As the crisp air of autumn settles in, Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (LMCG or Leaside Gardens) is gearing up for another exciting season filled with activities and events that bring the community together. Many of LMCG’s user groups, such as the Leaside Skating Club, Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association, and Leaside Hockey Association, continue to lead the way, offering residents of all ages opportunities for sports, recreation, and fun.
For over 70 years, LMCG has been a cornerstone of Leaside, where friendships are forged, memories made, and local heroes honoured. Whether you’re cheering on a team, attending an event, or enjoying a casual skate, Leaside Gardens remains the perfect place to connect with family, friends, and neighbours. As a proud board member, I’m excited to share the latest updates, reflect on recent events, and invite you to three upcoming fall happenings you won’t want to miss.
A year of unique and memorable events
Leaside Gardens has always been a venue for diverse and exciting events, and this past year was no exception. Before the start of summer Leaside Gardens was privileged to host Montreal’s world-renowned artistic skating group, Le Patin Libre, for five shows the week of April 22nd. Jointly presented by FallForDance North and TO Live, fans of modern dance and figure skating experienced Murmuration, a show featuring figure skaters and dancers performing exquisite choreography set to contemporary electronic music. The National Arts Centre described the performance as “dancers transforming into flocks of birds in this dizzying ballet on ice that will take your breath away.”
Following that, with the ice out on the Bert Grant Rink, Leaside Gardens was able to welcome different groups to the arena for ball hockey and roller derby throughout June and July. We were delighted to welcome back Toronto Roller Derby for weekly practices and, for the first time since Covid, brought competitions back to Leaside. On June 15th, the Toronto Toxins took on Durham Region Roller Derby, and on July 13th the excitement continued with a double header seeing Toronto take on Kingston and Grey Bruce. It’s been fantastic seeing our community come together for these thrilling events – as widely different as they may have been.
Fall at Leaside Gardens
This fall, LMCG is thrilled to be hosting three major events at Leaside Gardens, each offering something special for the community.
2024 Concussion Seminar
The Concussion Seminar at LMCG highlights the importance of concussion awareness and prevention in sports. Organized by the LMCG board of management’s safety committee and community relations and operations committee, this annual event is vital for parents, coaches, athletes, and community members. It covers the latest research, treatment, and prevention strategies, with a focus on young athletes, providing the community a chance to stay informed on concussion safety and hear from leading experts.
The 2024 Concussion Seminar will take place on Thurs., Oct. 17th, at 7 p.m. at the Gardens in the William Lea Room (1073 Millwood Rd.), with a virtual option available on Zoom here. No sign up required. For more info, contact 416-421-4944 or visit leasidegardens.com.
This year’s seminar will feature Dr. Shannon Scratch, a clinical neuropsychologist at Holland Bloorview specializing in youth post-concussion symptoms, and Dr. Michael Hutchison, director of the Centre for Sport-Related Concussion at St. Michael’s Hospital. Both are associate professors at the University of Toronto, with Dr. Hutchison also holding positions at the Keenan Research Centre and NHLPA. Their expertise will provide valuable insights into concussion management and prevention.
Leaside Sports Hall of Fame 2024 induction ceremony and community reception
The Leaside Sports Hall of Fame is a cornerstone event celebrating the athletic achievements of Leaside’s residents and sports teams. Since its inception, it has honoured athletes, coaches, and teams who have shaped Leaside’s sports history. The annual induction ceremony recognizes both past contributors and rising stars, offering an evening of celebration, pride, and community for athletes, families, and sports enthusiasts.
The Leaside Sports Hall of Fame 2024 induction ceremony and community reception will take place on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at the William Lea Room in Leaside Memorial Community Gardens. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at www.Leasidesports.com. For more information, contact 416-988-2937 or email .
This year’s guest speaker will be Leaside’s own Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. Known for his wit and insight, Terry promises to deliver an entertaining and thought-provoking talk at 7:30 p.m. Following his address, the inductees will be celebrated, along with the presentation of the Athlete of the Year and Team of the Year awards.
Remembrance observation – Friday November 8, 2024, 10 am
The Town of Leaside wished to commemorate and honour those servicemen from Leaside who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of freedom during World War II. As a registered war memorial, LMCG holds a special place in honouring our veterans.
Opened in 1952, following the war, the local arena was chosen to be memorialized in their honour. Leaside Gardens was dedicated on the golden anniversary of the Town of Leaside, on Sept. 13, 1962. A memorial plaque depicting the names of the fallen service men is located on the easterly corner of the facility’s entrance.
In Sept. 2018, Leaside Memorial Community Gardens was admitted to the national inventory of Canadian Military Memorials, a repository of memorials and monuments located in communities across the country. Currently, more than 7,500 memorials are posted on the website.
This year LMCG will hold an Act of Remembrance that will include the recitation of the Names of the Fallen, a reading of In Flanders Field, commentary by Leaside historian Ted de Welles, and the Last Post, Lament and Reveille on trumpet and bagpipe. All are encouraged to attend.
See you at the Gardens!
