9 Little Things at Yonge and Eglinton

At this time of year, we like to take a few moments to stroll through the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood and appreciate the beauty of the season around here. The stores have all their holiday displays up, the people are smiling as they shuffle up and down the strip with their shopping bags, and even the neighbourhood dogs have a bounce in their step.

But this year, we looked beyond the revelry to some of the mainstays in our neck of the woods that make us smile — the things that we might overlook during the rest of the year but shouldn’t because they’re what make Yonge and Eglinton what it is.

9. Wide sidewalks

It was a bit of a pain during the construction phase, but it’s outstanding now. Groups of three or four can walk past other groups of three or four with no problems.

8. The revamped Yonge Eglinton Centre

For years, it was a bit of an afterthought. Then the Yonge Eglinton Centre got a facelift in the late ’90s. And last year it got a serious makeover. Our favourite part of it is not having to go down then up to get from the Yonge Street entrance to the movie theatre. So. Much. Better.

7. The lineups to get into the Sporting Life parking lot

Yes, big retail is having problems. So it’s nice to know that a legend in our neighbourhood is still drawing crowds.

6. The sports field at North Toronto Collegiate Institute

It’s major league all the way. We’ve seen a few pick-up games there on the weekend and the players on the fantastic field seem to try harder.

5. Pho King Fabulous at Yonge and Roselawn

That name cracks us up every time.

4. The fact that we have a public library at Yonge and Eglinton

We see seniors, new moms, and kids of all ages using it on a regular basis. It used to be that libraries were the centre of communities. It’s nice to know that our community still has that going for it.