Photo by camasy in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Prepaid mobile phone plans are widely available in Toronto. These plans feature a variety of options, from inexpensive, no-frill, talk and text options to pricier ones that include data. Depending on the plan, you can purchase one at the airport, supermarket, drug stores, gas stations and electronics' providers, just to name the most popular.

Here's a list of the prepaid mobile plans available in Toronto, in no particular order.

President's Choice Mobile
President's Choice - sold at Loblaw's - offers several options in their pre-paid cards, although they primarily focus on talk and text options. The basic $15 card offers unlimited text messages Canada-wide and internationally, with 20 cents per minute charged for local calls. The priciest $50 option offers unlimited local calls. People might be turned away as a result of the limited data options on PC cards, but all cards feature unlimited talk and text to other PC Prepaid customers.

Bell
Bell has a variety of prepaid options available. The most inexpensive version is $15.75 per recharge, giving customers unlimited nationwide text and local calls for 20 cents per minute. Also available is a $45.75 option, with 150 local minutes plus unlimited evenings and weekends, unlimited texts, and 200 MB of data. All Bell cards however do have a $10 up front SIM card cost, and can be purchased at Bell providers.

Fido
Entry-level buyers will find Fido offers a standard $15.75 prepaid card with unlimited international text and 30 cents per minute rate for local calls. Users interested in more features can pony up $55 for 500 Canada-wide minutes, unlimited text and 750 MB of data.

Rogers
Rogers offers numerous options for prepaid customers. The most inexpensive rate, available for $15.75, offers unlimited nationwide text and local calls for 20 cents per minute. Rogers also has $70 option for unlimited text and unlimited minutes Canada-wide, although your value for money might be better placed with other options. Rogers also has an option with 2 GB of data, unlimited text and unlimited evenings and weekends. The high price tag of $80.75 though makes it a difficult buy, particularly because no daytime minutes are included in the purchase.

Telus
Telus offers entry-level prepaid plans with 50 local minutes and 500 nationwide texts for $15.75. Customers looking for a little more may find their $65.00 plan useful with 300 local minutes, unlimited texts, and 1 GB of data. Like Bell however, Telus customers may have to purchase an additional SIM card for $10.00.

7-Eleven SpeakOut
7-Eleven has its own line of prepaid phone cards. All plans require a $10.00 up front purchase for a SIM card. They offer a $20.00 prepaid plan with 100 nationwide minutes, and unlimited texts to Canada and the US. Customers can also pick up a more unconventional year-long prepaid option for $100 with 400 local minutes and unlimited texts.

Chatr
Chatr is a great choice for people committed to using only WiFi for their internet needs. For $20.00 customers can get unlimited local minutes, making it a better option than most landlines. Their $40.00 option provides unlimited nationwide minutes, as well as unlimited texts internationally.

Koodo
Koodo offers a significant amount of customization to their prepaid plans. They offer a base plan for $15.00 with unlimited nationwide and international texts. However, in order to actually make any calls, customers need to purchase at least a $5.00 add-on for 25 nationwide minutes. On the higher end, Koodo offers a $50.00 base plan with unlimited local minutes plus unlimited nationwide and international texts. Note that all Koodo plans also require an upfront SIM card purchase, although they go for only $5.00

Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile provides Torontonians with a few options for their prepaid needs. Entry-level customers have the option of a $25.00 plan with either 50 local minutes or unlimited evenings and weekends but no daytime minutes. Both plans offer unlimited texts nationwide and internationally. For $55.00 customers receive unlimited local minutes along with unlimited nationwide and international texts. Like some other options Virgin Mobile also requires an upfront $10.00 purchase of a SIM card.

Public Mobile
Public Mobile has little in the way of set plans but does offer potential customers a wide variety of customization options. The lowest price option is unlimited nationwide texts for $20.00 although no minutes are made available. Customers can get unlimited Ontario minutes and unlimited nationwide texts for only $35 however. The most expensive option available is an unlimited nationwide talk and text package with 4 GB of data for $80.00.

Petro Canada
Lastly, consumers also have the option of picking prepaid plans from Pedro Canada. A $20.00 package will get you 100 nationwide minutes along with unlimited nationwide texts. Also available are pricier plans for $45.00 which will provide 300 nationwide minutes and unlimited nationwide texts, as well as 500 MB of data. Petro Canada is another one that requires the purchase of a $10.00 SIM card.

NOTE: Rates and plans above are subject to change. Please check the linked web sites for the latest plans and pricing.

Have I missed any? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Kat NLM in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Pan Am Games road closures stretch across Toronto over the next month or so. It will be impossible not to feel the effect of the games for anyone commuting, but the real pain will be for drivers. We've already published a primer on the HOV lanes and what you need to know about getting around, but this is the official list of road closures and traffic restrictions.

Pan Am Games organizers reserve the right to deviate from the times listed below as pertains to athletic events, but with healthy buffers around each event, I'd suspect that this won't happen. So, get ready: the city is about to become a driver's nightmare. The best way to arm yourself in this battle is with knowledge. Good luck, and please stay patient.

Note: two types of traffic restrictions are listed below -- those that relate to Pan Am facilities and ceremonies, and those that pertain to specific athletic events. For more information, check out this document from the Pan Am Games.

PAN AM GAMES GENERAL CLOSURES

Temporary traffic changes near Varsity Stadium (VAR) and Pan Am Fields (PAF) at
the University of Toronto:

• No stopping on Bloor St. between Devonshire Place and Queen's Park Circle from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from June 29 to August 18.
• No standing on Bedford Ave. between 15 metres and 45 metres north of Bloor St. from July 14 to August 11.
• No standing on Hoskin Ave. between St. George St. and Devonshire Place from June 21 to August 16.
• Hoskin Ave. will be one-way eastbound between St. George St. and Devonshire Place, from July 8 to August 16. Only local traffic will be permitted.
• Hoskin Ave. closed between Devonshire Place and Queen's Park Crescent, from June 22 to August 22.
• Devonshire Place will be one-way northbound between Hoskin Ave. and Bloor St. W., from June 29 to August 18. Only local traffic will be permitted.
• No stopping on St. George St. between Hoskin Ave. and College St., from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from June 29 to August 18.

Temporary traffic changes near Nathan Phillips Square (NPS):


• Wellington St. closed between University Ave. and Church St., from 5:30 p.m. to midnight on August 15.
• Bay St. closed between Dundas St. and Queen St. from 3:00 p.m. to midnight on August 15.
• No standing on University Ave. between Wellington St. and Armoury St., from 3:00 p.m. on August 15 to 1:00 a.m. on August 16.
• No standing on Richmond St. between York St. and Bay St. at all times, from August 2 to August 18.

Temporary traffic changes near Pan Am Ceremonies Venue (PAD), typically
known as the Rogers Centre:


• Bremner Blvd. (eastbound) closed between Rees St. and Lower Simcoe St., from 3:00 p.m. to midnight on July 10 and July 26.
• Bremner Blvd. (westbound) closed between Navy Wharf Ct. and Lower Simcoe St., from 3:00 p.m. to midnight on July 10 and July 26.
• No standing on Bremner Blvd between Lower Simcoe St. and York St. from June 30 to July 28.
• Rees St. closed between Lake Shore Blvd. and Bremner Blvd., from 3:00 p.m. to midnight on July 10 and July 26.
• Wellington St. closed between John St. and Church St., from 5:45 p.m. to midnight on July 10 and July 26.
• Front St. eastbound lanes closed between John St. and Simcoe St., from 3:00p.m. to midnight on July 10 and July 26.
• No standing on Front St. between Bathurst St. and Spadina Ave., from 3:00 p.m. to midnight on July 10 and July 26.
• No standing on Queen's Quay West between Bay St. and Yonge St., from 6:00a.m. to midnight from July 1 to July 28. No standing on Cooper St. between Queen's Quay West and 60 metres north, from 6:00 a.m. to midnight from July 1 to July 28.
• No parking in the lots south of the Rogers Centre, from July 2 to July 10 and from July 20 to July 28.

Temporary traffic changes near the CIBC Pan Am / Parapan Am Athletes' Village
(PAV) and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCY) in the east Donlands:


• Front St. closed between Trinity St. and Cherry St., from June 1 to August 30.
• Old Eastern Ave. closed between Eastern Ave. and Lawren Harris Square, from April 2 to September 30.
• Cherry St. closed between Mill St. and Front St. from April 2 to September 30.
• Cherry St. closed between Front St. and Eastern Ave., from June 1 to September 30.
• Cherry St closed between Lake Shore Blvd and Mill St, from June 15 to September 30.
• No standing on Parliament St. between Lake Shore Blvd. and Front St. from July 1 to August 19.
• No standing on Trinity St. between Mill St. and Front St. from July 1 to August 19.
• No standing on Eastern Ave. (south side) between Cherry St. and Old Eastern Ave., from July 1 to August 19.
• No stopping on Cherry St. between Lake Shore Blvd and Ship Channel Bridge, from June 29 to August 20.
• No parking on Cherry St. between Unwin Ave. and Ship Channel Bridge, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. between July 7 and July 19.
• No stopping on Commissioners St. between Cherry St. and Munitions Rd., from June 29 to August 20.

Temporary traffic changes near Pan Am Park (PAP) at Exhibition Place:


• No parking on Dufferin St. (east side) between Springhurst Ave. and Queen St. atfrom July 11 to July 26.
• No parking on Dufferin St (west side) between King St. and Queen St. from July 11 to July 26.
• No standing on Dufferin St. (west side) between Springhurst Ave. and Thorburn Ave. from July 11 to July 26.
• No standing on Tyndall Ave. (east side) between Springhurst Ave. and Thorburn Ave. from July 11 to July 26.
• No standing on Springhurst Ave. (north side) between Jamieson Ave. and Dufferin St. from July 11 to July 26.
• No standing on Springhurst Ave (south side) between Dunn Ave and Spencer Ave. from July 11 to July 26.
• Springhurst Ave will be one-way westbound between Dufferin St. and Tyndall Ave. from July 11 to July 26.
• No left turn from westbound Springhurst Ave. onto Jamieson Ave. from July 11 to July 26.
• No right turn from southbound Bathurst St. onto Lake Shore Blvd, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, from June 29 to August 18.
• Manitoba Dr. will be closed from Saskatchewan Rd. to Strachan Ave. from July 4 to July 26
• No right turn from southbound Strachan Ave. onto Manitoba Dr. from July 4 to July 26.
• Strachan Ave southbound will be closed between Lake Shore Blvd. and Fleet St. from July 4 to July 26.
• Ontario Dr. will be one-way northbound between Lake Shore Blvd. and Manitoba Dr. from July 4 to July 26.

PAN AM GAMES ATHLETIC EVENTS CLOSURES

Saturday, July 11: triathlon competition (women's)

1 a.m.: Full closure of Lake Shore Boulevard between Parkside Drive and Ontario Place parking lots.

Lake Shore Boulevard between Parkside Drive and Net Drive (one eastbound lane) will remain open using a counterflow system (no through traffic - local access only) so that businesses and residents have access.

2 p.m.: Full reopening of all westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard.

Sunday, July 12: triathlon competition (men's)

1 a.m.: Full closure of Lake Shore Boulevard between Parkside Drive and Ontario Place parking lots.

Lake Shore Boulevard between Parkside Drive and Net Drive (one eastbound lane) will remain open using a counterflow system (no through traffic - local access only) so that businesses and residents have access.

2 p.m.: Full reopening of all eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard.

Saturday, July 18: marathon competition (women's)

1 a.m.: Full closure of Lake Shore Boulevard from Parkside Drive to Strachan Avenue. Full closure of Parkside Drive between Lake Shore Boulevard and High Park Road, and roads in High Park (Colborne Lodge Drive, Centre Road).

Lake Shore Boulevard between Parkside Drive and Net Drive (one eastbound lane) will remain open using a counterflow system (no through traffic - local access only) so that businesses and residents have access.

2 p.m.: Full reopening of all eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard, Parkside Drive and roads in High Park (Colborne Lodge Drive, Centre Road).

Sunday, July 19: race walk (men's and women's 20-kilometre race)

1 a.m.: Full closure of all eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard between
British Columbia Drive and Strachan Avenue. Local access only past Strachan Avenue. All others, including spectators, will need to show their Games event ticket to gain access beyond this point.

2 p.m.: Full reopening of all eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard.

Friday, July 24: Two-hour road cycling and marathon training closure

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Road closures for athletes to familiarize themselves with the course.

The closures will affect eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard from Parkside Drive to Strachan Avenue, Parkside Drive, High Park Boulevard, Centre Road, Colborne Lodge Drive, West Road, westbound lanes of the Queensway between Colborne Lodge Drive and Ellis Avenue (two-way traffic will run in the eastbound lanes), Ellis Avenue, Ellis Park Road, Olympus Avenue, Harcroft Road, and eastbound on Bloor Street between Harcroft and Parkside Drive.

Saturday, July 25: marathon competition (men's) and cycling - road race (men's and women's)

1 a.m.: The closures will affect eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard from Parkside Drive to Strachan Avenue, Parkside Drive, High Park Boulevard, Centre Road, Colborne Lodge Drive, West Road, westbound lanes of the Queensway between Colborne Lodge Drive and Ellis Avenue (two-way traffic will run in the eastbound lanes), Ellis Avenue, Ellis Park Road, Olympus Avenue, Harcroft Road, and eastbound on Bloor Street between Harcroft and Parkside Drive.

Lake Shore Boulevard between Parkside Drive and Net Drive (one eastbound lane) will remain open using a counterflow system (no through traffic - local access only) so that businesses and residents have access.

10 p.m.: Full reopening

Sunday, July 26: race walk (men's 50-kilometre race)

1 a.m.: Full closure of all eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard between
British Columbia Drive and Strachan Ave. Local access only past Strachan Avenue. All others, including spectators, will need to show their Games event ticket to gain access beyond this point.

2 p.m.: Full reopening of all eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard.

Friday, August 7: two-hour Parapan Am road cycling training closure

11 a.m.: The closures will affect eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard,
Parkside Drive, High Park Boulevard, Centre Road, Colborne Lodge Drive, West Road, westbound lanes of the Queensway between Colborne Lodge Drive and Ellis Avenue (two-way traffic will run in the eastbound lanes), Ellis Avenue, Ellis Park Road, and eastbound on Bloor Street between Ellis Park Road and Parkside Drive.

Lake Shore Boulevard between Parkside Drive and Net Drive (one eastbound lane) will remain open using a counterflow system (no through traffic - local access only) so that businesses and residents have access.

1 p.m.: Full reopening of all roads.

Saturday, August 8: Parapan Am cycling - road race (men's and women's)

1 a.m.: The closures will take affect eastbound and westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard from Parkside Drive to Strachan Avenue, Parkside Drive, High Park Blvd, Centre Road, Colborne Lodge Drive, West Road, westbound lanes of the Queensway between Colborne Lodge Drive and Ellis Avenue (two-way traffic will run in the eastbound lanes), Ellis Avenue, Ellis Park Road, and eastbound on Bloor Street between Ellis Park Road and Parkside Drive.

Lake Shore Boulevard between Parkside Drive and Net Drive (one eastbound lane) will remain open using a counterflow system (no through traffic - local access only) so that businesses and residents have access.

6 p.m.: Full reopening of all roads.

Photo by Martin Reis in the blogTO Flickr pool

There aren't many design firms in Toronto that can be considered household names, but PARTISANS may soon make the list.

The four-year-old company has been making headlines for projects as diverse as their ambitious and sensuous design of Grant van Gameren'sBar Raval, to the highly anticipated Union Station Revitalization Project.

The group is known for pushing boundaries, with their mandate stating that they hope to highlight the counter narrative of spaces with design that unseats expectations and creates conditions for transformative experiences.

Aside from landing such major civil projects so soon into their career, the firm has also been receiving a fair share of accolades - they're the winners of the 2015 OAA award for Best Emerging Practice and Design Excellence, and they've made the short list for the 2015 World Building of the Year with their innovative Grotto sauna.

"Architecture firms [in Toronto] tend to build buildings instead of dreams," says Alex Josephson, co-founder of the firm.

He tells me that PARTISANS is interested in "much larger, or much broader definitions of how architects work." To Josephson, architects create culture for their city, and "bring a poetic dimension to the space that defines it."

So what's their approach to a civic project like Union Station?

"We worked on how to turn Union into a destination, rather than just a conduit," Josephson explains, adding, "It's just a statement, but it's a pretty big statement."

Josephson says the firm hopes the revitalized station can act as a community hub for the thousands of condo-dwellers expected to move into the ever-expanding number of downtown units.

PARTISANS is also engaged in a "just for fun" project, that aimes to satirize the city's condo-development. Wanting to focus on the experience of the pedestrian on the street level, rather than the city's skyline, they developed 365 rhetorical condominium bases. A way for buildings to "misbehave," in a way they're not currently given a chance to.

So what's next for the firm? Those eager for more stunning restaurant designs may be disappointed. "To be honest with you, I think there's a limited number of restaurateurs in the city that have the ambitions of the clients we've had," Josephson says.

"Grant van Gameren is not your typical chef in Toronto - he was willing to make the investment in the experience. I don't think there are a number of people willing and able to do that here."

Nevertheless, PARTISANS is currently working on a project for Janet Zuccarini of Gusto 101 fame, so fans of great interior restaurant design will likely have something to look forward to.

Writing by Sarah Nieboda. Photos courtesy Jonathan Friedman / Partisan Projects.

The cold brew coffee trend has settled in Toronto, and now our baristas are getting really creative. While you can always check out some of the best cold brew coffee in the city, cafes are taking the silky-smooth beverage to the next level by crafting cold brew lattes, tonics, floats and other concoctions.

Here are my picks for the top cold brew concoctions in Toronto.

Coffee float at Glory Hole Donuts
This is like the root bear float's better-looking cousin. It's the ultimate summertime dessert: the vanilla soft serve cools you down, the cold brew boosts your energy and a drizzle of syrup adds the perfecting touch to a concoction that's as heavenly as it is simple.

Cold brew tonic at Reunion Island
Whoever thought to add fizz to coffee is a mastermind of summertime refreshment. The blend of cold brew coffee, tonic water and ice is a more satisfying alternative to soda and kicks regular iced coffee to the curb.

The "Dark and Foggy" at Dark Horse Espresso Bar
Sipping this latte is a strange experience, in a good way: the blend of cold brew, espresso and lightly steamed milk creates a sensation that's warm and cold at the same time. The interesting mix doesn't distract from the taste, which is as smooth and rich as the name suggests.

Cold brew float at Balzac's
Instead of using soft serve, Balzac's uses vanilla gelato to complete this treat. And they call their cold brew "Nitro," which is created using a Stout Beer technique borrowed from the cafe's friends at Mill Street. Fancy.

Cold brew tonic at Early Bird Espresso Bar
Here's another drink that's as weird as it is good. Sparkling water, peppermint tea, thyme, lemon juice and cold brew coffee all combine to create a surprising but refreshing drink that will boost the spirits.

What did I miss? Add your favourite cold brew concoctions in the comments.

Photo of Reunion Island by Jesse Milns.

Toronto's first Aboriginal food truck debuted in Toronto yesterday just in time for the Pan Am Games. The You Are Welcome truck will likely be a regular presence on the streets this week as it needs to make the most out of its short lifespan. The truck will be touring around Toronto until July 16 after which it will cease operations.

So what exactly can you expect to eat at an Aborginal food truck? We stopped by its inaugural service in Liberty Village on Friday to check out the food. Expect to find menu items unlike any other Toronto food truck - there's curied elk and sweet potato in puff pastry, smoked turkey chili, nish kabobs and blueberry bannock.

Take a closer look at the menu items below.

CURIED ELK AND SWEET POTATO IN PUFF PASTRY
SMOKED TURKEY CHILI
NISH KABOBS
BLUEBERRY BANNOCK
To find out where the truck will be this week, just check this page on Toronto Food Trucks or download the Food Trucks iPhone or Android app.

The Pan Am Games officially got underway last night with a spectacular fireworks show at the CN Tower. It was nothing like the false alarm witnessed on Thursday, when Toronto's most iconic building looked as though it was in the midst of burning down.

Although there was a brief teaser display at the start of the opening ceremonies, it wasn't until Steve Nash lit the set the Pan Am Games cauldron ablaze that the CN Tower awoke from its slumber like a volcano, starting slow and building to a massive crescendo of popping lights.

Have a look at the photos to see how it all went down.

Photo by Tomms.

Photo by Vik Pahwa.

Photo by Jackman Chiu.

Photo by Empty Quarter.

Photo by Francisco Escarameia

Photo by Ronnie Yip.

Lead photo by Tomms

Even as the Pan Am Games have failed to generate the level of excitement in Toronto that organizers had hoped for - though last night's fireworks show was a notable exception - there are already signs that the event will leave a significant infrastructure legacy on Toronto.

We've already gushed about the new Queens Quay and the developments at Union Station, but it's the Canary District, currently home to the Athletes' Village, that might just be the greatest addition to the city. Two years ago, this was a construction site, now it's on the verge of becoming a burgeoning neighbourhood when the athletes finish competing in the Games.

One of the reasons for this is that it's been designed in a way that avoids many of the pitfalls that faced CityPlace so long ago. The idea was to make it a neighbourhood first and foremost. There will be 810 condo units, 253 units of affordable housing, and space for 500 students at the George Brown residence.

Add 40,000 square feet of retail on the way, and you avoid the insularity that often plagues pop-up condo neighbourhoods. The YMCA that will inherit the gym/pool space in the Athletes' Village will also help to create a community hub at the centre of the neighbourhood, complete with a massive green roof.

We've seen a lot of photos of the area as it exists for the Games, but these photos show the Canary District just prior to the arrival of the athletes. They provide a good representation of why this is such a promising addition to Toronto. Still down on the Pan Am Games? Come on, there's a big bright side that has nothing to do with sports.

Photos by Tom Arban

Photo by Vincent Ng in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Free events in Toronto will have your week filled with festivals. The Beaches Jazz Fest and PANAMANIA are in now full swing, giving you plenty of event options all week long. If you aren't a fan of wading through crowds, head to the Harbourfront Centre or David Pecaut Square to catch a free flick.

Heres what to do if all you have left are old Canadian Tire dollars.

Franco-Fête (July 10-24)
Franco-Fete is an opportunity for Toronto's French-speaking people to get together and share their cultures, and teach others about them, too. The festival, at Yonge-Dundas Square, will be like being at the roadside for the Tour de France -- except with the cyclists.

Beaches Jazz Fest (July 10-26)
The Beaches Jazz Festival continues to expand, this year encompassing three weekends at Woodbine Park, on top of the annual street festival, while still remaining free for everyone. Performances by the Lula All Stars, Chris Thomas King, Ogguere, God Made Me Funky, The Boom Booms, La Gran Colombia Orchestra and many more make this one of the most international options this summer.

PANAMANIA (July 10-26, August 7-12)
The Pan Am Games aren't just about sports. You'll be able to see acts like The Roots, Flaming Lips, Chromeo, Jann Arden, USS, Lights, Janelle Monae, Colin James, tons of world music artists and lots more -- all for free at Nathan Phillips Square and the CIBC PanAm Park. Check the schedule and show up early.

Free Flicks: Young Frankenstein (July 15)
Head to the Harbourfront Centre if you feel like catching a free movie this Wednesday. Young Frankenstein, a Mel Brooks parody of the original horror flick, is playing this week.

TIFF in the Park: Whale Rider (July 15)
TIFF in the Park is now in full swing. This Wednesday's flick is Whale Rider, an inspiring film about a twelve-year-old Maori girl.

Have a free event you'd like to plug? Submit it to our Toronto events calendar using this form.

Photo by Lecerf Photography in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top parks for reading in Toronto vary from island escapes to cinematic hilltops to green spaces hidden in the heart of the city. While the weather is so nice, take your reading outdoors and savour the city while you flip the pages by trekking out to one of these calm, beautiful places.

Here are my picks for the top parks for reading in Toronto.

Riverdale Park
There's no better backdrop to an afternoon of reading than a sweeping view of Toronto. Perch yourself on the top of the hill in this large park and this rare scape will keep you company as you chug through the chapters.

Grange Park
Nestled just south of the AGO and beside OCAD, this little urban oasis is a reader's heaven. The stately Georgian building that is the Grange can't help but make what you're doing feel more important, and the way the park is enclosed by downtown buildings makes it a peaceful place to get your literary fix while enjoying the summer weather.

Coronation Park
Neat rows of trees, benches aplenty and a nice view of the boats coming in and out of the harbour make this lakeside park a poetic place to read. Pick a bench or lay a blanket in the grass to waste the hours away with your nose in a book.

Algonquin Island Park
Escape to the island to get some reading done in this nature-saturated park. With the view of the lake and skyline on one side and a crop of willow trees on the other, it's a reading haven that even Poe would approve of.

Dufferin Grove Park
This park is usually abuzz in the summer, but it's so spacious you're bound to find a pocket of peace and quiet. Find a tree that's on your level and hide out there with your fiction until you're ready return to the real world.

What did I miss? Make your suggestions in the comments.

This newly opened take-out joint is a modern take on Swiss Chalet serving up a wide variety of chicken and salad offerings.

Read my profile of Flock in the restaurants section.

Toronto isn't known for producing athletes in the same way it produces greatbands, amazingauthors and compassion (with an accompanying hashtag) for a little raccoon who left us far too soon. There are, however, a handful of athletes who, with their fame and athletic prowess, make Toronto look like an incubator for sporting glory.

Here are my picks for the top athletes from Toronto of all time.

Angela James
Hockey superstar Angela James was born in Toronto in 1964. Known as the Wayne Gretzky of women's hockey, James led Team Canada to four world championships and was the first openly gay player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Jamaal Magloire
Magloire was born in Toronto, attended Eastern Commerce High School, and scored some impressive points for various NBA teams before being the first Canadian-born player to play for the Toronto Raptors. This star center is currently assistant coaching the Raptors as well as consulting and acting as a brand ambassador.

Daniel Nestor
Tennis pro, Order of Canada recipient and Earl Haig alum, Daniel Nestor wasn't born in Toronto, but grew up here. Nestor has won 87 men's doubles titles, including a medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics, 4 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, and the hearts of tennis fans everywhere.

Ken Dryden
Talented goaltender Ken Dryden grew up just outside of Toronto and currently resides here. With a Wikipedia page that makes overachiever James Franco look lazy, Dryden boasted incredible stats before leaving the NHL to get an Ivy League education, attend law school, write several books, and serve as a Member of Parliament.

Brendan Shanahan
Current Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan grew up in Mimico and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. Shanahan shone as a Detroit Red Wing, winning three Stanley Cups, and was a member of the gold medal-winning Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Elvis Stojko
Figure skater and sexual awakener for girls and boys everywhere, Stojko is a two-time Olympic silver medalist. Currently residing in Toronto, Stojko was the first man to land a quadruple jump in combination and was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

George Chuvalo
Legendary boxer George Chuvalo is a five-time Canadian heavyweight champion and two-time world heavyweight title challenger. A graduate of St. Michael's College School, Chuvalo was never knocked down in his 93 fight career.

Milos Raonic
Raonic was born in Montenegro but moved to Toronto when he was three. At 24, this tennis badass has already played in four Grand Slam tournaments, represented Canada in the 2012 Summer Olympics and has one of the strongest serves in the world.

Joey Votto
First baseman Joey Votto grew up in Toronto and currently plays for the Cincinnati Reds. Winner of the National League MVP Award, the Lou Marsh Trophy, the National League Hank Aaron Award and the Gold Glove Award, Votto has an insane on-base percentage.

PK Subban
Toronto-born PK Subban is a current Canadiens defenseman and longtime NHL heartthrob. Winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy, Subban also helped Team Canada score a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Who did I miss? Leave your picks (and burns about my athletic knowledge) in the comments.

Photo by cookedphotos in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto you can start your week off with some laughs. Comedy shows in the city this Monday include The Wizard of Ossington and Gilmore Girlprov. There are also plenty of bar events if you're looking to extend your weekend partying, as well as a few live music shows.

For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Bring Your Own Vinyl BYOV (Pour Boy)
• The Wizard of Ossington (The Ossington)
• Manic Mondays (Dance Cave)
• Gilmore Girlprov (Comedy Bar)
• Monday Rotation (Handlebar)
• CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! (The Drake Underground)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.

The fate of the former Global Village Backpackers building has finally come into focus. The iconic old hostel shut its doors in January 2014 and was on the market six months later, but only recently has the future of the site been revealed. Konrad Group, a digital and technology firm, will open an innovation hub in the 20,000 square foot heritage property at King and Spadina.

The 150 year old building will be home to what the Konrad Group calls BrainStation, an educational organization the company acquired last fall, as well as a shared office concept that will draw tech startups and freelancers to King West. As far as retail goes, 460 King will also play host to a new coffee shop by the name of Quantum Coffee.

The idea with the cafe, as with much of the building, is to make it as tech-forward as possible. So far that involves the promise of an app-­enabled pour over machine, the first in Canada, and "order ahead" mobile payments that will allow customers to avoid waiting in line for their caffeine fix.

Not much has been revealed about the architectural plans for the building, but the rendering currently available shows that the plan is to restore the building with a Tudor-style exterior and a glass addition on the west side of the building. It's a conservative plan for a project that touts innovation as its mantra, but solid restoration work would be most welcome.

What do you think of the plans for the building?

The third annual Junction Night Market took place this past weekend and the neighbourhood block party showcased a delicious array of food and drink from local businesses. Taking over the usual site of the Farmers' Market, the party winded around an alley and closed down Pacific Street at Dundas West for a food-filled evening.

Here are 13 of my favourite foods from the latest edition of The Junction Night Market.

The giant, multi-coloured Toronto sign installed at Nathan Phillips Square for the Pan Am Games will be staying in the city long after the sporting event wraps up. Already vying for the crown of most photographed object in Toronto this summer, it's popularity has led the city to decide it's worth keeping around for the long haul.

CTV reports that the sign will remain at Nathan Phillips Square for the duration of the year, and then it will be installed in different locations aroundToronto. You know, this is quite a good idea, and good on the city for recognizing an opportunity and acting on it.

City Hall is already a focal point for tourists taking photographs in Toronto, but this sign turns the place into a ready-made postcard, with Viljo Revell's iconic structure the backdrop to a scene sells the city well. Will it be as popular as Jeff Koons' Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate in Chicago? No, but you can already see the pull it has over anyone carrying a camera.

Photo by Marcus Mitanis in the blogTO Flickr pool.

There's a new destination to experience a bit of Southern France in Toronto. This just opened bakery cafe also has a location in Manhattan and has brought with them beans from Brooklyn roaster Toby's Estate to pair with baguettes, croissants, quiche and other baked treats.

Read my profile of Maman in the bakery section.

The TO Food Fest went down yesterday at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto - the indoor/outdoor festival featured dozens of vendors from across Toronto. From halo halo to Hawaiian BBQ skewers, the food and drink offered was a feast for the senses.

Check out some of our favourite items in this photo gallery.