The 2018 edition of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon returns Sunday October 21. The annual event that also includes a half marathon and 5k brings with it major road closures all over the city. 

Here's what you need to know to navigate around the city this weekend.

Course map

Whether you're a runner or a spectator, the map below details all the route info for this weekend. You can find a high resolution version here. 

This map charts out the entire route of the 2018 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

Spectator areas

While you can watch the run from vantage points all across the route, if you're looking for something a bit more exciting, there are designated neighbourhood and cheering entertainment centres throughout the course. They can be found at the following locations.

• Scotiabank Arena (after 20k) from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• University of Toronto (after 2.5K) from 8:50 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
• Alexandra Park (after 5K) from 8:55 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
• Liberty Village/King West (after 7.5K & 17K) from 8:05 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Swansea/Bloor West/High Park (after 12.5K) from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Parkdale/Roncesvalles (after 11K & 14K) from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
• Harbourfront (halfway) from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Corktown (after 26K & 39K) from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
• Cabbagetown (after 25K) from 9:55 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• GreekTown (after 27K & 38K) from 10 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
• Leslieville/South Riverside (after 30K & 35K) from 10:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• The Beach (after 32K & 34K) from 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
• St. Lawrence (after 41K) from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Road closures

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon has more road closures than any event in the city, but fortunately for people making their way around downtown, many of them will be lifted by late Sunday afternoon.

Key areas of the run will, however, be closed from Saturday to Sunday evening. The chart below details all the closures taking place.

Displayed here is a full list of road closures taking place this weekend for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

For more information visit the Toronto Waterfront Marathon website. Also here's an interactive map that is useful for tracking participants and charting road closures.

A few festivals wrap up today as part of events in Toronto, with a new soup and anime festival drawing to a close. Cask Days finishes up and it's also the last day to check out the ways that artists transformed a storage facility into an exhibition.

Free events in Toronto this week are all about the giveaways, like a free ride from Bike Share or a milk tea from CoCo. Don't forget to wear a sweater for the last Pedestrian Sunday, while art and a Halloween party in the park are also on.

The Gardiner is the expressway Toronto loves to hate.

Controversial from the get-go, it was initially built in stages between 1955 and 1966, completely transforming the city's waterfront.

When completed in 1966, the Gardiner extended from west of the Humber River to Leslie Street. Since then, there have been more than a few calls to demolish the highway, replace it with a tunnel, or to turn it into a park.

None of those have come to pass, and the highway still stands tall across Toronto's waterfront.

Here are photos of the birth of the Gardiner Expressway.

From the Toronto Daily Star in 1947

Across the Humber, 1956

Jameson to York Street section prior to construction, around 1959

Jameson to York Street early construction, 1959

Same area, later that year.

Construction near the Ex, 1959

1959, construction with Royal York Hotel in the distance

Construction, 1959

Dufferin Bridge, 1959

Below Dufferin Bridge

Aerial view, 1960, at the Humber River where the Palace Pier Condos and Arch Bridge are located today

Aerial view, 1960. This was the final nail in the coffin for Sunnyside Amusement Park, which was demolished to make room for the expressway.

Construction near Jarvis Street, 1963

Construction near Lake Shore Avenue East, 1963

The 1960s in Toronto was a time in which the subways were red, the Leafs were Stanley Cup Winners, Nathan Phillips was still mayor (at the very beginning of the decade) and Yorkville was a hippie hub.

While City Hall was standing proud, the skyline lacked some familiar faces, like the CN Tower (completed 1976), First Canadian Place (completed 1975), Commerce Court West (completed 1972) and Scotia Plaza (completed 1988).

Here are some photos of what Toronto looked like in the 1960s.

Swimmers with the much less-developed skyline in 1963. Photo from National Geographic. Railway tracks in front of the Royal York, 1963. Photo from Old Time Trains.

View from the observation deck of City Hall, 1966. Photo from kurtkomit.

Nathan Phillips Square looking south 1966. Photo from kurtkomit

Wellington Street West. Photo from the Toronto Archives

Gerrard Street around 1966. Photo from the Toronto Archives

The skyline in 1967. Photo from the Toronto Archives

Another angle of the skyline in 1967. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

Bathurst and Sheppard in the 1960s. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

View from Cliffside Drive in Scarborough, 1961. Photo from pjs_deceased.

The Toronto Maple Leafs as the 1967 Stanley Cup Champions. Photo from Toronto Maple Leafs.

Newtonbrook Plaza looks bustling on a weekday evening, despite the fact that nearly all the shopping centre's stores have closed.

Today, almost every unit in this red-roofed plaza, which has existed on Yonge between Finch and Steeles for over half a century, sits abandoned. 

Newtonbrook Plaza has been around for over 50 years.

Closed signs now hang in the desolate windows of longtime businesses like Dollar Discount House, Ralph's Shoe Repair, and Organic Planet Health, which closed early last month.

The Bowlerama was once a popular spot for weekend cosmic bowling.

Same goes for the subterraneous alleys of the local Bowlerama, where families and young locals have sought weekend entertainment (in an area sorely lacking in things to do) for 59 years. 

Food Basics drives the majority of the foot and vehicle traffic here.

But at the north end of Newtonbrook Plaza, the parking lot is still teeming with people as they enter and exit Food Basics with groceries in hand.

For as long as the plaza has been around, the 5915 Yonge St. location of the Metro-owned supermarket chain has supplied the residents of nearby apartments on Yonge, Drewery, and Cummer.

Many residents from neighbouring apartment buildings walk to and from Food Basics.

But soon Food Basics will be torn down, along with the rest of the aging plaza.

They'll be making way for M2M Condos: the 1.7 million-square-foot multi-use project that will see five condos spring up in the next decade. 

M2M Condos is a massive new condo complex to replace Newtonbrook Plaza.

Bought for $201 million by Hong Kong-based mega-developer Aoyuan Property Group last year, the 8.6-acre site where Newtonbrook Plaza, Food Basics, and an 11-storey office building on the south end of the property now occupy will see demolition as early as Feb. 2019. 

There will be five new condos springing up along Yonge.

At 43, 40, 39, 35 and 33 storeys each, M2M will add 1660 new units to the area, with each building taking about four years to construct.

There'll also be an extra 80,000 square feet of retail space, with plans for a daycare, playground, and community centre as well. 

Demolition on existing buildings will start as early as February 2019.

The first existing building to be demolished will be the office building; the last will be Food Basics, though even managers of the grocery don't know when that will be. 

Robert Mitchell has been shopping at Food Basics for 52 years.

In the meantime, locals like 88-year-old Robert Mitchell worry about how M2M (whose slogan is "A community made to matter") will effect the community which already exists. 

"It's going to be a big loss to the community," says Mitchell, who has lived just north of Newtonbrook Plaza for 52 years. "For people who don't drive...it's going to be a big loss." 

The apartment at 5900 Yonge across the street will soon be facing the massive construction site.

Residents of the apartment at 5900 Yonge St., which rises directly across the street, soon won't be able to make quick grocery trips to Food Basics. Instead, they'll have to find ways to commute up to Centrepoint with their hauls. 

"It's really upsetting," says a shopper named Tamara, who has been living at 5900 for three years."Nothing else is really close." 

M2M Condos has a presentation centre operating in the mostly desolate Peanut Plaza.

Even as the store continues to operate, locals will have to brave the onslaught of construction and noise pollution on top of losing a few Newtonbrook Plaza staples like a LifeLabs, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Canada Post office.  

According to original plans, a grocery store is intended to eventually substitute Food Basics.

But considering the demographic M2M is catering (units run upwards of $400,000 each) the community is more likely to get a Whole Foods than a discount grocery.

Pumpkin pie in Toronto will make sure your fall celebrations feel complete. Nothing caps off a meal like a fragrant, creamy, spicy and crusty pumpkin pie, and the person who brings one of these over is always welcome back anytime.

Here are my picks for bakeries to buy pumpkin pie in Toronto.

Butter Baker

This narrow shop near Bay and Dundas does a seasonal pumpkin creme brulee pie, their fresh pie crust filled with torched pumpkin custard with caramel and spices.

Kensington Natural Bakery

This Annex bakery does vegan, spelt and gluten-free pumpkin pies at cheaper price points that anywhere else on this list.

Butternut Baking Co.

The gluten-free, dairy-free, keto and paleo pumpkin pie is organic and in an almond pastry crust, and yes, it does actually taste good. Finally, a dessert no one has an excuse not to eat at the end of a holiday dinner. 

Dough

Pumpkin pies made from scratch on site at this Danforth bakery should pretty much be available at all times here, but call ahead to pre-order if you want a guarantee.

Through Being Cool

This vegan bakery near Lansdowne and Bloor often does mini pumpkin pie tarts throughout the cooler months, but it’s best to call ahead to make sure they’re in stock. They can do full pies upon request.

Home Baking Co.

Completely simple, classic, unadorned pumpkin pie can be found at this Bloordale bakery.

Bunner’s 

Full-size pies should be ordered 48 hours in advance from this allergen-friendly shop with locations in the Junction and Kensington Market, but their pumpkin pie is free of gluten, eggs, soy and dairy, so it’s worth it to be able to share it with absolutely everybody.

Wanda’s Pie in the Sky

Full-flavoured spicy, creamy pumpkin pies with perfectly crimped, thick crusts and cute pastry decorations are made from scratch on site at this Kensington bakery.

The Rolling Pin

Not only do they make regular pumpkin pie at this Avenue and Lawrence bakery, they also do pumpkin cheesecake pie, chocolate pumpkin pie and pumpkin pie jacked up with salted caramel, whipped cream and candied pecans.

Tori’s Bakeshop

This place roasts their own organic pumpkin for their pies, so they’re only available by pre-order and for as long as they can get the pumpkins, usually until the end of November.

Comfort food in Toronto just makes you feel warm inside. A hot meal, a comfortable place to sit, and maybe a relaxing drink or two are always the best way to unwind, but we’re especially aware of that in a town that gets pretty cold for a lot of the year. 

Here are my picks for where to dine on comfort food in Toronto.

Hogtown Vegan

Just because many think of burgers and other meaty morsels when it comes to comfort food doesn’t mean that’s what defines it. Totally animal-free versions of chicken and waffles, cheese fries and lots of beer are what to get at teal-painted Little Italy and Bloorcourt locations of this cute restaurant. 

Eulalie’s Corner Store

Soup, sandwiches, rustic casual decor…what more could you want? This Little India restaurant has it all when it comes to comfort. 

The Gabardine

Mac n’ cheese like no other is made at this warm and friendly oasis in the middle of the cold and busy Financial District with soft lighting and a chalkboard menu. 

House of Parliament

Multiple levels and multiple patios provide all kinds of nooks where you can curl up and dig into traditional English pub fare and sip your favourite import beer. 

Beach Hill Smokehouse

Wooden picnic tables, a whole chalkboard menu wall and BBQ feasts plated on hulking boards at this Beaches spot soothe the stomach and the soul. 

Country Style Hungarian

Pretty much nowhere is as homey as this cheery Annex restaurant serving up meaty European feasts of schnitzel and sausage sure to put a smile on your face and fill your belly. 

Cider House

From a drinks list centred around hard apple cider to burgers and poutine, everything about this wood-filled Roncesvalles pub puts you at ease almost instantly. 

Congee Town

Is there anything that lifts the spirits more than a bowl of congee? Warm and porridge-y, digging into a meal here feels like a snuggly hug. 

Peacock Pub 

From the creator of some of Toronto’s most popular pubs like Queen and Beaver, this spacious two-floor Little Italy spot with a ton of options for English fare and craft beer has couches, Swedish lounge chairs, and board games. 

Rebel House

Wings, grilled cheese sandwiches, lots of beer and even more tequila are a balm for the soul at this narrow and ultra-Canadian pub with personality to spare. 

Classy restaurants in Toronto are where to go to get the star treatment, even if you’re a nobody. Service with a smile is an understatement at these places that pamper every guest with special care and make each service feel like a special occasion. 

Here are some classy restaurants in Toronto that will treat you right.

Batifole

Feel like you’re inside an oil painting when you’re really in East Chinatown at this French restaurant that serves beautifully presented, sumptuous meals with excellent wine.

Le Notre Bistro

A regularly changing menu of French dishes and fine wines at this Harbord Village corner spot is fit for both everyday and special occasions.

Grey Gardens

The expert restaurateurs behind this candlelit Kensington spot have put an unbelievable amount of thought into every element of this place, from the menu to the service to the wallpaper. 

Bricco Wine Bar

Like the name suggests, this Junction restaurant really is anchored by exposed brick, which provides the perfect blank canvas to throw artistically presented plates of food into stunning relief. 

Sotto Sotto

Pasta really can make anyone feel comforted and classy at the same time in almost any setting...but this isn’t just any setting. This is Yorkville baby, and this is Drake's favourite place in Toronto’s ritziest neighbourhood to be treated well and eat right. 

Wynona

Wine, light seafood, and a big breezy front window that opens to Gerrard Street in Leslieville make it feel like you don’t have to worry about a thing while you’re in here. 

Jacques Bistro du Parc

Try not to sound classy saying the name of this restaurant...it’s physically impossible. Gaze down on the beautiful people roaming the streets of Yorkville from this second floor French restaurant decked out with thick white tablecloths and flowery wallpaper. 

George

This restaurant near Queen and Church rolls out the red carpet for all your classiest occasions and celebrations with curated fine wines and elegant plating.

Estiatorio Volos

Arching white architecture, excellent service and some of the city’s most delicious food transports you to a Greek island resort at this Financial District restaurant ready to whisk all your cares away at the end of the day.

The Shore Club

Treat yourself with martinis galore, seafood and steak at this restaurant with class to spare near the Ritz Carlton on Wellington.

Halloween is just around the corner, meaning it's peak season for trick-or-treaters and party-goers alike on the prowl for spooky merchandise. 

But while it's all fun and games for consumers buying Jason masks and plastic props, it's a matter of life and death for independent costume and theatre stores operating year-round.

Despite the fact that studies show Canadians are spending more on Halloween than ever before (the average amount spent on costumes in 2016 was a whopping $52) many local stores say they're still having a hard time keeping afloat. 

The culprit, they say, are big-box costume stores—namely the American megabrand Spirit Halloween. 

"Before Spirit Halloween came in, we would be able to survive," says Sanjoy Kundu, the owner of longtime local costume shop Theatrics Plus. "Now, it's such a cut-throat business."

Local costume store Theatrics Plus has opened a pop-up shop on Queen to counter big-box costume stores.

Though Theatrics Plus has been operating from its location at 660 Yonge Street since 2000, Kundu and his parents have been in the costume industry for nearly 40 years. 

Kundu says that competition was fairly normal before the arrival of international big-box stores, with an unspoken rule between Toronto's costume shops that kept businesses within their own territories.

Now, with Spirit Halloween in the picture, things have gotten much harder.

>With over 1,200 locations across the States and Canada, Spirit Halloween—which is owned by the massive American retailer Spencer Gifts—has become one of the city's most recognizable costume pop-up stores during the month of October.

Taking over vacant stores like the old Ardenes at Yonge and Dundas, or the former Le Chateau at Queen and Spadina, their business model is a seasonal one, running physical stores for just two to three months at a time.

When November hits, the New Jersey-based company packs up its more than 100 locations across Canada and ships all its stock back to the States, where the brand operates online until next Halloween season.

Local businesses say the American pop-up store Spirit Halloween have made the industry highly competitive.

According to Kundu, that "Walmart mentality" effects the permanent, small Canadian businesses who can't just pack up and leave once the holiday is over.

Instead, they have to continue making ends meet throughout the year, swallowing the costs of stock, year-round brick-and-mortar leases, online operations expenses, and warehouse costs during off-peak season.

"Halloween supports us through the dead months, which are from January right until April," says Kundu. "When somebody just pops up and takes all the business away, [we] can't survive. It's really hard." 

In an attempt to fight for visibility, Kundu has adopted the pop-up businesses model himself to go head-to-head with Spirit of Halloween. 

For the last two years, Theatrics Plus has leased the old HMV property at the corner of Queen and Beverly, where it operates for four months until early November. 

Kundu says he pays over $65,000 a month, not including hydro or employee costs, for the 6,000 square-foot store. It's devastatingly expensive, but he says the extra effort pays off for the foot traffic on one of Toronto's busiest streets.

Small businesses must swallow expenses like costume stock, leases, and warehouse costs to make ends meet.

Most businesses, however, aren't able to fit pop-up stores into their budget, and many no longer see Halloween as a reliable cash cow at all. 

Patio furniture chain DOT, for instance, has gotten rid of its Halloween stuff altogether, while staple theatre shops like Malabar are starting to focus less on packaged costumes and more on specialty industry like professional makeup. 

In the meantime, businesses dealing primarily in costumes have to try extra hard to make up the profits for the rest of the year. In the face of big-budget competition, events like Comicon, Fan Expo and Pride have become a crucial part of the industry. 

"I think if we want to protect businesses, there should be a rule where [businesses] have to be open a minimum of six months out of a year, and not be able to open up and close up within the month," says Kundu.

"Can you imagine them opening up a toy store for 30 days during Christmas?...They need to understand that’s not okay for Canadians." 

Events in Toronto this week are about two things: politics and Halloween, both with the potential to scare the bajeezus out of you. Start the week off by exercising your civic right, then end it at any one of the many Halloween parties happening. There's lots of free stuff going down, too!

At the outset of the 20th century, St. Clair Avenue was a narrow stretch of road, bordered by stretches of farmland and broken by a series of ravines to the east of Yonge Street.

Thanks to various annexation efforts, the majority of the street fell within the city of the Toronto by 1911, at which point the construction of streetcar track ushered in a development boom that would rapidly change the character of the street. 

Archival photos show just how closely linked St. Clair's history is linked the streetcars. From the old car barns at Wychwood to the passenger safety zones of the the 1920s, to the still-remaining loop at St. Clair Station, the streetcar has been a ubiquitous presence on the west side of the street for just over a century.

Here is what St. Clair Avenue used to look like.

Hunting group on Bathurst north of St. Clair, 1900s

Southwest corner of Yonge and St. Clair, 1911

Northwest corner of St. Clair and Dufferin, 1911

Southwest corner St. Clair and Dufferin, 1911

Northeast corner of Spadina and St. Clair.

St. Clair and Caledonia, 1911

Looking west on St. Clair toward Bathurst, 1911

Looking east along St. Clair at Vaughan, 1912

TTC Car Barns (now Wychwood Barns), 1915

Mt. Pleasant and St. Clair, 1922

Southwest corner of Yonge and St. Clair, 1923

Looking east on St. Clair at Mulock, 1923

St. Clair Bridge under construction, 1924

Oops at St. Clair and Rushton, 1926

Looking east on St. Clair at Oakwood, 1927

Looking east on St. Clair at Rushton, 1928

Looking east on St. Clair at Christie, 1928

Looking east on St. Clair at Wychwood, 1928

Avenue Rd. & St. Clair, 1928

Looking east on St. Clair at Vaughan, 1928

Looking west to Bathurst on St. Clair, 1928

Abattoirs in the distance near Weston Road, 1930

Private property on St. Clair west of Keele, 1933

St. Clair Reservoir, 1934

Canada Packers stockyards, 1940

Granite Club, west of Yonge on St. Clair 1947

Brand new St. Clair Station, 1954

St. Clair Station streetcar entrance, late 1950s

990 St. Clair West, 1957

Spadina and St. Clair, 1958

Stockyards near Keele, 1959

Loblaws property on St. Clair east of Bathurst, 1974

Alternate angle of the Loblaws. 

Yonge and St. Clair, 1980s

This week on DineSafe a vendor inside the Village by the Grange food court was shutdown by city health inspectors. Thai Bright landed six infractions, two of which were crucial. 

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

Thai Bright (109 McCaul St.)

• Inspected on: October 15, 2018
• Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Food premise maintained in manner permitting health hazard and failed to protect food from contamination or adulteration.

Chito's Pizza (1308 Bloor St. West)

• Inspected on: October 16, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Stored potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4°C and 60°C.

Petite Thuet (1162 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: October 16, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Food premise maintained in manner permitting adverse effect on food.

Tim Hortons (419 Bloor St. East)

• Inspected on: October 16, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Athens Pastries (14 Banigan Dr.)

• Inspected on: October 17, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Lotus Garden (3460 Danforth Ave.)

• Inspected on: October 17, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Significant: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Janchenko Bakery (2394 Bloor St. West)

• Inspected on: October 18, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 1 (Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Maintained potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4°C and 60°.

Strange Love Coffee (627 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: October 18, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Annabelle (909 Davenport Rd.)

• Inspected on: October 19, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Bob Coffee Bar (440 Christie St.)

• Inspected on: October 19, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Hakka Legend (2058 Ellesmere Rd.)

• Inspected on: October 19, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Failed to ensure food handler in food premise refrains from conduct that could result in contamination of food areas.

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.

You’d think bringing two of Toronto’s favourite foods together, tacos and baos, would be a smash hit, but the restaurant pioneering the concept has closed its doors after a scant six months in business.

Simply named Tacos Baos, the Bloorcourt spot had transformed a space not previously used for a restaurant into a place with a full working kitchen, slinging tacos, baos, and also fries with Filipino influences.

Apparently the issue wasn’t so much that the concept didn’t work. Devoting more time to family and other business priorities were the reasons for closing cited in an Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram

We are closed for good. Thank you to all our regular customers and the #bloorcourtvillage neighborhood for their support. We enjoyed serving everyone and getting such great responses on our product but our other business priorities were suffering a little and we just needed more time dedicated to family. All the best to everyone. Our faves for tacos: @itacate_to @latinworldtoronto @sevenlivesto Our fave for bao: @banhmiboys

A post shared by TacosBaos (@tacosbaos) on Oct 19, 2018 at 2:45pm PDT

A new restaurant is slated to move in, but in the meantime the folks from Tacos Baos personally recommend Itacate, Seven Lives and nearby Latin World for tacos, and Banh Mi Boys for bao, so you can still get your fix no matter what moves in. Phew.

After their fate was thrown into question, overdose prevention sites seem to be here to stay, but with a different focus.

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott announced today that the existing overdose prevention sites will be essentially re-branded, as Treatment and Consumption Services. 

The new model will focus on rehabilitation and long-term goals, on top of overdose prevention. It will also include a connection to treatment centres and mental health services. 

The decision comes after the sites were shut down earlier this year, to the chagrin of many who know the opioid crisis to be an epidemic in the province. 

The provincial government has now decided to keep the sites open. The new model should be in place by January 2019, and will require ongoing monitoring and comprehensive protocols. 

Existing sites are able to apply to remain open under the new system. However, only 21 sites will be allowed in the province, which may pose problems. 

It's getting pretty cold this week, and winter could finally announce its arrival this weekend. 

Friday is looking like it may have a bit of snow, as Environment Canada is predicting a 30 per cent chance of rain or snow flurries. 

It's also supposed to dip to about 6C on Wednesday, ushering in a bit of colder weather for the city. Wednesday's overnight prediction is falling to about -4C, but let's agree to not talk about that. 

Toronto got a bit of snow last week, but it was very slight and melted almost instantly. Hopefully the same luck sticks around this week. 

Toronto's city council has been a tumultuous place to be over the past few months, due to Doug Ford's controversial cuts. With the number of wards being reduced from 47 to 25, many of Toronto's long-time councillors will now be facing one another in heated battles. 

As incumbents face off, some veteran councillors will be losing their jobs. On top of that, some wards have no incumbents at all, leaving the race free for a newcomer no matter who wins. 

Here are the most exciting races to watch as the 2018 election results roll in. 

Ward 1 Etobicoke North

Michael Ford and Vincent Crisanti both supported the Premier's council cuts when they were announced, and now it may be coming back to bite one of them. Crisanti is a veteran councillor and staunch Ford supporter, whereas Michael Ford is―you guessed it―ol' Dougie's nephew. What makes this race even more interesting is that this is Rob Ford's old ward. 

She's got a point though, it would be pretty sweet if Michael Ford doesn't get to keep his job. This idea that there is some magical political talent that comes with the 'Ford' name is ridiculous. Toronto deserves better.

— Mr. Maquee (@MrMaquee) October 22, 2018

Ward 3 Etobicoke-Lakeshore

This one is a bit of a nail-biter for some, as incumbent and notorious-absentee (and notorious corruption-investigation-plagued) Mark Grimes is up against a series of challengers. Grimes has come under fire for his attendance record, multiple corruption allegations, and has been called a union-buster many times. 

So @Mark_Grimes was the only candidate who did not respond to my tweets about concerns in the #humberbayshores neighbourhood. He won’t comment on the open pit, or fix it, but apparently he’ll put a campaign sign on it. @GrimesCampaign#ward3#topoli#EtobicokeLakeshorepic.twitter.com/6BvdgIZ8Pz

— Elle (@gleefulreader) October 22, 2018

Ward 5 York-South Weston

Depending on how this race goes, those who watch or attend council meetings might have a new voice to listen to. Frances Nunziata, the current council speaker, is taking on colleague Frank Di Giorgio. The two are both right-leaning councillors who frequently agree with the mayor. If they split the right-wing vote, the seat may go to progressive challenger Chiara Padovani.

Latest Forum Research poll shows Chiara Padovani is the strategic choice and only chance to beat incumbents in #YSW. Let’s DO this! Vote! Volunteer! https://t.co/uQHSDZwzoN

— Denison Denizen (@LaurieMace) October 18, 2018

Ward 7 Humber River-Black Creek

This may be one of the most interesting races in the city, as long-time councillor and general troublemaker Giorgio Mammoliti is up against fellow councillor Anthony Perruzza. But, what spices this mix up a bit is charismatic challenger Tiffany Ford, a school trustee who has been making waves, much to Mammo's chagrin. 

Together We Will. pic.twitter.com/joYQAygFrE

— Tiffany Ford (@TiffanyFordTO) October 22, 2018

Ward 12 Toronto-St. Paul's

This race is going to break some hearts. Joe Mihevc and Josh Matlow, two long-time favourites on council, are now running against each other. Mayor Tory has endorsed Mihevc, perhaps due to Matlow's opposition to the Scarborough subway stop controversy. The two are polling almost equally at the moment, so it could go either way.

I’d also like to say that it’s an absolute shame that I had to choose between 2 great city councillors in @JoshMatlow and @joemihevc thanks to Doug Ford’s personal vendettas!#TOElxn#TOVotes#TOPoli#MunicipalElections2018#TorontoVotes

— The Ubiquitous J-Man (@Swift01_2000) October 22, 2018

Ward 13 Toronto Centre

This downtown ward also has two incumbents facing off: Lucy Troisi, who was appointed following the death of then-Ward 28 councillor Pam McConnell, and widely-beloved Kristyn Wong-Tam. Troisi is polling way behind, and the ward should go to Wong-Tam with ease.

Toronto-Centre/Ward 13 residents eligible to vote: one day I hope we can cast a ballot for Kristyn Wong-Tam as mayor, premier or prime minister, but until then, support her progressive and intersectional voice on city council. #TorCen#MunicipalElections2018#TOVotes18https://t.co/rnswyjOC5E

— /faye (@disarmthealarm) October 22, 2018

Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth

Paula Fletcher and Mary Fragedakis are two loyal allies, who are now pitted against one another in this ward. The two leading ladies are progressive choices, who are similar in many ways, and stood hand-in-hand after the deadly Danforth shooting. The two have remained each other's largest supporters, but the race will unfortunately leave one in the dust. 

Getting out the vote this morning! Thanks to all our volunteers helping out today. 🗳#TorontoDanforth#VoteTOpic.twitter.com/oqAfXFxhB7

— Paula Fletcher (@PaulaFletcher36) October 22, 2018

Ward 22 Scarborough-Agincourt

It's the battle between Toronto's self-appointed 6ix Dad, Norm Kelly, and former federal MP Jim Karygiannis. Both have been on council a while now (Kelly much longer), and are campaigning hard for this Scarborough seat. Their platforms are very similar, and focus on crime reduction and the Scarborough subway. 

Reporting for duty. #TorontoElectionspic.twitter.com/6aPgETZtZF

— Norm Kelly (@norm) October 22, 2018

Ward 19 Beaches-East York & Ward 23 Scarborough North

These two wards are exciting for the opposite reason than those above. Neither have an incumbent running, leaving them open to someone completely new.

Janet Davis and Mary-Margaret McMahon, two familiar faces, have both retired from Ward 19, leaving it open for Matthew Kellway, former federal MP for the ward, to take on Brad Bradford, an urban planner who received the mayor's endorsement. 

I voted for @MatthewKellway for my Councillor. I had planned to vote for Brad Bradford but that went in the garbage when he accepted "material support" (which means money, staff, and other resources) from John Tory's support and Tory's endorsement.

— Decorative Gourd (@josephtravers) October 22, 2018

Alternatively, Ward 23 in Scarb has pulled in an extremely diverse crowd of contenders, including Maggie Chi, Felicia Samuel, Cynthia Lai, Ashwani Bhardwaj, and James Chow, who all hope to take the seat. 

Mayor

This one is for all the marbles. The mayoral race has been a heated one this year, as our current mayor John Tory takes on his own former chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat, who has proposed some very progressive ideas. 

Please RT! Saron Gebresellassi is loved by the People! She is #fire! pic.twitter.com/qGS18nV7Y8

— Saron Gebresellassi (@SaronGeb) October 22, 2018

The two have exchanged barbs for weeks, but currently Tory is leading in the polls. Keesmaat, however, is not backing down, putting the last touches on her fierce campaign. Saron Gebresellassi has won over some voters but a win for her would be a monumental upset.

Union Station keeps getting better and better.

Since early this year, the historic building has emerged as a hot spot for delicious eats, and commuters are about to get even more food options with a huge new food court that's set to open next month.

Union Food Court, which will span 25,000 square-feet and be large enough to seat 600 people, will soon be accessible through the GO York Concourse. 

Spanning 25,00 square-feet and with enough room to seat 600 people, the food court will feature 11 food vendors that'll range from your usual McDonald's and Timmy's to Toronto faves like Thai from Khao San Road and jerk chicken from Roywoods. 

You'll also find meals from Bangkok Buri, dumplings via Shanghai 360, Italian from Scaccia, and Loaded Pierogi.

Designed by PARTISANS (the same firm behind the Union Station Revitalization Project), the food court will feature some TV screens to live stream games during big sporting events. 

The food court will open at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends, closing at 7 p.m. daily. 

Add Boralia to a list of fall restaurant closings in Toronto that includes The Ceili Cottage, Thoroughbred and Tacos Baos.

The Ossington restaurant was known for bringing 100-year-old Canadian recipes to life, their specialty a theatrical pine-smoked mussels dish served in a glass cloche.

Husband and wife Wayne Morris and Evelyn Wu ran Boralia for four years, and announced Monday afternoon on Instagram that they're closing because of increasing rent prices and a child on the way.

View this post on Instagram

Dear Friends: After 4 amazing years, Boralia will be serving up our historically-inspired Canadian dishes for the very last time on Saturday, November 10. It is not a decision we arrived at easily, but with a new addition to our little family on the way and ever-increasing rent, we feel that now is the best time to end this particular chapter. We are honoured to have been a part of the Toronto and Canadian food scene for the past several years, and are so grateful for your support. Who knew so many people would want to eat pigeon pie and sea snail on a consistent basis?! We invite you to join us over the next 3 weeks for a last hurrah and a final fix of our pine-smoked mussels. It’ll be a chance for us to say thank you and farewell. As always, reservations are available online through our website at www.BoraliaTO.com, or by phone at (647) 351-5100. Hope to see you in the next few weeks. Love, Wayne & Evelyn . . . 📷: @kvp_photog #Boralia #59ossington #canadiancuisine #canadian #food #toronto #torontolife #tofood #yyz #yyzeats #tofoodies #queenwest #ossington

A post shared by Boralia (@boralia_to) on Oct 22, 2018 at 8:51am PDT

Snag a reservation to get one last taste of dishes and ingredients from Canadian history that might fade into the past forever once this restaurant closes its doors for good on November 10. 

John Tory has been re-elected as the mayor of Toronto for a second term, beating former city planner Jennifer Keesmaat for the role of the city's top job. 

Incumbent Tory—whose campaign slogan was "Leadership that works"—was forecast to win the vote in weeks leading up to today's election.

Election results were announced shortly after 8:15 p.m. today, showing Tory winning 63 per cent of the votes, with Keesmaat following at 23 per cent. 

Continuing his reign as Toronto's 65th mayor, polls showed Tory maintaining strong support among older Torontonians who stated they'd be voting today, especially in areas like Etobicoke, Scarborough, and North York. 

Almost all of the Toronto mayor results came in at once, and it's safe to say @JohnTory has taken it #yyz#elxn2018#toronotvotespic.twitter.com/F8TSclxHYV

— Bryan Passifiume (@BryanPassifiume) October 23, 2018

More than three dozen candidates ran for mayor this year, and the race has been an interesting one, revolving around issues like affordable housing, transit, and gun crime reduction.

Tory's platform included the promise to ban hand guns, and to build 40,000 affordable rental units in the next 12 years.

He also said he'd match the provincial government's pledge of $25 million toward community safety programs, and would continue investing in bike lane infrastructure across the city.

Though Keesmaat fell short with voters, her entry into the race was one of the most publicized candidacies, considering she entered mid-race following Premiere Ford's controversial slashing of city council.

Her pre-campaign suggestion for a Toronto secession was highly controversial but proved to be a wedge issue in the face of more likely platform promises like the plan to transform golf courses into public land and tearing down a part of the Gardiner Expressway. 

Meanwhile, 31-year-old fringe candidate Saron Gebresellassi made impressive strides during televised debates but only garnered 2 per cent of the  votes.