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The top 5 free events in Toronto this week

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The best things in life are free and this is especially true for events in Toronto this week as both the Ukrainian and Polish festivals take over the west side of the city. A guinea pig picnic is also happening and it's the last Open Streets for the year.

Events you might want to check out:

Icons (September 13 @ Arta Gallery)
Artists from multiple disciplines find inspiration in iconic images of pop culture figures like John Lennon, and place their own unique spin on them.
Toronto Ukrainian Festival (September 14-16 @ Bloor St. West)
Ukrainian culture takes over Bloor Street with dancing, food, music and activities. If you haven't tried real borscht or paska yet, this is the time.
Toronto Pignic (September 15 @ Greenwood Park)
One of the cutest festivals of the year is back to celebrate the all-mighty guinea pig with a whole day of beauty pageants and a red carpet showcase.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival (September 15-16 @ Roncesvalles Village)
This yearly staple is back on Roncy with Polish cultural offerings of food, music, dance, entertainment — plus a polka party.
Open Streets TO (September 16 @ Bloor and Yonge Streets)
Parts of Yonge and Bloor go car-less for the day during the second instalment of Open Streets with wandering and activities in the street.

The top 5 fall day trips from Toronto

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Fall day trips from Toronto will let you get out of town to appreciate our province's stunning foliage. Whether you want to hike or just relax in a small town, there are plenty of affordable places to go that are just a short drive away. So pack a picnic and get on the road.

Here are my picks for the top fall day trips from Toronto.

Dundas Peak

Dundas Peak is just a short drive away. Visit this charming hiking area that's right next to Hamilton and take a hike in the Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area. You'll be rewarded with a stunning point that looks out on to a forest of trees.

Rattlesnake Point

Head to this Conservation Area along the Niagara Escarpment to soak up those beautiful fall colours. This spot in Milton is pretty close to Toronto. It has some easy trails that'll let you stroll through nature while giving you a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Walker Woods and Glen Major

Head north to Uxbridge to hike or bike in the beautiful forest that'll be filled with red, yellow and orange leaves this fall. It's filled with a number of trails and it's super close to the city, making it an easily accessible day trip.

Forks of the Credit

This provincial park is located on the Bruce Trail - and it's one of the closest major parks to the city that will be lit up in a gorgeous display this fall. You can use it in any season, but fall is a great time to visit (unless you're into cross-country skiing). You can also fish here.

Port Perry

Visit this cottage country town to recharge by the waterfront or take a hike in the natural Oak Ridges Moraine, which runs through parts of Southern Ontario. Port Perry's also filled with shops and restaurants in its quaint downtown area.

This unreal cliff system near Toronto offers sweeping views of fall

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You could spend a lifetime in Southern Ontario and still not discover much less visit all of its various natural gems, but fall is the ideal time to make a go at knocking places off your provincial bucket list.

Here's a suggestion for a place to add: Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Located on the Niagara Escarpment, this series of rock faces, crags, trails, and lookouts is one of the best places near Toronto to take in the majesty of fall colours at their peak.

The vista from the viewing platform at the Cliff Top Trail is particularly memorable, as it juts out from the edge and offers a panoramic view of the dense foliage below. This is pretty much heaven for leaf peepers.

It's not all about the sweeping views, though. Another favourite spot in the park is the 100 foot stairway that snakes its way down the cliff to a wooden bridge that runs right through two rock faces. Both features are completely photo-worthy.

Mono Cliffs is a day-use park only, so you don't need to worry about not getting a permit. The primary activities here are hiking and biking, which helps a bit with crowd control during peak foliage season. It's still busy, but not quite so hectic as other popular fall lookouts.

All told, there are eight trails at the park, as well as connections to the larger Bruce Trail. The longest of these — the Walter Tovell Trail — is just shy of five kilometres. In other words, this isn't a place to engage in epic physical exertion. It's all about the natural landscape and the stunning views.

Only in Toronto #26: Vatican Gift Shop, Neon Demon, TIFF

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Speakeasies are all the rage these days so it's no surprise that one of Toronto's hottest streets, Gerrard East, will be home to the next one to hit the city. 

In this episode of the Only in Toronto podcast, we get the scoop on the Vatican Gift Shop, a place that with feature live music in the back and a gift shop in the front and maybe even a reproduction of the Sistine Chapel.

Plus, we visit Toronto’s unofficial neon sign museum and get caught up on the latest buzz at TIFF.

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Toronto showed up for ice cream in an alleyway this weekend

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Ossington had a lineup for ice cream yesterday, and for once it wasn't outside of Bang Bang

Flipping off summer for good, IG industry satirist Chef Grant Soto held an end-of-warm weather pop-up that drew little lines to the alleyway behind Oddseoul on one of the chilliest Saturdays we've had in months. 

ossington ice cream torontoTeaming up with independent ice-creamery Ruru Baked, "Chef" Grant Soto (whose real name is Taylor Clarke) came up with six ice cream flavours mocking—nay, celebrating—some of the most annoyingly accurate Toronto IG bios he and his followers could think of. 

ossington ice cream torontoPeople picked up $1 cones of kosher salted caramel swirl a.k.a "I'm Drake's cousin" and the "I'm a creative direct/stylist/multihyphenate", the mint chocolate chip.

ossington ice cream torontoAlso available: "Excuse me, but I'm friends with Daniel Caesar" (blueberry crumble) and a lovely plum and ginger flavour called "OMG I LOVE LA (Has been there once, bio says Toronto/LA)".

ossington ice cream torontoAlso available was the highly anticipated "Ossington fucurl/fucboi" flavour, which was revealed the day of to not just be ice cream but an ice cream sammie coated in Pocky sticks and wrapped repulsively—beautifully—in Off-White branding. 

ossington ice cream torontoAnd if the event wasn't already what IG wet dreams are made of, The Chef also provided the be all end of all of social media backdrops: a hanging poster of the Party Line at Convenience. Ah Toronto, the bitterness of one's own medicine never tasted so sweet.

Drake and Meek Mill beef is officially over

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Breaking news in #GrownMen business: Aubrey and Meek are good again. 

After three years of animosity between rappers Drake and Meek Mill, with plenty of memes, a few dis tracks, and some jail time in between, the beef between the two artists appears to have been squashed for good. 

Meek made a surprise appearance onstage in Boston last night during Drake's tour with Migos to perform the song "Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)" off his debut album from 2012. 

The Champagne Papi posted a picture of himself and the Philly rapper reunited at the concert with a caption that said, "This really gave me peace of mind tonight." 

He called the reconciliation "one of the most electric and gratifying moments" of his career, adding, "I'm happy that you are home and that we could find our way back to our joint purpose." 

Meek posted the same picture on his account last night with a simpler caption: "WE BOTH HAPPY AS SHITTT!" 

The two rappers, who once appeared to be on good terms, fell out in 2015 during allegations from Meek Mill that Drake had a ghostwriter: the ever-elusive (but not actually elusive at all) Quentin Miller, who's since been referenced in other jabs at Drake (cough Pusha). 

In due rap feud order, an exchange of diss tracks ensued, as did a bunch of quintessential Internet content (not Meek's strong suit), until the interactions fizzled out.

Then last year, Meek was arrested for popping wheelies on his dirt bike in Pennsylvania and sentenced to four years in state prison for violating probation in a highly controversial legal case that had the hip-hop community up-in-arms. 

Meek served five months in jail before being released earlier this year, during which time tons of celebrities, including Drake, campaigned for his early release, wearing "Free Meek Mill" t-shirts in support. 

The reconciliation has drawn really positive reactions from the Twitterverse in support of two adult men who have successfully put aside their disagreements in the public eye. 

Judge rules against Doug Ford's decision to cut Toronto City Council in half

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford's decision to slash Toronto city council in half has been rejected — by the city, by the people, and now by the law.

Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba announced early Monday morning that Toronto's legal challenge against the new provincial government's council-reducing legislation, Bill 5, was valid. 

"The matter before me is unprecedented," reads Belobaba's 21-page ruling in favour of Toronto. "The provincial legislature enacted Bill 5, radically redrawing the City of Toronto's electoral districts, in the middle of the City's election."

"The Province has clearly crossed the line." 

Called the Better Local Government Act, the legislation was passed on August 14 at Queen's Park in the middle of a municipal election campaign, just over two months after Ford was first elected premier.

The move effectively reduced the number of seats on Toronto's city council from 47 to 25. It also scrapped a comprehensive new ward boundaries map that took four years for to review and approve.

When Ford's plan was announced in late July, Mayor John Tory said that it was "not right," "not fair," and that it was "disrespectful of the people." Tory accused the premier of "meddling" in Toronto's democratic process and vowed to fight back against the cut. 

Lawyers for the city argued during a seven-hour-long hearing on August 31 that the provincial government had violated Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms by interfering with an ongoing election.

Belobaba, in his ruling, agreed.

"This mid-stream legislative intervention not only interfered with the candidates' freedom of expression, it undermined an otherwise fair and suitable election process," the ruling reads. "Electoral fairness is a fundamental value of democracy."

The judge did acknowledge earlier in the process that whatever he decided would likely be appealed, however, so don't go celebrating the power of democracy too hard just yet. 

Still, according to the ruling, "as things now stand — and until a constitutionally valid provincial law says otherwise — the City has 47 wards."

15 things to do in Toronto this week

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A new week means events in Toronto are fresh with the smell of beer, garlic and old books. Childish Gambino arrives for a concert and there's a jazz festival on in Kensington Market. TIFF continues and there's a big flower market this weekend.

Events you might want to check out:

Childish Gambino (September 10 @ Scotiabank Arena)
Saying this is the "last Gambino tour ever," Donald Glover arrives in Toronto to mark the only Canadian stop of his This is America tour.
Shopping (September 11 @ The Garrison)
British post-punkers Shopping keep things angsty and dancey at the same time with their upbeat, surf-rock/pop combos.
Brockton Writers Series (September 12 @ Glad Day Bookshop (Church))
Enrich your soul with some live readings by writers Mehri Yalfani, Maia Caron and Clementine Morrigan, plus a talk on "How to Read a Poem."
Interpol (September 13 @ REBEL)
The underdogs of the 90s indie rock scene, Interpol have kept themselves busy and popular thanks in part to Paul Banks' hypnotic vocals.
BOOKEnds Used Book Sale (September 13-15 @ Toronto Reference Library)
Bibliophiles, this is your chance to get your paws on a wealth of library gold with all items priced at only 10¢ to 50¢. Cash only!
Jim Gaffigan (September 14 @ Budweiser Stage)
Funnyman Jim Gaffigan, known for his observational comedy and deadpan delivery, is dropping by as part of his The Fixer Upper tour.
Grey Gardens (September 14-16 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
The first observational-style documentary, this 1975 film takes a look inside the ramshackle world of Big and Little Edie Beale.
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.
Toronto Flower Market (September 15 @ CAMH)
Growers from all over Toronto are on hand with fresh-cut flowers, pre-made arrangements and bouquets made upon request at your price point.
The Famous Canadian Beer Run (September 15 @ Ontario Place)
Take a 5k run through Ontario Place and celebrate with a cold one, food and some tunes. If running is not your thing, there's also beer yoga.
Rina Sawayama (September 15 @ Velvet Underground)
Style on 100, Rina Sawayama arrives from London with her one woman show and a vibe reminiscent of all the 90s girl groups combined.
Toronto Artisan Market (September 16 @ Christie Pits Park)
Christie Pits fills up with artists selling their handmade wares during this curated market in celebration of the local arts, crafts and community.
Toronto Garlic Festival (September 16 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Garlic and garlic accessories are all on at this big festival dedicated to the pungent herb. Expect garlicky goodies, shopping, a VR farm tour and more.
Toronto International Film Festival (September 6-16 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Stars are still rolling through for TIFF this week as festival fever continues with screenings, events and parties all over the city.

This Week on DineSafe: Tim Hortons, Wing Machine, 3 Brewers, Big Smoke Burger

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This week on DineSafe, a location of the wing chain Wing Machine was shutdown. The restaurant on Parliament St. landed a staggering eight infractions, three of which were crucial. 

Learn what other local restaurants got busted by Toronto health inspectors this week on DineSafe.

Popeyes (3479 Yonge St.)
  • Inspected on: September 4, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Failed to ensure food handler in food premise washes hands as necessary to prevent contamination of food areas.
Tim Hortons (2294 Kingston Rd.)
  • Inspected on: September 4, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Bairrada Churrasqueira (1000 College St.)
  • Inspected on: September 5, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Failed to protect food from contamination or adulteration.
Pizza Rustica (270 Wellington St. West)
  • Inspected on: September 5, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 1, Significant: 5, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Refrigerated potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature above 4°C and failed to protect food from contamination or adulteration.
3 Brewers (275 Yonge St.)
  • Inspected on: September 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 3, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Big Smoke Burger (799 York Mills Rd.)
  • Inspected on: September 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Stored potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4°C and 60°C.
Golden Wheat (652 College St.)
  • Inspected on: September 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Second Cup (695 Wilson Ave.)
  • Inspected on: September 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Significant: 4)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Tim Hortons (4820 Sheppard Ave. East)
  • Inspected on: September 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Wing Machine (443 Parliament St.)
  • Inspected on: September 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
  • Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3, Crucial: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: Food premise maintained in manner permitting health hazard (insects), failed to protect food from contamination or adulteration and food premise maintained in manner to permit contamination of single-service articles.
Columbus Bakery (2111 Jane St.)
  • Inspected on: September 7, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A

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

Toronto warned to stop climbing the Scarborough Bluffs

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Toronto Police and Fire Services are asking people to please, please, please stop attempting to climb the Scarborough Bluffs after they completed two dangerous and expensive rescue missions within the span of just 24 hours.

Most recently, fire crews were called to the east end escarpment on Sunday afternoon after two women got themselves stuck on the face of a cliff near Undercliff Drive and Cecil Crescent.

It took eight firetrucks and three hours to get both women to safety in what Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg called "literally one of the most demanding and challenging tactical rescues I've ever witnessed."

Pegg said that five firefighters tethered to rope rescue lines used ice picks to scale the bluffs from both the top and bottom. A rescue helicopter was also dispatched, but the women were rescued before it arrived.

"There is nothing safe about trying to climb these bluffs," said Pegg to reporters following the rescue. "These two young ladies incurred an extraordinary risk today. They are very very fortunate to be healthy, safe and sound."

Safe as though they may be, the climbers did cost the city a lot of money by failing to heed the many signs posted near the bluffs which warn people not to climb them.

Same goes for two hikers who needed to be rescued while trying to climb down the sandy peaks on Saturday.

"There's a significant drain on resources, there's a significant risk to our rescuers, and there's a significant risk to the public," said Pegg of the risky behaviour.

"Don't climb the bluffs."

The top 5 craft breweries in Buffalo

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Craft breweries in Buffalo exemplify the way this city to the south is flexing just as hard as Toronto when it comes to the craft beer scene. There are lots of great places to enjoy beer brewed right in Buffalo, but these are the breweries this drinking town with a sports problem relies on for their beloved suds.

Here are my picks for the top craft breweries in Buffalo.

Big Ditch

This brewery is named for the sense of sarcasm Buffalonians had toward the Erie Canal initially, which brought the town its most prosperous years, and beers with names like Beautiful River (Buffalo is thought to be mispronunciation of a Frenchman’s exclamation “belle fleuve!”) continue the tradition.

Resurgence

There’s both a Sponge Candy Stout and a Loganberry Wit on tap here, which are both very Buffalo. Chocolate-coated sponge candy is a popular treat here, and it actually goes great with the beer.

Community Beer Works

By contrast, this is one of Buffalo’s smaller breweries, but it has a ton of heart. There’s a chalkboard where you can “Embeer it Forward,” paying for the next person’s award-winning Whale brown ale by taking a pic on your phone and posting it online.

Flying Bison

Probably Buffalo’s best known craft beer brand, their brewery and tasting room are located in a barn-like structure out in the middle of a field. However, because of their popularity, you can find beers like Aviator Red and Larkin Lager in many other bars, breweries, restaurants and stores in town.

A post shared by Marty Farrell (@martyrunner) on

Old First Ward

This brewery is actually located inside Gene McCarthy’s, a pub renowned for their McCarthy-style triple blue cheese chicken wings, meaning when you head out here you can get two Buffalo classics in one great spot.

The Best Cheap Sushi in Toronto

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The best cheap sushi in Toronto is proof that budget sushi dining doesn't always mean AYCE. These restaurants serve up quality rolls considering the price, with lunch specials and bento box deals that will fill you up without emptying the bank account.

Here's the best cheap sushi in Toronto.

10 - AI Sushi

This bustling spot with locations in Markham and Richmond Hill specializes in cheap takeout sushi. Their trays are phenomenally inexpensive (40 pieces of sashimi and rolls for just $30) and basic maki hovers around the $4.99 mark. It's no wonder this Markham restaurant gets so busy.
11 - In Japan

Liberty Village is takeout central, so it's no wonder they've got a decent option for sushi to-go. The biggest draw here might be their "fusion maki" which are their own creative signature rolls. These come pretty big, and mostly run around $13.95 for 10 pieces. As a bonus, all rolls here come with free miso soup.
7 - Tone Sushi

A comfortable environment and quality cheap sushi keeps this Queen West restaurant consistently busy. The most notable thing here is the presentation. Rolls here aren't too rice-heavy and generally have a good flavour; considering the quality of the menu items, it's a steal.
3 - Sushi on Bloor

This longtime Annex favourite lures in the lunchtime crowds with specials that last until 5 p.m. You can get an eight-piece roll plus a six-piece maki, including soup and a salad, all for under $8.75. If you draw it out long enough that can basically be dinner too.
4 - Kibo Sushi (Rosedale)

With numerous locations around the city, nearly all Kibos in Toronto stay busy with takeout orders and delivery. Dining in is an option too: here you'll find relatively cheap servings of specialty rolls in fairly big portions.
5 - Sushi Inn

Despite being in Yorkville, Sushi Inn is surprisingly inexpensive. Lunch specials like California rolls with futo maki cost just under $10, and their sushi bar maki average around $10.25 for a variety of different rolls like deep fried hamachi or eel.
6 - Sushi Bong

The hulking rolls from this <a href="https://www.blogto.com/city/2013/07/get_to_know_a_street_northtown_way/">Northtown Way</a> restaurant are a North York classic. Service is pretty cut and dry but the sushi is absolutely worth it. All their rolls run for under $10 and come stuffed with all your fave ingredients for a meal more filling than most.
8 - Ni-Ji Sushi

This Scarborough shrine to fresh sushi is a favourite among locals, who flock to feast on six pieces of California rolls for only $5.95. Their sushi dinners are equally impressive, with combos serving up 18 pieces of maki for just $16.95 or 15 pieces of sashimi for just under $20.
9 - Pearl Sushi

An itty bitty hidden gem, Pearl Sushi in Mimico may not have enough room to fit more than two people but it's got a huge menu of special dinner bento boxes, classic makis (the most expensive is $5.50) and daily specials served with miso that are worth cramming into this hole-in-the-wall for.

An epic light display is coming to the Gardiner Expressway

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The Bentway, Toronto's park under the Gardiner, is about to be home to a new travelling light display. 

The exhibit, titled WATERLICHT, is a huge light exhibit that explores the role of water and all its dangers. 

Designed by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, the exhibit first appeared in the Netherlands. However, it now travels the world, and will be coming to Toronto to "foster a city-wide conversation" about Lake Ontario and the importance of clean water and the environment.

The piece is built from LEDs, special software, and lenses, and will showcase blue waves soaring along the Bentway under the Gardiner. It hopes to call to mind the rising water levels on Lake Ontario's shore. 

There will also be audio recordings of prominent historical figures from Toronto talking about water playing through the exhibit. 

Due to it being a light show, the exhibit will be viewable after sundown, from approximately 7 p.m. every day, starting October 12 and running until October 14. 

Casa Loma is turning into a giant haunted house

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Toronto's most regal estate is once again airing out its ghostly affairs as Casa Loma hosts Legends of Horror later this month.

Now becoming a yearly tradition, Legends of Horror will transform the castle into a giant haunted house (although, if you ask the right people, it's always been a spooky spot).

Portions of the house normally closed to the public will be open for tours through a two-kilometre stretch that moves from the lower gardens and deep into the bowels of the famous mansion.

Legends of Horror promises an "immersive theatrical interpretation of all of the classic horror figures" with eerie sets, things popping out, special effects and whatever else is meant to scare the pants off you.

It's all going down from September 28 to Halloween on October 31 with tickets available starting at $40.

This is what opening weekend at TIFF looked like


Doug Ford says he'll overrule court's decision on Toronto city council

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford shocked the province today as he announced he would invoke the notwithstanding clause — also known as Section 33 in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms — to reverse a court decision to uphold Toronto's 47-seat council. 

Earlier today, Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba upheld the city's motion to keep the election at the higher number of seats. 

However, in a press conference that was delayed several times, Ford announced the decision would be overruled. 

"People in Toronto are frustrated," he said, "We haven't seen any decisions over the last four years with this mayor."

When asked if he is worried about being called a dictator, Ford replied "I was elected." 

The Premier also warned that he is willing to use Section 33 as often as he has to in the future. 

This steam train near Toronto will take you on a stunning fall tour

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There's nothing quite like fall in Ontario. With the golden leaves, crisp air, countless hiking trails and pumpkin farms, there's no better place to get outside and soak up the prettiest time of the year.

If you're looking for a unique way to experience the fall colours, climbing aboard the infamous South Simcoe Steam Train is a must. This historic excursion train runs from May until October, but the best time to visit is now, for their annual Fall Colours Excursion tour.

Located in Tottenham, only 50 minutes from Toronto, this train is the oldest operating steam locomotive in Ontario, and the second oldest in Canada. It runs by burning coal, which is still shoveled by hand - adding to it's vintage charm.

The steam train is assembled with restored 1920s coaches, with a stunning interior that will transport you back in time.

A round-trip excursion through the picturesque countryside of Tottenham and Beeton takes just under an hour, along an old railway that once connected Hamilton to Barrie. 

The train runs on Saturdays and Sundays from now until end of October, with three departure times each day. Since the fall is by far their busiest season, be sure to purchase tickets in advance to avoid any disappointment. 

After you've finished the ride, be sure to check out nearby parks and trails like the 99-Step Trail in Newmarket or the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park outside Orangeville. 

Toronto accuses Doug Ford of behaving like a dictator

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How far will Doug Ford go to get his own way?

It's a question many in Ontario are asking today following the Premier's announcement that he wants to invoke a rare and controversial clause to effectively overturn a Super Court Judge's ruling against his move to slash 22 seats from Toronto city council.

Ontario Justice Edward Belobaba announced early Monday morning that the new provincial government's council-reducing legislation, Bill 5, violates Canada's charter of rights and freedoms.

"The provincial legislature enacted Bill 5, radically redrawing the City of Toronto's electoral districts, in the middle of the City's election," read Belobaba's 21-page ruling in favour of Toronto. "The Province has clearly crossed the line."

Ford was expected only to appeal the ruling, which would have drawn out the process, but left it in the hands of court officials.

Instead, announced that he would use Section 33 — a constitutional "notwithstanding clause" to do what he wants, regardless of any charter rights his laws might appear to violate.

Ford would be the first premier in Ontario's history to invoke this controversial clause, which was intended to serve as a "safety valve" for governments whose legislative agendas conflict with Canadian charter rights.

The premier also indicated during a press conference on Monday afternoon that he was willing to use this clause as many times as he has to in the future.

Needless to say, his opponents are shocked. Heck, everybody is shocked.

"Invoking the notwithstanding clause in a case like this is an unprecedented move, literally suspending the Charter rights of Ontario people in order to plow ahead with his revenge plot against his political enemies at Toronto City Hall," said NDP leader Andrea Horwath in a statement issued Monday afternoon.

"A good leader doesn’t just ask if he has the right to do it, but whether it’s the right thing to do."

Toronto mayoral candidate Jennifer Keesmaat said similarly in a statement that Ford's conduct is egregious and over the line.

"It is completely unacceptable to suspend the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in pursuit of old political grudges," she said.

"And that is what this is about. Premier Ford did not campaign on this issue. He has no democratic mandate to do this. And it is a disgrace to suspend the Charter on this or any other issue."

Ford himself maintains that it was Justice Belobaba who acted undemocratically in blocking his council-cutting bill.

He called the decision "deeply, deeply concerning" and said that Ontario voters should have the final say in what happens — three months ago.

"They’re the judge and jury. No one else," he said of those who voted his party into a majority government at Queen's Park in June.

When asked by City News journalist Cynthia Mulligan if he was concerned that he'd be called a dictator for invoking the notwithstanding clause, Ford replied simply: "I was elected. The judge was appointed."

10 things to do in Toronto today

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September in Toronto is just flying by and events today offer the chance to get out there and have a good time. TIFF is still hot all over the city and today has two showings and a celebration of queer film. Musical performances and a patriarchy-smashing comedy show are on, too.

Events you might want to check out:

Shopping (September 11 @ The Garrison)
British post-punkers Shopping keep things angsty and dancey at the same time with their upbeat, surf-rock/pop combos.
Stiff 9" (September 11 @ Bang Sue Bar)
Queer film at TIFF gets a celebration during this party hosted by Peter Knegt and Philip Edward Villeneuve, featuring some special guests.
What is Democracy? (September 11 @ Scotiabank Theatre)
Tracing the roots of western democracy from Ancient Greece to now, Astra Taylor's new documentary explores its meaning from multiple lenses.
Museo (September 11 @ Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre)
After two friends pull off the perfect heist of Mayan artifacts, that's when things start get hairy in the premiere of Alonso Ruizpalacios' new film.
Saint Etienne (September 11 @ Mod Club Theatre)
Good vibes, deep grooves and some interesting mixes are all part of this early 90s electro pop group that's still making cuts you can dance to.
How Buildings Can Help Save The World (September 11 @ Toronto Reference Library Beeton Hall)
Climate change dread is real and author Chris Magwood is here to discuss how buildings—of all things—can help offer a practical solution.
RioT (September 11 @ Comedy Bar)
You haven't experienced comedy like this, where leading female identifying and non-binary performers put on one heck of a show.
The Queers (September 11 @ Hard Luck Bar)
Rough and raw are punk rockers The Queers who've maintained an intentionally jagged sound, going hard for over three decades.
The Cinematographer (September 11 @ Free Space)
Perfect timing for TIFF, established cinematographers discuss how they create distinctly beautiful visuals and tell stories through the lens.
Mean Girls Pub Quiz (September 11 @ Beaver Cafe)
Get in, b****, we're going to Mean Girls trivia. Fetch, protein bars, Aaron Samuels and the like are all on the menu. Are you up for it?

House of the week: 89 Crawford Street

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Exposed brick, hardwood floors and bay windows, oh my! This house is darling.

89 crawford street torontoThe four bedroom, four bathroom, semi-detached, fully-renovated house is located in the heart of downtown, just steps from Trinity Bellwoods park.89 crawford street toronto

When you walk in the house, you’re greeted with an open plan layout that’s spacious and bright. The fireplace has exposed brick, adding a touch of character to the room.

89 crawford street torontoThe kitchen is on the small side. There isn’t room for a breakfast table, but there’s a decent sized eat-in counter.
89 crawford street torontoOn the top floor is the family room. The cathedral ceilings make it dramatic and lofty.

89 crawford street torontoThe bedrooms are located on the second floor. They’re all well-proportioned and bright.

89 crawford street torontoThe master suite has a lovely bay window and a modern en suite bathroom.

89 crawford street torontoFor outdoor space, there’s the rooftop terrace, which has a beautiful view of the skyline.

89 crawford street torontoThere’s also the backyard that has a lovely patio and even a little patch of grass.

89 crawford street torontoThe only potential deal breaker to this place is the lack of a finished basement.89 crawford street toronto

Specs
89 crawford street torontoGood For

A family. This truly is a great downtown family home. It has the right number of bedrooms, enough living space, both indoor and out, and it’s close to a park as well as schools and daycare.89 crawford street toronto

Move On If

You’d prefer to be in a calmer neighbourhood to raise your family. This house is right in the thick of it; there’s Trinity Bellwoods rowdiness, all the bars and nightlife along Queen Street, plus CAMH is under construction practically next door, and construction noise is never fun.89 crawford street toronto

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