126, 132, and 134 Laird will now be known as “The Leaside”

The redevelopment of 126, 132, and 134 Laird Drive has been finalized as “The Leaside,” a new condominium project that will be located on the west side of Laird Drive at Stickney Avenue. The development comprises two 8-storey buildings with a contemporary design.

The design: urbantoronto.ca/news/2023/06/expert-team-behind-leaside.52916
The project: urbantoronto.ca/database/projects/leaside.43222
The applications: 126-132, 134
Previous plans: urbantoronto.ca/news/2020/09/mid-rise-residential-buildings-proposed-laird-and-stickney-leaside.43216

City Council Motion to keep the Science Centre in place

Keep the Science Centre in Place

Councillors Josh Matlow and Jon Burnside have put forward a motion that will protect the Science Centre to support Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park. This motion will be made at the next City Council session on July 19th to 21st prior to the summer recess.

City Council Meeting commencing on July 19th

The Federation of North Toronto Residents’ Associations (FoNTRA) asks all city residents’ associations to write in to support this motion, and ask their resident members join the letter writing campaign.

Send a letter now: https://to-res.org/letter_city_council

Background

Earlier this spring the Provincial Government announced their intention to move the Ontario Science Centre to a much smaller location at Ontario Place. This announcement was done without consultation with residents of Thorncliffe and Flemindon Park who rely on the Centre for employment and education opportunities. The Science Centre is also part of a burgeoning cultural district that includes the Aga Khan Museum.

The cultural attraction is an important economic driver for the local community as it brings visitors from across the city and around the world to Don Mills and Eglinton. It would be a real blow to this community to lose the Science Centre just as the opening of the Eglinton Crosstown’s “Science Centre” station is about to make the attraction more accessible to the entire city.

The City of Toronto has an obligation to explore all possible means to keep the Science Centre at its current location. This motion requests City Staff to explore avenues to have the Province continue operating the site Don Mills and Eglinton and the feasibility of the City operating the Science Centre as it does the Toronto Zoo. (Source)

OUTFRONT removed rooftop billboard sign Wednesday

On Wednesday, a large crane dominated the skyline at 1573 Bayview Avenue as OUTFRONT Media took down their rooftop billboard sign. The towering crane attracted attention as the company worked diligently to remove the prominent advertisement from the site.

Uncertainty surrounds future of Turkish resto on Bayview

A highly anticipated Turkish restaurant planned for Bayview Avenue may face an uncertain future. A sign recently appeared in the windows of 1597-1599 Bayview Avenue, leaving doubts about the establishment’s fate. Last year, the windows displayed images of a swanky design, hinting at Rumi Turkish Cuisine. The prospect of an upscale eatery offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, a bar, and live music seemed exciting.

However, a sign now posted in the windows states that the property has been secured by Apex Property Management on behalf of the mortgagee, and entry is prohibited without permission. The exact implications for Rumi Turkish Cuisine remain unclear.

Previously, 1597 and 1599 Bayview Avenue housed Butter Studio and Scholar’s Choice.

Three Wednesday Movie Nights at Evergreen Brick Works

This summer, you can look forward to three Wednesday Movie Nights at Evergreen Brick Works — July 5, August 9 and September 13. The movies will be screened under the covered Pavilions and admission is free (or pay what you can). There will be eats and treats available from their new Snack Shack and the Sipping Container starting from 6pm. Showtime is at sundown (around 8:30pm). Bring your own chairs to watch the movie. All films will be screened with captions. Instagram followers helped them pick the movie for July 5th by voting for their favourite….the winner was Turning Red! Make sure to add these Movie Nights to your summer bucket list. 🙂

Make the most of the warm summer evenings by watching a family-friendly movie surrounded by beautiful heritage buildings and nature in the heart of the Don Valley!Evergreen Brick Works

OPENING SOON: RIMINI De La Mer Italian Fish Market

A new fish business is poised to open on Bayview following the recent closure of De La Mer Fresh Fish Market. According to the new sign posted in the window, RIMINI De La Mer Authentic Italian Fish Market is set to open soon at 1543 Bayview Avenue.

De La Mer, was a local fish market with 4 Toronto locations, known for quality, service, and sustainability, and recently made the difficult decision to close permanently due to the owner’s battle with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Previous: De La Mer has announced the closure of all of their stores, June 1, 2023

Join St. Cuthbert’s for Lemonade on the Green, Wednesdays

Every Wednesday morning, St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church at 1399 Bayview Avenue (near Davisville) is hosting “Lemonade on the Green“, a summer community event.

Starting July 5th, until August 30th, drop by between 10:00am and 12 noon to enjoy a cool drink, chat with neighbours, and take in the beautiful gardens.

The Gard’n Angels will be there too, tending to the Vegetable Garden in the Green. All of the produce from the vegetable garden is donated to the Flemingdon Food Bank.

Join in this friendly gathering to connect with others and support a good cause. Come by and say hi – everyone is welcome!

New signs, patio tables, updated façade, & a vibrant mural

Jyugoya Japanese Restaurant, located at 1528 Bayview Ave, is gearing up for its opening. A work crew was spotted installing brand new signage earlier today. Food enthusiasts in the area can start getting their taste buds ready for this new addition to the neighbourhood. Not far from Jyugoya, the Smoking Cigar at 1540 Bayview Ave is undergoing a transformation of its own. The familiar red brick façade is receiving a fresh and modern update with a brand-new coat of sleek black paint. Up at 1560 Bayview, The Daughter Wine Bar has opened a patio on the Belsize Drive side of their shop. Looking good! Meanwhile, Bayview Vision’s new location (still under construction) at 1709 Bayview Ave is capturing attention with a colourful new mural. During the recent Bayview-Leaside BIA’s Sidewalk Sensation event, Toronto artist Jessica Gorlicky took to the construction hoarding and unleashed her artistic prowess. Gorlicky, a prominent figure in Toronto’s trendy art scene, showcased her talent by creating a captivating masterpiece that adds a touch of vibrancy to the construction site.

Massive condo tower proposed to replace Bayview Car Wash

An application was submitted to propose the redevelopment of 1802 Bayview Avenue (at Roehampton Ave), the current location of the neighbourhood stalwart, Bayview Car Wash.

Gairloch Developments partnered with Harlo Capital submitted the re-zoning application on June 19th, 2023, and aim to construct a 46-storey mixed-use building. The ground level will house retail along Bayview Avenue, with 419 residential units in the tower. The plan includes two levels of underground parking with a total of 44 parking spaces. Access to the underground parking will be facilitated by a ramp from Badali Family Lane. Additionally, bicycle parking will be provided on the two underground levels as well as the mezzanine level.

While it’s true that the land is not being fully utilized, the loss of Bayview Car Wash will undoubtedly be a source of sorrow for the community.

The application includes a summary of other development proposals in the vicinity. Check out the photo above to see the impressive scale of these projects. It seems all these developers are optimistically assuming that the completion of the Eglinton Crosstown is not too far away. Uh huh.

CGS bids farewell: Celebrating graduates & 2023 memories

An end of year update from Children’s Garden School, by Sarah McGowan

School is officially out for the summer! As the year has wrapped up, a wave of mixed emotions have washed over all of us here at CGS. The time has come to bid farewell to our 2022-23 school year, along with a collective group of students, grade 3 graduates and some outstanding teachers, all who are moving onward. We hope that this chapter, although it has come to an end, has helped shape you into the person you are today.

Congratulations to our 2023 CGS Graduates Ever, Rueben and Eric! We are so proud of all your accomplishments, growth and the strong independence you have gained from your years here at CGS! We hope you have created the best of memories within our lively CGS walls. Remember the foundations you have learnt from this small chapter of your life, as they will guide you forward. We will miss each of your energy, enthusiasm and all the joy you brought to school every day! You have forged bonds with friendship that have the potential to last a lifetime, and help you navigate through years to come. Your time with us here at CGS has created memories that will forever be etched in our hearts. We wish you nothing but the best on your bright future!

“…we also gathered to pay tribute to a remarkable individual who has dedicated 25 years of her life to shaping young minds and nurturing future generations here at CGS. It is with deep admiration and gratitude that we celebrate the retirement of an exceptional CGS JK school teacher, Sara A.”

Thank you to all the staff, Parents Association, audience participants and performing students for coming together for our final assembly on the last day of school. There were many laughs, equal amounts of tears, and all around proud and joyous moments from all teachers and parents. Our students in both assemblies were just so marvelous. We are so proud of their exceptional performance.

It’s Not Goodbye, But See You Soon

As we gathered together on our last day of school to celebrate another funtastic and successful school year, we also gathered to pay tribute to a remarkable individual who has dedicated 25 years of her life to shaping young minds and nurturing future generations here at CGS. It is with deep admiration and gratitude that we celebrate the retirement of an exceptional CGS JK school teacher, Sara A. Throughout her prominent 25-year career, Sara has left an irreplaceable mark on all of our lives, igniting the flames of curiosity and instilling a huge love for learning, caring, and kindness, and of course the utmost dedication and respect for the legacy of Terry Fox and how we can do hard things, too!

As we look back on Sara’s time here at CGS we are reminded of the countless lives she has touched. Her passion, commitment, and belief in the uncapped potential of every child has been the driving forces behind her extraordinary career. Through the highs and lows, Sara A has remained a beacon of light, fostering an environment where students and peers feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach for the stars.

Sara A, as you embark on this next new chapter of life, on behalf of everyone at CGS, students, staff, and our ever-growing community, we wish you all happiness, relaxation, and fulfillment you deserve. We will cherish all the heartfelt time we all have spent with you, whether it be long or short, and never forget the lasting memories we share with you. Now she might be saying her final farewell to the classroom, but it is not goodbye, but see you soon. We are eternally grateful for your service, inspired by your passion, and honored to have been part of your lasting CGS journey. Congratulations on 25 remarkable years, and may the next chapter be the best one yet.

VIDEO: FoSTRA-FoNTRA Candidates Meeting (June 22)

Video has been released of the Toronto mayoral candidates debate held on Thursday, June 22, 2023. The event took place at OCAD University on June 22, 2023, and was co-sponsored by The Federation of North Toronto Residents Associations (FoNTRA) and the Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations (FoSTRA).

2023 By-Election for Mayor

Election day is June 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/by-election/