Toronto’s New Year’s Eve celebrations on the waterfront

The City of Toronto is gearing up to host the biggest fireworks display in Canada to ring in 2024. On Sunday, December 31 at midnight, residents and visitors to Toronto are invited to countdown to the New Year and witness a free 10-minute, high-altitude fireworks show synchronized to music, visible from anywhere with a view of the city’s inner harbour and also livestreamed online.

Designated viewing areas for the fireworks include:
• Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
• Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W.
• Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W.
• Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr.
• Little Norway Park, 659 Queens Quay W.
• HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W.
• Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.

For those unable to attend in-person, the live webcast begins at 10 p.m. with DJ sets until 11:30 p.m. The New Year’s Eve countdown begins at 11:30 p.m., which will culminate in the fireworks display. The webcast will feature ASL and Closed Captioning and be available on the City’s CultureTO YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Culture_TO.

Unlocking lasting fitness beyond typical NYE resolutions

Planning to kickstart your fitness journey in the New Year? Dive into this guest article by Poul Nielsen, President and Owner of Nielsen Fitness, to learn key strategies for setting achievable fitness resolutions that will last beyond the holiday season.

How to set a smart fitness goal
A goal is a dream with a plan, as they say. But setting a goal isn’t as simple as you may think – if you want to achieve it, that is. Here’s our formula for setting fitness goals that stick. It is based upon the widely-used SMART goals model, and we use it with our clients all the time.

A SMART fitness goal is:

  1. Specific
  2. Measurable
  3. Action-oriented
  4. Realistic, and
  5. Timeline-based

Specific
Not vague. ‘I want to be fitter’ isn’t going to cut it. Think about how you want to look and feel, and what you want to be able to do.
Measurable
Figure out how you’re going to measure it. Body measurements, number of workouts per week, how long you can hold a plank, or how many push-ups you can do.
Action-oriented
What steps (actions) are you going to take to reach your goal? In this case, how often will you work out? What will you do? What other dietary or lifestyle habits will you implement to support your fitness goal?
Realistic
In terms of timing and what’s possible. Be realistic – but that doesn’t mean don’t be ambitious! Don’t be afraid to have a big goal! You CAN see big results, but be realistic about the timing (next point). At the same time, doing too much too fast, or in an unsafe way is a no-go. If you need clarity on what’s realistic for you, we’re happy to help you figure that out.
Timeline-based
Set a deadline. One of the reasons we check-in with clients for assessments on a regular basis is to evaluate progress towards goals and set new ones. Even if you have one big overarching goal, it works really well to set smaller ones and build upon them.

The SMART Goal Setter is the perfect tool for setting measurable and realistic goals. This tool is meant to be printed and used daily to help you stay on track – and motivated – as you move towards a new, healthier you.

So there you go. Using this formula will give you a much higher likelihood of success – and it works just as well for non-fitness related goals so use it freely!


Need some help? That’s what we are here for! At Nielsen Fitness, we’re here to lift you up. Work with us in our private training studio in Leaside for a top-notch workout. Learn about Leaside studio training. And if home is where your heart is, our in-home personal training across Toronto has you covered. See our in-home training in Toronto.

Poul Nielsen is the President and Owner of Nielsen Fitness, Toronto’s leading provider of in-home personal training. Visit www.nielsenfitness.com for more information or to book a complimentary consultation and fitness assessment.

Seeking witnesses: Hit-and-run incident on Whitewood Rd

A concerning incident occurred on Whitewood Road, near Millwood, where a car’s bumper was discovered on the ground. The owner of the car, returning from work on Bayview Avenue, is seeking assistance.

Anyone residing on Whitewood Road, or with access to security camera footage in the area between 9:30 am and 3:45 pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, is urged to reach out. Help solve this hit-and-run mystery by contacting news@bayview-news.com. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

End of an era: Sunnybrook Plaza demolition has begun

Since its fencing off in 2020, the long-anticipated demolition of Sunnybrook Plaza has finally commenced — in December 2023.

“Leaside Heritage is proud to say we now have in our LHPS collection, donated by Concert Properties, the clock, SP and Sunnybrook Plaza signage from the tower plus the letters that surrounded the offices which spelled, “Sunnybrook Plaza Offices”.” Leaside Heritage on Facebook

Letter to the Editor: Aging in Place

Hi there Bulldog team,

I was searching around for resources for my elderly mom and came across information on a Lunch n Learn you ran in September called: Aging in Place. Sadly – I missed the event BUT it looks like it would have provided info that I am always looking for – resources in Leaside to help seniors, like my mom, to continue living independently in their family homes.

I think that a regular series showcasing senior’s services available in the ‘hood would be a great idea for the South Bayview Bulldog. There are so many folks – like me – trying to keep aging Seniors in the family home and info about what is available would be sooo helpful.

In this context I came across an amazing Personal Trainer in Leaside who works exclusively with SENIORS that is really deserving of some profile. I found Carolyn, when I was looking for in-home help for my elderly, yet fiercely independent mom who needs a regular, regimented fitness program to keep her active.

Without inspiration, coaching, structure and a little cheerleading my dear old Mom simply will not do much to maintain her physical well-being and a regular escort to a gym, aquafit or some other out-of the-home programming is not an option.

Seniors need to move to keep their mobility, dexterity and balance; they have to ‘use it or lose it’ to stay independent and Carolyn is truly dedicated to keeping seniors mobile, active and MOTIVATED!! She really knows her stuff, she’s kind, super professional and personable.

I was pretty lucky to find this service and truly blessed that Carolyn had room in her schedule for twice-weekly sessions for my mom. It is such a relief to know that Carolyn is stopping into the house regularly to get Mommy movin’.

I think that your readers would be thrilled to hear of this in-home option for their aging Mom or Dad and to hear of other services like this on a regular basis. Carolyn’s email is carhayes1609 at gmail.com, or call 416.320.1614 for anyone who would like to get in touch.

Best regards,

Tricia B. (Leaside Resident)

Please note that the views expressed in this letter belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or stance of the blog or its administrators.

TD Bank renovation nears completion at 1213 Bayview Ave

The new TD Bank undergoing renovation at 1213 Bayview Avenue is nearly done and gearing up for its opening. It’s going to replace the current branch right across the street at 321 Moore Ave.

Previous: (March 2023) TD Bank taking over former Hasty Market (Bayview/Moore)

Bayview Biz: Fresh additions to our diverse restaurant scene

Signs have been posted announcing the openings of two new restaurant options for the Bayview-Leaside BIA.

Hermie’s will be setting up shop at 1595 Bayview Ave. They closed their popular Filipino & Canadian restaurant at 701 Queen Street East on October 29th, 2023, with hints of a new location on their social media feeds.

Zzavía, is a new pizza place that is set to open at 1597 Bayview Avenue. Their banner says “Reimagine Pizza”. Intriguing, we’re looking forward to it! (A Turkish restaurant was supposed to be opening at 1597 and 1599 Bayview Avenue, but from what we could see through the windows, they started demolition of huge space in 2022, but all work stalled after that.)

Grand opening specials at My Roti Place/My Dosa Place (1574 Bayview Avenue). On December 6th, starting at 11:00am, they will have select dishes including Butter Chicken Roti and Channa Masala Roti (Vegan) on offer for only $4.99.

Filmmaker and Leaside alumnus, Charles Officer has died

In remembrance of former Leaside High School student Charles Officer: a visionary filmmaker whose compelling portrayals of Black Canadian life touched hearts and garnered acclaim.

Watch CBC’s tribute to Charles Officer’s legacy…