Miniature versions of Toronto have an allure that's difficult to explain. The act of recreating the city to scale is certainly a geeky pursuit, and yet few would argue against the idea that these models are remarkably "cool." There's just something about being able to hover over Toronto like a god that gives a sense of excitement.

Here are five mini versions of Toronto that'll blow your mind.

Our Home and Miniature Land
This mind bogglingly detailed miniature version of Toronto is the work of Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer and David MacLean. Currently being crafted in a warehouse space, when complete the model will be made accessible for the public to marvel at. In the meantime, follow their progress here.

The Toronto model at city hall
Located in the rotunda at city hall, this scale version of Toronto allows you to feel like a god looking down on the city. The model dates back to the 1990s, so the skyline isn't quite as robust as the real city's is, but it's absolutely worth checking out the next time you visit our civic hub.

Legoland
You'll have to bring a kid if you want to check out the spectacular Lego version of Toronto at Legoland in Vaughan, but it's worth it if you've ever wondered what the CN Tower would look like built with little plastic bricks. The room the model is housed in even changes from day to night, so you can see mini-Toronto all lit up.

Cardboard Toronto
Stephen Velasco's cardboard version of Toronto is a remarkably detailed and accurate model of the city - so much so that it's hard to reconcile the material out of which it's built. While it's not currently on public display, you can take a thorough look at this one via the photo gallery he's posted to Flickr.

The Model Railroad Club of Toronto
Currently being painstakingly reassembled after the club was forced out of Liberty Village, this model isn't squarely focused on Toronto, but there are railway-specific landmarks like Union Station and the North Toronto Railway Station that give the model local character. It's a phenomenally intricate version of the real world that you can go visit.

Photos by Our Home and Miniature Land, Ian Muttoo, Stephen Velasco, Brian Morton, and Loozrboy.

When designers reveal their Fall 2016 collections next month, they'll do so at the simply named Toronto Fashion Week. That's because after a six season deal, World MasterCard is no longer sponsoring the event.

According to the Canadian Press, this isn't the only change coming to the biannual fashion extravaganza.

All Toronto Fashion Week shows will now unfold on the main runway. IMG Canada's (who runs fashion week) director Carolyn Quinn tells the Canadian Press that there may be opportunities for smaller designers to present together, just in case they can't fill an 800-seat room yet.

Along with these initiatives, the Canadian Press notes that Toronto Fashion Week also wants to start attracting more of a consumer audience to its presentations.

Photo by Mauricio Calero.

The TTC has released its Customer Service Charter for 2016, and it includes a number of ways the transit provider promises to improve the passenger experience this year. The promises range from increased subway and bus service to the addition of bike parking at subway stations to the installation of additional information screens on train and bus platforms.

Of the many highlights, I suspect the most exciting of the bunch are plans to fully rollout PRESTO, implement Apple Pay at subway stations, start the subway an hour earlier on Sundays, extend the rollout of subway station WiFi, and to introduce a new streetcar route on Cherry St.

Here are 25 improvements to look forward to on the TTC this year.

January to March

• Apple Pay to be made available at collectors booths in all subway stations.
• Reduction of streetcar short turns by a further 20% compared to the first quarter of 2015.
• Subway service on Sundays to start approximately one hour earlier (8:00 a.m.).
• Addition of train service on Line 1 to decrease delays during off peak hours.
• Introduction of five new express bus services across the network.

April to June

• WiFi installed at 22 new stations starting with Lansdowne, High Park, Royal York, Old Mill and Keele.
• New fare gates to be rolled out (Main Station will be used for the pilot).
• Bike parking to be improved at 5 subway stations.
• Install up to 20 additional bike repair stops at subway stations (pending pilot results).
• Addition of 12 vehicle information boards at busy subway stations.

July to September

• 509 Harbourfront and the 511 Bathurst streetcar routes to be serviced by new streetcars.
• High capacity bike parking to be piloted at one subway station.
• Trains on Line 4 to be replaced with new Toronto Rocket subways.
• Train frequency to be increased by three trains on Line 1 during morning peak.
• Increased service during peak periods to 25 busy bus routes.
• New streetcar service to be introduced on Cherry Street to the West Donlands.

October to December

• The entire TTC system will be enabled to accept PRESTO fare payments.
• Reduction of delays by 10% on the subway.
• Installation of an external stop announcement system on all streetcars, subway trains and buses.
• Installation of customer information screens in the mezzanine and platform levels at Union Station.
• Installation of customer information screens at Dufferin, York Mills, and Lawrence Stations.
• Installation of time-saving signal priority technology at 15 intersections.
• WiFi to be made available at 10 additional TTC stations.
• Installation of new stop markers at over 3,000 transit stops.
• Review and improvement of schedules on 32 bus and streetcar routes.

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The latest viral Toronto raccoon video, which has appeared on both local and international news sites, is certainly upsetting, considering it shows a dead or dying animal.

According to CBC News, on Saturday night, two raccoons crossed Oakwoods Avenue; only one made it to the other side. Alec Khachatrian told CBC he hopped off his bike and started filming when he noticed the safe raccoon run over to its lifeless mate.

Many say Khachatrian's "heartbreaking" YouTube video depicts a grieving animal as it attempts to revive its friend. Others, however, see it in a darker, more cannibalistic light.

One Redditor who witnessed the entire incident says that the two animals were fighting. "From my vantage point, it was not an 'embrace' but teeth on the jugular," he writes on the online platform. Khachatrian has since updated his video's description to point out the ambiguity of the situation.

Regardless of your opinion, the short YouTube clip is rather disturbing, as is the number of raccoon videos coming out of Toronto.

Toronto-based company Danier Leather Inc. has filed for bankruptcy protection, reports the Toronto Star today. The leather goods retailer, which has more than 90 stores across Canada, isn't closing up shop just yet.

"It is important to note that the Company is not bankrupt. The Company has sufficient resources to fund its operations during the SISP (Sale and Investor Solicitation Process) and its stores will remain open for business during that time, subject to any restructuring steps that the Company may take during the process," said Danier in a news release.

Danier hasn't been doing too well lately. According to its news release, it has experienced "significant" losses over the past two fiscal years.

Are you surprised by the news? Let us know in the comments.

The top restaurants for a Winterlicious lunch will dispel the winter doldrums and perk up your mid-day routine. In some cases, these three course prix fixe menus cost as little as $18 while others (still capped at $28) are well worth the splurge.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants for a Winterlicious lunch.

Pizzeria Via Mercanti
The $18 lunch menu offered by this rustic pizza parlour on Elm Street features a choice of soup, salad or mini pizza rolls to start, followed by a choice of pasta and dessert.

The Tavern by Trevor
The tavern on Spadina is serving up a lunch menu for $18 that will appeal to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Start with tomato soup, kale salad or mushroom flatbread then fill up on grilled cheese or buttermilk fried chicken finished off with a deep fried Snickers bar or Nutella mousse.

Momofuku Noodle Bar
Expect the noodle bar on University to be bustling at lunch hour as crowds dig in to steamed buns packed with a choice of BBQ pork, chicken meatballs or falafel-like chickpea fritters. Among the selection of mains on the $18 lunch menu you'll find options like smoked chicken ramen, and ginger scallion noodles plus Milk Bar goodies or a fried bao with chai curd for dessert.

The Chase Fish & Oyster
The $23 lunch menu on offer from this oyster bar in the Financial District is a steal for a seafood-centric lunch opening with options like salmon tartar or tomato lobster bisque. The line-up of mains includes a fried chicken sandwich, cheese veg lasagna or a pan seared Arctic Char with potato rosti and then there's donuts banana sundaes or chocolate cake for dessert.

Nota Bene
The newly revamped restaurant on Queen West is treating Winterlicious-goers to a $28 lunch menu featuring enticing selections like a bosc pear and endive salad and a buttermilk-fried chicken ramen bowl.

Thanks to Zantac for sponsoring this post.

Will you be dining out during WInterlicious? Add your photos to our Photo Challenge using the hashtag #blogtolicious.

Photo of Momofuku Noodle Bar by Jimmy Lu.

Toronto's newest party bar boasts drinks, darts and a fun Irish theme. Will this new bar prove to be more James Joyce (the pride of Ireland) or Bono (an embarrassment to both the Irish and anyone who ever thought colourful sunglasses were cool)?

Read my review of Dublin Calling in the bars section.

Conrad Black's sprawling Bridle Path mansion is for sale. The beleaguered media mogul and his wife Barbara Amiel are downsizing on account of their extensive time in Europe and because they claim to rarely entertain.

Located at 26 Park Lane Circle, the house features nine bedrooms across 23,000 square feet of space. There's an eye-popping library, indoor pool, and tasteful kitchen to go along with a rather busy dining room space.

The house will be sold via auction on March 8. Apparently the Blacks didn't like the idea of having to show the house repeatedly. There is a reserve on the listing so it's possible that the power couple retains the mansion if an adequate offer is not made. The home is pegged at a value of $21 million.

As Black said in a statement, "it's a big house for two people." You think? In any case, take a look at the palace below.

Photos by Vincenzo Pistritto.

Apartment rentals in Toronto that come in at $10,000 a month or more are reserved for a very small class of people. You have to have deep pockets but also a good reason for not buying a place given how quickly rent costs add up. What's perhaps most surprising about this category of apartments is that they're not that amazing. For that price, I'd want an experience shower at least.

Find out what kind of an apartment $10K or more gets you in Toronto.

$18,000 to live atop Mink Mile
The Manulife Centre is one of Toronto's most elegant concrete buildings. And while the Brutalist tower might be considered dated, this suite is the epitome of modern luxury at 2,685 square feet on the 48th floor. If only there was a balcony.

Move on if... No pets allowed in this showstopper of a space.

$14,000 to be the king of the Bellair
If you're willing/able to fork over $14,000 a month to reside at 10 Bellair in Yorkville you'll get two balconies, two fireplaces, two parking spots, but thankfully four washrooms. More seriously, this 3,000 square foot suite is the epitome of swank.

Move on if... You'll never use the golf simulator.

$15,000 to say you live in Trump Tower
If the thought of dining at America Restaurant on a weekly basis appeals to you, this suite might be right up your alley. It's tastefully finished, but you wouldn't exactly call it sprawling for the price. That said, you do get 11 foot ceilings, Miele appliances, and a private elevator.

Move on if... You don't support Trump's immigration policies.

$11,000 to live in the Four Seasons
The Four Seasons is home to Toronto's most expensive condo unit. But, hey, if you can't afford to buy here, there's still the option of showing what a player you are by breaking the bank on a monthly rental. It'll cost you $132,000 a year, but you'll get a swank kitchen, a lovely terrace, and two parking spots for your pimp rides. "Please include phone number in email! Thanks!"

Move on if... You don't like giving out your phone number to strangers.

$11,000 to have the best view of the ROM
Museum House is one of Toronto's most elite condo addresses. The 19-storey building is understated from the outside, but home to some absolutely stunning units, including this one. The view across the ROM and U of T is stunning, as is the library and the direct elevator to the suite.

Move on if... You can't stomach the idea of paying Hydro on a $11,000 suite.

$10,000 to be John Tory's neighbour
You can live beside the mayor at One Bedford if you've got a hefty rent budget. This 2,000 square foot suite comes with two bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as one hell of a view from the dining room table. It's the perfect spot for an unbelievably rich U of T student.

Move on if... You voted for Doug Ford.

If you're looking to fill up on deep-fried latkes, bagels and blintzes, head to this College Street stalwart on a Sunday. For the past 20-odd years, brunch here has come served with a side of Klezmer or Yiddish music. Though, there's music here most days of the week too.

Check out my profile of Free Times Cafe in the restaurants section.

Toronto's infamous "Drake you ho, this is all your fault" Starbucks at Queen and Dovercourt will close up shop for good on February 19.

The formerly graffitied Starbucks moved to West Queen West back in 2005 and many thought the neighbourhood jumped the gentrification shark when it opened - "Drake you ho, this is all your fault," referred of course to the Drake Hotel and not to our current #6god.

So, what's replacing Starbucks? Another cafe, though this one's migrating over from Montreal.

Sometime this spring, the Natrel Milk Bar by java u will open its second ever location at 1092 Queen St. West. And no, this isn't a riff on Momofuku.

Unlike other java u outposts, the Natrel Milk Bar branded cafe will, of course, highlight milk in espresso-based beverages and milkshakes. Although this isn't a pop-up. According to real estate broker Jay Katzeff, it's coming in on a 10 year lease.

And like all java u stores, this one will serve up a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads and pastries. If you're still itching for a grande Pike, you can always walk over to the massive Starbucks at Queen and Ossington, or visit one of the neighbourhood's indie cafes.

The best French toast in Toronto is all about thick slices of bread - be it challah, brioche, or baguette - soaked in eggy custard that caramelizes on a griddle. This is a dish that perfect for sweet tooths jonesing for their first fix of the day. Some kitchens keep it simple with just a splash of maple syrup, while others like to get creative with toppings like compotes and creams, or even savoury variations.

This is the best French toast in Toronto.

Photo of the French toast at Emma's Country Kitchen via enchantinggoast on Instagram.

Yonge Street gets most of the attention when it comes to prominent downtown corridors in the midst of massive transformation, but neighbouring Church Street is also set for vast changes that will completely change the character of the area.

I suspect there will be less mourning when it comes to the redevelopment of Church. While the street has plenty of character now, the addition of density doesn't come at quite the same cost as you find with Yonge, the history of which is much more colourful and quirky from both an architectural and cultural standpoint.

Fortunately, it's not just condos on the way to Church Street. Ryerson University is also at work on a major development in the form of the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex, which is slated to open in 2018 just north of Dundas Street East. It's an impressive-looking building that will inject some serious life into the street.

North of here, the condo boom is brewing. Tridel's Alter development at 355 Church will add 34 storeys to the area around Gerrard St. Designed by architectsAlliance, it's a hyper modern structure that's nothing like what currently exists in the immediate vicinity.

The next lot up is owned by Menkes, who are currently building a 29 storey condo with simple name 365 Church. With retail at street level, one can expect this development to animate a section of the street that tends to be less vibrant on account of the surface parking lot on the west side.

There are also preliminary plans to erect a 45-storey condo at 411 Church St., which is also currently a parking lot. The Page+Steele/IBI Group-designed tower would add 583 residential units to a neighbourhood that's already set to receive a huge influx of residents.

Meanwhile the the complexion of the west side of the street could change if MPAR's plans for a 32-storey student residence are approved for 412 Church, the designs of which look quite promising.

For all the complaining the city does about condos, it's nice to see these surface parking lots ditched in favour of development.

The building frenzy continues at the corner of Church and Carlton where the 42-storey Stanley Condos are taking shape. Designed by CORE Architects, this rounded tower will inject even more life into the already busy corner that houses the Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens with retail planned at street level.

The heart of the Village at Church and Wellesley will likely stay condo-free even as development surrounds it. Pushing towards Bloor, however, there's a whole new set of applications in the works to add density to a mostly residential section of the street.

Charles St. could become a hub of activity should a large-scale project be approved to build a 54-storey condo on a street that has become a mini-corridor for such buildings over the last 10 years. Existing heritage buildings on the site would be preserved as the tower rises up above them.

Unlike Yonge Street, there's always been a certain quietness on Church that belies its status as a main artery in the city. Perhaps its the very proximity to Toronto's main street that has, to some degree, taken its neighbour out of the spotlight. This won't be the case forever, though.

Church Street is rising.

Lead photo via Menkes.

Toronto 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

• Cantina by Campbell's hosted by Rock Lobster's chef Matt Dean Pettit continues until February 22 at 501 Queen West. Stop in at lunch or dinner to sample four original soups.
• It's Soup-er Bowl Sunday on February 7 at The Ceili Cottage (1301 Queen Street East). The fifth annual fundraiser in support of the Leslieville Farmers' Market will feature 100 gallons of hearty vegetarian Guinness Stew being served for PYWC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m in BYOBowls (or mugs or buckets).
• The Depanneur (1033 College Street) presents an Intro to French Mother Sauces by Chantal Vechambre on Tuesday February 9 from 6:30 p.m.. Tickets are $50 for the class covering the basics of making a Roux, Béchamel. Mornay, Velouté and variants such as Soubise, Bercy & Poulette.

UPCOMING

• Aviation Invasion lands at 86'd Mondays at The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West) on Monday, February 15. The free event kicks off with a seminar and gin tasting at 7 p.m. followed by cocktails featuring Aviation American Gin and nibbles.
• The Chef's House (215 King Street East) hosts a Valentine's themed dinner as part The George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Trending NOW dinner series on Wednesday, February 17. Tickets are $85 to attend the Chocolate Dinner with Chef Jean Pierre Challet and Head Chocolatier Royce Li of Cocoa Barry.
• Chef Matt Blondin hosts Chef Justin Leboe of Calgary's Pigeonhole for a collaborative 10-course dinner on February 21 at Omaw (88 Ossington Avenue). The dinner is priced at $80 and reservations can be made by email.
• Lisa Marie (638 Queen Street West) is Muskoka Bound on Thursday, February 25 with a family-style feast featuring hot and sticky ribs, steak tacos, chimichurri corn, fried chicken and more for $60 per person including drinks.
• Tickets are available now for Recipe for Change, the annual fundraiser event in support of FoodShareTO's innovative school food programs. 30 Toronto chefs, two craft brewers, and four wineries are participating in the event happening Thursday, February 25 at St. Lawrence Market.
• Indian cuisine experts Smita and Sanjeev Chandra are offering India Cooking Classes at The Chef's House (215 King Street East) on Saturday, February 25 and Saturday, April 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thanks to Campbell Canada for sponsoring this post.

It's looking like 2016 will be a big year for Kensington Market, food-wise. We've already reported that both Jen Agg and Grant van Gameren are expanding into the area. But before they move in, we'll get to start snacking on tortas.

According to Post City, Arturo Anhalt - who's the chef and owner of Milagro - is working to open Torteria San Cosme at 181 Baldwin St., in the old Kensington's Espresso Bar space.

As Anhalt told the publication, this incoming eatery will focus on Mexico City-style street food - though don't expect to find tacos on the menu. Though that's probably a good thing, considering Kensington is already filled with excellent taquerias, from Seven Lives to El Trompo.

Bring on the sandwiches.

Toronto's The Real Jerk restaurant announced on Facebook and Twitter that it'd be closed today until tomorrow at noon. Why? Apparently Drake and Rihanna are shooting part of their "Work" music video at the Gerrard Street Caribbean eatery.

The parking lot of the Real Jerk, located across from a No Frills on Carlaw, drew a steady stream of curious onlookers this afternoon. The lot was closed off with a freshly erected fence and windows of the restaurant were covered.

The two artists started filming together in early January, but it looked like they'd be doing some work in Toronto after a local casting director held an open audition in Riverside to find 60 dancers for an undisclosed Drake and Rihanna music video.

Some fans are excited to see Rihanna and Drake filming in Toronto, while others are worried The Real Jerk is going to raise its prices now that it's even more famous.

The Real Jerk Restaurant will be closed on Friday February 5, 2016
842 Gerrard Street - We will be re-open on Saturday February 6 @ noon

— Real Jerk Restaurant (@RealJerkToronto) February 5, 2016

Price going up for The Real Jerk smh

— STiXXclusively Yours (@MR_STiXX) February 5, 2016

Real Jerk better not try raising those prices just because Rihanna and Drake filmed there!

— N∆TE (@NathanNAVY) February 5, 2016

Rihanna released her latest album ANTI on January 28 and Drake, of course, appears on "Work." The two mega-stars previously collaborated on "Take Care" and "What's My Name?"

Toronto was once a city that boasted numerous observation decks where the public could gaze upon the city from the perspective of a god. These days you'll either have to shell out some decent coin or be more enterprising if you want to gain access to these types of places.

Tourists visiting New York flock to the outdoor observation decks at the Empire State Building and 30 Rock, while Toronto's most majestic outdoor perch was closed long ago for safety concerns. Back when Commerce Court North was the tallest building in the world, visitors could ascend to its upper floors and walk around its 360 degree deck taking in stunning views of the city.

Not quite so inaccessible is the 26th floor observation deck at City Hall. While not regularly open, the area has been featured during Doors Open for a number of years, which has given the city a taste of this throwback form of entertainment. There's talk of re-opening the space to the public on a permanent basis, but it remains to be seen if the political will exists to do so.

City Hall is probably the best chance for some small return of the observation deck's glory days. Despite the presence of these viewing areas in virtually all of Toronto's 1960s and '70s era downtown skyscrapers, these privately owned buildings now have little to gain from devoting space to public galleries.

As Chris Bateman has pointed out, when the CN Tower appeared on the scene in 1976, it quickly rendered these lower indoor observation areas obsolete. It's a shame, though. If you've ever had a drink in the bar at Canoe on the 54th floor of the TD Centre, you know how majestic the view across the harbour is. You don't need to be any higher than this.

At one point there were active observation decks at the TD Centre, Commerce Court North and West, the Manulife Centre, and City Hall. You can still see what the view is like from two of these via Canoe and The 180 (plus a few other restaurants), but it's not the same. These are places of privilege, whereas the early observation decks were designed to make elite places publicly accessible.

Something important has been lost with the closure of these places. There was a civic pride that they fostered. For all the wonders of the CN Tower, the observation deck itself is the domain of tourists and children. It can't carry the torch, and so the flame will remain extinguished unless city council decides to revive the deck at City Hall.

Photos by Tom Ryaboi, Gail Edwin Aguiar, and Jesse Milns.

Toronto's Little India has seen a influx of restaurant openings in the last year or so and the stretch of Gerrard Street is suddenly flush with diverse new dining options. Recent entries to the neighbourhood deal in Himalayan and Nepalese cuisines, Hakka specialties, Malaysian Thai foods and even pub grub.

Here are five new restaurants to check out in Little India.

The Two Headed Dog
This new neighbourhood wateringhole on Gerrard is situated just west of Coxwell. Find it dishing out an array of beer-friendly foods like burgers and wings along with classic pub grub like shepherd's pie and fish and chips.

Karma's Kitchen
Tibetan momos, thukpa (noodle soups), and shaptak (stir-fried beed with chilis and onions) are all on the menu at this new Gerrard Street restaurant specializing in Himalayan and Nepalese cuisines.

Hakka Wow
This new halal restaurant at Gerrard and Ashdale is home to an expansive menu of Chinese-Indian foods including stir-fries and noodles done in Manchurian, Szechuan, and spicy garlic styles.

Thai Culture
Malaysian Thai cuisine is the niche at this new eatery originating in Oshawa and now operating a location in the heart of Toronto's Indian Baazar. Chef's specialties include a spicy chili shrimp dish, red snapper in tamarind sauce and coconut mango chicken.

Eulalie's Corner Store
Despite its name, this year-old establishment isn't the place to stock up on cigarettes and lotto tickets, but rather a quirky neighbourhood hangout. The menu bills nibbles like spaghetti squash fritters and poutine, while the selection of mains includes sandwiches, hot wings and a jerk pulled pork waffle.

Did I miss any? Leave your suggestions in the comments.

Photo of Eulalie's by Jesse Milns.

Drake themed Valentine's Day cards have flooded the internet and the results are pure gold. I mean what's more romantic than Drake? So this year skip the visit to Hallmark and let bae know they are the best you've ever had with a 6God Valentine.

Here are my picks for some of the best Drake themed cards to give this Valentine's Day.

If you're reading this Happy Valentine's Day by CrappyLittleThings.

1-800-ILOVEYOU by nocturnalpaper.

Late night when u need my love by MachePinatas.

You the best I ever had by ECTOPLASMICprints.

You give me more feels than Drake by LetMeDrawYourPicture.

You make my heart go from zero to one hunnit by CardrellaAndDaville.

Drake lyric candy hearts by honeybunnyVNTG.

Call me on my cell phone, late night when you need my love by NostalgiaCollect.

Let's get on our worst behaviour by MerkyPaper.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite Drake themed Valentines in the comments.

Lead card by BEYGOODco.

Sometimes the most mundane things end up shaping our connection to the city we live in. Case in point: the seating layout on TTC subway trains. It's a small thing, but if you've ever ridden on an MTA subway car, you know that the individual cushions and varied seat configuration of Toronto's trains is actually one of those things that our much maligned transit provider got right.

When designs for the Toronto Rocket trains were under consideration, however, the TTC almost opted for perimeter seating. The primary reason such a configuration was proposed had to do with safety. Having all the seats against the walls of the car makes it easier for emergency workers to navigate. It also makes it more difficult to hide bombs aboard trains.

While that might seem a bit dramatic, back in 2006, when the earliest designs for the Toronto Rocket trains were being drafted, perimeter seating was a very real possibility. The TTC even went so far as to mock up one of its T1 trains with such a layout, though it was never open to the public.

Fortunately then TTC Chair Howard Moscoe hated the design, which he characterized as that of a "cattle car." Even as the UTDC-designed Scarborough RT cars have long featured a perimeter seating layout, when applied to the far longer (and wider) Toronto Rocket cars, the design seemed out of place, almost un-Toronto-like somehow.

The plan was ultimately scrapped, though the Toronto Rockets did get four-seat clusters, which didn't exist on any of the TTC's previous subway trains. Next time you're on the subway imagine what it'd be like with seats only on the perimeter of the train. It just doesn't work as well, does it?

Top photo by Marcus Kamps in the blogTO Flickr pool. Additional image via the TTC.