Weston Bakery plans to leave Leslieville

The familiar sights and smells from the Weston Bakery at Logan and Eastern Avenue look to have their days numbered. A development proposal has been submitted to the City aiming to turn the site into a seven story mixed use building containing 266 residential units and 1,432 square meters of "retail and service commercial uses at-grade". The development would include seven 3 1/2 storey townhouses and an underground garage containing 288 parking spaces. The bakery would move elsewhere leaving local residents content with what emanates out of Brick Street just up the street.

As someone who frequents the corner of Eastern and Logan, I won't miss the hassle of dealing with massive trucks coming in and out of the bakery. But I have to say I somehow like the idea of having this massive bakery in the area, if only because it's a local landmark and seemingly adds more character to a neighbourhood than a series of cookie-cutter townhouses might.

But I can't deny that the rejuvenation of Eastern Avenue probably means the Weston Bakery needs to go. Let's hope that if and when the re-zoning is approved the developers bring a progressive vision for what can become of the area. Some stores or restaurants incorporated into the mix would also likely do wonders helping to bring some foot traffic down from the bustling stretch a block north on Queen.

Fur further reading the Toronto Star has more details on the redevelopment application.