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Restaurant delivery service DoorDash now in Toronto

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doordashAnother day, another food delivery service, or so it seems in Toronto. DoorDash - an American company based in San Francisco - debuted in our city today for its first foray into an international market.

Currently, DoorDash is operating in downtown neighbourhoods including the Financial District, Liberty Village, King and Queen West, Little Italy and the Annex.

It aims to provide quick, one hour service from a number of restaurants including Banh Mi Boys, Barque Smokehouse, Smoke's Poutinerie and Urban Herbivore (however, in all of its news releases, it's promoting its offerings from Signs and Insomnia - two places that are probably best experienced on site). Delivery will cost only a loonie until the end of the year.

This is the latest American import to stake a claim in our food delivery sector. In August, Favour started running food around Toronto joining a host of locally grown offerings such as Hurrier and Just-Eat.


Escape game unveiled for tunnels beneath Casa Loma

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escape room casa lomaAfter debuting its enormously popular Escape from the Tower at Casa Loma, Toronto's Company and Co. is launching its second escape room. This time, however, it'll take you into the tunnels beneath our city's only castle.

The game, called King of the Bootleggers, is set in the 1920s during Toronto's Prohibition years. It all starts, of course, in a speakeasy. And, according to the Company and Co. website, this is Casa Loma's "most diabolical game" yet.

King of the Bootleggers will open on November 25. Like Escape from the Tower, which is already sold out for the rest of the year, tickets are $36 and $42 during prime times.

The Best Pizza Delivery in Toronto

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pizza delivery torontoThe best pizza delivery in Toronto was once a smattering of little shops that you'd otherwise rarely set foot in. While the pizza joint in closest proximity to one's house used to be the best option, there's a whole new world of restaurant-worthy pies that go the distance both in terms of delivery area and quality these days.

Here is the best pizza delivery in Toronto.

Today in Toronto: ODESZA, Reel Awareness Film Festival, UPRISING, Active Surplus Group Exhibition

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today in torontoToday in Toronto its time to pay your respects to the recently shuttered Active Surplus. Toronto artists who found their inspiration in the store will congregate at Projector Gallery to show their work. If that's not your thing, try scrolling through StubHub pages in an effort to find an ODESZA ticket.

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 section.

Photo of Odesza by Dave Lichteman

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Loka, Put A Cone On It, Quattro Quattr8, Craft Kitchen Cafe, Thobors, Gloria

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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

  • After successfully crowdfunding start-up funds, Loka, the new restaurant from Dave Mottershall is now open at 620 Queen Street West, formerly the short-lived Del Ray.
  • Put A Cone On It is open for business at 633 Bloor Street West. The new ice cream shop is the handy work of the same folks behind Manic Coffee.
  • Quattro Quattr8 has replaced Falasca SPQR at 2057 Yonge Street, but don't worry pizza al taglio is still on the menu.
  • Craft Kitchen Cafe has replaced L'eat Express and is now serving up breakfast pastries and sandwiches at 410 Adelaide Street West
  • Thobors Boulangerie Patisserie Café has opened a second location at 1116 Eglinton Avenue West.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

OPENING SOON

  • Gloria a new espresso bar and event space at 478 Roncesvalles Avenue is due to open in early December in the former Autumn Gallery space.

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

Photo via Loka on Facebook.

Condo of the week: 11 William Carson Crescent

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11 William Carson CrescentWith all the new condominiums rising and redefining the area around Yonge and Sheppard, there are still a handful of formal and old-school buildings tucked away in the North York cul-de-sac. A jaw-dropping three bedroom at 11 William Carson Crescent, just to the south proves that royalty (and canopy beds) still exist in the prestigious Hogg's Hollow neighbourhood.

With a price tag of $2,879,000, this penthouse at the Antiquary Condos have 24 hour concierge service and an indoor swimming pool that surely looks attractive to the type of people dining at Auberge du Pommier across the street.

11 William Carson CrescentThe private residence was built about 15 years ago, with six storeys and units ranging from almost 900 to 4,400 square feet. This unit boasts private elevator access and four parking spots and is one of the largest suites in the building. Whatever you think about it, the antiquated interior is certainly eye-catching.

The Manhattan-style suite featuring a rotunda entrance is visually intriguing, along with its formal dining room and patterned floor-to-ceiling wallpaper. The over-the-top master bedroom, matching drapery and flooring makes a grand statement, and the entire living space feels more like a mini bungalow than a confined modern condo.

11 William Carson CrescentSPECS

  • Address: 11 William Carson Crescent
  • Price: $2,879,000
  • Square feet: 4,400
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Parking: 4
  • Taxes: NA
  • Maintenance fee: $3,168.19/monthly
  • Walk Score: 56

11 William Carson CrescentNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Manhattan-style penthouse with rotunda entrance
  • 10 foot ceilings
  • Private elevator
  • Multiple balconies overlooking ravine
  • Large kitchen with wine fridge
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • 24-hour concierge

11 William Carson CrescentGOOD FOR

An urban cottage in the sky. Like an exclusive Muskoka retreat, the balcony views are pretty fantastic, overlooking a lush ravine and private gardens. There's an indoor pool, hot tub and social events within the building.

11 William Carson CrescentMOVE ON IF

You want that trendy, youthful condo overlooking King West that's walkable to indie retailers and restaurants. At almost $2.9 million, the building already filters out young families, and it's certainly ideal for retirees and older professionals who likely winter in Florida and summer at the nearby North York golf courses.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
11 William Carson Crescent11 William Carson Crescent11 William Carson Crescent11 William Carson Crescent11 William Carson Crescent11 William Carson Crescentpoint2homesThanks to Point2Homes for sponsoring this post.

Espresso bar opens in Regent Park

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Sumach EspressoBroadview Espresso now has a sibling cafe, bringing its community-minded ethos to south Regent Park. With a promising patio and a park across the street, this is the perfect place to enjoy a cappuccino or cortado and a house-made brownie.

Read my profile of Sumach Espresso in the cafes section.

Stunning Bergeron Centre a sign of big changes at York

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Bergeron Centre York UniversityYork University's campus has a terrible reputation. The polar opposite of the well-aged, integrated and stately campus at U of T, when York was initially laid out back in the late 1960s, it was a sprawled out mess of Brutalist buildings and anonymous colleges like Vanier, Founders, and Stong (to mention only a few).

But is this stubborn image of the campus still accurate? It certainly was 15 years ago when I was first a student there. Back then Vari Hall and the recently completely Computer Science and Engineering Building were the nicest structures at York by a good margin.

Bergeron Centre York UniversityNow, with the completion of a new home for engineering at York -- one that's just a stunning bit of architecture -- it might be time to reevaluate the bad rep that the Keele campus has been weighed down by since it opened. There has been tremendous intensification at York over the last decade or so. It's hardly recognizable as the same place where I studied.

Bergeron Centre York UniversityDesigned by ZAS Architects, the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence would certainly attract more acclaim if it was located downtown like Ryerson's recently opened Student Learning Centre. It's certainly on par architecturally, and one might argue that it's an even more impressive structure.

Bergeron Centre York UniversityAs Urban Toronto notes, it's nicknamed "the Cloud" for its rounded appearance. But the interior space is rather stunning as well, featuring loads of open layout learning spaces. Sure, it's a bit minimalist in areas, but one gets the sense that this building will age very well.

Bergeron Centre York UniversityWhile the Bergeron is surely the nicest of York's new crop of buildings, one should also note that places like the Life Sciences Building, the Schulich School of Business, The Archives of Ontario, and the Accolade buildings have completely revamped the place in the span of less than a decade.

york university subwayAnd not to be forgotten in all this is perhaps the most pending addition to York's campus of all: the arrival of the subway. The Spadina Extension isn't due to open for another two years, but the stations are already starting to take shape, which must be a most welcome development for faculty and first year students who will still be enrolled when it opens.

Bergeron Centre York UniversitySo next time that you're inclined to turn your nose up at York's current campus, take a peek at the photo above (circa the late 1960s) and think about how radical the improvement has been since someone decided to plop a university down on this suburban plot of land.

Photos via ZAS Architects, the TTC, and York University Archives.


The Best Burger in Toronto

Ethiopian coffee and espresso bar opening in Toronto

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ethiopian torontoThe team behind the Ethiopian restaurant Nunu know that people are intrigued by coffee. That's why they're opening up a cafe right next door to their West Queen West eatery.

"It's sort of a fusion of third wave espresso bar and Ethiopian coffee culture," says co-owner Chris Rampen of the incoming Bu'na, which translates to coffee in Amharic. He and his wife Nunu hope to have their new space at 1176 Queen West ready by early 2016.

Rampen notes that they've bought all their coffee directly from farmers in Ethiopia. And, they'll be hand roasting it on site daily.

Along with standard espresso beverages, Bu'na will offer traditional Ethiopian coffee brewed in jebena, clay pots. On the food front, customers can expect items such as teff and buckwheat crepes; both sweet and savoury options will be available.

Are you looking forward to Bu'na? Let us know in the comments.

Weekend events in Toronto: November 20-22 2015

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weekend events torontoWeekend events in Toronto will have you trolling through StubHub pages for affordable concert tickets. Some of the best shows of November are happening and you won't want to miss out. If you'd rather skip trying to navigate your way through a sea of concert goers, opt to get some of your holiday shopping done at one of the numerous craft and holiday markets.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.

MUSIC

k-os (November 20)
If you missed his Pan Am Games performance in July, genre-messing rapper k-os will make another foray into his hometown this weekend. This time, it'll be a more dedicated affair to his new album Can't Fly Without Gravity.

Hennessy artistry presents The 25th Anniversary of Starting From Scratch (November 20)
Spend your Friday night sipping cognac and watching world-class performers at Sound Academy. DJ Starting From ScratchKardinal Offishall,Melanie Fiona and more are slated to make appearances, so you won't want to miss it.

Hey Rosetta! and Yukon Blonde (November 20)
Expect to find Massey Hall filled with indie rock lovers on Friday. Canadian treasures Hey Rosetta! and Yukon Blonde will be taking the stage, performing their latest and greatest. Tickets are still available, so you won't have to turn to StubHub just yet.

Night Owl Psych Festival (November 20-21)
Night Owl Psych Festival rolls into town this weekend for a two-day stint. Christian Bland and The Revelators, Tess Parks, L.A. Witch, Hooded Fang and more will be performing at Adelaide Hall and the Horseshoe Tavern. Check the Facebook event page for all the festival deets.

Grimes (November 22)
Everyone's favourite electronic/synthpop queen is coming to Toronto on Sunday. Unfortunately, tickets sold out fast, so you'll need to turn to StubHub if you want to see her take the stage at the Danforth Music Hall.

MOVIES

Best Short Films of 2015 (November 22)
Head to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema this Sunday for screenings of 17 Toronto-based shorts that were created in 48 hours. If you're more into feature films, there are more than a few film festivals happening this weekend. See our November round-up for more.

ART

Toronto Studios Commons Launch and All City Studio Tour (November 20-22)
This weekend you're invited to sneak a peek inside Toronto's creative spaces thanks to Toronto Studio Commons. Scope out what's happening behind the doors of ArtCave, Action Potential Lab and more as you tour the city. Learn more about the event here.

Lora Zombie Art Show (November 21)
Grunge Artist Lora Zombie will be showcasing over 60 of her works at 99 Sudbury this Saturday. The event is free to attend and pieces are up for sale. If you want to get a taste of what's in store, check out her online gallery.

MOVEMBER

Suits & Staches (November 20)
Toronto's most stylish Movember gala returns on November 20th. This one really goes all out, so you'll want to get suited and booted if you plan on attending. The night will boast an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a luxury silent auction, and live music by The St. Royals and Amanda Toms.

ENTERTAINMENT

BEY BEY ALL NIGHT TORONTO (November 20)
Get your freakum dress on and head to Studio Bar for an all Beyonce all night dance party. Playing all her greatest hits from Dangerously In Love to Partition, you'll be celebrating Yonce all night with fellow members of the Toronto BeyHive. This weekend, the folks behind the dance party are adding in a much appreciated dose of Rihanna to the program; so if you're part of Rih's navy, you're in luck.

Friday Night Live: Light (November 20)
This Friday, the ROM's weekly event will be light themed. You can dance your way through the museum or opt to hit up one of the gallery activities. On tap this evening is a Festival of Lights related exhibit that showcases black light technology.

SHOPPING

Toronto Christmas Market (November 20-December 20)
The European inspired Christmas market is returning to the Distillery District for another year on November 20th. If you don't have any cash to spare, get into the festive spirit by watching carollers and window shop. Go on Friday if you want to get in free, otherwise you'll be paying the $5 weekend entry fee.

North York Really Really Free Market (November 21)
Everything is up for grabs at the Really Really Free Market; no strings attached. Do some "spring cleaning" of your own and donate all your excess bits and bobs. You may stumble on a treasure or two worth way more than nothing.

Trinity Bellwoods Flea (November 21)
Do a little shopping this Saturday at the Trinity Bellwoods Flea. If you have a couple extra bucks to spare, $5 champagne mimosas will be served - so you can get a bit boozy while you browse. The soundtrack will be '80s and '90s classics, so feel free to have a solo dance party in the middle of the market to TLC and Mariah Carey.

Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market (November 22)
The Toronto Art Crawl is hosting a Christmas market this weekend at The Great Hall. You'll find live and interactive artist demonstrations, a DJ, food, and plenty of local goods up for sale. If you want more ideas for Christmas shopping, check to see which pop ups and crafts shows are in town this weekend.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

With contributions from Shazia Khan. Photo of k-os by Bruce Emberly in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Abandoned Toronto power plant to become arts hub

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hearn torontoFor its tenth year, Toronto's Luminato Festival will be holding all of its ticketed programming at the Hearn Generating Station.

Located in the Portlands on the east side of the city, the Hearn is a decommissioned power plant. Last year, Luminato held its opening gala as well as the Unsound Festival there. I attended the latter event and wandering around the massive and slightly eery space was definitely the highlight of my night.

Come June 2016, the space will become a temporary home to a myriad of events. "In the Hearn Generating Station we will create the world's largest multidisciplinary generator of art and culture, offering a globally unique, exceptionally rich and highly integrated cultural experience," says Luminato's artistic director Jorn Weisbrodt in a blog post.

According to Weisbrodt's post, the Hearn will not only play host to performance spaces and galleries, but also to a restaurant and club.

Since the Hearn is rather difficult to access without a car, the festival will be working out some sort of transportation system for patrons.

Luminato happenings will unfold in other parts of the city as well. And the 2016 festival hub will move from David Pecaut Square to the public plaza outside of Union Station.

While Luminato hasn't revealed its 2016 roster yet, it'll be interesting to see how the 10-year-old festival transforms the Hearn into a veritable arts and cultural space.

Photo by Big Daddy Hame in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Peeps is Toronto's newest independent magazine

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peeps magazineA new, independent magazine for long form journalism recently launched in Toronto.

"Peeps is a modern affairs magazine that translates the research of academics and professionals into narrative stories that explore social and cultural phenomena happening around the world," says co-editor Aliah El-houni via email. On Twitter, Peeps sums itself up as "anthropology for non-anthropologists."

In the first issue, called Modern Protagonist, stories look at the social and cultural implications of technology. And, the website lists a myriad of contributors, including professors and researchers from the University of Toronto.

peeps magazineEl-houni says the magazine draws visual inspiration from National Geographic and notes it takes a cue from the Economist in terms of its "focus on 'expert' research and perspectives."

Peeps, clocking in at 144 pages, is currently available at TYPE Books and online for $22.

Josh Donaldson wins American League MVP award

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josh donaldson mvpToronto Blue Jays' third baseman Josh Donaldson is the winner of the 2015 American League MVP Award. Donaldson, who was also named the Sporting News Player of the Year last month, bested Anaheim Angels' outfielder Mike Trout and the Kansas City's Royal's outfielder Lorenzo Cain for MLB's top honour.

Donaldson becomes only the second Blue Jays player to be named MVP - George Bell won the award in 1987.

Going into today's announcement there was much discussion whether Trout or Donaldson would walk away with the prize. Cain was never really in contention despite the hype video put together by the Royals earlier this week.

Both Trout and Donaldson had numbers strong enough to win but voters were likely swayed by the Blue Jays' better team performance - they captured the American League East while the Angels failed to make the playoffs.

Donaldson established career highs this year of 41 home runs and 123 RBIs. He was acquired from the Oakland A's during the 2014/15 off season in a trade that saw Canadian Brett Lawrie go the other way.

Donaldson quickly became a fan favourite for the high flying Blue Jays. His man bun even prompted one fan to re-design the Blue Jays' logo.

josh donaldson mvpPhoto by b.m.a.n. in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Dam Dog brings organic hot dog stand to Ossington

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dam dog torontoIf you're stumbling around West Queen West hankering for a late night snack, there's more than just pizza and poutine now thanks to a three month old hot dog shack located next to the new Jimmy's Coffee on Ossington.

Dam Dog has a simple menu and serves up beef, chicken, veggie and organic hot dogs. It also offers a selection of sausages, including an organic option. And of course, there's a chili cheese dog available as well.

While this colourful, street-art-inspired eatery is open during the day, prices increase after midnight, so you know it's meant to be a late-night destination.

dam dog torontoHave you eaten a Dam Dog yet? Let us know in the comments.


Toronto Food Events: Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, Free Taco Night, Ice Wine & Dine, Honest Sherry Dinner

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toronto food eventsToronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events, festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

  • The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo is already in full swing and continues until Sunday, November 22. Taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the expo offers tutored tastings, chef stages and a sprawling showcase of wine, cocktails, beer and international cuisine.
  • Let's Be Frank (460 Spadina Ave) hosts Toronto-based Indie label Dine Alone Records for a pop-up shop from Saturday, November 21 until Friday, November 27. The event kicks off on Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. with the help of Toronto collectives No Fun Press, Future Zine, Emily May Rose and Spellcaster, plus DJ sets from Avenue and Thuganomics, and the introduction of Let's Be Frank's new menu item, Nashville Hot Chicken.
  • Tilde (699 Danforth Avenue) presents Free Taco Night on Saturday, November 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in celebration of their first year in business. In addition to free tacos, look forward to $5 pints of Ontario craft Beer and sangria all night long.
  • Ice, Wine & Dine takes over Elm Street between Yonge and Bay on Saturday, November 21 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The evening showcasing interactive ice sculptures will feature food, drinks and entertainment including sampler menus from the various restaurants and cocktails in the Ice Lounge.
  • Chefs Danai Hongwanishkul (Patois) and Guillermo Herbertson (Barsa Taberna) face off at Origin (107 King Street East) on Monday, November 23 at 6pm. The Underground Chef Co. presents this ringside Chef Battle for $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
  • Grand Electric (1330 Queen Street West) celebrates its fourth anniversary on Tuesday, November 24. The all day bash will feature free Wild Turkey tastings as well as throwback dishes like the scrapple taco and pollo fritto on offer along with the regular menu from noon until 11 p.m. Profits from the day will go to the Stop Community Food Centre.

UPCOMING

  • Honest Weight (2766 Dundas Street West) and Chef Chris McDonald team up for the Honest Sherry Dinner on Wednesday, December 2. The Andalucian-inspired dinner paired with sherry is $180 inclusive and opens with tapas at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
  • Steam Whistle's Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival returns to Roundhouse Park on Saturday, January 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for this frosty beer lover's event go on sale December 1st.

Photo of Tilde

What was the first TTC bus route in Toronto?

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first ttc bus routeIn poring over the history of the TTC's route numbering system with Transit Toronto's James Bow, I came across the quirky story of the city's first bus route. While a more systematic attempt at naming surface routes wouldn't come until 1956, way back in 1921 the Toronto Transportation Commission introduced its first bus line in the west end, appropriately named the 1 Humberside.

In a move that was far from arbitrary, the first route got its numeric title of honour for the years that it ran between 1921 and 1925. The original route would seem strange to us now, as the the short loop headed west along Humberside from Dundas, proceeded north up High Park and then back west along Annette to Runnymede.

first ttc bus routeThe route would change a few times over its history before eventually being replaced by dedicated routes on Runnymede and Jane. Along with its nominal significance, the 1 Humberside is also noteworthy for the fact that it was first serviced by double decker buses, which the TTC had in its inventory in the 1920s.

first ttc bus routeIn some sense, this original route was the precursor to the current day 26 Dupont, which replaced the 4 Annette Trolley coach in 2001. The Annette trolley launched in 1947 as a replacement for the Jane bus (no route number assigned), which took over for the High Park derivation of the original route in 1925.

Hat tip to Pete Coulman and Alan Gryfe who compiled much of this information for Transit Toronto.

Photos via the Toronto Archives.

The slow fade of neon signage in Toronto

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neon signage torontoIt's difficult to picture today, but there was a time when Toronto when was a town lit up by neon, little glass tubes that would cast street corners, storefronts, and concerts venues in a saturated electric glow. Back in the 1970s, a walk along Yonge Street was an assault on the senses, where seemingly every business announced itself with aggressive glare.

neon signage torontoIt was untidy, brash, and just a little bit sleazy, but neon held its reign in this city for about 30 years. When the Sam the Record Man sign was dismantled in 2008 it announced a sort of end, but really the process had begun in the 1990s when Yonge St. first started to be sanitized. The theatres had closed by then, the music clubs were the stuff of history, and the signs became clean.

neon signage torontoBut even as neon signage is an endangered species in Toronto, and our oldest street is in the midst of massive transformation, its last glow has yet to be extinguished. You might have to paint by number these days, but you can still craft a blazing image of the city that used to be. Zanzibar continues to inject a healthy dose of brightly lit filth on lower Yonge. For now.

neon signage torontoAnd it's not alone. Filmore's can't help but dazzle towering above Dundas East, even if the sentiment seems entirely anachronistic as Ryerson's campus spills eastward. Still, the lattice-like structure that props up the old sign is a true Toronto throwback. That's how signs used to be made, whether they promised GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS or the CIBC.

neon signage torontoNeon's last stand in Toronto isn't reduced to the strip clubs, of course. We've lost Inglis, Sam's, the Rainbow Motel, and that glorious paean to gasoline that was the Esso sign at Park Lawn and Lake Shore, but the El Mo still lights up the night at College and Spadina, while the Senator and the Imperial Pub serve as a reminder of old glory near Yonge and Dundas.

neon signage torontoPerhaps the best example of neon's ambivalent status in Toronto these days can be found at the Skyline Restaurant. The glass tubes still decorate the faded marker hanging over Queen St., but they're as impotent as the coffee is weak. You can order a BLT and a short glass of J&B, but the allure here is confined to nostalgia. The sidewalk shows no red glow.

neon signage torontoAnd that's okay. Not every sign deserves to be resuscitated. Neon is a power drain. The future is LED. Based on how people tag photos, the difference seems marginal, anyway. Apparently the much-loved Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square might as well be neon. It's certainly bright and bold, but damn is it clean.

The story of Toronto captured in the change of a bulb.

MORE NEON DREAMS

neon signage torontoneon signage torontoneon signage torontoneon signage torontoneon signage torontoneon signage torontoPhotos by Sally Hunter, spotmaticfanatic, Greg's Southern Ontario, Neil Ta, Patrick , Marcus Mitanis, Lori Whelan, James Anok, Scott Snider, Ian Muttoo, Michael Mitchener.

Kensington doesn't like media coverage of area crime

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kensington marketThe Kensington Market BIA isn't pleased with how media cover crime stories that happen in its neighbourhood. That's why it put out a press release yesterday asking news publications to refrain from using the name Kensington Market in such reports.

As Metro New notes, according to the BIA, having the name Kensington Market in crime coverage can negatively effect how other people perceive the diverse neighbourhood.

According to Metro, a BIA press release iterated that it's "a smear on the good name of everyone who lives and works here." Instead, the BIA would prefer media outlets to refer to the intersections where specific crimes occurred, notes Metro.

Is it reasonable for the Kensington Market BIA to dictate to the media how crime is reported in the neighbourhood? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Pina in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The 5 strangest streets in Toronto

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craven road torontoThe strangest streets in Toronto are ones you might stumble upon and feel like you were in some different city, temporary lost while still broadly at home. They're not the ones with the weirdest names, layouts (even wonder why there's an upper and lower Gerrard St.?), nor filled with random odd houses, but in terms of general ambiance, this collection will thoroughly defamiliarize you.

Here are my picks for the strangest streets in Toronto.

Craven Rd.
You have a fence on one side, a mess of old and new homes on the other, and just that vibe, that weird vibe that is Toronto at its most odd and wonderful. No one planned this place; it built its character over time. Craven Road might be the most interesting street in Toronto.

strange streets torontoRedway Rd.
Rent a Zipcar or hire an Uber and meander down this hidden hill that terminates at an old sewage treatment plant.It's best at night in the fall when cars kicks up the leaves strewn across the road and headlights illuminate the tree canopy.

strange streets torontoWellesley Cottages
The prettiest cul-de-sac on this list (and perhaps in all of Toronto), Wellesley Cottages is strange for its beauty and history. Entering this place is like walking into a time warp back to 1880s Toronto. This little community near St. James Town is a collection of workers' cottages that have been immaculately preserved, and if you don't know where to look for them, you won't find them.

strage streets torontoBlackburn St.
I love Blackburn St., but it has this profoundly unfinished feel to it. Overlooking the Don Valley and a Toronto Hydro substation, the houses here are a smattering of old cottages and anonymous new structures. The hodgepodge character here is everything that most Toronto streets are not - and the complete opposite of planned developments.

Edgewood Ave.
This is a private street and one that's just a bit more weird than others like Percy St. or Melbourne Place. The northern extension of Edgewood Avenue north of Eastwood Road climbs up a hill, winds around a series of row houses, and seems like no other place in Toronto, complete with a healthy dose of signs warning that this is private property.

What did I miss? Add your nominations for the strangest streets in Toronto to the comments.

Photo of Craven Road by jer1961 in the blogTO Flickr pool.

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