Do you ever wonder how neighbourhoods get their distinct vibe? Certainly, the streetscapes, housing stock, and physical location are factors. Still, I believe it’s the people – the residents, leaders, vendors, and business owners – that more significantly weave the fabric of a given community.

Sometimes, particularly in multicultural urban centres like Toronto, neighbourhoods can be shaped by waves of immigration, as I discuss in my popular blog, ‘Gentrification, Densification, And The History Of Toronto Real Estate‘. Yet, as our City expands and becomes more connected – and communities interconnected –  through technology, the one-staunch lines between ethnic pockets, begin to bleed and mix.

To the point where community-shaping now relies less on the past, and more on our hope and vision for the future.

In many cases, sculpting the character and spirit of a neighbourhood is a carefully curated exercise. This is thanks in no small part to active residents and local vendors that are committed to collectively creating a pervasive vibe for where they dwell and serve. A great example of this kind of intention exists within the spirit of Toronto’s Business Improvement Associations.

One of the best that I know of (and one that has some of the coolest events!) is the Bayview Leaside BIA.

The association was established in 2015, and is a collective of cool shops, eateries and shops. It embraces an old-school Main Street vibe, brushed with contemporary flair.

The Bayview Leaside BIA embodies the communities of Leaside and Davisville Village, spanning approximately five blocks. There is a focus on independent businesses that enrich the lives of area residents, both with unique offerings and the beauty of proximity.

The guiding principles behind the BIA and their collective of enthusiastic neighbourhood vendors are borrowed from small-town ‘Main Streets’ from eras gone by; places where everything that a resident might want is at the ready, right up the street – and on the same street, where you can wander from shop to shop! The association strives to achieve safe, eclectic, and enriching pedestrian living.

Community events in this lively stretch of neighbourhood run throughout the seasons, and offer things such as holiday shopping, a visit from Santa, carolling, Applefest, and an annual Sidewalk Sensation event, which includes among other things, a host of family -friendly entertainment.

There is even a Hot Mom Walk, hosted weekly by West Coast Kids, where new moms can get out and about, with some socializing & exercising with other families. It’s indicative of how dialled in this community is in delivering events, products and services that suit its residents.

Here is a list of BIA businesses, and you’ve got everything you need in one place, with style. You’ve got banking and professional services, music studios, salons & spas and super-cool purveyors of one-of-a-kind goods. And for running errands, there is the LCBO, Cobs Bread, patisseries, and more.

Hungry? Thirsty? Have brunch at Ramona’s Kitchen. Have a glass of wine at The Daughter wine bar. Grab some casual fare at Grilles, and the list goes on!

We recently read an article about one of the BIAs eateries – Indian Street Food Co – being awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand last year: “Bayview’s Indian Street Food Company Sees Stars“. What a boon for the neighbourhood!

When searching for your dream home, what does the neighbourhood look like? How about the surrounding streets and the schools? What will your daily routine look like? We think we have a property that’s worthy of your consideration!  See below!!

How great would daily living be, if this was your ‘hood? Casual, convenient, and fun! Take a peek at this listing.

We call it: An Elegant Tudor On Belsize At Bayview In Family-Friendly Davisville Village – NOW SOLD!

415 Belsize Drive is situated in the highly-coveted enclave of Davisville Village, which – being in the centre of the city – boasts a WalkScore of 97 out of 100! Located 4 blocks south of Eglinton East (and the new Leaside LRT stop) and 10 houses west of Bayview Avenue, this quality renovated detached residence is literally steps to South Bayview’s urban village high street.

Here’s an ‘unpack and enjoy’ residence, this 3bed, 2bath heart-grabber offers the intangible beauty of scale, proportion and light in a Triple AAA location. It boasts a finished basement, an outbuilding with extra indoor square footage, and front pad parking. If this is your dream home, we can help you find one just like it!

It was a pleasure to sell this stunning home just a few blocks away.  It was an ideal contemporary sanctuary for the busy urban family, so we called it:  Wonder On Walder Near Coveted Bayview & Eglinton.

We also sold this upgraded residence on Cleveland Street. We called it:  Classic On Cleveland Street in Davisville Village!

Want to have someone on your side?

Since 1989, I’ve steered my career through a real estate market crash and burn; survived a slow painful cross-country recession; completed an M.E.S. graduate degree from York University called ‘Planning Housing Environments’; executed the concept, sales & marketing of multiple new condo and vintage loft conversions; and guided hundreds of clients through the purchase and sale of hundreds of freehold and condominium dwellings across the original City of Toronto. From a gritty port industrial city into a glittering post-industrial global centre, I’ve navigated the ebbs and flows of a property market as a consistent Top Producer. And I remain as passionate about it today as when I started.

We’d love to introduce our services to you.

Serving first and second-time Buyers, relocations, renovators, and those building their long-term property portfolios, our mandate is to help clients choose the property that will realize the highest future return on their investment while ensuring the property best serves their practical needs and their dream of “Home” during their ownership.

Are you considering selling? We welcome providing you with a comprehensive assessment free of charge, including determining your Buyer profile, ways to optimize your return on investment, and tailoring the listing process to suit your circumstances. Check out How Urbaneer’s Custom Marketing Program Sold This Authentic Broadview Loft In Riverside to learn more about what we do!

Consider letting Urbaneer guide you through your Buying or Selling process, without pressure, or hassle.

We are here to help!

Thanks for reading!

-The Urbaneer Team

Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800

– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –

Celebrating Thirty-Four Years As A Top-Producing Toronto Realtor

*Did you know we were recently listed as one of The Top 25 Toronto Real Estate Agents To Follow On Twitter! – The Top 50 Blogs On Toronto – and The Top 100 Real Estate Blogs In Canada? Consider signing up in the box below to receive our FREE monthly e-newsletter on housing, culture, and design including our love for unique urban homes and other Toronto real estate!

*Love Canadian Housing? Check out Steve’s University Student Mentorship site called Canadian Real Estate, Housing & Home which focuses on architecture, landscape, design, products, and real estate in Canada!