The Twilight Zone was the Entertainment's District's first nightclub. Open from 1980 to 1989, it attained legendary status thanks in part to its booming sound system and the influential acts it booked at a time when the city's night life scene paled in comparison to what we enjoy today.
Now, as the area that housed the club plays host to rapid condo development, a local filmmaker has created a petition to name a laneway at its former site in honour of the groundbreaking venue. Colm Hogan, who is currently at work on a documentary project about the club titled Back to the Zone, wants the city to mark its place in history with an official designation.
"[It was] the first nightclub to open in Toronto's entertainment district. The club also introduced the city to hip hop, house, and techno. It provided a safe space for everyone to enjoy themselves, including White, Black, Asian, gay, straight and transgendered people. The Zone really put Toronto on the map, in terms of establishing a music, fashion and cultural hub."
The request is not without precedence in Toronto. Reggae Lane near Eglinton and Oakwood was given an official marker to honour its role in fostering the city's early reggae scene. Toronto has long struggled to pay homage to its past, but initiatives like these have garnered far more support in recent years.
The days of floor-rattling bass may be long gone at Richmond and Simcoe, but the Twilight Zone's influence on the city's music and night life scene lives on. A small official reminder of that would be most welcome in an area that's undergone massive change over the last two decades.
We're now officially halfway through TIFF, which means it's a good time to take stock of the dozens of movies that have screened over the last five days. What movies have wowed audience? What movies have sent them fleeing from theatres? I gathered together some social media reactions to get a gauge of what's succeeding and bombing at the festival. 
THE WORST
The foyer and main level remain largely untouched by Mongrel party planners aside from nods to TIFF in the glass cabinets where film stills from Mongrel movies are displayed. 
Things start to get interesting on the upper and lower floors. 
Assisted by enthusiastic DJs, a few karaoke stars have crooned 80's hits on the upper floor. The original Campbell House decor remains unchanged but the addition of glowing coloured lights and massive TVs brings the place into the 21st century. 
The lower level is reserved for cocktail-minded lounge lizards and aspiring ping pong stars. A generous makeover has been given to this space including the addition of leather sofas, surround sound, and copious amounts of candles. 
Most people below ground have congregated in the ping pong room. Party guests have faced off at the table while onlookers have taken advantage of the cocktail bar located on the opposite side of the room. 
The front lawn is the heart of the venue, outfitted with several fairy-light clad tents and enough entertainment to keep guests busy for hours. A bar serving signature cocktails and plenty of food tents have made it an ideal place to spend many a TIFF night.
Mongrel has also brought in well-loved local eateries. There have been gourmet samosas from 
Drinks wise, two signature beverages have been served at the bar. For the unadventurous, there's a classic vodka cran. For those who like drinks with more personality there's a heavenly blend of Collingwood whisky, Chambord and agave nectar. Not to be overlooked are the cold brew cocktails courtesy of 
A tent that houses the stage for Universal artists has by far been the most popular attraction. Each night there have been different bands performing.
All things considered it seems like an ambitious project done well. Sure, it would have been easier to just take over a turnkey bar or restaurant but what would be the challenge in that?
Photos by Jesse Milns.
This design shop near Spadina and Wellington sells contemporary furniture representing an array of artists from all over the world. Curated by Lee Brown, the store also serves as an art gallery and boasts a small cafe that serves very strong Italian espresso.
Mayor John Tory promised to contract out garbage collection for areas east of Yonge Street while campaigning last year. According to 
Maybe you heard about Bushwick's famous 
Summer 2015 was a doozy for Toronto, bringing with it numerous enhancements that'll last long after the warm weather disappears. Whether you loved Pan Am or griped about it, the games left us with a slew of impressive legacy projects that'll help keep our city great in the years to come. 
Today in Toronto 
Just For Laughs has assembled the most controversial and thought-provoking line-up ever seen in Toronto. This year's edition of JFL42 in Toronto boasts a line-up that's both talented AND relevant, which isn't easy to do. As an added bonus, you now have the chance to purchase individual show tickets in addition to the affordable 
If you can't wait until the 
Smoke's new burrito concept has opened with a bang - with line-ups down the street on Adelaide to take advantage of the 
University of Toronto students won't have to fight with cyclists and motorists anymore thanks to a new pedestrian-only pathway unveiled in front of Convocation Hall. 
After years of study, consultation, lobbying, and pleading by cyclists, Bloor Street is on course to get its first ever bike lane between Shaw and Avenue Road as part of a pilot project that could clear a major hurdle this week.
Toronto has Blue Jays fever, and with that comes unique opportunities to take in late season games. Case in point: the aptly named 
Chinese desserts are a much different animal than their Western counterparts. They focus less on sweetness and more on texture, subtle flavours, nuttiness and fruitiness.
The 
Toronto sports bars provide a reminder that even though you might have your own big screen at home, there's nothing quite like catching the game in the company of fellow fans raucously cheering on the home team alongside a stellar selection of beer and snacks.
