Fire hydrant turns Bayview & Belsize into water wonderland

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In a watery spectacle that captivated pedestrians, the corner of Bayview Ave and Belsize Dr was transformed into an impromptu water park Wednesday evening. The cause? A fire hydrant that sprang a leak, drenching the nearby sidewalk in a torrent of water. Passersby couldn’t help but gawk as the leak turned the sidewalk into an impromptu splash zone. However, the situation didn’t last for long, Toronto Fire Services arrived at the scene and fixed the leaking hydrant, bringing the unexpected aquatic display to an end.

Leaside Garden Society’s Magical Gardens Tour is June 24

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As we celebrate the 110th Anniversary of Leaside, the Leaside Garden Society cordially invites you to embark on a captivating journey through charming gardens scattered throughout the neighbourhood at the 2023 Magical Gardens Tour on Saturday, June 24th, from 11am to 4pm.

Take this opportunity to personally explore the enchanting gardens nestled within our neighbourhood. Meet the talented gardeners, engage in horticultural discussions, share insights, and seek inspiration. It’s the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty or just stop to smell the flowers!

As part of the event, the Leaside Library will showcase a special flower exhibit and show. Drop in anytime between 12:30pm and 3:30pm to enjoy the floral displays.

Passport Tour tickets are priced at $15 each and can be conveniently purchased in advance at several locations, including Write Impressions (NE corner of Bayview & Millwood), Heaps Estrin (NE corner McRae & Bayview), Lilac Hair (708 Millwood at Bayview), Summer’s Best (1573 Bayview), Leaside Pub (SW corner Laird & McRae), plus Leaside Library on June 24th only.

The Leaside Garden Society extends a warm welcome to guests and new members, offering opportunities to participate in online and in-person meetings, engaging tours, inspiring floral workshops, and various other events. For more information, please visit their website at www.leasidegardensociety.org or reach out via email at leaside@gardenontario.org.

Saturday’s Sidewalk Sensation was… sensational!

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Mural on the hoarding at Bayview Vision’s new location

The Bayview-Leaside Business Improvement Area (BIA) hosted a memorable event on Saturday, June 17th, offering an abundance of family-friendly activities, complimentary goodies, and live entertainment for all ages to enjoy. The idyllic weather set the stage for a vibrant atmosphere, as the street came alive with enthusiastic shoppers and beaming faces. “Sidewalk Sensation” proved to be a resounding success, bringing smiles to the faces of young and old alike.

FoSTRA-FoNTRA Candidates Meeting (take two) June 22

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OCAD /SimonP, Wikimedia Commons

Live at OCAD University, 60 residents’ associations will host a public meeting to introduce leading mayoral candidates to the people of Toronto.

The Federation of North Toronto Residents Associations (FoNTRA) and the Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations (FoSTRA) are inviting the residents of their member organizations to attend the rescheduled in-person event.

Nicole Swerhun of Third-Party Public will moderate an exchange with confimed candidates: Brad Bradford, Chloe Brown, Josh Matlow and Mitzie Hunter, and places will be reserved for Ana Bailao, and Olivia Chow who may commit between now and June 22nd. They haven’t said “no.” Mark Saunders has declined.

FoSTRA-FoNTRA-OCADU Candidates Meeting
Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m.
OCADU Auditorium, 100 McCaul St.

FoSTRA, FoNTRA and OCADU and their members and students have been given first access to registration. On Monday, June 19th the remaining tickets will be offered to the general public. Seats not claimed by 7:00pm on June 22nd will be cancelled and re-assigned to rush line visitors.

Based on previous experience, they are expecting a full-house and will require advanced registration. Interested parties must use Eventbrite to make their individual registrations: Here is the registration link.

Free virtual access will be available on:

OCAD U’s YouTube channel: www.ocadu.ca/live

For additional information, please contact:

Geoff Kettel, Co-chair of the Meet Mayoral Candidates event for FoNTRA at: debate@fontra.ca
Don Young, Co-chair of the Meet Mayoral Candidates event for FoSTRA at: debate@fostrato.ca

Leaside Transportation Plan Survey Deadline is Tuesday

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City staff and Councillor Jaye Robinson held a public information meeting regarding the Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan (LNTP) on June 7th, and received some feedback. However there is a survey on the City website that closes on June 20, 2023. Please take the time to complete and submit the survey by Tuesday evening!

Survey –> s.cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/lntp-near-term

More info –> toronto.ca/LeasideNTP

Hot dog! Kick off summer with a BBQ at St. Cuthbert’s

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St. Cuthbert’s, Leaside (Anglican Church) warmly invites you to to kick off the summer season with a community party of food, fun, and fellowship on Thursday, June 15th, 2023, from 5 – 7:30 pm. Come and enjoy a BBQ featuring vegetarian, kosher, and halal options, ensuring that everyone’s dietary preferences are catered to. Engage in both outdoor and indoor games, creating memorable moments rain or shine.

St. Cuthbert’s Church, Leaside
1399 Bayview Avenue
Phone: 416-485-0329
stcuthbertsleaside.com

Grade 4 Students’ Outdoor Art Exhibition at Thorncliffe P.S.

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Thorncliffe Park PS Changemakers /Image provided by Thorncliffe Public School

Thorncliffe Public School is excited to present an art exhibition showcasing the outdoor projects of its grade 4 students on Thursday, June 15th. As part of the Koffler Arts Studio Program, nearly 200 children from six classes have been diligently working with local artists and community facilitators over the past three months. Led by Recreate Place, the program aims to increase access to arts-based activities, boost confidence, and foster emotional well-being and connections among the students.

Guided by a talented team of artists, including Roda Medhat, Christine Dewancker, Katie Strang from D & S Projects, and Kseniya Tsoy, the students have collaborated on creating captivating outdoor art installations. These installations will be open for viewing by the school community and the wider public, promoting unity, playfulness, and a stronger sense of connection to their surroundings. The final projects will be unveiled on June 15th, 2023 and Thorncliffe Public School invites the community to fully experience this inspiring exhibition.

New Bayview businesses open, coming soon, & relocating

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Ramona’s Kitchen has opened their second location at 1608 Bayview. Sage Pharmacy, located at 1516 Bayview, is now welcoming new customers. Further up north, both Maker Pizza (1674 Bayview) and the Sweet Potato organic grocery store (1678 Bayview) have also commenced operations. Meanwhile, Jyugoya Japanese Restaurant, will soon occupy the former Big Man’s Pizza space at the corner of Bayview and Millwood. Additionally, Cryomend, offering cryotherapy and EMS fitness training at 465 Manor Rd East, will soon relocate to Wicksteed.

Don’t forget Bayview’s Sidewalk Sensation is this Saturday, June 17th — see you on Bayview!

Rainbow Appears After Thunderstorm; Haze Envelops GTA

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Rainbow over Ramsden Park, Friday June 2, 2023 /Ian Godfrey
Smoke in the air, looking east over Ramsden Park /Ian Godfrey

Following a wild thunderstorm last Friday evening, a beautiful rainbow emerged in the city’s skies. Bulldog reader Ian Godfrey captured an impressive photo of the spectacle, looking east over Ramsden Park.

Today, Ian shared another picture from the same spot, showing a haze covering the GTA caused by forest fire smoke. He mentions that tall buildings on the horizon are usually visible on clear days.

Read more: Smoky skies plummet air quality to unhealthy levels for millions of Canadians – The Weather Network



CANADIAN SMOKE, SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Read more →

Leaside Transportation Plan Consultation – June 7th

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Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan

The City of Toronto is developing the Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan (LNTP) to address the concerns about transportation conditions in the neighbourhood raised by the community, as well as any related items identified by staff through the course of the study.

The plan will identify, recommend and prioritize changes that can be made to improve safety for all road users, with a focus on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, people biking, children and seniors.

Virtual Public Meeting

The Virtual Public Meeting will include a presentation followed by a question and answer period.

Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join online.

Join by phone (audio only): Call 416-915-6530, enter access code 2455 664 4445, followed by attendee ID 38427469.

More –> toronto.ca/LeasideNTP

Canada Square Community Consultation – June 7th

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Rendering of the proposed development at the centre of Canada Square.

BE THERE or BE SQUARE — Canada Square Community Consultation

A reminder from SEDRA: This important meeting is about the future of Canada Square as we know it.

Community Consultation about the proposal to amend the Official Plan to remove the requirement for a new public street to allow for an expanded public park, and to alter the size of public squares.

Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm

This meeting will be online and phone-in only.

Join by clicking here.

Various articles have described the revised proposal:
Urban Toronto
Real Estate News Exchange
Toronto Storeys

The Midtown Working Group believes that Canada Square can still fill the role of becoming our “New Town Centre” if eight key conditions are met. A copy of the Midtown Working Group report with these conditions can be found here.

Film crew coming to Bayview Ave – June 7th & 8th

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Film production vehicles and various pieces of film equipment will be located on the east side of Bayview Ave. between Belsize Dr. and Manor Rd. E.

PREP: Wed. June 7/23 – 6pm to 11pm
FILMING: Thurs. June 8/23 – 7am to 12pm
WRAP: Thurs. June 8/23 – 12pm to 4pm

If you’re visiting Bayview to shop or dine, don’t forget that there are two Green P parking lots at Bayview & Millwood, 1503 Bayview Ave & 709 Millwood Rd.