Quantcast
Channel: blogTO
Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live

Childish Gambino full of energy at the Sound Academy

0
0

Childish Gambino LiveChildish Gambino, a.k.a. Donald Glover a.k.a. Troy Barnes, is a renaissance man of the Internet Age. Writer, comedian, actor, rapper -- Glover does it all.

In town for a two-night showcase at the Sound Academy, offering up poor sightlines and all, for his Deep Web Tour, Gambino welcomed the weird in numerous ways. Akin to his sophomore album, Because the Internet, Gambino's live show is part-concept, part-frantic action, part-heavy assault and part-manic performance, as he dips into rapid-fire delivery on tracks like "Sweatpants" and "Crawl" and then segues into subdued jazz interludes with the back-up band. Note: Gambino has a solid falsetto in his arsenal.

Childish Gambino LiveSporting a thick black sweater, Gambino, who, yes, got his hip-hop handle from a Wu Tang Name Generator, was slight with the stage banter. But when it came to performing his tracks, he delivered everything he had, running the full stage. By the end of the show, he was pretty much hoarse, but it didn't seem to diminish his high-energy flow.

Childish Gambino LiveWith two large chandeliers dangling above the stage, the video backdrop would change from inside Gambino's suspected living room, to snow falling, to fire, to shitty late '90s Windows screen savers. And like the varied backdrops, Gambino's swift transfers from Weeknd-esque crooning into "Worldstar" with the crowd chanting along, the frenzied experience shed light on Gambino's version of the deep web. The tosses and turns, at first jarring, eventually become expected.

Childish Gambino LiveHighlights were varied and frequent, like during the encore, Gambino and Co. shifted from a musical interlude mashing tunes like "Got this Money" into the thumping bass line of Camp's"Heartbreak" and closing off with "Yaphet Kotto." The crowd reciprocated loudly and passionately. On tracks like "3005," where the audience can spit back every piercing lyric, you know Gambino has fueled many before-the-bar-amp-up playlists.

With the removal of the black sweater to a sweat-stained white tee and hoarse voice, Gambino broke out into a chill freestyle to bring the hour and a half show to a slightly abrupt ending.

And then we waited and waited in Sound Academy's ever-frustrating coat check line. We need the Internet to come up with a solution for that.

Childish Gambino LivePhotography by Matt Forsythe


Island airport expansion takes a big step forward

0
0

toronto island airportFollowing a marathon 12-hour meeting, the city's executive committee has voted 11-1 to press ahead with plans to expand the Island airport, paving the way for a potential showdown at city council early next month.

Provided it can get the backing of council, the decision would allow the city to begin re-negotiating the tripartite agreement between it, the Toronto Port Authority, and Transport Canada that currently bans all passenger jet aircraft from using Billy Bishop Airport.

More than 190 people spoke on both sides of the debate, including Porter CEO Robert Deluce and several of the airline's employees. Opponents of the plan are worried about increased noise, pollution, and traffic congestion.

The report by city staff that the executive committee adopted this evening recommends placing a cap on the number of flights and passengers at the airport before allowing Porter Airlines to fly Bombardier CSeries jets from downtown. It also advised the executive committee to defer their decision until next March, pending more information about the planes and the infrastructure they require from Transport Canada.

In order to operate the airplanes, the runway would need to be expanded by 200 metres at both ends and marine exclusion zones (MEZs,) areas where boats are not allowed to enter, will need to be widened.

Porter has said it hopes to offer trips to destinations further afield as early as 2016.

A motion by Mayor Rob Ford to offer conditional approval to Porter Airlines failed 8-4. Deputy City Manager John Livey said would be "a very big mistake" if the city said yes without all the facts.

A motion by Cllr. Shiner to negotiate restricting jets to 25 per cent of total Island airport flights passed 7-5.

The debate will now proceed to city council for final approval next week. If it passes, and that's still a big if at this stage, it would allow city staff to begin negotiating terms with Porter Airlines, but not before the end of this term of council.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Frank Lemire/blogTO Flickr pool.

Film Studio Lofts destined to remain an eyesore

0
0

toronto 1003 queen eastDon't expect the shell of the half-finished condo building at Queen and Pape to spring to life any time soon. A lengthy legal battle between a real estate developer and a prominent diet doctor has cast the immediate future of the building, and several others in Toronto, in serious doubt.

In a storyline that wouldn't be out of place in a made-for-TV movie, the development company that promised to finish the stalled Film Studio Lofts teamed up with Dr. Stanley Bernstein, better known simply as Dr. Bernstein, the founder of a nationwide weight-loss clinic, but ended up fighting it out in a bitter legal dispute over an alleged theft of mortgage proceeds.

According to court documents, The Rose & Thistle Group, led by Norma and Ronauld Walton, bought the shell of 1003 Queen Street East on June 7, 2012. Bernstein invested $800,000 in the company set up to finish the condos and provided a mortgage of $400,000. Over the next year, the company worked to shore up the leaky shell of the 10 residential and two retail units, building much of the metal shell and installing windows.

They expected to make between $100,000 and $500,000 on the building once it was fully occupied.

The project started life in 2006 as the Film Studio Lofts and had a targeted completion date of Fall 2007. Construction stalled and down-payments on the units were refunded by the original developer.

toronto 1003 queen eastThe Rose & Thistle Group Ltd. started buying property in Toronto in 2001 and averaged about three purchases a year until 2013. Dr. Bernstein, a neighbour of the Waltons, began investing in the company in 2008. In total, he put more than $100 million into some 31 properties, including 1003 Queen Street East.

Bernstein took legal action last summer when the proceeds from $6 million in mortgages, taken out by the Waltons on two joint-owned properties without his knowledge, ended up in Norma Walton's personal bank account. An Ontario Superior Court judge ruled that the Walton and Bernstein properties, which included the Red Door Shelter on Queen East and a former Salvation Army building on Pape, should be placed in receivership and sold.

Last year, Norma Walton told me she expected the building to be complete by April 2014. Since then, only some of the bright yellow cladding, damaged by exposure to the elements, has been replaced. Judging by the state of the exterior and lack of interior fittings construction is some ways from completion.

The building is now up for sale once again. If it's sold, the new owners will become the third company to attempt to build condos on the site.

The Norma and Ronauld Walton are appealing the judge's decision. Expect this one to drag on.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Top bartenders in Toronto battle in cocktail showdown

0
0

Made with Love Cocktail ShowdownThe Made With Love cocktail competition returned to Toronto for another year, with the best bartenders from around Toronto duking it out against each other in a boozy battle. The prize? Entry into the pan-Canadian finals, held in Montreal this year, and one of the many distillery trips being offered by the event's sponsors.

Held on Monday evening at the Liberty Grand, the who's who of the Toronto hospitality scene, as well as a gaggle of cocktail aficionados, all turned out to root for their favourite bartender and try some of the most unique cocktails the city had to offer.

Check out all the creative concoctions in this photo gallery.

What's the best TTC app for Android and iPhone?

0
0

ttc appEarly next month we'll be launching a contest on this site to crown the best TTC app currently available for Android and iPhone users. To help us make sure we're including all the best apps for consideration we're opening up a nomination period starting...right now...and running through the end of this month.

Do you have a favourite transit app that helps you find the nearest ride on the TTC? Add it to the comments below or email us at ttc [at] blogto [dotcom] with your nomination(s).

Heads-up app developers! We're working with the TTC on this contest and there's going to be a killer prize for the winning app so make sure to let us know about your app by end of day March 31st if you want your app to be considered. Please note: for any app to be included in the contest it must be accessible to both Android and iPhone users.

Photo by Cameron MacMaster in the blogTO Flickr pool

Uniqlo might open Toronto store in 2016

0
0

Uniqlo TorontoUniqlo might (finally) be on its way to Toronto according to a report in The Financial Post. The Japanese clothing retailer has long been on the city's list of most coveted shops, but the waiting has been in vain up until now. The Post cites industry sources, who reveal that the first location is destined for a 35,000 square foot space in Yorkdale Mall should everything go according to plan. Following its arrival, Uniqlo would reportedly look to open both mall and street-front locations in the Toronto area.

Yorkdale is a rather obvious destination for the fashion retailer, which has beefed up its US presence in previous years. Not only is the mall expanding (yet again), but it's increasingly become a destination for big name American and international brands over the last half decade, with the arrival of J. Crew, Anthropologie, Top Shop and Massimo Dutti (to name only a few). Uniqlo would certainly fit this trend and likely increase the fashion stature of the mall with a flagship location.

Now if we could just get a Trader Joe's...

The top 10 spring food events in Toronto for 2014

0
0

Spring Food EventsThe top spring food events in Toronto for 2014 will lure the hungry masses out of hibernation with promises of feasts, night markets and food festivals devoted to everything from medieval fantasy feasts to dim sum to chicken wings. Get an early start on festival season with these top 10 spring food events in Toronto for 2014.

See also: The top 10 spring beer events in Toronto for 2014

Game of Thrones Feast
Ossington butcher, Cote de Boeuf hosts a medieval feast on April 2nd and April 3rd in advance of the HBO hit's 4th season premiere. The sold-out, $175 dinner will feature Jug Brew from Bellwoods Brewery, mead from Rosewood Estates Winery along with a dozen dishes like roasted suckling pig and sussex pond pudding.

Find & Dine: Scavenger Hunt and Brunch
Discover Liberty Village in teams of two to four starting at 10am on Saturday, April 5th. Participants will compete to collect items, solve clues, answer trivia and ultimately eat a big hearty brunch. Tickets are $40 and registration is open now.

Momufuku & Hudson Kitchen Collab
The Noodle Bar hosts the Dundas West restaurant on Sunday April 6th for a menu that will see a mash up of cuisines resulting in dishes like Filipino bolognese and kare kare beef cheek tagliatelle. Reservations are being accepted now and a limited number of walk-in will be available too.

Songkran Festival
Khao San Road celebrates the Thai New Year with a water gun fight in a big heated tent on Saturday, April 12th. Admission is $16 and water guns are supplied, while $6 food tickets will get you dishes supplied by a solid roster including La Carnita, Come And Get It, and Matt Blondin's, yet-to-open Junk Bar.

Yum Cha! Dim Sum Fest
Tickets for this celebration of steamed buns and fried dumplings are selling fast even though a complete the line-up of participating vendors has yet to be announced. Admission is $10 to the festival happening at the Chinese Freemasons Association on Sunday, April 13th.

Caplansky's Second Seder
The Jewish deli on College Street will retell the story of Passover over the course of the customary feast. Expect to dine on seven courses including matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, roast beef and unleavened desserts on Tuesday, April 15th. Reservations are being accepted now for the family affair priced at $49 for adults and $24 for children.

Wing Fest
This festival devoted to the iconic American pub food will crown the king of wings in five categories covering mild, hot, traditional BBQ and exotic styles. Taking place at Daniel's Spectrum on Sunday, May 4th, the event promises an 11-competitor line up of wing machines like Drums N Flats, Lou Dawgs and Hooters.

Gluten Free Expo
The wheatless food fair will showcase celiac-friendly foods at the Metro Toronto Convention Center on Sunday, May 4th from 10am to 4pm. Gluten intolerant eaters will find the all-day event filled with opportunities to sample recipes, buy products and learn from experts how to keep tummies happy. Tickets are $15 at the door.

Toronto Taste
The fundraiser event for Second Harvest presented by The Daniels Corporation will take place lakeside on Sunday, June 8th at Corus Quay. Over 70 of the city's finest chefs, vintners and brewers will partake to showcase their talents and delicious creations for a worthy cause. Tickets are on sale now for $225, all proceeds will go to food rescue programs.

Stop Night Market
Tickets sales haven't been announced yet, but go ahead and mark June 17th and 18th in you calendars because The Stop's vibrant, Asian-style night market is set to return to the Honest Ed's alley for it's third year of street food fun.

Photo of the Stop Night Market

The Guild dives into the deadpool after one year

0
0

The Guild Toronto ClosedThe Guild on Dundas West has gone belly up just a year after opening. The brunch spot gained early momentum for its decadent and boozy menu that boasted specialties like foie gras stuffed French toast and champagne cocktails. The business quietly stopped service last month amidst the lull of the winter season and has now been put up for sale with the hopes of keeping the concept intact.

The newly renovated 5,000 square foot space is being shopped around for $325,000. Fully equipped and licensed, it could be a turn-key operation for an ambitious would-be restaurateur. So, who wants to buy a restaurant on Dundas West?


How to play bingo during the Toronto mayoral debates

0
0

Mayoral debate bingo TorontoWhile we'll leave the drinking games up to you, this Toronto mayoral debate bingo card is essential not to share. Why did never-funny Yahoo! Canada make this? Because, as any great artist would agree, when there exists a compulsion to create which cannot be denied, that is where true greatness springs from. One thing -- I've already covered every square on mine via my admittedly limited psychic powers, so I win.

The first televised Toronto mayoral debate is at 5pm today between Rob Ford, Olivia Chow, John Tory, Karen Stintz, and David Soknacki and will cover, well, the above. The debate will last two hours, so get to work on those drinking games (please share). In the meantime, enjoy this Rob Ford soundboard loudly and in the presence of others.

The Best Croissant in Toronto

0
0

croissant torontoThe best croissants in Toronto take into consideration the delicate balance of butter and air that makes the classic French pastry so famous. The yeast-leavened dough is layered with butter and rolled and folded many times, similar to puff pastry (the technique is called laminating), which results in tiny air pockets that contribute to its flakiness. The classic crescent shape gives us its name and makes it easily spotted on buffets, breakfast nooks and bread counters around the world.

Its origins go back as far as the 13th century in Austria and the development of Viennese bakeries, but the exact style we've come to know and love was conceived around 1839 by an Austrian artillery officer. I'm wondering what he'd think of the croissant's recent heathen child - the cronut. I think he'd just be glad there are so many shining examples of the original croissant still around, and find the cronut more of a celebration than a threat.

Here are the best croissants in Toronto.

See also:

The best danishes in Toronto
The best bread in Toronto
The best baguette in Toronto
The best challah in Toronto

Top photo from Tom Flemming on FLickr from Petit Thuet

Enterprise buys Toronto-based AutoShare

0
0

Enterprise AutoshareBig changes could be in store for car sharing Torontonians. Enterprise Rent-A-Car announced earlier today it's buying AutoShare, Toronto's first car-sharing organization.

"AutoShare will continue to operate under its current brand indefinitely," Enterprise said in a press release. "[It] will be owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car Canada Company and managed by its local Toronto division." It later said that AutoShare would be "served" by the company's own Enterprise CarShare brand, though it's not clear what that means at this stage.

Enterprise also owns Alamo and National Car Rental. It has 130 Enterprise offices in the GTA.

Zipcar was bought by Avis last year for $500 million. CEO Scott Griffith resigned shortly after that deal was finalized.

The details of the AutoShare purchase haven't been made public.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Ford and Chow own messy first Toronto mayoral debate

0
0

Toronto mayoral debateOlivia Chow and John Tory came out swinging in the first Toronto mayoral debate of the 2014 campaign, but it was Rob Ford's bombastic steamroller approach that dominated the discussion. The five candidates sparred over the Scarborough subway, downtown relief line, the city's finances, and what makes good leadership with Stintz and Soknacki struggling to make their voices heard.

Surprisingly, none of the candidates took Ford to task over the crack cocaine scandal or any of the other allegations contained in recently released court documents. During questions from the media, Cynthia Mulligan from CityNews asked Ford to directly address the controversies. "People have heard the story - it's rewind, rewind, rewind," he said. "I'm the first one to say I'm not perfect."

Jimmy Kimmel, who was apparently watching the debate, said Ford was like JFK compared to some of the candidates.

"John, you had your chance at the province and you fell flat on your face, you know it and I know it," Ford said to Tory in one of the debate's more heated exchanges. Earlier, Ford said Chow had "sunk the ship" during her time on city council.

The debate was frequently chaotic with the candidates yelling over each other.

Chow said Ford had made Toronto "an international embarrassment" and pledged to "take down the circus tent at City Hall." John Tory said Ford had "run out of gas" after four years in the mayor's office.

A Soknacki team post-debate press release said their candidate brought "a calculator to a knife fight."

The results of rough CityNews poll suggested Olivia Chow had won the debate with 43 per cent of votes cast by the public during the broadcast. Rob Ford was second on 34 per cent and John Tory third with 19. Stintz and Soknacki - 3 and 2 per cent respectively - barely registered.

What did you think of the debate? Were you surprised by Ford's dominance? Should the other candidates use the crack cocaine scandal in the next debate? Who do you think came out on top?

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Dead Kodak plant

Today in Toronto: Feedback Film Fest, Project 31, Tin-man, Ghe20G0th1k, Beerprov, Gary Numan

0
0

Today in TorontoToday in Toronto you can RSVP to the PWYC Feedback Film Fest, a screening of shorts at Carlton Cinemas. If "spring" (haha) cleaning has you craving art and knick-knacks for your dreary hobbit hole, bring your cash to OCAD's faculty members' live art auction. Want to dance? You get to chose between Tin-Man (free with a Foundry pass) at Wrongbar and Venus X's Ghe20G0th1k at Tattoo. Spoi-led. For more events, click on over to our events section.

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

Photo from The Package by Rafael Aidar

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Wilbur Mexicana, Dutch Dreams, Tacos El Asador, Kanga, Yasu Sushi Tasting Bar

0
0

Toronto Restaurant OpeningsToronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

  • Dutch Dreams ice cream shop relocated over the cold season and is now open at 36 Vaughan Road.
  • It's All GRK opened its sophomore gyro shop this week at 366 Bloor Street West in the Annex.
  • Hazel's Diner has opened a third greasy spoon at 936 Eglinton Avenue West near Bathurst.
  • Me Va Me Express, Vaughan's most prolific Middle Eastern chain has finally opened its doors at 240 Queen Street West.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

OPENING SOON

  • A sign has gone up at the Fashion House at 556 King St. West announcing the future arrival of Wilbur Mexicana.
  • Fancy Franks is opening a second location in Bloorcourt Village at 940 Bloor Street West next month.
  • Tacos El Asador is reportedly doubling up with the addition of a new location at 689 Bloor Street across from the existing taqueria. [Eater]
  • Kanga Aussie Meat Pies, the crowd-funded pie co. has finally found a retail outlet for their handheld, gravy filled pies at 65 Duncan Street. [Toronto Life]
  • Yakikushi Bar is now in the works at 525 Bloor Street West taking over the address once home to Lakvino Ristorante.
  • Yasu Sushi Tasting Bar is coming soon to 81 Harbord Street. The Japanese raw bar comes from the same team formerly behind Leaside's Nigiri-Ya.

CLOSED

  • Pour Girl, the UofT watering hole at 191 College is closed. New signage indicates the new occupants will be called Pre Nup Pub.
  • Nyood, the clubby restaurant and upstairs bar at 1096 Queen West called it quits last month.
  • La Burrita (735 Bloor Street) across from Christie Pits is deadpool.

OTHER NEWS

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com

Photo of Tacos El Asador


The top 10 songs from Toronto bands March 2014

0
0

Toronto songsThe top songs from Toronto this month have me once again waiting desperately for the warm winds of spring to reach our city. I had high hopes for March bringing good weather, but this month has proven to be just as unforgiving as the last. Luckily, Toronto artists have been smart with their studio time, releasing a collection of singles and albums that are definitely worth looking into as Mother Nature prolongs her winter slumber.

Here's a digest of the past month in Toronto-based tracks.

Grandtheft ft. Thugli - Heavy Hitterz

If you are on the trap-train these days, you've probably heard of Grandtheft by now. The immensely popular DJ, who makes his home in our fine city, has been busy the past few months. This month's contribution doesn't really match up to his recent release of "Mobbin'," a grimy headbuster that would be well-suited in a British mobster flick. "Heavy Hitterz" will still find its way into every club this month though, guaranteed.

Wolfcow - Chromes Of Fantasy

Ready for some rough shred punk rock? This month Wolfcow delivered an unsteady, distorted ear-banger that doesn't just tremble along, but shakes with the ferocity of a seizure. Iggy Pop would be proud.

Paper Lions - Do You Wanna

Summer is on the way, but Paper Lions apparently just can't wait any longer. This month they put out a jangly, sunny track in the vein of straight up indie pop-rock. The EP is available for free download here, so you'll be all set to greet the warm weather by dropping a few ice cubes in your lemonade and setting up your folding chair by the pool.

Bry Webb - AM Blues

Constantines lead singer Bryan Webb not only announced the reunion of his famed indie band this month, but also the release of his solo album Free Will. He teased fans with a little sample: "AM Blues" is a beautiful folk/country track featuring some backing brushwork on the drums, fingerpicked guitars and of course, Bry's deep voice guiding it all along.

Odonis Odonis - Angus Mountain

The noise rock trio has been busy of late, posting track after track in lead up to the April 15 release of their new album, Hard Boiled Soft Boiled.

Weaves - Do You See Past

It seems summer vibes are elbowing their way into a lot of tracks these days. The new Weaves track is a pretty standard electro-pop bouncer, combining shades of dreamwave and heavy 80s influences in the synths and bassline. Jasmyn Burke croons and coos with a sincere warmth, reminding you that the warm sun actually does exist and might come back to Toronto someday. Their self-titled debut is due out on April 1. Or is it? Could be a prank...

BADBADNOTGOOD - Can't Leave the Night

The "jazz trio" has released another spooky bass-in-your-face beat, shaking subwoofers all over Toronto. "Can't Leave the Night" bops along in a dark, twerky type fashion. This is a must-listen for March. The band is currently making their way through a tour of Europe, but you would be well-advised to grab a ticket next time they return home.

The Folk - In Silence

The first thing I thought when I heard the opener of The Folk's new album, We All Say, was, "Sara Bortolon sounds a lot like Alanis Morissette." She doesn't always, but that's really the only observation I can make about this band. Here's some straight forward folk rock for those missing Canadian 90s music.

Owen Pallett - The Riverbed

The new track from the strings genius of Arcade Fire and Her fame rocks out pretty hard. Pallett is coming to Toronto May 10, playing the Danforth Music Hall.

Kevin Drew - Mexican Aftershow Party

The second single from Broken Social Scene co-founder Kevin Drew's sophomore album is a warm, organ-driven electronic track. Influences of my personal favourite, Tears For Fears, make their way into the verses of this song, and while the lyrics are disappointingly uncreative, it's definitely worth grooving to late at night.

What Toronto tracks did we miss? Let us know in the comments.

Follow Adam on Twitter and Instagram

Lead photo of BADBADNOTGOOD

What a Ford Bros. 8-bit video game would look like

0
0

Ford Bros Video GameAs much as the Ford Bros. saga in Toronto seems ripe for a (television) movie, the reactionary way in which Rob and Doug deal with the media also makes for a surprisingly entertaining old school video game concept. Recently spoofed on 22 Minutes, a show that has its far share of misses amidst the hits, this mock video game offers a dose of tech nostalgia and biting political satire.

Rob must navigate the tempting streets of Ford Nation while Doug does damage control whenever his brother has a slip up. In the event that the Mayor gets KO'd by booze or a crack pipe, he can destroy bicycles for extra strength as he marches onto Ford More Years. Sounds about right.

Watch the video below.

Beaches Jazz Fest gets grant after all (so lay off Drake)

0
0

Beaches Jazz FestivalIt looks like Drake will be welcome to stroll through the Beaches Jazz Fest this summer. The provincial government has found a $75,000 stash from the Ontario Music Fund to give to the free outdoor summer fest, hitting a note that brings to mind that proverb about squeaky wheels (sad trombones?) -- public outcry over the fest not receiving their usual grant from Celebrate Ontario, fueled in part by the knowledge that Drake's OVO was getting $300k, was loud and immediate. Who says Toronto doesn't care about the arts?

Twenty per cent of the fest's funding comes from the provincial government each year from this grant alone, so the situation was dire for promoters, who were not given a reason why their initial request was refused. The fest will run from July 18 - 27 this summer, marking its 25th year bringing big band, swing, Dixieland, smooth, post-bop, Afro-Cuban, fusion, funk, R&B, and soul to the east end.

Photo by Scott Snider

Could more express bus routes fix TTC overcrowding?

0
0

Express bus routes TorontoCllr. Josh Colle thinks TTC service could be improved with more express bus service on the Toronto's busiest routes, like the 29 Dufferin, 25 Don Mills, and the 39 Finch. Staff have decided to investigate the idea at this month's Toronto Transit Commission meeting.

Adding express buses wouldn't mean reducing the current number of buses; the express vehicles would be provided on top of the existing schedule and stop only at popular destinations. Given the how slow infrastructure expansion has been in this city, improving service levels on buses could be a feasible way to make immediate improvements to the lives of commuters on what are some of the city's worst routes.

Right now, the TTC has 11 rush-hour express routes, six "rocket" buses to destinations like Pearson Airport and York University, and five downtown express routes that charge double fare for quick service.

The TTC will report back later in the year on the proposal.

What do you think? Is more express service the solution to overcrowding while the city waits on new subways and light rail?

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Photo by SteveC123 on Flickr

Axe to fall on awful Queen & Gladstone condo project

0
0

toronto gladstone condoA whopping 26-storey proposed condominium at Queen and Gladstone looks destined to get the chop at next month's Toronto and East York Community Council meeting. Planning staff say the 90-metre wedge-shaped tower would be an "over-development" of the site, which is directly opposite the Gladstone Hotel.

"The height and scale of the building are not appropriate for the site," a city staff report says. "The density is too high, the relationship to the Gladstone Hotel is not appropriate." It reminds local councillors who will vote whether to toss the proposal out next month that the all of the development in the surrounding area is mid-rise.

The official local height limit is 16 metres.

And you thought the Bohemian Embassy was a shock to the neighbourhood.

The proposed density of the tower would be 10 times the area of the lot, much higher than any of the buildings approved in the vicinity. The height would also cast unacceptably large shadows on the neighbourhood. In spring, the building would block light as far east as Lisgar Street.

toronto gladstone condoAn eight-storey building was proposed for the same site in 2007. The planning application was appealed at the Ontario Municipal Board and eventually withdrawn in 2013. The site was sold to the current owners - "YOLO INC" (yeah, really) - shortly after and plans for an even taller 28-storey tower were presented at a public meeting last summer.

Reading through the report, there isn't much city staff like about this proposal at all. It's too tall, has too many units (but not enough with 3-bedrooms,) not enough parking or amenity space, and the unusual angular shape does not step back from the street as required.

In short, this one's destined for the scrap heap unless it gets a total overhaul.

toronto gladstone condoChris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: Kirkor Architects Inc.

Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live


Latest Images