(formerly Leaside Property-Owners' Association)
The LRA has noted two concerns about the Committee of Adjustment after it resumed operations in a virtual format. First, we have attended multiple online meetings where the Committee has failed to connect deputants – i.e. Leasiders who have registered to speak about a variance application – in order to hear their oral statements. Although some technical problems are understandable, their …
An effect of COVID-19 is lower public transit usage worldwide. If all – or even many – of these trips are instead taken by car, Toronto would be gridlocked. To try to avoid this, the City is expanding the cycle network to help people get around more safely, as part of the Active TO program. But as local advocacy group Cycle Toronto points …
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, located on the border of Leaside, is a large green space where people have an opportunity for quiet contemplation, exercise, and enjoyment. The province set up the cemetery as a statutory trust in the 1800s. It is the view of many local residents, including Friends of Toronto Public Cemeteries (FTPC), that the …
The LRA supports the recently created petition to Restore the Leaside Ravine Destroyed by Metrolinx Crosslinx initiated by local residents on Thursfield Crescent to appropriately restore the trees that were clear-cut on the north side of Eglinton Avenue between Brentcliffe Road and the West Don River. The petition notes that Metrolinx, after previously saying that it …
Bellwood Health Services operates an addiction treatment rehab facility at the north end of Brentcliffe Dr. Since re-opening in 2016, the facility has welcomed everyone to use its grounds for walking, dog-walking, and so on. Bellwood recently informed us about several problems that it is experiencing with people entering its site: Being verbally abusive to staff and patients, …
The Committee of Adjustment (“C of A”) is resuming hearings this month. The first hearing for North York District, encompassing Leaside, will be virtual on June 11. It will consider 20 applications, including two in Leaside: 27 Divadale Dr. and 77 Southvale Dr. Plans and related materials are available at the City of Toronto Application Information Centre. …
Michael Garron Hospital recently asked for 1,000 handmade masks per week to help protect patients and visitors against COVID-19. The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO), a Thorncliffe Park charity, and the Leaside Residents Association recently teamed up to help answer that call. A big thank-you goes to: TNO, which has the capacity to take on a project …
On the first weekend of May, people around the world are encouraged to participate in Jane’s Walks. These are free local walks named after urbanist Jane Jacobs, with the aim of sharing stories, learning about their communities, and connecting with neighbours. (For more information about Jane Jacobs, please check out the TVO documentary.) Due to COVID-19, there are no …
The LRA wrote to the Mayor and City Councillors on Sunday, April 26, expressing support for making more space available for pedestrian and cycling use. The LRA cited Eglinton Avenue between Bayview Avenue and Laird Drive as a stretch of road where automobile speeds urgently need to be reduced. The Mayor’s office responded on Tuesday, April …
Did you know that Northlea Elementary and Middle School opened in 1944? Here are some photos from the collection of a parent in the school’s early years. Elizabeth (“Betty”) Duck was an original 1946 homeowner on Divadale Drive, and these photos feature – and are shared with the support of – her daughter, Mary Jane …