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Here's what Canada's new Food Guide looks like

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Eat more vegetables. Drink more water. Choose whole grains over refined flour. Plant-based proteins are what's up: It's all the stuff your intelligent, health concious friends have been saying for years, only now it's been blessed by the government.

Health Canada just dropped a brand new, remarkably different kind of food guide with updated nutritional recommendations for the first time since 2007.

Unlike every version of the document since 1977, 2019's Food Guide doesn't feature little food cartoons divided into four separate sections (you know, grains products, fruits and vegetables, meat and alternatives and the dairy industry milk.)

Instead, the front page of the guide promimently features a plate half-filled with broccoli, carrots, strawberries, blueberries, apples, bell peppers, red cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and green peas.

The other side of the plate is split in half with protein-rich foods (eggs, nuts, steak, chicken, tofu, fish and lentils) on top and whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, whole grain bread and whole grain pasta) on the bottom.

"Have plenty of vegetables and fruits," reads a block of text on one side of the place. "Eat protein foods," reads another, as well as "Make water your drink of choice" and "Choose whole grains."

No portion sizes or food groups here — just a few words of encouragement: "Eat a variety of healthy foods each day."

canada food guide 2019

The one-page version of Canada's new Food Guide, which was released January 22, 2019. Image via Health Canada.

A one-page educational poster version of the 62-page guide also includes some healthy eating tips at the bottom, as well as a URL for the online version, where said healthy eating tips are explained in more detail.

The federal government recommends that Canadians do the following to eat well and live well:

It's common sense stuff, which is good since they'll be teaching these things in public schools moving forward.

You can read more on the Health Canada's website, where recipes, resources and healthy eating tips have been posted for people of all different age groups and lifestyles.


Drake's Toronto restaurant Pick 6ix shows no signs of re-opening soon

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It's been months since Drake's luxe sushi-meets-sports bar closed down after a massive rainstorm flooded the restaurant, and it doesn't look like it'll be re-opening anytime soon. 

Pick 6ix had only held half a year's-worth of private parties and anticipated reservations when the fancy restaurant was forced to close. 

pick 6ix toronto

Representatives announced in August that basically the entire restaurant had suffered extensive water damage, from the furniture in the black-and-gold interior all the way to the kitchen.

pick 6ix torontoThe building has been completely papered up, and signs on the front door and side windows indicate that the restaurant will be closed for repairs until further notice. 

pick 6ix torontoA glimpse into space does show that significant construction is underway, though it's unclear when exactly it'll be up and running again. 

Maybe they'll take the opportunity to revamp their Instagram-famously ugly private bathroom

Activists ask Toronto to declare homlessness a state of emergency

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A newly-formed coalition of homelessness and shelter advocates are calling upon Mayor John Tory this week to declare a state of emergency in response to what's become a deadlyshortage of shelter beds, affordable housing and mental health services in Toronto.

Led by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, the group came together at City Hall on Tuesday morning to ask not only for a state of emergency to be called, but that all three levels of government "step up and create an action plan to address homelessness."

"Three weeks into 2019, four residents living with homelessness have lost their lives," said Wong-Tam. "Our shelters are at capacity, pushing hundreds to our ravines and our bridges. We need a coordinated, intergovernmental effort to immediately address this gap."

Wong-Tam was joined by fellow councillors Josh Matlow and Gord Perks at the press conference this morning, as well Ontario NDP MPP Suze Morrison.

Also present was acclaimed street nurse and activist Cathy Crowe, a whole host of other frontline service workers, and representatives from groups such as Progress Toronto, The Interfaith Coalition to Fight Homelessness, The Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre and the Shelter and Housing Justice Network.

"In 2018, 181,000 people were on Toronto's Centralized Waiting List for housing," said Wong in an a letter from the group. "Applicants can wait a decade or more for a unit. The city's rental vacancy rate is an unhealthy 1.1%, with home sharing apps putting further pressure on our rental market."

Over 720 people have already signed a petition on Wong-Tam's website containing the letter's text, along with five key reccomendations the group is asking City Council to support:

  • City Council affirm its commitment to complying with its obligations under International Human Rights Law to take all appropriate measures to address homelessness as an human rights crisis.
     
  • City Council declare homelessness a human rights disaster akin to a Municipal Emergency or a national emergency and an urgent human rights crisis, and seek assistance from the Province under the Emergency Response and Civil Protection Act.
     
  • City Council request the Provincial government to apply to the Federal Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and alert the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and his Parliamentary Secretary, to seek the establishment of an intergovernmental table with participation of those affected and their representatives tasked with addressing the housing and homelessness crisis in Toronto, and in any other similarly affected municipalities throughout Ontario.
     
  • City Council convene an emergency meeting with representatives of the federal government including the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister, the Provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and persons who are homeless and precariously housed in Toronto and their representatives to develop an urgent plan of action.
     
  • City Council request the Office of Emergency Management take immediate steps to augment services for homeless individuals and seek the support of the Red Cross in managing the harm inflicted by the housing and homelessness crisis.

Powerful suggestions, but it looks like at least one of them may take some convincing.

Tory reportedly told reporters later today that "an emergency declaration wouldn't make a difference," suggesting that better mental health care and housing resources are needed.

"That's where I'd rather see the advocacy," he said to the Toronto Star's David Rider.

"On average, two people die weekly because of homelessness in Toronto," wrote Wong-Tam on Twitter in response to Tory's comments Tuesday afternoon. "Thousands without housing and sleeping rough in alleyways, streets, shelters."

"Mayor is sadly wrong (again). Toronto has a homelessness + housing crisis," she continued. "This is happening whether he admits it or not."

Roy Halladay elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame

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Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, who died tragically in a plane crash just over one year ago, has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Halladay (or "Doc" as he was affectionately known) played for Toronto between 1998 and 2009 and was known for his ability to throw complete games.

He was an eight-time All-Star and one of only six pitchers in league history to win the Cy Young Award in both the National and American leagues.

He was 40 at the time of his death on November 17, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Last February, the Toronto Blue Jays officially retired Halladay's No. 32 jersey as a tribute to his contributions to the team.

He is now one of just two former players who spent most of their career with the Toronto Blue Jays in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Roberto Alomar was the other player.

A whopping 85.4 per cent of more than 400 voters decided that Halladay should be inducted this year.

He joins Edgar Martinez, Mariano Rivera and Mike Mussina as part of the Hall of Fame's 2019 class.

10 things to do in Toronto today

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May the force be with you on this fine Wednesday as events in Toronto include Star Wars live in concert. Elsewhere, new photography is being exhibited, there's a festival devoted to female artists and people are gathering to talk about Toronto's punk scene in the 80s. 

Events you might want to check out:

Femme Fest (January 23 @ Supermarket)
This female-focused festival looks to foster community among local musicians with a night of performances by a variety of emerging artists.
Winter Exhibitions Opening Party (January 23 @ Ryerson Image Centre)
A new season of photography is set to be unveiled at this opening party that includes works from Laura Henno's study of Mozambique's migration crisis.
Tomorrow Is Too Late (January 23 @ Henderson Brewing)
Once upon a time, Toronto had a thriving punk scene and this talk looks back at a time in the 80s when punk dominated the musical landscape.
Galette des Rois (January 23 @ Thompson Hotel Toronto)
Calling all kings and queens for this French tradition that involves a slice of King's Cake and opening a ceramic figurine that unlocks more goodies.
Laila at the Bridge (January 23 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Part of the Mental Health Film Series, this documentary tells the story of Laila Haidari and her work in fighting the addiction crisis in Afghanistan.
Within Mirrors (January 23 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Filmmaker Paul Clipson passed away last year, leaving a body of work that pushed the boundaries of experimental film, including Within Mirrors.
Night Shift (January 23 @ Eden Hall)
Dirty techno and disco flair is on to get your feet moving as Night Shift returns with Start Sign, Nahte and Kevin McVey on deck.
Work/Life (January 23 @ Umbra)
With over half the wold's population squeezing into urban areas, new designs explore the changing boundaries between work, home and “life.”
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert (January 23-26 @ Roy Thomson Hall)
Easily the most iconic score in film history is being performed as part of the Star Wars Film Concert Series with the film screened alongside it.
Fine China and A Perfect Bowl of Pho (January 23 - February 10 @ Factory Theatre)
Young Vietnamese Canadian creators are to premiere two works that focus on themes like culture, identity, generational differences and love.

Rental of the week: 215 Queen Street West

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At first glance this place doesn’t seem half-bad. I mean there’s a decent modern bathroom, and the kitchen is modern as well. It’s even above ground! I know guys, not a basement suite! Can you believe?!?

But, the closer you look at this place the more ridiculous it gets. Apparently this place won the 2014 Bild Award for Best Small Suite Design, which is utterly laughable. 

215 queen st w torontoThat modern kitchen doesn’t even have an oven. So just remember back to what you ate during college and that's about all you can eat in this "kitchen." Mmmm Mr. Noodles and Kraft Dinner, classic staples of the dorm-style kitchen.    

Then there’s the issue of a bed. Where does one put a bed in this 400-square-foot space? Ah yes, of course, in the wall.

215 queen st w torontoI don’t care how many articles there are about Murphy Beds being “better than ever,” they’re still a bed you need to make and then fold up into a wall. Just in terms of day-to-day living practicalities, it’s already a pain in the ass.  

Also if anything goes wrong with springs have fun being body/bed slammed into the wall at 3 a.m.

Fun fact: a number of people have been killed by their Murphy Beds. One person was even found mummified inside one. So, you can see why I'm having a hard time considering these beds anything close to acceptable. 

But, horror stories aside, I get it, space is in short supply and living without an oven is do-able if you eat mostly take-out.215 queen st w torontoWhat I don’t get is how this shoebox without a real bed is $1,810 a month and that doesn’t even include utilities! How is this even justified?  Who is paying for this!? Who hates their roommate this much that their willing to risk being mumified in their bed!?  

Specs
  • Address: #1112 – 215 Queen St. W
  • Type: Studio
  • Rent: $1,810/ month
  • Furnished? Sort of
  • Utilities: No
  • Air conditioning? Maybe?
  • Bedrooms: 0  
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Parking: No
  • Laundry? No 
  • Outdoor space? No
  • Pet friendly? No215 queen st w toronto
Good For

Trying out those recipes in the “cookbook” that came with your microwave. They can’t be that bad, right?

Move On If

You don’t want to have nightmares every night about being trapped inside your Murphy Bed.  

Pride Toronto members vote to ban police from marching in parade again

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Last night, Pride Toronto's members voted 163-161 to ban uniformed police officers from marching in the Pride parade for at least two years.

This vote came on the heels of a controversial move by the organization to lift the ban several months ago. That initiated a heated debate within the organization, which raged for months.

Olivia Nuamah, Pride's director, had come under fire for denouncing those who did not want a police presence. Calls for her resignation had been circling prior to last night's vote. 

Police were banned from Toronto's parade in 2016 after calls from Black Lives Matter, who cited years of police brutality against queer communities.  

Canada ranked top country in the world for quality of life

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For the fourth year in a row, Canadians have reason to celebrate, as the country was just ranked number one in the world for quality of life, and the third best country overall

U.S. News & World Report publishes its ranking of 80 different countries each year based on a variety of metrics.

Quality of Life, in particular, is measured by roughly 75 different factors, including job markets, affordability, the economy, politics, safety, security and more. 

From these, Canada took the top spot. The rest of the top six was rounded out by Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and Finland. 

Other categories examined in the larger report include adventure, cultural influence, power, heritage and others. Overall, Canada was ranked the third best country in the world, down one spot from last year. 

The top two best countries were Switzerland and Japan.

Here are the top ten best countries in the world, according to U.S. News & World Report:

  1. Switzerland
  2. Japan
  3. Canada
  4. Germany
  5. United Kingdom
  6. Sweden
  7. Australia
  8. United States
  9. Norway
  10. France

Toronto is a sloppy winter mess right now

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If ever there were a day to market insulated galoshes, that day would be today.

Wildly fluctuating weather patterns have resulted in what can best be described as "gross" conditions on the ground this Wednesday morning in Toronto: Melting snow, slickened roads, pools of half-frozen water and salt clumps on sidewalks everywhere. Gross.

Temperatures have risen roughly 16 degrees over the past 24 hours, from -15 C to a comparatively balmy 1 C, albeit with snow and freezing rain in the mix. That garbage should become straight up rain (with strong and gusty winds, natch) as we reach a daytime high of 6 C later this afternoon.

Environment Canada blames the mess on a "Colorado low" tracking northeast across Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, bringing with it a warm front that will only serve to further melt some of the snow that's accumulated over the past few weeks.

Meteorologists are calling for plenty of precipitation amidst wildly swinging temperatures heading into the weekend. Image via Environment Canada.

"A brief thaw with rain and strong southwest winds gusting to 70 km/h are expected this afternoon into this evening," wrote the national weather agency in a special weather statement for the City of Toronto. "Colder air will return tonight."

Indeed, it will, freezing up all of that melted snow to make for "poor winter travelling conditions."

In other words, surfaces will be icy and slippery tonight, tomorrow, and presumably on Friday when temps drop off dramatically once again to a low of -18 C.

So watch your back (and front).

The Best Nut-Free Bakeries in Toronto

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The best nut-free bakeries in Toronto understand that there are many people with allergies who also have a sweet tooth. It’s more important than ever to be understanding of dietary preferences, so there are plenty of places to go to get what you want if you have a nut allergy.

Here are the best nut-free bakeries in Toronto.

3 - Grodzinski Bakery

Both locations—near Bathurst and the 401, and on Centre in Thornhill—of this traditionally Jewish bakery are totally nut-free, so get worry-free challah here.
10 - Bakes & Goods

Near Yonge and Eglinton, this bakery does nut-free cakes they can decorate with buttercream, fondant, characters or photos.
9 - It's The Icing on the Cake

This totally nut-free shop in Leslieville does all manner of custom cakes, and you can quickly pick up cookies, tarts, cupcakes and squares here.
6 - Cakes by Robert

With cookies, cakes, tarts and loaves that are all nut-free from this bakery with locations in Thornhill and the Beaches, allergen-free options are limitless.
11 - Sorelle and Co. Yorkville

You would never know just how allergen-free the baked goods at multiple locations of this place are to look at them: donuts, cupcakes and other wonders are beautifully presented.
4 - Hermes Bakery

This bakery near Bathurst and Lawrence is strictly kosher and nut-free, and they have dairy-free and gluten-free items too.
5 - Short & Sweet Bakeshop

Though this spot with a location on Avenue as well as Assembly Chef’s Hall is always changing up flavours, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches and cakes are always nut-free and have never come in contact with nut ingredients.
7 - Hype Food Co.

Run by a mom of kids with allergies, all the ingredients in delicious cupcakes and other baked goods at this Leslieville casual restaurant are explicitly spelled out.
8 - Flaky Tart

Holding ingredients to a high standard of freshness and omitting any peanuts or tree nuts makes this Mount Pleasant bakery a go-to for those who need to be careful about what they put in their bodies.

Toronto public transit woes make everyone late for work again

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For the third day in a row, extreme winter weather conditions have royally screwed up the morning commute in Toronto and surrounding areas.

And we're not just talking about the TTC here (though, yes, multiple routes are once again experiencing delays due to poor road conditions).

Subways, buses and streetcars have been jam-packed all morning, as per usual, as transit providers struggle to keep up with wildly fluctuating weather patterns and slick or snowy roads and sidewalks.

Factor in the sheer volume of people who need to get from point A to point B when it's too gross outside to walk...

... and schedules can go haywire fast.

Ditto for the actual conditions of subway stations and platforms.

Count your lucky stars if you live and work downtown, however. Things are even worse for commuters from the 'burbs right now.

York Region's VIVA buses were experiencing delays of almost an hour on account of poor weather conditions at one point Wednesday morning.

Many GO Transit bus passengers are facing similar issues.

It's getting to point where some commuters are giving up entirely.

Train platforms and station parking lots are a mess across the board...

And if you were scheduled to fly out of Pearson this morning, I don't need to tell you that your journey could see a few hiccups.

However you got around this morning, don't count on things clearing up in time for the evening commute. They certainly didn't on Monday or Tuesday.

So, in the well-worn words of our friends at the TTC, "give yourself extra time" to get wherever you're going today.

Toronto now has a coworking space for musicians and creative types

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In a town touted as the music capital of Canada but without the live venues to show for it, there's few places in Toronto where musicians and sound pros can come together in one unified hub. 

But as coworking spaces become the new office environments of the 21st century, a private community just for sound professionals has sprung up right next to St. James Park.

coworking space torontoSignal—which takes up two floors of the building at 112 Adelaide St. East—trades in cubicles for decked out recording studios, editing suites, and sprawling communal work spaces and offices. 

coworking space torontoHere, everyone from independent beat-makers to foley artists to podcast producers have a place to rub shoulders with other creatives—as long as they're members of the exclusive 16,000 square-foot space. 

coworking space torontoPay $50 a month for the Creator membership (the cheapest option that gets you access to the building) and you get to book and use all the facilities that Signal has to offer for additional hourly rates.

coworking space torontoAside from its main floor, which consists of a charming 80s toy-themed board room, private offices, desks, and communal workspaces, the Martin Pilchner-designed space in the down floor below is the auditory stuff that musicians' dreams are made of. 

coworking space torontoWires running beneath specially designed floating floors connect the SSL recording studios (there's three). Each comes equipped with sound-proofed double glass windows, while budding bedroom producers can vibe out in the production rooms (eight of those). 

coworking space torontoThen there's a 1,200 square-foot live floor; ideal for recording the whole band. Somewhere beyond that, an entire room of amps, mics, wires, and some visual equipment is available for members. 

coworking space torontoIt may all seem too good to be true for a base price $50 a month, and obviously, dishing out $700 per month for the Studio membership will grant you better rates for studio time. 

coworking space torontoBut, whichever membership you get, you'll get access to Signal's online platform, which, aside from the studios for rent, is undoubtedly the coworking space's main feature.

coworking space torontoThis online portal lets members peruse and contact Signal's entire membership base, opening up a whole world of collabs and job opportunities for less connected individuals, and helps industry pros source and book talent from within a trusted community. 

coworking space torontoThat's not to say the space is open to all noobs: there's a vetting process here, and given the fact that space is pretty limited as is, Signal likely won't grant you access to their portal and events if you're still learning how to use Garageband.

coworking space torontoBut the fact that heavy hitters like Toronto's Buzz Records operate out of Signal, as does Good Vibes Music, the possibility of running into Babyface coming out of the studio is a goal worth working toward if you're not there already.

coworking space toronto

Toronto's Field Trip music and arts festival announces hiatus

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One of Toronto's most popular summertime festivals will not be returning in 2019 as organizers take time off to, as they put it, "let the grass grow back."

Field Trip Music & Arts Festival has been packing Fort York for an entire weekend in early June every year since its inception in 2013.

The multi-disciplinary, cross-generational event, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and focus on local arts and culture, has grown into somewhat of a summer kick-off bash over the past five years.

Sadly for fans, there will be no Field Trip at Fort York this year.

"While the festival has grown more meaningful with each passing edition, we have made the difficult decision to take some much-needed time off in 2019," reads a message posted to the festival's website and Instagram account.

"Field Trip will go on hiatus with the goal of returning in 2020 with renewed vision and continued commitment to an unparalleled gathering of music, art, comedy, food & drink, and family," the message continues. "We have been honoured by how Field Trip has been embraced by the city of Toronto and the arts community at large."

No specific reason has been given for the hiatus, aside from the need to take time off. It's of note, however, that Field Trip did fall under some heavy criticism ahead of 2018's festival for booking Nestle as a sponsor

The festival proceeded regardless with headliners Metric and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Everything went swimmingly, by most accounts, as fans are noting en masse in the comments section of Field Trip's Instagram post.

"Thanks to every single person that has put their heart into this festival – Field Trip belongs to you," reads the message from festival organizers. "We look forward to seeing you down the line, after a little bit of time to let the grass grow back."

A Toronto neighbourhood just put our their own music album

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Music and community are inextricably linked, and that’s especially true here in Toronto. One Toronto indie band, Mamals, has taken that philosophy to heart with a backing band of neighbours.

Husband and wife James and Mary Boyd started out writing songs together, and before they knew it they had a self-titled debut EP on their hands with arrangements involving a 20-person choir, trumpet, strings and drums masterminded by Clay Place Jones (Huddle).

Most of these neighbourhood musicians, including James and Mary, are residents of what’s known as “The Pocket” in the eastern part of Toronto, extending south of the Danforth between Jones and Greenwood down to Gerrard. The majority of the band do not support themselves making music.

“I, for one, have never lived anywhere like it,” says James Boyd. “Since moving in 10 years, ago I am constantly surprised at the kindness and generosity of our neighbours. There are also a lot of creatively-minded people living in the neighbourhood.”

It was started by James, who primarily writes the music, Mary, who writes the lyrics, and Jones who started out by holding monthly neighbourhood get-togethers to sing cover songs. Not longer after that, the idea snowballed for the trio into recording original music. 

Recorded at Blue Rodeo’s studio, The Woodshed, with engineer Tim Vesely (of Rheostatics) and mixed and mastered by Ian Bodzasi (who has worked with Nelly Furtado, Katy Perry, Sam Roberts), the EP is being released on January 25, 2019. 

Mamals could be seen as following in the footsteps of Broken Social Scene, a sort of supergroup that formed during the local music scene’s “Torontopia” phase, and member Charles Spearin with his “Happiness Project.”

James Boyd also cites Choir! Choir! Choir! as an influence. Either way, it’s far from the only example of the sounds of a Toronto neighbourhood.

Hopefully you’ll be able to see the neighbours perform their music live at an unspecified future date, but the band also plans to record a whole new album over the course of the next year, with more involvement on the writing side from an increased number of members.

Self-driving cars are now allowed on Ontario streets

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In an effort to better position itself as a leader in the field of automated technology, Doug Ford's provincial government has lifted some of the "burdensome regulations" surrounding self-driving cars in Ontario—with some exceptions.

First off, regular citizens can only drive automated vehicles that engineers have classified as a Level 3. This type of "eyes off" conditional automation lets a car manage most critical driving functions, but still requires a human to serve as co-pilot and be ready to take control of the vehicle at any time.

Being that there aren't even any cars with Level 3 technology available for purchase in Canada, it's not something that will impact us much in the near future.

What people who fear robo-cars do need to look out for are the actual driverlesscars being tested as part of Ontario's Automated Vehicle Pilot Program.

As of January 1, approved auto manufacturers, tech companies, universities, research institutions and systems manufacturers are allowed to test vehicles up to automation Level 5 — capable of being completely driverless in all conditions without the need for a human.

Participants in the pilot program must first be approved by the government, of course, and can only test vehicles owned by their own company.

In all cases, a vehicle's driver remains responsible for obeying all existing traffic rules in Ontario—including distracted, careless and impaired driving laws—and is legally responsible for the car's safe operation.

"We're cutting red tape for Ontario universities, companies, and others involved in automated vehicles," said Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek this week while speaking about the pilot in Waterloo.

Yurek says the move is meant to "stimulate innovation, economic growth, market share and job creation" in Ontario, and that our province "is leading the nation in testing, developing and bringing these new technologies to market."

Only a handful of participants have been made public so far, but they're major players in the tech industry: BlackBerry, the University of Waterloo and Uber among them.

"We applaud the Government of Ontario for taking action to enable safe, on-road testing of self-driving vehicles without a human driver," Uber spokesperson Sarah Abboud is quoted as saying in government press release.

"Real-world testing will be crucial to realizing the benefits of automated driving in Ontario."

Let's hope things go better here than they did in Arizona.


Up to 1,000 Toronto apartment residents in the cold after pipe burst

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Hundreds of apartment-dwellers in downtown Toronto are either shivering in their apartments today or taking refuge in emergency warming centres and TTC buses after water leaked into their building's electrical room.

The entirety of 260 Wellesley St. E — a 33-floor residential building in St. James Town — has now been without light, water or heat for nearly 24 hours.

Residents of the building were told on Tuesday evening that they could move to the nearby Wellesley Community Centre, where the Red Cross and Toronto's Office of Emergency Management have set up a temporary shelter, but they were also given the option to stay put in their homes.

"The building is still habitable," said Toronto Mayor John Tory at a press conference on site around 10 p.m. Tuesday, though "there will be no light or heat in the building."

Toronto Fire Services has ordered the building's owner to hire security guards to conduct a fire watch until the situation is remedied.

Firefighters and the Canadian Red Cross are also performing door-to-door wellness checks on residents who choose to remain in their units.

The outage is estimated to have displaced between 700 and 1,000 people, but it was necessary for Toronto Hydro to disconnect the building's power, according to the city, to "avoid a catastrophic event and prolonged power outage due to flooding."

It is not yet known when the power will be restored to the privately-owned and operated building. 

Crews were still trying to figure out next steps as of Wednesday afternoon, but city officials say more information about when and if residents can return will be revealed by the end of day.

Some on Twitter have been noting that the building's property management company, Wellesley Parliament Square Property Management, is the same company whose building caught fire and displaced 650 people in the same neighbourhood over the summer.

In fact, Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam says that 26 people currently living at 260 Wellesley St. had been re-housed there after being forced from their homes at 650 Parliament St.

"At 8:00 am this morning, I met with the building owners, Mayor, Office of Emergency Management, Fire, Police and senior divisional staff to discuss the situation at 260 Wellesley East," said Wong-Tam on Twitter Wednesday morning. "All hands are on deck and planning is ongoing for all contingencies."

"Accommodations will be determined for tenants, in the event of any evacuation orders," she continued. "Tenants are urged to contact nearby friends and family to see if they can provide short-term accommodations, should the need arise."

Given that Toronto's shelter system is already bursting at the seams, it is hoped that power and water will be restored to 260 Wellesley tonight—or at least before the city gets hit by its next round of dangerous winter weather.

Shopify is opening movie and TV studio in Toronto

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You might soon see the little green shopping bag logo at the end of your favourite TV show.

Canadian e-commerce brand Shopify has announced it's launching a TV and film production studio in Toronto called Shopify Studios.

Like Netflix, the Ottawa-based company has plans to start churning out movies, shows and documentaries, overseeing and financing them from the development stages all the way to airing them on streaming platforms and traditional networks.

They'll start off by releasing a series of short 20- to 30-minute films about entrepreneurs and their crafts.

Among the studios who've already agreed to sign with Shopify are companies like Spoke Studios, Saville Productions and Anonymous Content, which has produced major hits like Mr. Robot for USA Network, Maniac and 13 Reasons Why for Netflix.

Aside from their Toronto space, they'll also operate Shopify Studios from New York and Los Angeles too.

Where to donate all your used stuff in Toronto

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Where to donate all your clothing, furniture, appliances, books and other things in Toronto doesn't have to mean adding tons of stuff to the landfill. Just because your possessions no longer bring you joy à la Marie Kondo, that doesn't meant your pre-loved household items won't be appreciated by someone else who needs them. 

Here's where to donate all your used stuff in Toronto. 

All Clothing
Winter clothing specific
  • Allan Gardens Food and Clothing Store is a weekly meeting where you can drop off useable winter clothes at Allan Gardens. 
  • Covenant House accepts winter apparel in good condition. 
  • Fred Victor has a special need for winter boots; drop it off at a number of their shelters and drop-ins around downtown.
  • Haven Toronto on the Queensway accepts donations of fall and winter clothing from Monday to Thursday.
  • Margaret's will take good condition coats, undergarments, hats, scarves and gloves at their East Drop-In Centre. 
Professional work clothes
  • Dress for Success accepts lightly worn work clothes at their head office by North York Centre.
  • Dress Your Best takes donations of job interview-worthy clothes from inside the North York Centre.
Baby clothes and furniture
  • Jessie’s Centre is looking for children's clothes up to size 6 and 6X.
  • New Mom Project accepts highchairs, swings, bouncy chairs, cribs, and strollers that are under 10 years old on Thursdays and Fridays.
  • Oasis Clothing Bank will take your used baby clothes via a bin near you, but no baby car seats, playpens or cribs. If you have more than three bags, they'll pick it up from you.
  • Pregnancy Care Centre takes gently used maternity outfits and clothes for babies up to 18 months-old. They also take certain items like strollers, ribs, and playpens.
Toys
Books
Textbooks
Furniture
Office furniture
  • Green Standards will take your office's extra work desks, chairs and equipment and redistribute them to community organizations. They'll pick it up from your office for a fee.
Kitchen items 
Mattresses
  • Recyc-Mattresses will take your mattress in any condition at their Toronto office in North York, and help keep it from the landfill. 
TVs, computers, and other electronics
  • Canadian Diabetes will pick up cameras, CDs, laptops, cell phones, and flat screens (though there's limiation on screen sizes) or drop them off at a donation bin near you. 
  • Free Greek will take your old computers, laptops and printers at their downtown location, or pick up your stuff for a fee.
  • Furniture Bank accepts flat screens and tube style TVs, DVD and VCR players, and electric fans and space heaters. 
  • Habitat for Humanity will pick up your electronic waste, printers, VCRs, cord phones, and intact TVs up to 29-inches for free.
  • Oasis Clothing Bank accepts electronics.
  • ReBOOT Canada accepts drop offs of your old useable tech stuff at their location in Scarborough and gives them to charities.
Towels and sleeping bags

Lightly used towels and sleeping bags are some of the most needed items at most charitable organizations around the city. Call any clothing or donation bank mentioned on this list to ask how to best donate your stuff. 

Bicycles
  • Canadian Diabetes will pick up your rideable bikes from your home, or you can drop them off at a donation bin near you. 
  • Community Bicycle Network will take bikes in any condition at their office in the Centre for Social Innovation on Spadina.
Musical instruments
Cars

One of Toronto's best toboggan hills has been shut down

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Bad news for people (and puppies) who like to slide down snowy hills face-first or in a tiny sled: What is arguably the best toboggan hill in all of Toronto has been shut down by the city. Sorry.

City crews were seen installing fences around the popular hill in Riverdale Park East earlier this week. Upon further inspection, a blogTO reader found that a sign had been posted as well.

"Hill closed for tobogganing," it reads. "Terrain has developed severe ridges and drops that create high risk of injury." The same message also now appears on the City of Toronto's Riverdale Park East website.

toboggan riverdale park

No more sliding down the massive hill in Riverdale Park East for the time being, says the City of Toronto. Photo by Aidan Carter.

The sign instructs readers that designated toboggan hills are still available in Riverdale West, Withrow Park and over 20 other city parks.

While true, the message won't do much to comfort those who arrive with toboggans in hand to cruise down the Riverdale hill, especially given how busy and fun the scene looked this past weekend.

Here are some suggestions for other places to go tobogganing in the city, if you're keen, but maybe wait a few days for all the ice to melt away.

10 things to do in Toronto today

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We're inching closer to the weekend but events in Toronto today are ready to get the party started early as Above & Beyond spin the beats into the night. Vinyl heads can get their fill at a record show while film, wine, comedy and astrology round out the day.

Events you might want to check out:

Above & Beyond (January 24 @ Rebel)
Legendary producers Above & Beyond have created some of the most iconic trance hits, and they're here to play their biggest tunes and new material.
Night Time Record Show (January 24 @ Monarch Tavern)
Some of the city's top record dealers are arriving for a night of all things vintage vinyl and new LPs, 45s, 12”, and of course beer.
Burns Night Comedy Show (January 24 @ Comedy Bar)
Toronto has Robbie Burns fever and comedians are celebrating with a night of Celtic comedy by actual Scot John Mostyn and lots more.
Grape Juice (January 24 @ The Annex Hotel)
Wine and cheese is on as Sommelier Steph Potocnik helps shine a spotlight on volcanic and mountain selections and their unique qualities.
New Year, New You (January 24 @ Bad Dog Comedy Theatre)
How are your New Years resolutions coming along? Comedians are ready to shares stories about the dreams, hopes and oftentimes failure of resolutions.
Precious Jewel (January 24 @ Handlebar)
Get synthy with Toronto's own synth pop duo Precious Jewel as they play some soft grooves alongside Twin Rains, Valerie Dour and Jazz Funeral.
What is Democracy? (January 24 @ The Redwood)
Asking the question that has no easy answer, What is Democracy? is screening at The Redwood followed by a discussion with the film's director Astra Taylor.
2019 Astrology (January 24 @ Free Space)
It's hard to say what the future holds, but astrologist Nadine Jane is on hand to give insight into what the stars are saying for each sign this year.
DesignTO Tours: Deloitte (January 24 @ Deloitte)
Deloitte’s revolutionary workspace is open to the public today as part of DesignTO's tours into some of the city's most interesting spaces.
Video Fever (January 24 @ Trinity Square Video)
Student filmmakers are ready to show their video works that all look to capture complex issues and topics into creative pieces.
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