It's already been three months since the Filipino fried chicken sensation Jollibee opened in Scarborough, but it seems like the chain's palabok game is still going strong. 

Though lineups are definitely not as crazy as they once were (read: waiting in tents for seven hours), people are still queuing up for those six-piece buckets and peach mango pies, with average weekend wait times of around 20 minutes. 

At this point, the restaurant is so used to the crowds, they've created a highly efficient lineup area with two sections, replete with stanchions and some very competent traffic conductors to direct customers. 

It's evident that there's more to Jollibee's appeal than just the food. We asked some people in line (first-timers and longtime Jolly chicken lovers) about their connection to Jollibee and what they planned on ordering once they got inside. 

Kryzle Pagcaliwagan 

"I love the chicken, and I like how it brings childhood memories of back home. Also they're the only [fast food place] with chicharron and rice." 
Order: Fried chicken and rice.

Lawrence Sayas

"Its our first one [in Canada]. I grew up in the Philippines and it was a weekly thing; I've been craving the peach mango pie." 
Order: Peach mango pie and fried chicken.

Fairry Moranda

"It's just a treat. When you're going to Jolibee it's like reliving your childhood." 
Order: Chicken bucket and palabo.

Kulnita Hor

"I've been watching a lot of mukbang and a lot of them were of Jollibee. I blame Youtube: now I want everything." 
Order: Fried chicken bucket, palabok, pineapple juice and the Halo Halo.

Stefan Cos

"We just came from Montreal and I don't even know what the menu looks like."
Order: No idea. 

Jenn Mapa

"I had it when it when I was a kid, but your taste buds are totally different when you're older, and I actually don't remember anything about what it tastes like. I actually only came here for the pie."
Order: Mango peach pie.

Steve M.

"I've been putting it off since it opened. Even though it's 'fast food' there's still a line, but it's finally a nice day so I came from Brampton." 
Order: Two buckets of fried chicken, family pack of spaghetti and palabok.

Val de Guzman

"I already know the taste of it, but I just ike to see so many Filipinos together." 
Order: Chicken with rice and gravy.

Dean Nguyen

"All my Filipino friends keep hyping it up and I've never been here before, so I'm trying it now." 
Order: Fried chicken, spaghetti, pineapple juice and peach mango pie. 

It looks like Toronto's newest watering hole Avling Brewery will be opening a few months later than expected, but when it does, we can expect Baltic porters, a menu of Canadian comfort food and a future rooftop garden full of herbs and veggies. 

The anticipated brewery at 1042 Queen Street East – initially set to open in August – has pushed its soft launch to October, says Avling's founder Max Meighen.

Building a brewery is thirsty work! Hope everyone finds a spot in the sun this weekend for some beers!

A post shared by Avling Brewery (@avlingto) on Mar 23, 2018 at 1:26pm PDT

Right now the brewery's team is still in the middle of transforming what used to be an A&P grocery store built in the 1950s into a 5,000 square-foot business with a restaurant in the front and brewery in the back. 

So far they have some sweet equipment from the BC-based company Newlands Systems, and Meighen says they'll be getting the rest of their equipment (like tanks from yet another Canadian company, DME from P.E.I.) within the next two months.

Prior to Avling, the building was also home to an Asian food distribution centre that grew its own bean sprouts, leaving behind a modified building with increased water capacity that's ideal for breweries. 

Instant pergola at Avling Brewery! #demolition #greenroof #architecture #construction #norain @avlingto

A post shared by Lamas (@laaaamaaaas) on Jul 6, 2018 at 9:36am PDT

Design-wise, the building's vision will come to life via the Toronto-based architecture duo LAMAS, which recently Instagrammed a garden-inspired pergola roof that looks very enticing. 

You can also expect a 15 foot-high mural from Madison Van Rijn, the same artist who painted the uber-Instagrammable wall at the Italian fave La Palma. 

The menu – which hasn't been finalized – will be seasonal and shareable: think a wood-fired oven, grilled veggies and secondary cuts of meat, likely influenced by Meighen cooking background in French and Italian restaurants. 

Looking good @newlands.systems prettay prettay prettay good

A post shared by Avling Brewery (@avlingto) on Apr 5, 2018 at 11:32pm PDT

As for the much-talked about rooftop garden, that won't be ready until summer of 2019. Even then, it'll be "fairly limited operations", according to Meighen.

It won't be a few years until the farm becomes the community space it was envisioned to be, but when it does, it hopes to host workshops and grow ingredients that can be incorporated into the brewing process: there's talk of rabina, rosemary, thyme, and even some hot peppers.

"What we’re trying to do with this brewery is bring that seasonality and locality over to the brewing world," he says. 

Avling will be producing four core beers: expect an ever-popular IPA and lager, a saison, and a Baltic porter that'll be less intoxicating than others of its kind, with an alcohol content of under 6.5 percent. 

In the meantime, there's no shortage of breweries on Queen East to hold you down until then. 

The best restaurant patios in Toronto combine all the greatest things city life has to offer: good food, maybe some strong drinks, and a place to post up outside while consuming it all.

Here are the best restaurant patios in Toronto.  

The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel

This coveted patio offers a view unlike any other rooftop in the city. Located in the city's lower east ends, this patio is decked out with hanging plants and features a vista that includes a full Toronto skyline stretching all the way from the the lake over to Eglinton. 

El Catrin's patio is located in the heart of the Distillery District. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

El Catrin

Gather around a fire pit with your tacos and a shot of Mezcal at this beautiful patio in the heart of the Distillery. The playful yellow accents of this generous space add to the fun of sitting under chandeliers outside, regardless if it's day or night. 

The Italian favourite Gusto 101 has a street-level patio and another one on the roof. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

Gusto 101

This rustic car mechanic's garage-turned Italian favourite on King West opens up fully in the summer to extend out into a cozy, street-level patio, plus it has a space on the rooftop (equipped with a retractable glass ceiling, fancy) when downstairs gets too full. 

The third-floor patio at Terroni on Yonge is an airy place to get away. Photo by Tanya Mok.

Terroni on Yonge

It's first come, first serve at this beautiful sprawling patio by Summerhill station. Located atop Bar Centrale — Terroni's lower floor wine bar with its own outdoor seating — this crisp third floor patio comes awash in cool blues and plenty of comfy seating. 

The very casual patio at Bairrada Churrasqueira in Little Italy is great for sports fans. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Bairrada Churrasqueira

Sports fans love this Little Italy patio for its super casual picnic bench seating, perfect for downing a sangria pitcher as you cheer on your favourite team on the TVs that dot the perimeter of this Portuguese hotspot. 

The sidewalk patio at Bar Raval is much simpler than its elaborate interior. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

Bar Raval

While nothing beats the unreal Gaudi-inspired interior at this Spanish tapas restaurant, its humble patio still plays a vital part in the summer with a few select seats and enough standing table space to pick at your plate of Galician octopus. 

The patio at Drake Sky Yard is open all year round. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

Drake Sky Yard

The rooftop patio here will always be busy, especially on weekends. It seems no one can resist the idea of daytime mojitos consumed on comfy couches at this West Queen West favourite. 

The Chase's rooftop patio offers views of the towering Financial District buildings. Photo by Jesse Milns.

The Chase

Stellar views of the Financial District towers make this rooftop patio a go-to for suits after a long day in the office. This sleek patio sits atop its seafood counterpart, The Chase Fish & Oyster, which offers less ideal views from its sidewalk patio.

The upper patio at Harvest Kitchen is a friendly outdoor spot at one with nature. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

Harvest Kitchen

Indulge in hearty, healthy eats on the warm patio located on the second floor of this restaurant in Harbord Village. The best part of this outdoor getaway is the foliage that surrounds it: with pops of green all over this nature-filled spot, you'll feel like you're home sweet home. 

Events in Toronto this week have a few things to get you out and about each day. The Honda Indy takes over the waterfront with fast cars and festivities, while Markham's annual night market returns for another year. There's lots of free stuff on, too.

The "relief" from last week's heat wave didn't last long at all: Thursday evening's thunderstorms were supposed to break the humidity, and while they did — for a few days — temperatures are climbing back up. 

If you're on vacation this week, you'll have amazing weather! An amazing forecast for #Toronto. @weathernetworkpic.twitter.com/9zm1qP6Fkf

— Suzanne Leonard (@SuzanneTWN) July 9, 2018

According to Environment Canada, today is supposed to have a high of 31 C, cooling down to a balmy 19 C tonight.

The rest of this week is expected to see a high of 32 C on Sunday and a low of 27 C on Wednesday during the day. 

The temperatures this week. Courtesy Environment Canada. 

Notable weather happenings this week include a chance of showers on Friday, day and night, followed by a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday.

And it's going to feel like the mid-to-high 30s again this weekend. Muggy. 

It's back to feeling like 36 degrees here in Toronto... so much for the beautiful weather this weekend 😭😭😭

— Asha Collins (@Asha_M_C) July 9, 2018

The TTC is serving up major throwback Monday vibes this morning with the unexpected closure of all six stations on its shiny new Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension.

Delays were first reported by the transit agency on Line 1 around 5:30 a.m., less than an hour after full service had resumed following this weekend's scheduled Crosstown LRT construction.

"No service between Vaughan and Wilson due to a late clearing work zone," advised the TTC Notices Twitter account. "Shuttle buses are on the way."

Waiting for the @TTCnotices to figure out whether there is a Subway closure at Sheppard West, about 100 people have been staring blankly at a train. Shuttle service is not operating and your workers don't even know what to tell us! Way to keep us MOVING !

— EL (@OhYouHusslin) July 9, 2018

The busy route subsequently reopened around 6:30 a.m., only to be either shut down or delayed another four times before 9 a.m.

@TTCnotices this is "regular service resumed" .. I want a refund pic.twitter.com/fC7wiDl1NX

— WrapsNApps (@trishs16) July 9, 2018

Customers who've come to rely on the additional 8.6 kilometres of new subway service between Sheppard West Station (formerly Downsview) and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre were quite frustrated with the situation.

All the people who were hoping to start work at 7am just sitting at "Formerly" Downsview Station. Waiting on the Train, THAT'S SITTING IN FRONT OF US to open it's doors .. & i don't want to hear nothing bout no alternative routes. Starting to see why people dread Mondays #TTCpic.twitter.com/xPTtfjBk8X

— byoo-tuh-fuh l (@shexdread) July 9, 2018

Getting to work on Monday morning is enough of a challenge for most people on its own.

I expect #TTC delays every Monday as part of the TTC experience. Finch West to Wilson was down. Waited 20 mins+ to be told to take a shuttle bus, which was nowhere to be found. Yay for Mondays! @TTChelps@TTCnotices

— Vicky La (@vickyla_99) July 9, 2018

Watching the clock, knowing you're late, with no idea as to when your train will actually arrive is enough to irritate even the most optimistic of commuters heading into a new week.

Finch Subway Station this morning. Min 10 minutes wait for a train. #TTC you are the worst transportation! #HappyMonday@TTCnoticespic.twitter.com/eyuiO6OCvR

— Anatolii Gorovyi (@agorovyi) July 9, 2018

But hey, being stuck on a platform is better than being stuck on a subway train underground.

And what alternative do we passengers have? Especially since we are stuck in the subway.

— Ms. Castle (@Mystique_16) July 9, 2018

The TTC last reported that shuttle buses were running between Wilson Station and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station on account of "minor delays."

"Minor? What about the people who got off the train at Wilson to wait 25 minutes for a shuttle, to get crammed like sardines into it?" wrote  one rider around 9:20 a.m. "Or how about the fact that almost an hour later, the first shuttle bus going north isn’t even at York U yet?"

And that was one of the nicer comments directed toward the TTC on Twitter this fine Monday morning in Toronto.

Spot on. If by ‘minor d lays’ you mean ‘stuck in the subway tunnel for an hour’ and by shuttle buses ‘running’ you mean ‘non-existent, go f#ck yourself’.

— Evan Desaulnier (@DesaMusic) July 9, 2018

This week on DineSafe a number of Toronto's top cheap eats destinations got busted by city health inspectors. Queen Street Warehouse, Ali Baba's and Rolltation were just a few of the spots that managed to land conditional passes. 

Find out what other Toronto restaurants got busted by health inspectors this week on DineSafe.

Ali Baba's (561 Bloor St. West)

• Inspected on: July 3, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Hot-holding potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature below 60°C.

Queen Street Warehouse (232 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: July 3, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Stored potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4°C and 60°C and failed to protect food from contamination or adulteration.

Babu (4800 Sheppard Ave. East)

• Inspected on: July 4, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Stored potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4°C and 60°C and failed to protect food from contamination or adulteration.

Corned Beef House (270 Adelaide St. West)

• Inspected on: July 4, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 5, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Failed to ensure food handler in food premise washes hands as necessary to prevent contamination of food.

Burger Stomper (364 Danforth Ave.)

• Inspected on: July 5, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Doomies (1263 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: July 5, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Lone Star (212 King St. West)

• Inspected on: July 5, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Rolltation (207 Dundas St. West)

• Inspected on: July 5, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Union Social Eatery (21 St. Clair Ave. West)

• Inspected on: July 5, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Refrigerated potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature above 4°C and food premise maintained in manner permitting adverse effect on food.

Wimpy's Diner (590 Sheppard Ave. West)

• Inspected on: July 6, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 9 (Minor: 4, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Stored potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4°C and 60°C.

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

Cycling has never been known as a particularly safe way of getting around the city — not in Toronto, or anywhere else where cars mix with bikes on busy downtown streets.

Never before, though, has riding a bike felt so dangerous here.

Some of this can be blamed on construction, some of it on rising population density, and much of it on a recent rash of news coverage about cyclists and pedestrians being killed by motorists. 

Toronto: a cyclist is injured every 6 hrs most often at unsafe carcentric goodluck intersections. Incrementalism is killing us. Safe cycling cities reduce dangerous often deadly conflict by design. So many safe junctions choices. What will it take for real political will? #TOpolipic.twitter.com/ZtUUUndgzt

— SharkDancing (@SharkDancing) June 24, 2018

Toronto City Council approved an additional $22 million in spending on road safety measures late last month amidst pressure from public figures, community groups and citizens who were distraught to learn that 93 people had died on Toronto's roads in the first two years of Mayor John Tory's "Vision Zero" plan.

A victory for advocates, to be sure — but new data from the Canadian polling firm Forum Research shows that only about a third of Toronto voters even know what the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is.

Still, regardless of what they know about Vision Zero, the issue of road safety in general appears to be top of mind in North America's fourth-largest city.

Toronto streets are death traps for cyclists. How much longer until this city gets serious about cycling infrastructure? https://t.co/mHIt6GweKo

— Chris Webb 🌹 (@Cee_Webb) July 8, 2018

Six out of every 10 of the 2521 Toronto voters polled by Forum Research in late June indicated that "Toronto roads are not safe for cyclists."

"Respondents most likely to say roads are not safe for Toronto cyclists include females (63%), with a post-graduate degree (66%), and living in the former city of Toronto (65%), East York (64%), or York (63%)," reads a release announcing the poll's results.  

"Respondents most likely to say Toronto roads are safe for cyclists include those aged 55-64 (47%), males (44%), the least wealthy (46%), the least educated (42%) or with some college/university (45%), and living in North York (43%) or Etobicoke (46%)."

Toronto spends $3.07 on cycling infrastructure per resident. Montreal spends $6.58 per resident. The Netherlands spends $50.

Kitchener? $1.21#cycleWRpic.twitter.com/pp3Vtpqrrk

— Mike Boos (@mikeboos) July 5, 2018

Among the roughly 32 per cent of those surveyed who know what Vision Zero is, more than half said it "does not do enough to protect non-drivers on Toronto streets."

And while 32 per cent may seem low, analysts say that awareness of the plan (which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto's streets by 2021) is up a full thirteen points since 2017.

Only 19 per cent of those polled in a random sampling of public opinion said they were aware of Vision Zero last year. Hopefully awareness continues to go up as more funds are invested into keeping Toronto safe.

The best juice bars in Toronto are where to get your liquid lunch. Beloved by health nuts, these places make it easy to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in one quick easy shot by drinking a juice packed with all kinds of fruits and veggies.

Here are the best juice bars in Toronto.

An exhibition of the political artist Banksy's work, produced by a former manager without the painter's permission, has proven quite successful since opening in Toronto last month with more than 70,000 tickets sold.

So successful has the attraction been, in fact, that it’s spawned a mini-industry of its own: The art of making fun of The Art of Banksy.

From sharing photos of snarky parking signs and scathing reviews to gleefully watching footage of someone steal a USD$45,000 print, there's a solid contingent of Banksy fans who seem to really enjoy all the criticism of this "cheap, exploitative, visually clichéd, thematically just-north-of-vacuous" show.

As local artist Tharanga Ramanayake put on the placard for a work he snuck into the exhibit last week: "Theft is bringing street art inside and then charging an admission fee."

Someone hung their own artwork inside the Banksy exhibit https://t.co/QlJ4XovLE6pic.twitter.com/y0hwlgR6yn

— blogTO (@blogTO) July 5, 2018

This weekend, Banksy fans who feel that paying $35 to look at prints of public art is... well, not very Banksy-like, can enjoy the exhibit at 213 Sterling Road in a way that even the most staunch anti-capitalist would approve of.

The "Banksy Exhibit" Exhibit, hosted by Toronto creatives Naomi Belcamino and Dave McKay on Saturday between 1 and 3 p.m., is described on Facebook as a "meta interactive art experience." 

"Satirical in nature, The 'Banksy Exhibit' Exhibit is a tongue-in-cheek, playful art show being temporarily set up across the street from the Banksy Exhibit in a renegade, guerilla style," reads the event's description.

"The art? It's the people in line across the street! Come view them in real time. Be a part of a hilarious spectacle of irony and skeptical post-modernism."

to anyone thinking of seeing the banksy exhibit: street art was (and is) a way to introduce art to the general public, free of charge. the medium itself strives to destroy the elitism already plaguing the "art world"

— Carley Thorne (@carleysthorne) July 9, 2018

Nearly 300 people have indicated their interest so far, with 60 confirming their attendance on Facebook. One commenter did note on the event page that lineups are now more rare to see outside the Sterling Road gallery, as "they made more room inside so peeps not have to wait out in hot sun."

Either way, it's totally free to attend, and really funny concept.

Those who actually want to see inside The Art of Banksy can still buy tickets, for the record. The exhibit has been extended until August 19, due to popular demand.

A new pop up gift shop is full of quirky Toronto merch and memorabilia: get your tees, totes, posters and prints at a very convenient downtown location. 

Spacing Store has collaborated with the City of Toronto to launch Torontopia: a pop-up gift shop right outside of City Hall. 

Stock up on all things Toronto with raccoon water bottles, CBC mugs and streetcar collectibles. The setup is open every Wednesday to Saturday until Labour Day.

#torontopia is open! Get down to Nathan Phillips Square. Now! pic.twitter.com/X7I7B5vMK5

— David Miller T.O. (@iamdavidmiller) July 6, 2018

Torontopia really does house all things Toronto, including politicians.

Was a pleasure to have @JohnTory and @mary_margaret32 join us for the opening of #Torontopia at City Hall. pic.twitter.com/aHiL04JVbJ

— Spacing Store (@SpacingStore) July 6, 2018

One of North America's hottest experimental architecture firms could soon be making its first foray into the Canadian market with a building unlike anything seen around these parts before.

Slate Asset Management unveiled a proposal late last week for a striking, incredibly unique 48-storey mixed use tower near Yonge and St. Clair.

Designed by Chicago's Studio Gang, the 16-sided tower is meant to serve as both a gateway to the community and "a new model for sustainable urban growth."

The square base of the proposed tower would align with the city grid and existing Yonge Street businesses. Image via Slate Asset Management.

It also just happens to look vaguely like something from The Lord of The Rings.

Slate notes in a news release that the proposed tower, called One Delisle, will retain elements of the building currently standing at 1498 Yonge Street, "preserving the community's main street character."

The design also incorporates plenty of retail and public space, with wide sidewalks at the base.

Setbacks on both Yonge Street and Delisle Avenue will allow for new pedestrian and retail promenades. Image via Slate Asset Management.

The tower itself was designed as "a series of eight-storey elements, which nest together as they spiral up the façade," according to Slate.

Green terraces will be planted atop edges that jut out, while protected balconies will be built within them.

If all goes well and the proposal is approved, the building's angled geometry will result in hundreds of new, variously-sized, diverse residential living units for the neighbourhood.

The building at Yonge and Delisle will be tall enough to see from miles away in any direction. Image via Slate Asset Management.

Of course, this isn't going to happen immediately.

One Delisle is part of a much larger, long-term project that involves the complete transformation of the midtown neighbourhood into "a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood with thriving retail, welcoming open spaces and world-class architecture."

Slate has been acquiring property around the area since 2013 as part of its vision, with 10 buildings in its portfolio dedicated to the project right now — including those on all four corners of the Yonge and St. Clair intersection.

What does it mean when a nightboi comes out to play during daylight hours? Usually that he's a baby, according to wildlife experts— and I dare you to try and show me anything cuter than a baby raccoon. You cannot.

Case in point: This furry little angel who waltzed into the Queen West vintage furniture store Châtelet on Monday afternoon to nap in a box (after drinking from the toilet.)

A friendly young raccoon wandered into a Toronto store on Monday afternoon in search of a nice spot to rest. Image via Sam Gushue.

Sam Gushue was first to spot the cub, who simply wandered in off the street through an open front door.

From the corner of her eye, she assumed the critter was Châtelet's store dog — a tiny black brussels griffon — until she noticed that the dog was sitting next to her.

Gushue says that she and some retailers who share space with Châtelet tried to shoo the baby raccoon back into the wild (Queen and Bathurst can get pretty wild) but to no avail.

The raccoon ran down the stairs into the store's basement, got up on the toilet, had a drink of water and then found himself a nice box in which to take a nap.

A baby raccoon wandered into Châtelet on Queen St West. today! @blogTOpic.twitter.com/PSkbMmtNRE

— ✨Sam Gushue✨ (@teacup_art) July 9, 2018

"He was really sweet," says Gushue, noting that this is not a typical occurrence. "This furniture store has been here for 22 years, and we've never had anything like that happen."

Store staffers were able to carry the young raccoon to Graffiti Alley, behind the store, but with a parting gift — his napping box.

Andrew Dymecki of Belle Époque, which shares space with Châtelet, joked that the little guy has good taste.

"Probably looking for some decor for the nest," he said. "You know, a surprise for mom."

Cute as the thought may be, I'm sure his mother would rather him bring home some warm, sugary garbage, as she is also a raccoon.

Say goodbye to the long green straws in your frappucinos, friends, and hello to a world where corporations at least acknowledge the fact that there's a garbage mass twice the size of Texas swirling in the Pacific Ocean.

A growing movement to eliminate plastic waste around the world just scored a huge victory with the news that Starbucks (as in the Starbucks) plans to ditch single-use plastic straws at every one of its locations by 2020.

Starbucks cafes in Canada will start seeing straws removed as early as next year.

The coffee giant may not have started the trend, but it is by far the largest food and beverage retailer to make such a commitment — the implications of which could actually change the world as we know it.

We're removing plastic straws in our stores globally by 2020—reducing more than 1 billion plastic straws per year.

A post shared by Starbucks Canada (@starbuckscanada) on Jul 9, 2018 at 7:08am PDT

By switching over to strawless sipping lids, Starbucks will eliminate more than 1 billion plastic straws per year from its stores (and, in turn, from landfills that are destroying wildlife habitats all over the globe.)

"Plastic straws that end up in our oceans have a devastating effect on species," said Erin Simon, director of sustainability research & development and material science at World Wildlife Fund, in a release issued Monday.

"Starbucks' goal to eliminate plastic straws by 2020 from their global operations in unprecedented and represents a significant step forward in tackling the material waste challenge," she continued. "We hope others will follow in their footsteps..."

A post shared by ProjectMermaids (@projectmermaids) on Jul 9, 2018 at 1:30pm PDT

Local businesses like The Dakota Tavern and Clinton's have already been straw-free for some time now. In April, another 150 or so Toronto bars and restaurants participated in a day long environmental initiative called The Last Straw, aimed at raising awareness about plastic waste.

Noble as the cause may be, some have criticized anti-straw campaigns as "ableist" in the past.

Starbucks has preemptively thwarted any such criticism by specifying in its announcement on Monday that "alternative-material straws – including paper or compostable plastic – will be rolled-out for Frappuccino blended beverages, and available by request for customers who need a straw."

We're officially in the throes of construction season, so here's the newest tip of the day: anyone trying to hop on the DVP from downtown after work should absolutely avoid Adelaide Street. 

Construction on the one-way street continues to cause major traffic jams while construction crews work on replacing a 142-year-old water main running below Adelaide between Jarvis and Parliament. 

PSA : Fellow Torontonians if you are planning to drive East bound on Adelaide St E to join the DVP please leave extra commute time as there is construction happening on Adelaide St E & cars are only going in single queue! @femwriter FYI . #Constructionseason#Toronto#TakeTTCpic.twitter.com/yFA3lTJ5xh

— Purva 🏳️‍🌈🇨🇦🎨 (@purva_arts) July 6, 2018

Two of Adelaide East's three lanes have been completely blocked off, so commuters should expect way longer wait times as cars travel single-file along the street. 

Likewise, bikers should absolutely avoid this street since the bike lanes has been completely obstructed and trying to squeeze into the last lane standing doesn't seem like a smart idea. 

The city is replacing the aged water main with a larger PVC pipe as part of its $720-million plan to fix Toronto's infrastructure, namely the water mains around the city. 

Unfortunately, the construction on Adelaide will last until the end of the year. 

This is going to be fun! 🚧
.#HeadsUp#Roads#Construction#Adelaide#Jarvis#Parliament#ConstructionSeason#Dirt#Noise#ReducedLanes#Ugh#Torontopic.twitter.com/8BA9D58rby

— Laura (@EE_Laura) July 4, 2018

On top of that, commuters should start avoiding Jarvis Street too.

Crews just started construction there today on a water main replacement between Dundas and Queen, turning the street into a one-lane affair that will last until October 31. 

When you think of coral reefs chances are Southern Ontario probably doesn’t come to mind. But you might be surprised to find out that only 90 minutes from Toronto is a provincial park that is best known for exactly that.

A post shared by Goods Family Adventures (@goodsfamilyadventures) on Apr 9, 2017 at 1:51pm PDT

Rock Point Provincial Park, located on the Northern Shores of Lake Erie near St. Catharines, attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of the exposed fossils of coral reef that adorn the picturesque beaches.

A post shared by Jacinto Salcedo (@jacintosalcedo) on Jul 8, 2018 at 5:52pm PDT

These fossils date back to over 350 million years ago and are embedded in the limestone shelf along the rocky shores.

A post shared by canusa35 (@canusa35) on Sep 4, 2016 at 2:48pm PDT

After spending some time searching for ancient fossils, there are tons of other things to do inside this small park, including swimming and lounging on the one-kilometre-long beach.

A post shared by Ana G ~ Eye Of The Traveller (@eyeofthetraveller) on Jul 3, 2018 at 10:04am PDT

Although the entire park is only 1.5 square kilometres, there’s a lush two kilometre hiking trail and a shorter ‘pet friendly’ trail, too. The two kilometre Woodlot Trail will take you through a fairytale-like forest of tall Carolinian and Oak Savanna trees, and old farm fields.

A post shared by Terry Lawson (@terrylawson) on Apr 13, 2017 at 4:37pm PDT

This easy hike will then lead you directly to a viewing platform perched atop the sand dunes that give an epic viewpoint of Lake Erie.

A post shared by Maddy Andrus (@madstarry) on Jun 23, 2018 at 8:22am PDT

If you plan on spending more than a day here, there are a couple options for camping. There are four areas inside the park for car camping, many of which offer electrical outlets and can accommodate large vehicles like campers and trailers.

A post shared by Johanne Roy (@jroypeintre) on Jun 23, 2018 at 6:30pm PDT

Amenities like water taps, washroom facilities and laundry services are all near, so you won’t have to worry about roughing it out there. If living off the land is more your thing, there are also three different group campsites that each accommodate up to about 30 tents each, with fire pits throughout.

A post shared by Gary Carr (@gary_carr) on Jun 10, 2018 at 12:41pm PDT

The park is open from May until October and has events on throughout the summer that you can plan your trip around.

France vs. Belgium in the semifinals of the The FIFA World Cup is upon us at last. On July 10 at 2 p.m. EST, the two teams will face off for a spot in the finals against either England or Croatia, marking the beginning of the end of what's been a satisfyingly epic tournament so far.  

It's been 32 years since the the French and Belgian teams played a competitive match (international friendlies don't count), and both countries are collectively going bananas at the prospect of their players going head-to-head. 

Fans of Les Blues will cheer on the goalkeeping skills of Hugo Lloris as he and the team – the second youngest in the league – vie for the championship since the country's one and only in 1998.

Meanwhile the Red Devils are undoubtedly on top of their game with a tournament-leading 14 goals in the past five matches – even if they have to play without their defender Thomas Meunier, who was suspended after tripping Brazilian forward Neymar on Friday. 

Whether you're cheering for Team France or Team Belgium, there'll be plenty of bars and restaurants in Toronto playing the game, and some places where you can watch for free too. 

Here's where you can watch France vs. Belgium in the World Cup. 

Where to cheer on Team France

Ricarda's is the headquarters for Les Blues this year, where as usual the Federation Tricolore de Toronto has reserved the bar area of this restaurant on Peter Street for all Team France fans. Arrive around 1:45 p.m. and prepare to hear La Marseillaise. 

Where to cheer on Team Belgium

Though Cafe Diplomatico has pretty much been rendered neutral territory since Italy failed to make it into the World Cup, Red Devils fans have continued to make a strong presence at this Little Italy restaurant which has one of the hypest World Cup patios in the city. 

Where to cheer as a neutral fan

• Assembly Chefs Hall will be airing the game on the two massive projectors in their beer hall. 
• The Office Pub has patio TVs, full sound, and cheap Heineken pints during games. 
• Real Sports has you covered with a massive 39-foot HD screen and 199 smaller ones around the bar. 
• The Pilot will be airing the game on all their main floor screens with sound. 
• O’Grady’s airs the World Cup games on a big TV screen on the main floor behind the bar. 
• Elephant & Castle has TVs in the bar section in the back that plays games with full sound on. 
• The Pint Public House offers numerous big screen TVs and spacious seating that's good for big groups. 
• Scotland Yard has screens all around its cozy seating area. 
• Football Factory is the quintessential soccer bar to watch all games with 13 HDTVs and private booths. 
• Hemingway’s has huge TVs on its rooftop patio. 
• Brazen Head has lots of TVs and drink specials for the game. 
• Scallywags continues to air all games with audio and drink specials.
• The Dizzy has tons of TVs with unobstructed views to watch the game. 

First Canadian Place comes with comfy soccer ball beanbag chairs. Photo by Jason Cook.

Special Screenings

• First Canadian Place will be playing the game in its viewing lounge in the main lobby, complete with a giant screen and some bean bag seating. 
• Brookfield Place offers some screens in the middle of its food court courtesy of TSN on the concourse level. 

Watch Online

If you've managed to score a VPN through popular providers like ExpressVPN, you'll get access to a huge selection of free online live streams.

There are also ways you can stream online on your phone or laptop, just download Canada's two biggest World Cup broadcaster apps: CTV GO App and TSN GO App. 

You'll have to connect to your CTV Go App by choosing your provider, and the TSN GO App requires a subscription.

If you've got either, you can play the game on your phone and screen-mirror or cast to any smart TV near you. 

Events in Toronto today mean that, while the heat wave continues, there are plenty of ways to keep cool. Courtney Barnett and Dave Matthews are in to perform, and there's an outdoor movie screening for when it starts to cool down. There's also France vs. Belgium at the World Cup.

Oh hello gorgeous! This house looks like it came straight out of Architecture Digest. The current owners have restored this home beautifully.   

The three-storey historic Annex-style home is filled with natural light, exposed brick walls and modern finishes, making it flawless.

Upon entering the house you’re greeted by a gorgeous living room with 10-foot ceilings and a gas fireplace with a darling antique wood mantle.

The living room flows seamlessly into the dining room and kitchen.

The kitchen is minimalist with exposed shelves. It could probably use an extra cabinet but I like the mix of wood and white high gloss.

The kitchen walks-out through a mud room into the shady private courtyard.  

On the second floor, there is a second family room and two bedrooms.

One of the bedrooms is currently the playroom of my childhood dreams.

Additionally, there’s the master suite which includes a walk-in closet, five-piece en suite and a walk-out to a large balcony.

On the third floor, there is another master bedroom with a stunning six-piece en suite.

There are two other spacious bedrooms, one of which is being used as an office.

One of the bedrooms is striking with cathedral ceilings, but what I’m really obsessed with is the bathroom with flamingo wallpaper. It’s so cute!

There’s even more space in the basement with a large rec room and a guest bedroom.  

Also while I don’t usually point out a laundry room this one has a dog-shower, which I imagine comes in handy more often than not. I assume it could be used for messy kids and pets alike... but I don’t know the rules.

Specs

• Address: 155 Madison Ave.
• Price: $4,499,000
• Lot Size: 24.88 x 121 feet
• Bedrooms: 5+1
• Bathrooms: 6
• Parking: 2
• Walk Score: 93
• Transit Score: 99
• Listing agent: Myles Slocombe
• Listing ID: C4178721

Good For

A large family. There’s plenty of room for both living, working, and playing. This could make the perfect downtown family home.  

Move On If

You don’t want to be in frat house central. Almost all of Toronto’s notorious fraternities and sororities are within a one block radius of this house. Frosh Week will not be kind on your sleep schedule. 

Prince Edward County is arguably one of the best summer spots in Southern Ontario. With countless wineries, breweries, and sandy beaches nearby, it’s heaven for anyone looking to relax and escape the city.

A post shared by neha ravella (@ravellaaa) on Oct 4, 2017 at 1:41am PDT

Luckily, PEC is only two hours from Toronto and boasts one of Ontario’s natural wonders — Lake on the Mountain. This park is truly magical, and oddly perplexing, as it defies all geographical and geological theory.

A post shared by Valeskie (@_her_wandering_soul_) on May 29, 2018 at 10:09am PDT

Located 62 meters above the Bay of Quinte, Lake on the Mountain is surrounded by both mystery and legend. Because of this, it attracts thousands of visitors each year to catch a glimpse of its pristine waters.

A post shared by the BREL team - PEC (@getwhatyouwantinthecounty) on Oct 25, 2017 at 2:11pm PDT

The stories and legends told as to how the lake came to be are just as colourful as the lake itself: a volcano, meteorites, and massive glacier whirlpool have all been suggested.

However, the most accepted theory is that it’s the result of a collapsed doline (sinkhole) that is common to areas with limestone rock formations.

A post shared by Jessalyn Taylor (@jessalyntay) on Aug 27, 2017 at 7:09am PDT

There is rich cultural history of the land, and the Mohawks referred to it as the ‘Lake of the Gods”. Early settlers even believed the lake was bottomless.

A post shared by Prince Edward County 🏖🍇🎨 (@visitthecounty) on Jun 4, 2018 at 8:37pm PDT

It is a constant source of curiosity, as there is always a constant flow of clean, fresh water, with no apparent source. Also, the water levels never seem to vary.

A post shared by Valeskie (@_her_wandering_soul_) on Jun 4, 2018 at 4:13pm PDT

Lake on the Mountain Park is open from May to October and is for day-use only, with no camping options available. Luckily, Sandbanks Provincial Park is only 30 minutes away, and it has over 500 camp sites.