Spring has seen an outpouring of enthusiasm for Leaside’s 100th anniversary, otherwise known as Leaside 100. By now, almost every Leaside resident knows that our community was launched into life by a plan commissioned by the Canadian Northern Railway (since merged into the Canadian National Railway) and established as a town in May 1913.

To mark this year’s centennial, a formal ceremony was convened at the Leaside Library in late April, at which an archival exhibit was put on display, a commemorative quilt was unveiled and an official City of Toronto proclamation was delivered. Representation by all three levels of government and the two major school boards was present — the provincial representative being the premier, no less.

Two heritage plaques commemorating Leaside’s origins were unveiled on the lawn of Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School. They will be mounted permanently on the site of the magnificent heritage locomotive repair shed that has recently been restored as the Laird Drive Longo’s.

A glamorous dinner event was convened in late April at, of all places, All Canadian Self Storage at 1 Laird Dr. The event was attended by Premier Wynne and a local boy who made good: Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Choirs from seven local church congregations rocked the sanctuary of Leaside United Church on the evening of May 5 with a choral concert of celebration.

The year of celebration is not over. Everyone in Leaside is encouraged to find their own way to mark the occasion. Feel free to join in.