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420 rally smokes out Yonge-Dundas Square

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420 rally toronto420 fell on a rainy Monday in Toronto this year, but any curious and/or accidental voyeurs at Yonge-Dundas Square yesterday afternoon found an impressive turnout of marijuana supporters nonetheless. Speculation was rampant as to the probable employment of this year's protesters, which perhaps misses the mark - don't you take time off work for what's important to you and yours?

In the second unhappiest city in Canada, the mood was jovial, free joints were dispersed, some kids saw their teacher in the crowd and had their minds blown, and as the weather cleared, Toronto was the envy of dope enthusiasts worldwide.

Check out our foggy memories from this year's 420 march and rally in this photo gallery.


Carbon Computing opens new shop on the west side

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carbon computingThere was a time in this fair land, before every mom you know owned an iPhone, when Apple products were considered the domain of a select few die-hard geeks. Times have changed, but one of Toronto's most notable independent Mac retailers has benefited from Apple's rise to the top, and it has some sweet new digs on West Queen West to prove it.

Read my profile of Carbon Computing in the services section.

Toronto's newest pizzeria cooks its pizzas on a BBQ

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Za Pizzeria TorontoThere's a new pizza parlour in the Annex and it's specializing in barbecued pizzas cooked on a grill. Best of all, this place gets creative with its lineup of signature pies - expect to find low brow crowd pleasers topped with bacon and potato chips listed alongside duck confit pizzas paired with roasted grapes and balsamic reduction.

Read my profile of Za Pizzeria in the restaurants section.

Toronto store creates world's first suit you can dunk in

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garrison raptorsThey once stitched a vintage Vince Carter rookie jersey into a suit lining for Drake; now, this Toronto tailor has moved on up to dressing the entire Raptors lineup. Garrison Bespoke have just unveiled the Raps' new team suits, which they've billed as the world's first track suit/formal suit hybrid.

It's no stretch (pun absolutely intended) for the Financial District tailors, who are locally known for creating a bulletproof suit, a sharp TFC team suit stretchy enough to play footie in, and other feats of stunt tailoring. (They also make off-the-court suits for plenty of pro athletes.)

Essentially, it's a straight-up dark suit with some sporty engineering: Antibacterial, moisture-wicking cloth with a four-way stretch, a hidden drawstring waist, and even zippers at the ankle. In their words, it's "flexible enough for DeRozan to dunk in but sharp enough to wear to the ESPYS."

Three points for creativity, but I'm of the opinion that ribbed cuffs should never, ever be on a suit. Want to order your own? Unfortunately, they only ordered enough of that odour-resistant fabric for the team, so you're on your own there.

The top 10 bars and pubs on Queen St. East

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Queen east bars pubs torontoQueen St. East may not have Vogue magazine's blessing as one of the hippest neighbourhoods, but there are a ton of great bars for you to check out. From country bars to a winterized yurt, Queen St. East has almost everything one could want in a bar scene. Start planning your pub crawl now.

Here are my picks for the top bars and pubs on Queen St. East.

Bill Hicks
Drinking at this tiny upstairs space is like hanging out at your coolest friend's apartment. Named after the legendary comedian, it carries its sense of humour all the way through to its decor. Cheap drinks, friendly service, and sandwiches from Rasher's for when you're a few beers deep - it's a can't lose.

The Comrade
This cozy speakeasy-style bar is a staple on Queen East. Their impressive and well-crafted cocktail list is a huge draw for the neighbourhood. I suggest ordering a round of "Gilded Radners" to start your night off in a sophisticated way.

Hitch
I think I can pretty safely call Queen and Leslie's Hitch the hip headquarters of Queen East. Pair the great weekly events like Monday Trivia Club, Bring Your Own Vinyl night, and cult movie triple headers, great staff (I'm lookin' at you DJ Damn Aykroyd!) and rotating taps of craft brews and you really can't go wrong.

Boots 'N' Bourbon Saloon
I'll be the first to admit this spot is a bit of an acquired taste (it's a themed bar, after all), but if you're a small-town turned city girl like myself, you'll like this little taste of home. From the guys who brought you Rock Lobster, this Riverside bar gives you live music, dancing and a mechanical bull. Dust off your bolo ties and cowboy hats and head out!

An Sibin Pub
No matter what you're celebrating or trying to forget, $3.54 shots of Jameson are usually the answer. Those looking for a more traditional pub-style menu and vibe should head to An Sibin. Live music on weekends and drink and food specials all week makes it a great stop on the neighbourhood pub crawl.

Carbon Bar
This massive space just east of Yonge is a departure from fine dining from the folks behind Nota Bene. With fabulous cocktails and a decent beer list, this is a nice middle ground between ritzy Financial District bar and a more casual spot.

Wayla Bar
Don't be put off by the dark and mysterious entryway of Wayla. Once there, continue through to the fun and funky dance floor and bar area for a great night out. This LGBTQ bar is tops for great dance music and parties. They now also offer a fresh sandwich bar starting at 11am if you're feeling a little rough from the night before.

Ceili Cottage
In the winter there's a yurt out front, need I say more? Seriously, we're talking an expansive beer list, unpretentious atmosphere and a delicious, newly-revamped menu of solid pub fare. The Ceili also has one of the best patios on the east side.

Castro's Lounge
This is the beer lover's Beaches hangout. The beer list has as much personality as the decor (that's a compliment). It's a great place for all you wannabe Hemingways to grab a pint and write your next novel. This isn't a regular bar food menu, either - Castro's Lounge is totally vegetarian.

Hi-Lo
I can perfectly explain the vibe of Hi-Lo at Queen and Saulter by saying that you can play pinball while drinking a top-notch cocktail served in a tiki glass. The bar's musical decor and long communal seating help to create an inviting and casual atmosphere.



What did I miss? Let us know your favourite Queen East bars and pubs in the comments. Photo of Hitch by Jesse Milns.

Toronto filmmaker makes most boring viral video ever

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boring go pro videoA Toronto filmmaker's musing on mundanity has somehow become a viral hit. Daniel Williams parody of a GoPro YouTube video in which he records himself performing a series of boring office tasks has racked up over a million views since it was posted yesterday.

The parody is pulled off so well that one would think that the video really is an add for GoPro until watching for long enough to realize that the office tasks aren't about to be replaced by skydiving, white water rafting or some other action sport. Nope, it's just filing, photocopy, and stamp licking.

Set to just-right electronic music (by London Ontario-based OVERWERK), the short video somehow does pick up momentum thanks to the soundtrack and a series of quick cuts. Perhaps this is one for all the film students out there.

Vote: 12 new Best Of categories

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Sweet BlissToday we're opening up voting in our latest Best Of poll. Now you can have your say in 12 categories including cupcakes, ribs, yoga studios, event venues, Halal pizza and more.

Take the best of poll here

Voting in the poll ends at midnight this Thursday April 23rd.

House of the week: 17 Berryman Street

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17 Berryman Street Toronto17 Berryman Street is a sleek, modern house in the ritzy Yorkville neighbourhood, on the market for $3,395,000. The three bedroom dwelling (with five bathrooms) was built in 1888 and the pre-renovation photos aren't pretty for Hazelton standards. The designated heritage property sold quickly (in just nine days) for $1,059,000, and two years later, it was gutted and back on the market.

Berryman Street has the cool factor with a handful of modern re-builds in the area, and no one bats their pretty eyelash extension at the price.

17 Berryman Street TorontoRight next door is the Barton Myers residence, built and owned by the architect, with a central courtyard, a translucent fiberglass roof and green house. 17 Berryman comes with its own luxuries like a floating wine cellar, two rooftop decks and bedrooms, each with their own ensuite. There's an elevator and the backyard boasts a hot tub, deck and waterfall.

17 Berryman Street TorontoThe neighbourhood remains a hub of activity, especially with the redevelopment of the Hazelton Lanes shopping centre, now re-branded as "Yorkville Village." The housing market in this "Village" is not popping anytime soon.

17 Berryman Street TorontoSPECS

  • Address: 17 Berryman Street
  • Price: $3,395,000
  • Lot Size: 20 x 118 FT
  • Bedrooms: 3+1
  • Bathrooms: 5
  • Parking: 0
  • Taxes: $6503.47 (2014)
  • Walk Score: 99

17 Berryman Street TorontoNOTABLE FEATURES

  • 4,000 square feet
  • 20 foot ceilings
  • Floating staircase
  • Basement with extra height ceilings

17 Berryman Street TorontoGOOD FOR

You won't need to mow or shovel. With no driveway and a backyard with artificial grass, it's a low maintenance, move-in ready house. Plus, the home was once owned by Canadian poet, Jean Jay Macpherson----a fun conversation piece at your next dinner party.

17 Berryman Street TorontoMOVE ON IF

You need parking. There is no parking for this $3 million property, although parking alternatives are available, according to the realtor. Even with a high walk score of 99 and transit nearby, (almost) everyone in Yorkville still owns a car. Anyways, why not? Whole Foods has free parking with purchase and a VIP underground car wash.

17 Berryman Street TorontoRead other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.


Empty Allen Road

Today in Toronto: Earth Day, 416 Dating, Food on Film, FAT, Loom + Isla Craig, fORUM, Mujercitos, Pivot

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today in torontoToday in Toronto celebrate Earth Day with 416 Dating Stories, or a number of other events including gardening tutorials, film screenings, and craft-offs.

Wine lovers can see master sommelier Jordan Salcito (Momofuku, Bellus Wines) introduce doc Somm at TIFF for Food on Film. Pivot's stellar reading series has moved from the Press Club (RIP) to the Steady on Bloor. At the AGO you can also see the public opening of the Stephen Andrews exhibit for free in the evening. 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 by StudioGabe in the blogTO Flickr pool

The top 5 online house cleaning services in Toronto

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cleaning servicesOnline house cleaning services in Toronto make booking an appointment a snap. While most of the most prominent peer-to-peer cleaning services, which match customers to independent contractors, are startups that have made their way into Toronto, a few homegrown companies have also climbed on board. No matter who you choose, you'll be getting a cleaner place in just a few clicks.

Here are my picks for the top online house cleaning services in Toronto.

Maid In T.O.
This new outfit is founded and based in Toronto, which has some advantages over the foreign-owned services (for example, they're less likely to over-promise on how long it'll take for your cleaner to beat the traffic). Their cleaners use only eco-friendly supplies, and work in teams of two for maximum efficiency. Cleanings start at $125 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Handy
Handy serves more than 20 cities in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., and handles a number of hands-on tasks (furniture assembly, electrical, plumbing) as well as cleaning. They offer better rates for repeat cleanings - for example, a weekly pass through a one-bedroom will cost $50, but that goes up to $58 for once a month.

Chores
Chores' cleaners follow a 60-point checklist to make sure they leave no stone unturned when cleaning your place (supplies are included). A three-hour cleaning for a one-bedroom will set you back about $81.

Helpling
The biggest player in the online-cleaning sphere, Helpling is a Berlin-based startup that, like the others on this list, matches customers to independent cleaners. For a flat rate of $25 per hour, Helpling cleaners will perform a list of basic services, with extras available as add-ons. (Note: customers supply their own cleaning supplies.)

Good Karma
No, they don't have an app, and their online booking interface might not be super fancy, but Good Karma's cleaning services have a solid rep - and they match Helpling's pricing, at $25 per hour (for a minimum of three hours). They use exclusively non-toxic, eco-friendly products (though you have to supply your own mop and vacuum).

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for online house cleaning services in Toronto in the comments.

Photo via Helpling.

Australian eyewear shop opens first Toronto outpost

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Bailey NelsonThe co-owners of Queen West's newest eyewear store are strong believers that brand name glasses shouldn't cost more than the Apple products you use them to see with. Up on all the latest trends, knowledgeable staff act as personal stylists to find the high-quality pair that suits you perfectly, without breaking your budget.

Read my profile of Bailey Nelson in the fashion section.

Union-Pearson Express opening date pegged for June 6

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Union Pearson ExpressA rail link between Union Station and Pearson International will finally be a reality for commuters in Toronto as of June 6. Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the opening date for the UP Express at a press event this morning, during which she took a ride on the brand new train.

The CBC reports that it took the Premier 23 minutes to make her journey, which is a bit faster than the projected duration of 25 minutes on account of the fact that the train skipped two stops. Travellers won't get to do that, but at least the service will be in place well before the arrival of the Pan Am Games this summer.

As always seems to be the case in Toronto with services of this type, this is one of the most expensive air-rail connections in North America, with a one-way fare coming in at $19 for Presto cardholders and $27.50 for everyone else.

All aboard.

The 10 hottest new restaurants in Toronto

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new restaurants torontoNewly opened restaurants in Toronto this spring continue to bask in the buzz of new press, full reservation books, and/or curious diners clamouring for a first taste. There's never been a better time to open a restaurant in Toronto, and these places are top of the heap when it comes to the buzz machine.

Here are my picks for the hottest new restaurants to open so far this year.

Bar Raval
Packed since day one, Chef Grant Van Gameren's new all day Spanish snack bar on College is serving up pintxos and cocktails in a luxe standing room-only bar.

La Carnita East
The east side has fully embraced this new taqueria, and during peak hours you'll witness patrons clamouring for a table. Never mind the hype, the menu is well worthwhile, featuring La Carnita's signature tacos topped with crispy chicken or ancho braised beef cheeks, plus exclusive daily features like the crispy oxtail taco.

R&D
The reservation books on Friday and Saturday night are all filled up during dinner hour at this modern Chinese restaurant on Spadina in the old Strada space. It must have something to do with the celebrity status of chefs Eric Chong and Alvin Leung, or it could be because of menu options like Peking duck and lobster chow mein.

Hanmoto
The place is disproportionately small compared to the big bold flavours that the kitchen is putting out, which only makes getting a table more challenging/rewarding. Dishes like katsu pork belly buns, stuffed chicken wings, and hamachi tartare are truly delicious.

The Dirtybird
Northern style fried chicken and waffles is a delectable new attraction in Kensington Market where three piece chicken dinners boast crackling skin and come coated with maple dust or can be ordered boneless on top of buttered waffles.

Annette Food Market
The Good Neighbour has taken over the space next door and performed a miracle; turning water into wine, or more literally, acquiring a liquor license (something former tenants could never accomplish). The new menu offers pizza, beets with burrata, and ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms.

Lucky Red 2.0
Momentum continues to pick up for this newly revamped Chinatown snack bar. The newly licensed outfit serves up original 2oz cocktails and dishes out fun and affordable small plates like hambaogers, nachos Koreano, and duck gravy poutine.

Fat City Blues
Blues enthusiasts have a new reason to rejoice at this newly opened College St. bar where live music and a menu of authentic New Orleans-style grub is served until late night.

Buster Rhino's
The suburban legends are true; Buster Rhino's does truly delicious barbecue including perfect dry-rubbed ribs and wings that are smoked then deep fried. The new spot on College St. is only three weeks old, but already locals have become converts after years of allegiance to Phil's.

Local 1794
Twenty three craft draught beers and a meat-centric menu featuring goodies like charcuterie and wild boar pizza are the big draw at this Danforth East establishment.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for the hottest new restaurants in Toronto via the comments. Photo of La Carnita by Jesse Milns.

New Instagram account revisits lost Toronto club scene

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Flyer vault TorontoLocal DIY music historian / poster hoarder Daniel Tate has set up one of the most interesting Toronto Instagram accounts we've seen in a long time. The Flyer Vault (@theflyervault) documents Tate's collection of gig flyers spanning all genres from the 1980s to the mid '00s. Tate claims he has over 3,000 to get though.

It's interesting just to trace through venues (and design concepts) long past, but there's a piece of musical nostalgia for everyone here: '90s raves, rapgigs (including Wu Tang's first Toronto show), early Deadmau5 and Jr. Flo appearances, mysterious Sunnyside Pavilion r&b flyers, SARSstock, and a Dan Snaith (Caribou) poster from 2001.

Here are a few of Tate's most noteworthy flyers.

Hard Knock Life Tour. 03.10.99 @ ACC @mastermindlive @redmangilla @duskopoppington @djclue #toronto #hiphop #jayz #acc

A photo posted by The Flyer Vault (@theflyervault) on

RnB party. 12.22.02 @ Roxy Blu @aliblack75 #rnbparty #torontohistory

A photo posted by The Flyer Vault (@theflyervault) on

Pleasure Force/Syrous/Renegades I 10.08.94 #rave Thanks to @sxy_marco for the contribution

A photo posted by The Flyer Vault (@theflyervault) on

The Millenium Rave (pre-flyer) 12.31.99 #cooperation #torontohistory #toronto #rave @djdanmusic @djsneak @djbadboybill

A photo posted by The Flyer Vault (@theflyervault) on

Roller skating at the Kool Haus! ..back when 2001/02. @the_guvernment @inkentertainment @markoliverofficial

A photo posted by The Flyer Vault (@theflyervault) on

The Return of Frankie Knuckles (RIP) 06.19.99 @ Industry #legends #frankieknuckles #house #toronto

A photo posted by The Flyer Vault (@theflyervault) on


Browse many more on The Flyer Vault's Instagram account.


How the Runnymede Theatre became the nicest drug store in Toronto

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toronto runnymede theatreThe crowd outside the Runnymede Theatre on opening night was a sight to behold. Thousands of people in the warmth of an early summer evening packed the sidewalk for a chance to claim one of the 1,550 seats inside the brand new, state-of-the-art movie house.

Strings of coloured lights and bunting were delicately arranged around the main entrance, lending the scene an air of festivity. Most went away disappointed, unable to secure a ticket.

Inside, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario William Donald Ross, his wife, and part owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jack Bickell, were among the dignitaries.

More than a thousand lucky locals watched a specially-produced three-minute film about the theatre, "The Fire Brigade," a 1926 movie about an Irish firefighter in love with a woman whose father, a wealthy contractor, cuts corners on fire safety, and "Rookies," a comedy about two servicemen in world war one with eyes for the same woman.

Soprano soloist Miss Thelma Bateman serenaded the crowd, and Harvey Doney, baritone, sang "The Road to Mandalay."

toronto runnymede theatreIn 1927, the Runnymede was considered one of the finest movie houses of its day. The building was designed by Alfred Chapman, the architect responsible for the original Royal Ontario Museum and the Palais Royale at the CNE, in the "Atmospheric" style.

The ceiling of the auditorium was covered in painted clouds and dotted with tiny lightbulbs that mimicked the night sky and lent the room an air of spaciousness.

As Kate Fane wrote for The Grid, "crew members were reminded to 'turn out the stars and shut off the clouds before leaving.'"

While primarily a movie house, the Runnymede doubled as a live performance venue and gathering space for the Bloor West neighbourhood. Runnymede United Church celebrated Canada's Diamond Jubilee there later in 1927 with a special service.

Four years later, evangelist W. J. Hurdon told to a startled crowd that the second coming of Christ would occur with the turn of the millennium, ending the world.

Chapters runnymedeIt wasn't all fire and brimstone, however. In 1949, about 1,000 children viewed a "sex-free, crime-free, and horror-free" movie, "Little Old New York," as part of a program organized by the Children's Film Library Committee, a national body tasked with selecting movies suitable for kids in the days before ratings kept youngsters away from gore, vice, and sex.

The committee watched to see how the kids "wiggled" during the show. Too much fidgeting would mean the movie was boring, the Globe and Mail explained. Luckily, the film passed the test and was added to the list of films the CFLC deemed suitable for young, impressionable minds.

With the arrival of television in the 1950s, neighbourhood theatres like the Runnymede began to struggle as audience numbers plummeted; by the 1970s the owners had converted the venerable old movie house into a bingo hall, eschewing pictures altogether.

The flirtation with casual gambling didn't last, however, and by the 1980s the Runnymede was back, this time as a twin theatre.

toronto runnymede theatreAs it turned out, the bombastic evangelist who predicted the end of the world in 1931 was in one tiny way right. In 1999, 10 months before the turn of the century, the Runnymede closed for the last time at the end of a final screening of You've Got Mail.

After several years as a Chapters book store, the Runnymede re-opened this month as a Shoppers Drug Mart. Considering Shoppers' cookie cutter store designs are often tantamount to crimes against urbanism, this one doesn't look half bad.

Sadly, the twinkling night sky ceiling is long gone.

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

Images: Toronto Archives, Silent Toronto, Eddie F/blogTO Flickr pool, Shoppers Drug Mart.

The top 25 bike stores in Toronto by neighbourhood

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bike stores torontoBike stores in Toronto are scattered throughout the city. There's bound to be a spot near you that will suit your needs, whether you're looking to pick up a shiny new ride, get repairs done, order a custom build, or even pick up some new skills for yourself.

Here are my picks for the top bike stores in Toronto by neighbourhood.

THE ANNEX
Curbside is a haven for lovers of swoopy, elegant city bikes. Though many of them have a distinctly Dutch feel, they carry everything from British Bromptons to Belgian Achielles to Toronto's own Simcoe. Their friendly staff will also sell you some quality hybrids, folders, a few cargo bikes, and tons of cute accessories to boot.

BAYVIEW AND LEASIDE
Enduro Sport is notable among the city's performance-oriented cycling specialists for catering to triathletes, offering road and tri bikes in addition to wetsuits, footwear and goggles. (Sandy's is a close second for being the city's only bike store-and-bookshop hybrid.)

wheels of bloorBLOOR WEST VILLAGE
Wheels of Bloor is one of the best high end bikes shops in Toronto for road riders. Specializing in brands that you'll see in the professional peloton -- you know, Cervelo, Pinarello, BMC, and recently, Specialized -- here you'll get top notch fitting and mechanic services. Just make sure to wipe the drool off your chin when passing through the showroom.

BLOORCOURT
Riders Cycle and Board at Dupont and Dovercourt is Bloorcourt's friendly neighbourhood bike store, complete with coffee bar. In addition to offering repairs while you wait (and sip on a latte), they're popular with those looking for a one-of-a-kind ride made from vintage parts. By the way, they're careful not to sell any stolen rides.

sweet petes bike shopBLOORDALE
The original location in the trio of Sweet Pete's stores occupies a substantial 4,000 square feet in Bloordale. They're a friendly, laid-back spot, with hands-off service that won't intimidate non-experts, and stick to mid-range rides from Trek, Giant, Kona and Opus that work well for casual city riders.

CABBAGETOWN
Cycle Solutions' original Cabbagetown location (as well as its sister shop in the Upper Beach) carry a smattering of everything - commuter bikes, road bikes, BMX, and family-friendly options like kids' bikes and carriers. On the whole, they tend to favour budget-friendly rides instead of the top-of-the-line stuff; they also carry out knowledgeable and speedy repairs.

Broom Wagon CycleryTHE DANFORTH
Named for the vehicle that follows riders at the Tour De France and picks up stragglers, Broom Wagon Cyclery aims to help those who need a little help when it comes to cycling. There's a strong city bike focus - but, true to their aim of flexibly suiting the neighbourhood's needs, there's a few racers, hybrids, mountain bxikes and kids' bikes mixed in as well.

DUNDAS WEST
Ride Away Bikes at Dundas and Markham is devoted to refurbished rides, collecting donated bikes and selling them back into the community for around $100-$250. Since they're used to working on the older stuff, they're also a good source for quick, inexpensive repairs (to even the oddest of bikes).

EAST CHINATOWN
They won't sell you a bike at Bike Sauce, but this volunteer-run co-op will gladly teach you how to fix it yourself. In addition to hosting cycling-related advocacy programming, they also refurbish old bikes for sale at inexpensive prices, and offer a sizeable trove of new and used parts for sale.

EGLINTON WEST
Dream Cyclery is a brand-new addition to Eglinton and Marlee, where owner Linus Kwak repairs all manner of bikes and hand-builds his own custom parts. If you can't get to him, he also offers a pickup and delivery service for repairs.

ETOBICOKE
Chain Reaction is known just as much for their indoor cycling studio (featuring bikes that measure your energy output in watts) as they are for their actual road-ready rides. However, they do a solid job of meeting locals' cycling needs, including a strong selection of road bikes and products for kids.

la carrera bikes torontoJUNCTION TRIANGLE
Their name is Spanish for "race", which should tell you a lot about the offerings at La Carrera: Bikes built for speed, as well as the high-performance parts and services to complement them. They offer custom builds and frames decorated by local artists - but their thorough tune-ups also make them a popular service option for all kinds of local cyclists.

KENSINGTON MARKET
Bikes on Wheels has spread to Queen and Dundas west, but the original is still a Kensington favourite for cute city bikes from Simcoe and Linus, high-end track bikes from Masi and Fuji, and pretty much everything in between.

Gallant BikesKOREATOWN
Gallant Bikes custom-builds urban bikes based on two basic frame shapes, the rider-forward No. 1 and the swept-back No. 2. With 14 colour options and a lot of top-flight add-ons available, you can wheel out of there on a stellar ride for a good price (and bring it back for $40 flat-fee repairs for the next 10 years, if needed).

LESLIEVILLE
Velotique began as a cycling accessory specialist, and still maintains a strong selection of parts and add-ons - but they'll also sell you a road, hybrid or MTB bike, and supply you with one annual free tune-up for life.

liberty street cycleryLIBERTY VILLAGE
Liberty Village Cyclery is the place for you if you're looking for speedy, friendly repairs, a custom-built ride, or an accessory for your daily commute. You won't find too many floor models for perusing, but feel free to hang out at the bar near the repair area while your fixes get made.

LITTLE ITALY
If you want a vintage one-speed, look no further than My Little Bike Shop on College, which focuses on bikes from the '60s to the '90s - some of which owner Cam Zalewski finds in near-mint condition, while others are lovingly refurbished. They'll also do repairs on your ride (Zalewski has been known to come in for customers who can't make it during regular shop hours).

NORTH YORK
While the "sports" part of the equation in Spokes and Sports covers skating, curling, and even ultimate Frisbee, they cover off plenty when it comes to cycling, too. BMX, comfort bikes and hybrids are all well-represented, mostly low-to-mid-range models from Opus and Trek.

OSSINGTON
The Pedal Stop is another repair-oriented spot (so if you're looking to buy one of those cool vintage bikes hanging around the shop, you may or may not be out of luck). However, they're a popular destination for local cyclists for fixes and $50 tune-ups, and they'll do a custom build for you starting at just $550.

PARKDALE
Bike Pirates just moved down to Parkdale from Bloordale, but their aims haven't changed: Teach Toronto to fix its own bikes, one visitor at a time. You can also use their facilities and tools to work on your own bike, buy new or used parts, build your own bike from scratch, or attend workshops and community events.

urbane cyclistQUEEN WEST
Their convenient Queen and John location makes Urbane Cyclist a popular choice for downtown riders in need of a quick fix. It also shapes their product offerings: Since most of their clients ride bikes to get from point A to point B, they stock an array of city-friendly models, including their own in-house line.

RIVERSIDE
Switchback Cyclery has style to spare, thanks to their roster of glossy city bikes from Linus, Devinci, Fuji, and others. But there's a lot of heart behind all those glossy city bikes: the shop is run by the Toronto Enterprise Fund, which helps those struggling with the job hunt to find positions. Service is always friendly, and there's a great selection of fashionable, practical accessories.

Blacksmith CycleRONCESVALLES
Blacksmith Cycle specializes in race-ready Italian road bikes - and sets themselves apart through a vast array of customization options. They also ensure a tailor-made fit thanks to their use of the Juteau-Cantin fit system, and will also help you lock in the perfect fit on your existing ride, for a fee. (Bonus: A refined atmosphere and great coffee.)

SCARBOROUGH
If you're looking for a top-flight mountain or road bike, head to D'Ornellas in Scarborough. Former racer Eon D'Ornellas' shop stocks higher-end models (read: four figures and up) from Scott and Specialized, and offers the fit and repair services to match.

giant bicycles torontoWEST QUEEN WEST
Giant Bicycles is dominated, as you might have guessed, by the mega-manufacturer's models, available in every concievable style, shape, colour and price point. Fittingly for such a big company, technology permeates the shopping experience, from the profiling matrix that helps you pick the perfect bike to their high-tech Bike Fit Studio.

YONGE AND EGLINTON
In addition to a range of Trek-branded bikes and accessories, from cyclocross to road to comfort, the Trek Bicycle Store offers plenty of extra perks to shoppers: complimentary fittings, a price-match guarantee, and a free two-year tune-up plan.

Did I miss any? Give props to your favourite neighbourhood bike store in the comments.

Queen St. fashion boutique revamped as lifestyle shop

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smoke and ash torontoFormerly known as Sauvage, this fashion shop has been transformed into a destination for lifestyle goods, from eyewear to natural skincare to small home decor items like candles. Clothing is still a big part of the concept, but the more diverse product lineup might just make the store more appealing to the throngs of shoppers passing by on Queen West.

Read my review of Smoke + Ash in the fashion section.

Neon Directive

Today in Toronto: Hot Docs, AGO Massive, Kids in the Hall, Anna Karenina, Escape from the Bank, Jessy Lanza

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today in torontoToday in Toronto North America's largest documentary film festival is back, and as always there are way too many films to chose from, especially since many of these docs are otherwise hard to find. From the political to the eclectic, find this year's program online here, and see our top 20 picks here.

The AGO's 2015 Massive mega party will celebrate their Basquiat exhibit with a tribute to NYC's '80s avant-garde scene by artists including Toronto's TALWST. Kids in the Hall will kick off four dates, while the Black Box Theatre will be transformed into a '20s bank for by Real Escape Room T.O.. Jessy Lanza is back with River Tiber and Allie, and the Eifman St. Petersburg Ballet is in town with classic Anna Karenina. 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.

Lead photo: Basquiat and Area

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