Leaside Life Issue 168 May 2026

Leaside Day is almost here!

I, for one, have been anxiously awaiting this special event celebrating all things Leaside.

As we’ve said before in Leaside Life, “On Sat., May 23, 2026, we’ll be gathering at the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (William Lea Room) for a two-part community day timed around Leaside’s anniversary season. The goal is simple: to create a day where people can connect, learn, celebrate, and leave feeling proud of where we live.”

Jane Auster Editor Leaside Life

Of special interest will be presentation of the results of our firstever Leaside Residents Community Survey, which Leaside Life , along with the Leaside Residents Association (LRA) and the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (LMCG), has been spearheading. Even as early as the first week of April, we had received several

hundred responses to the 10-12minute survey. I won’t reveal any trade secrets. Suffice to say, the responses so far have been illuminating – and surprising.

Leaside Day will also feature a special guest speaker whose career is all about creating vibrant communities. Gil Penalosa, who ran for mayor in 2022 against John Tory (and came in second), is the founder and chair of 8 80 Cities, with its focus on creating successful cities for people of all ages at all stages.

His views are inspiring and innovative – and ideal for a day dedicated to vibrant community.

There will be so many more activities on Leaside Day – too many to mention in this brief editor’s message. You’ll just have to come out and see for yourselves! n * *Sales Representative Our team specializes in delivering a tailored, seamless real estate experience that ensures our client’s success in every home buying and selling journey.

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by JASON ASH

Community gathers to reimagine the former Ontario Science Centre

Over 100 community members, including many Leasiders, met last month at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute to brainstorm guiding principles and ideas to reimagine the former Ontario Science Centre for the continued public benefit of the community.

The Science Centre was closed abruptly by the Ontario government in June 2024 under controversial circumstances, and as Leaside Life readers will know, the Science Centre’s roof has not collapsed from multiple heavy rainfalls or snowfalls.

What you might be surprised to learn is Metrolinx has begun to build the Ontario Line’s Flemingdon Park Station in the OSC’s south parking lot and is using its remaining parking lots for construction staging for the next few years.

April’s meeting, the first in a councillor-led series, was co-hosted by

Councillors Josh Matlow and Jon Burnside, the Save Ontario’s Science Centre group (Save OSC), and Moriyama Teshima Architects, and was the result of a motion passed at City Council – specifically, a strong 23 to 1 vote by Council to “express its support for the remaining Cityowned lands at 770 Don Mills Road

(Ontario Science Centre), not covered by the proposed Housing Now site, to remain solely for recreational and educational purposes.”

Didn’t the province sell the Science Centre to condo developers a long time ago, though?

THE BRIDGE

No. Despite the closure of the Science Centre, the 99-year lease between the City of Toronto, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), and Ontario is still in force.

Toronto still owns all the tablelands, i.e. all the land visible from Don Mills Road. The TRCA owns the Centre’s ravine lands down to E.T. Seton Park, while Ontario owns the vacant buildings.

As a result, we have a real chance to influence decision-makers to breathe new public life into Moriyama’s

SCIENCE CENTRE Page 26

LEASIDE/DAVISVILLE'S REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST I

Betty Trott – philosopher, contrarian, Leasider

by GREIG HENDERSON

Elizabeth (Betty) Trott has been a Leaside resident since the 1950s. She attended Northlea Elementary School and got into trouble because of her reluctance to make a baptism declaration and affirm her belief in God. A contrarian from the outset, she was thrown out of class at Leaside High School for asking questions about religion and other forbidden topics that teachers did not expect to encounter and could not or would not answer. Luckily, she had an understanding principal, who said “Betty, you will have to wait until you get to university for your questions to be answered.” He offered neither punishment nor preaching. “Keep going,” was all he said. As Betty reflects, “his no praise, no criticism, along with his admonition to just keep going, impacted me tremendously as I look back. Sometimes I was inspired by

LEASIDE PEOPLE

success to keep going, but often by anger, internal unexpressed anger. Leaside High School enabled me to experience obstacles and to contem-

Trott

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plate sensible advice, not flowery sympathy.”

Betty kept going, doing her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Toronto and her Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Waterloo. Securing an academic position as a female philosopher in the 1970s was not easy. After finally being hired by the Department of Philosophy at Ryerson University in 1990, she spent 28 years there, retiring in 2018 as a full professor.

Betty was not merely a scholar. She also did choreography for amateur theatre groups, acted in plays, sang in musicals, and directed The Trial of Egerton Ryerson, now available on YouTube. She is an avid canoeist and stays healthy by doing four to five-kilometre hikes in Sunnybrook Park.

Multi-research interests

Betty’s research interests are extensive, but two of her abiding passions are philosophical idealism and Canadian philosophy. Neither is fashionable in an era in which analytical philosophy and scientific materialism reign supreme. Nevertheless, as she points out in “Canadian Philosophy and Philosophy in Canada,” “idealist metaphysics – which sees the world as an extension of concepts and ideas grounded in consciousness and rational analysis, including logic and dialectical relations – became the most reliable groundwork for many early philosophers in Canada…. At the roots of early writings in Canada, idealism enabled imaginative alterations for a new multicultural world.”

Even though courses dedicated to Canadian philosophy are few and far between, Betty argues that there is a rich body of writings that deserves to be studied. She elaborates this argument in a book she wrote with Leslie Armour – The Faces of Reason: An Essay on Philosophy and Culture in English Canada, 18501950. Although this book focuses on English Canada, Betty’s other

TROTT Page 30

Susan Scandiffio Columnist

Enthusiasm powers Zachary Brown on and off the slopes

Zachary Brown is one enthusiastic kid!

Spend some time with this 9-yearold and chances are you’ll be swept up by his bright smile and positivity.

Whether he’s talking about friends, family, school or sports, the Rolph Road student has plenty to be excited about.

When it comes to school, Zachary notes that he “loves math!” and in and outside school, he “loves playing with (his) friends!”

And while he plays multiple sports, including hockey, soccer and baseball, Zachary especially enjoys skiing.

Following in the footsteps of his father Neill, who has been skiing and

snowboarding for 37 years, Zachary first hit the slopes when he was 4. And as he excitedly proclaims, “I love skiing! I do it every single year!”

This year, Zachary worked hard in freestyle skiing and excelled at performing tricks, jumps, and aerial manoeuvres including the spread eagle, the daffy and a double twister.

He did so well, in fact, that out of a group of 13 kids in a U10 Slopestyle Ski event at the Caledon Ski Club, Zachary took home the gold medal, which he now has hanging in his room along with other medals earned along the way.

Supported by his parents Linda and Neill, Zachary spent hours on the hill this winter. His coach Matthew, he notes, “was so hard on me but when I was up on the podium he was shouting ‘yeeeaaaaaahh’… he was so proud. … I earned his respect.”

And now that skiing is over for the season, Zachary admits that “I am a bit sad that it’s over.” But in classic Zachary style, he happily notes that, in addition to his summer sports, “now we get to focus on the MLB because we LOVE the Blue Jays!” n

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Leaside Heritage Preservation Society

A forgotten Leaside Olympian

With the 2026 Winter Olympics now over, I was curious to find out how many Olympians have called Leaside home over the years. I discovered at least eight – including Rich Ferguson (track and field, 1952), Catherine Carpenter (speed skating, 1972) and Sean O’Sullivan (boxing, 1984). Until recently, O’Sullivan was the only Leasider I knew of who had ever won an Olympic (silver) medal. But there was another Leaside medalist I had overlooked.

Her name was Dorothy Brookshaw (1912-1962). She and her husband, Jack Marr, lived at 231 Sutherland Dr. from 1940 to 1947. By that time, Dorothy – or “Dot” as she was called – had established herself as one of the best female sprinters in Canada.

World-class athlete

Born in Toronto’s York Township in 1912, Dot Brookshaw was competing in track and field events at an early age. By the time she was 16, she was already a key member of the Canadian Ladies Athletic Club’s championship relay team. In 1931, The Canadian Ladies Athletic Club championship relay team, 1929. L-r: Grace Raney, Dot Brookshaw, Kay Griffiths and Peggy Mathieson.

she was elected president of the Lakeside Ladies track and field club.

An elite athlete and sprinter, she competed in – and won – numerous races in Canada and the U.S. throughout the early 1930s. These included the 60- and 80-yard sprints, the 100-metre dash, and the 400-metre relay. This fierce competitor, who the Toronto Star declared had “a fighting heart that doesn’t know the meaning of the word defeat,” was named Ontario’s outstanding female athlete for 1935 by the Women’s Amateur Athletic Federation of Canada. This, despite a serious spine injury incurred from a 1933 car accident.

As a result of her athletic prowess, Dot was chosen to be among the 18 women representing Canada in the 1936 summer Olympic games held in Berlin, Germany.1 There, on August 9, she and her teammates won a bronze medal in the 400-metre relay before a crowd of over 100,000 spectators – including Adolf Hitler. Although they placed third behind the U.S. and British teams, the foursome set a new Canadian relay record.

Leaside years

After returning to Canada, Dot became engaged to Jack Marr. Jack was himself a former athlete who had been a championship speed skater. The couple married in 1937 and three years later bought a new, five-room bungalow in Leaside for $5,000. By this time, Dot had largely retired from competition but remained involved in other ways. Importantly, she became coach for the Lakeside

Sushi reigns supreme at Nigiri-Ya on Millwood

Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life

Did you know that “nigiri” from Japanese means fish with a small ball of rice, and that “ya,” in some translations, is “house” or “shop”? So now you have some insight into the specialty at Nigiri-Ya, a special sushi restaurant at 897 Millwood Rd. in the strip plaza between Randolph and Sutherland.

Donald Choe, a Korean who lived in Japan for a few years, bought the business from its original owners 12 years ago and became the head chef. He has maintained the specially marinated salmon and traditional vinegar and rice the original owner featured. Now, joined by two other owners, also Korean – Shawn Kwon and Woohyun Jung – the restaurant is in expansion mode with an additional location in Newmarket, where Donald will now be the head chef.

Shawn says, like many Koreans, he loves Japanese food. He decided during Covid that since he loved sushi, he’d learn how to make sushi. Finding mention of Nigiri-Ya on a Korean website, he called and was told to come over.

Fast forward, and now Shawn is one of the three owners and often the chef in the Leaside kitchen. This is a small operation, open only from 4 to

9 p.m., except Mondays, and most orders are takeout. Last orders are at 8:30 and closing is at 9. The restaurant has not raised its prices, even though many costs have risen. The challenge is to estimate how much fish, especially, they will use in one or two days. Shawn’s instruction to staff about freshness? “If you will eat it with a smile, then keep it – if not, throw it out.”

A strip mall in Leaside may be an odd location for a sushi restaurant, but this one is doing well, even though “it’s not fancy, it’s busy.” Shawn says, “customers are polite, and patient, even helping a new Korean staffer with little English knowledge complete orders.”

Originally, Nigiri-Ya had its own delivery system, but now uses professional pick-up/delivery companies. One way you can help the business is by ordering your takeout an hour before and then picking it up yourself. The restaurant offers a 10 per cent discount if you do your own pickup whereas the delivery companies charge the restaurant around 30 per cent for their deliveries.

There’s even a cheat sheet on what to choose, and how to eat the selections once you’ve chosen. Turns out that nigiri, like sushi, is really finger food, to be eaten in one bite. And if you really want to dip it in soy sauce, turn it so that the fish is in the sauce, not the rice. They do offer gluten-free choices and are working to offer a separate menu listing those items that are gluten-free, to make choosing safer and easier.

Even though the emphasis is on fresh fish at Nigiri-Ya, there are many other choices among their sashimi or maki rolls. Tasty. n

The heart of hockey lives at Leaside Memorial Gardens

by BRANDON PARENT

In Leaside, hockey is more than a game – it’s a community gathering. And nowhere is that more evident than at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Arena, a facility that once again proved itself to be the beating heart of the community during the 45th annual Toronto Leaside Wildcats March Madness tournament.

Hosted by the Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association, one of the largest female hockey associations in Canada, the tournament brought 175 teams from across Ontario, Quebec, and New York to Toronto. While games were played at arenas throughout the city, Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (LMCG) stood as the tournament’s epicentre, buzzing with energy, connection, and competition.

Across 23 divisions, from U9 to Senior C, the weekend saw more than 400 games played. Yet beyond the scores and standings, it was the steady rhythm of life inside LMCG

that defined the event: early morning arrivals, the hum of conversations in the stands, the scrape of skates on ice, and the constant flow of players and families moving through the rink.

From the tournament’s opening puck drop – a U9A matchup between the Wildcats and the Burlington

Stanley’s White House Meats

Barracudas – to the final whistle of the closing championship game, the arena served as a stage for both competition and community. Players aged 7 to 19 and older took to the ice, while parents, coaches, and spectators filled the stands, reinforcing the role of LMCG as far more than just a sports venue.

The arena’s reach

For many, the arena is a place that extends beyond active participation in the game. Ian Campbell, Leaside resident and former Wildcats coach and parent, returned to LMCG during the tournament despite no longer having a child in the program. For him, the draw was simple: the atmosphere.

It’s “a community hub where you can spend time watching kids do what they love in a safe and healthy environment,” offering a front row seat to the dedication and growth of young athletes. That sense of continuity – of people returning long after their direct involvement has ended – is part of what defines LMCG’s place in Leaside.

The strength of the facility as a hub is also reflected in the success of its home teams. The Wildcats delivered standout performances throughout the tournament, capturing championships in the U15A, U15BB, U15DS, U18AA, and U18A divisions. Under coach James Roxborough, the U18AA team secured gold with a convincing 3-1 victory over North Bay, while the U15AA team

Please turn off your phone for the duration of this story

by DAVID CRICHTON

As I stand in line at the Wicksteed RBC, waiting my turn, I do what the three people ahead of me are doing: I check my phone. For no particular reason, really. I’m as guilty as the next person of this tech-induced tic, borne out of boredom. No different from how we used to check our watches. Only now, instead of confirming the time, we check our phones to confirm that no one has texted us or posted on our social feeds. Gone are the days when we actually engaged with our fellow lineer-uppers in idle chit-chat. … “How long have you been waiting?”

“They should put another teller on.”

“The flowers are coming up.…” Useless? Absolutely. But human. Instead, we stand in silence, heads down, communing with Gorilla Glass. These handheld computers have changed us in ways we never imagined. It seems like just yesterday that my family’s wall-mounted

Contempra phone cord could be stretched from the kitchen, around the corner into the hallway for me to make a “private” call. All the while leaving me vulnerable to a sister hanging up from the next room just as I worked up the courage to ask Wanda Flemming to the school dance. Gone, too, are the days when you could say, “See you at 4,” and that was your entire plan. No texts, no updates, no tracking. You just showed up, after a nice drive of no distractions and a little me-time. And if you were late, it would be a few hours before anyone even started to wonder where you were.

You knew your friends’ phone numbers. Directions lived in your head. Getting lost and finding your way back was a badge of honour. And if you couldn’t get back, there was always a Frank, Jim, or Angelo

at a gas station who could give you a friendly reset of your internal compass.

Now, however, what we’ve gained in convenience, we’ve surely lost in courtesy. What were once private conversations with Wanda have now turned into speakerphone broadcasts of banality. Instead of just scooping my roasted cashews at Bulk Barn, I now get the full scoop on how Stan forgot to pick up Tracey’s dry cleaning. And because the phone is no longer just a phone, I’m robbed of alone-time with my latte and oatmeal cookie at Lit Coffee because there’s at least one person listening to TikTok videos of some life coach preaching how “Masculine men don’t argue with women…she is the waterfall, and you are the river.…”

Oh, and guess what? Having earbuds in while responding loudly to whomever you’re talking to doesn’t make you courteous because I can’t hear them, it just makes you 50 per cent rude.

And, please, I’m begging you, is it too much to ask that I enjoy my bi-weekly sushi treat at Kintako without you watching an Instagram reel of a pack of A.I.-generated wolves attacking cars on a highway, while you stand waiting for your pickup order?

Driving is where it really gets me, though. There are those who hold their phones down low to avoid being seen on their phones, thereby taking their eyes even further off the road. However, NOT hiding it has left me even more incredulous at times. Like the time I pulled up to the light at McRae and Laird, beside a young woman with her window down, talking about the deals she scored at Winners. I looked over and not only was her phone being held by one hand up in the air, but she was on a FaceTime call. It’s at that point that she turned to me, and I gave her a look as if to say, “Are you kidding?” Without a hint of shame, she giggled and turned her phone screen toward me. A guy –presumably her partner – waved. And I, reflexively, waved back. With that, I was snapped back to reality as my wrist vibrated, and a loud retro phone ringer broke the hushed tones of the bank. Ugh. My watch. I quickly tapped the face and, like a secret agent, cupped my hand and whispered into my wrist.

Thrilla on the grilla at Grilltime under new owners

For the first time Grilltime, Leaside’s own premier retailer of juicy BBQworthy steak, poultry and seafood, has changed hands, with the new owners promising to respect its roots

while at the same time taking things to sizzling new heights.

Founder Andy Elder has passed the tongs to North Leasider Jeff Leathem and Peter Ramirez, who

has been at Grilltime almost since day one. Andy had a successful career managing big restaurants and franchises like Mr. Greenjeans, Shoeless Joe’s and Mr. Greek but always wanted to be his own boss. “There are clear risks becoming an entrepreneur, but the benefits have been huge,” Andy confided. His calculated risk paid off; opening a shop on Laird in 2008 was a gamble since, being a Leasider himself, he couldn’t recall ever shopping on that busy thoroughfare. But fast forward to 2026 and Laird is a destination for top quality grilling meats.

I sat down with Jeff and Peter as they shared one of Grilltime’s most popular and tastiest specialties, their top cap sirloin roast, otherwise known as picanha roast, and a large serving of back story.

“Last year Andy made the decision to retire and sell the business; Peter and I saw prospective buyers come through, many of whom had plans to change Grilltime in a big way,” explained Jeff. Jeff and Peter had grown to love the place, so to maintain the shop so many Leasiders relied on for quality proteins and friendly service, they decided to buy it together.

Meet the new Grilltimers

Grilltime turns 18 this autumn; Peter has been working there for 17 of those years. Born in the Philippines and raised in Toronto, Peter is adept at preparing food with flavour. After studying culinary arts at George Brown College, he worked at the Old Mill, Toronto’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, known for its gastronomic excellence. “I started off peeling vegetables and worked my way up to saucier, but I liked the idea of working in a small business; Grilltime matched the plan.”

As is fitting for a purveyor of choice animal cuts, Jeff used an anatomical metaphor when praising his business partner Peter: “Andy, the founder, was the all-important face while Peter was the central nervous system of the operation.”

Jeff came to work at Grilltime in the summer of 2023, originally as a part-timer. But he remembers shopping there as a teenager when he’d go with his dad, the barbecuer-in-chief at home. He attended Northlea and LHS, then studied history and psychology at Western. A man of many

Mitch Bubulj Columnist

talents, he played hockey, rugby and football at high school and wanted to get into the film industry after graduation. Before settling on a career, Jeff took courses at George Brown College in butchery and French cuisine that led to his working parttime at Grilltime since it was just down the road. Pretty soon he started taking on greater responsibilities like cooking and catering.

“We have done events at Kreitmaker, the Leaside Curling Club and the RClub. I envision catering more private events as well as offering cooking classes at our restaurant,” Jeff said. He also plans to grow Grilltime’s media presence. Both he and Peter like a challenge; this past St. Patrick’s Day they got an order for corned beef. “We had never done it before but researched a good brine recipe

and technique and got great feedback from the customer,” Jeff enthused. They smoke their own meats and have started offering daily specials: pastrami sandwiches on Monday and porchetta sandwiches – Jeff’s favourite – on Tuesday, for example.

The recipe for top cap sirloin roast, which Peter shares, is juicy and flavourful, best teamed with their own chimichurri sauce. This and other cuts are available at Grilltime; they can vacuum seal your order or prepare it in front of you on one of their grills.

Andy started Grilltime intending it as a fun interactive place to shop and socialize. What stays with Andy are the good memories of friendships made. During my visit a longtime customer had to come over to give Andy a hug. She told me, “A while back when I had three kids under 4, Andy would deliver orders to our house! He will be missed.”

Many Leasiders consider founder Andy and Grilltime inseparable. But grill easy: Jeff reassures us that Andy – a friend and mentor – is their biggest brand ambassador and remains a partner in spirit. n

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Garden suite application withdrawn

The headline of one of my columns in last month’s Leaside Life urged readers to “Join Leaside’s opposition to fourplex’s garden suite.” A month later, the Leaside Residents Association lawyer has just advised that the owner/applicant is “abandoning their pursuit of the variances approved by the Committee of Adjustment” for a garden suite at the 712 Eglinton Ave. multiplex. Also, “the City’s appeal may be allowed on consent …. the Committee of Adjustment decision approving the application is to be set aside and is of no force and effect.” Earlier that day, I had heard from the lawyer that the Toronto Local Appeal Board (TLAB) had confirmed the hearing dates as June 8 and 9, 2026. Guess they will not be required after all! What a remarkable turn of events in just one day. However, there is another application for a multiplex plus garden suite application, at 221 Donlea Dr., not far from 712 Eglinton, that also has a TLAB appeal – but this time by the applicant, not the City. This application requested two vari-

Geoff Kettel Saving Old Leaside

ances, including front yard and side yard allowances to facilitate a new three-storey fourplex and eight variances for the accompanying garden suite. The proposal generated significant concern from neighbours regarding its suitability for the site.

More (covert) tree removals

Before submission of the application, several large trees were removed from the site. According to neighbours, these removals took place in the dead of night, between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. No applications had been submitted for the removal of these trees, and as such no measurements of their diameters had been taken. While it is undetermined whether the trees met the diameter threshold for protection under the private tree bylaw, the circumstances of their

removal are of significant concern, and were investigated by CityNews. At the hearing on March 5th the applicant revised or removed several of the variances for the garden suite. Despite this, the Committee of Adjustment refused the application. It appears that the applicant submitted a TLAB appeal within the required time frame, but no details are available regarding hearing dates at present.

Special thanks are due to Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin for her written objections to both applications, and in the case of 712 Eglinton, the victory was only possible because she brought the motion to Council to appeal the Committee of Adjustment approval of the garden suite application.

Thanks also to residents who contributed to the Leaside Residents Association for the costs related to the 712 Eglinton TLAB appeal. The appeal for funds stands, although costs will be much reduced compared to those for a full hearing. The Donlea appeal is waiting in the wings. n

The community shows up for DMWL’s big cleanup day

by JOHN SCOTT AND PAUL BOLTÉ

The momentum behind “Don’t Mess With Leaside – Keep Leaside Beautiful & Litter Free” truly began in February with a simple but powerful moment. David, a Leaside resident of more than 50 years, was spotted picking up four discarded coffee cups along Bayview. When asked why he took the time to do it, his response was simple and unforgettable: “I like my Leaside clean!”

Thanks to David, that small act sparked something bigger. What started as one person’s effort has grown into a shared community mindset: “We All Like Our Leaside Clean.” On April 18, families, kids, long-time residents, community groups, and people from all walks of life came together for DMWL’s Leaside Earth Day – working not only to clean up our neighbourhood, but to begin shifting how we think about litter.

Momentum steadily built in the weeks leading to the event. Residents reached out after reading about the initiative in Leaside Life. The Leaside Baseball Association got involved. Families volunteered their time. Long-time anti-litter advocates like Cheryl stepped up to help connect people and resources.

Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin offered her (hands-on) encouragement, and Bayview shops showed their support with decals and prizes.

Then, on launch day, the community converted intention into action.

More than 50 volunteers – from young children to seasoned residents – came out to participate. Together, they collected over 50 bags of litter from our streets and parks –waste that might otherwise have ended up in storm drains, rivers, and the wider natural environment. But something else happened, too….

When one person picks up litter, it can feel unusual and maybe even uncomfortable. But when an entire community does it together, it

becomes something else entirely: normal, shared, and expected.

That’s where real change begins.

“Don’t Mess With Leaside” isn’t just about what we accomplished on a single April day, it’s about what we carry forward: a sense of pride, a shared standard, and a quiet agreement that litter doesn’t belong here – not on our streets, not in our parks, not in our streams, not in our community.

As you walk along Bayview, you may notice window decals in local shops supporting DMWL. These serve as a visible reminder that businesses, community organizations, and residents alike are committed to keeping Leaside beautiful and litter-free.

And this is only the beginning. Leaside Earth Day isn’t just one day – it’s a mindset for all 365 days of the year. More clean-up events are already taking shape this spring and summer. If you have an idea or want to get involved, reach out to Leaside Life. Because, as we saw on April 18, this is something people truly care about. After all, “We All Like Our Leaside Clean!”

A special thank you goes to the incredible team at Leaside Life for helping promote DMWL, and to every volunteer who came out to support the effort. Without you, collecting over 50 bags of litter would not have been possible. You make a difference! n

“I really enjoyed participating in this community activity. I think it’s important to participate because it works on important skills like initiative and helps you realize the importance of community engagement.”

— Matthew Forbes, Gr. 10.

“Glad I was able to help! Today was fun and we were able to make a difference. Hopefully, more people will step up to keep Leaside clean. Thanks for having me today!

— Edward Amadi, Gr. 11

Working together for a safer Leaside

Earlier this year, my office began receiving an increasing number of emails from Leaside residents concerned about neighbourhood safety. These messages reflected a broader trend across Toronto: increasingly brazen home invasions involving masked intruders targeting car keys and other valuables.

Although recent investments in the Toronto Police Service have contributed to declines in some crime categories, the rise in home invasions has been deeply unsettling for residents. This concern is shared by the Toronto Police Service, me, and colleagues at the provincial and federal levels. A break and enter (B&E) typically involves unlawful entry into an unoccupied home, usually to commit theft. A home invasion, by contrast, is a robbery that occurs inside an occupied home and involves direct confrontation, threats, or violence. The trauma associated with these crimes for victims and families cannot be overstated.

Toronto has seen an uptick in home invasions in the first few

Rachel Chernos Lin Councillor, Don Valley West

KEEPING SAFE

months of this year. Citywide, incidents are up 12.3 per cent year over year, with 64 cases recorded to date. In Leaside–Bennington Heights, property crimes account for 72 per cent of reported safety concerns, with auto theft representing 47 per cent. Of the 64 incidents reported across Toronto, four occurred in Leaside and two in Lawrence Park. While these numbers may seem small, the impact on residents’ sense of safety and security has been significant. To better understand what has been happening on the ground and to respond directly to residents’ concerns, I organized virtual community safety meetings for Leaside and Lawrence Park, respectively. These meetings brought together officers

from the Toronto Police Service’s 53 Division and the Hold Up Squad, along with MP Rob Oliphant and MPP Stephanie Bowman. More than 500 residents attended between the two meetings, and hundreds of questions were submitted in advance. The strong turnout underscored how deeply this issue is felt across our community.

During these meetings, police shared local data and outlined how resources are being targeted to address emerging patterns, including increased presence in affected areas and a stronger emphasis on prevention. Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activity promptly, as timely reporting can significantly improve outcomes. Police also emphasized that everyday preventive measures can make a real difference. These include improved lighting, clearer sightlines around properties, parking vehicles in garages whenever possible, and reinforcing doors and entry points. Additional options discussed included window security film, alarm systems, and audible strobe devices, which can deter intruders and draw attention quickly. Residents may also request a free home security audit by contacting our local neighbourhood community liaison officer. Creating or joining a Neighbourhood Watch group is another effective way to stay connected, share information, and look out for one another. By staying informed, taking practical steps, and continuing to work closely with police and all levels of government, we can strengthen our community and ensure Leaside remains a safe, connected, and welcoming community.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

• 53 Division Main Line: 416-808-5300

• Toronto Police Non-Emergency Line: 8-7-7 or (416) 808-2222

• Crime Stoppers: (416) 222-TIPS or 222tips.com

• Request a Security Audit: 53Division@torontopolice.on.ca

• Join the Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) or join a Neighbourhood Watch: Contact PC Tim Somers via email at timothy.somers@tps.ca or call 416-808-5337

• Emergency Line: 911. n

Leaside’s safety

If you’ve been on a London, UK bus, tube or train in the last decade, you’ve likely heard Matthew Streeton’s voice. Matthew isn’t a Leasider, he’s a voiceover actor and the voice behind British Transport Police’s “See it. Say it. Sorted.” safety campaign.

Like Britain's campaign, the Toronto Police Services’ “Make the Right Call”; the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police’s “If You See Something, Say Something” and Oshawa’s “See it. Report it.” share the same goals. These campaigns are intended to raise awareness and encourage residents to report unusual or suspicious activity to support police efforts.

Suzanne Park Columnist

Leaside’s April 7th virtual safety meeting, with almost 200 registered residents, was hosted by MP Rob Oliphant, MPP Stephanie Bowman and Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, who also chaired the meeting. (See her report on the previous page.) During the two-hour session, several Toronto Police Services officials and staff shared current information and relevant strategies for addressing residents’ safety concerns as expressed in their questions submitted in advance of the meeting.

Our local politicians and police urge us to report suspicious activity, in a timely manner, as what you see and report may be relevant to a past or impending crime and adds to police data on trends and locations of crime across the GTA, not just in Leaside. n

Leaside’s built heritage just got richer

by MITCH BUBULJ

After more than half a century the mystery is solved. No, not a “Murder on Millwood” but that building on Bessborough that had me stumped. I confess I am a built heritage nerd and have been since grade school. The structure I refer to is at the corner of Sharron and Bessborough, diagonally opposite the school playing field. I remember in Grade 8 thinking it was different from all the other houses in the neighbourhood. Turns out the home, built in the cottage style, is the work of William Lyon Somerville, one of the most important Canadian architects of the 20th century.

I made the discovery after randomly turning a page, though in this case I am inclined to disbelieve that events happen merely by chance. At the Toronto Reference Library, I was poring through stacks of old Canadian Homes and Gardens magazines researching York Lodge, later known as Divadale, for an upcoming article. A black and white photo in the June 1926 issue caught

my eye and twigged a memory. It was THE Leaside corner house, albeit a mirror image. Turns out it was Somerville’s own residence, located at 269 Oriole Parkway. Same stone and stucco, same dimensions, even the same quaint wooden cornice detail and leaded windows only with the front door on the left rather than the right.

adept at designing small, comfortable, sturdily built and fire-resistant labourers’ homes at a low cost – a talent acquired 25 years before when he was hired by Leaside’s own Canada Wire and Cable to build housing for their workers.

In fact, the 68 Canada Wire and Cable homes, mostly semis but also detached two-storey and bungalow dwellings – on Rumsey, Airdrie and Sutherland –still stand. His designs were selected because he planned homes that were economical, attractive and comfortable – showing respect for and consideration of the families who would live in them.

Leaside has institutional buildings designed by noted architects such as the library by Moffat Kinoshita and the old Imperial Bank of Commerce on Laird (now Local Public Eatery) by Marani and Morris.

Who was William Lyon Somerville?

William Lyon Somerville, born in Hamilton in 1886, studied architecture in Toronto and New York City and established his practice here in 1919. His designs can be found in five provinces; much of his work was done in southwestern Ontario. He designed the Henley Bridge with its carved ship’s prow along the QEW at St. Catharines as well as the original buildings of McMaster University.

At Niagara Falls he created the Rainbow Tower complex made famous by Marilyn Monroe’s long walk around it in the movie Niagara He designed hospitals in Niagara Falls, Hamilton, St. Thomas and Fort Erie and the Bond Street addition to St. Michael’s hospital in Toronto. He also restored three historic forts: Fort Henry, Fort George and Fort Erie.

During his long career he served as president of the Ontario Association of Architects and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

During World War II he was vice president of Wartime Housing Limited, funded by the federal government, which was tasked with providing accommodations for workers in war industries. He was

Only a few renowned architects designed Leaside houses, notably Jack Brenzel and Charles Halliwell. Most of our housing stock, now close to 90 years old, was constructed not by famous architects but quality builders like Bellomo, deMarco, Slightham, Talbot and Brockington in the Georgian and Tudor revival styles that comprise our local heritage.

We have a fine example of a Somerville-designed home on Bessborough Drive (pictured). And while a rear addition was added decades ago, the house maintains its original charm. It represents Somerville’s love of the well-crafted cottage, before his “conversion” to the international style sometime in the ’40s. His family dwelling on Oriole Parkway still stands and is well maintained, but alterations to its façade mean that the Bessborough version of his idyllic country home is the truest version of the style. Like much of our classic housing stock, this Somerville gem enhances the streetscape. Did I say mystery solved? Two puzzle pieces remain outstanding: when was it built and for whom? A close friend of Somerville’s? A fan? If any Sherlocks can help crack the case, let us know. n

I D E W A L K S I D E W A L K

Millwood mystery solved!

Local resident creates ‘noise’ around big issue

by GEOFF KETTEL

In last month’s Leaside Life I reported on the mystery of finding who was behind the flyer drop regarding the development application for 922 Millwood at the corner of Randolph Road. The flyer said it represented “the undersigned residents of the Millwood community.”

In my capacity as co-president of the Leaside Residents Association, I was contacted by people concerned that they had received an anonymous flyer and wondered where it was coming from as there was no identification on the flyer, only a QR code. Caution is necessary when you use QR codes – you must ensure they’re from a trusted source. Turns out, the flyer was the work of an enterprising resident. Denis

Borisenko, the creator of the flyer, confirmed that he’s a resident on Sutherland Drive. His idea behind the flyer was to create a local, focused WhatsApp group to inform neighbours and gather signatures to voice their concern about the proposed development. Amazingly – Denis reports they had more than 100 signatures, and he forwarded this information to the City and Councillor Chernos Lin for further action.

Mystery solved! Know that the LRA is there for residents facing development – and other – pressures. And I will be sure to raise the idea of using WhatsApp or similar apps to assist with local information sharing. Thanks, Denis! n

heritage-listed Centennial project for all of us, including the existing buildings, the grounds, and the ravine surrounding it.

For his part, Councillor Jon Burnside has stated that his 30,000+ Flemingdon constituents, soon to be joined by 17,000 new housing units approved or under construction, are in desperate need of new public educational and recreational facilities.

The former Science Centre site, 568,000 sq. ft. of buildings on a 50-acre property, is large enough to be both a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the needs of Flemingdon residents and reimagined as a multi-use destination for families in the greater Don Valley, including Leaside, and beyond.

April’s public consultation made it clear people remain upset about the Ontario Science Centre’s loss, but they have new ideas too, including a district library, reconnecting the city with nature, and, yes, even STEAM programming!

Participants also expressed their love for Moriyama’s masterpiece on its architectural merits and their desire for it to remain an important public gathering place in the Don Valley for generations to come.

We need the province, and Ottawa, to finally join the City of Toronto to save it.

The next public consultation will be on Sat., May 23rd, at 1:30 p.m. at Metro Hall.

Jason Ash is co-chair of Save OSC. n

Step Right

The day the James Lea House nearly burned to the ground

Camp

by TED DEWELLES, Leaside Heritage Preservation Society

The James Lea house at 201 Sutherland Dr. is one of the oldest and most historic residences in Leaside. Built between 1900 and 1909 by James Lea (1877-1952), the grandson of Leaside’s first settler, John Lea Sr., it’s been “listed” on the City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties since 2006.

James Lea resided in the house until 1919, then moved to Russell Hill Rd. in Forest Hill, where he lived for the rest of his life. After his departure, the house was occupied for many years by Thomas Aitkin (1863-1942), a watchman at the Canada Wire and Cable (CW&C) factory on Laird Drive. According to the Toronto City Directories, he and his wife Emma rented the house from at least the mid-1920s until 1941. At times their son James, also a CW&C employee, lived with them; and in 1940, another CW&C employee – Albert V. Ashworth –and his wife also lived with them.

Toward the end of April 1940, much of Ontario experienced a rash of grass fires from people burning refuse and yard waste. On the last weekend of the month, more than 50 such fires were reported in Toronto alone. Several of these occurred in

Leaside – one of which took place in a vacant lot right next to the Lea house on Sutherland Drive.

Apparently, sparks from the fire fell on the roof and ignited it. Thomas and Emma Aitkins, along with Albert Ashworth and his wife, were inside at the time. Local residents quickly came to the rescue. The elderly Mr. Aitkins, who was sick and bedridden, had to be carried out on a mattress. His wife was evacuated still sitting in a chair. The Ashworths were uninjured. One of the neighbours who rescued the couple was Jack Marr, a former champion speed skater, who had just moved onto the street.

Luckily, the house did not suffer any serious damage. About 25 years earlier, two other houses belonging to the Lea family were not so fortunate. William Lea’s famous and unique octagon house was deliberately burnt down by the Canadian National Railway in July 1913. Less than a year later, in March 1914, the residence of John Lea, the first brick house in Leaside, was also destroyed by fire.

Today the James Lea house remains one of the few truly historic structures in Leaside. Our community is fortunate that it has been preserved as a visible testament to Leaside’s early days and origins. n

• CONCRETE REPAIRS: STEPS/WALKWAYS/PADS

• STONE MASONRY: BACK DECKS/FRONT PORCHES/STEPS

• INTERLOCK PAVERS: BACK PATIOS/WALKWAYS/STEPS

• RETAINING WALLS

• TUCKPOINTING

• BRICK REPAIR

• CHIMNEY REPAIR

• WATERPROOFING

MANOR ROAD UNITED CHURCH

Celebrating over 100 Years of Spiritual Guidance and Charitable Good Works

Join us for Sunday worship 10:30am In-person or live on YouTube

SCRIPTURE STUDY WITH REV. DR. JJ

Every Sunday 9:30am to 10am

CREATIVE PLAY FOR KIDS WITH AINSLEY Every Sunday during Worship

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Sunday May 2 10:30am COMMUNION AND POTLUCK BRUNCH Manor Road 101st Anniversary

Wednesday May 5 2 to 3pm MINDFULNESS IN MOTION Labyrinth Walk

Saturday May 23 & Sunday May 24 10am to 4pm DOORS OPEN TORONTO

Friday May 29 6pm MOVIE NIGHT AT THE MANOR

“The Sponge Bob Movie: Search for Square Pants” Free popcorn

240 Manor Road East, Toronto, ON manorroadunitedchurch.com

Design ~ Build ~ Renovate

TROTT From Page 4

writings recognize the invaluable contributions of French Canadian and Indigenous philosophers to our national dialogue. For her, “Canada is a multicultural idea, held together not by overpowering pronouncements but by dialectical tensions and perpetual debates. Philosophy helps to reveal new meanings, not just confirm old ones.”

Concrete,

Aligning herself with Plato rather than Aristotle, Betty sees philosophy as a form of storytelling. Aristotle’s deductive logical methods and empirical observations may have won the day and made philosophy what it is now – a community of specialists speaking to themselves. But what if there is a way to understand philosophy as an edifying narrative that engages both reason and imagination in an ongoing conversation? In “Philosophy as Storytelling,” Betty answers this question: “Philosophical stories… must meet the demands of our shared logic and sometimes force us to rethink our beliefs and claims. Yet these stories must also continue to serve the visions of the imagination and the knowing that we do not know….Philosophical practitioners are deceiving themselves if they think that with their scientific methods of analysis, they are offering truth. Those that aspire to absolute truth reveal the risks of transcending storytelling, because once we believe some truth or moral command, we don’t turn those stories around and give them new readings…. We will no longer think that we need to hear new stories.”

Such intellectual modesty reflects the foundational principles of Canadian philosophy: change, accommodation, understanding, diversity, and tolerance. “Yes,” Betty observes, “we are different kinds of Canadians, and we may not always like each other. But we still need each other to survive.” n

OLYMPIAN From Page 8

Ladies Track Club, the same organization where she had earlier served as president. Occasionally, she even put on her track shoes to run in a race or two.

World War II was well underway by now, and Dot also found herself increasingly contributing to the war effort. Along with other members of the Lakeside Track Club, she joined the Red Cross to assist in the Red Cross British Bomb Victims Fund. And in March 1942, she was asked by the government to coach the track athletes of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Praising the appointment, the Toronto Star reported that the army had secured the services of “the best [female] competitive relay runner Canada ever turned out.” She also served as chair of oversees shipping for “Bundles for Britain,” a program organized by the WAAF which collected and sent clothing to needy British children. Another program she was involved in was the “Dorothy Club,” which raised money to purchase a Spitfire fighter plane for the British air force (RAF). Dot’s sports and war-effort activities ended once she had her first

child in 1943. By 1948, she and Jack had moved from Leaside to Dawlish Avenue in North York, where they raised their family. Sadly, Dot died from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1962 at the age of 49. Following her death, the Montreal Star called her “one of Canada’s finest relay sprinters,” adding that “some athletes you forget; others like Dot, you

remember.”2

Dot Brookshaw Marr, one of the many impressive individuals who made Leaside their home, is buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. n

1 The infamous “Nazi” Olympics, dominated by the African American sprinter Jessie Owens, whose many wins at the games disproved Nazi propaganda about the superiority of the Aryan race.

2 Myrtle Cook, “In Women’s Spotlight,” Montreal Star, Sept. 21, 1962.

narrowly missed a title in a hard fought final against Thunder Bay.

Roxborough pointed to the importance of having a central, community-driven facility like LMCG in sustaining that level of success.

“Leaside is the gold standard for hockey in the core of Toronto,” he said, emphasizing the role the arena plays in bringing players, coaches, and families together.

For visiting teams, LMCG’s impact was equally significant. Adam Vinet, coach of the Thunder Bay U15AA team, highlighted the challenges faced by northern programs, where long travel distances and limited competition are the norm. For those teams, arriving at a facility like LMCG – and competing in a tournament of this scale – represents a rare and valuable opportunity.

With the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association Provincial Championships approaching, Vinet noted that the level of competition and organization provided by the tournament is critical preparation.

LMCG once again demonstrated its enduring role as a cornerstone of the community. n

New Jane’s Walk explores land use changes in Leaside

by GEOFF KETTEL

The first weekend of May offers a multitude of opportunities to get to know our city at ground level. The 2026 Jane’s Walks Toronto features some 150 (mostly) walks, and one features Leaside. “Multiplexes and More – Exploring land use changes coming to an established neighbourhood,” the same changes this column has highlighted in recent months, offers an opportunity to walk, listen, talk, ask questions, and even understand how to engage with the changes.

The City has introduced two key planning initiatives affecting our neighbourhoods: the Expanding Housing Opportunities in Neighbourhoods (EHON) to permit multiplexes (sixplexes in Toronto and East York, fourplexes in North York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke) and the Major Transit Station Areas program, which mandates increased numbers of “residences and jobs” based on 200-metre and 500-metre circles around subways, LRT and GO-Transit stations.

Leaside has a distinct physical/ architectural, social and economic character, planned with adjacent residential and business districts, and incorporated as a town in 1913. How will these initiatives affect Leaside’s character? Jane’s Walk in Leaside will examine the status and potential future impact of these changes. We will consider many types of development applications but focus on multiplexes. On our walk we will note that multiplexes are NOT new to Leaside and

will visit the historic Talbot quads (Bayview south of Eglinton) before proceeding to the new multiplexes coming to the Eglinton Avenue area. The perspective taken by the walk is that there is a lot of change happening in our city neighbourhoods, and much more to come, especially in those neighbourhoods adjacent to, and benefiting from new rapid transit lines. Yet the community, and the public are generally unaware, and are unprepared for the changes. For info email leasidelife@gmail.com. n

Clean our streets and sidewalks I regularly read Leaside Life with interest. I was pleased to spot the opportunity to voice my opinion on a questionnaire, which I filled out on my iPhone after scanning the QR code. I feel very strongly about the appearance and safety in Leaside. I often stroll along Bayview in order to enjoy engaging in the community. BUT since a long time now, we have noticed a total deterioration in cleanliness on the sidewalks and the streets. Garbage everywhere, neglected bus shelters, and an overall disgusting feeling on walking on dirty streets. WHY??? Are we not proud to live in Leaside anymore? Are pedestrians left to their own devices in terms of icy sidewalks, narrowly shoveled paths that barely allow us to walk safely? I see old people on walkers afraid to move, frustrated young parents pushing their child buggy through the partially shoveled paths. The list could go on. Bottom line: The City NEEDS TO CLEAN THE STREETS and sidewalks! Please do something. Mobilize the proper channels and let us NOT look like a filthy, dirty Leaside.

I thank you for taking action.  Erika Younger

Note: Letters to the editor may be edited for space. n

EventsMay

LEASIDE DAY IS HERE!

Sat., May 23: See details on opposite page.

LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY

Speaker Series: Thu. May 14, 7:00 p.m. In person at the Leaside Library 165 McRae Dr. (Refreshments at 6:30 p.m.) Guest speakers: Najeeb Siddiqui and Michelle Delaney (Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers) Nurturing Nature through Wildlife Supportive Gardens in Thorncliffe Park. The Society is offering a $2,000 scholarship to a full-time postsecondary student planning to enroll in the second or subsequent year of a horticulture-related program at a recognized Canadian institution. This scholarship was established to honour those who had the foresight and energy to form the Leaside Garden Society. https://gardenontario. org/society-listing/entry/320/ Visit: http://www.leasidegardensociety. org or email: leaside@gardenontario. org for info.

LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH

822 Millwood Road 416 425 1253

Leaside United Church Awesome Spring Sale, May 8, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. & May 9, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

NORTHLEA UNITED CHURCH

125 Brentcliffe Road 416 425 5252 www.northleaunited.ca office@northleaunited.ca Spring Clothing Drive In support of families in Flemingdon Park. Sat., May 2, 10:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. Clean, new or gently used clothing accepted.

CFUW LEASIDE-EAST YORK

Thu. Apr. 16, 7:00 p.m. In person. Northlea United – 125 Brentcliffe Rd. Jazz/Black Music during the early 1950s and 60s reflecting Russia and USA Civil Rights. Speaker: David Basskin, former host The Nightfly, Jazz FM91.

ST. AUGUSTINE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH 1847 Bayview Ave

Groove Room Coffee House Fri. May 8, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Listen to great live music and have a coffee and dessert with friends. Pay what you can with 100% of the funds going to the Flemingdon Food Bank.

We are looking for performers. Contact info@saintaugustine.ca.

ST. CUTHBERT’S, LEASIDE

ANGLICAN CHURCH

1399 Bayview Ave. 416 485 0329 www.stcuthbertsleaside.com stcuthbertleaside@toronto.anglican.ca

Tai Chi Tuesdays 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Suggested donation $5. Join us! New Circles Clothing Drive Collecting men’s/women’s clean and in good repair seasonal clothing for New Circles – please, no underwear or socks. May 3-10 – container outside the St. Cuthbert’s Road door.

TREE PLANTING EVENT

A Day of Stewardship and Wildlife Habitat Learning. Sat. May 9, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Taylor Creek Park. Drinks, snacks and pizza. To register and for more info https://www.132nd.com/ tree-planting. n

Doultons

and

William Lea Room Events:

May 2, 10am – 4pm

Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Spring Sale

May 3, 10am – 3pm The Record Vault Record Show

May 23, 1pm – 4pm Leaside Day Presented by Leaside Life

May 24, 10am – 3pm Sports Card Show

Wednesdays May 6, 13, 20, 27

Duplicate Bridge Games and Lessons

Thursday May 7, 14, 21, 28

Duplicate Bridge Games and Lessons

For more information, please visit www.Torontobridge.ca

Free Adult Public Skating

11am – 12pm for adults (18+) only

Tuesday, May 5, 12, 19, 26 Thursday, May 7, 14, 21, 28

Free Community Public Skating

Saturdays 5:15pm-7:15pm

Saturday May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

All ages welcome. Helmets mandatory for children 12 and under and recommended for all skaters. n

Editor: Jane W. Auster Publisher: Lorna Krawchuk Webmaster: Erin Sorhaug

Graphic Design: Robin Dickie Advertising: Karli Vezina

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.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Meet your community clubs & organizations

• Leaside anniversary cake

• Kids activities and contests

• Art and photo exhibit

• Leaside historical display

• Music, treats and special guests

• Leaside Residents Survey results

My Leaside Life column this month focuses on an issue not usually considered ‘local.’ But it couldn’t be more local: the introduction of hundreds or even thousands of community mailboxes (CMBs) across Toronto once home mail delivery ceases. This will have multiple impacts, and as more becomes known will likely become quite contentious in Leaside and elsewhere.

We await Canada Post’s detailed plans for our neighbourhood, but they will affect us all, given what we do know, and based on the experiences of other low-density communities within cities.

So far, the debate has concentrated mainly on the cost of the current postal system but let us instead consider

It’s in the mail

Carol Burtin Fripp Co-president LRA

placed on grass boulevards. How many of Leaside’s grass boulevards will disappear to create enough space? How many trees will be affected?

Will the land be expropriated, or located outside high traffic sites such as schools, plazas, parks, and major roadways?

Boxes must be located no farther than nine metres from an intersection. Will this affect residents’ private driveways and parking?

Additional space should be factored in for residents and drivers to pull up to their community mailbox to collect the day’s mail. How do you prevent sites becoming blots on the landscape?

will decide? Will there be prior consultation with affected residents? CMBs must be located close to the street to allow Canada Post’s large trucks to deliver mail to the box, which means they are likely to be

Because of its size and weight, a CMB needs to be supported on a heavy concrete base, which creates a considerable visual obstacle. What effect will this have on pedestrians wanting to safely cross the street? Will there be an increase in collisions and accidents, especially during peak collection times, or when residents park facing oncoming traffic to avoid crossing the street?

Whose responsibility will it be to provide and maintain site lighting, and to clear snow (and rubbish) away from the concrete bases, to assure safe, reliable and timely accessibility for all?

Lots of local potential consequences, and lots of questions, but so far very few answers from Canada Post.

Leaside Day is almost here

Summer volunteer opportunities

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is now accepting applications for Summer 2026 volunteer opportunities. Work alongside our exceptional team as you make a meaningful contribution to aquatics, recreation, life skills, and rehabilitation programs for children and teens with disabilities. Full-time and part-time volunteer positions are available in July and August.

Applications are now open.

To learn more about our summer volunteer opportunities, please visit: www.hollandbloorview.ca/volunteer

The month of May is upon us, and there’s lots going on.

Did you fill out the Leaside survey in April? Find out more in Leaside Life ! The LRA and Leaside Life both hope you’ve marked your calendars for LEASIDE DAY, Sat., May 23rd, from 1-4 p.m. at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens. And remember to attend the Leaside Residents Association’s Annual General Meeting on Tues., May 26th, at 7:30 p.m., also at the Gardens in the William Lea Room.

Finally, our regular monthly LRA board meeting takes place (once again in person) at 7:30 p.m. on Wed., May 6th, at the Trace Manes building. All are welcome to attend. n

COMING NEXT MONTH

SENIOR FITNESS

Eglinton Ave E

Wicksteed Ave Don Mills Rd Laird Dr

Ave