New Zoning Changes For Areas Adjacent to TTC Stations, Like Ours

January 26, 2026 Michael No Comments News

The City will permit certain height and density changes to areas that are within a short walking distance from transit stations. To implement these requirements, they must determine which lots are within 200m and 500m of each station. In our neighbourhood, there are two stations that fall within this map: Jane Street and Runnymede TTC stations.

To provide more details, the City will be hosting 5 in-person open houses on these zoning changes and everyone is welcome to attend. The information will be the same at each of these public meetings. 

Toronto and East York Open House: January 27, 2026, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Bickford Centre / West End Alternative School, 777 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 3H2 

Etobicoke-York Open House: January 29, 2026, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, 86 Montgomery Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3N5 

North York Open House: February 3, 2026, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5W4 

Scarborough Open House: February 9, 2026, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr, Scarborough, ON M1P 4N6 

City-wide Town Hall: February 12, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 

Draft maps showing the 200m and 500m distances from all stations are now available  on the project website, toronto.ca/StationAreaZoning.

New High Park Avenue Development

December 8, 2025 Michael Leave a comment News

While not technically in our catchment area, this is a nearby development of note. The proposal calls for an 18 unit, 32 bedroom 3 storey multi-family building for 247/249 High Park Avenue. According to ther current plan, the build is longer, wider, and has twice the allowable gross flor area than is allowed on the site.

More information can be found here.

Bringing Back Open Streets Programs

November 2, 2025 Michael Leave a comment Feedback

The BWVRA supports a return to programs we’ve seen in the past such as OpenStreetsTO and ActiveTO, and the encouragement they provide for healthier, more active lifestyles. Our neighbourhood, with its parks, streets and local shopping, is no exception. We believe we’d gain by people walking and biking more safely as they engage with their BWV community.

If you, like us, would like to see this program brought back in 2026 by our city leadership, please visit this link to learn more and show your support. Thank you.

E-bike, Scooters and Mopeds Explained

September 16, 2024 Michael Leave a comment News

Our local bike lanes are becoming increasingly popular with bicycles and now, e-bikes, e-scooters and e-mopeds. Each are very different in size, weight, and speed. The latter three each pose an opportunity for transportation and exercise, but also issues for pedestrians and other non-powered cyclists. And regulation has not caught up. This Global and Mail article neatly sums up the story.

City Introduces New Changes For Short Term Rental Operators Like Airbnb

July 5, 2024 Michael Leave a comment Feedback, News

The City of Toronto has implemented the following changes for short-term rental operators like Airbnb and booking.com, effective June 30 of this year: 

  • Operators will need to post a physical copy of the emergency contact information and exit diagrams prominently in the rental for the duration of the guest’s rental period. 
  • The 40-day registration revocation process will be reduced to a 10-day process. The appeal process will remain to allow operators to provide evidence and information to explain why their registration should not be revoked. 
  • Revised definitions of short-term rental, principal residence and dwelling unit clarify the bylaw and make it easier for operators to understand the regulations.
  • Licensed multi-tenant house operators will be prohibited from applying for a short-term rental registration. 

Changes coming into effect in September 2024 will reportedly strengthen the principal residence requirements, authorize annual inspections and introduce a limit of one registration per dwelling unit. Starting January 2025, the operator registration fees will increase and operators will be required to choose between registering as either an entire-unit operator (i.e. short-term renting entire home) or as a partial-unit operator (i.e. short-term renting only rooms in the home) for the duration of their registration period. 

More information on the bylaw changes and an updated Good Operator Guide are available at toronto.ca/ShortTermRentals. For any questions regarding the new rules, please email ShortTermRentals@toronto.ca.

Walk Roll Map Makes It Easier To Get Around

July 3, 2024 Michael Leave a comment Media

If you walk or need a walking aid to get around Bloor West Village, this map is a great way to see where hazards, missing amenities or recent incidents have happened on our sidewalks and paths. It’s like Waze, but for when you’re not in a car.

Be sure to allow the site to access your location, so that you get the most accurate information.