The Sweet Potato is closing its Bayview-Leaside location

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The Sweet Potato has announced that its Bayview-Leaside location will close permanently on Friday, February 14, 2025. In a statement on social media, the organic grocery store shared that the decision was difficult but necessary to focus on enhancing its flagship store in The Junction.

The store expressed gratitude to the Bayview-Leaside community for its support over the past couple years and encourages customers to visit the Junction location. Shoppers have a few more days to stop by before the doors officially close.

Major redevelopment proposed for 609 Roehampton Ave

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Block Context Plan prepared for Starbank Developments 609 Corp. by MHBC – MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson Planning Limited /City of Toronto

A rezoning application has been submitted for 609 Roehampton Ave, proposing two 15-storey residential buildings on the site, which is currently home to commercial properties, including The Beer Store and the recently closed The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer.

If approved, the development would bring 209 residential units, ranging from studio to three-bedroom apartments. The proposal includes 837 square metres of indoor and outdoor amenity space, with additional private balconies or terraces for south-facing units.

Vehicular parking will be limited to 11 spaces, primarily for visitor and pickup/drop-off use, while 231 bicycle parking spaces will be provided. The plan also features a north-south private driveway, which could eventually become a public road if the shopping centre to the south undergoes redevelopment.

Bayview Biz: Closures, new leases, and a fresh fairway

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Several changes are unfolding along Bayview Avenue with recent closures and upcoming new openings.

The Sweet Potato: Uncertain Future

The Sweet Potato grocery store at 1678 Bayview Ave has reduced its hours to 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, but the shelves are mostly empty. The Bayview location has also been removed from the company’s website, suggesting a possible closure soon. As of a recent visit, the store was still stocking some fresh produce and a full selection of ready-made meals and (delicious!) soups.

New Tenant at 1618 Bayview

The space at at 1618 Bayview Avenue has bee leased. This is the former home of Mexico Lindo, which closed in 2024 after a fire. While a Google search suggests a salon may be opening in the space, no official confirmation has been made.

Fairway Restaurant & Bar Opening at 1660 Bayview

A new sign has been installed at 1660 Bayview Ave, marking the arrival of Fairway Restaurant & Bar in the former Original’s space (closed in 2022). According to newlyopened.ca, the venue will offer a mix of dining, cocktails, and recreation, including golf simulators, a chipping and putting area, and a pool table.

The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer Closes

The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer, located in the plaza at Roehampton Ave & Bayview Ave (609 Roehampton Ave), next to Metro, has closed permanently. More news on this address coming soon.

Permit parking polls open for several Leaside streets

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The City of Toronto is conducting permit parking polls for several streets in Leaside, allowing residents to weigh in on whether overnight permit parking should be introduced.

Polls are currently open for Glenvale Boulevard, Parkhurst Boulevard, Parklea Drive, Randolph Road, Thursfield Crescent, and Crofton Road.

If approved, permit parking would be enforced from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., seven days a week. Residents should also be aware that implementation may require a No Parking prohibition on the opposite side of the street for operational safety.

Permit costs range from $21.34 + HST per month for applicants without on-site parking to $86.29 + HST per month for those with access to on-site parking. A response rate of less than 25% will be considered a negative result.

Ballots have been mailed to eligible residents, but those who did not receive one can request a ballot through the City’s website. The results of each poll will be made available 10 days after the closing date and will remain valid for two years.

For more details or to submit feedback before the deadlines, visit the City’s permit parking polling page: toronto.ca/polling.

Discover edible flowers w/Leaside Garden Society, Feb 13th

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The Leaside Garden Society invites guests and new members to its upcoming Speaker Series on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

This month’s special guest, Sherry Dodson of Durham Master Gardeners, will discuss “Edible Flowers” — covering safe varieties to eat, growing tips, and culinary uses. Dodson, a horticulturist and pollinator advocate, brings extensive experience in ecological gardening.

For more details and meeting information, visit leasidegardensociety.org.

In Memoriam: Robert (Bob) Christie Pashby (1947–2025)

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Leaside High School alumnus and longtime community coach, Robert (Bob) Pashby, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025. Bob was deeply involved in Leaside, coaching hockey and baseball, and was a respected ophthalmologist affiliated with SickKids and Mount Sinai Hospital. He will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to family, and contributions to the community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pashby Family Pine Crest Leadership Fund.

To read the full obituary, please visit humphreymiles.com.

Weigh in: Pickleball & holiday shopping surveys now open

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The City of Toronto is gathering community feedback on two topics:

Tennis & Pickleball Court Improvements

Share your thoughts on potential updates to city tennis courts, including opportunities to add pickleball. Complete the survey by March 3, 2025 at toronto.ca/CourtImprovements.

Holiday Shopping Bylaw Review

Provide your thoughts on holiday retail hours and the process for businesses to apply for Tourist Area Exemptions. The survey closes on February 20, 2025. Learn more at toronto.ca/HolidayShopping.

Reminder: TDSB Ward 11 By-Election – March 3rd, 2025

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Residents of Don Valley West are reminded that the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Ward 11 by-election is quickly approaching. The seat became vacant in November 2024 following Rachel Chernos Lin’s election to Toronto City Council.

Check your voter status, find polling locations, or apply to vote by mail through the City of Toronto’s MyVote portal.

The by-election features 10 candidates vying for the Trustee position. Full candidate information, including links to campaign platforms, is available on the City of Toronto’s Candidate Information webpage.

Davisville changes, cemetery debate & Bayview’s fishmonger

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The January 2025 edition of the North Toronto Post highlights key developments and community updates in the area, from infrastructure projects to new business ventures. Here’s a quick summary of some of their latest coverage:

Davisville Avenue Revamp

Big changes are coming to Davisville Avenue as part of the City’s “Complete Street” initiative. Expect cycling infrastructure, greenery, and pedestrian-friendly upgrades starting in 2025. (North Toronto Post, Nisean Lorde)

You can share your comments on where improvements are needed on Davisville Avenue between Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant Road. Submit comments by February 1, 2025 by using the City’s interactive mapping tool.

More info: Improving Davisville Avenue: Designing a Safer & More Beautiful Street Together

Mount Pleasant Cemetery Debate

Proposed legislation could alter the historic cemetery’s public trust status, sparking concerns over public access to its 1,200-acre urban forest. (North Toronto Post, Jemicah Colleen Marasigan)

Fair Catch Fishmongers Comes to Leaside

Sustainable seafood continues on Bayview Avenue with Fair Catch’s new location. Owners Rob Despins and Geneviève Lemaire are committed to quality and eco-friendly practices. (North Toronto Post, Jennifer Schembri)

Read the whole issue here.

Have Your Say: Toronto Seniors Strategy Survey

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Have Your Say: Toronto Seniors Strategy Survey Launches January 30

The City of Toronto is launching public consultations to shape the third iteration of its Toronto Seniors Strategy. Starting January 30, 2025, residents will be invited to participate in an online survey designed to gather input on how the city can better support seniors and older adults through municipal programs and policies.

The Toronto Seniors Strategy, first introduced by Councillor Josh Matlow during his first term, aims to create an accessible and age-friendly city. The upcoming survey is part of a broader consultation process, which includes workshops, small group discussions, and key informant interviews.

The 10–15-minute survey will be available in multiple languages, including English, French, and the 10 most common languages spoken by Toronto residents over the age of 65. The initiative builds on the successes of previous strategies, with a continued focus on adapting city services to meet the evolving needs of Toronto’s senior population.

For more information and to participate, visit the Toronto Seniors Strategy page.

Proposal for 1840 Bayview Ave (Esso) revised to 29 storeys

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The redevelopment proposal for 1840 Bayview Avenue has been updated, reducing the height of the mixed-use building from 34 to 29 storeys. The revised plan now includes 303 residential units, down from 377, plus 202 square meters of ground-floor retail along Bayview.

For background on the site and earlier proposals, see previous coverage:

Public Meeting to discuss 39-storey Glenavy Ave proposal

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Public Meeting on Proposed 39-Storey Development on Glenavy Avenue

A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to discuss a new proposal for a 39-storey residential building at 17-29 Glenavy Avenue, a residential street in the Bayview-Eglinton area. This development would include 398 rental dwelling units.

The Official Plan Amendment Application proposes to redesignate the block which includes the lands at 590-592 Roehampton Avenue, 7-29 Glenavy Avenue, and 7 Glazebrook Avenue from Neighbourhoods in the Official Plan to Mixed Use.

This development is part of the growing trend of high-rise buildings in the area and raises concerns about the impact on local infrastructure and the surrounding community. The public meeting will offer residents the opportunity to learn more and voice their concerns.

For details on how to join the virtual meeting or to register, visit the City’s Planning Consultations page.

Thank you to the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) for highlighting this important update.

UPDATE

Link to archived video of meeting: https://toronto.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/toronto/recording/0df24a09b5c7103db885a61c04b8c537/playback