TTC Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown LRT opened — yes, really

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After roughly 15 years of construction, countless delays, and more than a few “we’ll believe it when we see it” moments, TTC Line 5 — the Eglinton Crosstown LRT — officially opened on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The new 19-kilometre light rail line now runs from Mount Dennis to Kennedy with 25 stations along Eglinton Avenue. By all accounts, the first day of service arrived with little fanfare — but plenty of curiosity from riders finally able to step aboard.

Locally, the opening also marks the end of an era. The long-running 56 Leaside bus route made its final trips on February 7, after nearly a century of service dating back to the 1920s. With the launch of Line 5, service along Laird and Donlands is being absorbed by other routes and the new LRT — a quiet goodbye to a familiar neighbourhood bus.

More info:

Snowstorm declaration over — crews still clearing streets

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January 25, 2026 — mid-snowstorm, just a few hours after the snow began really coming down.

Just a quick update for local residents: the City of Toronto advises that the Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declarations put in place on January 25, 2026 officially ended February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The declarations helped crews respond to nearly 90 cm of snowfall from two major January storms. Since mid-January, approximately 300,000 tonnes of snow have been hauled to storage sites across the city as part of the cleanup effort.

Targeted snow removal will continue in the coming days, particularly on narrow residential streets, sidewalks and bike lanes. Drivers are still reminded not to park where temporary orange No Parking – Snow Removal signs are posted. Vehicles left in these areas may be ticketed ($100) or towed, as they can interfere with ongoing snow removal operations.

Residents can continue to report areas needing extra attention through 311.

Full details: City of Toronto news release.

Cartographer behind TTC map’s biggest update in decades

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The TTC map gets a makeover — just as the Eglinton Crosstown (finally?) prepares to open

With the long-awaited (and long overdue) Eglinton Crosstown LRT now being widely reported as opening on Feb. 8, 2026 (we’ll believe it when we see it), most headlines are understandably focused on the launch itself.

But here’s a fun behind-the-scenes angle that’s getting much less attention: the TTC map has undergone one of its biggest updates in decades. In a CBC segment, reporter Haydn Watters interviews the cartographer behind the modernized TTC map — and explains how it’s been redesigned to reflect the growing rapid transit network, including both the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5) and the Finch West LRT (Line 6).

More:

Remembering Ted Krawchuk, a proud Leaside resident

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Leaside Life has shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Ted Krawchuk, who passed away on January 14, 2026. This news will be received with deep sadness by many in our community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to Lorna and the entire Krawchuk family.

Ted was a longtime Leaside resident, devoted family man, retired science teacher, and active member of St. Cuthbert’s, Leaside Anglican Church, where he was well known for his warm smile and community spirit.

A memorial service will be held at St. Cuthbert’s (1399 Bayview Ave.) on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception (with livestream available).

Leaside Life: Remembering Ted Krawchuk | Humphrey Funeral Home obituary & service details

CP24 was live at Leaside Gardens for Capes For Kids, Friday

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Holland Bloorview’s ‘Capes on Ice’ skate-a-thon celebrates 10 years

CP24 broadcast live from Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (1073 Millwood Rd.) on Friday morning, January 30, 2026, to help promote Capes For Kids, Holland Bloorview’s signature fundraising campaign, which is celebrating 10 years of supporting kids and youth with disabilities.

The campaign’s kick-off event, “Capes on Ice,” is a community skate-a-thon encouraging participants to “dare to wear a cape” while raising funds for pediatric disability care.

Since launching in 2017, Capes For Kids has raised over $7.7 million to support Holland Bloorview’s vital programs, services, and research.

Want to get involved? Register for free, fundraise to earn your red cape, and take part in Capes Week. Learn more, register, or donate here: capesforkids.ca

Winter walks: Bayview during & after TO’s record snowfall

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Toronto experienced a once-in-a-generation snowstorm on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with record snowfall totals reported across the city.

Below are two short videos filmed on Bayview Avenue — the first captured mid-storm, and the second filmed the following afternoon under brighter skies after roads had been plowed.

A snowy walk in the Bayview Leaside BIA

Filmed January 25, 2026 (afternoon) — mid-storm, just a few hours after the snow began really coming down.

After the storm: cleared roads & bright skies in the Bayview Leaside BIA

Filmed January 26, 2026 (afternoon) — the day after the storm, under sunny skies, with roads plowed and the neighbourhood beginning to dig out.

How much snow fell?

According to CityNews, Environment Canada’s updated snowfall analysis reported:

  • 61 cm fell in downtown Toronto, one of the highest totals ever observed in the core
  • 46 cm fell at Toronto Pearson Airport, making it the snowiest day on record for the site
  • With earlier snowfall included, January 2026 became Toronto’s snowiest January — and snowiest month overall — since records began in 1937

Sources:

Reminder: Snow route parking restrictions in effect

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Just a reminder for area residents to take note of designated snow routes.

On January 25, 2026, the City of Toronto activated its second Major Snow Event Response Plan (MSERP) of the year, declaring a Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event.

While this declaration is in effect, parking on snow routes is strictly prohibited. These routes are marked with permanent snow-route signage, and enforcement is active to allow crews to clear roads.

Parking on a designated snow route during a major snow event can result in fines of up to $500 and towing. Temporary orange No Parking – Snow Removal signs carry a $100 ticket and possible towing.

Full media release and additional information are available on the City’s website.

Editor’s note: The Bulldog has seen quite a few ticketed cars along Bayview since the storm. Consider this a friendly heads-up.

UPDATE

The City of Toronto advises that the Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declarations put in place on January 25, 2026 officially ended February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. Read City of Toronto news release.

Leaside mourns the passing of Nick Mitchell

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Leaside is mourning the loss of longtime educator Nicholas (“Nick”) Martin Mitchell, who passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026.

A beloved drama and English teacher at Leaside High School, Nick is being remembered across local Facebook groups and social media through an outpouring of tributes from former students, colleagues, friends and community members of all ages.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, February 8 at 1:00 pm at Humphrey Funeral Home (1403 Bayview Ave.), followed by a celebration of life from 3:00–5:00 pm at the Granite Brewery (245 Eglinton Ave. E.).

Read the full obituary and service details.

Leaside Gardens marks return of the Bert F. Grant Rink

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After approximately nine months of construction, the Bert F. Grant Rink at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (1073 Millwood Road) is reopening with a community celebration on Monday, January 26, 2026, starting at 10:00 a.m.

According to a post shared by Leaside Gardens, the event will include a ribbon cutting followed by free public skating, refreshments, and giveaways. All ages are welcome; helmets are mandatory for children 12 and under and recommended for all skaters. @LeasideGardens on Facebook.

Ribbon cutting announcement /@LeasideGardens on Facebook

Eglinton & Hoyle: A taller development proposed

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Early concept for proposed 21-storey residential development at 537–543 Eglinton Ave. E.

The proposal for 537–547 Eglinton Avenue East and 59–61 Hoyle Avenue appears to have evolved from a 21-storey residential building in 2021 to a 35-storey mixed-use building in 2025, following refusals, appeals, mediation, and a previously approved settlement.

Based on available application materials, the original proposal was submitted in summer 2021 and sought approval for a 21-storey residential building. City planning staff later recommended refusal, and City Council adopted that recommendation in November 2021. The application and a related Official Plan Amendment were subsequently appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

After the development site was expanded, a revised proposal was submitted in September 2022 for a taller mixed-use building. Following mediation, City Council approved a settlement in July 2023 allowing a 20-storey building, which received interim approval from the Ontario Land Tribunal in January 2025, subject to conditions.

A further revised proposal was submitted in November 2025 seeking approval for a 35-storey mixed-use building, citing changes to planning policy and the surrounding development context.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

537-547 EGLINTON AVE E

Application Number: 25271066NNY15OZ

Description

This is the application returning with a proposal for 35 storeys following the OLT decision permitting 20 storeys. New OPA/ZBA submission is required, rather than resubmission for 21-191659 NNY 15 OZ.

Addresses:

59 HOYLE AVE TORONTO
61 HOYLE AVE TORONTO
537 EGLINTON AVE E TORONTO
539 EGLINTON AVE E TORONTO
541 EGLINTON AVE E TORONTO
543 EGLINTON AVE E TORONTO
545 EGLINTON AVE E TORONTO
547 EGLINTON AVE E TORONTO

Editor’s note: Details in this summary are drawn from publicly available application materials and reports and reflect our understanding of the proposal as presented at the time of writing.

Bayview Biz: New openings, closures & transitions

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Chon Modern Thai Cuisine /@chonthaicuisine
Bayview Car Wash, January 2026
Mandarin, Canada Square /Google Maps screenshot

Chon Modern Thai Cuisine opened in December 2025 at 1677 Bayview Avenue, taking over the former Pii Nong Thai space. The restaurant announced its opening on Instagram, and was also featured in a blogTO article published in December, which noted the restaurant’s focus on modern interpretations of traditional Thai cuisine.

A long-standing Bayview florist is shifting its retail model. The Flower Nook (1731 Bayview Avenue, Unit 2), a decades-old business with a long history on Bayview Avenue, is no longer offering in-store shopping. According to its website, orders are still handled online, with in-person meetings available by appointment only.

Moving south, two Bayview restaurants have closed. Zzavia Pizza (1597 Bayview Ave.) and Rumi Steakhouse (1599 Bayview Ave.) are no longer in operation. Zzavia Pizza opened in 2024 and was previously covered by the Bulldog when it launched (background here).

Bayview Car Wash (1802 Bayview Ave) is currently closed. Based on activity observed on site, the closure appears to be related to soil or environmental testing. We attempted to contact the business to confirm whether — and when — it may reopen, but were unable to reach anyone by phone. All equipment and signage remain in place, which could suggest the closure is temporary. That said, the property has been approved for future redevelopment, which is expected to eventually bring the car wash’s time at this location to an end (background here).

Outside the Bayview corridor but of interest to many local residents, The Mandarin Restaurant at Yonge & Eglinton (Canada Square) has announced it will be closing permanently. In a statement shared on social media, Mandarin cited area redevelopment and confirmed its final day of operation will be January 18, 2026. The post notes the location has served the community since opening in 1991, and that other Mandarin locations across Ontario will continue to operate.

After 15 years on Millwood, Lena’s Barber Shop to close

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Lena’s Barber Shop, 909 Millwood Rd /Google Maps 2019
Note at Lena’s, December 2025

After more than a decade serving the neighbourhood, Lena’s Barber Shop on Millwood Road will be closing permanently as Lena prepares for retirement. A typewritten note on the door thanks the community for years of trust, friendship, and support, and shares that the shop will officially close on January 1, 2026.

Lena’s has long been a familiar stop for many local residents, and her message makes clear how much those relationships have meant to her over the years. For anyone hoping to stay in touch, Lena is sharing her contact information with clients who drop by the barbershop.

📍 Lena’s Barber Shop
909 Millwood Rd, East York

Wishing Lena all the best in her next chapter.