Create a festive wreath with Milne House Garden Club

by  • 

Milne House Garden Club is hosting two festive wreath-making workshops on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, at the Toronto Botanical Garden, led by designer Michael Erdman. Participants can craft their own holiday wreaths perfect for tabletops, doors, windows, or mantles.

The workshops will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Floral Hall, located at 777 Lawrence Avenue East. Sessions are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a fee of $55, which includes all materials. Proceeds from this event will support the Children’s Education Department at the Toronto Botanical Garden. To reserve a spot, contact milnehouse.christmas@gmail.com.

For more information about the workshops or to learn more about Milne House Garden Club, visit their website at milnehousegardenclub.ca

SEDRA seeks revamp for Soudan & Redpath parkette

by  • 

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.

BAYVIEW BIZ: Festive greenery, fresh looks, and renos

by  • 

Evergreen arrangements bring holiday cheer to Bayview Avenue.
Hermie’s Diner shines with a bold facade and fresh signage.
Bayview’s RBC branch retools its space for expanded services.
Renovated and up for lease—1618 Bayview awaits its next chapter.

The Bayview-Leaside BIA has ushered in the holiday spirit by replacing fall mums with winter greenery displays—evergreens with pinecones and decorative twigs now brighten the streetscape, adding a festive touch.

Hermie’s Diner has also refreshed its look with a bold new façade and updated signage that highlights their Canadian Filipino offerings: “All Day Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner.”

RBC at 1554 Bayview is also in the midst of renovations, shifting away from its 2022 “meeting place” concept to restore a more traditional branch with expanded banking services.

Meanwhile, the property at 1618 Bayview Avenue has undergone a complete transformation. This fully renovated building, now up for lease, includes a ground-floor retail space and two upper-floor apartments, promising fresh opportunities in our bustling community.

Puppy love returns to Sleuth of Baker Street – Nov 16th

by  • 

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides 2025 Calendar /sleuthofbakerstreet.ca

Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore (907 Millwood Road) is once again welcoming Future Dog Guide puppies for an afternoon of puppy cuddles and community support on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Hosted in partnership with the Lions Foundation, this event offers a chance to meet adorable guide dogs in training and learn about the foundation’s important work. For those interested in supporting, 2025 Puppy Wall Calendars will be available for $20 cash.

To avoid the busy puppy hours, the bookstore will open early at 11:00 a.m. for anyone looking to browse in peace before the furry guests arrive.

Toronto’s Port Lands unveils new island and river mouth

by  • 

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

Leaside Memorial Gardens Act of Remembrance – Nov 8th

by  • 

Leaside Memorial Community Gardens will host an Act of Remembrance on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the William Lea Room to honour Leaside service members who sacrificed their lives in World War II. As a registered Canadian Military Memorial, Leaside Gardens holds a special place in the community’s history, dedicated to remembering those who served.

The ceremony will include the recitation of the Names of the Fallen, a reading of In Flanders Fields, and remarks by local historian Ted de Welles. Attendees will also hear The Last Post, Lament, and Reveille on trumpet and bagpipe. Following the service, coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be available. All are welcome to join in this meaningful tribute. More info.

Leaside Curling Club to host Toronto Hope Bonspiel Nov 2

by  • 

Leaside Curling Club will welcome 32 women’s teams from across the GTA for the Toronto Hope Bonspiel on Saturday, November 2, 2024. This annual event raises funds for the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook, with over $100,000 raised so far this year, building on last year’s total of $96,000. Sixteen curling clubs will be represented as participants gather to #curlforgood.

This year’s event will feature special guests Colleen Jones and Devin Heroux, who will join the opening ceremony at 10:15 a.m. and provide entertainment at the evening banquet.

For more information, visit torontohope.ca. Support A Curler.

St. Cuthbert’s Christmas Fair Returns on November 9th

by  • 

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!

Belsize Drive’s Halloween tale of terror returns

by  • 

Halloween tale of terror returns to Belsize Drive, west of Bayview Avenue (October, 2024)

Belsize Drive has done it again, enchanting the neighbourhood with another darkly poetic Halloween display. This year’s tale follows a fearless teen who ignores the warnings of Riverbend’s eerie lore, venturing to capture a wizard’s golden duck with ominous consequences. With its moody verses and sinister visuals, the display leaves a haunting impression on all who pass by.

Read this year's Halloween tale of terror

A greedy teen met an early end
In the sleepy town of Riverbend
Its ancient charm had a darker lore
Of a Wizard never seen outdoors
Deep in the woods, beyond the tracks
Sat his dark thatched hut…with a quiet quack
Behind the hut was a lavish pond
For his golden duck with a sacred bond
Thieves once tried to steal his duck
But all that remained was their bloodied truck
Unbothered by these silly tales
The teen was brash and quite detailed

He practiced nightly, with an eerie flare
Then packed a bag and a wire snare
The hut was dark, the pond was still
He snatched the duck by it’s shiny bill
As he shoved the duck into a sack
A shadow appeared in the window crack
The wizard’s wand was glowing bright
As he fired a spell with blinding light
“Grow big, grow fierce, and show who’s weaker”
..And all that was left
was the sole of his
sneaker

Advance voting this weekend: Don Valley West By-election

by  • 

Advance voting this weekend: Ward 15, Don Valley West By-election

Advance voting in the by-election for the office of Councillor, Ward 15, Don Valley West will be available on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the following voting locations:
• Bob Rumball Centre, 2395 Bayview Ave.
• Jenner Jean-Marie Community Centre, 48 Thorncliffe Park Dr.

Eligible voters who wish to cast their ballot during advance voting can do so at either of these two voting locations.

Election day

Election day is Monday, November 4. On election day, 49 voting places will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eligible voters choosing to vote on election day must do so at their assigned voting place. Voting place details are available at www.toronto.ca/MyVote.

To be eligible to vote in the Ward 15, Don Valley West By-election, a person must be:
• a Canadian citizen; and
• at least 18 years old; and
• a resident in Ward 15, Don Valley West; or
• a non-resident of the city of Toronto, but they or their spouse own or rent property in Ward 15, Don Valley West; and
• not prohibited from voting under any law.

Eligible voters may only vote once in this by-election, regardless of how many properties they own or rent within Ward 15, Don Valley West.

More voting info: www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/2024-by-election-councillor-ward-15-don-valley-west