The top new bars in Toronto sport the latest craft beers, the most retro arcade games, and the coolest food. Bar-goers in this city appreciate personality in an establishment, and the best watering holes to open so far this year already have plenty to spare.

Here are my picks for the top new bars in Toronto.

Open House

A reinvention of The Steady in Bloorcourt, this place has a Nashville hot chicken stand hidden inside and all the craft beer you could ever want to wash it down with, plus a disco ball.

The Jim

Not only does this place that transformed Bloorcourt’s Orchard have an impressive array of craft beer (more than one offering from multiple local breweries, what?) but they also make bar food out of rare proteins like kangaroo and alligator.

Wasted Youth Bar

Less Bar is back to being a more generic hangout near Bloor and Ossington, but with cheap cocktails, Buck Hunter, and pizza pops, how can you go wrong?

Tilt

Now that this arcade bar has relocated to Studio Dundas West, it’s more popular than ever. It’s still five bucks for all the free play you can handle on over 50 vintage games, and you can bring your pint of craft beer with you as you dominate all of them.

Henrietta Lane

Though named for one of the (ahem) shadiest lanes in Toronto’s history, this all-day Corktown bar is actually quite wholesome with café beverages and a list of mocktails.

Indian restaurants in Toronto have competition by the hundreds, but you can almost always depend on these spots to do samosas, chana, and masala right.

Here are my picks for the top Indian restaurants by neighbourhood in Toronto.

Annex

Serving up the best of its namesake, Roti Cuisine of India has a big selection of roti and a variety of curries, meats, and veggie options — all served in a super lowkey space on Dupont.

Avenue and Lawrence

The white table cloths at The Copper Chimney will probably look a little saucy when you’ve finished your meal. A comfy hole-in-the-wall, this spot feels like a best kept secret with amazing sizzling plates and affordable prices.

Bayview and Leaside

Unique cocktails and trolley food delivery, street-style, are all part of the experience at Indian Street Food Co. Presentation here is half the fun, as are dishes like the kerala beef sandwich on a burger bun.

Beaches

Cinamon is a little Queen East hang with a comfortable yet fancy interior with good lunch specials. They have a variety of curries like Goa-style Vindaloo and even British-style curry on offer. 

Bloordale

Yet another restaurant to close down briefly due to a fire, South India Dosa Mahal is up and running once more and continues to serve its purely veggie fare and massive dosas.

The chicken dum biryani at Khau Gully comes in a naan bowl. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

Cabbagetown

North Indian dishes are the specialty at Butter Chicken Factory, a pretty white-bricked walled restaurant that serves its tasty naan in baskets with checkered paper.

East York

Truly India is a family-run vegetarian restaurant that should not be slept on. This hot table on O’Connor Drive may look humble from the outside but is a serious contender with delicious naan and cheap veggie curries.

Eglinton West

Empire Grill offers luxurious plates of Indian food in a fancier environment. Brought to us by the ex-chef at Kamasutra, this place is run by an Indian food veteran.

Entertainment District

Transforming the former space of Indian favourite 259 Host, Aanch is an upscale endeavour with a modern menu of rosemary-spiced naans and a really delicious paneer tikka masala.

Etobicoke

The very hip Tich Indian restaurant has much less of a fine-dining feel and more of  a casual Lakeshore eatery vibe. Grab a glass of Indian single-malt whisky and pair it with some pakoras and tandoori chicken with a side of delicious salad.

Harbourfront

Indian Roti House may be a takeout spot first and foremost, but there are a few fold-out tables that will allow you to enjoy the unreal rotis and mango lassi here.

Junction

Specializing in dishes from Northern Indian and Mughlai cuisine, you’ll find tikkas, kebabs, and a killer butter maneer at Curry Twist on Dundas West.

Everything is vegetarian and vegan at Udupi Palace in Little India. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

King East

A go-to for tourists visiting the nearby St. Lawrence market, Bindia is comfortably reliable for freshly made North Indian dishes coming straight out of the clay oven.

King West 

The ultimate cure to office hanger, Aroma offers a popular lunchtime AYCE buffet — just make sure to come early since it gets wall-to-wall packed here. Also a go-to option for theatre-goers pre-TIFF. 

Liberty Village

What started off as a strip mall joint in Etobicoke, Maurya continues its legacy on Liberty Street with a minimal joint that makes delicious samosas and a phenomenal saag paneer curry roti.

Little India

Step downstairs in the basement that is Udupi Palace, a restaurant that completely makes up for its lack of ambiance with unreal vegetarian meals like chana bhatura and vegan dosas.  

Markham

The all-day buffet located at the back of India’s Taste is fresh, offering North Indian options for lunch and dinner. Your meal comes with unlimited naan, desserts are tasty and prices are totally inexpensive.

North York

Veggie Thali is one of Vic Park’s best kept secrets. Ditching the dairy, this basic spot serves completely vegan dishes on silver trays. Whether or not you decide to dine in at this minimal eatery is up to you.

Aanch offers elevated Indian eats in a classy setting. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

Parkdale

Despite its lacklustre appearance, the dosas at Glory of India are notoriously good, and their thali meals are always generous. The best part – it’s super cheap.

Queen East

Siddhartha is tiny spot that serves best as a takeout joint. Right across from the Opera House, you’ll usually find people waiting for fresh-made naan wraps.

Queen West

Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, it’ll never cease to amaze you how full you can get at Little India's lunchtime buffets, which are both delicious and affordable.

Rosedale

The best part about Bhoj Indian Cuisine is that you can choose your spice levels right off the bat, which is perfect for those who can't do spicy, and those who can't get enough. 

Scarborough

Despite being a strip mall joint on Pharmacy, the interior of Lageez is surprisingly elegant, albeit a little narrow. You’ll find saffron rice with cinnamon, cardamom and clove, and butter chicken made with fresh tomatoes.

St. Clair West

For those passionate about wine and Indian food, Pukka has a wine program curated by the sommelier at Scaramouche to pair with classy twists on Indian dishes.

Modern twists on Indian food are on the menu at Indian Street Food Co. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Yonge and College

Colaba Junction is an energetic spot where you order at the lunch counter and have your food brought to you. Focusing on a particular area in Mumbai with multiple cultural influences, dishes here are definitely unique: case and point the paneer lasagna.

Yonge and Dundas

Hurry Curry's Mutual Street location is definitely more geared toward students than it's original spot off of Dufferin, with convenient curry bowls which are perfect to go, and also oddly mismatched offerings of tacorritos as well. 

Yonge and Eglinton

The upscale Khau Gully is probably best known for its chicken dum biryani, a glorous rice dish that comes encased in naan that will definitely satisfy your Indian fare cravings.

Yonge and Lawrence

Chef of India is certain an uptown favourite that rarely disappoints. While not necessarily the best bang for your buck, it’s reliable and both the buffet and a la carte dishes are tasty.

Yonge and Wellesley

You’ll love the vibrant interior of Bombay Street Food, a playful space that has a fun menu of street-inspired Indian eats. The pav buns are a huge standout, and the cardamom coffee is an amazing aromatic accompaniment.

Yorkville

Naturally, being in Yorkville, The Host is a fine dining restaurant serving cocktails and a famous tandoor menu of freshly-grilled eats from their clay oven.

Today is certainly not a picturesque summer day with the dull grey skies, and according to the experts it's about to get a whole lot worse. 

Environment Canada issued an alert this morning, saying there's a potential for heavy thunderstorms this afternoon. Rainfall is expected to be between 30 and 50 mm, but some parts of the city could get hit harder.

Following the thunderstorms, however, is another beast entirely. 

We will be warmer than ALL of these places, this weekend in S. ON. AHHHHHHHHH that is all. #onwx#extremeheatiscomingpic.twitter.com/PkG0cyH7Hv

— Saphia Khambalia (@SaphiaTWN) June 27, 2018

The showers will not make way for flowers, but for an extreme heat wave that does not currently have an end date in sight. 

Beginning on Friday or Saturday, and throughout the Canada Day long weekend, expect daytime highs in the low-to-mid 30 degree range, but it'll feel like it's about 43 C. 

"There is still uncertainty regarding when the heat event will come to an end," reads the Environment Canada bulletin. "Current indications suggest the heat could persist into the middle of next week." 

The government body says it will likely be "the most significant heat event of the season thus far." Expect more frequent heat-related announcements as the end evening draws near. 

Today in news that will surely thrill the Dairy Farmers of Canada, a milk-themed shoe store will soon exist in one of Toronto's hippest hoods.

Called MILK, the concept sneaker shop at 1643 Dupont Street will be unlike any other business of its kind in the city, according to founder and CEO Kamaj Silva. 

"It's a very different themed sneaker and streetwear store," he says, likening it to Boston's Bodega, which is famously "hidden" behind the facade of a convenience store.

MILK Sneaker Boutique is set to feature everything from a wall covered in milk carton labels to a giant glass shoe box filled with cereal. Silva says they'll also have "sneaker themed cookies" for sale at the store.

It doesn't open to the public until July 9, but the Junction Triangle boutique already has sneakers from the likes of Puma, Saucony, Ransom, Alpha Industries, New Balance and Ewing displayed in milk crates all over the walls.

Nice kicks... they do a body good.

Merry almost Canada Day, Toronto!

Go out and buy yourself some beer this Sunday, just because you can.

That's right, for the first time in at least five years, both the LCBO and Beer Store will be open on July 1. This is not a joke (but wouldn't that be the meanest joke ever?)

Canada Day falls on a Sunday this year, meaning that our regularly-scheduled statutory holiday gets carried over to Monday.

Ontario liquor stores will thus be closed on Monday, July 2, but will operate under standard hours for both Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1 of the Canada Day long weekend, as confirmed by the LCBO.

This weekend stores will be open regular hours on Sunday, July 1. In observance of Canada Day, @LCBO stores will be closed on Monday, July 2. Have a fantastic long weekend! pic.twitter.com/VZ1ZvXi4X7

— LCBONEWS (@LCBONEWS) June 27, 2018

The Beer Store says similarly on website that all of its stores will be closed on Monday "in honour of Canada Day."

Most of its stores will be open on July 1, however — which is actual Canada Day — from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

You can see our full list of what's open and closed this holiday weekend in Toronto here. 

It's going to be a weekend of celebrations and road closures in Toronto as Canada Day events will be shutting down routes around the city. It's best to just ditch the car and party for Canada's 151st birthday.

If you do plan on driving, here's what you need to know.

Shomoy MELA

To accommodate the festival on July 1 Comstock Road from Warden Avenue to Lebovic Road will be closed from June 30 at 9 p.m. to July 2 at 2 a.m. 

Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square 

Canada Day celebrations in North York will result in all lanes of Yonge Street from Park Home Avenue to North York Boulevard from Elmwood Avenue to Empress Avenue closed starting July 1 at 1 p.m. to midnight.

The southbound curb lane on Yonge Street in front of Mel Lastman Square will also be closed starting June 29 at 8 a.m. until July 2 at 5 p.m.

Canada Day Parade in Scarborough

The parade will close Brimley Road from Progress Avenue to Ellesmere Road on July 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m and Ellesmere Road to Lawrence Avenue from 4 to 7 p.m. Ellesmere Road will also be closed that day from Midland Avenue to McCowan Road from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Canada Day at Queen’s Park 

Celebrations here will result in Queen’s Park Circle from College Street to Bloor Street West closed from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 1.

Canada Day in East York 

East York celebrations on Canada's big day will have Cosburn Avenue closed from Cedarvale Avenue to Oak Park Road from 7 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.

Dozens of street artists set out this weekend to transform a humble laneway into a beautiful, nature-friendly tribute worthy of David Suzuki himself. And they succeeded.

Check out the newly-painted Butterflyway Lane near Felstead Park in Leslieville: an art installation sponsored by the David Suzuki Foundation in honour of National Pollinator Week.

The @davidsuzukifdn #Butterflyway Lane project is back! Felstead Park gets a #makeover for #pollinatorweek. Thanks @nick_sweetman and his merry band of artists and @start_streetartoronto @tdfef @landscapeontario for supporting!

A post shared by Jode Roberts (@joderoberts) on Jun 23, 2018 at 5:31pm PDT

The now very bright alley was beautified over the weekend by more than 20 of Toronto's most-talented artists to bring awareness to a loss of habitat for butterflies.

It's all part of a much larger, citizen-led movement called The Great Canadian Butterflyway Project.

A post shared by Mai (@yyzng) on Jun 26, 2018 at 11:55pm PDT

Launched by the Suzuki foundation in 2017, the initiative involves creating neighbourhood-scale corridors of landing spaces for butterflies, bees, and other important pollinators, "one butterfly-friendly planting at a time."

Amazing artwork from the Butterfly Laneway Project this weekend. This project is a collaboration between the @davidsuzukifdn, @start_streetartoronto, with lead artist @nick_sweetman and support from the @td_canada Friends of the Environment Fund and StART. Check out the murals at Felstead Avenue Playground and Park and celebrate all of the incredibly talented artists who have contributed to this project! 📸: @nick_sweetman

A post shared by @ start_streetartoronto on Jun 25, 2018 at 2:11pm PDT

The idea is to create a network of habitats across Canada.

Last year alone, thousands of wildflowers were planted in hundreds of pollinator patches across Toronto, Montreal, Markham, Victoria and Richmond, B.C. as part of the project.

Playing with colours for #pollinatorweek #butterflyway #butterflylane #pua69 #mska #evro1 #toronto #felsteadpark #davidsuzukifoundation #toronto #butterflies #streetarttoronto #mural #torontostreetart #natureart #shrooms Fun collaboration brought to you by @nick_sweetman, @start_streetartoronto and the @davidsuzukifdn.. 🖤🐝 @6ara9e and I were happy to be able to collaborate with all of you..

A post shared by mska (@mska) on Jun 26, 2018 at 8:18pm PDT

Volunteers have now established official, formally-recognized butterflyways (butterfly highways!) in all five cities, and plenty more are in the works.

A post shared by Mai (@yyzng) on Jun 26, 2018 at 11:56pm PDT

If you like butterflies, street art, nature, conservation, Instagram or just looking at cool things with your eyes, you'll want to visit this installation.

Plant some wildflowers, while you're at it. You can find more information about how to do so right here.

It's off with her head for The Anne Boleyn and her fancy all-day full English breakfast (sorry, couldn't resist).

Opened in August of 2017, the spacious pub at Richmond and Peter hadn't even hit its first birthday yet when, all of the sudden, it shut down forever on June 26.

"Thank you for contacting The Anne Boleyn," reads a recorded message on the restaurant's voicemail server as of Wednesday afternoon. "We regret to inform you that we have closed our doors to the public on Tuesday, June 26."

Sunday’s are perfect for or Corned Beef Skillet with fried eggs, potato and red peppers.

A post shared by The Anne Boleyn (@theanneboleynto) on Jun 10, 2018 at 8:27am PDT

The message advises that those with questions should contact The Social Group, which also owns Parts & Labour, Dog & Bear and, at one point, The Hoxton.

No explanation or warning was given for the closure, though patrons who had reservations did receive text messages with the news on Wednesday.

Perhaps Toronto wasn't ready for a Tudor-style sports bar just yet, or maybe futbol fans finally realized that Scotch eggs are gross. Other plausible theories exist, but I'll leave it there.

Farewell, Anne Boleyn — we hardly knew ye. What's going to happen to those sweet bookshelves, by the way?

York Regional Police are rolling in Louey Vuitton and Bugo Hoss today after executing a raid at Pacific Mall — one of the actual worst places for counterfeit goods on Earth.

The large Chinese shopping centre in Markham made headlines earlier this year after appearing on the U.S. government's annual Notorious Markets List, which names and shames chronic knockoff purveyors all around the globe.

"Sales of counterfeit goods in the Pacific Mall reportedly continue despite extensive efforts by brand owners to enforce their trademarks," wrote the United States Trade Representative in January.

"Vendors in Pacific Mall appear to operate largely with impunity, and requests for assistance from local law enforcement have reportedly gone unanswered."

YRP executed search warrants at #PacificMall in #Markham for counterfeit goods. Several shops were raided after multiple warnings. @CityNewspic.twitter.com/DIO4RVH7zr

— Tony Fera (@tonyfera1) June 27, 2018

It didn't take long after that report for mall management to promise a crack down on counterfeit products, many of which (eyeglasses, cosmetics, fragrances) were said to pose a possible risk to public health and safety.

Whatever Pacific Mall has done since then to combat the widespread pirating problem, it hasn't been working. Bring in the cops!

York Regional Police announced on Wednesday afternoon that investigators were currently executing search warrants at various retailers located within the Toronto area mall as part of an investigation into counterfeit goods."

LOL 👮 My 1st visit to #PacificMall in a about a year & popo raiding it 😄 That means I won't be able to get that $300 Sonny 4K TV or $100 Jordanes sneakers #Toronto#Markhampic.twitter.com/IJZD17Ca4S

— KARLO (@OLRAK) June 27, 2018

"On June 27, 2018, more than 30 officers executed warrants and seized items that will now be examined by various manufacturers," reads a press release issued by YRP later on Wednesday "Items included clothes, handbags and cell phone accessories."

Police say say that "thousands of suspected counterfeit items" were found between seven kiosks at Pacific Mall. A significant quantity of both merchandise and cash were also discovered at the private residence of one kiosk owner.

No charges were laid today, according to police, but they will be executing more search warrants in storage facilities related to the Pacific Mall investigation — which itself was prompted by complaints from citizens.

If retailers are found to have known they were selling fake products to consumers, they could be subject to criminal charges with fines of up to $1 million or five years in prison.

Events in Toronto today have the laughs on deck with some absurdist comedy by Aunty Donna, while Assembly Chef's Hall is hosting a Lobsterfest. Stay cool and wear sunscreen while you're out having a good time.

Don’t let the shipping crate exterior fool you, this place is beautiful on the inside. Located just steps for all the hustle and bustle of College Street, the home has a gorgeous modern contemporary feel with nine-foot ceilings and white oak hardwood floors.

The open-concept main floor is airy and bright thanks to the large picture window.

The kitchen is modern, sleek and finished with top of the line Bosch appliances.

Upstairs are the large bedrooms. But I’m obsessed with the modern four piece bathroom with subway tile shower and tiled floors.

The stunning third-floor master suite boasts a five-piece en suite including side by side sinks and a glass shower, built-in closets and a sitting room.

There’s even more living space in the basement with a large rec room.

The outdoor space isn't the greatest: the trees are just babies and your lawn is gravel, but there's potential.

Specs

• Address: #C - 161 Palmerston Avenue
• Price: $1,199,000
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 1
• Walk Score: 95
• Transit Score: 100
• Maintenance Fees: No fees
• Listing agent: Alex Brott
• Listing ID: C4166286

Good For

A family who is looking for a condo that’s more like a house. With more than 1,600 square feet of living space, you’ll forget that this isn’t a full-sized house in no time.

Move On If

You don't want to live on a laneway beside the back of a restaurant with a possible smoker, or in a place where other units are being rented out as hotel rooms (according to The Mash).

Events in Toronto for Canada Day weekend 2018 are set to keep you busy while celebrating our glorious country. Electric Island is on over at Hanlan's Point and Union Summer is back after a brief hiatus. If you're looking for fireworks, here's where you can find them.

Top markets and pop-ups in Toronto for July 2018 are noteworthy for the return of Union Summer. Any one of these markets makes for a good day of perusing through clothes, artwork, pins and patches, food and anything else you're looking for.

Toronto restaurant openings highlight the latest food news in Toronto and gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now

• The Fortunate Fox, a pub underneath the Kimpton Saint George hotel, is now open at 280 Bloor Street West in the Annex.
• Sapori is serving up internationally influenced comfort food and charcuterie boards along with biodynamic wine, local craft beer and unique cocktails at 1588 Dundas Street West in Brockton Village.
• Fargo’s Snack Bar, a "hip-hop themed eatery," has opened at 772 College Street (at Shaw Street) in Little Italy.
• Don Alfonso 1890 from Michelin Star-chef Ernesto Iaccarino is now open in the historic Consumers' Gas Building at 19 Toronto Street (just south of Adelaide) downtown.
• Vancouver's healthy eats mini-chain Tractor Foods opened its first Toronto location yesterday at 151 Yonge Street (at Richmond).
• David Duncan House has reopened at 125 Moatfield Drive in North York.

Recently reviewed

• Tom's Dairy Freeze
• Azyun Restaurant
• Cops
• Jimmy's 100
• Tacos Baos
• Early Bird (Brookfield Place)
• Four Barrel Holly's
• Grey Tiger
• Sweaty Betty's
• Feed It Forward
• Mezu

Opening soon

• Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen, a fast-casual Chinese spin-off of LA's Chin Chin, is coming to Toronto at 363 Bremner Boulevard near the Rogers Centre.
• Fresh City Farms is opening a location at the 109 Oz retail spaces at 109 Ossington Avenue (between Argyle and Humbert).
• Alexandros will be opening another location at 377 Church Street (at Granby).
• Cuppa Tea, a global chain will be taking over the former Jule space at 20 Carlton Street.

Closed

• Bunny's, chef Rodney Bowers' follow-up to Hey Meatball in Leslieville, has gone fishing.
• Fine foods shop Sandy Aleksander is closing this weekend in Leslieville.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to editors@blogto.com.

The top new brunch spots in Toronto are waking up the city with fresh ideas from countries around the world and great takes on classic favourites. We now have Japanese soufflé pancakes and brunch pasta carbonara, so get out of bed already and head to one of these just-opened restaurants for breakfast.

Here are my picks for the top new places for brunch in Toronto.

Hanabusa Cafe

Lineups snake out the door of this cutesy Kensington shop for a taste of the definitive version of Toronto’s latest food craze, fluffy, jiggly Japanese soufflé pancakes.

Ramona’s Kitchen

Tri-colour potatoes set this Thornhill spot apart when it comes to brunch. Perfectly poached eggs? Check. Silky hollandaise? Check. Breakfast poutine and banana bread french toast? Check and check.

City Betty

This self-proclaimed “seven season” restaurant in Leslieville serves dreamy brunches that change as often as Toronto’s fickle weather.

Sweet A La Mode

Crème brûlée french toast is served with white chocolate whipped cream at this Stockyards cafe and bakery that also does high tea.

Frankie’s Italian

Pasta carbonara and Tuscan white beans get topped with poached eggs for brunch at this Italian joint on Queen East between Logan and Booth avenues that used to be Lil’ Baci.

It's been more than two years since Mayor John Tory announced his ambitious 'Vision Zero' plan to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities in Toronto.

Since then, nearly 100 pedestrians and cyclists have been killed by motorists. As of mid 2018, we're on pace for the deadliest year in recorded history with 21 killed to date so far.

Cries for a solution have hit a fever pitch as advocates stage die-ins, call for a state of emergency and, in some case, take matters into their own hands.

Something has got to give, and Toronto City Council agrees. Unanimously.

And the Road Safety item — which is really an Operating Variance report from the budget committee — carries 38-0. pic.twitter.com/xpCu3ytxif

— Matt Elliott (@GraphicMatt) June 27, 2018

In a 38-0 vote at City Hall Wednesday night, city councillors approved a motion to tackle the problem of road safety in Toronto head on (with an influx of cash.)

In total, $22 million in additional funds were approved for road safety measures last night, more than doubling the $21.3 million budget that had already been approved for Vision Zero in 2018.

A motion from Mayor John Tory himself to "improve and accelerate" the Vision Zero plan accounted for $13 million of these funds, while various traffic calming and other road safety-related motions from city councillors contributed the rest.

Wong-Tam's motion to spend up to $4 million in additional funding to accelerate Vision Zero initiatives in cultural corridors (amended to say at staff's discretion based on data) carries 32-6. Tory supports

— Jennifer Pagliaro (@jpags) June 27, 2018

"I am steadfast in my willingness, in my desire, in my determination to find the money and to make the investments sensibly and prudently based on the advice of our professional staff," said Tory during yesterday's vote.

A breakdown of how, exactly, the additional funds will be spent to improve road safety, is expected sometime next month.

The University of Toronto's governing council recently approved a controversial mental health policy that students and community members are criticizing. 

shame on you, @UofT, this is not the best way to handle mental health issues in the student body and will only cause students to avoid seeking help when needed https://t.co/EIjFYgu3jl

— Mikayla (@mikaylacallery) June 28, 2018

The new policy could see students experiencing mental health issues placed on a mandatory leave of absence, if the school deems it necessary.

According to a statement from Sandy Welsh, the university’s vice provost for students, the policy will only be applied in "rare cases."

In an interview with Welsh earlier this year published on U of T's website, Welsh says that the leave is necessary in some cases for students to "concentrate on their health and to protect their academic record."

Critics of the policy, some of them former students at the university, don't see this to be the case. 

how is putting a policy of mandatory leave for mental health students in place going to make anything better at uoft? are y’all gonna work on treating people better & having a less hostile environment while they’re gone and surprise them or? i don’t get it

— nana 🌸 (@Gyasiwaaaa_) June 27, 2018

Students and university community members opposed to the policy say that it fails to provide students living with mental health issues adequate accommodation.

According to the document, the policy provides a process where a student may be put on a mandatory leave of absence. 

"When it becomes apparent that a student’s behaviour, due to serious health or mental health issues, poses a risk of serious harm to themselves or others," reads the document. "Or significantly impairs the educational experience of other students, or the student is unable to engage in the essential activities required to pursue an education."

I would have been forced to take a leave during the last 3 years of my degree. Blatant discrimination. UofT approves student leave of absence policy that has drawn criticism https://t.co/TTxMWHREgw via @torontostar

— Alisa Gayle (@AlisaGaylePiano) June 28, 2018

This permission is followed by the condition that the policy will be applied "in circumstances where accommodations and/or supportive resources have not been successful or are not feasible."

The university, according to the document, has been considering a mandatory leave of absence policy for a couple of years and is to be carried out "in exceptional circumstances, and even then only with very significant procedural safeguards for students and a rigorous approach to exploring accommodations and supportive resources."

Students will also be "encouraged, and supported" to agree take a Voluntary Leave of Absence.

idk why i had hope that @UofT would address the prevalent mental health tendencies in their school and make an effort to help their students instead of just covering it up

— Margarita 💛💙❤️ (@100fountains) June 25, 2018

If a University-Mandated Leave of Absence is necessary, the school says it will provide a "clear pathway" for both the leaving of and returning to studies. 

"... the policy talks about making accommodations for students and only invoking the policy if these are not working," wrote Jacquie Beaulieu, a PhD Candidate at the university, on Twitter.

"What isn’t stated is that the university will also commit to looking into what might be going on for students in terms of their experience at the university."

Snacking is such an important part of the film-watching experience, and popcorn just isn't the same when you make it at home.

Fortunately, a new partnership between Cineplex and UberEats means you can now enjoy your favourite actual movie theatre snacks — hot, buttery popcorn included — in the comfort of your own living room (or bed. I'm not judging.)

The partnership, announced today, allows for the delivery of popcorn, candy, soft drinks, hot dogs and nachos from 60 Cineplex theatres in communities across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. 

pic.twitter.com/2bXlSbMMp8

— Ian Bard (@SparklyNickle) June 27, 2018

In Toronto, you can get your snack on via Cineplex Cinemas Queensway and VIP, Cineplex Odeon Morningside Cinemas, Cineplex Odeon Eglinton Town Centre Cinemas and Cineplex Cinemas Scarborouh. 

Cinemas from downtown Toronto have been left out of the promotion, however. According to The Globe and Mail, this is because some of the concession stands aren't easily accessible (looking at you Scotiabank Theatre). 

What's a little bird to do when his feet start burning and he can't yet fly?

Jump, in the case of roughly 200 gull chicks who were recently born on the roof of an industrial building in Scarborough.

The Toronto Wildlife Centre reports that it has managed to save at least 170 baby ring-billed gulls who jumped from a scalding hot roof last week when temperatures climbed into heat alert territory, burning their tiny feet and giving them no option but to take a leap of faith.

Approximately 50 of the babies, all too young to fly, died after jumping from the roof, which has been colonized by approximately 4,000 seagulls. Still, TWC rescue teams managed to save dozens upon dozens more.

"Two-stories is a long way to fall for a little bird, and many injured themselves as they hit the gravel below," wrote the centre on Facebook after the mass rescue.

"There were so many gulls that it took three vehicles to transport them all! Medical staff worked late into the evening to examine each bird and treat those who were injured from the fall or who had burns on their little feet."

A post shared by Toronto Wildlife Centre (@torontowildlifecentre) on Jun 19, 2018 at 1:11pm PDT

As of Thursday, TWC — which rescued over 2,600 wild animals this spring alone — still had 90 young gulls in its care.

Rescue teams initially tried to reunite the healthier babies with their parents after the roof cooled last week. Unfortunately, many of them jumped again when the roof got hotter.

TWC says its rescue team will no longer risk returning the chicks back to their colony until conditions are safe.

Suffice to say that staff and volunteers have been busy taking care of all the fluffy youngsters in recent days.

A post shared by Toronto Wildlife Centre (@torontowildlifecentre) on Jun 21, 2018 at 12:00pm PDT

The centre has been documenting the process of rescuing and rehabilitating these chicks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (as it does with so many other adorable animals in need).

It also put out a call for help on Tuesday following the unexpected admission of so many new and vulnerable patients.

"As a charity run solely on donations, this puts a lot of strain on current resources and we desperately need help," wrote the centre on Facebook. 

"Many pounds of fresh/frozen wild-caught freshwater smelt, hundreds of chicken eggs, hard plastic kiddie pools and every spare dollar are needed to care for the babies and feed all those hungry mouths."

Those who'd like to help can drop off food and donated items to the Toronto Wildlife Centre at 60 Carl Hall Road in Downsview Park between 9am and 6pm. 

You can also make an online donation to help get these little ring-billed gulls (and many other injured animals) back to health and their natural habitats.

Canada Day fireworks in Toronto will light up skies with bursts of beautiful colours. The country turning 151 is kind of a big deal, so you can expect the city to get very bright and noisy come the evening of July 1.

Here are my picks for the top places for Canada Day fireworks in Toronto this year.

Amesbury Park

To celebrate Canada's birthday, the North York park has a fun-filled day planned with a flea market, musical acts and tons more entertainment. Make sure to stay until the end as the fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.

Ashbridges Bay

Here's a tried and true option, with one of the best locations for fireworks in the city. The epic show will begin around 9:30 p.m.

Canada's Wonderland

Spend your day riding roller coasters, and then stay until the sun goes down for a fireworks show over the amusement park. There will be explosions of light starting at 10 p.m.

Centennial Park

Canada Day conveniently falls on the same weekend as Ribfest in Etobicoke, so if you want a finger lickin' good dinner and a show, this is your best bet. The fireworks show will start at approximately 10 p.m.

Downsview Park

In North York on July 1 there will be an entire day of celebrations happening at Downsview Park. Make sure to stay until dusk as that's when the massive firework show begins.

Mel Lastman Square

Expect lots of family-friendly activities going down here this Canada Day, including performances and tons of food. However, the big finale is always the fireworks at 10:30 p.m.

Milliken Park

This Scarborough park and community centre found at McCowan and Steeles hosts their annual fireworks show at around 10 p.m.

Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park

Every year people flock to this park in Richmond Hill for an entire day of Canada Day celebrations. While the party may begin around 11 a.m., the best part is always the fireworks that start at 10 p.m.

Stan Wadlow Park

This is where to go if you're in the east end and don't want to make the mission to the Beaches. The day will offer tons of live entertainment, climaxing with the fireworks display around 10 p.m.

Weston Lions Park

This park on the east bank of the Humber River blasts all shades of colour into the sky beginning at 10 p.m.