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.

Meet your Toronto-St. Paul’s Candidates over a pint, Apr 16

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The South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) has shared details about an upcoming opportunity for residents to meet candidates running in the Toronto-St. Paul’s federal election.

On Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m., voters are invited to the Celtic Irish Pub for a casual “meet and greet” with the local candidates. Organized by AppleTree Markets and Events, the gathering promises an informal setting to discuss important community and national issues — all over a pint.

This event offers a chance to hear directly from candidates, ask questions, and get a better sense of where they stand ahead of the federal election later this month.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Celtic Irish Pub, 1954 Yonge Street
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:30 p.m.

This initiative is brought to you by AppleTree Markets and Events, known for their local community activities. For more information about the event, visit www.appletreemarkets.ca.

LRA: Federal Candidates Forum and AGM set for April 14th

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Area residents are invited to attend the Leaside Residents Association’s (LRA) 2025 Annual & Special Meeting, followed by a federal Candidates Meeting, on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the William Lea Room in the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (1073 Millwood Road).

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for check-in, with the LRA meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Members will vote on key items including Board elections, financial resolutions, and a proposed expansion of the association’s boundaries.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., the evening continues with remarks from Stephanie Bowman, MPP for Don Valley West, followed by Rachel Chernos Lin, City Councillor for Ward 15. After a short break, the Federal Candidates Meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m., where candidates from the NDP, Liberal, Conservative, and Green parties will share their platforms and respond to audience-submitted questions ahead of the upcoming federal election.

7 – 7:15 p.m. – Annual and Special Meeting
7:15 – 7:30 p.m. – Remarks by Stephanie Bowman, MPP Don Valley West
7:30 – 7:45 p.m. – Remarks from Rachel Chernos Lin, Ward 15 Councillor
7:45 – 8 p.m. – Break
8 – 9:30 p.m. – Candidates meeting

All members of the public are welcome to attend the Candidates Meeting. To vote during the LRA portion, an active membership is required. Memberships may be purchased in advance (preferred) or at the door.

The LRA is inviting the following candidates:

  • Linnea Löfström-Abary, New Democratic Party of Canada
  • Rob Oliphant, Liberal Party of Canada
  • Robert Pierce, Conservative Party of Canada
  • Sheena Sharp, Green Party of Canada

🗳️ More info: leasideresidents.ca

The LRA remains neutral in all such meetings and campaigns and does not nominate or sponsor in the name of the association any person as a candidate for election. Info about past candidates meetings is online: leasideresidents.ca/events

UPDATE FROM THE LRA

Due to circumstances beyond our control over the weekend, the Leaside Residents Association (LRA) regrets to inform you that although all four main parties were invited to attend and participate in the Candidates Meeting, only the Liberal and Green Party candidates have agreed to appear at our Meeting tonight.

The LRA tried to accommodate other candidates’ schedules, but was unable to do so.

Learn to grow your own veggies w/ Leaside Garden Society

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The Leaside Garden Society’s 2025 Speaker Series continues with a practical and inspiring session for anyone looking to get their hands a little dirty this season.

On Thursday, April 10th at 7:00 p.m., guest speaker Desré Kramer will present “Growing Vegetables, From A-Z: The Basics of Vegetable Growing” at an in-person event at the Leaside Library (165 McRae Drive). Refreshments will be served starting at 6:30 p.m.

An experienced gardener, re-greener, and Toronto Master Gardener, Desré Kramer brings decades of hands-on knowledge to the topic. From planning new garden beds to starting seeds, soil health, crop rotation, and extending your growing season, Kramer’s presentation promises helpful tips for gardeners of all levels. Whether you have a large backyard or just a small patio, you’ll come away with practical advice to grow your own food — and enjoy all the taste, savings, and satisfaction that comes with it.

Guests and new members are welcome to attend.
For more information, visit leasidegardensociety.org.

Midtown movers, pickleball, pub grub & artsy endeavours

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Pickleball Takes Over Former Mercedes Dealership

If you’ve been wondering what’s going on at the old Mercedes-Benz dealership east of Laird and Eglinton, the answer is… pickleball! Fairgrounds, a growing network of racquet clubs, is bringing 13 pickleball courts and four padel courts to Leaside this summer. It’ll be a one-stop spot for playing, learning, and even chilling afterward — complete with saunas, lounges, and a retail shop for all your pickleball gear needs. This isn’t a permanent setup though; the space will eventually be redeveloped. In the meantime, game on! (Read more here: Streets of Toronto)

Goodbye to the Yellow & White Stripes

A bittersweet farewell to the bright awning of TodaysMenu at 852 Millwood Road. As of March 25, 2025, TodaysMenu ended its Leaside pickup service, due to rising rents — but good news — their popular delivery service will continue across the Toronto GTA. The TodaysMenu team says in a sign in their window, “We have loved being part of the Leaside community.” You can continue to order online at TodaysMenu.ca.

FREE Easter Colouring Books! 🐰🎨

Visit Bonnie Byford Real Estate during business hours and pick up your free Easter colouring book (while supplies last)! Bonnie Byford Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage 📍 1536 Bayview Avenue @ of Millwood Rd.

Craig’s Cookies 7th Anniversary Giveaway

As a thank you to loyal customers, old and new, on Tuesday, April 8th, Craig’s Cookies is turning SEVEN! 🥳 To celebrate, they’re giving a FREE Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie to all walk-in customers at ALL of their locations! ⁠*Tuesday, April 8th only.⁠* No purchase necessary.⁠ 1 cookie per in store customer.⁠ Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie only, no substitutions.⁠ Visit their Bayview-Leaside location at 1581 Bayview Avenue.

Butter Studio’s Moving Sale Continues
2 ways to shop: In person Tuesday/Friday/Saturday from 2:30-5 (April 1-15); and online with shipping options. Take advantage of the discounts while they last — Butter Studio at 1515A Bayview Avenue Suite 200.

Opening Soon on Merton Street

Big news for food lovers: Atef Girgis — the man behind Village Idiot, Prenup Pub, Town Crier and Sin and Redemption — is about to open Ends Meet at 228 Merton St (former location of the Red Lantern). This new hybrid bistro and pub will feature two unique spaces: an upstairs European bistro (mostly Italian menu) and a cozy pub downstairs with classic comfort fare like wings, burgers, flatbread pizza, and hearty apps. Girgis, recently honoured with the Knighthood of the Brewers’ Paddle, says the name Ends Meet reflects his goal to keep dining affordable so people can continue enjoying nights out without breaking the bank. (Read more here: Streets of Toronto)

Summer Camp Idea in Moore Park

Not heading to overnight camp this year? Creative Turtle is offering Art & Design Summer Camps for kids aged 4–18 years old in a small group setting at their Moore Park studio. Sessions are running July and August. Learn more here: @creative_turtle_art_school.

Towering ambitions: 56-storey tower proposed for Soudan

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A zoning by-law amendment and site plan control application have been submitted for 148–158 Soudan Avenue, proposing a 56-storey residential tower with 674 units, including 13 rental replacements. The site, currently mid-block between Redpath and Lillian, a short walk from major transit hubs like Eglinton Station and the upcoming Mount Pleasant LRT.

📍 Application Details
📊 UrbanToronto

Got old gadgets? Recycle them with Leaside Rotary, Apr 5th

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Got old electronics collecting dust?

Leaside Rotary’s e-waste recycling event is the perfect chance to clear them out responsibly! On April 5, 2025, from 10am to 4pm at East York Town Centre, drop off your outdated gadgets and help reduce waste while supporting community initiatives. It’s an easy way to make a positive impact—just gather up those unused devices and recycle them for a greener future.

More details here: Leaside Rotary.

No foolin’ — pizza party frenzy at Maker Pizza Bayview!

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Maker Pizza, 1674 Bayview Ave., April 1st 2025

Toronto loves its pizza, and today’s massive Maker Pizza Bayview & Skip giveaway proved it. The lunchtime lineup wrapped around the corner — snaking up Bayview and spilling onto Soudan. Despite the chilly 3°C weather, spirits were warm thanks to a DJ spinning upbeat music and swag giveaways. By 3:30 p.m., hundreds of piping-hot Margherita pizzas had already been handed out, with dozens more eager foodies still queued up, lured by the promise of a free pie. They say nothing in life is free — but for a few sunny hours on Bayview, Maker Pizza proved otherwise. Not a bad way to spend a chilly afternoon! More on BlogTO.