The best grilled cheese sandwich in Toronto is a matter of taste — and, I'd argue, of nostalgia. So many of us associate a soft, freshly-grilled cheese sandwich with childhood, and as many of us have related rituals. Whether it's dunking it into a warm cup of tomato soup, demanding it be crustless, or eschewing the distinctly adult options of gruyere, chevre or portobello mushrooms in favour of a recognizable, fluorescent orange cheddar--there's no wrong way to do it. Each of the grilled cheese sandwich offerings on this list stand out for both their straightforward cheese sandwiches, as well as some significantly fancier (and in some cases, weirder) options.

Here are the best grilled cheese sandwiches in Toronto.

See also:

The best sandwiches in Toronto
The best veal sandwich in Toronto
The best BLT in Toronto
The best peameal bacon sandwiches in Toronto
The best breakfast sandwiches Toronto

Toronto Halloween parties have a little something for everyone: whether you're a diehard aficionado, who demands a nod to horror classics, or just looking to party in your shiny faux leather catsuit. There comes a time in everyone's life when a house party (aka a punch-bowl filled with bobbing Jello fingers and poorly-rigged booby traps by the bathroom door) just doesn't cut it anymore, and for those looking to celebrate Halloween with a proper dance party (and a bunch of masked strangers), you're sure to find something in every corner of the city. This year, Halloween falls on Wednesday, so many of the parties outlined below get things started as soon as this weekend.

TOP PICKS

Haunted Mansion at The Great Hall
This year marks the third instalment of The Great Hall's annual Halloween bash, and with 3 rooms (and 3 distinct sounds), it should be creepier than ever as the bones of this old property get properly decked out. Be sure to dress up in danceable costumes for this October 27 event. Advance tickets are $30 and doors open at 9 p.m.

Goin' Steady Monster Mash
Goin' Steady's Monster Mash is taking over Lee's Palace for their eighth annual Halloween DJ party, and you can expect the same quality '50s and '60s hits that Goin' Steady is known for, as well as an array of innovative costumes. Word to the wise: aim higher than just a pinned-on cat's tail or witch's hat for this one. There'll be no advance tickets to this October 26th event, but beginning at 9 p.m., $10 will get you in throughout the night.

Halloweek in Church Wellesley Village
Church Wellesley Village brings back its popular Halloweek celebrations, beginning today and running until October 31. The week-long series of events will culminate in an epic block party on October 31, with a live stage show starting at 7 p.m., and a costume contest from 9:30 p.m. There'll be cash prizes, so expect some of the city's finest, wackiest costumes, and an all-out celebration that'll shut down the street.

Night of Dread 2012
Night of Dread returns for its 13th instalment on October 27th, with another incredible (and borderline frightening) parade featuring stilt walkers, dancers, musicians, and puppeteers. Plan to begin assembling at 4 p.m. in Dufferin Grove Park, with the hour-and-a-half-long parade kicking off at 6 p.m. As in previous years, the dress code is black and white, and admission is PWYC.

Watch the Sky: Halloween Massacre in Kensington Market Oct 26
Aliens might not make you quake in your boots, but they're the theme of Watch the Sky at Studio 216 Art Bar and Rumble House. This one's got a bit of everything: circus freaks, DJs, a haunted maze, a monster-themed art show, and snacks and drinks to keep you dancing. Costumes are encouraged, and your silver lame bodysuit might actually be appreciated here. You can score tickets for this October 26 party through their hotline (647.834.0218) and the whole shebang kicks off at 7 p.m.

Burroughes Haunted Mansion
The price tag on this October 27th party is a bit steep ($49.99), but the gorgeous venue alone warrants it. If that doesn't do it for you, consider that it's always a sold-out event, and that you can expect all-out costumes, and a party that's known for getting a little bit wild. Doors open at 9 p.m., and you'll need to get there before 10:30 p.m.

Freakout 2012 at Sound Academy
On October 27, Sound Academy will fill up quick with guys, gals, and ghouls, all vying for a chance to win the costume contest. Tickets to this 19+ event range from $56.50 for general entry, or $81.50 for a spot on the VIP balcony--so you can watch the dance floor mayhem from a safe distance. DJs include Rusko and Dillon Francis.

Hoxton Halloween Horror & Movember Eve Party
The Hoxton Halloween party is always a good bet, but this year, they're inadvertently offering you one of the most economical costume options: the moustache. A portion of their proceeds will go to Movember Canada, so this one's for a good cause. Costumes are mandatory (whether it's a hirsute lip or not), and advance tickets for this Halloween Eve event are $15; the party kicks off at 10 p.m.

Dream Factory @ Zero Gravity Circus Training Studio
This can't-miss party is hosted by Promise and Suma, and takes place at a circus training studio: what more do you need? How about a stellar line-up of dubstep, deep house and deep techno DJs, a photobooth and installations, and some truly out-of-this-world costumes. Advance tickets are $35, and the party goes down this Saturday night from 10 p.m.

Halloween Shit Fun Video Dance party at Double Double Land
Double Double Land hosts its Halloween party this Friday night beginning at 10 p.m., and promises live music, video, and yes, a "noise fuck explosion." Expect industrial, post-punk and breakcore sounds, and wear your baddest costume for $5 entry ($10 without).

Halloween Party (for Birds and Birdfriends) at Cinecycle
The "birds" in question are, of course, Hitchcock's, but you don't need to limit your dress-up options to tight sweaters and classy suits. There'll be a costume contest, cheap drinks, music courtesy of DJ Bollywood Dream, and entry for just $5. The party goes down on October 26, starting at 10 p.m.

DPAD 3: UnDead Quest! - Chiptune Halloween Costume Party + Pop-Up Arcade at InterAccess
This unique Halloween party offers live music, an art exhibition, a pop-up arcade, and home-brewed beer! Get in touch with your inner nerd on October 27 as you learn about the evolution of the gaming industry. Horror games will be played on classic gaming consoles such as Atari, as well as current generation consoles like XBOX360. Tickets are $7.

Rocky Horror Picture Show at Randolph Theatre
How else to celebrate Halloween than with a night of taking in the cult classic that has been the inspiration for so many costumes! Rocky Horror Picture Show is running at the Randolph Theatre from October 25 until November 3rd. Tickets Range in price from $25 - $50 with profits being donated to the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, which is an organization helping children with cancer across Ontario.

Les Coquettes Halloween Spooktacular - Bone Orchard Follies
Les Coquettes Cabaret Burlesque is putting on a Halloween show that will be referenced more for its sexiness than spookiness. Bone Orchard Follies is a show that celebrates the pleasures of the flesh. The show is runs on October 28th and October 31st at Revival. Tickets range from $15 to $35.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 26TH

• Monster Mash at the Guvernment
• Luv This City: Halloween Edition w Miss Honey Dijon @ Footwork
• Halloween Weekend Chicago Lightning @ Cinema Presents Free Bricks Halloween Party @ Play
• Halloween Weekend: Cowboys Vs. Aliens @ Brassaii
• The Walking Dead Halloween @ Kool Haus
• Fear Therapy @ Century Room
• Halloween Video Dance Party @ Garrison
• A Horribilly Halloween w/ The Matadors + Hellcat & The Prowl @ Hard Luck Bar
• ZOmnbie Bike Lane Critital Mass - on Jarvis
• Go Hard Fright Night Hall-O-Queen @ Harlem Lounge
• Pop! Goes the World! Halloween Party @ The Annex Wreckroom

SATURDAY OCTOBER 27TH

• Pop*Machine: Halloween Bash @ W.A.Y.L.A. Bar
• Scary Storys 2 @ Storys Building (Sold Out)
• Hotnuts Halloqween @ the Garrison
• I'd Tap That Crush Party Horror Show - @ the Central
• Halloween Club Crawl 2012- starting @ City nightclub
• Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 90s Halloween at 9 Degrees
• Zombie Apocalypse Zombie Ball 2012 @ Pacha Lounge all ages
• Panic Halloween Retro Party @ Velvet Underground
• Diablo Halloween Ball @ 99 Sudbury Monster Liberty Village @ Vogue Supperclub
• Haunted Office Pub @ The Office Pub
• Halloween @ Virgin Mobile Mod Club
• Spooky Swag @ Andy Poolhall
• Freaky Flavours @ Encore Rehearsal Studios
• The London Massacre @ This is London Sex Lies Video @ Cinema
• Get Your Freak On @ Supermarket
• Gigantic Halloween Clusterfuck @ Soybomb HQ
• Night of Stars @ Easy and the Fifth
• Halloween Latin Social@ City Dance Social
• Halloween Bash @ Cadillac Lounge
• Midnight Mix and Costume party @ Revival
• Dirty Cycle ** Halloween costume Party @ Loft Hallowscream @ The Boat
• Disco Infernal: A Hallowe'en Party in Hell @ Polish Combatants Hall
• Halloween w Speedy J @ Footwork
• Supernatural @ Tequila Bookworm
• The Bollywood Massacre @ Loft 580 Death Disco Halloween 2012 @ Wrongbar
• Smithfits Halloween @ Parts and Labour
• Boo Bash @ Nyood Bar. Haunted House Party
• Retro Halloween: Pin Up Girls and Rat pack guys @ Loft 782
• Halloween Fetish Ball @ Opera House
• Death to T.O @ Silver Dollar
• FU Fridays: Chainsaw Massacre @ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
• Halloween Party @ Comedy Bar
• A Nightmare on Queen St w Irene Torres & sugar devils @ the Dominion
• Halloween Haunt (in a haunted house) @ Hard Rock Café
• The Halloween Party @ 550 and 592 Queen St

• MattyFest Halloween Party w/ Quest for Fire and Deloro @ Parts @ Labour
• FANGORIA Presents: BLACK SUNDAY: THE HALLOWEEN PARTY @ 3030
• Zombie Dog Walk @ Paws on the Shore
• Season Spooky Haunted House @ Seasons Family Center

TUESDAY OCTOBER 30TH

• Art Battle Halloween @ The Great Hall
• Toronto Horoscope Halloween Speed Dating @ Church Aperitivo Bar
• Emma-Lee's Zombie Prom @ THe Drake
• Twisted Tuesday's Devil Nights @ Nocturne

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31ST

• Disturbia @ This is London Oct 31
• Halloween Resurrection: Nightmare on Richmond @ Rich
• Halloween @ Century Room
• True Halloween w/ DJ Lazarus @ Velvet Underground
• Nightmare @ Fiction
• Fright Club @ Tryst
• Monte Requesto presents GORD LIGHT: "DRESSED-O FOR REQUESTO" @ Cloak and Dagger Irish Pub
• Yelloween @ Brassaii
• Underworld @ Cinema Presents
• 4 Bands at Rancho Relaxo
• Halloween Night @ Kitsch
• Jägermeister Presents: Slayer Party Halloween @ Hard Luck Bar
• Dia de Los muertos @ Sazerac Gastro Lounge
• Spooktacular Halloween Party @ Ballroom on Bayview
• Eyes Wide Shut @ House of Moments
• Devil's Night Out 2012 University Students @ XS Nightclub Oct 31st
• YLMC: Dwayne Gretzky Halloween @ Horshoe Tavern Oct 31
• Madison Avenue Massacre @ The Madison
• Haunt Springs @ Oasis Aqualounge

Did we miss one? Add more Toronto Halloween parties to the comment thread below.

Photos by Mo Tabesh, mattjrohweder, and Jalal.Husein in the blogTO Flickr pool. Writing by Brett Taggert and Alex Grigorescu.

There are already a few (free) smartphone apps on the market for those looking to explore the history of Toronto while on the go. Options like Zeitag TO and WhatWasThere both offer excellent ways to engage with this city's history on a visual level. The most recent app to enter the fray, however, takes a slightly different approach. Released earlier this month, Toronto In Time offers a more textually rich take on our history with write-ups for over 150 sites across the city.

Typically three to four paragraphs in length, these narratives tend to strike the right balance between detail and generality and offer crucial context in cases where the user might not be familiar with a given historical site. And, lest I make it sound like there's no visual component at all, it should be noted that the before and after images that accompany many of the articles are absolutely fascinating.

Although GPS-based location services aren't one of the apps features, the map option allows you to manually search for proximate sites and their attendant stories. You can also peruse entries based on thematic groupings, though I got the senese that the categories were a bit too general for my liking. The "Trails" section, on the other hand, strikes me as a smart way to structure dedicated walking tours, when you're explicit purpose is to explore Toronto history.

Available for iPhone and Android, the app is a joint project between The Canadian Encyclopedia, the Historica-Dominion Institute, Museum Services of the City of Toronto, and Heritage Toronto. Local history enthusiasts would do well to add it to their devices.

Call it a wolf in sheep's clothing. Riverdale's Wolfrey Avenue is recorded on every map, every chart, every city record using its conventional spelling. Yet an old blue street sign above a convenience store at Wolfrey and Broadview uses the spelling "Woolfrey." So which is it, fangs or fleece?

According to Steve Johnston from the City of Toronto, there's no record of Wolfrey having any other official spelling. Registered Plan M81, Registered Plan 15E, and City of Toronto Bylaw 4774 - the documents that created the street in several phases - all use one "o." Yet the old sign still stands without explanation.

"To the best of our knowledge, this is one of our city signs" says Johnston. The new owner of Mary's Variety and Grocery, who's only had the store two months, says he has no idea whether its real or not.

On the corner opposite the store a new white and black road sign spells the street Wolfrey, as does the streetcar shelter on the other side of Broadview. A mystery indeed.

There are no official statistics on name variations in the city but the street isn't the only one to have multiple spellings. Further east near Greenwood and Danforth, Linnsmore Crescent abruptly changes to Linsmore north of Springdale Boulevard, a bizarre quirk left over from East York's amalgamation by the City of Toronto in 1998.

Residents of the southern, double "n" end of the street seem a little confused about the spelling. The Linsmore Tavern at Linnsmore and Danforth boldly declares its opinion on its large sign. Just north, Greenwood subway station uses one "n" on its local information display but two on its interior signage.

Google Maps avoids trouble by leaving the street south of Springdale blank. Street View, however, uses a single "n" throughout.

Deep in single "n" territory, residents of the old borough of East York are a little more confident. "From 1963 we are here, it's the same, no double 'n'," says an elderly resident, who asked not to be named, while proudly displaying a single "n" sign on her porch.

Do you know of any more streets with multiple spellings? Bloor Street is named for Joseph Bloore, a local brewer, but it's not clear how the "e" was lost. An OpenFile post from last year explores the Linnsmore-Linsmore debate further and mentions "Glebeholme Boulevard" spelled without a silent e. Add any suggestions below.

Photos: Chris Bateman/blogTO

Car2go is taking generosity to extremes with tomorrow's Mobile Feast, and the buzzword does, indeed, appear to be "free." What better way to fete the new carsharing service's first 100 days in Toronto than with a free food truck event tomorrow (October 25) from 4-10 p.m.? The rain or shine event (and all signs are currently pointing to shine) will fill up the Target Park lot at 525 King St. West with music, games, prizes, food, and hungry revellers.

There'll be five food trucks in attendance, with Blue Donkey Streatery, Gourmet Gringos, newcomers Stuft Gourmet Sausages, Fidel Gastro's and Rome'n Chariot representing a neat slice of Toronto's current food truck roster. Aside from the complimentary food on offer, you'll also receive a free car2go lifetime membership and 30 minutes of drive time upon registration.

The one catch (depending on how averse you are to sales pressure), is that free food will only be lavished upon those who have registered, but registration is, as expected, free, and existing members are welcome to take part in the festivities. Clever tactics aside, registration isn't all-bad, as these compact cars are convenient, affordable, and (even 100 days in) still draw curious looks and finger-pointing from pedestrians.

Photo of Stuft Gourmet Sausage

It was a busy day 2 of Toronto Fashion Week on Tuesday as designers Evan Biddell, Melissa Nepton, Shawn Hewson and Ruth Promislow (Bustle) and young designers featured as part of the Mercedes Benz Start-up Competition took to the runway to unveil their Spring/Summer 2013 collections. Check out all 139 looks from these shows in our Style section or via the links below:

Evan Biddell
Mercedes Benz Start-up Competition
Melissa Nepton
Bustle

MUSIC | Smashing Pumpkins
Embarking on their first Canadian tour in ten years, Smashing Pumpkins hit the ACC tonight with a new, critically acclaimed album, and a set list of classic songs for loyal fans. Performing new songs from their 2012 album Oceania, Billy Corgan will be backed by a band unrecognizable from the 1990s members that first established the Pumpkins, with Mike Byrne and Nicole Fiorentino joining the band for the first time on tour. Fitting for the arena venue choice, a Sean Evans-designed video mapping element will be a large part of tonight's showmanship. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.
Air Canada Centre (40 Bay Street) 7PM $39.50-$79.50

MUSIC | The Misfits
'70s punk horror trumps opera tonight on Queen East with the return of three-piece band The Misfits. Since re-banding in 1995, The Misfits have released three albums, including last year's The Devil's Rain. The band is currently touring across North America, with Toronto and last night's concert in Barrie being the only Canadian stops on the tour. They're joined onstage tonight by The Attack, Frightlight, Kiz and Legin, Aurora Snow and Beg For Mercy. Tickets available on Ticketweb.
The Opera House (735 Queen Street East) 6:30PM $40

FILM | Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style
After a successful unveiling at London's Barbican Centre, Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style premieres in North America with tonight's opening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The world's largest Bond exhibit, Designing 007 will feature costumes, props, tech toys, artwork, and other elements from the Bond franchise (yes, even the steel teeth worn by "Jaws"). With the exhibit now open in the HSBC Gallery and special Bond film programmes scheduled, a Bond-style opening reception and after party take place at the Lightbox tonight to celebrate ($160).
TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street West) 9PM $15 adult, $12 student/senior

ART | 2012 Toronto International Art Fair
One of the largest in the country and one of the most successful in the world, the 2012 Toronto International Art Fair has a reputation that's been noted across the globe. Opening tonight on a special preview date, this year's TIAF will extensively feature contemporary Asian art as part of the FOCUS Asia section of the fair, which is viewed by invite only. Galleries from around the world will exhibit at the show, but local venues like p|m gallery, O'Born Contemporary, and Angell Gallery will also be showcasing works. Ticket prices are lowered for the remainder of the weekend with tickets being $18 online and $20 at the door. The fair runs until October 29th.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street West) 6:30PM $200

PHOTOGRAPHY | For The Love of Photography
Art + beats + food & drink = love for photography. Six young photographers will be selling prints at Mango Studios tonight in support of The REMIX Project, a group that provides educational services to marginalized youth in the GTA. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served as partygoers are encouraged to dance and browse prints by photographers like Nancy Da Costa, Maria Jose Govea and Melissa Di Pasquale ($35-$55) to help The REMIX Project fund their programs. Support young photographers and a worthwhile initiative to help foster creativity in disadvantaged areas of the city. RSVP by e-mailing info@mangostudios.com.
Mango Studios (477 Richmond Street West) 7PM Free

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• Delicacy
• Pajama Press Annual Book Launch, Art Show and Sale

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by sevres-babylone in the blogTO Flickr pool

Photo by Sandra Herber in the blogTO Flickr pool

Just when it seemed the transit discussion in Toronto was heading in a sensible, controlled direction a runaway TTC meeting last night seems destined to threaten months of progress. Councillors on the Commission's board ordered two new studies for Scarborough subway lines, reopening the LRT vs subway debate and threatening to draw momentum from the Downtown Relief Line. The master plan between Ontario, Metrolinx, and TTC that prescribes LRTs for the city is set to go before council soon. Councillor John Parker called the decision "stupid, stupid." Do you agree?

The man who murdered a woman in a Cabbagetown alley earlier this week may be a serial offender, police say. Video of the moments leading up to the death of 55-year-old Nighisti Semret were released yesterday in the hopes of catching the killer. Last night, residents held a vigil in the area.

Police are investigating Sun News journalist Ezra Levant after an on-air "rant" in which he likened Gypsies to "swindlers." Toronto's Roma Community Centre, who lodged the complaint earlier this month called the piece, titled "The Jew vs. the Gypsies," "overtly racist, prejudicial, and demeaning." A few days ago, the Sun distanced itself from a controversial Sue-Ann Levy tweet that implied US president Barack Obama was a secret Muslim.

Waterfront Toronto is opposed to a Port Lands casino, reports the Globe and Mail (though you'll just have to believe me unless you're a subscriber.) Waterfront Toronto CEO John Campbell said a casino would work against a "vibrant urban mixed-use environment" in a letter to the city's chief planner. Is he right?

Riding a bike on Lake Shore Boulevard under the Gardiner is risky business but not illegal, apparently.

A plywood shelter this ain't. An "Urban Umbrella" being assembled around the future site of the Ryerson Student Learning Centre at Yonge and Gould (the former Sam the Record Man block) promises to be light and airy in the day, illuminated at night, and stylish all the time. Oh, and it will stop bricks falling on pedestrians too.

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the Toronto Blue Jays' first world series win and the CBC has a photo series for nostalgic fans to re-live the series, upside down Canadian flags and all. Here's the series' lost controversial lost triple play from game three.

IN BRIEF:

• Toronto's $665-million Union Station renovation behind schedule [The Star]
• Bilingual? In the GTA one-third of us are, but not necessarily in English/French [The Star]
• English remains top mother tongue in Toronto area Read 32 comments [CBC]

Photo: "Warp Speed" by cookedphotos from the blogTO Flickr pool.

This East Danforth mainstay has survived a few changes in ownership, and a surge in nearby competition, but despite this, remains a great spot for shisha, tea, and an affordable menu of Middle Eastern dishes. Oh, and some truly tasty fries.

Read my review of Cafe Tangiers in the restaurants section.

Thanks to the social networking website Grouper, which will be launching in Toronto on Halloween, your next relationship (or a group of three new friends) is just a short algorithm away. The premise of Grouper is fairly simple. First, you sign up, linking to your Facebook profile and answering some questions and then, you're connected with a compatible Grouper member of the opposite sex. Finally, the two of you meet at a time and venue arranged through Grouper over that time-honoured social lubricant, a round of drinks.

Sound run-of-the-mill? Grouper differentiates itself by asking that you bring along two friends each (male if you're male, female if you're female), and harkening back to the days of the wholesome group date.

Grouper is an import from the U.S., and Toronto is its first international venture (with Vancouver and Montreal set to arrive shortly). The service was founded in 2011 as a way for founder Michael Waxman to meet people following a break-up. This last part will, I think, resonate with anyone who's let friends fall by the wayside while in that blissful relationship Xanadu-for-two, or who suffers from painful shyness following the collapse of said paradise.

Grouper terms itself a social club (read: not a dating service), but the insistence on opposite sex connections has obvious connotations. Fortunately, if any red flags are raised along the way, your entourage provides a helpful buffer. And yes, it's obviously capitulating on the wingman culture made popular by How I Met Your Mother, as well as the "choose your mate" element of The Bachelor and (my own personal guilty pleasure) Love in the Wild.

Toronto bars slated to host these potentially awkward get-togethers include Hair of the Dog, Stirling Room, and Habits Gastropub. Your first round of drinks is pre-paid, which guarantees you'll give the loosely-veiled set-up a chance.

What do you think? Would you give Grouper a try? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo by HilarioDCGIII in the blogTO Flickr pool

Do you enjoy literary readings, but wish they were faster-paced, devoid of the usual pretension, and organized around some sort of cutthroat competition? Thankfully, Chicago's WRITE CLUB has stormed its way into the city's live-reading community, and promises to provide us with a new take on "literature as blood sport."

According to its website, there are many tales of how WRITE CLUB came to be. The version most accepted by the Google paints it as the brainchild of writer/performer Ian Belkap, who after short stints in acting and stand-up comedy, became the Tyler Durden of the literary world and formed the event's first branch in Chicago. Now, after three years of carnage, offshoots of WRITE CLUB have cropped up in Atlanta, Athens, San Francisco and Los Angeles, with a chapter London, England on the horizon.

"Here to bring the good word to us savages," Belknap handed over the reins of WRITE CLUB Toronto to local writers Alicia Louise Merchant and Catherine McCormick at The Garrison on Tuesday night, but not before gifting the new branch with a night of his sardonic hosting. Sparse attendance delayed the proceedings by forty-odd minutes, but once a sizable group of latecomers arrived, there was a rowdy enough audience to get the ball rolling.

The rules of WRITE CLUB are simple: three rounds, two opposing writers, two opposing ideas, seven minutes apiece, and the cheers of the audience used to determine a winner. Opening night featured Natalie Walschots, Evan Munday, Kirk Hero, Rob Benvie, Jennifer Cowan, and Belknap himself arguing for the merits of Digital vs. Analog, Counterfeit vs. Original, and Wild vs. Tame in a series of close battles that included a love story involving an emotionally robotic boyfriend, a grandfather confronting his irrelevance while attempting to work a Betamax, and an exhaustively well-researched account on the creation story and artistic merits behind Steppenwolf's 1968 hit "Born to Be Wild."

With the 7 minute time limit mercilessly enforced (as Belknao noted "How many of us have been to a reading that's just too fucking long?"), the pressure gets high, and several competitors were cut off due to time constraints. At the night's end, Toronto was bequeathed the Chicago branch's slightly-defective analogue timer.

As part of WRITE CLUB'S commitment to "doing good without being annoying about it," each writer competes for a charity of their choosing, with a portion of the night's cover charge going to each organisation (which aren't revealed until after voting, of course, to avoid bias). Tuesday night's beneficiaries included Red Door Toronto, PEN Canada and the Humane Society, with Evan Munday, Kirk Hero, and Rob Benvie claiming the evening's bragging rights.

As the immense success of the Art Battle series has proven, there's certainly a market for adding a little more audience engagement and competition into usually solitary artistic activities. Here's hoping that the Toronto branch of WRITE CLUB achieves the same amount of word-of-mouth buzz and popularity as its American counterparts. So kids, follow the official first rule of WRITE CLUB, and "tell 5-7 people about WRITE CLUB."

Photo from the WRITE CLUB archive on Flickr

Yesterday marked the official start of 7A*11d, Toronto's annual (and unpronounceable) performance art festival. With events running all weekend, the festival is great opportunity for the uninitiated to get a crash-course in the strange world of performance art.

Begun in January of 1997, the festival is now housed primarily at Mercer Union, the Toronto Free Gallery, and OCAD University, and features a full lineup of talks, tours, and performances. This year's focus is on globalization, and how the transient art form of performance can be circulated across borders. With twenty-five artists from over a dozen countries, including Burma, Iceland, and Argentina, 7A*11d both unites the local performance art community, and celebrates its global presence.

Admission for all programming is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested $10 starting donation for evening programming.

Yoga with Margaret Dragu. Thursday-Sunday 10am, Toronto Free Gallery.
Performance art can be a little intimidating. Ease into things with a little morning yoga taught by the prolific Margaret Dragu, a Governor General's Award winner in Visual and Media Arts. Dragu has a strong background in modern dance, and integrates a method of "chance-choreography" promoted by minimalist composer John Cage into her performative works. I'm not too sure what kind yoga this will result in, but hands down it'll be more interesting than your weekly Bikram. Free yoga mats provided.

Sylvie Cotton: INTERDEPENDANCE. Friday 4-8pm, Toronto Free Gallery
In her project LIFE IS NOW, Montreal-based artist Sylvie Cotton fosters one-on-one encounters with groups of strangers in an attempt to explore private interpersonal exchange in a public context. Describing her work as creating "an ethics of cordiality that results in the aesthetics of union," Cotton hopes to provide an opportunity for self-awareness and self-awakening, simply through the presence of another person.

Christof Migune: Hit Parade. Saturday 6pm, Butterfield Park (OCAD)
Migune's Hit Parade has already terrified passersby New York, Montreal, Porto, Quebec, Seoul, and Winnpeg, and now it's Toronto's turn to share the experience. During the performance, participants lie face down on the ground and pound the pavement with a microphone one thousand times. Each performer chooses their own rhythm and intensity, and is mercifully allowed to take a pause at every hundredth pound.

Nopawan Sirivejkul: Vulnerable | life is like an egg. Friday 8pm, Mercer Union
Sirivejkul is a Thai writer, photographer and performance artist who is heavily involved in social movements in her home country. Her works always contain a mix of both life's beauty and its horror, and often criticizes humanity's violent and alienating impulses. Sirivejkul's description of her 7A*11d piece does not reveal too much about its content, but does state rather mysteriously that "I would like to search human sense to create a state of intimacy and profound familiarity with emotion."

Jeff Huckleberry: Attempt at not being a walking fucking joke. Saturday 8pm, Mercer Union
Much in the vein of Marina Abramović, Jeff Huckleberry's performance art practice explores physicality, pain, and relationship between internal and external perceptions of self. With "Attempt at not being a walking fucking joke," the artist will again put his body on the line, and attempt to hold a heavy object for as long physically possible.

Nobuo Kubota and David Sait: Untitled. Sunday 4pm, Mercer Union
An important figure in the Toronto experimental music scene since 1969, Nobuo Kubota also describes himself as a "sculptor, sound poet, architect, videographer, zen buddhist, performance artist and 2009 Governor General's Award recipient." For his untitled msucial performance at 7A*11d, the artist will partner with guzheng improviser David Sait. As Kubota prefers to perform with musicians without knowing what kind of music they play in advance, it's sure to be an exciting, if not necessarily melodic, musical creation.

Performance Art Daily. 12pm daily, Toronto Free Gallery
Unsure of what to make of what you just witnessed? This year, 7A*11d is running a daily lunchtime "talk show" featuring discussions between the festival's visiting artists, curators, and organiser as an opportunity for the public to enter into the performance art conversation. Themes include "The Language of Materials," "The International Network," and "Reflections on Praxis" All talks will be recorded live and archived online.

This Week in Film rounds up noteworthy new releases in theatres, as well as key DVD / Blu-Ray releases, festivals, and other cinema-related events happening in Toronto.

IN THEATRES

Cloud Atlas (Varsity, Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)

This is one of those fascinating messes of a movie that we only get to use for target practice on the rarest of occasions; the sort that has clear ambition and talent behind it all (Tom Tykwer and "the Wachowski Starship"); the sort that is actually better than it'll ever get credit for, while still being a hopeless wreck. Based on the book of the same name, Cloud Atlas traces the ripples of a single action as it routes through history to create a hero and a revolution. Torontonians gifted the film with a big standing O at TIFF last September, ensuring that - at the very least - this one won't go quietly into oblivion. Back in reality, though, there is evidence to suggest that so far, for better and worse, this is this decade's The Fountain.

V/H/S (Carlton)

A horror omnibus with a few entries from some key American 'It' indie filmmakers (Ti West, Joe Swanberg, Adam Wingard), plus some other guys you may or may not have heard of before. The conceit for this is that some hooligans find a VHS tape in a house they break into, and on it are a bunch of clips - i.e. "found footage" - that's scary as hell (provided it were actually real). Found footage is proving to be the fruit fly of horror tropes, and it's a wonder that these still have an audience, the entire idea being inherently flawed and all. Like every other omnibus comprised of more than four shorts, these are hit and miss, with the good news being that some are actually pretty damn scary.

The Sessions (Varsity)

When great actors go long enough without winning an Oscar, eventually they're going to start reaching out for one; this is exactly what's happened here with Mr. John Hawkes (see also from this year: Bill Murray in Hyde Park on Hudson). The idea that The Sessions - a film about a 36 year-old man (Hawkes) with an iron lung who wants to lose his virginity to Helen Hunt - is getting Oscar buzz and The 40 Year Old Virgin didn't, says more than I could about what's wrong with this picture. It might also be worth noting that the previous 'effort' by this film's director is a 2003 episode of Touched By an Angel. Some good performances, though.

Also in theatres this week:

• Chasing Mavericks (Scotiabank)
• Fun Size (Carlton, Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• Hellbound? (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• In Their Skin (The Royal)
• The Last Gladiators (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (Scotiabank)
• Smashed (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• Unlucky (The Royal)
• You've Been Trumped (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Le Voyage extraordinaire (Friday, October 26 at 7:30PM; Ryerson Library Theatre, Lower Ground Floor - 350 Victoria St)

From one half of the duo that brought us the fascinating and heartbreaking shoulda-woulda-coulda doc Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno comes this hour-long recount of the making of Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon, a 13-minute film with about 130 films made about it. Director Bromberg doesn't limit his scope to Méliès, though, tracing out a compelling and accessible history of the earliest years of cinema history. This, the last of the French Consulate of Toronto's 'French Films on Campus' series, will also be free of charge and the director will be in attendance for the screening.

The City Below (Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30PM; TIFF Bell Lightbox)

An under-seen, under-screened, and under-appreciated gem from a national cinema (Germany) that is a victim of same, The City Below is one of the best films from 2010 and is just now - finally - making its Toronto premiere at this quasi-hidden screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox (for some reason, none of the Goethe Institut films get advertised on TIFF's website). This corporate erotic thriller transcends any reductive genre one can lob at it, and elliptically portrays the European bank crisis as a sort of apocalyptic fever dream. It's very much a 'movie movie' - verging on the Hitchcockian - where the 'movie' part is always threatening to up and disappear. When it finally does, the result is as subtle and chilling as anything you're likely to be watching the next day (that being Halloween, if you know what I'm saying).

FILM FESTIVALS

Ekran - Toronto Polish Film Festival (October 25 - 28)
This fourth edition of Ekran will feature four days of Polish features, shorts, and animations brought to us by Toronto's Ekran Polish Film Association. The festival proper will take place at the Revue Cinema where tickets will be $15 at the door ($12 if you buy in advance here), while a slate of free screenings will also unspool on the 26th and 27th at Runnymede Library. Please find our festival preview and list of recommendations for Ekran here.

DVD & BLU-RAY

• Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection [BLU-RAY]
• The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye [DVD]
• The Campaign [BLU-RAY]
• Crooked Arrows [DVD]
• First Position [DVD]
• The Hole [DVD]
• House of Dark Shadows [BLU-RAY]
• Long Day's Journey Into Night [BLU-RAY]
• Night of Dark Shadows [BLU-RAY]
• Rosemary's Baby [BLU-RAY]
• Safety Not Guaranteed [DVD]
• Santa Claus Conquers the Martians [BLU-RAY]
• Twilight's Last Gleaming [BLU-RAY]

Lead still from The City Below

Noir Condos, in all seriousness, calls itself the "New Black." Forgive me — my mind jumped to a racial conclusion. But no, the "New Black" is indeed a fashion phrase. Phew. We're off to a good start, no? A Menkes Development project slated for the Entertainment District, Noir is all about sleekness and style, with 49 storeys and a whole glut of amenities. So, once you go Noir you never go back? That sounds just awful. Here's a closer look at Noir Condos.

SPECS

Address: 87 Peter Street

Exterior: Glass

Number of floors: 49

Number of units: 550

Type of units: Studio, one-bedroom, one-plus-den, two-bedroom, two-plus-den, three bedroom

Unit sizes (in square feet): 382 - 782

Ceiling height: 9'

Price range: Around $300,000 to $500,000+

Parking: $48,000 (for two- and three-bedroom suites)

Locker: $5,000

Maintenance: $0.53/s.f.

Maintenance fees exclude: Hydro, parking maintenance (if applicable)

Architect: Core Architects

Interior design: Mike Niven

Amenities: Gym, theatre, water spa, billiards room, outdoor terrace, bar, guest suites (2), concierge

Expected occupancy: November 2016

THE GOOD

A little full disclosure to start: I've written 20 of these Toronto condo reviews so far, and I try to be fair, I really do. Just as I remind myself whenever I take the TTC during rush hour — there's a little good in everyone, so try not to let loose on the guy who's saving the seat for his knapsack. And there's a little good in every condo too, right?

Usually, I try to give equal(ish) words to the good and bad, but suffice to say that Noir is not my favourite project (more about that later, of course). I'll give a few words to its boons, but you'll have to excuse my brevity.

The intersection of Peter and Adelaide will not go out of style. So close to King and Spadina transit, and perpetually neighboured by clubs, restaurants, and of course, the Hilton Garden, this address will not suddenly become a barren land of forgotten real estate. It's not a neighbourhood with the sort of character you might ascribe to Leslieville or Roncesvalles, but there will always be people who want to live in Toronto's downtown core. In that way, Noir has a superb address.

The building also offers great amenities for those who are keen on entertaining. While I'm forced to resort to homemade banana bread and my wit (pfft) to entertain guests, Noir residents will have some pretty spectacular-looking outdoor terraces, a theatre room, a water spa, and more. While these amenities are not my personal make-or-break condo factors, they will certainly attract some potential Noir buyers.

THE BAD

Gag me, please. While I often brush off condo brochure text as mere marketing babble, this one was just too terrible to ignore. The entire Noir brochure is written as diary entries in the first person perspective (complete with illegible "handwriting" font, no less), ostensibly to give the reader a glimpse inside the mind of a leather-leggings-clad bleach-blonde would-be Noir resident. Here's just one awful excerpt:

"When I told Grace I was moving into Noir she grilled me. Is there a gym, movie theatre, billiards table? YES. Water spa with massage? YES. Co-ed steam room? OH YES. Then she smiled one of her secret, knowing smiles. I wouldn't have thought it was possible but her twinkling aquamarine eyes seemed to shine even brighter. "

Fuck you, Grace. Who specifically asks about a "water spa with massage?" As if that's standard? Take a whiff of the air out in there the real world, Grace, and open those pretty little aquamarine eyes to fixed-rate financing. It's your type that's ruining the reputation of our entire generation.

The big problem with Noir — and frankly, the problem with too many new condo developments in Toronto — is that it's selling a "lifestyle" with little attention to day-to-day livability. Sure, that water massage might feel awesome the odd time you get around to using it, but the rest of the time you'll be living in a tiny suite (one-bedrooms under 500 square feet, three-bedrooms at 780 square feet), with a burdening mortgage, no nearby green space, in an area with ever-increasing (and arguably, crippling) density, and a parking spot that costs twice as much as your car.

If Noir really wants to sell its suites, it needs to convince me that this tower, as opposed to the seemingly identical three others for sale nearby, will offer the best investment and most comfortable lifestyle. I don't need a co-ed steam room or a billiards table — I'd much rather the assurance that my maintenance fees won't skyrocket once the bills for those amenities add up. And a little square footage for my dollar. The rest, as some notable municipal politicians like to say, is just gravy.

THE VERDICT

It's all yours, Grace.

What do you think? Would you live here? Add your comments to the thread below.

Read other posts in this series via our Toronto Condos and Lofts Pinterest board

Yeasayer's music has a reputation for being a tad strange, which is only fitting for this psychedelic pop band from Brooklyn, New York. Since their debut at SXSW in 2007, they've toured with MGMT and Beck, appeared at Coachella, been named the most blogged artist of 2010 by Hype Machine, and had their tunes featured on The Good Wife and 90210. Not too shabby. Their follow-up to 2010's Odd Blood is Fragrant World, which was recently released on Secretly Canadian (not actually based out of Canada). The Toronto debut of their new disc takes place at the Danforth Music Hall on November 9, and we have some tickets to give away.

THE PRIZE

2 lucky readers will receive a pair of tickets each to see Yeasayers at the Danforth Music Hall on November 9 at 7pm.

HOW TO WIN

To win, just answer the following question: Which future-minded author and inventor was an influence on the art and aesthetics of Yeasayer's 2010 release Odd Blood?

The first 2 correct commenters win the tickets. Please make sure to include a valid email address in the comment form "Email Address" field so that we can contact you if you're a winner.

FINE PRINT

You must be a Toronto-area resident to win. Only one comment and answer per person. If you include multiple answers or post multiple comments you will be disqualified, and the winner must pick up their own tickets.

UPDATE

This contest is now closed. Winners will be contacted shortly.

Following in the footsteps of Winterlicious and Summerlicious, and executing a very similar model, Beautylicious is taking over Bloor-Yorkville beginning today (and running until November 4). This celebration of all things beauty features such spas, salons and clinics as Tru Vitality Clinic, Holts Salon and Spa, Pure + Simple, The Plastic Surgery Clinic, and Stillwater Spa, each offering discounts, deals, and extra perks on some of their most popular services.

Each participating venue serves up treatments at price points of $30, $50, $75 or $125, with taxes and gratuities not included. It could be chalked up to a marketing ploy on the part of the Bloor-Yorkville BIA, but it's also a breezy way to sample some spas and salons that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive (us regular Joes tend to blow out our own hair, pluck our own brows, and make a mess of our own nails, am I right?).

Under salon services, you'll find a $30 wash and blow at Blo Blow Dry Bar, which includes a complimentary scalp massage and rejuvenating hair treatment, or a $125 haircut and flash finish with Greg May himself at Greg May Hair Architects. Under the "spa-medi" heading, stand-outs include 3 service visits at The Brow House for $75 (including a complimentary collagen eye treatment), or the spa sampler at Stillwater Spa, which will score you a facial, pedicure and manicure for just $150.

If you're looking for something more intensive, Beautylicious' health and wellness packages include a 45-minute registered massage at Physiomed ($125), or one complete session of laser hair removal on two small areas of your choice for $50 at Tru Vitality Clinic.

While clearly targeted towards a female demographic, there are some services available for the gents as well, and available appointments are bound to fill up early (so act fast). Consider this your tender skin's last hurrah before the hunkering hibernation of winter begins anew.

Toronto Fashion Week reached its pinnacle last night when Joe Mimran and Joe Fresh took over the runway at 9pm. The seating area resembled that of a homecoming game: eager fans in feathered flocks, all awaiting with baited breath. The show began with an introductory short, with swirling black and white and pouting Twiggy clones from the period. It all gave way to a guitar solo that one can't help but strut to--and then came legendary model Pat Cleveland, with a walk that'll give any RuPaul Drag Race contestant a run for their money.

But Joe Fresh wasn't all that was happening yesterday as Lucian Matis and Mackage also presented noteworthy collections. Check them all out in our Style section or via the links below.

Joe Fresh S/S 2013
Lucian Matis S/S 2013
Mackage S/S 2013

These days it seems like everyone's a DJ, and thanks to a handful of Toronto bars, trying your hand at it is easier than ever (at least until the Secret DJ app makes it over here). Think you've got what it takes to get an entire room of people shouting, "I love this song"? Then call up one of these 10 bars that will (with some stipulations, of course) let you do just that.

Disgraceland (965 Bloor St. W.)
Once a month, this Bloorcourt Village bar hosts a free party called...wait for it..."Everyone's A DJ." Each installment, which happens on the second Saturday of the month, features 16 new DJs spinning 20-minute sets. The party gets started at 9 p.m. and the last DJ takes the stage at 2 a.m. If you want to be part of it, you can sign up, and even pick what date and set time you'd prefer. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so book early if you have a specific time in mind for you and your buds to boogie down.

Holy Oak Cafe (1241 Bloor St. W.)
This Bloor West café/bar is one of those places where it all depends on who you know. While owner Justin Oliver is happy to have new people come DJ his establishment, he says spots usually go to friends of friends (of friends, of friends). It's the personality of the person and the style of music they like that gets them a slot, he says, because the DJ is essentially directing and controlling the energy of the café. Don't be discouraged, though; start coming around (or even just ask around) and you'll probably be in touch with Oliver before you know it.


The Garrison (1197 Dundas St. W.)
They don't have DJs every night, so email booking [at] garrisontoronto [dotcom] to see when they've got a spot available in their front room (the back space is for concerts). If the staff thinks you'd be a good fit to run the music one night (hint: they're big on rock n' roll), they'll find a day for you. Don't just plan on making a playlist and leaving it alone, though; they want people who will stand up at the front with their laptop and make some magic happen.

Churchill (1212 Dundas St. W.)
Though this popular Dundas and Ossington bar won't promise you a coveted weekend spot, assistant manager and DJ booker Shayne Cox says he's always open to getting new people in to DJ on a weeknight. Laid back and small, this bar is perfect for people who want to bring some pals out and have a relaxed (but good) time. If you're interested, visit Cox in person at the bar--he's always in on Mondays--and tell him what kind of music you plan on playing (note: no house or dubstep). If your musical tastes match those of the bar's, he'll look at the schedule to see when he can fit you in.

Wide Open (139a Spadina Ave.)
Located at Richmond and Spadina, this tiny bar is popular with the after work and backpacker crowds, and is known for its cheap drink specials. They play all of their music off of staff iPods, and owner Mike Yaworski says they'll definitely let you plug in your own device to play that favourite song you just can't get enough of--or even an entire playlist. They've done that kind of thing for private parties, he says, and is very open to having it continue to happen. Keep in mind that while this bar is called Wide Open, it's pretty slim and narrow--so if this is where you choose to make your DJ debut, head down on the early side (you want to make sure your posse has ample space to jam, don't you?).

The Yukon (1592 Queen St. W.)
This new Parkdale hot spot books up DJs fast, but manager Katy McLean says she still has some spaces for new faces. The Yukon is for those with a bit of DJ experience, though, as they only want people who have some familiarity with the mixer and other equipment. If you want to try this bar out, the best thing to do is go there in person and speak with McLean, who will then decide if you're a good fit. It's a pretty laid-back establishment (they're more mellow than they are electronic), so best leave your club bangers at home.

The Emmett Ray (924 College St.)
Known for a great crowd (not to mention a killer staff, including owner Andrew Kaiser), live music, and fun event nights like bingo and "Arts and Drafts," this College and Dovercourt bar will totally let you DJ--all you have to do is ask. While Kaiser won't guarantee you the perfect Saturday night slot--they do have some resident DJs--shoot him an email (info@theemmetray.com) and he'll work something out. Heads-up: this place is cash only (though they do have an ATM), so best warn your buds before they show up.

Camp4 (1173 Dundas St. W.)
A good combination of tables for sitting and space for dancing, this small bar rocks the indie sort of vibe: we're talking classic rock and its contemporaries, but not so much hip-hop or rap. Owner Gani Shqueir says there are two advisable ways to get a DJ spot at Camp4: one is to email info@camp4.ca; the second is to head to the bar in person and hang around, "shooting the shit" with Shqueir and his staff. Either way, lay out your idea (the type of music you play, the number of awesome friends you'll bring, etc.) and if Shqueir thinks you fit Camp4's vibe, he'll see when he's got a spare date to work you in.

The Red Light (1185 Dundas St. W.)
Though this Dundas West bar does host a lot of guest DJs, there are two things you should know before inquiring with them: one, most of the people who guest DJ have a connection to the staff, which is how they get the opportunity (a lot of introductions also happen through Grasshopper Records owner Derek Madison); and two, you've got to have a bit of a following to snag a spot, so start rounding up friends now. Still, owner Nic Savage says he's open to newbies, and that the best thing to do is send a message to their Facebook page. Explain a bit about who you are, what kind of audience you have, and where else you've controlled the tunes (hey, lucky for you there are nine other places on this list!).

The Beaconsfield (1154 Queen St. W.)
A popular spot for dinner (stellar chili fries, for starters) and grabbing a drink (or seven), The Beaconsfield has a DJ playing every night of the week. And while spots usually go to friends of the staff, the chic restaurant/bar is open to outside DJs. The best thing to do is pay them a visit and speak with one of the staff members. Let them know if you've DJed at any other bars, what kind of music you like, and, if you're one of the keen folks with a SoundCloud account, tell them about that, too. The Beaconsfield doesn't play a lot of Top 40, so brush up on your '80s, early '90s, funk, and everything else awesome.

Writing by Sara Harowitz. Photo by Smunky in the blogTO Flickr pool.

A proposed new condo building is causing a stir among a group of local residents of Liberty Village who say the planned 32-storey tower is unwelcome in the area. Liberty Market Tower project is still in the pipes, but it could mean the demolition or substantial re-working of historic parts of the Liberty Market Building complex at 171 East Liberty Street.

Lifetime Developments - the company behind the Yorkville Four Seasons hotel and the Liberty Market Building itself - envisions retail units at street level, six levels of office space, and twenty-five floors of live-work apartments in the building, which is of comparable size to others under construction in the area.

After renderings of the proposed structure were released last week, worried residents started a petition on Facebook to voice their concerns. The Liberty Market Building itself is a fixture in the neighbourhood and home to start-ups and small businesses as well as restaurants like Origin Liberty Village, Merci Mon Ami and the numerous residents of the Liberty Market laneway. They've done a lot over the past decade to move the neighbourhood forward so perhaps it's not surprising that they want to continue to expand upon a good thing.

Perhaps as a sign of things to come, the landlord recently terminated the lease of KingWest Fitness, a gym that occupied one of the units at the centre of the proposal.

"Liberty Village does not need another tower," says Kevin Knott, an 8-year resident of the area and a founder of the petition, "it's crazy how busy it is down here right now with the density and there's really only two ways in and out of Liberty Village. We're just so against it for those reasons."

The dissenting voices look like they have support. Local Councillor Mike Layton also has concerns about the effect this condo and several others like it under construction nearby will have on Liberty Village's relatively small streets.

"I had immediate concerns over just how much density we expect Liberty Village can take," he says. "My first reaction was a knee-jerk 'we don't need another condo.' When you think of it a little bit more we want to make sure we use all the space appropriately and there are some spaces there that aren't best used."

In a letter to Layton, the group say the area is "stretched beyond its limits" and call for an end to all new development in the neighbourhood.

The "live-work" units envisioned by the developer are crucial to the building getting the green light. According to Layton, the official plan for the area does not allow purely residential units, the developer must build apartments that provide workspace for tenants. The precise form that would take isn't clear, though the units could include some workshop space.

Lifetime Developments did not return my calls and emails.

A public meeting to discuss the building is scheduled for the next few weeks. The proposal itself will likely go before the local community council in January. Do you have any thoughts on the proposal? Has Liberty Village reached critical mass?

Further reading:

• What Liberty Village looked like before the condos
• Central Prison chapel to get a restaurant makeover

More images:

Images: WallmanArchitects/City of Toronto