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.

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.

today #BlarneyOBudrick celebrates 10 years of watching over #KingStreetWest in #toronto! happy #birthday to the #dog in the #window! #GoldenRetriever

A post shared by Raven Daly (@ravendaly) on Apr 24, 2017 at 4:20pm PDT

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.

King St. West's best known and most beloved resident. #blarneyobudrick #toronto #torontophoto #kingwest #sundayvibes #dogs_of_instagram

A post shared by Daniel D. Brereton (@danieldbrereton) on Jul 2, 2017 at 4:40pm PDT

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 Jun 2, 2017 at 7:34pm PDT

He is a very good boy.

This is Blarney the dog. For years he has sat in that window, watching the street below, wagging his tongue. Returning to Toronto, it's great to some things are just as I left them. Thanks #BlarneyOBudrick for keeping an eye on King Street. #torontolife #goldenretriever #happydog #dogoftheday #kingwest #homesweethome #Toronto

A post shared by Backpack With Brock (@backpackerbrock) on Aug 25, 2015 at 9:59am PDT

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 Aug 29, 2018 at 6:11am PDT

"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 Apr 27, 2017 at 3:51pm PDT

"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 Aug 22, 2015 at 5:23pm PDT

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.

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.

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.

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.The 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.

Speaking 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.

The kitchen is sleek and modern, and it comes complete with professional-grade stainless steel appliances.

The master bedroom is beautiful with lots of natural light and an en suite.

The 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.

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

Good For

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

Move 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.

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

• California chain Cauldron Ice Cream has soft opened its first Toronto location at 502 Queen Street West (at Portland Street), with more to follow.
• Cluck Clucks now has a second location, which can be found at 609 Queen Street West, just east of Bathurst.
• Loftea, an artisan tea shop, has opened at 760 Queen Street West, sharing space with dessert spot Sukoi.
• Bluebird, a bar with a back patio, has taken over what was once the Belljar Cafe at 2072 Dundas Street West by Roncevalles.
• Art House Toronto, an art studio and cafe, is now open at 974 College Street, in what was formerly Cafeteria.
• Imm Thai is now open at 651 College Street in Little Italy, in what was last Shanee.
• Alternity Elixir Bar, part of Alternative Thinking, has opened at 333 Bloor Street West, replacing Willow Books.
• Glass Onion Bistro has opened at 1316 Bloor Street West (at Lansdowne) in Bloordale, replacing Ciro's.
• Blaze Pizza has opened another location, this one at 150 John Street (at Richmond Sreet West).
• Hong Kong dessert spot Full House Desserts has added a new location at 4750 Yonge Street across from Yonge-Sheppard station.
• Indian chain Bawarchi Biryanis has opened its first Toronto location at 925 Warden Avenue in Scarborough.

Recently reviewed

• Ramen Misoya
• Halo Halo
• Page One Too
• Quetzal
• Dairy Cream
• The Aviary
• House on Parliament
• Black Briik
• Drom Taberna
• Greedy Duck
• Stout Irish Pub

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.

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.

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 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."

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. 

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."

@JohnTory@marksaunderstps As long as our leaders (you) do not step up and enforce laws drivers will continue to act like this and get away with it.
Cyclist says he was intentionally hit by a driver, and he caught the whole thing on video https://t.co/9r8b2S4gT2

— Debbi Ragogna (@DebRagogna) August 30, 2018

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."

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. 

WATCH: Mayor John Tory says he’s been asking, but he’s yet to hear a compelling answer as to why anyone in #Toronto needs to own a handgun. Tory pledges to keep pushing for stricter gun control. #TOpoli#ONpolipic.twitter.com/DesykJp7vU

— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) August 22, 2018

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Here’s the Keesmaat plan as a map. Lots to unpack here! pic.twitter.com/aunZwOqA77

— Matt Elliott (@GraphicMatt) August 30, 2018

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. 

John Tory was elected Mayor of Toronto on a promise to build "SmartTrack." We now know exactly what it was — a political promise drawn on the back of a napkin designed to buy your vote. What we need is a real plan to build a better transit system for everyone. #Keesmaat4Mayorpic.twitter.com/xAlsOMOF52

— Jennifer Keesmaat (@jen_keesmaat) August 30, 2018

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. 

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.

Accused Toronto sex offender Mark Holland, who fled to the U.S. in 2016, has been granted bail again https://t.co/HF5NgUedcR

— CityNews Toronto (@CityNews) June 2, 2017

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."

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.

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. 

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." 

Labour Day is quickly approaching and we want you to march with us in Toronto's Labour Day Parade! Due to the lockout of IATSE Local 58 the parade will be ending at Lamport Stadium and we will be not be going to the CNE. More details: https://t.co/NEc7MaSDX3pic.twitter.com/9so3E1ohiE

— ACTRA Toronto (@ACTRAToronto) August 30, 2018

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.

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."

@JAZZFM91 has lost a viewer. Standing by @garveyschild and wishing her the best possible outcome with her lawsuit.

— CostumeCO (@CostumeCinemato) August 30, 2018

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.

More turmoil at JAZZ.FM91, as a major donor blasts the not-for-profit's board for mishandling the sexual harassment allegations against former CEO Ross Porter and calls for a wholesale dissolution of the board: https://t.co/b61uWvhgcm

— Simon Houpt (@simonhoupt) August 24, 2018

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."

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.

Everyone has been evacuated from Yorkdale mall. Fire and ambulance on seen. pic.twitter.com/Jl2KoxS03d

— Nida (@nida_zafar) August 30, 2018

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."

The police are searching for two suspects after multiple reports of gunshots at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto. No injuries have been reported. https://t.co/jkez44X83U

— Twitter Moments Canada (@CanadaMoments) August 30, 2018

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."

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.

"Welcome everyone to the annual CNE Air Show!

First up is our carpet-bombing demonstration. Now we'd like you to imagine that the surface of Lake Ontario is Cambodia..."

— Ross Langager (@Sidslang) August 31, 2018

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.

Big shout out to the Toronto air show for sending my cat into a panic attack with every ear-busting jet that flies overhead, a great way to spend my last day off of summer. pic.twitter.com/8RSORaBS6w

— Sharky (@tsunamisharks) August 31, 2018

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.

Dear lord, the horror that is the #CNE#airshow has begun. We are recklessly burning jet fuel during the hottest year on record to celebrate warmongering & inflict trauma on survivors of conflict. And to scare the eff out of my cat. This needs to stop, #Toronto.

— irina cerić (@irinaceric) August 31, 2018

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.

Me every time a @LetsGoToTheEX air show plane flies by my apartment. This is going to be a long weekend... #Torontopic.twitter.com/mYqy1lzICE

— Stephanie Kesler (@steph_kes) August 31, 2018

"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."

Your annual Toronto air show reminder that some of the people living in this city have lived in places attacked by the most expensive toys of the military industrial complex and probably don't appreciate the whooshes and booms. Arms races and gratuitous jet fuel use...

— Milan Ilnyckyj (@sindark) August 31, 2018

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

Just rode past a bunch of daycare kids crying bc it was scary.

— CASIE STEWART ☀️ (@casiestewart) August 31, 2018

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.

“did you hear? the air show is back. yay!” - said nobody

— Sasha Kalra (@sashakalra) August 31, 2018

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 would probably vote for any mayoral candidate who ran on a single-issue platform: banning the fucking airshow.

— Gavin Graham (@gavingraham) August 31, 2018

I mean, it's really, really loud.

Some thoughts on the annual Labour Day weekend air show:

I hate it. My cat hates it. It is stupid. It is noisy. We don’t need to have a celebration for weapons of war.

The end. #Toronto

— Katie (@Katie_Kats1) August 31, 2018

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

Is there an #airshow right now or are we under attack? Never too sure how far that orange nut job will go. #toronto#topoli

— 〽️♥️Mommy Q♥️〽️ (@tazcj) August 31, 2018

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.

Feeling horrible for all the people in Toronto who used to live in war zones and have to put up with the air show this weekend. War planes fuck off forever.

— Kelly Robson (@kellyoyo) August 31, 2018

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.

Dear lord, the horror that is the #CNE#airshow has begun. We are recklessly burning jet fuel during the hottest year on record to celebrate warmongering & inflict trauma on survivors of conflict. And to scare the eff out of my cat. This needs to stop, #Toronto.

— irina cerić (@irinaceric) August 31, 2018

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

How about a hot-air balloon show instead?

Think of it: A nice, quiet, all-colors-of-the-rainbow hot-air balloon show. The perfect amalgam of Pride & #AirShow, except without the middle-aged-man penis-posturing-in-public bullshit. https://t.co/d7WlyquGg9

— MovieJay (@MovieJay) August 31, 2018

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

WHOOOOOOOSHHHHH!!! #airshowpic.twitter.com/hQ6JIIG5lP

— Lauren O'Neil (@laurenonizzle) August 31, 2018