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The top 10 restaurants near the Danforth Music Hall

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Restaurants near the Danforth Music Hall are the perfect places to bookend a night of live entertainment. Make a night of it at these spots just a stone’s throw from one of Toronto’s biggest venues.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants near the Danforth Music Hall.

Ryus Noodle Bar

This humble ramen spot right near Broadview station now enjoys an international reputation. However, that means a seat here isn’t always guaranteed, so keep an eye on the time to make sure you don’t miss a second of the show.

Allen’s

With an unparalleled location right next door, you can pretty much hear the thumping of music coming from inside the hall from this pub’s willow-filled patio. Inside, iconic burgers, a huge selection of whisky and bistro fare are served in an old school environment with a jukebox. 

Auld Spot Pub

Excellent meat and oysters lend an air of sophistication to the night at this tavern. Expect specials like beef poutine and snow crab.

Sidebar

Nowhere is closer to Danforth Music Hall than this adjoining restaurant, ensuring you’ll never be late to a show. Classic fare like wings and burgers are served in a fresh space.

Louis Cifer

Since this is actually also a local microbrewery, if your preferred pre-game strategy involves drinking a few quality beers, this is a good place to head.

Messini

This down-and-dirty late night takeout spot is a go-to for gyros before or after a show.

7 Numbers

Those seeking something a little more sophisticated and European need look no further than this family-style Italian restaurant.

Factory Girl

Easy-to-share wood oven pizza and the same name as a Rolling Stones song make this a great place to start off a night of unadulterated rock. 

Off the Hook

Known for having some of the best fish and chips, onion rings, and sweet potato fries in the city, this seafood joint is just around the corner from Danforth Music Hall on Broadview.

Edmund Burke

Craft beer and homestyle comforts including frequent rotating specials are king at this relaxing little hangout where you might find schnitzel, coq au vin, or steak frites on the menu.


Ikea is offering an all you can eat holiday buffet in Toronto

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The most wonderful time of the year just become more wonderful. IKEA will once again be serving up an all-you-can-eat Swedish-style buffet at its Toronto area stores this holiday season.

Their annual Julbord will feature unlimited offerings of Christmas ham, meatballs, salmon, cheese, gingerbread and much more.

While the North York location has already had its event this year, Vaughan and Etobicoke will be hosting their Julbords this week on December 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the AYCE affair are $19.99 for the general public and $15.99 for IKEA family members. Tickets can be purchased at IKEA restaurants.

Yorkdale Mall now has a gender inclusive washroom

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Rejoice, lovers of inclusiveness and progress. Yorkdale Mall is now home to a gender neutral washroom.

The mall announced this morning that the Dine on 3 food court will now be home to 10-stall washroom that anyone can use. It's located near Babaton and Pottery Barn. 

Yorkdale says the new washroom allows shoppers and employees to choose the appropriate place for their own comfort, as it comes in addition to multiple traditionally-gendered washrooms and a few nursing and family rooms.  

gender inclusive washroom

A sign explains why Yorkdale now offers a gender inclusive washroom. Photo courtesy Yorkdale.

The mall's gender inclusive washroom is the next in a series of Toronto locations that are adding them, including the University of Toronto, Ryerson, and the CNE, among many others.

New human rights report finds extreme racial bias in Toronto policing

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A stunning new report from the Ontario Human Rights Commission has found that a black person is almost 20 times more likely to be fatally shot by Toronto Police than a white person. 

The OHRC is calling the report "unprecedented," as nothing of its kind has been completed before. This is the first time this wide of an investigation has been done. 

It looks at seven years of data, dating from 2010 to 2017, and examines stop-and-question methods (including carding), use of force, and arrests in various "minor" categories, like small amounts of drug possession and bail compliance errors. 

The report also looks at the culture of policing, training, and accountability. 

During the period studied, 187 cases were studied. In those, black citizens were overrepresented. In cases that ended in serious injury or death, 30 per cent of them involved a black citizen. 60 per cent of deadly encounters and 70 per cent of fatal police shootings involved a black person. 

For comparison, black Torontonians make up less than nine per cent of the city's population. 

In a reply statement from the Toronto Police Service, the force acknowledges the report and says it only adds to its own attempts to reduce profiling and potential racism. 

Members of the community were also interviewed regarding their personal experiences. Black people reported that driving a nice car resulted in being pulled over less, as well as driving in a "white neighbourhood" or other factors that reduce implicit bias. 

The final report by the OHRC will be released in 2020. Until then, this remains the largest probe of racial bias in Canada. 

10 things to do in Toronto today

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Events in Toronto today offer the chance to turn this ordinary Tuesday into something special as Francis and the Lights is set to give a stellar performance. A holiday cocktail fundraiser is on and there's a free film screening worth catching.

Events you might want to check out:

Francis and the Lights (December 11 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
After teaming up with Chance the Rapper, this pop project has been blowing up for and getting down with some dancey, R&B, and electro mashups.
Holiday Cocktail Party (December 11 @ Pray Tell)
Pray Tell is hosting a holiday party with festive themed cocktails, games and prizes with all the proceeds to Sistering.org.
Justus Proffit and Jay Som (December 11 @ The Garrison)
Described as tunes that have "elements of garage rock, country, and art-pop," this indie rock duo has been gaining a local following.
TransMilitary (December 11 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Catch a free screening of this documentary that follows trans people in the U.S. military and a panel on the film in a Canadian context.
Like Moths to Flames (December 11 @ Hard Luck Bar)
Metalcore rockers Like Moths to Flames are bringing their changing sound to the stage alongside Oceans Ate Alaska, Phinehas and Novelists.
Jonny Appleseed Book Launch (December 11 @ Native Canadian Centre of Toronto)
Author Joshua Whitehead is launching his new book that serves as "a unique, shattering vision of First Nations life", with special guests and more.
The O'Pears (December 11 @ Drake Underground)
Toronto's own folk trio are releasing the new album "Stay Warm" that's filled with complex melodies, soothing harmonies and tender lyrics.
A Holiday Spectacular (December 11 @ Comedy Bar)
Celebrate all the laughter and tears (but mostly laughter) at this holiday comedy showcase with local comedians spreading that cheer.
Bollinger Champagne Tasting (December 11 @ CHCA Wine Lab)
Get your bubbly on with sommelier Adrian Caravello as he discusses the particularities of Bollinger Champagne House and it's award-winning drinks.
Annual Holiday Market (December 11-13 @ Bay Adelaide Centre)
Shop local this holiday season with over 30 vendors filling up the Bay-Adelaide Centre including Saudade, Corktown Soap, Tuck Shop Co and more.

Staples is turning Toronto stores into coworking spaces

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Today, Staples Canada announced big changes for a couple of its locations, along with some reworks for all of its stores. 

Rebranding as the "Working and Learning Company," the stationery supply chain says it's converting its location near University Avenue and Dundas Street into a shared coworking and retail space. staples coworking

The retail offerings are being expanded and altered to better suit the needs of entrepreneurs, says Staples. Photo from Staples Canada. 

The space will be converted in January 2019, and is the second location that Staples is giving a makeover—the first being in Kirkland, QC. 

One major highlight of the project is Staples Studio, a coworking space that has some of the usual fixings of coworking offices.

A ton of desks, supplies, white boards, computers, and more are all moving into the store to make up this studio. Furthermore, it'll be home to a new location for Mos Mos Cafe. 

staples coworking

The company is dramatically expanding its available services. Photo from Staples Canada. 

As part of the new branding, Staples will also be introducing thousands of new design- and tech-related products into all of its stores. This includes a Tech Discovery Zone, where customers can test out new technologies before purchasing. 

This new entrepreneurial focus will include a reorganizing of the stores into more discernible sections. 

staples coworking

This store in Quebec gives a hint of what's to come for the design of the coworking space. Photo from Staples Canada.

Staples says stores will now be divided mostly into "Tech and Connect," "Write and Create," "Print and Paper," and "Workspaces." 

A Solutions Shop will also be coming to some stores. It will function much like the current help centre, but will offer new, modern services such as digital marketing.

The new changes are set to take place in January 2019. It's expected the first store will be just the beginning of the brand's transformation with other store conversions coming in the future.

The top 5 new Italian restaurants in Toronto

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New Italian restaurants in Toronto rely on the traditions of scratch cooking and fresh ingredients, but aren’t afraid to go all out with truffle shavings, poached eggs, and caviar. We also saw a trend away from meat on Italian menus this year with more vegetarian and pescatarian options. 

Here are my picks for the top new Italian restaurants in Toronto. 

Giulietta 

Wood-fired pizzas, delicate pastas, and a killer steak tartare on the menu have made this Little Italy restaurant’s transformation from Bestellen into an Italian spot a success.

Viaggio 

This new Italian small plates spot with a bold mocktail list takes up residence in the charming Brockton Village corner space, where Branca used to be.

Wynona

Pescatarian fare shines, and is supported by a strong wine list at this Italian-leaning restaurant in Leslieville. 

Frankie’s Italian 

Leslieville’s Italian spot Lil’ Baci gave its concept a 180 this year and now serves a chalkboard menu of daily-changing pastas that find their way into brunch items. 

Il Covo

Pastas handmade by a former Buca chef can now be found inside this Little Italy haunt marked by a flickering lantern. 

The top 10 general contractors in Toronto

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General contractors in Toronto are reputable professionals who'll help you with any assortment of building needs. Whether you’re hoping to remodel a kitchen, repair a deck, or construct an entire home from scratch, these designers and builders will get the job done.

Here are some general contractors in Toronto to consider for your next project.

Men at Work Design Build

This company based right by Islington station has built a name for itself by transforming old homes across Toronto into sweet new digs. They were the only Canadian businesses on Remodeling magazine’s top 50 renovation firms.

Golden Bee

If you’re looking for a home addition, condo reno, or an architectural blueprint to bring your vision to life, this contracting company with an office on McNicoll Avenue can do it for you. They’ve won multiple BILD awards too.

M-Squared

You may recognize this team of general contractors: they’ve been featured on three episodes of the HGTV show Property Brothers. As you can imagine, they’re seasoned in the art of fixer-uppers. Find their home base on Scarlett Road.

Affinity Renovations

If you’re in the market to upgrade your counters, this company on Scarlett has a knack for kitchen remodeling, among other general jobs. Re-tiling is also a forte, meaning they’re good at renovating bathrooms too.

RL Renovations

This family-run operation prides itself in a close-knit team of associates that can take your house from drab abode to dream home. They specialize in basement, kitchen, and washroom renos, plus outdoor fixes on decks, roofs, and fences.

BUILD IT By Design

Do you own a restaurant that’s badly in need of some fixing or do you want to launch a new one? This firm that's completed over 600 projects including ones for Jollibee, Basil Box and Virtous Pie specializes in design and building services for restaurants, stores and even spin studios.

Woodsmith Construction

From home renovations in the Beaches to full custom houses in Leslieville, this contracting company based in Little India has years of experience in designing houses from scratch, and smartening up existing ones.

Weenen General Contracting Limited

This longtime Cabbagetown company has been around since 1961, offering technical assistance on all types of projects, big or small. Their team of 25 employees will band together to work on everything from waterproofing to full-scale renovations.

Cole Contracting

Located in the Danforth Village, Cole Contracting is prepped to complete an assortment of large scale jobs like new home builds and full renos. They also offer interior design and architecture services.

Carter Fox

Older homes need a lot more care when renovating than newer ones, meaning if you live in an aging Toronto Victorian, you’re going to need a pro. Carter Fox Renos will make sure any updates are made without doing any irreversible damage to your nostalgic abode.


House of the week: 37 Meadowcliffe Drive

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This Scarborough mansion is back from the road among the trees, giving you tons of privacy. Inside the home is a mid-century masterpiece with a Frank Llyod Wright vibe to it.37 meadowcliffe drive torontoThe home is bright and airy thanks to all the windows and skylights that let natural light filter into the home. The wood accents contrasted with the marble floors are stunning.

37 meadowcliffe drive torontoThe main floor is open concept, making the space seem larger than life.

37 meadowcliffe drive torontoThe family room has an ornate marble fireplace that also has a water and light feature to it. I can’t decide if that’s tacky or just fun.

37 meadowcliffe drive torontoThere are five bedrooms and three bathrooms throughout the home. The bedrooms are spacious and have plenty of light.

37 meadowcliffe drive torontoThe bathrooms definitely aren’t the modern spa-like one’s that we've grown accustomed to seeing, but they’re functional nonetheless.

37 meadowcliffe drive torontoOn the ground floor is a large rec room with a built-in wet bar for any cocktail parties you might want to throw.

37 meadowcliffe drive torontoAs for outdoor space—you’re spoiled. The property is huge and there’s also a pool for when the weather warms up again. But in the meantime you can enjoy the indoor hot tub!   37 meadowcliffe drive toronto

Specs
Good For

Privacy. The property is huge and surrounded by trees, so much so that you can barely see the house from the road. You’ll never have to worry about nosy neighbours.37 meadowcliffe drive toronto

Move On If

You want to be closer to the action. This part of Toronto is so far removed from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core that it’s almost the country. 37 meadowcliffe drive toronto

Michelle Obama is coming to Toronto on her book tour

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Many in Toronto love the Obama family, from their iconic catchphrases to their messages of optimistic politics. 

Now, Toronto will once again be hosting former First Lady, successful lawyer, and style icon Michelle Obama, as she travels the continent on her book tour. 

The new book, Becoming, is an autobiographical memoir of the First Lady's time in office, including vignettes of her past and her work with both American politics and as an advocate for women and girls worldwide. 

Obama will be here on Saturday, May 4 of next year. Tickets go on sale this week, with several different presale dates, but open to the general public this Saturday at 10 a.m.

Huge changes could be coming to Scarborough Town Centre

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Newly-surfaced development plans for the Scarborough Town Centre suggest that one of Toronto's most controversial (and least cost-effective) transit projects is coming ever closer to fruition—and bringing with it some major upgrades for the east end mall.

Oxford Properties, the real estate company which owns the STC, just requested approval from the city to demolish a Cineplex theatre complex on the site's southeast corner and rebuild it elsewhere on the property.

Replacing it will be a massive new transit hub, built to accommodate the contentious one-stop Scarborough subway extension.

scarborough town centre

If built as planned, the one-stop extension from Kennedy to Scarborough Town Centre would be one of the longest gaps between transit stations in the world at just over 6 kilometres. Image via Aecom.

The new Scarborough Centre Subway Station will itself bring a whole new look to the area with 400 metres worth of glass canopies, a 28-bay bus station, and a green roof— but it's only the beginning of what developers have planned for the area, as it turns out.

Benign as it may seem on the surface, the cinema relocation project is apparently just one small part of "perhaps one of the most ambitious redevelopment schemes Toronto has ever seen."

Indeed, a much larger master plan is in the works for the mall and the property it sits on.

stc redevelopment

The are surrounding the Scarborough Town Centre will be completely unrecognizable in just a few years, should the city approve newly-submitted site use plans. Image via Oxford Properties.

By the time all is said and done, the STC could be surrounded by up to 36 new residential towers ranging in height from 20 to 65 storeys high. 

New pedestrian promenades, public park space, retail units, parkades and "residential villages" would replace all of the surface parking on site, much like what's been proposed for Toronto's Dufferin Mall.

The entire project site would be divided into what Urban Toronto calls "four main character areas," including a retail core, an urban core, and a high-density neighbourhood of high-rises meant to act as a buffer between Highway 401 and a new public park.

scarborough town centreThe Scarborough Town Centre currently has more than 250 stores and services available within its walls. Image via Oxford Properties.

The mall itself would remain in place, but as part of the larger redevelopment. Plans are still in the conceptual stage, however, so not much is known about how (and if) Oxford will change it.

Phase 1 did reveal that a new, 10,400-square-metre cinema building is set to be constructed on the northeast corner of Scarborough Town Centre, next to what used to be Sears.

A new "raised exterior pedestrian walkway" would furthermore connect the Cineplex to the mall, which sounds just lovely on a snowy day in December.

South St. Burger chain sold to owner of La Diperie

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South St. Burger has just been acquired by MTY Group, the group behind other chains La Diperie, Thai Express and Manchu Wok.

Within the next 90 days, gourmet burgers should be officially added to that roster.

Offering 30 gourmet toppings for their burgers, over a dozen South St. Burger locations currently operate in Toronto. Signature items include the Hawaiian with ginger-glazed pineapple, and the Nacho with guac and salsa.

South St. has 26 franchised and 14 corporate restaurants total. If those numbers grow, it could mean good news for lovers of burgers, fries and shakes across the city.

Chinese consumers are boycotting Canada Goose over Huawei

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China is furious with Canada right now over the arrest and detention of a high profile tech executive in Vancouver—and it's somehow tanking the stock of a Toronto-based winter clothing brand.

Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer (and daughter of the founder) of the consumer electronics giant Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., was detained by Canadian police during an airport layover on December 1 at the request of U.S. authorities.

The 46-year-old CFO is accused of violating trade sanctions and has been charged with "conspiracy to defraud multiple international institutions," according to lawyers working on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice.

She could face decades worth of jail time if extradited to the United States following court proceedings in Vancouver—something that China's government wants Canada to prevent by releasing her immediately.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau maintains that Canada's involvement in the case is not politically motivated, and that Canada will continue to respect the independence of our judicial process (in other words, "Sorry China, but no").

Displeased with the decision, government officials in Beijing reportedly told a Canadian ambassador on Saturday that Canada would face "severe consequences" if our federal government does not comply.

Those consequences, it would seem, include calling for a boycott of all Canadian brands through China's state-owned media outlets (among other potential activities).

An official Weibo account for the Global Times, a daily newspaper owned by the Communist Party of China, is currently calling upon Chinese citizens on social media to stop buying Canada Goose parkas and other products from Canada.

Bloomberg reports that Canada Goose was singled out, in part, "because its name so clearly announces its roots."

The impacts of the boycott campaign on sales numbers have yet to be seen, but the apparel brand's stocks have plummeted by almost 20 per cent since Meng's arrest.

Meanwhile, Hong-Kong based "down clothing" competitor Bosideng has soared to a five-year high, up 13 per cent on news of the tensions between China and Canada.

It's unfortunate timing for Canada Goose, Bloomberg points out, as the company just recently announced major expansion plans into Greater China.

Other Canadian brands in China, such as Tim Hortons and IMAX, have not yet felt much of a trade burn, nor have they been publicly decried by the Chinese government.

Toronto radio station starts playing Baby, It's Cold Outside again

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Offensive as it may be to the people of Cleveland, Canadians don't seem particularly triggered by the 1944 holiday classic "Baby, It's Cold Outisde."

In fact, many spoke out in defence of the song last week after Bell Media, Rogers Media and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation all announced that they'd decided to pull the song from their holiday playlists.

At least one of these stations is now reversing its ban on the controversial tune after hearing from audience members who say they want it back.

CBC Music, which operates in Toronto both online and at the radio frequency 94.1 FM, said in a blog post on Tuesday that it had removed the popular song from two of its holiday music streams last week "in recognition of the differing opinions pertaining to the lyrics."

"Because we value our audience input, which was overwhelmingly to include the song, we have put it back on the two playlists where it had been removed," said the corporation's head of public affairs, Chuck Thompson, in a statement.

"Appreciating not everyone interprets lyrics the same way, listeners may wish to skip the song as we understand not everyone will agree with this decision."

The song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" have been criticized in recent years for serving as what some people believe to be a "date rape anthem."

Debate has been swirling online over lyrics such as "I ought to say, no, no, no" and "say what's in this drink?" since at least 2012.

Some people interpret the call-and-response duet as a man trying to convince a woman to have sex with him, while others say it's harmlessly flirty.

Written by Frank Loesser, the track won an Oscar for best original song after appearing in the 1949 romantic comedy Neptune's Daughter, and has since been covered by everyone from Dean Martin and Ray Charles to Anne Murray and Lady Gaga.

The jury's still out over whether or not its appropriate for modern audiences, but this is not likely to change until people on Twitter learn to compromise or respect each others' viewpoints... so, not for a very long time.

Win tickets to Champions of Magic


Toronto entrepreneur bringing African fashion to the mainstream

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 A young Toronto-based designer is bringing the beauty of African prints to the world with her colourful collections of swim wear, boots, and dresses that will brighten up even the dreariest of Canadian winters.

At just 22 years-old, third-year Ryerson student Tehilah Abakasanga's clothing brand ÖFUURË has been taking the fashion industry by storm. 

Now she's back in her hometown for a month-long pop-up at 2581 Yonge Street, which will last until December 29. 

The Nigerian-Canadian designer first launched ÖFUURË five years ago, and since then has amassed an Instagram following of over 139,000 fans, including some of the music and fashion industries' biggest names. 

Her brand has been co-signed by superstars like Kelly Rowland and Tia Mowry, who've rocked colourful pieces like the CHIOMA crop top, a long sleeve made from cotton and wax fabric that runs for $80.99 CAD. 

ÖFUURË's designs feature prints that are both exclusive to the brand and also found across West Africa. 

Inspirations include Ankara prints and the popular Kente pattern indigenous to Ghana, which can be worn on the beach, as a fanny pack, athletic wear, and even in cold-friendly gear like trench coats and boots. 

"People don’t think African attire goes with cold weather," says Dunnie Onasanya, ÖFUURË's Washington-based brand manager.

"[Abakasanga] offers her designs in so many prints and variations, it’s very easy for people to find something that they like that's ready to wear." 

Aside from the incredible colourways, the best part of ÖFUURË is that the pieces cater to all sizes, running from small to 3XL. Plus it's affordable: the hit Maxi Infinity floor-length dress comes in tons of ready-to-wear patterns and costs under $200. 

This latest pop-up located just north of Eglinton station is the third and longest physical store ÖFUURË has run so far. It's open to any fashionistas interested in supporting African design. 

"If you have an appreciation and a love for it, totally rock it," says Onasanya.

This is what Toronto’s future transit map could look like

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Toronto has more residents, visitors and daily commuters than its roads can handle right now, if you haven't noticed the past 10 years of crippling traffic congestion.

Public transit agencies —specifically Metrolinx and the TTC — have been scrambling to keep up with the city's explosive growth, and while new subway and light rail transit lines in the city are great, they won't be enough to transform what's been deemed the worst city for commuting in North America.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which operates Pearson International Airport, thinks it has a solution in the form of "Union Station West"—a new major transit hub in the the middle of the GTA.

"We're overdue for a second major transit hub," reads a microsite promoting the project, which is already in its design phase.

"Today, Union Station is the GTA's only major ground mobility hub," it continues.

"About 90 per cent of American metropolitan areas with five to seven million people have at least two major hubs."

The site also notes that the area surrounding Pearson (the "Airport Employment Zone") is Canada's second largest area for jobs, with about one million trips to the zone every day.

toronto union station west

The GTAA wants to connect Pearson Airport seamlessly to numerous rail and bus services throughout the region. Image via Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

It's a massive undertaking, and it will require significant infrastructure investments from government bodies and other transit agencies, especially given that the only high speed link between downtown and the airport right now is the Union-Pearson Express.

That said, things are starting to move forward in the ambitious quest to make Union Station West happen.

Last week, GTAA presiden Howard Eng said at a Toronto Region Board of Trade event that his organization hopes to open the first phase of its new regional transit hub at Pearson "by the late 2020s."

Metrolinx president and CEO Phil Verster also spoke at the event, noting that the regional provincial transit agency is currently working with the GTAA to study potential connections to Union Station West stemming from the Kitchener GO Transit line.

"By strengthening connections among communities along the innovation corridor between Kitchener-Waterloo, Pearson Airport and Toronto, we will work to deliver faster, more frequent service for our customers" said Verster on Friday.

Eng agreed, calling Toronto Pearson Airport "Canada's gateway to the world" and a key driver of jobs and trade.

"Road congestion is impacting our region's ability to attract investment and also impacting quality of life for our residents," he said.

"Our vision for a regional transit and passenger centre at Toronto Pearson will help to reduce congestion in the area, lower costs for industry and improve productivity for local business."

Here's hoping!

The top 10 bars in Bloorcourt and Bloordale

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Bars in Bloorcourt and Bloordale make for a merry crawl along an active stretch of nighlife. Specializing in unpretentious cool and dreamy vibes to spare, this neighbourhood has its fair share of beer bars, cocktail spots and excellent wine lists.

Here are my picks for the top bars in Bloorcourt and Bloordale.

Bar Neon

Nightly beer specials and buck-a-shuck, plus a lively summer patio, set this artsy bar with a Greek bent at Brock apart.

The Jim

This place near Dufferin has multiple beers from multiple craft breweries on tap, plus bar fare featuring unusual proteins like kangaroo and alligator.

Wise Bar

The ultimate neighbourhood bar near Dovercourt, the offerings here are stripped down but the craft beer selection is phenomenal and the service is personal as can be.

Another Bar

This sleepy local bar near Concord quietly serves a surprisingly decent variety of craft beer on tap.

3 Speed

Meet up for a relaxed drink, meal or both at this chill haunt near Bloor and Dufferin with a chalkboard menu, legendary patio and brunch.

Civil Liberties

Right around the corner from Ossington station, off-the-cuff drinks are mixed to your taste preferences at this mysterious cocktail bar.

Paradise Grapevine

What was long known as Greek place Menalon close to Shaw is now a smart wine bar serving nibbles like cheese and bread.

Open House

There’s a Nashville hot chicken stand hidden inside this dynamic craft beer bar near Dovercourt.

Mulberry Bar

A faux skylight, emerald walls and thoughtful mixology make this cute bar at Shaw with a side patio one of the most romantic spots in the neighbourhood.

Grey Tiger

Drinking is taken to the level of an art form at this witchy watering hole with a grimoire for a menu close to Dufferin.

10 holiday gift ideas for the stylish guy in Toronto

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Holiday gifts for the stylish guy in Toronto will keep a man looking well-dressed and well-groomed this winter season. Equip that style-savvy man with unique accessories, hip knits, or tools to keep his hair looking extra suave.

Here are some holiday gift ideas for the stylish guy in Toronto.

Casual tee from MILK

Drop by this milk-themed sneaker store in the Junction Triangle to pick up a cool t-shirt from brands like Obey, Fairplay, and Puma. There's always a few good options on the racks, and they only cost $24.99. 

Deerksin gloves from Uncle Otis

While they’re definitely not cheap ($145 a pair), these luxurious gloves are an Uncle Otis staple. Head to Chinatown to buy this must-have for for the man who loves classy hand-warmers.

A monthly style subscription box from ESTBLSH

It's the gift that keeps on giving. This curated men's style box comes in single, three or six month subscriptions and packed with a selection of pockets squares, neck ties and socks. 

Watch from Park & Province

This West Queen West store carries a selection of wrist bling that's affordable and generally understated, for those who like things simple. Buy Timex pieces like the Vintage Marlin or even the cute Peanuts collab for the Snoopy fan for anywhere between $80 to $289.

Signet ring from 18 Waits

Rings are like the cherry on top of the style cake, and 18 Waits on West Queen West carries an exceptionally nice line of handmade rings from New York brand LHN.

Vintage sports knits from In Vintage We Trust

Sports jerseys will always have a special place in many people's closets, but you can take that fandom to the next level with an old school team knitted sweater from this Parkdale store selling pre-loved stuff.

Fancy chrome shaving safety razor from Gerhard Supply

Good for anyone with hair on their body, really, is the Merkur safety razor from this men's clothing store in the Junction. This $65 purchase by German company DOVO is a chrome, double-edge, open tooth comb safety razor—in other words, the best shave ever.

Fun pocket squares from Lost & Found

Add a pop of colour to somebody's wardrobe with these pocket squares from Ossington menswear store Lost & Found. These fun, hand-made patterned fabrics come by way of New York brand The Hill-Side and run $40 each.

Cologne from Good Neighbour

Not your traditional cologne, these unisex scents from Escentric Molecules puts an emphasis on the chemical component of aromas to bring a line of light but fragrant products. Sniff them at the store in Leslieville, and buy them for just over $100. 

Antique sunglasses from Kingpin's Hideaway

Dedicated to all things vintage menswear, this Queen West treasure has no shortage of fun finds that make perfect gifts. If top hats, collectible coins, and rare rings don't strike your fancy, you'll definitely find a pair of effortlessly cool sunnies (as old as the 1930s) hidden here.

Quirky cufflinks from Loding

Cufflinks can be so much more than just shiny clips that hold your sleeves together. Head to Yorkville to buy some fun accessories with personality, like poker-themed cuffs for the card-player, or a play and pause pair for the movie buff for $55.

Beard oil from Muttonhead

Tame the wild man's flavour savour with a beard oil from this Canadian goods store on Roncy. The Canadian-made Mutt Scruff product is made with a slew of natural oils, and only costs $18, because rocking the mountain man look doesn't mean growing wires out of your face.

10 things to do in Toronto today

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It's a high-flying, body-twisting, spandex-wearing extravaganza as Cirque du Soliel's new show Corteo arrives as part of events in Toronto today. Wavelength Music Festival is hosting a holiday fundraiser and there's film, theatre and wine tasting on as well.

Events you might want to check out:

Wavelength Holiday Fundraiser (December 12 @ The Baby G)
Wavelength Music Festival makes a brief return with a night of spacey tunes and hearty laughs in support of Unison Benevolent Fund.
Tokyo Godfathers (December 12 @ Revue Cinema)
Screening this eve is director Satoshi Kon's 2003 anime classic Tokyo Godfathers, with a story about a quest to reunite mother and child.
A Festival of Sexy Shorts (December 12 @ Bad Dog Comedy Theatre)
Comedy troupe Sex T-Rex hosts a night of short but hilarious films featuring a silent auction, with proceeds going to charity.
Red Revue Rocks (December 12 @ The Horseshoe Tavern)
Indigenous musicians are coming out for a night of tunes featuring Digging Roots, Lacey Hill and The Bad Guys, Kristi Lane Sinclair and more.
Eyes Wide Shut (December 12 @ The Royal Cinema)
The Ladies of Burlesque are hosting a night of primal desire, dancing and a screening of the classic Kubrick psycho-sexual thriller Eyes Wide Shut.
Jesse and the Dandelions (December 12 @ The Dakota Tavern)
Edmonton psych rockers have a funky and upbeat style that's infectious and exciting, and they're here to play alongside Eva Foote and Johnny de Courcy.
Walk in the Park (December 12 @ Imagine Cinemas Carlton)
Over 30 Toronto-based actors are set to appear in the 21 episode, dark-comedy anthology series from 8 different local writer/directors.
Winetasting and Holiday Party (December 12 @ Osgoode Hall Restaurant)
The chance to try a huge variety of vintage wines is happening tonight as a selection of classics are up for the walk-around tasting during this holiday party.
From the Water (December 12-16 @ Tarragon Extraspace)
Described as "a domestic drama in a supernatural crisis," this play incorporates thriller and sci-fi elements to touch on human relationships.
Cirque du Soleil (December 12-16 @ Scotiabank Arena)
Corteo tells the story of "a festive parade imagined by a clown" and includes its signature acrobatic marvels and mind-bending contortion.
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