If you were anywhere in the vicinity of Square One last night, you likely saw (and definitely heard) thousands of screaming, ecstatic fans doing the Beatlemania/Bieber Fever thing on sidewalks, in the parking lot, and from well across the street.

#Canada@bebeinghuman launched today @HoltRenfrew@shopSQUAREONE thank u all for the love & support ! pic.twitter.com/wv9kzP1PHV

— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) July 10, 2018

No, Drake didn't stage a surprise show in Mississauga last night — and even if he had, the crowd wouldn't have been this jaw-droppingly huge.

The masses were there for Indian superstar Salman Khan; A debonair actor, artist and humanitarian who kind of strikes me as the George Clooney of Bollywood, with a Johnny Depp twist (please do correct me if I'm wrong, Indian media buffs.)

Salman Khan makes a grand entrance for the #BeingHuman clothing launch at #HoltRenfrew#SquareOnepic.twitter.com/m2dMZkXEig

— hopeless soul (@Jerseyno27) July 10, 2018

Khan was in town this week for a Sunday night stage show at FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton.

Called Da-Bangg Tour Reloaded, the show is described as "a showcase of Bollywood's world -class production capabilities" and stars Khan, alongside several other famous actors, singers and dancers.

Seriously one of the best Bollywood shows I have seen! Where else do you get #SalmanKhan just hovering over top of you? #DabanggReloaded#toronto#Bollywoodpic.twitter.com/E6L9lSv9Mc

— Amin Dhillon (@AminDhillon) July 9, 2018

Photos of Khan posing with actress Rhamba after the show in Hamilton have exploded across the web in recent days as fans of both entertainers delight in seeing theJudwaa stars reunited.

Actress #Rambha and her family members with @BeingSalmanKhan
backstage at #DabanggTour in #Torontopic.twitter.com/aoMFaJ7OHU

— BEING SALMAN KHAN (@raajkhan1786) July 9, 2018

On Tuesday evening, Khan launched his new charity clothing line (Being Human Clothing) at Square One with a public appearance and Q&A session.

Salman Khan today in Toronto pic.twitter.com/IOP1SM7NL5

— R D (@ItsRaviD) July 10, 2018

Fans camped out all around the mall just to get a glimpse of the beloved star.

This is not India.. This is Toronto where the crowd goes crazy to get a glimpse of @BeingSalmanKhanpic.twitter.com/qOJQWmMLUN

— 𝕯𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖓 (@Cursed_Child_) July 10, 2018

And the lineup to buy something from his new line — the proceeds of which "provide education and healthcare support to the underprivileged" — was Cheesecake Factory long.

Waiting....long line..... #SalmanKhan in Toronto for #BeingHuman store launch pic.twitter.com/QjPAsr27Uj

— ###Race3 (@mystery0725) July 10, 2018

Busy as his schedule must be, Khan still took time to meet and take photos with some of the fans who showed up to see him.

★ An Angel On Earth… #SalmanKhan at #Holtrenfrew Square One (#Mississauga; #Ontario July 9th 2018)! https://t.co/xgBwB2zDCI#BeingHumanClothing#BeingHuman#Torontopic.twitter.com/qYEMkvvqnP

— SalmanKhanHolics.com *Sᴀʟᴍᴀɴ Kʜᴀɴ Iɴ & ᴀs Bʜᴀʀᴀᴛ… (@SalmanKhanHolic) July 10, 2018

Leave it to the folks behind Vegandale — Toronto's self-styled block of cruelty-free shops and restaurants— to launch a beer brand with the tagline "Morality on Tap."

Introducing Vegandale Brewery: A soon-to-open brewpub and 100 seat restaurant in Parkdale that serves exclusively vegan food and beer.

Yes, before you Google it, vegan beer is a thing; it just happens to be most beers. Alcohol brands that use gelatin, casein or isinglass in their product — like Guinness and Red Stripe — are not vegan, but pretty much everything else you'll find on tap in the average Canadian watering hole is.

"Get ready to experience the first brewery of its kind to offer an unapologetic stance on veganism, alongside quality craft brews and great eats!" reads an announcement released on Tuesday by The 5700 Inc, which also runs Mythology Diner, Doomies and The Imperative.

"Vegandale Brewery is offering Torontonians the chance to get their daily dose of morality, straight from the tap."

The logo for Vegandale Brewery, which opens this summer at Queen and Brock in Toronto.

This new brewery will take over the space that used to be occupied by Duggan's in Parkdale, at 1346 Queen Street West.

Duggan's will continue to operate in the basement of the establishment, while Michael Duggan, a Mill Street Brewery co-founder, will help Vegandale Brewery produce "carefully crafted small-batch brews" with names like Principled Pilsner, See the Light Lager, The Sour Truth, and Morally Superior IPA.

As you can see, Vegandale is really leaning into the inexplicably rage-filled criticism of both itself and veganism in general.

While a specific launch date has yet to be revealed, The 5700 Inc. says that we can expect the brewery to open "sooner than you'd think." An Instagram account set up for the venture lists an opening date of Summer 2018.

"We're ready to show Toronto that our strong brews match our strong convictions," says Hellenic Vincent De Paul, owner of The 5700 Inc.

"And with four additional vegan storefronts launching this summer under the Vegandale brand, we have lots of reasons to toast to the end of animal exploitation."

Toronto is up in arms after a event promising only the zaniest and craziest Caesars was cancelled last minute over the weekend.

The Toronto Caesar Challenge was scheduled for Saturday afternoon on the greenroof at The Big Carrot, but a day-of cancellation saw ticket holders show up to the venue only to find out it had been called off.

Organizers took to Facebook to address concerns but were vague on the reason for the cancellation, citing only that they had been "told not to host this event."

"We are deeply sorry but know that we will not give up to help the homeless. We are hurt and saddened by the outcome."

The event was meant as a fundraiser for non-profit Hygiene on Wheels and promised a day of "yummy food and drink tastes from local companies, live music and more."

Complaints directed at Toronto Caesar Fest—the organizers for the event—soon flooded in, calling the event a "scam" and "sketchy."

"This is actually the most disorganized event. I better get my refund," one person commented on the original post.

"I’m sorry but you must have known this days ago that your vendors weren't coming. This is the worst planned event I've ever been apart of. What a scam," wrote another.

Organizers went on to issue another statement stating that all tickets would be refunded in full and that processing was "taking a bit longer since we've decided to refund everyone. We've received all your emails and we are trying to respond as quickly as possible."

It turns out that the original date had been set for June 23 and rescheduled to July 7 and moved to a venue that featured a roof. Guests from the June 23 date noted as early as yesterday that they had still not received a refund from that time.

"Has anyone actually received their refund yet?," one person posted. "It's been over 10 business days for me and still nothing."

School's out and the kids are off. Thankfully there's lot of events in Toronto that include the youngsters. Music, arts and food festivals all offer special programming to keep everyone happy. And who knows? They just might learn something.

It's going to be a loud and hectic week in Toronto as the annual Honda Indy rolls into town. The big race and a number of other festivals happening will result in road closures across the city starting as early as Tuesday evening.

Here's what you need to know to navigate the city by car this week.

Honda Indy

Setup for this weekend's annual race will close the westbound curb and middle lanes of Lakeshore Blvd. West between Strachan Ave. and Ontario Dr. from today at 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. tomorrow. The westbound curb lane will continue to be closed tomorrow until 9 p.m. 

Lakeshore Blvd. West between Strachan Ave. and Ontario Dr. will be fully closed in both directions starting tomorrow at 9 p.m. through July 15 at midnight.

Takedown of the event will have the westbound curb and middle lanes of Lakeshore Blvd. West between Strachan Ave. and Ontario Dr. closed from July 15 at midnight until 6 a.m. on July 16.

Bloor West Street Fest

The street festival taking place on July 14 will see Bloor St. between Jane and Runnymede closed in both directions from 6 a.m. until midnight.

Willard Ave., Windermere Ave., Durie St. and Beresford Ave. will also be affected by partial road closures during the festival.

Festival of India 

The festival that's been around for 46 years will take place July 14 and 15. Asquith Ave. between Yonge St. and Park Rd. will be closed on July 14 from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. 

If you live or work in downtown Toronto, chances are you've had at least a few close encounters of the vehicular kind.

Whether it be a sports car that just barely skids to a halt as you step off the streetcar, a delivery truck that mangles your bike in the process of backing up, or a bus that crosses way over into your lane while turning left, we've all got stories about that one or 100 times we almost got smushed.

.@SarahEDoucette@TO_Cycling

5:45 pm driver proceeding from a stop & going NB on Colborne Lodge Dr turning WB.

Man riding his bicycle SB out of #highpark& driver does not SEE him.

No one else at intersection.

Man has to avoid being hit & slides narrowly missing wheel 1/2 pic.twitter.com/lUhkygFDpH

— Janet Joy Wilson (@jsquaredink) July 6, 2018

With Toronto on track for one of the worst years in history regarding cyclist and pedestrian deaths, road safety has become a constant topic of discussion around the city.

In the spirit of taking matters into one's own hands, someone in Toronto has been adhering posters to street poles around local crosswalks.

"Almost hit by a vehicle at this crosswalk?" read the signs. "To share: #NearMissToronto."

Since police have abdicated their role in enforcing traffic laws in Toronto, & mendacious elected officials say one thing but vote another way, civilian efforts like this will have to take over, for now. Just spotted on a college st pole. #NearMissTorontopic.twitter.com/7SN1D5rFuf

— Person of Ontario (@shawnmicallef) July 6, 2018

No name, phone number or organization is listed on the posters themselves, and the hashtag contains only anecdotes and photos from citizens who've decided to use it.

Half way across the crosswalk harbord at Robert when a west bound car almost wiped me out! Plenty of time to stop but he chose to play chicken with my life! Wtf is Wrong with to drivers? #NearmissToronto#VisionZeroTO

— C (@c_drudi) July 9, 2018

Some citizens are reporting patterns of behaviour that they say endanger lives on the regular.

Everyday at college and havelock. The bigger the truck the less likely they stop at the crosswalk. It’s a matter of time until someone is killed. #nearmisstoronto

— Conor (@Conor67448400) May 31, 2018

And sharing their experiences in trying to bring dangerous drivers to justice.

(2 of 2) after multiple calls someone told me that I could go into the station and fill out a form to report a specific incident, and then said, “good luck, honey” in a way that suggested trying to do anything within the bureaucracy would be pointless. #NearMissTorontohttps://t.co/5nED23N9Bb

— SuzanneAlyssa Andrew (@SuzanneAlyssa) July 6, 2018

Others are just sharing photos of the signs to illustrate how bad the problem has gotten

#tragic#citylife#time to reclaim #publicspace for the people of #Toronto. Let us put #cars back to their place. #carfreeTorontopic.twitter.com/ufi1YfM2Rl

— Yiftach Fehige (@FehigeToronto) June 13, 2018

And they're not the only ones.

Spotted a few months ago at St Clair West & Keele... pic.twitter.com/m5VKnMknEv

— Popcorn’s Scratch Pad 🐾 (@Popcorns_Views) July 6, 2018

Fortunately, things are looking up for road safety in Toronto.

City Council recently approved an additional $22 million in spending on safety measures 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.

The first half of 2018 was rough for anyone selling a home in Toronto, with prices dropping to historic lows as the market figured out how to deal with regulatory changes from both the federal and provincial governments.

Fortunately, it looks like we may have hit rock bottom — which means there's only one way to go.

Royal LePage announced the results of is quarterly House Price Survey today for the past three months of real estate trends across Canada, as well as a forward-looking Market Survey Forecast.

Overall, the average price of a home in Canada increased 2.0 per cent year-over-year to $613,968 in the second quarter of 2018, with condominiums posting "a significantly higher rate of appreciation when compared to the detached segment."

The appreciation rate would have been even higher, nationally, if not for the "softness" of Toronto's market dragging the average down.

Royal LePage's most recent Canadian Housing Trends market survey forecasts predicts that house prices will rise 5.6 per cent in the GTA by Q4 over Q2. Image via Royal LePage.

"Buyers looking in the GTA have found temporary relief, which is a stark contrast to the runaway price gains that characterized this time of year in 2017," said Royal LePage president Phil Soper in a release on Tuesday.

"What we have seen in the first half of 2018 was the continuation of a broad-based residential housing correction that was triggered by declining affordability and government intervention."

Moving forward, analysts are predicting an "uptick in home price appreciation" over the next three months, with the price of a home expected to rise 1.9 per cent nationwide.

Prices are expected to rise 2.1 per cent, to $838,984, by the end of the third quarter in the GTA in specifically.

Home appreciation rates should remain highest in "less expensive" cities like Windsor, Belleville, Niagara and Kingston, however, where both young Torontonians and retirees are reportedly moving in spades to find "more affordable detached homes."

King Street is officially one of Toronto's most colourful streets. Thanks to the King Street Pilot, there's been an explosion of fun new furniture brightening up the area between Jarvis and Bathurst, and it looks like we just got four more cool designs to play with. 

Today ShapeLab unveiled four new pieces of art – two in David Pecaut and two in St. James Park – designed by Ryerson students as part of its #ShapeTO competition – the university-level version of the pilot's original "Everyone Is King" initiative. 

Winning teams of four to five students were given a $4000 budget to complete their installations and $1000-worth of prize money. There weren't really any guidelines, but they were encouraged to be accessible and "whimsical" with their designs as possible.  

Here's what the four new installations of the King Street Pilot look like. 

Parcade

An outdoorsy take on 70s arcade games, this interactive set made of plywood and acrylic is geared mostly toward children exploring St. James Park. 

The 'Countman' game (a take on Pac-Man) uses little beads to tally your count of things like birds, clouds, bikes or dogs in the park.

'Tree-Thousand and One' helps you identify the different types of leaves you can find in St. James Park, while Squirrel Racer provides a fun way to map out the park. 

It also features little planters of flowers, which will be maintained by the St. James Park BIA. 

Caravanserais

A throwback to the days of the ol' horse and carriage, a caravanserai is the term for an inn where weary travellers could park their caravans and steeds after a long journey. 

Built in the shape of a car, this cedar wood seating area street-side by St. James Park presents a new-age caravanseria, where tired urbanites can take a rest in an area dominated by the modern carriage. 

According to the installation, almost half of the city' parkland is used for parking – making this bench a direct salute to the King Street Pilot's no-car policy. 

Resonance

Made from straps and buckets from local stores like Canadian Tire and the textile stores of Queen Street, this installation certainly adds some fun to the Entertainment District. 

The best part about Resonance is the amusement it's bound to provide to late-night revelers wandering around King Street: head here after it gets dark and you'll find the drums light up with green and blue lights when you smack them. 

Imprint

We all know those pin impression toys: the ones that were viscerally satisfying and equally disturbing to play with as children. Now there's two life-sized version of these things outside of David Pecaut Square, and rest assured – it's still as fun now as it was then. 

Constructed from pine wood and PVC pipes, you can press your entire body into these things and leave your fleshy human mark in this very transient world.

People of all ages will be pressing their bodies into this thing – kind of a cool reminder that we're pretty much all the same when it comes to PVC pipes. 

We have a number of full time and freelance jobs currently available. Check out our jobs page to see if one interests you. Here are some of the roles we're actively hiring for right now.

• Managing Editor 
• Copy Editor
• Film Writer
• Food Truck content creator
• App content creator
• Freelance writers - music, fashion, design, tech

All the details on our jobs page. We can't wait to meet you.

It's been a minute since the world has had a mega-viral dance challenge on its hands — you know, the kind that actually breaks out from YouTube to appear on morning TV news programs with incredulous old white people.

A 25-year-old American Instagram star who goes by Shiggy just remedied that situation in a major way with a boost from one of the songs on Drake's new double album, Scorpion.

#Mood : KEKE Do You Love Me ? 😂😂😂 @champagnepapi #DoTheShiggy #InMyFeelingsChallenge

A post shared by Shoker🃏 (@theshiggyshow) on Jun 29, 2018 at 6:15pm PDT

The song in question, called "In My Feelings", made headlines on its own a few weeks back for sampling some audio from an iconic, Drake-centric episode of Donald Glover's Atlanta.

Drake himself also continues to be one of the most celebrated humans in existence.

This week alone, the Toronto-born rapper became the first-ever artist to surpass 1 billion streams in seven days, and then beat a 54-year-old record set by the Beatles for most simultaneous singles on the Billboard Top 10. 

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Jul 9, 2018 at 11:27am PDT

The Drake halo effect is real and, which is to say that Shiggy made a brilliant move with his choice of music for the dance challenge. 

When you and Bae #DoTheShiggy On Top of Cape Town on ur #Honeymoon. @DangeRussWilson #InMyFeelingsChallenge

A post shared by Ciara (@ciara) on Jul 8, 2018 at 10:56am PDT

Two different hashtags are associated with the craze: #DoTheShiggy and #InMyFeelingsChallenge.

A post shared by ROY PURDY (@roypurdy) on Jul 9, 2018 at 7:08pm PDT

The first has just under 27,000 submissions on Instagram currently, while the second has about 34,000. Both have taken off like wildfire across the web as famous friends and fans of Drake (like NFL superstar Odell Beckham Jr.) put their own twist on Shiggy's moves.

A post shared by Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) on Jul 4, 2018 at 11:44am PDT

It's one of those internet trends like the mannequin challenge or planking (ugh, remember planking?) where people of all ages are stoked to get involved.

Cute little kids are doing the Shiggy...

A post shared by ♕ Pascal Udoye 🇳🇬 (@pboy_dgaf) on Jul 9, 2018 at 12:52am PDT

Fashion dudes are doing the Shiggy...

A post shared by Shamz The Great (@shamybaddz) on Jul 10, 2018 at 11:28am PDT

Soldiers (or people dressed like soldiers) are doing the Shiggy...

A post shared by Dance Videos | Chop Daily (@chopdaily) on Jul 10, 2018 at 5:47am PDT

Birds are doing the Shiggy...

A post shared by ᏁᏗፚ ᎮᏂᎥᏝᏝᎥᏋ ᏋᏁᏖ🎙🎼🎥 (@naz.phillie.ent) on Jul 10, 2018 at 11:37am PDT

Dentists are doing the Shiggy (?)...

A post shared by Shoker🃏 (@theshiggyshow) on Jul 10, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

Professional dancers are doing the Shiggy...

A post shared by Samuel Kyei (@hooliboy94) on Jul 5, 2018 at 8:54am PDT

People are jumping out of their cars to do the Shiggy.

A post shared by DaniLeigh🇩🇴 (@iamdanileigh) on Jul 8, 2018 at 4:36pm PDT

It's fun for the whole family, and also these people!

A post shared by Worldstar Hip Hop (@worldstar) on Jul 10, 2018 at 12:50am PDT

Keke, do you love me? Are you on Insta? Say you'll never ever leave...

The story of Lightspell vs. The TTC continues this week with news that $1.9 million of city funds may not have gone to waste after all.

The TTC has come up with a solution that, if all goes well, should allow anyone to post their own giant message in lights on the ceiling at Pioneer Station — unless that message contains "words that could incite panic or cause harm to passengers."

As you may recall, the TTC suddenly and without warning decided not to activate the art installation described above back in December, just two days before opening up Pioneer Station and five others on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension. 

The work, called Lightspell, had already been approved by the City of Toronto and TTC Board in 2009, but officials put the project on ice over concerns about hate speech and profanity — despite the fact that it had already been paid for in full.

It is with anger and disappointment that I have learnt about the censorship of the new, awesome @realitiesunited installation in Toronto which was supposed to be inaugurated Dec 15 after almost 9 years of planning and investment. https://t.co/z0xPZbWPBupic.twitter.com/JvRXOwAYxH

— Rafael Lozano-Hemmer (@errafael) December 22, 2017

What ensued was a widespread debate, led in large part by German artists Jan and Tim Edler of realities:united, about censorship, free speech and wasteful spending.

The installation has remained dormant ever since, awaiting a decision from the TTC board about what to do.

That decision came down during a meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, when board members approved a proposed solution that involves activating the work — but with four "mitigating measures."

"The TTC has had a number of conference calls with the artist to come to a consensus on the best means to manage any misuse of the artwork," reads a report that went before the TTC board today. 

https://t.co/5i3UhDuZYghttps://t.co/5i3UhDuZYg

— realities:united (@realitiesunited) July 6, 2018

"It was agreed that there is potential for misuse of the artwork by the public and that the public could be offended by particular content that might be posted."

Thus, the transit agency will be developing "terms of use" signage to be prominently displayed at Pioneer Station. Limits will also be placed on the times of day in which the installation is accessible to the public.

A list of words that either compromise public safety or contradict the laws of Canada will be prohibited from appearing, though the TTC can also immediately take down any content based on complaints from the public.

Messages that are removed will be reviewed by an independent, third party panel with experience dealing in Canadian free speech and hate speech laws.

England vs. Croatia marks an epic moment for both countries. Underdog Croatia has never even reached the finals but they've got one of the best teams since their prime in 1998, and it's been 52 years since England's been this close to the green and gold.

If football is indeed 'coming home' tomorrow, it's been a long time coming. 

While the Three Lions and the Vatreni have played each other quite a few times over the years with a win each in Euro 2004 and later in 2008, there's no doubt that this match could be a close call between a confident Croatian team and England's energetic players. 

The Vatreni team is full of seasoned players from some of the world's best clubs, hence their dramatic (and politically charged) penalty kick win against Russia on Saturday.

They've been owning their adversaries relatively easily thus far; we'll have to see on July 11 at 2 p.m. if England's defence can hold up. 

Here's where you can watch England vs. Croatia in the World Cup. The winner will play France this weekend.

Where to cheer on Team England

Bloorcourt's Piston is the official 3 Lions Den with a huge HD screen and DJs spinning English indie and alt jams starting at 12:30 p.m., while on Dundas West, the home to the Manchester City Supporters Club Opera Bob's Public House will be open early to air the game. 

Where to cheer on Team Croatia

Undoutedly the stomping grounds for Team Croatia fans is the Croatian Parish Park in Mississauga, where the outdoor pavilion and sports bar will be decked out with TVs for a crowded viewing of the game and the grassy area fills out with those red-and-white checkers. 

Where to cheer as a neutral fan

• Scallywags continues to air all games with audio and drink specials with 30 TVs in the whole spot, including its rooftop patio.
• Elephant & Castle is definitely Team 3 Lions, but it has TVs in the bar section in the back for everyone. 
• Fox and Firkin will be running deals on Canadian pints, tequila shots, and pounds of wings for the game. 
• Assembly Chefs Hall will be airing the game on the two massive projectors in their beer hall. 
• Kelly's Landing has a thirteen-foot TV and other small ones all around its bar area and open patio.  
• 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.  
• 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.
• 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

• Union Summer Market has set up a a massive screen underneath a pavilion complete with benches. Its free to drop by, plus its licensed. 
• 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 look to beat the heat with outdoor movie screenings courtesy of the Regent Park Film Festival and Open Roof. A comedy tour finds it way to Toronto and superstar Charlie Puth is in to perform.

In an effort to be more like London, Toronto's transit commission will explore the idea of taking control over everything from taxi permits and road tolls to the island ferry system.

The TTC board approved two motions during a meeting at City Hall on Tuesday that aim to both integrate and better coordinate the process of moving people around Toronto.

"Moving people through our city in the most seamless, effective manner requires greater integration of the various modes of transportation that people use every day," reads a report from TTC Board chair Josh Colle.

Colle writes that, under an "expanded, unified organization," the TTC would potentially manage all of the following:

• Maintenance and operations of existing transit, wheel-trans, & ferry services
• Licensing & permits for taxis, rideshare & bike share, and car-share services
• Maintenance, operations, and administration of Toronto's Bike Share program
• Toronto Parking Authority and its associated responsibilities • Administration, operations, and policymaking related to future road pricing
• Operate additional transit lines/services not owned or operated by the TTC (i.e. Eglinton Crosstown)

TTC Board Vice Chair Alan Heisey noted in a report of his own that the transit agency was actually responsible for running the Toronto Island ferry services up until 1962, when it was taken over by the city.

He also writes that it's common in other parts of the world for one agency to operate and regulate public transit, as well as other modes of transportation under one roof.

"For example, Transport for London operates an integrated service which includes underground and surface public transit, passenger boat services, public bike share, and taxi regulation."

It's hard to say at this point what the impact would be of letting the TTC manage road tolls, the ferries, permits for taxis, bikeshare and carshare services — which is why they're studying the idea further.

The motions approved this week only authorize the CEO and City Manager to comprise and deliver a report on how best to create an integrated mobility agency in Toronto.

So don't go rage-tweeting at the TTC because your ferry to Hanlan's is late again... yet.

This place has me channeling my inner Jonathan Van Ness and uttering “can you believe?” I didn't even know places like this could exist in Toronto.

This amazing three-level loft features soaring 28-foot ceilings, polished concrete and Brazilian Tigerwood floors, brick walls, and a wood burning fireplace.

The multiple skylights flood the place with natural light giving the whole unit an airy atrium vibe.

The kitchen has stainless appliances, a gas stove and stone countertops.

The whole unit is quite industrial, especially with the metal staircase that flows up through the house. But I’m really liking it.

There are three spacious bedrooms and two modern, minimalist bathrooms.

The third floor is my favourite with the floor-to-ceiling windows and the skylight drenching the space in light. It would make for the perfect office or art studio.

The third level walks-out onto a large private rooftop patio, an ideal spot to spend all your summer evenings having a beer or cocktails.

The unit also has two separate garages, so forget street parking!

Specs

• Address: #1 - 6 Bartlett Avenue
• Type: Loft
• Rent: $5,100 / month
• Listing agent:  Keyvan Foroughi
• Furnished? No
• Utilities: Not included
• Air conditioning? Yes
• Bedrooms: 2+1
• Bathrooms: 2
• Parking: 2
• Laundry? In suite
• Outdoor space? Rooftop terrace
• Pet friendly? Yes

Good For

A plant-obsessed couple. I can just imagine this place filled with all sorts of greenery and turning into a greenhouse of sorts.

Move On If

You’re not a fan of traipsing up and down stairs. With three-storeys, this place will have you climbing up and down floors like you’re on a Stairmaster. I can’t even imagine how much it will suck to move a couch up those stairs.

Another weekend, another TTC subway closure. This time transit users need to brace themselves for a closure along Line 1. 

There will be no subway service on Line 1 between Lawrence and St. Clair stations on July 14 and 15 due to Metrolinx's Eglinton Crosstown LRT work at Yonge and Eglinton.

Shuttle buses will run along Yonge St., stopping outside each station along the route. You can grab the 97 Yonge bus, in addition to the University side of Line 1 as alternatives during this weekend closure.

If you're paying with PRESTO during the subway closure just tap your card at the start of their trip. When transferring from the subway to a shuttle bus or from a shuttle bus to the subway don't tap your PRESTO card again.

Regular scheduled service will resume on Monday morning. The next scheduled closure will halt weekend service on Line 1 between Lawrence and St Clair stations on July 21 and 22 due to Metrolinx's Eglinton Crosstown LRT work at Yonge and Eglinton.

The greatest (and I think only) doughnut cone rivalry Toronto has ever seen just ended with a merger that will see Eva's Original Chimneys stand alone as the city's chimney cake champs — but everyone's a winner in this situation.

Eva's, a Toronto based food truck-turned-brick and mortar chain that specializes in Hungarian spiral pastries (Kurtoskalacs), announced on Monday that it had officially acquired its largest competitor: Chimney Stax Baking Co.

All existing Chimney Stax locations, including food trucks and seasonal locations in the CNE Food Building and Toronto Christmas Market, will "be converted to the Eva's brand and recipes" effective immediately, according to a press release.

Eva's serves up dreamy sweet Hungarian-style bread pastry topped with everything from Nutella and fruit preserves to organic ice cream. Photo by Jesse Milns.

But there's no love lost between Eva's and the owners of Chimney Stax,  who founded their business in 2014 as a food truck, but exploded into the big time after successfully pitching their nearly one-foot-high dough spirals on Dragons' Den in 2016.

"We are very pleased with this acquisition", said Matt Lindzon and Zach Fiksel in a statement issued this week.

"We have worked hard to create a fantastic food experience and we know that, in Eva's hands, our customers will continue to enjoy this delicious product for years to come."

Matt Lindzon and Zach Fiskel  secured a deal with Toronto business mogul Joe Mimran on Dragon's Den in November of 2016. He gave the pair $125,000 for 25 per cent of the business. Image via Amy Carlberg.

Eva's Original Chimneys co-owner Kristin Butler is similarly stoked about the merger.

"We really admire what Zach and Matt have done," she said. "Their success on Dragon’s Den is a huge testament to their knowledge and passion and we really look forward to building on this with the Eva's brand operating at their great CNE and Toronto Christmas Market locations."

No dollar amount for the deal has been disclosed, but we do know that both Zach and Matt will be receiving an "Eva's Black card", which means free, all-natural vegan doughnut cones with local dairy ice cream for life.

We should all be so lucky one fine day.

Today in news that will probably make people disproportionaly mad, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment has announced that Ricoh Coliseum — home of the Toronto Marlies — will henceforth be known as "Coca-Cola Coliseum."

Yes, it's true — Ricoh will be going the way of Air Canada, which recently had its name replaced by Scotiabank at the ACC (sorry, Scotiabank Arena).

"As one the city’s most historic venues and the home of the Calder Cup Champion Toronto Marlies, Coca-Cola Coliseum will continue to provide opportunities for fans to support their teams and enjoy the best in music and entertainment," reads a joint press release from MLSE and Coke.

Introducing Coca-Cola Coliseum, hosting unforgettable experiences and future Leafs.

Learn more about the name change of our home rink ➡️ https://t.co/pFha6ZrjoQ
#MarliesLivepic.twitter.com/XL8kNZGGZf

— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) July 11, 2018

The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but the release suggests that Coca-Cola has signed a 10-year naming rights partnership.

Ricoh, a Japanese office supply company, paid $10 million for similar naming rights deal with the facility back in 2003.

The name change takes effect immediately, but nothing else has been announced in terms of modifying the 8,300-seat venue itself.

That said, Coca-Cola is bringing some new programs into the mix.

Like the name change. The slogan from 1922 says "Thirst knows no season." . #Marlies#marlieslive#torontomarlies#cocacolacoliseumpic.twitter.com/I8A1aV4E5T

— Joe Sales (@joesales) July 11, 2018

First off, the arena at Exhibition Place — built as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 1921 — will be open to the public for "several community skate events" throughout the upcoming 2018-2019 hockey season.

The global beverage brand will also be donating a suite of seats to non-profit community organizations for every Marlies home game next year.

"Coca-Cola has deep roots in the Toronto community, with our first bottling plant opening in the city’s west end in 1906," said Coca Cola Marketing VP Michael Samoszewski in today's release.

"We have been refreshing Canadians for more than 120 years and are thrilled to work alongside MLSE to continue building a welcoming environment for the community throughout this 10-year partnership."

A rare and highly unusual structure is currently being set up in Toronto, where it will remain until at least the fall of 2018 before journeying on to New York or Vancouver.

Called "Unzipped," the massive, interactive art installation (and building you can actually go inside) was designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) of Denmark as part of an annual architectural program at the Serpentine Galleries in London.

BIG's 'unzipped wall' as seen from above while set up as the 2016 Serpentine Pavilion in London. Image via Westbank Corp.

The idea is that, every June, a new pavilion is erected in Kensington Garden to serve as the gallery's "premiere social space of the summer season." This has been happening for the past 16 years.

Come October, the pavilions in London are disassembled — but 2016's winning commission can easily be reassembled again, thanks to its innovative design — and this is exactly what's happening right now in a parking lot near King and Portland.

#BIG, Allied & Westbank have started on #unzippedtoronto architectural installation on #KingWest, coming this Sept - and my office gives the perfect progress view. Early vibes: BIG’s 2016 #SerpentinePavillion?https://t.co/1jyLczXZiOpic.twitter.com/rmxE0sCpPb

— Jenn Johnson (@jenntrify) July 9, 2018

The 2016 Serpentine Pavilion will soon have a home in Toronto's King West neighbourhood, it's true, but it won't stay here forever.

Canadian real estate development giant Westbank Corp purchased the pavilion following its run in London and intends to set it up permanently in Vancouver, where the company is based.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but Westbank has also indicated that it would like to set up the structure in New York City for a time before bringing it to the west coast.

The 2016 Serpentine Pavilion structure can be used to host events, or simply to blow the minds of people who happen to pass by. Image via Westbank Corp. 

The architects behind this airy, transportable building call it the "unzipped wall."

Westbank says that, with the work, BIG "sought to reconcile aspects commonly perceived as opposites, creating a space that is both free-form and structured; modular yet sculptural."

"The resulting structure transforms from a straight line into three-dimensional space," continues a description from the developers, "creating a dramatic undulating form of stacked rectangular frames made out of glass fiber."

Whatever you take all that to mean, one thing about the Serpentine Pavilion is clear as day: It's huge, and unlike anything we've seen in Toronto before.

In the cold darkness of winter, a light will emerge. Several, actually, as The Winter Light Exhibition is coming back as part of Ontario Place's winter programming.

Like last year, The West Island will be transformed into a winter wonderland with installations of different shapes and sizes meant to capture the harsh and unforgiving nature of winter using light as the central medium.

It's all part of the newly revamped Ontario Place that includes additional winter festival programming on from December to March.

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on Dec 7, 2017 at 4:40pm PST

This year, local artists will be encouraged to "explore and combine unconventional materials and methods that respond to light in different ways" according to event organizers.

The theme this year will be "Disruptive Engagement" meant to mimic the province's "wintry landscape of brisk wind, ice and extreme temperatures."