Anyone who’s watched National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation will remember the scene where Clark Griswold switches on a blinding display of outdoor Christmas lights at his home, nearly draining the city’s electricity supply. Clark’s obsession with …more
Last month, over a dozen dedicated current and former Leaside residents met on a wet and rainy afternoon to participate in the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society’s (LHPS) first-ever Remembrance Day Walk. The event was organized …more
Leaside residents who frequent the Loblaws store on Redway Rd. or enjoy hikes in Crothers Woods may be surprised to learn they are near the site of Plywood Fabricators, a company that played a significant …more
The Korean War (1950-1953) is sometimes called Canada’s “Forgotten War,” despite the participation of over 26,000 Canadians in the United Nations-led initiative to halt Communist aggression against South Korea. One of those participants was Flight-Lieutenant …more
Since November includes Remembrance Day (November 11th) I always like to see some commemorative content in the November issue of Leaside Life. This year I have chosen to highlight the 80th anniversary commemorative events on …more
As Torontonians prepare to vote later this month, some Leasiders may remember when this community had its own mayoralty elections. One of the most memorable occurred in December 1962 between Leaside councillor Beth Nealson and …more
As the COVID pandemic has shown, some people will always suspect – and resist – public health measures. This was certainly true in Leaside during the mid-20th century. The issue was fluoridation – adding fluoride …more
From 1924 into the 1970s, Canada Varnish Ltd. was among Leaside’s most established companies. The firm manufactured paints and varnishes at its plant on Canvarco Road off Laird Drive, and its founder/president, Rupert E. Edwards …more
To the adults and children who go there to socialize and play, R.V. Burgess Park at 46 Thorncliffe Park Drive is a popular and valued community asset. But like many other civic landmarks in Toronto …more
The heroic victory of the Royal Air Force over Hitler’s Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain in 1940 is a well-known chapter in history. Equally well-known is the vital contribution the fledgling technology of radar …more
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