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    The best cafes for free WiFi in Toronto are where the nomadic workers of the city gather. More than just makeshift offices, they become community hubs, cherished parts of daily routines, and providers of sustenance. Put on your coziest outfit, slap an extra sticker on that laptop and get your fill of free WiFi at one of these reliable coffee shops.

    Here are the best cafes for free WiFi in Toronto.

    3 - Jimmy's 100

    This location of the ever-reliable Jimmy’s on Portland has long hours and multiple levels of chill space perfect for getting in the zone, as well as a board room and patio.
    10 - The Common (Bloor)

    Get to the Bloorcourt location of this cafe early if you want to snag a seat. It’s worth it for the expertly brewed espresso and flaky pastries that complete a good WiFi session.
    8 - Goldstruck

    This slightly subterranean Yorkville cafe strips away distractions with a rustic underground vibe and provides artisanal espresso bevvies, iced or hot, as well as small pastries to nosh on.
    9 - Reunion Island

    If it’s too jam-packed in this Roncesvalles spot for you to set up shop and connect to the WiFi while sipping an espresso and tonic, you can always console yourself with a sandwich from the takeout window on the side of the cafe.
    7 - Sweat & Soda

    A relaxed boho industrial environment, healthy eats and fitness programs distinguish this Leslieville cafe where you can keep your laptop in a locker and check your email after a workout.
    11 - Tokyo Smoke on Queen

    This combination cafe and head shop near Queen and Bathurst is done up in a monochromatic colour scheme that won’t harsh your mellow, so you can zen out, connect to some WiFi and relax.
    4 - Boxcar Social (Temperance)

    With four locations Toronto, this is the perfect place to turn working hard into playing hard with incredible espresso followed by excellent wine, beer or cocktails, maybe with a boozy hot chocolate in between.
    5 - Full Stop

    There’s plenty of room at this Junction spot so most times you can be assured of table space. Basic but delicious coffee and a casual homestyle menu of bagel sandwiches and small salads keep you going. There’s also a cheery little patio out back.
    6 - Krave Coffee

    This St. Clair West cafe not only has WiFi, but booze and a patio, which are really the things that best accompany a good internet session. There’s also a full range of food options including vegan choices and juices.

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    You might not know his name, but if you live anywhere in or around King West you might know his face — and not just because a lot of golden retrievers look the same. 

    Blarney O'Budrick has been greeting the public from his second-story window in a townhouse facing King Street West between Stanley Park and Strachan Avenue for at least a decade, bringing joy into the hearts of commuters and locals alike almost every single day.

    There's just something about looking up to see a smiling dog with his paws on the windowsill, pink tongue wagging as he watches over the neighbourhood.

    The 11-year-old pup has become a mascot of sorts for West Toronto over the years, a fact that became all the more evident in 2015 after his mom and dad hung up a sign announcing Blarney's name.

    Hundreds of people have used the hashtag #BlarneyObudrick since then to share photos of King West's beloved window dog. 

    The mayor of King West Mr. Blarney O'Budrick #blarneyobudrick #kingwest #6ix

    A post shared by Erin Stefan (@erinstefan15) on

    He is a very good boy.

    Sadly, however, he is also now a very sick boy.

    If you’ve been following NiceCity for a while you probably know how much my dog means to me. Yesterday we found out he is very sick and it looks like cancer. For now, we're keeping him comfortable and looking at every option to help him beat this thing but treatment is expensive. From his window, he regularly elicits smiles from familiar locals, bemused passersby and instagram fans alike. Now we're hoping his friends can help us out by pitching in and sharing his gofundme campaign: gf.me/u/kvdfja Direct link can be found in our profile. Kind words and warm wishes are also so appreciated. Special thanks to Dr. Ellison @bcahtoronto for taking care of our sweet boy yesterday. #blarneyobudrick #saveblarneyobudrick #gofundme #saveourdog #dogsofkingwest #dogsofstanleypark #stanleydogpark #dogsofinstagram #doginthewindow #nicecity #kindness #randomactsofkindness #rak

    A post shared by NiceCity (@nicecity_global) on

    "Needless to say we are shaken and very worried," reads a GoFundMe page set up by Blarney's owners to help the pup recover from what they're pretty sure is cancer.

    "For now, we're keeping him comfortable and looking at every option to help him beat this thing," it reads. "But treatment is expensive and urgently needed."

    The campaign has already raised more than half of its $2,000 funding goal in just 15 hours, all of which will be put toward veterinary consultations, specialized diagnostic tests, medications and, if it comes down to it, surgery.

    Just hanging at the window with #blarneyobudrick watching the rain.

    A post shared by Kim Johnston (@kimmyj02) on

    "Blarney O'Budrick is dearly loved by his family, friends, neighbourhood and Insta fans," writes the beautiful angel's parents on GoFundMe.

    "[He] would love nothing more than to chase his ball in the park and hang out at his window for years to come."

    Watching 🐶👀 #toronto #summer #dogs #blarneyobudrick

    A post shared by A. Lourenço (@loulou_to) on


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    Past the beeps and blips of the video arcade of nearly a hundred games at the 40,000-square-foot Rec Room there lies a full-sized stage that indie bands have been taking by storm.

    This is in large part thanks to Rec Room Entertainment Manager Mark Rodenhizer. He’s been working various venues including Horseshoe Tavern and The Silver Dollar, doing music programming for the better part of the past decade.

    At Rec Room, he’s teamed up with Michelle Puska of Indulge Productions and their Night Owl Festival to put on indie shows. This is in an attempt to fulfil their intention to always provide an experience that feels authentic to the community.

    In March NOBUNNY rocked the performance space with a capacity of about 450 wearing a zany rabbit mask.

    About a month later, Los Angeles indie darlings No Age took to the room, and were actually so pleased with the custom visuals projected on Rec Room’s cinema-size screen backing the stage that they used them for their European tour.

    “We want to give fans and artists the best experience,” says Rodenhizer. Right now it’s easier for him to book touring acts like No Age because they don’t have the same context for Rec Room as local bands, who apparently tend to prefer more established venues.

    That’s where partnering with community organizers like Night Owl comes in, who helped put on Allah-Las and Frankie Cosmos shows in the past.

    This kind of partnering with Rec Room is a way for such grassroots organizers to take what they’ve been doing and make it happen on a larger scale.

    Roachella, previously at Smiling Buddha, recently put their faith in Rec Room and switched their entire festival of programming over to the arcade venue.

    A compromise must be made when playing Rec Room, which is that all shows are all-ages and end at 11 p.m. Apparently it’s still affordable for promoters and bands and makes shows here more accessible for all fans, prioritizing an emphasis on a great show.

    Other than that, Rodenhizer says putting on shows here is surprisingly not all that different from the Dollar or Shoe. 

    “What’s different is what’s beyond the brick wall...the restaurant, yard, other experiences in the venue.” At lots of shows in Toronto, people stand outside the venue for 45 minutes at a time in between sets.

    Rodenhizer notes it’s important to keep Toronto’s old school venues going strong, and that there will always be microscopic DIY incubator venues in a growing city. Rec Room’s mission is that they “just want to be true to the community and serve the community our way.”

    Upcoming indie concerts at the Rec Room include Birds of Bellwoods, Porches and Girlpool put on by Collective Concerts, and Bethlehem Steel.


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    It's the day before the long weekend, and events in Toronto are ready for it as Fan Expo kicks off a weekend of fan-centric activities and Ed Sheeran fills the Rogers Centre up with his mega pop hits. There's two parties on, too, and an Asian night market at the CNE.

    Events you might want to check out:

    Ed Sheeran (August 30 @ Rogers Centre)
    Actor, singer, all-around nice guy Ed Sheeran is here to make you feel good while tugging at the heart strings during his two-night stint in Toronto.
    Free Outdoor Movies at Parkway Forest Park (August 30 @ Parkway Forest Park)
    The final outdoor screening in Parkway Forest Park is tonight where The Lunchbox will be featured alongside the short Bacon & God's Wrath.
    New Order (August 30 @ Budweiser Stage)
    The 80s are back in a big way and one of the innovators of the new-wave sound New Order are still going strong, arriving to perform alongside Holy Ghost.
    Feastbound (August 30 @ Eastbound Brewing Company)
    End the summer with a low country boil; a communal dining party with long tables piled high with seafood served up alongside beer and lots of sides.
    Offsite Closing Party and Summer Celebration (August 30 @ Offsite)
    One of the city's hidden gems for studying, art, and events is having a closing party with $5 drinks, a DJ and dancing late into the morning.
    Firestarter (August 30 @ The Royal Cinema)
    A young Drew Barrymore stars in this Stephen King adaptation as a girl with pyro-kinetic powers; one of many inspirations for Stranger Things.
    The Long Weekend Warm Up (August 30 @ Sneaky Dee's)
    The long-weekend starts in the mind and in this case, the feet. Get to dancing early at this party with live music from local musicians and bands.
    The Ramolas (August 30 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
    Maybe Ed Sheeran isn't your speed. And if so, there's The Cola Heads here to take on The Ramones in their own signature punk rock style.
    Fan Expo (August 30 - September 2 @ Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
    Start planning your weekend now because Fan Expo is ripe with everything comic books, gaming, film and television, panels, programming and more.
    CNE Asian Market (August 30 - September 3 @ Princes' Boulevard)
    Traditional foods, good activities and entertainment are all part of this night market in the style of those found all over China.

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    This condo would be a perfect first time real estate investment. It’s in such a central location, has the ideal two-bedroom and two-bathrooms, and actually has outdoor space. On top of that, the condo itself is stunning.629 king street west toronto

    This open concept designer suite with just under 1,800 square feet of living space features exposed concrete ceilings, beautiful wood floors, and a huge patio.629 king street west torontoThe main living area is bright and airy with nine-foot ceilings and wall-to-wall windows, which create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor space.

    629 king street west torontoSpeaking of outdoor space, the condo boasts a 620 square foot south-facing private terrace. There’s plenty of room for sitting and dining. It also has the conveniences of a gas hookup and outdoor water supply.

    629 king street west torontoThe kitchen is sleek and modern, and it comes complete with professional-grade stainless steel appliances.

    629 king street west torontoThe master bedroom is beautiful with lots of natural light and an en suite.

    629 king street west torontoThe four-piece en suite bathroom has a deep soaker tub and lovely marble floors. It also has a great mirror, with exceptional lighting, which is great for makeup application.

    629 king street west toronto

    Specs
    • Address: #212 - 629 King St. W
    • Price: $1,298,000
    • Bedrooms: 2
    • Bathrooms: 2
    • Parking: 1
    • Walk Score: 98
    • Transit Score: 100
    • Maintenance Fees: $942.47 monthly
    • Listing agent: Doug Vukasovic
    • Listing ID: C4218924
    629 king street west torontoGood For

    Nightlife. You’re right next to all the swanky nightclubs, posh restaurants and fancy cocktail bars.

    629 king street west torontoMove On If

    You don't like that nightlife. King West has a tendency to attract drunk party people so if you happen to not be a fan of those kinds of humans, you probably don’t want your home in their stomping grounds.629 king street west toronto


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    Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest food news in Toronto and gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

    Open now
    Recently reviewed
    Opening soon
    • Myato Gastropub, a Korean fusion restaurant, will be opening at 549 Bloor Street West in the Annex.
    • Koh Lipe, a southern Thai restaurant from the owner of Eat BKK that's named after a small island near Thailand and Malaysia, will open early next year in what was last Platito at 35 Baldwin Street.
    • London Fried Chicken aims to bring a taste of the UK's finest fried chicken when it opens at 2916 Lakeshore Boulevard West in Etobicoke.
    Closed
    • After two days of soft opening, Blondies Pizza has temporarily closed due to mechanical issues with its HVAC unit.

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


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    September is upon us and, before the cold sets in, there's still lots of big-name events happening in Toronto. TIFF returns and brings with it all the glamour of Hollywood to the city. Elsewhere, Just for Laughs arrives to bust some guts and there's a ton of great free events on, too.

    Events you might want to check out:

    AGO First Thursday (September 6 @ Art Gallery of Ontario)
    A new season of monthly art parties kicks off this month with food, drinks and a revolving showcase of genre-hopping musical scenery.
    Toronto International Film Festival (September 6-16 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
    Toronto is set to become a star-studded wonderland for ten days this month as TIFF returns with screenings, a street festival, parties and lots more.
    Veg Food Fest (September 7-9 @ Harbourfront Centre)
    Eat your heart out at this huge vegetarian food festival with over 140 vendors within a huge market place full of yummy goodies.
    Taste of the Kingsway (September 7-9 @ The Kingsway)
    Take a scroll through the Kingsway, where 150 vendors will be lined up with food and drinks, served alongside exhibits and entertainment.
    Kensington Market Jazz Festival (September 14-17 @ Multiple Venues)
    Kensington is set to be overtaken with jazzy grooves as over 400 musicians from all over come to perform in local spots all over the neighbourhood.
    Toronto Beer Week (September 14-22 @ Multiple Venues)
    Toronto becomes craft beer central during this week-long celebration of the best suds in the city, happening at spots all over.
    Fairland Funhouse (September 14 - October 31 @ Fairland Funhouse)
    After a month-long postponement, the old grocery store-turned-art maze is finally set to open with whimsical rooms designed by well-known artists.
    JFL42 (September 20-29 @ Multiple Venues)
    Margaret Cho, Hannibal Buress and Seth Meyers are just some of the comedians headed to Toronto for this year's edition of Just for Laughs.
    Elevate Toronto (September 21-27 @ Multiple Venues)
    Toronto's thriving tech community comes together to host speakers and explore innovation and advancements within the industry.
    Nuit Blanche (September 29-30 @ Multiple Venues)
    Nuit Blanche returns with an all-night art event both downtown and in Scarborough, with installations, performances and a dumpling market.

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    It's a sad day for local sex doll enthusiasts as news surfaces that Aura Dolls — a business that charges people to get down with "thoroughly sanitized" silicon women— won't be opening next week in Toronto after all.

    You can thank a decades-old city bylaw that prohibits "adult entertainment" establishments from setting up shop in Willowdale for that.

    Councillor John Filion has reportedly assured his constituents that Aura Dolls will not be opening on September 8 in an old tanning salon at 4362 Yonge Street (just south of Sheppard) as promised.

    The Toronto politician, who himself introduced a motion restricting sex retail shops in North York some 20 years ago, told residents in a letter this week that he recently met with city staff to discuss the sex doll brothel's legality after news of its existence went local-viral.

    City staff determined that Aura Dolls does indeed violate North York's adult entertainment parlour bylaw, according to Fillion.

    aura dolls location toronto

    Aura Dolls was meant to open at 4362 Yonge Street, which also houses a weed dispensary and illegal massage parlour, on September 8. Image via Google Maps.

    "Both the business owner and property owner were advised by city staff that the proposed use is illegal and that, if the business opened, they would be charged," reads his letter, as transcribed by City News.

    "As a result, I am pleased to advise you that city staff were told that the lease has been cancelled."

    Those who can't live without the touch of TPE silicon can still hit up KinkySdollS — North America's actual first sex doll brothel. At least for now. (Listen to our interview with the owner of KinkySdollS here)

    As for Aura's bevy of "classy, sophisticated, and adventurous" fake girls — Anna, Erika, Harper, Jazmine, Scarlett and the "submissive, innocent" Yuki — they're not headed for the dumpster just yet.

    The company appears to have removed the Yonge Street address from its website, but it continues to promote a "grand opening" special of 25 per cent off between September 8 and September 15.

    Now, under the address section, it reads "North York. Announced upon booking."


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    Former staff of the Italian restaurant Church Aperitivo Bar are accusing the owners of the now-closed restaurant of owing them hundreds in unpaid wages. 

    One staff member of the Queen St. restaurant took to Church Aperitivo's Facebook account on Aug. 10, and, posting as the restaurant itself, wrote, "Church Aperitivo has closed its door without paying any of its staff." 

    They followed up on the accusation with another post last night: "Yup, Church still hasn't paid any of their staff." 

    According to the person behind the Facebook account, the restaurant—which sits in an old Slavic church at the corner of Queen and Dovercourt—closed down several months ago for supposed renovations, promising staff that their wages and tip money would be paid in full.

    "After several months now the owners are no longer returning any of the staffs[sic] phone calls," they say. "Some of us had worked there for six years." 

    Seven to eight kitchen and floor staff are owed between $500 and $1400, they say, and a couple of have come forward in response to the the Facebook posts affirming that they, too, are owed "hundreds of dollars."

    The owners and executive chef of Church Aperitivo could not be reached for comment. It's unclear whether the spot is actually undergoing renovations at this time (staff say it's not), or if the restaurant has shuttered its doors permanently. 


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    Video footage is circulating today of a heated altercation between two men along Toronto's western waterfront — one of them in a car, the other on a bicycle.

    Called "Toronto driver hits cyclist on purpose, drives off," the almost three-minute-long clip was uploaded to YouTube on Monday evening, not long after the incident took place.

    It was shot with what appears to be a helmet camera from the perspective of a cyclist as he travels westbound along the Martin Goodman Trail betweentheArgonautRowingClub and Boulevard Club.

    Near the beginning of the video we see see a black car blocking the bike path between the Royal Canadian Legion parking lot and Lakeshore Boulevard.

    The cyclist, later identified as Mazda Amiryar, shakes his head at the driver as he rides by (in a manner that some on Reddit are calling unsafe). Not even one minute later, the same car turns into a different parking lot along Lakeshore, hitting Amiryar's bike in the process.

    Worse still is what happens next: The driver takes off without so much as stopping to ask the bike rider if he's okay — or rather, he tries to, but gets stuck at the parking gate of a private club that he isn't a member of.

    Amiryar runs after the driver while shouting "I've got you on f*cking camera! Are you f*cking kidding me? You just hit and run!"

    The driver proceeds to apologize and offer up money.

    "You're going to f*cking jail," says Amiryar before walking back to where he was hit to retrieve a backpack. Two witnesses, pictured in the video, later told police that the driver was "looking straight at Amiryar" when the car hit him.

    "Guy runs me over on purpose because I shook my head at him when he was blocking an entire sidewalk with his car," reads the description of Amiryar's YouTube video.

    "The driver then made a 3-point turn and quickly left the scene as I called the police," he continued. "I was on edge when I saw him sitting there and braced myself at the last second. Somehow I managed to stay on my feet instead of eating concrete, I just have a sore back right now."

    Amiryar wrote on Reddit that police caught up with the driver on Wednesday.

    Toronto police Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu confirmed to CBC News that he is facing three charges under the Highway Traffic Act: fail to remain, fail to report incident and fail to yield to traffic.

    "He apparently told police he was looking for a parking spot, yet in the video he's leaving an empty lot," wrote the cyclist. "I firmly believe he knew exactly what he was doing and did not consider the consequences whatsoever."

    "Either way, I have a sore back, a scratched $1700 bike, and a sense that people like this can use their vehicles as a weapon and get away with a traffic infraction," he continued.

    "I no longer want to ride my bike in this city. It sucks."


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    The Canadian government is looking at possibly banning handguns and assault weapons completely as a way to reduce gun crime across the country.

    A recent mandate letter from Prime Minister  Justin Trudeau has put Bill Blair, the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, in charge of new policies, regulations, and legislation surrounding gun control in Canada, alongside Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.

    "You should lead an examination of a full ban on handguns and assault weapons in Canada, while not impeding the lawful use of firearms by Canadians," says Trudeau in the letter.

    The government is studying the idea of a national prohibition on certain firearms as part of the Liberal party's gun control bill: Bill C-71. 

    City councils in Montreal and in Toronto have already called for bans on handguns and assault weapons following several recent mass shootings, including one in Greektown which left three dead and 12 injured last month. 

    Trudeau's call for a gun ban study is being met with both approval from Mayor John Tory—who has publicly questioned the average citizen's need for a hand gun—as well as anger from the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, who are standing fast in their right to bear arms. 

    The Association, who lobbied to dissolve the long-gun registry in 2012, sent an open letter to the mayor yesterday outlining their disappointment in his decision to support the gun ban. 

    "I pray you find the courage to tackle the hard issues the way we used to, back in the days when we called out the evil elements in our society, not our most lawful citizens," reads the letter.

    Right now, Canadians can purchase restricted firearms (handguns and semi-automatic rifles that are registered and tracked by the government) as long as they have a PAL, or a possession and acquisition license. 

    Buyers must be over 18 years old, and must first take a total of three safety courses and pass two tests before applying for a PAL.

    Because restricted firearms can only technically be bought for target shooting, license-holders must become a member of a shooting club before purchasing a handgun at a gun store or online. 


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    Labour Day weekend events in Toronto include the last Electric Island of the season while the CNE also wraps up. There's lots to do at the Fan Expo and the Mac 'n' Cheese Festival gets in bed with Buskerfest.

    Events you might want to check out:

    Fan Expo (August 30 - September 2 @ Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
    A weekend of fandom continues with special guest appearances and everything from cosplay, comics, anime, hour, gaming and much more.
    Labour of Love (September 2 @ Rebel)
    Everyone's favourite giant-mouse-helmet-clad trance DJ is in town for a one day music festival with Monstergetdown and Manzone & Strong.
    BuskerFest (August 31 - September 3 @ Woodbine Park)
    The art of busking takes over for a weekend of performances of all kinds including fire jugglers, acrobats, aerial artists, clowns, daredevils and more.
    Artfest (August 31 - September 3 @ The Distillery Historic District)
    Artists from all over Canada come to showcase their paintings, photography, crafts, sculpture and more amongst live music and activities.
    Aquatic Con (August 31 @ Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada)
    Party with this fishies during this big sci-fi, gaming, horror, anime and comic books jam with themed drinks, costumes and dancing.
    Hispanic Fiesta (August 31 - September 3 @ Mel Lastman Square)
    Celebrate all things Latin American at this big festival featuring traditional food from twenty different Spanish speaking countries.
    Really Really Free Market (September 1 @ Campbell Park)
    Freedom from spending arrives with this monthly market. No money, no swapping, just free treasures waiting to be discovered.
    Toronto Rib, Bacon and BBQ Fest (August 31 - September 3 @ Downsview Park)
    Save room for this big, end-of-summer cookout with all the bacon, ribs and barbecue you can imagine, plus live tunes, food trucks, activities and more.
    Mac and Cheese Fest (August 31 - September 3 @ Woodbine Park)
    Back again is this huge festival dedicated to all things mac 'n' cheese with modern twists on the classic—all for a good cause.
    Indie Fridays (August 31 @ Yonge–Dundas Square)
    We're already at the end of Indie Fridays for the season but there's still one free concert to go with Clairmont The Second and The Dirty B-Sides.
    Foxing (August 31 @ Lee's Palace)
    Indie rockers in the truest sense, Foxing mixes light sounds with big vocals and a little bit of emotion and punk for good measure.
    Festival Lingua Franca (August 31 - September 1 @ Faith/Void)
    Now in its second year, this underground DIY rock music festival focuses on showcasing and celebrating Black, Latinx and Caribbean communities.
    Femme Fatale (September 1 @ Supermarket)
    The fearless women of Toronto's music community come out for a night of performances by Karis, Effie Sky and Jessie Jean.
    Rebelmatic (September 1-2 @ Multiple Venues)
    Two nights of hardcore punk are going down with musicians and performers from Toronto's local scene and beyond.
    Electric Island (September 2-3 @ Hanlan's Point)
    The final Electric Island is here and it's stacked with two-days of talent like Loco Dice, Charlotte De White, Danny Daze and more on the decks.
    Whiskey Kisses (September 2 @ Nightowl)
    Another edition of Whiskey Kisses is back for an evening of rare and live R&B performances with the local music scene’s newest artists.
    Downsview Park Friday Night Lights (August 31 @ Downsview Park)
    The great outdoors inside the city, Downsview Park is hosting a free outdoor screening of the superhero blockbuster Black Panther.
    Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy (August 31 - September 1 @ The Royal Cinema)
    The Royal is teaming up with Inside Out for a mini three-film festival featuring all three of Gregg Araki's beloved 90s cult flicks.
    The End Of Meat (September 2 @ Revue Cinema)
    Catch the Canadian premiere of this new documentary that explores what a post-meat world would have on the environment, animals and ourselves.
    Divas Only (August 31 @ Glad Day Bookshop (Church))
    Girl, yes. Dance it out to all the diva classics: Mary J Blige, Rihanna and Janet, plus a special tribute to Aretha Franklin.
    Queens Of The World (August 31 @ Super Wonder Gallery)
    A big celebration of drag culture from all around the world comes together in Toronto to showcase a diverse group of performers.
    Sunnyside 20 (September 1 @ Sunnyside Pavilion)
    Cool summer events call for a cool summer party and this one has local and international DJs on deck to help celebrate what's left of the season.
    Jpop Kpop Dance Party (September 2 @ Sneaky Dee's)
    Inspired by the beauty and splendour of all things Sailor Moon, this dance party is blasting all the best J-Pop and K-Pop bangers.
    The Art of Banksy (June 13 - September 2 @ 213 Sterling Road)
    It's the final weekend to check out original works by the infamous Banksy before the (unofficial) exhibition moves on.
    CNE (August 17 - September 3 @ Exhibition Place)
    The CNE wraps up a season plagued with controversy. If you're crossing the picket line this weekend, lots of eats, attractions and more await you.
    Toronto Indie Horror Fest (August 29 - September 1 @ Eyesore Cinema)
    There's still lots of time to catch a ton of cool independent horror flicks by filmmakers from all over the world.

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    TIFF just released the names of the stars descending coming to Toronto for this year's film festival. While there's no George Clooney or Jennifer Lawrence it's still a stacked lineup so expect the fan zones to be packed.

    Here are some of the A-List stars coming to Toronto for TIFF 2018.

    • K.J. Apa
    • Alec Baldwin
    • Javier Bardem
    • Kate Beckinsale
    • Jamie Bell
    • Matt Bomer
    • Steve Carell
    • Dave Chappelle
    • Drake
    • Bradley Cooper
    • Penelope Cruz
    • Viola Davis
    • Jesse Eisenberg
    • Elle Fanning
    • Colin Farrell
    • Lady Gaga
    • Ryan Gosling
    • Jake Gyllenhaal
    • Maggie Gyllenhaal
    • Armie Hammer
    • Salma Hayek
    • Jonah Hill
    • Hugh Jackman
    • Nicole Kidman
    • Jude Law
    • Jamie Lee Curtis
    • Melissa McCarthy
    • Matthew McConaughey
    • Sienna Miller
    • Chloe Grace Moretz
    • Liam Neeson
    • Dev Patel
    • Aaron Paul
    • Joaquin Phoenix
    • Chris Pine
    • Natalie Portman
    • Julia Roberts
    • Michelle Rodriguez
    • Sam Smith
    • Kristen Stewart
    • Jason Sudeikis
    • Hilary Swank
    • Billy Bob Thornton
    • Jacob Tremblay
    • Gabrielle Union
    • Suki Waterhouse
    • Olivia Wilde

    TIFF gets underway on September 6.


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    Mayoral candidate Jennifer Keesmaat has finally announced her plan for the future of transit in Toronto. 

    The plan, which is estimated at around $50 billion, includes the Downtown Relief Line, extensions of current lines, and other long-awaited (and long-fantasized) projects. 

    Notable new projects include building the Downtown Relief Line three years earlier than currently planned (2028 rather than 2031), designing and building both the Jane and Waterfront LRTs, and building the Scarborough subway with funding from the province, which has been promised by the PC government.

    The plan also includes extension of current projects, like extending the Eglinton Crosstown to the airport (and to Scarborough, if the province funds the Scarborough subway), enhancing bus service in busy corridors like Finch and Kipling, and making the King Street pilot project permanent. 

    Keesmaat has been tough on her opponent, incumbent John Tory, for his lack of transit ideas. She said Tory's plan was drawn "on the back of a napkin," and pointed out the failings of his SmartTrack plan, which has somewhat fizzled since he took office. 

    The municipal election should see a fierce battle between the two on transit, as it is shaping up to be one of the main key issues in the debate. 


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    Former club promoter and alleged seven-time sex offender Mark Holland is back in the mix on Toronto's nightlife circuit, it seems — but with a different name.

    Several widely-shared Facebook and Instagram posts suggest that Holland, formerly of the entertainment and events firm Kleen Media, is now going by "Mark Avenue" and has been working with such establishments as The Thompson Hotel, Wildflower and The Citizen.

    Both of the Thompson venues have yet to respond to a request for comment, but The Citizen says it "has no affiliation" with Holland and that it doesn't even hire promoters.

    Holland, 41, first made news headlines in March of 2016 after an 18-year-old woman alleged that she had been sexually assaulted at his home near Queen's Quay and Yonge Street.

    The woman says she had gone to Holland's home for a professional photoshoot (he was alsoa photographer) and that he assaulted her halfway through the session.

    Toronto Police announced just one month later that four more alleged victims had come forward with complaints of sexual assault against the one-time King West regular. One of the women said she was only 15 years old when she was attacked.

    Holland is said to have "fled" to Los Angeles shortly thereafter, where he worked for a time before surrendering at the Niagara Falls border in May of 2017.

    He was remanded into custody and released on a bail of $77,000 just over two weeks later. Not much has been heard about him since.

    Then, on Wednesday, Toronto journalist Ama Scriver tipped off her followers that Holland was working downtown again with an Instagram Stories post.

    "Women in Toronto do not work with this promoter. He has been contacting women to start an all-female DJ night and just google his name if you want to know why this is extremely problematic," she wrote over a picture of his Instagram profile.

    "Just Google Mark Kleen — he is not safe," wrote Scriver in a subsequent Instagram Stories post. "I also have inside knowledge that he is running Thursday nights at Wildflower and The Thompson Hotel."

    mark holland Toronto

    Toronto locals have been putting an Instagram account that appears to belong to alleged sex offender Mark Holland on blast since Wednesday. Image via Ama Scriver on Instagram.

    The Instagram account she featured (@markavenue1) was public as of Wednesday night, but by Thursday morning it had been set to private.

    By 11:30 a.m. today, the account had been deactivated entirely.

    It remains to be seen what, if anything, will happen now that the former promoter is known to be back in town and on the scene. Needless to say, he probably won't be spotted hanging out with Justin Bieber again any time soon.


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    It's going to be a weekend full of events and road closures in Toronto as Fan Expo and Buskerfest roll into town. It's best to just ditch the car this long weekend and get in on the action.

    Here's what you need to know to navigate around the city by car this long weekend in Toronto.

    Fan Expo

    Front St. West south curb lane between John St. and Simcoe St., Bremner Blvd north curb lane between Lower Simcoe St. and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre driveway, and Lower Simcoe St. west curb lane from Front St.West to Bremner Blvd will be closed at the following times for the event.

    • August 30 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    • August 31 and September 1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • September 2 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Buskerfest

    Coxwell Ave. east curb lane and layby from Eastern Ave. to Lake Shore Blvd. East will be closed from August 31 at 6 a.m. to September 3 at midnight for the annual event.

    Labour Day Parade

    On September 3 from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the following road will be closed for the parade:

    • University Ave. between Dundas St. West and Richmond St.
    • Queen St. West from west of Bay St. to east of University Ave.
    • Armoury St. from Chestnut St. to University Ave.
    • Centre St. from Dundas St. West to Armoury St.
    • York St. from Queen St. West to Richmond St. West

    Also on September 3, Liberty St. from Dufferin St. to Jefferson Ave., and Jefferson Ave. from King St. West to Liberty St. will be closed from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to accommodate the parade dispersal area.

    Toronto Fashion Week

    The north curb lane and north sidewalk on Yorkville Ave. fronting the Hazelton Hotel and Yorkville Village will be closed from September 2 at midnight to September 7 at 11 p.m. 

    Hazelton Ave. will also be closed from Yorkville Ave. to the Hazelton Hotel driveway south of Scollard St. from September 3 at midnight until September 7 at 11 p.m. 


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    The Toronto Labour Day Parade will be altering its route this year, to avoid crossing a picket line at the CNE.

    Instead, the Parade will redirect and end at Lamport Stadium. The Parade ends at the CNE every year.

    However, the IATSE Local 58 lock out is still not resolved, and workers are continuing their picket line in front of the Exhibition Grounds, awaiting a resolution from higher powers.  

    "If the lockout is still in place on Labour Day, the Toronto & York Region Labour Council will change the parade route so that it no longer ends at the CNE and CNE wristbands will also not be handed out," reads a release on CUPE Local 79's website. 

    "Labour Day celebrates the gains we have made as a labour movement through solidarity. It’s a reminder of what workers can achieve through collective action, and we can not condone crossing a picket line." 

    Other unions in the city have also stated the news on their own social media, reaffirming the unwillingness to disregard the lock out of a fellow union.


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    A former morning host for Toronto's embattled JAZZ.FM91 radio station is suing her old employer for how she says she was treated after speaking out against sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace.

    Garvia Bailey, who joined the donation-funded broadcaster in September of 2014, said in a statement of claim that she was wrongfully dismissed by the station in April.

    The Star reports that she filed a $420,000 lawsuit on Tuesday, alleging that she was terminated for joining a group of 12 other current and former employees in sending a letter to the station's board of directors about then-CEO Ross Porter's "inappropriate workplace conduct."

    Bailey and her colleagues complained of "ongoing workplace harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, and general mismanagement of the station in their letter and later said that Porter had threatened legal action against anyone who "considered going over his head with their concerns."

    Members of the group told The Globe and Mail earlier this year that Porter had regularly engaged in unwanted touching, initiated sexually graphic conversations, joked about how employees should sleep with donors and encouraged them to come up with pitches to "make me horny."

    An independent workplace investigation was launched shortly after the letter was released and, in early June, one month after the probe was completed, Porter stepped down from his position as CEO and president.

    Bailey, for one, wants more to be done.

    The radio personality says she has been subject to "humiliation, injury to her reputation, integrity and dignity" as a result of her dismissal and the events leading up to it.

    She is seeking $90,000 in lieu of 12 months pay, $100,000 in moral damages, $100,000 in punitive damages and $50,000 for "loss of publicity," among other things, alleging that the station violated her work contract and engaged in bad faith.

    "JAZZ.FM91 has received Ms. Bailey’s Statement of Claim and denies the allegations," said the station's interim CEO Charles Cutts in a statement on Thursday.

    "We continue to be committed to a collegial and harassment-free workplace. A neutral third-party investigation was previously conducted into Ms. Bailey’s allegations and JAZZ.FM91 will vigorously defend itself in the appropriate legal forum now that the matter is before the courts."


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    Toronto Police and emergency crews are responding to Yorkdale Mall, where reports of gunshots were called in shortly before 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.

    The mall has been evacuated, according to police, and residents are asked to avoid the area (if not they're trapped inside a store.)

    Officers have confirmed that shots were fired, though details remain sparse as they investigate the scene. No injuries have yet been reported.

    Police are currently seeking "multiple suspects" — one is a black male in his 20s wearing a black jacket and blue jeans, another is a skinny, mixed-race male in his 20s with a black handgun.

    Witnesses are asked to call TPS 32 Division at 416-808-3200 with any information they may have about what transpired.

    The TTC says that its subway will not be stopping at Yorkdale on Line 1 due to police activity.

    Yorkdale announced late Thursday afternoon that it would be closed for the rest of today.

    "Yorkdale is secure and we are cooperating with police to safely evacuate the centre," reads a statement sent by email. "We expect to open as scheduled tomorrow morning at 10 a.m."

    Mayor John Tory issued a statement of his own on around 4:30 p.m.

    "Whether it is Yorkdale Mall or anywhere else in Toronto, people should not have to worry about gun violence breaking out — at any time," he wrote.

    "There are too many guns available to criminals in the city and I am determined to end that with the help of our police and our government partners."

    Tory went on to thank Toronto Police and other first responders and encourage those with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

    "I am relieved that there are no reports of injuries from gunfire," he said, "and I hope that remains true."


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    It's the most terrifying time of the year for cats, dogs, young children and anyone who's actually lived in a war zone: Airshow time.

    The 69th annual Canadian International Air Show is set to take place over Lake Ontario this long weekend, every day between 1 and 3 p.m., in conjunction with the end of the 2018 CNE.

    Of course, the fighter pilots are already up in the sky as of Friday afternoon freaking the heck out of probably every animal and tourist in the city.

    Described as an "aviation extravaganza," this year's performance features both the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial acrobatic jet teams.

    It'll be the first time in 15 years that the Americans bring along their "signature F16's," according to The Ex, and their only performance outside of the U.S. this year.

    "The afternoon comes to its final crescendo with the spectacular CF Snowbirds electrifying crowds with extraordinary aerial manoeuvres performed by nine amazing pilots who come from across Canada," reads the Canadian National Exhibition's website.

    "Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), the show is a shining example of a 60 year old history of USA and Canadian cooperation."

    Cool, if you like military weapons, aerospace engineering or Canadiana — a lot of people do. But not the entire population of Toronto.

    In fact, many people who live within earshot of the annual three-day-long spectacle (plus the "practice days" the precede it) absolutely hate the annual airshow.

    So many people in this city hate the airshow that it could very well become a political issue leading up to this fall's municipal election.

    I mean, it's really, really loud.

    Given the current political climate, fighter jets in the sky are a bit unnerving for some.

    Many on Twitter have been arguing in recent years that the air show both celebrates violence and needlessly inflicts trauma upon refugees who've fled regions in conflict.

    There's also the environmental factor. F/A-18 Hornets need a lot of energy to do what they do, and Teslas they are not.

    Perhaps something a little less ear-splitting could take its place.

    Until then, SCHEWWWWW, KA-BOOOOOOOMMMM, PYYYOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!!!!


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