Issuu

S E P T E M B E R 20 25

No. 160

CAVENGER

HUNT Join the hunt on page 20 WIN PRIZES!

You Had To Be There

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LOCAL B

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Leaside Life • September 2025

A Gentle Pause in a Busy World

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Editor’s Welcome Are you ready to hunt? How well do you know Leaside? The nooks and crannies, some hidden in plain sight, that add to the character of the neighbourhood? Those gems tucked away that tell stories of bygone eras in Leaside’s history? Are you a Leaside trivia nut? Read on. If you’re ready to start your voyage of discovery to find hidden Leaside, look no further than Susan Scandiffio’s eye-popping scavenger hunt through the ’hood. Susan did the legwork (footwork?) for all of us in developing a 30-question scavenger hunt that will take you to every corner of Leaside, from the familiar to the more esoteric. Susan looked high and low to collect the stops along the hunt. To make this even more fun

than just racking up steps on your fitness tracker, Leaside Life is offering tempting prizes to those who send the correct answers to the questions by October 1 to leasidelife@gmail.com. Read Susan’s story in this issue to find the clues that will have you scratching your head and saying: I didn’t know that. Also in this issue is a new column by Robert Macintyre, “Tall Tales,” where he shares his unique perspective from the high life of Leaside East, the name given to an area that was part of the Leaside Business Park until townhouses and condos started moving in and changing the landscape. Happy September reading! n

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A forgotten Leaside tragedy—

This photo at right shows the groundbreaking ceremony for Leaside High School. The much-anticipated event took place on May 30, 1946. Leasiders had long desired their own high school. For years, local teenagers had been forced to attend high schools outside the community – such as North Toronto Collegiate and Northern Vocational School (now Northern Secondary). More recently, they were housed in a temporary building on the grounds of Rolph Road School. Now, finally, they were getting their own facility. Visible in the photo are various dignitaries, including principal Norman McLeod (far right). The photo’s focal point, however, is the young

Johnston at the groundbreaking for Leaside High School.

man holding the dirt-laden shovel. His name was Donald Johnston. Among all the notables present that day, he had been chosen to turn the first sod for the new school – a high

honour for a mere student, but a well-deserved one. Born in 1930, Don Johnston lived

TRAGEDY Page 36

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Leaside Life • September 2025

Rainbow Songs helps pre-schoolers find their voice For many people, and especially parents, September, not January, is the beginning of a new year. If you’re the parent of an infant to 4-year-old, you might be interested in learning about Rainbow Songs to start off your “new year.” Rainbow Songs is a Torontobased family business owned and founded by musician Mike Whitla. There are now 16 locations, one of them at St. Cuthbert’s Church at 1399 Bayview Ave. and taking place on Wednesday mornings. Rainbow Songs provides a joyful early entry to music for younger children. Most locations provide classes for those aged 0-1, 1-2 and 2-4 and their caregivers, with 45-minute sessions. With a maximum class size of 13 children, Rainbow Songs offers a personalized experience. The combination of small classes, a local location and once-a-week scheduling often encourages parents and caregivers to make neighbour-

LEASIDE BUSINESS

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Leaside Life • September 2025

by LORNA KRAWCHUK

hood connections that continue outside the weekly outing. Joanna Kellam, the instructor at St. Cuthbert’s on Wednesday mornings,

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has been with Rainbow Songs here and at some of their other locations for 11 years. She received her professional training at the Randolph School of the Arts, as well as an additional intensive training course to be a Rainbow Songs teacher, learning how to manage a class and lead classic children’s songs. She also works with Solar Stage Children’s Theatre and runs a classical concert series for kids. Classes continued during the summer, taking advantage of the shady space on the church green. Volunteers working in the church garden nearby found themselves with Rainbow Songs earworms thanks to listening to Joanna and her guitar leading the children’s voices. While Mike started the business nearly three decades ago, in 1999, it took a few years before choosing the current business name. The St. Cuthbert’s location joined the fold in 2005. All business arrangements are handled by General Manager Rachel Bokhout, who takes care of all the admin, contracts, scheduling and marketing. One of Rainbow Songs’ best marketing tools is the referral system. Word-of-mouth brings many families to the business. Those doing the referring can obtain discounts on classes or a cash incentive. Families can also arrange for Rainbow Songs to organize a birthday celebration. n

Leaside Life • September 2025

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Leaside Life • September 2025

Tom Powers moves Godspell back to the spotlight – 50 years later by MARIA STEFANISHINA In 1972, after opening at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, the musical Godspell moved uptown to the Bayview Playhouse in Leaside. What was to be a short two-week run turned into 488 performances, and along the way helped launch the careers of Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, and Jayne Eastwood, among others. The show took parables from the Gospel of Matthew and turned them into lively songs and dances, full of messages about love, forgiveness, and kindness. At the time, some found its lighthearted portrayal of Jesus controversial, but its impact on the community was undeniable. Godspell’s spell on Leaside has never really faded. In 2021, Leaside Life columnist Terry Fallis reflected on just how much it had meant to the community: “Our parents took my brother Tim and me to see it, and the show blew us away. The music was amazing. To

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offered his support. Martin Short helped reconnect the original cast, and when a Canadian producer was needed, Powers stepped in with enthusiasm: “I was overjoyed to be involved,” he said. From inception to the coming TIFF world premiere, the film took about three years to make, with filming in New York, Los Angeles, London and Toronto.

FROM THE COVER

this day, I can still sing pretty well the entire score by heart – which may or may not endear me to anyone in close proximity.” Nearly 50 years after that unforgettable run, Godspell is back in the spotlight. A new documentary, You Had To Be There, is premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), this Sept. 6th, directed and produced by Nick Davis, and in no small part thanks to co-producers Sue Turley and Leaside’s own Tom Powers. Among its executive producers is acclaimed comedy producer Judd Apatow. The film brings together never-before-seen footage, rare archives, and original audio recordings from that remarkable time. Tom Powers remembers What makes this documentary especially meaningful for Powers isn’t just that he is producing it – he recalls being in the audience back in 1972. His mother took him to see the original production, and that memory inspired him to accept the project. Powers shared that the journey to making the film was a true team effort. Filmmaker Nick Davis, based in New York City, had been working on a scripted version of a story about the unlikely coming together of so many young Canadian actors who went on to change comedy history. Apatow, a fan of Davis’s work,

From law to filmmaking Powers’ own career path has been anything but traditional. After studying political science and law, he was a corporate lawyer for 10 years. Following a stint as in-house counsel for an entertainment production company, Tom became interested in producing and opened his own company, Open Door Co., in 2005. Open Door Co. (opendoorco.com) focuses on creating “Content That Matters” – projects that are meaningful with the potential to affect people and communities. His documentaries explore topics that resonate with the public, encourage thoughtful discussion, and drive change. Outside of his career, Powers and his family maintain strong ties to Leaside. When asked what keeps him here, he didn’t hesitate: “Honestly, the people,” and “Leaside is a wonderful place to raise a family and being so close to Bayview, it is like my second home.” For Leasiders, the documentary, You Had To Be There, is a chance to celebrate a story that began right here in the neighbourhood – one that helped launch Canadian comedy legends and continues to inspire a half century later. Audiences can look forward to a reunion of Canada’s comedy greats at the TIFF premiere. Expected guests include Eugene Levy, Valda Aviks, Victor Garber, and Paul Shaffer, with Andrea Martin and Martin Short joining virtually for a Q&A. You Had To Be There is premiering as a “Special Presentation” at TIFF on Sat., Sept. 6, at 2 p.m., at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The next public screening is Sun., Sept. 7, at the Scotia Cineplex on Richmond Street, and again on Fri., Sept. 12, at Scotia Cineplex, 9:30 p.m. CBC has acquired the film for broadcast in Canada, which will air in 2026. Learn more: https://www.tiff.net/films/youhad-to-be-there. n

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Leaside Life • September 2025

Remembering Ron Taylor by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO Baseball icon, engineer, physician – and Leasider – Dr. Ron Taylor died this past June at the age of 87. The right-handed pitcher who played 11 years in Major League Baseball (MLB) began his remarkable journey with the Leaside Baseball Association from the age of eight until 17 when he was discovered by a scout and signed by the Cleveland Indians. Focused on furthering his education while playing baseball, Taylor earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of Toronto during the off seasons. Taylor played 11 outstanding seasons in the major leagues, winning a World Series with both the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets. Upon retirement from MLB, Taylor returned to the U of T and earned a medical degree at the age of 39, which at the time made him a very mature student. Recruited by the Toronto Blue Jays to serve as their team doctor, Taylor spent 35 years with the team earning him the moniker of “Dr. Baseball.”

ALAMY

Leaside Life • September 2025

He also garnered two more World Series rings when the Jays won the championships in 1992 and 1993. For his exceptional career, Taylor was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Ontario’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame, and he also received the Order of Ontario for his outstanding contributions to the medical field. Howard Birnie, also a member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and president of the Leaside Baseball Association for almost 58 years, notes that “Taylor’s success, particularly in two World Series, set a standard for those who followed, realizing that it was possible to reach the top from humble beginnings.” We send our deepest condolences to the Taylor family. Leaside has lost a baseball icon and humanitarian. n

Edun Valdman plies osteopathic magic on Bayview Like many people, Edun Valdman suffered sinus and breathing issues as a kid that made it challenging to pursue his many sports activities. Still, he worked to improve his skills and as an adult continues hiking, biking, hockey and golf. Edun’s career path, as an osteopathic manual practitioner, was influenced by his early health problems. While at Wilfrid Laurier University studying for his kinesiology degree, a friend of his mom’s suggested he see an osteopath practising in Brampton. He describes that appointment as life changing. “After my first treatment, I realized what the world smells like. From fresh cut grass to hot pavement. It felt like I was breathing for the first time. At my next appointment, I asked her how the heck she had done that and how do I do it? She said, go to this school.” “This school” was Hamilton’s Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. Taking her advice, Edun enrolled after graduating from Laurier and completed the program in 2022. After

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working at three clinics simultaneously, including covering his original osteopath’s maternity leave, he decided to launch his own practice. After initial struggles setting up, solo running and filling his practice with clients, in just three years Edun’s practice has flourished as clients refer family and friends. “Since day one I’ve

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Leaside Life • September 2025

by SUZANNE PARK

kept track of where my clients come from and it’s almost completely via referrals,” he says. “There is a flow. A new client presents their issue, and I treat their sore back, tennis elbow or painful knee and after three or four weeks of weekly treatment, I advise they come less frequently, then they rotate out knowing when to book a future appointment. In the meantime, a new client, often one they’ve referred, books an appointment.” Asked if it’s difficult to get an appointment, Edun responds, “My goal is to have clients heal and exit the practice, making room for new or returning clients with a new issue to address.” Edun’s business is now so successful that he is welcoming four new professionals: Sofia Forman, a registered psychotherapist specializing in integrative, trauma-informed therapy that bridges mind, body, and relational healing; Shahrzad Taghavi, accredited by the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario; Laura Polisuk, a registered social worker helping clients to develop practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges, build resilience and address anxiety, trauma, and body image concerns; and Mary Chris Via, a registered massage therapist from Medix College of Healthcare, who helps relieve stress, treat pain and provide relaxation massage. You can easily find Edun’s clinic and colleagues. Walk north on the east side of Bayview, past all the fruit markets and you’ll spot a sandwich board directing you to his osteopathy office in the lane behind the chocolate shop, at 1645 Bayview Ave. n

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Unleashed and barking (but not mad) in Leaside Leaside is going to the dogs, literally – and that’s okay. The truth is, Leaside has always been Dogtown (as well as Hogtown). The Leas loved dogs. Pictured right is their big shaggy dog on the steps of William Lea’s Octagonal House taken around 1900, also showing Joseph Lea (arms folded), William’s eldest son and at the time resident of the iconic home. This was during Leaside’s pastoral days before incorporation in 1913, when area farmers kept dogs to do chores as well as provide companionship. And Ted DeWelles reminded us in his March 2025 column about the myriad home kennels in Leaside in the ’30s and the award-winning terrier Irish Battler, who was born and raised on Bessborough. But, ironically, until 2010 there was no public place in Leaside where

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MITCH BUBULJ

Leaside Life • September 2025

by MITCH BUBULJ

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Rover could roam free without running the risk of his owner’s incurring a $500 fine. It was around that time that the hard work and dogged determination of some Leasiders to carve out a section of Sandy Bruce Park to become Leaside’s first off-leash area became a reality. Dennis and Vicky Carter were two such proponents. The Sutherland Drive residents, owners of Boomer, an Australian Shepherd, were famous among the kids in the neighbourhood. Dennis would faithfully set up for Boomer’s agility training with jumps, a tunnel, a teeter totter, an “A” frame and weave poles at the Rolph Road School tennis courts. The only problem? Dogs were not allowed on school property. Says Dennis, “we were conscientious and courteous dog owners who often left the school yard better than how we found it, but we knew not all owners picked up after their dogs and so understood the ban.” Being a community activist with great organizational skills – he was at the time the district fire chief in charge of officer development – he reached out to the local councillor and like-minded neighbours and held regular planning meetings at the Leaside Library. Sandy Bruce Park was the right choice since it was large, shaded and accessible. Initially there was pushback, especially from some Leaside residents with traffic and parking concerns. But in the end the plan pleased almost everyone, leaving a hill untouched for tobogganing and working around the children’s play area and baseball diamond. It’s a one-hectare park – one of 75 in the city – and very popular with humans and canines alike. I was initiated only recently. In June, I started dog-sitting my daughter’s Wheaten Terrier puppy, Beamish. He enjoyed being off-leash and running and “talking” dog with the other canines. And I was impressed with the park. It has benches under shade trees, armour rocks, wood chips and ample communal dog bowls, tennis balls and even water jugs to keep the dogs hydrated. Bonus: the owners are as varied as the dogs themselves. Some are social, offering all sorts of dog-training tips, while others keep

UNLEASHED Page 36

Leaside Life • September 2025

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Leaside Life • September 2025

LEASIDE SPORTS

by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO For the first time since the establishment of the Leaside Leafs in 1968, the team will be representing Ontario in the National Championships.

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“(I am) ecstatic about the victory because of the difficulty in winning a National Qualifier tournament,” said manager Matthew Nailer. “There are some really good squads in the province, which we beat. I’m proud of the players and how they performed. When you know of the time and effort the players put in to achieve this goal (throughout the years) and they accomplish it, it brings a smile. “For some of the more tenured players on the squad – Jorge Frugoni (2007), Andrew Morales (2008), Chris Goodale (2011), Jeff Gruchy (2006) and assistant coach Henry Yap (2000) – it’s especially sweet because they’ve been knocking on the Nationals door before.” With solid defence and powerful batting, the team dominated the tournament. But, as Nailer pointed out, “the key to the (tournament) was the pitching. Our starting pitchers threw five complete games, and we only needed four innings of relief work in the entire event.” With all but five players returning from the 2024 roster, this was a cohesive and determined squad that pulled out all the stops in their quest for the championship. (Note: the National Championships took place in Regina from August 21st to the 24th after we went to press. See all results at seniormen. baseball.ca). n

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Love at first bite with a rolled-up Hungarian delight Each month we cover a Leasider’s special dish with a hearty side order of narrative. by MITCH BUBULJ In Austria they are called palatschinke; in Serbia, they are palacinka. No matter the name, they are delicious crepes stuffed with either a sweet or savoury filling. Their origins are Greco-Roman with the first written record of the dish from 350 BCE in a poem by Antiphanes. Sylvia DeWelles calls them palacsinta, the Hungarian term, which makes sense. Her parents were two of the 38,000 Hungarian refugees who came to Canada in 1956 fleeing the Soviet invasion that followed the Hungarian Revolution. The day I visited her home, Sylvia decided to stuff the palacsinta with minced ham. Sylvia explains that her mother cooked everything from scratch and never followed a recipe. “Growing up, I and my two sisters were oblivious to processed foods – remember My Big Fat Greek Wedding? I was like the main character except instead of having mous-

Find the recipes online by clicking the Leaside Cooks tab.

MITCH BUBULJ

Leaside Life • September 2025

Sylvia DeWelles making palacsinta.

saka in my lunch box it was more like goulash!” Her mom schooled her on how to prepare palacsinta. And, she adds, “my dad was the one who taught my mom.” Sylvia’s dad Bela was talented in many ways. In his 20s he was a professional soccer player and even once played an exhibition game against soccer legend Pele. “My dad taught me and my sisters how

to play soccer; we would all watch professional soccer matches on TV. He was a big fan of Maradona and would tell us, ‘He is the closest player to the great Pele; he moves as if he is at one with the ball.’” Bela was a survivor. He and his wife fled Hungary into Austria with gunfire all around them. In Vienna they decided they would take the plane to BC since the ocean and the mountains seen in brochures appealed to them. On the day they were meant to fly to Vancouver the plane never materialized. Instead, they made the quick decision to board the plane for Windsor. Three months after arriving in Canada Bela was getting on-the-

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job training when he suffered severe injuries to his back and leg in an industrial accident. “Soon after that we moved from Windsor to Toronto since the best specialists were at Toronto General Hospital.” Bela endured a body cast for over a year but recovered and amazed doctors when he even regained his ability to walk. He had great physical endurance and a healthy diet – Sylvia’s mom made sure of that with her homecooked meals. She prepared palacsinta for special occasions, such as when he came home from hospital, but also at birthday celebrations, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. “Mom made great palacsinta stuffed with cottage cheese; I remember her sourcing the authentic Hungarian kind at either Kensington Market or the delicatessens along Bloor Street West, known at the time colloquially as Little Hungary. Our own Ted DeWelles, Sylvia’s husband, first tried the crepes at Sylvia’s parents’ house. “We were dating at the time,” Ted recalls. “The palacsinta were just one of the many dishes that made up the traditional Hungarian meal, and for me it was love at first bite.” It all starts with the simple crepe; from there decide how you want to stuff it. I am sure the walnut or fruit-filled ones she described are a treat but Sylvia’s minced ham-filled palacsinta were like music to the taste buds. Delicious! n

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Leaside Life • September 2025

Share my view from Leaside East Making new friends up high Each condo community offers Each day I enjoy seeing the downunique things to do within the town skyline over the treetops of our building. In ours, one of these is the neighbourhood. Tall (mainly) glass random floor gatherings where the buildings continue to punctuate our neighbours of one floor get together city, and many new developments are and meet fellow residents. (It’s just now filled with people enjoying the like a block party, only above the high life right here in Leaside. normal ground level.) Backyard These little communities within BBQs in Zen gardens are a great Leaside continue to spring way for groups of neighbours to up every year. A new name, make new friends, while famLeaside East, has been given to ilies can enjoy special events an area that was originally part in a multipurpose room. of the north end of the Leaside TALL TALES Pools and exercise rooms have Business Park. Townhouses and become a regular meeting place condo towers have altered this for many residents of condo comlandscape. Five buildings and many munities. Theatre rooms are special townhouses offer a different view of places to watch movies together. the streets, parks and shops, with specSocial events are high priority for tacular views of the parkland below. some people within these communiMany people come to live in ties. Christmas, Halloween, and the Leaside for its unique quality of summer BBQ party add to the daily life. There are many stories to be lives of condo dwellers. told from a somewhat higher perThe perks of condo life spective. I will share the sights and Some people enjoy the quiet life, and sounds as I walk through this changcondo living offers that, too. Privacy ing neighbourhood and as I enjoy and security are important factors the view from my balcony above. when choosing the high life. If you go Every day is a new adventure. by ROBERT MACINTYRE

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away for a day or two, or for a month or two, you know your home is secure and will be just like you left it. Condo managers and the board of directors play an important role in the security, financial well-being, and rewarding daily living the residents of each individual condo building come to appreciate. Living in a condo building gives its residents a different view of snowstorms moving into the area, while the summer lightning shows close up can be breathtaking. Snow gives retired residents a choice: do we stay in our warm cozy suite or head out into the slush and ice to buy that container of milk or other necessary grocery item? Warm, dry underground parking is a perk most people adore. Whatever type of housing you choose, Leaside is the real reason the residents live here. The people make the neighbourhood an excellent place to live, work, shop, and enjoy each day of the year. Some just live higher than others. Interested in learning more about Leaside’s high rise scene? Let us know at leasidelife@gmail.com. n

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Leaside Life • September 2025

R E G N E V CA

HUNT

by Susan Scandiffio

Join us for Leaside Life’s first annual scavenger hunt – and win prizes!

So, you think you know Leaside? Maybe you know that the neighbourhood got its name from the Lea family or that Canada’s first official airmail delivery landed at the Leaside Aerodrome in 1918. You might also know that Margaret Atwood graduated from Leaside High School, and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper went to Northlea, or that when the Town of Leaside was incorporated in 1913, its first mayor was Randolph McRae, after whom McRae Drive was named. But when you get down to the nitty-gritty of the neighbourhood, there are many other fascinating bits of trivia that might have you scratching your heads, saying, “I didn’t know that.” We invite you to really dive into the neighbourhood to see what you might frequently walk or drive by without ever noticing. Better yet, when you set out on our scavenger hunt you can win fun and fabulous prizes while scoring at least 10,000 steps on your fitness tracker as you discover a Leaside you never knew existed.

Find the correct answers to the questions and send them to Leaside Life by October 1. Feel free to include photos of yourself or your friends or family finding the answers. Email leasidelife@gmail.com or snail mail this tear-out spread to Leaside Life, 30 Commercial Rd. Toronto, ON, M4G 1Z7. Prizes will go to 5 randomly selected readers who correctly answer 20 or more questions. A super grand prize will be awarded to the first person who answers all the questions correctly.

At Leaside High School, a set of stairs runs up from the track towards Cameron Crescent. How many stairs are there?

Who was the president of the Leaside Lions Club in 1961? Hint: check the plaque on the arch at the southeast corner of Trace Manes Park at Millwood and Rumsey.

On the green wall above The Merchant of Tennis at 1621 Bayview Ave., there’s a white brick with a year engraved on it. What is the year on that brick?

At Leaside Presbyterian Church at 670 Eglinton Ave. E., (corner of Hanna Rd. and Eglinton), there is a stone inscribed with a year on the Eglinton side of the building and a stone inscribed with a different year on the Hanna side. What are the two years?

In what year will the time capsule at Humphrey Funeral Home be opened? Hint: check the plaque to the south side of the front door.

A large rock lies between the Leaside Library and the Georgia Walsh Memorial Playground (Trace Manes). What year was it uncovered? Hint: check the plaque on the rock.

How many courts are there at the Leaside Tennis Club?

In the parking lot on the north side of the Leaside Pub, there is a black door with a gold mailbox and a three-digit number on it. What is that number?

On the Heaps Estrin Building at 1391 Bayview Ave., there is a mural painted on the north side of the building. Who painted that mural? Hint: look in the upper right corner.

Outside the front entrance of Northlea United Church at 125 Brentcliffe Rd., there is a semicircular white bench with a message on it. What does that message read?

Outside the main doors at St. Anselm’s Church, at 1 Macnaughton Rd., there are large, round concrete planters. How many planters are there?

How many flags are flying outside the Leaside Arena at 1073 Millwood Rd.?

There is a Little Free Library on the lawn of 488 Rumsey Rd. (Rumsey and Broadway). What colour is the library?

Just north of the corner of Laird and Eglinton, on the west side of Laird, there is a laneway running between Laird and Sutherland. What is the name of that laneway?

There is an entrance to Serena Gundy Park at the corner of Rykert Crescent and Broadway Avenue. What does the plaque on the stone wall beside the entrance say?

On the stone wall in front of St. Cuthbert’s Church at 1399 Bayview Ave., there are two memorial plaques. Whom are these plaques in memory of?

At the Leaside Fire Station at 231 McRae Dr., there’s a planter to the left of the main doors. What colour is that planter?

BrightPath Academy sits at 235 McRae Ave. in a building attached to the fire station. To the right of the main doors is a stone with an inscription. Who laid that cornerstone?

To the right of the stairs running up from the track at Leaside High School towards Cameron Crescent is a bench with a plaque on it. To whom is the bench dedicated?

Bessborough School at 211 Bessborough Dr. was originally named what? Hint: look above the present school name at the entrances at either side of the school on Bessborough Dr. or Hanna Rd.

What company has their offices over MakerKids at 1661 Bayview Ave.? Hint: look above the windows on the upper left-hand side of the building.

Above the orange door at 209 McRae Dr., there is a word inscribed in a rectangular stone. What is that word?

What bank was housed in the building at 180 Laird Dr., the current home of the LOCAL Public Eatery? Hint: on the Laird side of the building is a round engraving on the wall above a window to the south of the main door.

Outside 131 Hanna Rd. are two initials carved into the sidewalk (in the rectangle with the 2019 stamp). What are those initials?

Who was on the cover of the August 2025 edition of Leaside Life? Hint: refer to the copy delivered to your mailbox or online at leasidelife.com.

At Leaside Village (a.k.a. “Longo’s Mall” is a community mailbox behind the Speedy Glass (behind Chipotle). How many individual compartments are in the mailbox?

Outside the Ritz Barber Shop at 1693A Bayview Ave. is a tall toy car for kids. What is written on the front of the car between its headlights?

What body part is on the yellow signage over the door at 902 Millwood Rd.?

The Toronto Rehab Lyndhurst Centre sits at 520 Sutherland Dr. through the stone gates at Sutherland and Glenvale. What colour are the fire hydrants on the lawn of the centre?

There is a small parking area at the north side of the RE/MAX office at 1739 Bayview Ave. According to a sign on the wall, how many cars are allowed to be parked there?

Tear out this spread and send it in!

Leaside Life • September 2025

Let’s create Agnes Macphail Lane in Leaside We’ve been here before. The community-supported proposal to name the lane between Bayview Avenue and Donegall Drive as Agnes Macphail Lane ran into opposition from City staff, but the drive is being revitalized, hopefully with councillor support. Over a year ago, the Leaside Residents Association, supported by the Bayview Leaside Business Improvement Area and the Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee, proposed that the City move to name the lane immediately behind Bayview Avenue, extending north from Millwood Road to just south of Parkhurst Boulevard as Agnes Macphail Lane. The lane is currently unnamed, and therefore lacks identity, a situation which could become more of an issue over time, especially now that laneway homes are permitted. Who was Agnes Macphail? Agnes Campbell Macphail (18901954) was once described as “the most important woman in public life that Canada has produced in the 20th century.” Macphail’s portrait was pictured on the Canada 150 commemorative $10 bill. In 1921, she

Scarborough) and Agnes Macphail Square, Macphail Avenue (in East York), but unlike the Leaside lane they don’t have a physical link to where she lived, her home and her neighbourhood. became the first woman Member of Parliament elected to the Canadian House of Commons, serving to 1940. As an elected federal representative (1921-40), Macphail fought for prison reform, disarmament, and “equal pay for equal work” for women. In 1943, she became the first woman elected and sworn to sit in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, representing York East (which included Leaside), and she was reelected in 1948. Agnes Macphail’s former home, the Modernist duplex at 720 Millwood Rd. (also known as 2 Donegall Dr.) designated in 2012 as a property of cultural heritage value under the Ontario Heritage Act, backs onto the lane at its south end. Admittedly, there are other naming commemorations of Agnes Macphail in Toronto (Agnes Macphail Public School (in

The first lane naming attempt According to City staff, the proposal met the required level of neighbour support under the Street Naming protocol (which involved a lot of door-knocking on Donegall, Millwood and Bayview by LRA board member Helen Koyama) but did not meet the equity and diversity requirements under the “Commemorative Framework.” This document, approved by City Council in 2022, requires that proposals to commemoratively name or rename a street or city property must demonstrate how they meet the City’s Guiding Principles for Commemoration. These principles “seek to address the historic imbalance of who or what has been recognized in the City’s public spaces by prioritizing proposed commemorations that share the stories of underrepresented groups.” The six guiding principles for commemoration include: “Prioritize commemorations significant to Indigenous Peoples, Black communities and equity-deserving groups” (of which the latter category includes women). Agnes Macphail should be categorized as “equity deserving” in today’s human rights nomenclature, but especially in the context of Canada in the first half of the 20th century. Her work seeking social justice was groundbreaking and certainly congruent with the Guiding Principles’ categories – decades before they became part of contemporary commemoration values. Why a laneway? The Agnes Macphail Lane proposal features two key assets: it facilitates a unified place-based commemoration in Leaside of the life and work of this fine elected official, and it recognizes a woman of great courage and high distinction who was a Canadian trail blazer for “equity deserving groups” decades before contemporary human rights culture and language. The LRA recently forwarded the revised proposal for consideration to Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin. Her staff responded that “we will discuss your concern with the councillor as part of her strategy for naming protocols across the ward. n

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MANOR ROAD UNITED CHURCH Celebrating 100 Years of Spiritual Guidance and Charitable Good Works, May 2025 Join us for Sunday worship 10:30am In-person or live on YouTube

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS: ANNUAL HARVEST FAIR AT THE MANOR Sunday Sept. 21st 1:30 to 4:30pm. Over 20 artisans/ vendors, face painting, bouncy castle, BBQ, beer garden, games, door prizes plus DJ and live music WELCOME BACK/BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Sunday September 8th 10:30am Bring your furry friends, Potluck brunch CREATIVE PLAY FOR KIDS WITH AINSLEY Every Sunday during worship COMMUNION SUNDAY: SEPTEMBER 15 ONLINE YOGA WITH LINDA NICHOLSON Every Thursday 4:30pm Zoom Link email: ministermruc@gmail.com MOVIE NIGHT AT THE MANOR Friday September 26 6:00pm Bedknobs and Broomsticks, free popcorn 240 Manor Road East, Toronto, ON manorroadunitedchurch.com

This summer, the Leaside Garden Society celebrated the summer glory of our community’s most spectacular gardens. In early July, LGS committee members set out under brilliant skies to discover which Leaside and Bennington Heights gardens were shining brightest at the height of the season. With the ongoing heat wave, many front yards have taken on a lush, almost tropical quality — with vines climbing high, vibrant blooms spilling over pathways, and greenery flourishing in near-jungle abundance. Over the course of a week, pairs of volunteers surveyed North and South Leaside as well as Bennington Heights, dividing the neighbourhood into six sections to ensure no garden was overlooked. From each area, the most impressive gardens were brought forward for the committee’s final review. When judging the gardens, the committee considered texture and design, diversity of plantings, pollinator-friendly features, and, of course, that elusive “wow factor.” The result: six outstanding gardens selected for recognition this year. Be sure to look for them on your walks through the neighbourhood: 25 Rykert Cres., 135 Sutherland Dr., 102 Leacrest Rd., 801 Millwood Rd., 24 Bennington Heights Dr., and 510 Broadway Ave. The Leaside Garden Society extends heartfelt thanks to our dedicated committee members, whose time, care, and expertise made this year’s awards possible. Lily Petick is chair, Leaside Gardens of Distinction Awards 2025. n

135 Sutherland Dr.

801 Millwood Rd.

25 Rykert Cres.

LILY PETICK

Leaside Life • September 2025

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Leaside Life • September 2025

Protecting our tree canopy Earlier this summer, residents across Leaside were shocked to hear about the illegal removal of an 80-year-old honey locust tree on a construction site in our community. When the development application for this site was submitted, City staff worked with the applicant on a solution to protect the tree by shifting the proposed building closer to the street. Nevertheless, the developer proceeded to cut down this beloved tree in June, without a permit. Now, they have submitted a new application for additional variances to construct a garden suite where the tree once stood, in addition to rear-yard parking. While this is not the first time a developer has ignored Toronto’s tree bylaw, this incident highlights concerning gaps in the City’s enforcement of illegal tree removals. The matter is currently under investigation by Urban Forestry, with a maximum penalty of $100,000. Fines are not always a sufficient deterrent, as some developers consider monetary penalties a cost of doing business. Staff in Urban Forestry and Toronto Building have advised that the City has no ability to deny or revoke building permits in response to violations as the tree bylaw

HANDYMAN F Est ree ima te

Text me:

647 686 9707

is not considered “applicable law” under the Ontario Building Code. That is why I moved a motion at City Council in July calling for enhanced enforcement tools to hold builders accountable, including a request to the Province for the tree bylaw to be made applicable law. My motion also called for stronger tree protection conditions at the Committee of Adjustment and asked for a report on options to publish information about tree bylaw contraventions online for public reference. I am pleased to advise that City Council passed this motion with overwhelming support. Effective enforcement of the tree bylaw is essential for many reasons. Our wealth of healthy, mature trees is one of the features that makes Leaside such a great place to live. Trees provide

a wide range of benefits including air purification, carbon sequestration, street cooling, and improved stormwater management. For these reasons, the protection and expansion of Toronto’s tree canopy was identified as a key part of our TransformTO emissions reduction strategy. With private land comprising the greatest amount of space for tree canopy growth and preservation, according to the City’s 2018 Tree Canopy Study, protecting trees on infill development sites is challenging, but crucial. Thank you to the many neighbours who remained engaged throughout this process for your helpful feedback, suggestions and updates on this situation as it unfolded. While we cannot undo the damage that has already been done, I am hopeful that our work together following this incident will bring meaningful changes in the way the City, and developers, approach tree protection in the future. Builders need to know they cannot game the system – our bylaws are not optional. I will continue to share updates on this initiative in my future newsletters and on my website rachelchernoslin.ca. n

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Leaside Life • September 2025

ber SeptemEvents

Game on for pickleball kids at Bessborough by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO

For a complete listing of local events for September 2025 visit our web site at https://leasidelife.com/ leaside-events-august-2025/

leasidelife.com Editor: Jane W. Auster Publisher: Lorna Krawchuk Webmaster: Erin Sorhaug Graphic Design: Robin Dickie Advertising: Karli Vezina Social Media Intern: Liv Sorhaug

FH Publishing Inc. 30 Commercial Rd., Toronto, Ontario M4G 1Z4 Comments, Letters to the Editor, Advertising Enquiries: Contact: 416-504-8047 Ext. 120

leasidelifepublishing@gmail.com leasidelife@gmail.com Published monthly in Leaside, Toronto, ON.

Circulation 10,000 to every home and business in Leaside & Bennington. No part of the editorial content of this publication may be reprinted without the publisher’s written permission. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. No liability is assumed for errors or omissions. All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Such approval does not imply any endorsement of the products or services advertised. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising that does not meet the standards of the publication.

Pickleball. It’s taken the world by storm. It’s taken Canada by storm. And as recent issues of Leaside Life have shown, it’s one of the hottest sports – and topics – in Leaside. So now that the adults of the area have ample opportunities to learn and play the game, such as at the new Fairgrounds court on Eglinton near Brentcliffe, it’s time to start getting kids of all ages involved. Pickleball is a great game for kids. With a smaller court, slower ball and lighter paddles than in tennis, the game is accessible for all ages, especially beginners. It’s easy to learn, improves hand-eye coordination and, most importantly, it’s fun. This September, PicklePlayground is bringing their kids’ programming to Leaside with weekend clinics at Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School for kids from JK to Grade 7. PicklePlayground has been on the scene since 2023. Company founder and owner Jeremy Bell taught tennis for many years before shifting his focus to pickleball. Bell came to his love of racquet sports after earning a degree in business administration from Ivey Business School at Western University. “I launched PicklePlayground because it brings together three things I’m passionate about: working with kids, racquet sports, and building something entrepreneurial,” he said. “I’ve always loved coaching and mentoring young people, and I have hands-on experience teaching racquet sports to kids, which made starting this program a

ROBERT BELL

Leaside Life • September 2025

natural fit. At the same time, I’ve always been entrepreneurial, so creating PicklePlayground was the perfect way to combine my love of teaching with my drive to build something meaningful from the ground up.” Tazeena Islam, mother of a PicklePlayground participant, speaks of her son’s enthusiasm about the program: “The super friendly, high energetic team of PicklePlayground make it fun and attractive for beginners.” The kids’ classes will focus on skills, drills and games with a maximum player to coach ratio of 6:1. Pickleball paddles are provided, and kids are grouped based on their age and skill level (though no previous experience is required). To check out PicklePlayground and register your kids, visit pickleplayground.ca. n

132nd Toronto Scout Group Leaside’s largest and most active Youth Group is now ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS ... Contact us today! Activities & Community Service for Boys and Girls aged 5-26 For information about Scouts Canada www.scouts.ca

Check out our web site: www.132nd.com or email: patlawrance@132nd.com. The Scouting Movement is the world’s oldest and largest Youth Organization, and largest educator of children. Scouts have a lot of fun discovering new things and experiences they wouldn’t have elsewhere. Along the way they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world.

Leaside Life • September 2025

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Leaside Life • September 2025

A family favourite for 29 years! On Sun., Sept. 21, Leaside Rotary will be hosting Leaside’s largest family fun event – the Corn Roast in Trace Manes Park. Over 1,000 people are expected to attend. Highlights feature three inflatables and new this year, foam axe throwing. Other activities include a fishing pond, face painting, a candy jar competition, gift basket draw, Leaside firetruck and local vendors. The main draw is, of course, the hotdogs, fresh corn and freezies! A special mention goes to our sponsors, including Community Partner Access Storage, Event Partner Toyota on the Park, and Food Sponsor Loblaws – Moore. The corn roast is fun for kids of all ages. Leaside Rotary welcomes volunteers. If available, contact paigefernades1@gmail.com. n

Please join Isaac & Nyle at their 10th Annual Lemonade Stand!

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Volunteers play a vital role during the school year, in creating a world of possibility for kids and youth with disabilities. You can make a difference by providing support in program areas such as: • • • •

Music and Arts Aquatics Bloorview School and Nursery Schools Therapeutic Recreation, Robotics and so much more!

To learn more about Holland Bloorview’s volunteer opportunities please visit: www.hollandbloorview.ca/volunteer

Drop by 76 Bessborough Dr. on Sunday, September 14th between 10am and 1pm to try their delicious homemade lemonade! Terry Fox inspired so many and Isaac and Nyle are pleased to help support his foundation. Help them make this 10th year the most impactful yet.

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Leaside Life • September 2025

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Leaside Life • September 2025

Leaside’s for the birds gled, allowing the squirrel to make its escape by jumping into the engine compartment of a neighbour’s car. There were the four crows that I’m sure are the same four crows that visit us every year – spring and fall – that somehow found the robin’s nest above my porch light. Despite repeated early morning defences with my broomsword, the crows eventually won and my three-year relationship with Robbie the robin ended. (Insert the too-easy reference to a murder of crows, here.) And finally, the cardinal. As I drove down Bessborough one day, I saw a cardinal fly across the street in front of me and without warning explode like a bath bomb going super nova. In what seemed like slow motion, a small falcon emerged Concorde-like from a cloud of pink and red fluff. It was as oddly beautiful as it was shocking. My extraordinary bird week ended with an email from the pigeon jockey: “I will arrange pickup if you are able to catch it.” I replied, “How do you propose I catch it…?” I left out the last part I had written in my mind – “…given that my falcon has already eaten.”n

by DAVID CRICHTON

a club in Innisfil. This little guy had come a long way. After going down My first thought when the bird an online pigeonhole for several hours, landed on my deck was, “Oh no, a I soon knew enough about pigeon PIGEON!!” No offence to pigeon-lovracing to hold my own in a bar debate ers, but having worked decades in Belgium (where the sport began in downtown, I felt that pigeons were t h e 1800s). An email to the club a nuisance – at best. Feathered B-52s found me its “owner.” Or with an organic liquid payload that would that be pigeon jockey? wreaked havoc on hairdos and Just as I was mentally buildnewly dry-cleaned suits. “Rats ing a pigeon coup in my with wings,” as they were, backyard to house my THE perhaps unfairly, called. And LEASIDE new-found avian where there is one pigeon, OBSERVER Olympian, he there are usually more to flew off. come. I envisioned my backAnd so began yard becoming a feeding ground. a strange couple of weeks How long before grandmothers were of bird-brained behaviour. Maybe it bringing toddlers by with large bags was because it was spring, or perhaps of breadcrumbs, and old Russian men I just became more attuned to birds with bushy eyebrows and dressed in in general. Not unlike when I bought cardigans were setting up chess boards the obscure and unforgettable 1972 outside my kitchen window? Ford Cortina; suddenly there were Upon second look, this pigeon dozens of other brilliant drivers on seemed different, though. Sleeker, the road who valued underpowered prettier. Athletic, even. And there was bland design and never-ending eleca numbered band on its leg. I took a trical issues. For instance, there was photo and a few key search words Leaside’s resident red-tailed hawk that later, I discovered this was no ordinary chased a squirrel across my street into flying rat. It was a racing pigeon. From a hedge where it then became entan-

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Leaside Life • September 2025

ANXIOUS ABOUT SCHOOL?

The Sweet Potato, I miss you! Columnist

Sometimes you lose more than a job when the work ends. For almost a calendar year I was a proud member of The Sweet Potato team, a cheerful, independent grocery store on Bayview Avenue. In February, the doors locked for the last time, and I am still in mourning. The west-end Junction location carries on, but for most of us in Leaside it was the final curtain. Much to my surprise, those 12 months played out like a Netflix series right in front of my eyes. And I was all in for a binge watch. More laughter than you might expect and some unexpected tears, too. As a retired newspaper writer (remember when that was a thing?), I found a home in organic retailing, trying to help customers make healthful eating choices…even when it meant “sorta healthy” junk food. The cast of characters was never-ending, customers, staff and

STEVE HARDY

Leaside Life • September 2025

Steve Hardy

Aspiring rap star Roy was one of many people who made The Sweet Potato a happy place to work.

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in every day, discreetly “sampled” produce, and left with a smile and a kind word or two. We nodded knowingly. There was the emergency doctor from Sunnybrook Hospital who always arrived happy, if sometimes a bit weary. For a man who saw what he no doubt saw, his positive energy was infectious – pardon the terrible medical turn of phrase. There was the young bank employee who brought his mom in to meet us. And the dog walker who baked us delicious treats and always made sure she brought enough for everyone. Then there was Lena, who really should be an advice columnist. The most memorable of all the patrons of our store was the customer who came in several times a week. We’re of the same vintage and we’d talk about everything. She once returned a day after seeming a bit distracted — to apologize for being terse (she hadn’t been). That’s when she told me her husband had fallen ill. There were tears that day. What I did not expect as each month turned to the next and the next was making new friends for life. Like Roy, the Syrian transplant and aspiring rap star who is one of the kindest souls I have ever encountered. Roy always wears a huge smile. Truly nothing fazes this man. Or Sophie, the Swiftie and trivia expert who I’m convinced is a savant. Her ability to process and analyze information would make an AI bot bow down in defeat. And Eva, who tried so hard to teach me Spanish and school me in Mexican cooking. Her success on the cooking front far outpaced my ability to learn Spanish. Then there were the co-owners, CJ and Digs — community-minded, determined to make healthy food accessible to everyone. And finally, Ben – the boss, a man of integrity who is much smarter than he knows. With an intrinsic understanding of the intricacies of human nature, Ben led by example and never lost focus on making sure those working for him had the support to be the best they could be at their jobs. Oh, also a Swiftie. My time at The Sweet Potato ended just days short of a full season. It was a 12-episode arc of laughter, learning, and the kind of plot twists only real life can deliver. RIP to a place that truly was home. n

Rachel Chernos Lin

Leaside Life • September 2025

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Leaside Life • September 2025

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TRAGEDY From Page 3 with his parents at 19 McRae Dr. – the eldest of four children. By all accounts, he was a popular and outstanding student and athlete. Active in track and field, he had just been elected by his fellow classmates as Leaside High School’s first “school captain.” Virtually everyone saw him as a young man of exceptional promise. Sadly, that promise would never be realized. On July 18, 1946, while swimming alone at a campsite on Lake St. Peter, near Bancroft, Ont., Don Johnston drowned. His father tried to save him but failed. Don’s body wasn’t recovered until 45 minutes later. Two local doctors spent nearly three hours performing artificial respiration on the young man – without success. He was just 16 years old. His death shocked the Leaside community, triggering a wave of sorrow and sympathy. Determined to honour Don’s memory, the school held a posthumous award ceremony in November. There, his mother was presented with her son’s school captain’s pin commemorating his “outstanding achieve-

ments.” More than 400 parents, teachers and students attended. In May 1949, the school again honoured Don by dedicating a new flag and flagpole to his memory. The Leaside Board of Education donated the flagpole, while the flag itself was donated by Leaside town solicitor Stanley Schatz, who would later become an Ontario Supreme Court Justice. In addition, the student council said it would place a plaque at the base of the flagpole highlighting Don’s accomplishments. Later that year, the first issue of the school’s yearbook, Clan Call, contained a photo of Don and an essay by Don’s classmate, Fred Caloren, praising him as “a person who lived his life for his friends, his King and his country.” A quarter century later, they still remembered him. When Leaside High held its 25th anniversary banquet at the Royal York Hotel in 1970, some 750 alumni and teachers stood and observed a moment of silence as Johnston’s name was read aloud by school principal James Kerr. Today, the name “Don Johnston” evokes few memories. The original flagpole erected outside the school’s main entrance made way long ago to a newer model. The flag is not the same flag. The plaque is gone. Still, there must have been something very special about this young man to have prompted – and sustained – such gestures of respect, admiration and grief. Leaside – and Leaside High School – should be proud to call him one of their own. Don Johnston is buried with his parents in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. n

UNLEASHED From Page 12 to themselves on their own folding chairs, quietly reading a book. One was Matt, the alpha dog walker who was taking his five charges through their paces. And Charlie, just finished Grade 8 and giving the family dog some exercise. And there was Gladys with her terrier; she was quick to quietly but firmly point out to errant owners where exactly among the wood chips their dog had done its business. This community venue is well maintained and beloved by humans and non-humans alike, and came to fruition with the hard work, vision and dedication of Leasiders like the Carters. Just another reason that Leaside is “best in show.” n

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Leaside Life • September 2025

On the surface As we move into the autumn, today’s column is all about transit. Specifically, surface transit. Buses. In the next little while, and especially once the Eglinton Crosstown LRT goes into service, we’ll all notice big changes in the way the TTC moves us around the city. Of particular interest to Leasiders, there will be fewer buses travelling along Eglinton Avenue between Bayview Avenue and Laird Drive. Several current routes (such as the 56 Leaside and several Don Millsoriented buses), which now overlap each other on Eglinton and deliver

riders to Line 1 at Yonge Street, will be rerouted to the new Line 5 LRT stations instead. The result? More connectivity to subways for people heading northsouth, but fewer buses heading eastwest for those of us who rely on the frequency we currently enjoy. How frequent will Leaside’s local bus service remain once these changes take place? How long might a passenger standing at a bus stop on Eglinton at Rumsey Road have to wait for an eastbound or westbound bus to stop there? Certainly,

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longer than is currently the case. Those estimated statistics have not yet been released. When they are, the Leaside Residents Association will be paying close attention. Another consideration is how far apart bus stops will be located for convenience on foot. According to Apple Maps, the distance between Bayview and Laird stations is one kilometre. TTC Surface Route Stop Spacing Guidelines indicate a standard 300-400 m. If bus stops are located at more distance, there will be fewer riders. The hope – and assumption – is that the reduction of overlapping surface transit will help to ease congestion. It may very well, but the wild card is figuring how many residents might instead choose to abandon transit and drive their cars instead. We need to see the actual estimates to adjust (or not) to the new transit regime. It would be beyond ironic if Leasiders, having lived through LRT construction hell for so many years, ended up with less access to local transit. Good news I do have some positive news to report this month. My recent Leaside Life columns have referred to the upcoming construction closure of Beth Nealson Drive and the TTC’s plan to adjust Leaside’s Route 88, cutting off continuous travel between Leaside and Thorncliffe Park. The original intention would also have required transfers and reduced or removed bus service in the area around Leaside Library, inconveniencing many. Last week I was notified that, instead, the TTC has accepted the alternative hybrid route proposed by Thorncliffe’s Jason Ash and me a few months ago, which will maintain good – and regular – service during the roadwork. Details will be revealed closer to that date. Good news indeed! We thank Councillor Chernos Lin, her staff, and the TTC for their support. The next monthly meeting of the LRA board is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 3rd. It will be in person, at the Trace Manes building on Rumsey and Millwood. We hope you will join us and join in! n

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Leaside Life • September 2025

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