFundMe page.

Leaside Garden Society seeking 2025 Scholarship applicants

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The Leaside Garden Society (LGS) is seeking applications for its 2025 Founders’ Scholarship. One $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student entering their second or later year in a horticulture-related program such as Botany, Plant Science, Ecology, Forestry, Landscape Architecture or Environmental Science at a recognized Canadian Institution. The goal of the scholarship is to support a student whose work will help advance horticultural knowledge in the community—reflecting the Leaside Garden Society’s mission to inspire and educate through gardening.

Eligible students with a connection to the Leaside community (including Bennington Heights, Thorncliffe Park and Kilgour Estates), will receive extra consideration. The application window runs from May 1 to June 30, 2025, with the scholarship awarded before the end of September.

📄 Full eligibility details and the application form are available at: leasidegardensociety.org

St. Cuthbert’s Leaside Spring Fair set for May 3rd

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St. Cuthbert’s, Leaside is once again opening its doors — and lawn — for its annual Spring Fair on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoppers can browse a wide range of goods including crafts, kitchenware, vintage finds, books, baking and more. There’ll also be games, face painting, and BBQ fare on the green.

Proceeds support the church and its outreach programs.

St. Cuthbert’s Leaside Anglican Church
1399 Bayview Avenue
(Corner of Bayview & St. Cuthbert’s Road)
More info: stcuthbertsleaside.com

Your guide to the 2025 Community Environment Days

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Mark Your Calendars!

Looking to responsibly declutter and reduce waste? The City of Toronto’s Community Environment Days offer convenient local drop-off events to recycle household items, electronics, and hazardous waste — plus free compost while supplies last!

Here are some upcoming dates in and around the South Bayview area:

  • 📍 York Mills Collegiate Institute
    📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info

  • 📍 Bermondsey Drop-Off Depot
    📅 Sunday, May 18, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info
    Note: Vehicle required for drop-off.

  • 📍 Dieppe Park
    📅 Saturday, May 24, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info

  • 📍 North Toronto Memorial Arena
    📅 Tuesday, June 10, 2025
    🕓 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Event info

  • 📍 Sunny View Jr. & Sr. Public School
    📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info

  • 📍 Evergreen Brick Works
    📅 Sunday, September 28, 2025
    🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Event info

Residents are encouraged to bring old electronics, unused household goods, and hazardous waste for proper disposal. Compost and kitchen green bin containers will also be available — while supplies last.

🔗 Full city-wide schedule and more info

Signs of spring sprout along Bayview Ave

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Spring has sprung!

A sure sign of spring: new pansies and fresh seasonal touches have arrived in the planters along Bayview Avenue! After being cleaned out last week, the Bayview-Leaside BIA’s planters were recently refreshed with cheerful blooms — adding a much-needed pop of colour to the neighbourhood.