New tool for traffic alerts
Our good friends at the Leaside Business Park shared the launch of a traffic alerts tool they developed. It’s designed to help businesses, employees, residents, and visitors better navigate ongoing construction and transit disruptions in and around the Leaside Business Park. The online tool provides real-time, hyper-local updates on traffic conditions, road closures, construction impacts, and transit changes, all in one centralized location. The initiative supports day-to-day planning by helping users anticipate delays, adjust routes, and reduce disruption caused by sustained infrastructure projects. Traffic and transit data displayed are sourced from external feeds, including the City, Metrolinx, Ontario 511, and the TTC. The tool is currently available in a beta phase and is accessible to the broader community. In the future, traffic alerts sent by email will be offered as a benefit to LBPA members, while the map function will stay available to all. The tool is available at https://leasidebusinesspark.com/traffic/.
Earth Day, Leaside style
Who hasn’t heard of Earth Day? Officially, since its launch in 1970, April 22 is the day we’re supposed to “honour” the earth, participate in cleanups, and raise awareness and promote action to protect the environment and combat climate change. But this year, how about Earth Day, Leaside style? Team Leaside Life will be grabbing our gloves and joining Don’t Mess With Leaside team leaders Paul Bolté and John Scott on April 18 as we scour Leaside in a massive cleanup effort. Want to join the fun? Write to us at .
I’m dreaming of…flaky croissants
The Idler was thrilled to see the return of a revamped Rahier, a Bayview staple for an astonishing 30 years! Our ’hood is blessed with a number of flaky buttery croissant options. In addition to Rahier on Bayview there are Bomou, Pâtisserie La Cigogne, and Epi, all with mouthwatering croissants. And just a little farther afield, on Mt. Pleasant, are Jules and Thobors. How to decide? Oh, and did we mention the wealth of independent coffee shop options, too?
Favourite crossing guard?
School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week is from June 1 to 4 this year, but why wait till then to tell your favourite crossing guard how much you appreciate them? The City’s School Crossing Guard Program is the largest of its kind in Canada. As of February 2026, there were 948 dedicated, trained school crossing guards supporting road safety across Toronto. According to the City, the program is one of the many under the City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan. My personal favourite is Mike, who always helps the Idler cross Soudan and Cleveland, near Maurice Cody School. Our neighbourhoods have been well served by our crossing guards over the years. Notable among them:
- – Elizabeth Savary: A 13-year veteran at Maurice Cody PS who was named one of Canada’s favourite crossing guards in 2019.
- – Boris Cherkassky: Served at Bessborough Drive and Millwood Road (St. Anselm Catholic School).
- – Mona Piper: A celebrated long-term crossing guard who served for 43 years at Millwood Rd. and Cleveland St.
Next time a crossing guard helps you navigate our intersections, don’t forget to let them know how much you appreciate them.