Toronto is the city of burgeoning buildings, and not just condos. Plans for massive office towers make up a good amount of the new projects promising to change the city's skyline. 

Here are the five new office buildings coming soon to Toronto. 

The Shift

Towering 24-storeys, this project at 25 Ontario St. will be a 460,000 square-foot LEED Gold affair housing companies like Think Research. Brought to the city by First Gulf—the same group behind the Globe and Mail reconstruction and 333 King Street East—you can expect this patch of the city to look drastically different when it's done.

The main office building of The Well will sit at the corner of Front and Spadina. Photo via The Well.

The Well

Taking over a sizeable chunk of Front Street, this anticipated mixed-use community will bring a whopping one million square feet of rentable space. The signature office tower will sit right at Front and Spadina, bringing floor-to-ceiling windows and 125,000 square feet of office space to the area.

80 Atlantic will be Toronto's first office building constructed with a timber frame. Photo via Quadrangle.

80 Atlantic Ave.

This five-storey Hullmark project will be Toronto's first office building constructed out of timber. The 79,758 square-foot building is expected to have a significantly reduced carbon footprint, touting a sustainable building model with its wooden frame. 

Microsoft will move its new headquarters into the first four floors of the CIBC Square tower at 81 Bay St. Photo via Kevin Peesker.

Microsoft headquarters

We may have lost the bid for Amazon, but Toronto will soon be getting a brand new office from this tech giant. Taking over the first four floors of the CIBC Square tower at 81 Bay St. in 2020, Microsoft's project will total about $570 million.

This 46-storey office from Cadillac Fairview will replace an historic building at Front and Simoce. Photo via submission to City of Toronto.

160 Front St. West 

An $800 million project from Cadillac Fairview, this 46-storey building hopes to replace an heritage building at the corner Front and Simcoe. Adding 1.2 million square feet of office space to the area, the project will be the city's eighth tallest building when it's complete. 

South Park has done it. Saturday Night Live has done it. Ellen has done it. Heck, a predictive artificial intelligence program has done it—and pretty well, I might add.

So many people have spoofed the iconic Lincoln MKC commercials featuring actor Matthew McConaughey since they first aired in 2014 that the act of doing so has become a properly documented internet meme.

Those bizarre, hilariously stoic car ads just might, in fact, be the most-parodied TV ads of all time, save for that "Whazzzaaahp?" spot from 1999. You know the one.

This week, Toronto became part of the four-year-long (and counting) joke (or success story) that is the Matthew McConaughey's Lincoln ads with the release of 'Lincoln Commercial Spoof | TTC Edition' by Toronto-based videographer Will Jay.

"I've been riding the TTC long before anybody paid me to do it," booms a voiceover against the image of a serious-looking man striding into Dundas Station.

"I didn't do it because it was cool. I didn't do it to be on time. I did it because it was my only option," he continues. "People ask me, if I had a car, would I drive? I've thought about it for quite some time... but with the new extension, why would I?"

Cute. 

In March of 1977, a 34-year-old Mick Jagger and his band staged what would become one legendary surprise show at Toronto's El Mocambo night club.

Some 41 years later, the venue has come screaming back to life at Spadina and College, its iconic neon palm tree sign hanging high for all to see—and the man who owns it wants to stage a reprise. 

Canadian business tycoon Michael Wekerle is set to reopen the El Mo this Spring after nearly five years of dormancy and, more recently, at least $20-million worth of renovations.

He told the Toronto Sun over the weekend that he hopes to have none other than The Rolling Stones perform at his grand opening. 

Fans of the El Mocambo listen up! News has it the place is set to RE-OPEN its doors April 2019! Rumor has it that the Rolling Stones might be playing opening nite! Here's the music from way back in 1977 when they played in Torontohttps://t.co/lwA6IUnUlN

— Rod (@WarriorRod) November 16, 2018

As it turns out, the band is rumoured to be touring in North America around the same time as the El Mo's official relaunch.

Wekerle, himself a rockstar type, is said to be in hot pursuit of the would-be show.

"I’m hoping and crossing my fingers," he said to the Sun. "I've reached out to their management team when I was in Prague to go see them."

Could it happen? I mean, sure, theoretically. If anyone has the money, connections and ambition to bring the Stones back to El Mocambo it's Wekerle. 

Will it happen? Who knows. Fingers crossed, either way.

Sorry folks, looks like you'll have to buy your Christmas presents IRL this year. 

Canada Post just announced that due to its ongoing strike, you can expect all packages destined for Toronto to be delivered late. Read: not in time for the holidays. 

The company, which is now in its fifth week of strikes, released a a statement today saying that the strike has "created massive backlogs of mail and parcels", and it's about to get worse—just in time for peak gift-buying season.

Now in their fifth week, CUPW’s rotating strikes continue in southwestern Ontario and Kelowna BC. Canada Post warns customers that it is not able to honour delivery standards due to massive backlogs: https://t.co/bxq6HNAfDJ

— Canada Post (@canadapostcorp) November 20, 2018

"...We expect millions more parcels from Black Friday and Cyber Monday online sales," they said.

Considering the state of affairs right now, Canada Post says the delays will last for "the foreseeable future'. 

While basically every facility and address across the country has been effected by the strike, the company says the worst delays for mails and parcels will be "for items that originate or are destined for southern and southwestern Ontario." That's Toronto. 

According to Canada Post, we have the highest volumes of mail and parcels, and right now there's containers and trailers full of them sitting unsent because of the labour disruptions. 

So if you planned to do any shopping on Etsy or Amazon in hopes of getting your package delivered for Christmas, it'll be late by several days—at least.

Oh Santa, if only you were real, this wouldn't be a problem. 

What do Drake, The Weeknd, Tame Impala and James Blake all have in common? They were all featured on Travi$ Scott's mega-hit album ASTROWORLD, and he's here tonight to perform it. Elsewhere, a screening of Girlfriends is on and the Designers Market is having a big sale.

If you’ve always dreamed of being a librarian, this place might just be for you, because it has one of those little free libraries on the front lawn. It’s darling!

But, if you’re not into free book exchanges, the rest of the house is pretty nice too. It’s bright, spacious and modern.The main floor is open plan with loads of living space. The living room even has a functioning fireplace to keep you warm on those harsh winter nights.

The kitchen is modern with stainless steel appliances and ample counter space.

Upstairs, there’s four bedrooms. They’re all bright and big enough to fit a double bed (at least). They also all have lots of closet space, which is always a bonus.

The bathrooms are standard, but nice and fairly spacious. 

As for outdoor space, there’s a large backyard with a big deck and a gazebo. In the summer it will be perfect for hosting backyard bashes and BBQs.

Specs

• Address: 254 Broadway Avenue
• Type: House
• Rent: $4,450/ month
• Listing agent: Ehson Rahmati
• Furnished? No
• Utilities: No
• Air conditioning? Yes
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 2
• Laundry? In-suite
• Outdoor space? Backyard
• Pet friendly? Yes

Good For

A family, or a group of young professionals. There’s plenty of space, and the rent isn’t so outrageous when you split it four ways.

Move On If

You want to be more central. While it’s close to the subway, it’s still all the way past Eglinton.

Brrrrr. Feel that? It's the same Canadian winter we get every year. 

That doesn't mean it's fun, however. The biting temperature drops that seem to hit without warning are always frigid. 

Toronto's medical officer of health has issued an extreme cold weather alert for tonight as the temperature is expected to gradually drop to -19C by Thursday morning. This is just a bit colder than what was forecast yesterday.  

The city recommends that anyone sensitive to the cold drink plenty of warm fluids, avoid outdoor activities where possible, and to stay dry and well-layered in clothing. 

Respite centres, warming locations, and more info on how to stay safe are all available on the city's website. 

Those who are able to are also encouraged to check up on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.

Be safe out there, and remember that summer will be just around the corner before you know it. 

Do you wish you could do a little extra tedious work while you grocery shop? Well, Loblaws wants to help you. 

The grocery store mega-company is rolling out a trial test of its new "shop and scan" technology. The system allows shoppers to scan their items as they shop.

The idea is to save time by giving the customer the ability to scan the items themselves instead of a dedicated cashier. All you need is a phone with the app and a connection to the in-store WiFi. 

However, as the CBC reports, Walmart attempted a similar system that seemed to flop. Similarly, many despised the self-checkout interface that Loblaws introduced earlier this year as well. 

Whether shoppers will embrace Loblaws' new service will be seen, but judging by how many people still skip the self-checkout to scan their one single item through a live cashier line, it may not be for everyone. 

The new service will test in eight stores in the Greater Toronto Area in the coming weeks. Time to delete that to-do list app you don't use to make space for this one, maybe? 

In fair Toronto where we lay our scene, from ancient rap beef break to new mutiny, where Drake stan blood makes Drake stan hands unclean.

Or so the story goes.

Grammy-nominated American rapper Pusha T had his set cut short at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on Tuesday night after just 40 minutes, by most accounts, when multiple audience members lobbed bottles of what is thought to be alcohol at him on stage.

@Drake GOONS TRY TO ATTACK @PUSHA_T😱😱. Everyone tag @6ixbuzztv@WORLDSTAR !!!!!! pic.twitter.com/4Suo5VgONf

— True North Views (@TrueNorthViews) November 21, 2018

Pusha, a longtime lyrical rival of Toronto's hometown hero Drake, was in the middle of performing his song 'M.F.T.R.' when liquid and debris started flying toward him from the crowd.

The artist was quick to hop out of the way, making room for security guards to throw down on three men who had rushed the stage.

Pusha T was performing “M.F.T.R.” at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall before a couple of concert go-ers started throwing drinks and attempted to jump him on stage. pic.twitter.com/EDurAaRKe4

— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKposts) November 21, 2018

It took about 10 seconds for the internet to explode with speculation: Was Pusha T hurt? (No. He didn't even get hit.) Was this is all a part of Drake's God's plan? (Uh... probably not.)

Was this all the work of Drake's wild fans? (Nobody seems to want to believe anything otherwise, so sure.)

😂😂😂#PushaT Brave for Performing in Toronto.... pic.twitter.com/W9fh2XE7Ni

— 6ixBuzzTV (@6ixbuzztv) November 21, 2018

Pusha did come back out onstage after a brief period of chaos to address the situation, implying that someone had paid the men to throw beer at him.

"The f*ck is that?" he asked the crowd. "Y'all know where the f*ck I'm from? You don't even know!" (It's Virginia Beach, btw.) "Keep going in this bitch!"

@PUSHA_T THEN came back on stage lol pic.twitter.com/2ZBNFBohLp

— Rellington Beats プロデューサー (@Tyrellington_) November 21, 2018

The rapper then went on to perform a few more songs to, as one fan put it "take subliminal shots at Drake."

I mean, it's not entirely off the mark. Of all the tracks he could have chosen to perform at that point, Pusha chose 'Infrared' and 'The Story Of Adonis'—you know, his response to Drake's diss track 'Duppy Freestyle'? The one that famously outed Drake as having a secret son?

Adidon: *walks for the first time*

Drake: *unphased & looking at himself in the mirror*
I'm gonna get people to throw beer at Pusha T pic.twitter.com/A1hK1VxJew

— tabby (@verypalehipster) November 21, 2018

At least one of Pusha T's bodyguards was seen onstage holding a 2x4 during that post-brawl mini set, much to the delight of people on Twitter.

Why does Pusha’s security have a 2x4😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/XO5poJrsyU

— Men with ven (@LeChristopherHa) November 21, 2018

Toronto Police made the call to shut down the concert shortly thereafter, blocking off the Broadview and Danforth area for about an hour to investigate.

someone tried to attack pusha and there was a brawl after... he came back eventually to perform “don’t like” and take subliminal shots at drake, but the cops were called and the show had to be cancelled... pic.twitter.com/ogyiBL2MDp

— ray (@rayadamss) November 21, 2018

Later in the evening, police say a man walked into a local hospital with serious stab wounds that they believe he sustained "in either the initial fight or another fight that may have occurred afterwards."

The man, who had been attending the concert with friends, underwent surgery overnight and is currently in critical condition.

Nobody has yet been arrested in relation to the incident.

There may be hope yet for the dream of buying all your gifts online this holiday season (and having them arrive before January, that is).

Federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu said on Tuesday evening that if Canada Post employees can't reach a new collective agreement "soon," the government is willing to order an end to the rotating strikes gumming up the country's postal system.

This, just one day after Canada Post itself issued released a a statement warning customers that it would "not able to honour delivery standards due to massive backlog" caused by the now five-week-long employee strike.

Here’s an update on Canada Post: pic.twitter.com/9lPRZEGbXT

— Patty Hajdu (@PattyHajdu) November 20, 2018

"With all efforts exhausted to restore operations while the labour dispute continues, Canada Post is advising commercial customers and Canadians that mail and parcels in or entering its network will have long and unpredictable delays before being delivered," reads the postal service's Dec. 19 statement.

"This is likely to be the situation for the foreseeable future, meaning the next several weeks, including the peak holiday season and through January 2019."

Now in their fifth week, CUPW’s rotating strikes continue in southwestern Ontario and Kelowna BC. Canada Post warns customers that it is not able to honour delivery standards due to massive backlogs: https://t.co/bxq6HNAfDJ

— Canada Post (@canadapostcorp) November 20, 2018

Enter Ottawa, which might very well save (Amazon's version of) Christmas with a back-to-work mandate.

"We strongly encourage both sides to reach a deal and are prepared to table legislation if we do not see a resolution over the next few days, a step we do not take lightly," said Hajdu on Tuesday.

She said that the Liberal government has been supporting and encouraging both parties to reach a deal at the bargaining table through conciliation officers, mediators and voluntary arbitration.

"Despite all of this," she said, "limited progress was made and we have exhausted our options."

I'll be frank: If you're a union member and still vote Liberal in 2019 considering they're willing to violate Charter rights, and can't even pay their workers correctly, they will have learned nothing, and will continue to laugh at you behind your backs. https://t.co/QDVgwpIZPG

— Christo Aivalis (@christoaivalis) November 21, 2018

The idea of introducing back-to-work legislation for Canada Post employees is not without its fair share of criticism.

"Free collective bargaining is a charter right in this country, and we have a government that claims to believe in free collective bargaining, but apparently that means only when it’s convenient," said Mike Palecek, national president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, to the Canadian Press.

"Canada Post only has one game, and it's to refuse to negotiate and sit back and wait for legislation," he continued. "They've done this again and again, and it looks like the government is helping them out."

Canadian and American disease control officials are warning everyone with romaine lettuce in their refrigerators to toss it out amidst a severe E. coli outbreak that, strangely, mirrors exactly what happened with the same vegetable around this time last year.

At least 18 people in Ontario and Quebec have fallen seriously ill since mid October after eating romaine at home, in prepared salads from grocery stores and at restaurants: 15 of them in Quebec, three in Ontario, all of them between 5 and 93 years of age.

Another 32 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. Coli across 11 U.S. states, thirteen of whom had to be hospitalized. No deaths have been reported at this time, but that hasn't stopped anyone from freaking out.

The key to not getting sick with E. Coli is easy, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)

"Consumers who have any type of romaine lettuce in their home should not eat it and should throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one has gotten sick," the government agency advises.

#ROMAINE#LETTUDE RECALL, YET AGAIN !

I'm getting tired of tossing this product out again.
Last 3 pgks I bought of Romaine hearts in #Toronto, (Woodbridge actually)
were $5.99 each. That's almost $20 in the garbage.
Who's got the time to return it !
STOP BUYING ROMAINE, period

— Torontowers (@samike88) November 20, 2018

"This advice includes all types or uses of romaine lettuce, such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine, and bags and boxes of precut lettuce and salad mixes that contain romaine," it continues. "If you do not know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix contains romaine, do not eat it and throw it away."

I cannot get over this. Romaine Lettuce is out here trying to kill everyone. We are in end times y’all!!! #Foodies#RomaineLettuce#Toronto

— Michelle Jones (@maej43) November 21, 2018

The Public Health Agency of Canada issued its own warning for people in Ontario and Quebec on Tuesday, noting that it is working with the CDC to investigate the outbreak and determine its source.

What officials do know already is that this strain of disease (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7) has the same DNA fingerprint as the E.coli strain that plagued leafy greens in the same areas last year.

"The strain in 2017 is the same as the strain in this fall 2018 outbreak, and the time of year is exactly the same," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb to CNN on Tuesday. "So It's likely associated with end of season harvest in California."

Recent illnesses reported in Ontario and Quebec suggests that there is a risk of E. coli infections associated with eating romaine lettuce. Individuals in ON and QC should avoid eating romaine lettuce until more is known about the outbreak. Find out more: https://t.co/vtJbr3WhrCpic.twitter.com/AbsPZ5sFQt

— GovCanHealth (@GovCanHealth) November 21, 2018

People infected with E. coli can have a wide range of symptoms, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, but the generally appear within one to ten days after contact with the bacteria and include nausea, vomiting, headache, mild fever, severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea

Sobeys, Metro take romaine lettuce off their shelves amid E. coli outbreak https://t.co/ACPP7dOQ2Fpic.twitter.com/uw4TGgkYAV

— BNN Bloomberg (@BNNBloomberg) November 21, 2018

"There is no real treatment for E. coli infections, other than monitoring the illness, providing comfort, and preventing dehydration through proper hydration and nutrition," says the agency.

Hey @Loblaws, did you know about the recall of Romaine Lettuce because of possible E. coli from Health Canada and the CDC?
Your store at Empress Walk is still selling it! Please remove romaine lettuce from ALL your stores, as people can get sick!
Thank you
CC @marynmck

— David Manly (@davidmanly) November 20, 2018

Those who develop complications may need further treatment, however, and should contact their health care providers should symptoms persist.

The Ontario Cannabis Store is dealing with yet another wave of complaints this week as consumers report that the weed they’ve received (you know, after waiting forever) is moldy. 

"I waited almost a month to get something that could be very dangerous to ingest," wrote a Reddit user who goes by u/n1shh on a dedicated OCS subreddit yesterday. "It's a first after almost twenty years of cannabis use. 'Know what’s in your cannabis' my ass.”

The Redditor posted a photo to illustrate his point. In it, white fuzz can be seen atop a nugget of what is said to be some Redecan BEC lot #4B2L3 from the OCS. 

What's upsetting to customers is that this isn't an isolated incident.

Redecan - BEC

Someone else posted a photo of the same weed strain with mold on it in the same subreddit on Tuesday.

n1shh told this person that they had successfully contacted OCS about the situation.

"They told me they'll send me a shipping label and when I send it back to them they’ll refund me," they said. "They also offered no shipping fee on my next order."

The Redditor also noted that an OCS rep said they'd "already had a lot of complaints" about the mold situation.

The Ontario Cannabis Store has yet to publicly comment on the matter, but if history is any indication, the provincial government will likely peg the blame on Canada Post.

 Toronto's zexiest Zanta is now apparently this season's hottest party promoter too. 

Fashion Santa—a.k.a. Paul Mason, the Toronto-based model who comes out to smoulder every snowy season—will be travelling North America on a winter tour, hitting places like Miami, Boston, and of course his hometown of T.O. 

There's two fancy affairs to hit up if you want to catch a selfie with stylish Santa.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Not So Silent Night (@notsosilentnight) on Nov 14, 2018 at 11:00am PST

On December 6, he'll be at Toronto's Ritz-Carlton Hotel for a meet-and-greet in partnership with the SickKids Foundation.

Then, closer to Christmas on December 23, he'll be launching an exclusive party called the Not So Silent Night Party at the Soho House at 192 Adelaide West.

You'll see at least one thousand "influential guests," and be treated to some live performances from DJ's, special guest appearances, and an interactive fashion show. 

Tickets are $200 a pop, making it a big upgrade from his days at Yorkdale Mall.

I mean he is officially trademarked now, so it looks like Fashion Santa will keep on sleighing—I mean slaying.

Toronto's zipper-inspired temporary art installation will soon be home to the city's newest pop-up Christmas market.

Unzipped, the towering 14-metre-high pavilion on King West and Brant Street, will be home to vendors selling Christmas trees to deck out your cozy hearths with starting December 1. 

Visitors will be also be able to shop for festive little wares in the confines of this fibre glass box art project starting December 7 until December 21. 

This huge new structure is unlike anything #Toronto has seen before pic.twitter.com/Am6QND5K93

— blogTO (@blogTO) September 14, 2018

The installation, which comes by way of England via Westbank Corp., won't be staying for too long after that. 

It'll be be relocating permanently to Vancouver sometime next year (it was originally supposed to peace out in November).

Considering the amount of snow we'll be getting, that's probably for the best. 

The best late night pizza in Toronto is more than just dough and sauce, it can be the difference between going to bed hungry or with a full stomach. But just because these are often the only places open on weekend nights in bar-heavy areas doesn’t mean the pizza is anything short of delicious.

Here is the best late night pizza in Toronto.
 

It looks like Canada Post employees are going back to work this week, one way or another.

Federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu confirmed on Wednesday that the Liberal government has given the House of Commons an official notice of pending back-to-work legislation. 

Because 48 hours' notice is required before introducing such legislation, the strike won't be forced to end right away—if it's forced at all.

Hajdu maintains that she'd rather see the postal agency and workers union come to a collective agreement on their own.

"We are extremely serious, but I really don't want to have to use back-to-work legislation," she said in Ottawa today. "I don't believe that's where the best deal can come from."

That said, she noted that "people are relying on Canada Post to deliver packages, small and medium-size businesses are relying on Canada Post to have a profitable season, and our economy needs Canada Post to be able to function in a smooth way."

Should the bill be introduced in Parliament as soon as its eligible, the strike could end as soon as Thursday night.

Events in Toronto today look to make Christmas shopping slightly less stressful as the One of a Kind Winter Show kicks off. It's also a good day for indie music with performances by Yukon Blonde and The Zolas. Meanwhile, while photographers show their stuff at this year's Photorama.

This condo building was designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, who were behind such Toronto landmarks as the AGO and the ROM. This particular unit was designed by the company founder, Siamak Hariri. With pedigree like that, it’s no wonder this place is stunning.

The open-concept main floor is well-lit and spacious, thanks to the giant wall of windows. The expansive space has beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings and gorgeous marble accents.

The kitchen is sleek and modern. It also has a massive wine room, which any wine lover is surely envious of.

There are only two bedrooms in this unit. The master bedroom has direct access to the small terrace.

For such a large condo, the terrace is dwarfed in comparison. But, at least there is some outdoor space.

The master bedroom's en suite bathroom is massive.

There’s his-and-hers sinks, a huge soaker tub and a gym. Yes, you read that correctly—there’s a gym in the bathroom.

The other bedroom is nothing to shake a stick at. It even comes with it’s very own walk-in closet.

Specs

• Address: #502 - 277 Davenport Road
• Price: $3,880,000
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 3
• Walk Score: 96    
• Transit Score: 96
• Maintenance Fees: $2,305.15 monthly
• Listing agent: Christian Vermast
• Listing ID: C4300964

Good For

Wine enthusiasts. This condo has a wine room that can store up to 900 bottles of wine. This isn’t amateur hour.

Move On If

You want more outdoor space. The balcony is only 216-square-feet, which might be a bit too cramped for your style. 

To celebrate the return of Pixel and Bristle Winter Market we've teamed up with them to give you a chance to win a prize pack of designed goods from some of Toronto's premier designers and makers.

Check out all the contest details here.

The weekend usually means one thing: that it's time for another subway closure. There will be no subway service on Line 1 between Lawrence and St. Clair stations on November 24 and 25 due to Metrolinx's Eglinton Crosstown LRT work at Yonge and Eglinton.

Line 1: This weekend, there will be no service between St. Clair and Lawrence stations due to work on the Crosstown LRT. Shuttle buses will run. pic.twitter.com/w64H2ty1K8

— TTC Service Alerts (@TTCnotices) November 21, 2018

As always, shuttle buses will run along Yonge Street, stopping at each station along the route.

Regular scheduled subway service will resume on Monday morning. The next scheduled closure will halt weekend service on Line 1 between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and St George stations on December 1 and 2 due to signal upgrades.