For all the naysayers claiming condos aren't great investments, this unit may prove otherwise. This 4,064 square foot townhouse nestled in the heart of Cabbagetown has a spacious self-contained lower unit that could be used as a rental property, along with plenty of room on the main floor for your own abode.

Listed at $1,549,000, this spot has some unique European flair to it, with modern upgrades to the main living areas. There's ample room for entertaining guests and, if you decide to keep the lower-unit as a guest area, space to host your friends overnight.

Crisp white wainscoting in all the main rooms gives the condo some depth. The back sitting room with built in shelves and a fireplace is a nice spot for a getaway - a room you likely wouldn't find in a newer build.

SPECS

• Address: 31 Winchester Street, Unit A
• Price: $1,549,000
• Square Feet: 4,064
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 4
• Parking: 1 ($165.12/month)
• Taxes: $4,430.55
• Maintenance Fee: $1,506.60
• Walk Score: 95
• Listing agent: Richard Silver
• Listing ID: C3547804

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Lower unit rental opportunity
• 11 feet ceilings
• Curved archways
• Private outdoor terrace
• Fireplaces in three rooms

GOOD FOR

Enjoying a spacious townhouse and entering the condo market with an opportunity to earn back your investment.

MOVE ON IF

You're looking for modern upgrades to the entire home. While the living area boasts modern decor, the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms could use a bit of work.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Would you buy this unit if you had the cash? Let us know in the comments.

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

Ontario Place hasn't been an active amusement park since 2011, but it was still odd to realize the other day that the colourful waterslide that's marked the east island of the complex for over two decades has been quietly dismantled this year. The central tower remains as a bizarre and inaccessible panoptic lookout, but the fun fled this place long ago.

What remains of the park had fallen into complete disarray over the last few years, but lax security meant that urban explorers made regular visits to the waterslide over the last few years.

Some of the photos that remain from this clandestine trips are a eminder of just how cool the water park was as far as these sorts of attractions go.

When Ontario Place first shut down in 2012, the water park bore a brand new attraction in the form of Topsy Turvy, which was installed the year before but never went into regular use. It was promptly removed upon the park's closure and eventually became the Typhoon slide at Canada's Wonderland.

The remaining coloured slides that were first installed throughout the 1990s remained in place until the beginning of May, when they were removed likely as a deterrent against intrepid explorers and daredevils eager to put the now dry slides to alternate uses. Not much fuss was made about the partial demolition at the time, but it seems worth noting all the same.

The old concrete waterslide was installed at Ontario Place in 1978 before eventually being replaced in 1993, and for many who grew up during the 1980s and 1990s the water-based attractions were the highlight of a visit to the park. They offered the sort of carefree fun that activates our strongest nostalgia all these years later.

It will be a while before we get to see what the new Ontario Place looks like. Work on the new green space at the eastern edge of the former amusement park is behind schedule. In any case, the entertainment attractions of yesteryear won't be coming back. And with that a little bit of Toronto's collective childhood is extinguished.

Photos by Evan RussellTom Ryaboi, Neil Ta, Derek Flack, Chuckman's Blog, and the Toronto Archives.

The Toronto ice cream gospel is spreading fast. Sweet Jesus, our city's epic soft serve purveyor, is moving east to set up shop in Ottawa's Byward Market.

That's right, Canada's capital will soon be home to the fourth Sweet Jesus location. If you're visiting and want a taste of home, you'll be able to find our locally famous cones at 97 Clarence St., starting on Friday, August 12.

Along with serving up four types of soft serve (chocolate, vanilla, one vegan and one seasonal flavour), this storefront will dole out its signature souped-up ice cream creations, including some that'll be exclusive to the Ottawa area.

This incoming Sweet Jesus has also hired on a local pastry chef who'll whip up cakes and meringues as well as fresh compote and jam for the new storefront.

And back at home, Sweet Jesus's newest Toronto location at Yonge and Eglinton is now open. As is its Snapchat confessional.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

The final Tragically Hip concert is a big deal. Unless you live underneath a slab of the Canadian shield, you know that Gord Downie, frontman of the band, revealed he's been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. It's very sad news, but that's not stopping the Hip from putting on one hell of a final tour.

Tickets for the Man Machine Poem Tour sold out in minutes. And then sold out in minutes again. Thankfully some venues in Toronto will be streaming their very last concert live from the K-Rock Centre in Kingston on Saturday, August 20.

In addition to the venues listed below, the CBC will also stream the show starting at 8:30 p.m. local time. It will go out across CBC Television, CBC Radio One and CBC Radio 2, and will stream on CBC Music and CBC's YouTube channels.

Here's where to watch a live stream of the Hip's final concert in Toronto.

Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton Street)
This is a free live stream of the tour on the big screen at Carlton Cinema in partnership with the CBC. Tickets are available in person, so hurry up and grab them.

Junction City Music Hall (2907 Dundas St. West)
The subterranean live music venue in the Junction is no cover but they will be accepting donations at the door with all proceeds going toward the Sunnybrook Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research.

Drums and Flats (1980 Avenue Road)
The concert will be streamed live at this Avenue Road spot on their giant flat screen with big sound, as well as 12 other screens around the bar.

Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West)
Watch the show on a giant screen in the live room of the Horseshoe. This one is also free, but doors are at 7 p.m. (show at 8 p.m.) so get there early.

Folly Brewpub (928 College Street)
Reserve a spot by phone at 416-533-7272 to watch the concert on this College and Dovercourt pub's mega screen. They'll hold standing room spots at the door and donations to the Sunnybrook Foundation is suggested.

Other Tragically Hip events in Toronto

Bobcaygeon screening (Hot Docs Cinema)
DJ Moe Berg spins a set of classic Canadiana before the screening of the Bobcaygeon tour film. There will be special guests and Ontario beer specials.

Dwayne Gretzsky play The Tragically Hip (Lee's Palace)
The Turf Club series presents this tribute concert. There'll be two sets, the second set being an all-Hip salute. Free and guaranteed admission for TURF Master Pass ticket holders.

Did I miss a venue streaming The Hip's final Kingston concert? Let us all know in the comments.

Photo via the Tragically Hip

Weekend events in Toronto will keep you in shape! There are island adventures, Bieber dance lessons, wild, one-off dance parties and festivals galore. If you need to take it easy, don't worry, there's also a bunch of films and opportunities to sit and eat and drink, etc.

Enjoy all that is exciting and new... the city is expecting you. Here are my top picks for weekend events in Toronto.

FESTIVALS

Taste of the Danforth (August 5-7, Danforth Ave)
One of the city's biggest street fests is finally here. If you love crowds, Greek food, big shiny games and loud entertainment, head to the Danforth for this weekend-long bonanza. There's a sports zone, kids zone, Hollywood movie zone, but no quiet zone.

Summerworks (Until August 14, Various locations)
So many shows, so little time. The festival of dance, theatre, art, music and workshops runs for 11 days and is a hotbed for new, upcoming artists and their works. This is your chance to see stuff before it really blows up. Here are our top picks for this year.

Beats, Breaks & Culture (August 5-7, Harbourfront Centre)
A mix of live music, DJs and dance, celebrating all that is hip-hop and electronic music at the Harbourfront. Hang out by the water and check out music from Sinkane, Jungle Brothers, The Dirty B-Sides and the Hip-Hop Vs House: BB&C featuring DJ Stretch Armstrong afterparty.

Jerk Fest (August 5-7, Centennial Park)
Good vibes and food take over this Etobicoke park for the weekend. Jerk everything is served in the party alongside music and activities showcasing Toronto's vibrant Caribbean culture.

Humber Bay Shores Waterfront Festival (August 6, Marine Parade Drive)
Thousands checked out this waterside fest last year. There'll be music from Nadia Stone, Backspin, Blackboard Blues Band, and Firesound as well as vendors, family-friendly activities and a farmers' market.

Time Festival (August 6, Fort York)
Another music festival at For York, but this one is for people who like good electronic music and things. Sets and performances by Run The Jewels, Broods, Kehlani, Joey Badass, Cold Cave and loads more on the main stage. There's also an "overTime" stage.

OUTDOORS

Bike Rave (August 5, Underpass Skate Park)
A D.I.Y. event that "combines lights with synched music while riding through the streets of Toronto from dance destination to dance destination." All you have to do is download the playlist and show up on your bike.

Castaway (August 6, Snake Island)
Hurry up and register for this super cool Toronto Island experience. There will be a beach cleanup, frisbee, standup paddleboarding, picnic and music on the beach of this secret island. All organized by Surf The Greats.

Full Court 21 Canada (Harbourfront Community Centre)
If you've walked, biked, jogged by this basketball court on the lakeshore, you've probably stopped to watch the skill of the players on a regular night. This is an official tournament! No teams. Imagine the talent.

Bieber dance class with Army of Sass (Drake Underground)
Remember the choreography in that "Sorry" video? Well, this class teaches even the most basic hip shaker some of the key moves to bring your dance floor skills to new heights.

SHOWS

Quique Escamillia (August 6, Union Station)
There are many good shows happening this weekend, but this one from the 2015 Juno Award winning signer is free and at the Union Summer fest in front of Union Station. You'll be surrounded by snacks and fresh, curious tourists from trains. Hot stuff.

Other Live Music:

• Wye Oak (August 5, Lee's Palace)
• Union Duke (August 5, Horseshoe Tavern)
• Todrick Hall - Straight Outta Oz (Queen Elizabeth Theatre)
• Sturghill Simpson (August 6-7, Danforth Music Hall)
• Rise up! In solidarity with Black Lives Matter (August 7, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre)

FILM

Christie Pits Film Fest: The Truman Show (August 7, Christie Pits)
I know I recommend movies in this park a lot, but it's truly the best. That hill? The snacks? The crowd? All top notch for an easy-breezy night out in the city.

Other Screenings:

• John Water's Multiple Maniacs (August 5, TIFF)
• Party in the Pits Outdoor Screening (August 5, Christie Pits)
• Chelsea movie under the stars (August 6, Chelsea Hotel rooftop)
• Bobcaygeon (August 6, Hot Docs Cinema)

DANCING

Summerdaze X Silo present: Masomenos (East Room)
French art/DJ duo Masomenos combine their forces with Summerdaze for a off the wall dance party on the city's east side. A bunch of local talent supports them, and this will be a super cool and weird night of dancing.

Other dancing events:

• WeddingNight August - Guilty pleasures (August 5, The Piston)
• Tapette (August 5, Black Eagle)
• Katana & Prince Nifty (August 5, Holy Oak)
• Do it fluid (August 5, The Steady)
• Big Primpin' (Miss Thing's)
• I chose you! Pokemon Go inspired dance party (August 5, Adelaide Hall)
• Emryon Hard Techno (August 6, One Loft)
• Loves Saves The Day (August 6, The Beaver)
• Fly 2.0 2nd anniversary (August 6, Fly 2.0)
• Oliver Helden's (August 7, Cabana Pool Bar)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section and have a great weekend!

Photo of Taste of the Danforth by Jesse Milns.

You've been to dozens of them by now, in fact, we recommend going to a lot of them. Every spring, summer and fall some of Toronto's largest, busiest streets close down to car traffic and open up to family style fun.

Fair rides, stages with entertainment, dancing, food vendors and businesses pour onto the streets crammed with crowds. These festivals make for a city alive with activity during the summer, and many people are happy they happen.

So how did our street festivals get so generic and boring?

I won't name names, OK I will, Big on Bloor, Taste of the Danforth, Taste of Little Italy - they've all become part of what seems to be a machine. Same rides, similar food, commercial vendors that don't even exist on that street - many of them have become one in the same.

This doesn't speak to all street festivals by any means, and even the ones I mention above are filled with die-hard local businesses and participants who love their neighbourhood. But if you care that much, put some back into it!

The Dundas West Fest is a street festival doing just that. Run exclusively by the neighbourhood BIA, this one is only four years and is actively acting different.

"Its main aim is putting out onto the street, what exists on Dundas 365 days a year," Helder Ramos, coordinator of the Dundas West BIA says. "The neighbourhood itself is going through a transition and that is reflected during the festival. So it's not an established, fully gentrified community yet with roots form other times. The commercial mix is different too."

Ramos believes that because it's a relatively new street festival there's room for it to grow, breath and experiment with the community it represents. "Frankly I think it's fine the way it is now," Ramos says of the festival's manageable size. "I don't think it needs to grow at all, but it will inevitably, so it's a question of managing that growth."

This fest has a few more things going for it and they're found in its restrictions.

"Dundas is slightly narrower by a meter and a half less that College, and that's enough to be fairly restricted with what we can place on the street," Ramos says.

"Unlike Bloor we can't place any stages on the street because we have streetcar wires and if we put anything through the wires we have to sell one of my kids to be able to pay off that Hydro cost."

Speaking of kids, he actively works against fairground cheesiness. "As a parent I don't really like bouncy castles," he says. "What they represent for me as a parent is I'm waiting half an hour in line with kids to spend three minutes in there. They're noisy and they need generators which means you need to make noise."

OssFest, which took over Ossingtonfrom Dundas to Queen for the first time this summer, is another festival trying to stand out from the crowds.

"We didn't even think about the other festivals, we knew about them, but being the newest BIA in Toronto it was kind of overwhelming," says Nicky Potter. The woman behind The Painted Lady as well as head of the Ossington BIA.

"There are 82 BIA's in the city and X number of street festivals every weekend. When you start thinking of that it's like, oh my god, should we even do this? Does it even matter? Why another one?

"We didn't have time or energy to fight against all the noise at there and just focused on energy on our little section between Queen and Dundas and we wanted to do to contribute something meaningful."

It's a good thing they pushed forward. Potter together with four other locals created the BIA to be able to throw the street festival, which included a criterium bike race in the middle of the street. This festival stood out and got the attention of the cycling community.

"People on our board brought on a man who helped organize events for the Pan Am Games," she proudly says. "We're registered as an official criterion race, we're now officially part of the Crit circuit in Canada and Garneau even sent three pro's from Montreal to our race."

Organizers expect registration for the race to grow by three times its size next year. Not only do they include the entire street in the festival, asking them to pour themselves out onto the street during the 12 hour closure, but they brought a new kind of event important to many folks in the city, to the forefront.

"In the press [Ossington is all] developing too slow, or too fast. Is King Street now on Ossington? It's super cool, oh wait it's too cool. The hipsters are there, the hipsters have left. Who's left? The Portuguese are left. Omg the hipsters are back. Everything is opening up North. Omg there are too many bars, shut the bars down, open them up again... all this fucking drama," Potter says laughingly.

"I've been on on this corner for 10 years dealing with Joe Pantalone's moratoriums and everything, fighting for our rights to grow organically and let the free market dictate what stays." In the end Potter and the neighbourhood just want to showcase their little corner of the world to make Toronto a better place.

"A lot of tourists when they come [to Toronto] they visit the crystal at the ROM, and the CN Tower, we wanted them to have somewhere else to come," she says. "We want our street to be on the radar as well. We have a vision beyond local to international."

Sure, some of the other street festivals started out as small reflections of themselves but eventually grew into money hungry, roasted corn spewing, lemonade guzzling machines. But is it too late for them? Never!

Newer festivals like Dundas West Fest and OssFest are all striving to do things just a little differently. Shining a light on the amazing people and business who keep the street alive 365 days a year.

Photo of Dundas West Fest by Jesse Milns.

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious 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

• Taste of the Danforth starts today, August 5, and runs until Sunday, August 7. Now in its 23rd year, the annual Greektown takeover promises lots of food and live performances.
• JerkFest is on this weekend at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. The event highlights Caribbean cuisine and culture.
• It's BaconFest at the Leslieville Farmers' Market this Sunday, August 7. It takes place at Jonathan Ashbridge Park and features bacon-filled dishes from vendors vying for the coveted Golden Spatula.
• The Drake One Fifty's Twilight Tuesdays Night Market is back from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday in August. The mini market kicks off on Tuesday, August 9 at the York Street Parkette and will feature food and drinks from Drake chefs Ted Corrado and Jon Pong as well as a rotating cast of restaurants including Pizzeria Libretto, Momofuku, Gabardine, Richmond Station and Thoroughbred.

UPCOMING

• The St. Lawrence Market BIA presents its first annual Feast of St. Lawrence Festival next weekend, and while there's programming happening throughout the weekend, Saturday looks like the real draw.
• Tickets are on sale now for Pintxos Toronto happening Sunday, August 14 at the Liberty Market Building.

Know of a Toronto food event coming up? Email liora@blogto.com

After growth and success in the U.S., this affordable designer eyewear brand has forayed into Canada. Its first international shop has no shortage of homey touches like books and brass lamps. If it weren't for the shades and prescription glasses lining the walls, you'd think you were in a library.

Read my profile of Warby Parker in the fashion section.

Sports Centre Cafe near Yonge and St. Clair shut down in July. The local watering hole and popular sports bar had been in business since 1989.

While the 7,000 square foot space may longer show hockey games and UFC fights, its new tenants will still carry on the sports bar tradition, albeit in a newfangled manner.

That's because Raiders E-Sports Centre is moving in at 49 St. Clair Ave. W. It'll feature 10 different types of craft beer, a food menu and 24 gaming PCs as well as 30 HD televisions for both fans and avid gamers.

According to Raider's Facebook page, it's aiming to open next week, but it still hasn't announced an exact date just yet.

There's no shortage of late night eats joints in Toronto. With new spots popping up all over the city it's easier than ever to satisfy your hunger when it strikes after midnight. From pulled pork poutine to Asian snack food, there's lots of options here.

Here are my picks for the top new late night eats in Toronto.

Three Hands
This new bar is serving up Canadian food and cocktails 'til 2 a.m. Chow down on black bean pork ribs, jerk octopus salad or watermelon wasabi fried chicken.

Petit Potato
If you find yourself hungry in North York in the wee hours of the night this Taiwanese-Japanese restaurant will satisfy cravings for wings, omurice and over the top desserts.

The Greater Good
From the crew behind Get Well, this Geary Avenue bar comes with a North of Brooklyn pizza counter slinging pies until 2 a.m.

Macho Radio Bar
Toronto's newest Tex-Mex joint in CityPlace is serving a late night eats menu until 2 a.m. Snack on chips and guacamole, mini tostadas, flatbreads and salads.

Poutini's House of Poutine
One of Toronto's top poutine purveyors has landed on King West. Fill up on fries topped with everything from pulled pork to maple syrup.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new late night eats destination to the comments.

Lead photo of Petit Potato by Hector Vasquez.

This little food stall is one of the only places in the Toronto area to find authentic Yanbian-style street food, which marries Korean and Chinese cuisines. From spicy skewers to dry hot pot, it's a unique culinary experience.

Read my profile of Spicy Legend in the restaurants section.

Things you need to do in Toronto before the summer ends will have you scurrying around the place trying to take it all in before the season quits us. I based this list mostly on keeping you outdoors, relaxed, refreshed and well nourished. So take that summer song playlist you created and pack a towel.

Here are 17 things to do in Toronto before the summer is over.

Check out a cool new festival taking over Ontario Place
In/Future is billed as a "transformative art experience." From September 15 to 25, the fest hosts more than 40 contemporary artists who'll create a slew of both indoor and outdoor installations. The Cinesphere will also be up and running and there'll be live music curated by the Small World Music Festival.

Watch a movie from a giant floating screen in the lake
Sail-in Cinema shows PG movies from an enormous floating screen on the water while you watch from the shores of Sugar Beach. Hook, Jumanji and Princess Bride were the films voted to be shown this summer on August 18,19 and 20. Gates open at 6, showtime is 8 p.m.

Feel your ultimate nerd and hang out at the Star Trek bar at the CNE
The CNE is an end-of-summer must in general. Terrifying food, life-questioning rides, cheesy games and amazing people watching all make for a good day or night out from August 19 - September 5. But it's the new Star Trek exhibit and bar that takes the cake. The pop-up theme bar will host trivia nights and your thirst.

Improve your Snapchat and Instagram 100% by visiting a nearby quarry or swimming hole
Warning: you're going to need to rent a car or bug a friend with a vehicle for this one. I recently got in my friend's car and we drove to the Elora quarry, which blew my mind. So peaceful and stunning. These 5 nearby swimming spots will have you missing summer before you even leave the water.

Catch a big flashy concert by the water
My favourite places in the city to watch a summer show are hands down Echo Beach and Molson Amp. There's something about being right next to the water, big open air shows and being able to walk around with my giant drink that makes me feel warm inside and out. Meghan Trainor, Dolly Parton, Kaytranada and Zeds Dead all cap off the season.

Eat all the things you're not supposed to at Junk Food Fest
From the same people who brought us the Mac & Cheese fest comes this wonderfully unhealthy food moment. Admission is free and there will be food competitions "filled with bold mashups reinventing North America's comfort foods." Bring some Tums. It all goes down September 9 to 11.

Take a date to the park and watch a Shakespeare play
Walk deep into the woods until you find the amphitheatre in High Park and catch a classic Shakespeare play until September 4. The bugs are pretty much gone by now and I'm sure you can find some rotting berries in the forest to throw at the actors like they used to in the good old days. There's also an east-side version at Withrow.

Enjoy every second outside while you can by drinking on a patio
There are great patios all over the city, but there are key patios for drinking on a lazy Sunday, which is the best kind of outdoor drinking to do while summer winds down. Don't let the sunny, hazy afternoons keep you inside with AC or giant fans, get outside and socialize or just sit by yourself on these key spots.

Spend a morning, day, or evening on the Island doing so many things.
Take our advice, and hop on a water taxi over to the island (you can take the ferry back for free!) and do any of these 10 recommended things. You'll feel like you escaped the city, even just for a day. No city noise, just fresh air, beaches and strange fun.

Walk down the middle of the road at a street festival
There are so many street fests left in August and September including Taste of the Danforth, York-Eglinton, Festival of Asia, Chinatown, Taste of Manila, Tamil Fest, Cabbagetown Fest, Taste of the Kingsway, Ukrainian Fest, Roncesvalles Polish Fest.

Escape to a secret beach
There are some great, relatively unknown beaches around Toronto that will give you that final moment of peaceful, blissful beach-side relaxation. Just think of the cold weather to come and let it push you out the door to these sunny spots, just off the beaten path.

Do yoga in unique outdoor spots all over the city
There's a Yogathon at Yonge-Dundas Square, and pop-up yoga classes at Sunnyside beach, High Park, and Bellwoods. Enjoy stretching our that body outside before you need to be cooped up in a studio for the winter.

Pig out at a food truck before it's too chilly to eat outside comfortably
There are a number ofnew food trucks that opened this summer, four food truck festivals left and a spanking new sushi burrito truck if you want to try this season's biggest food trend. All this street-side food will make it easy for you to act like a squirrel and beef up before winter.

Indulge your Peter Pan syndrome with an insane Inflatable obstacle course
This is a 5K travelling obstacle course for adults that features inflatable hills, a giant human slingshot, a wave runner track, wrecking balls, and a giant mattress with holes in it. Basically, this is a bouncy castle wonderland brought to life for adults. You'll need to register here before it happens on August 13.

Geek out at FanExpo
From September 1-4, plan to spend a large chunk of your day inside the Metro Convention Centre for this gathering if nerds of the highest order. It's Star Trek's 50th anniversary this year and so many cast members will be there, not to mention forever babe Gillian Anderson, John Cusack and Sigourney Weaver. It's the mothership folks. Check out the lineup here.

See one of the 26 Canadian films coming to TIFF this year
Our city's film festival is now one of the biggest on the planet. With loads of premieres and celebrity encounter possibilities, it's an electrifying time to be in the city. So many parties and so many films. Narrow down your film calender spots by catching some of the astounding 26 Canadian films at this year's fest.

Live out all your indie music fantasies at Turf Festival
Ween, Death Cab, Jimmy Eat World, Matt Good ... there's a trend here, and it's you, in the '90s, crying or yelling at the top of your lungs to songs by these bands. Head to Fort York for this laid-back rock fest which also features so many more artists and of course, beer.

Did I miss your favourite thing to do before summer breaks up with us for another year? Let us know in the comments section.

Photo of Echo Beach by Matt Forsythe.

The best live music venues in Toronto are generally mid-sized, but a few are even tiny. You won't find any massive stadium spaces here. Slanted floors, sweaty, crammed spaces and cozy living room-style venues make for the best live experience in this city, and we've got a lot to choose from.

Here are the best live music venues in Toronto.

Lower Ossington is changing with an influx of new businesses. From big American chains to smaller, locally owned eateries, the street is continuing to evolve

The neighbourhood stalwart Crooked Star closed its doors in December, apparently due to renovations. However, it won't be reopening. Instead a new watering hole will take over the small storefront at 202 Ossington Ave.

MoK (Man of Kent) has moved in to the Dundas and Ossington location. It took over the space in February and it hopes to open within the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for details about this incoming bar.

Road closures in Toronto this weekend are highlighted by Taste of the Danforth, which will shut the eponymous street down for the entire weekend. Fortunately for drivers, it's the only major festival that will disrupt traffic. Alas, there is, however, a subway closure to navigate around as well as some ongoing road work that'll cause headaches.

Unless you're heading to the festival, avoid the Danforth this weekend. The street will be closed between Broadview and Jones avenues from 11 a.m. on Friday until 1 a.m. on Monday. Intersections within 30 metres north and south of the street will also be blocked.

Major roadwork to be aware of includes the closure of Lansdowne and Dundas for TTC track work, Jarvis and Gerrard streets for water main replacement, and Bayview Avenue north of Rosedale Valley Road, which is reduced to one lane until the fall.

The University section of Line 1 will be closed on August 6 between St. George and Union for scheduled maintenance. Shuttle buses will operate, though your best bet is to use the Yonge Line and walk west if you're able to.

For a full list of road closures and restrictions, check out the official City of Toronto map.

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Ice cream is all the rage in Toronto this summer. From tacos to sandwiches to tricked out cones to small batch creations in interesting flavours, there's plenty to indulge in if you're craving a frozen treat.

Here's a rundown of the top ice cream treats in Toronto right now

If you have your eye on a Toronto Vs. Everybody tee, you'll soon be able to buy one at Peace Collective's first ever standalone store.

The ubiquitous, yet sometimes controversial, brand is moving in to a 2,000 square foot space at 131 Ossington Ave. The store will fit within Peace Collective's minimalist aesthetic, so expect cement flooring and lots of black and white monochromatic design elements.

And along with selling its signature Toronto-centric clothing items, the Peace Collective outlet will aim to sate your sweet tooth. The company's launching Peace Treats and will dole out over-the-top milkshakes in the front section of its store.

"It's going to be something that people want to take a photo of, something that people are going to be impressed by visually," says Peace Collectives John Molina.

So if the Bang Bang lineup is just too long, you should be able to stop by Peace Collective when it opens for business, likely some time near the end of this month.

Photo via Peace Collective.

Toronto's Heather Jarvis and Sonya Barnett started SlutWalk in 2011 after police officer Michael Sanguinetti told a group of York University Students, "'women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized."

Since then, cities around the world have organized their own SlutWalks. And the Toronto edition is happening tomorrow. But while it's still as relevant as ever, SlutWalk, at home and abroad, has changed since a group of about 1,000 people marched towards Queen's Park on April 3, 2011.

"There was a shift in the SlutWalk organizational team, starting in 2012, from this demand for police accountability to focusing more on how sexual violence affects the most marginalized people in our communities," the SlutWalk organizing committee tells me via email about the current direction of the Toronto movement.

"We are looking at opportunities to build and reinforce communities that experience sexual violence at higher rates, with emphasis on non-binary, trans, and queer folks, as well as Indigenous people and sex workers. We feel strongly about highlighting that not only women face sexual violence and that not only men are perpetrators."

Kaitlyn Mendes, a senior lecturer at the University of Leicester in the U.K., has seen this shift in other cities, such as Chicago, as well. "The SlutWalk movement has more of an intersectional understanding," she says.

Mendes, who wrote the 2015 book SlutWalk: Feminism, Activism and Media, has lived abroad for the past 11 years. But she was born in Calgary ans still listens to Canadian radio stations online. While tuning into 102.1 TheEdge in April 2011, she heard the DJs talking about SlutWalk.

"On one hand they were like, yeah rape is bad. And on the other hand they were like, look at all the sluts, we can't wait to see all the sluts," she remembers. Since then, she's been researching how the media covers the movement ever since.

Along with embracing intersectionality, she notes SlutWalk has also helped popularize the idea of rape culture - a term that's super common today, especially online. "There's something about it within the last five years that's really struck a chord with a lot of young women," she says.

And just as SlutWalk got its start after two Toronto women were fed up with the notion of victim-blaming, another Torontonian is starting her own grassroots response to the daily harassment women-identified people face on city streets.

Catherine Frank made the Facebook group Walk Free in the 6 after someone grabbed her on the street last weekend. "At that moment I was like, this is happening to women every day and it needs to stop. We need to demand this ends for us because it's not okay in any capacity," she says.

The group lets people vent and provide support to one another. I found it on Bunz, and even though it's in infancy, people are already posting because enough is enough.

Photos via Lemur in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Niagara Falls is the most obvious weekend getaway from Toronto, but also the one that's easiest to get wrong. There are hundreds of tourist traps spread around the Queen of the Cataracts, most of which should be avoided. Taking in a bit of kitsch is almost requisite, but there's little need to blow a ton of cash at Clifton Hill if you know what you're doing.

Here's how to spend 48 hours in Niagara Falls.

FRIDAY

4 p.m. Check-in at your hotel/motel
You don't need to spend a fortune on a falls view suite to enjoy Niagara. The most economical bet is to stay at one of the better maintained motels in the city. On the basis of numerous visits, I can recommend the King's Inn and the Advance Inn as solid budget accommodations. If you're looking for a bit more luxury, the Sterling Inn is the way to go.

5 p.m. Head to the Falls and check out the Tesla Monument
Presumably the whole reason that you've come to Niagara in the first place is to see the Falls, so why wait to make the trip? To shake things up a little bit, make a point of seeing the Tesla monument in Queen Victoria Park as part of your visit. It's often overlooked, but Niagara Falls is the birthplace of hydroelectric power thanks to the great inventor.

7:30 pm. Dinner at Napoli
The restaurant options in Niagara Falls are pretty terrible, to be honest. If you're staying in the city for dinner, you best choose your destination wisely. Carpaccio on Lundy's Lane tends to get good reviews, but my standby is the more rustic Italian option in the form of Napoli, which is located right at the corner of Stanley Avenue and Ferry Street.

It's quite close to the action on Clifton Hill, but unlike most of the crappy corporate spots, here you'll find surprisingly good pizza and pasta and a decent wine list that's split between Italian and local offerings. Service can be brisk and the room ain't fancy, but the food is some of the best in the city.

9:30 p.m. Embrace your inner tourist on the SkyWheel
You're not going to escape Niagara Falls without doing some touristy things. If you're not into a trip to the casino, take a ride on the SkyWheel after dinner when the Falls are illuminated and the last light is just fading below the horizon. There will be a bit of a wait, but the view is worth it.

SATURDAY

10 a.m. Breakfast at the Flying Saucer
This might be the kitchiest place in all of Niagara Falls, but it's always packed for a reason. The food here is surprisingly good for a diner that's shaped like a UFO. If you're feeling adventurous and very hungry, try the E.T. special, which includes three eggs, two pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage, home fries and toast. It's enormous.

11:30 a.m. Head to the Botanical Gardens
One of the reasons why Niagara is so pretty is its exceptional parks system, and exploring this attraction is far better than playing mini golf on Clifton Hill. Located on the Niagara Parkway towards Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Botanical Gardens is home to the Butterfly Conservatory, which is certainly kid-friendly but also provides a nice break from the sun during the summer.

1 p.m. Head to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Continue along the Niagara Parkway north to Niagara-on-the-Lake, making sure to stop at the lookout over the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station II, which is a marvel of concrete that hides the profound amount of energy created here. The drive along the river is a dream on a sunny day, and you'll encounter numerous fruit and vegetable stands that are worth stopping at.

Once in town, park close to the water's edge so that you can check out Queen's Royal Park, which looks out across Lake Ontario to Toronto. Here you can see the effects of the Earth's curvature as the Rogers Centre appears partially cut-off, sitting as it does under the horizon.

2 p.m. Lunch at The Epicurean
The dining options in Niagara-on-the-Lake are a hell of a lot better than in Niagara Falls, but there's still places that you should avoid. For a simple and quick lunch, head to The Epicurean and grab a sandwich and salad to eat on their back patio, which is sheltered from the bustle of the street. For a sit-down lunch, try Bistro Six One.

3:30 p.m. Wine tasting time!
Now that you're in Niagara-on-the-Lake with a full stomach, it's time to try some wine. Some of my favourites would be Stratus (which consistently pushes the boundaries of what Niagara wine should be), Nomad (which makes an excellent white wine from Cabernet Franc grapes), and Strewn (which has a lovely property on Lakeshore Rd.). Big Head is a newer option to try for area veterans.

6:30 p.m. Dinner at Ravine Vineyard Winery
After spending the afternoon tasting wine, it's nice to be able to settle in somewhere and relax. Soak up the full spirit of wine country by eating at Ravine Vineyard, which is a true farm-to-table restaurant located at the winery. The setting is gorgeous, the food is superb, and the wine just tastes better when you drink it on-site.

If you've had your fill of wineries, other dining options to explore in town include The Pillar and Post, Zee's Grill and Treadwell, the latter two of which are located in the heart of town.

9 p.m. Hit the slots
Head back to the Falls post-diner for a little gambling indulgence. You don't need to hit the casino to enjoy a getaway to Niagara Falls, but the spectacle of it all is worth taking in if you've never seen it. The scale isn't on par with Vegas, but it blows away a place like Casino Rama. Put a limit on what you'll wager, and you won't ruin the rest of the vacation when you blow it all.

SUNDAY

10 a.m. Take the Niagara Parkway to Chippawa for Breakfast
Most people head to the Falls and turn back, but a trip along the scenic Niagara Parkway to the little hamlet of Chippawa is worth it. Fortunately, you can pair your visit with breakfast at Abby's, which serves up classic fare in an unpretentious setting away from all activity near the Falls.

11:30 a.m. Head to Crystal Beach
Continue your way on the Niagara River all the way to Lake Erie, where one of Ontario's best beaches is located. The water is wonderfully warm and shallow here, and the beach scene is as vibrant as can be. By showing up before noon, you're still likely to get a decent spot, but there's no guarantees later in the afternoon.

2 p.m. Take a ride of the Whirpool Aero Car
For a little throwback to the old days of Niagara tourism, take a trip above the Whirlpool in the Aero Car, which dates back to 1913. You enjoy breathtaking views from the vintage contraption, which perhaps surprisingly boasts a perfect safety record.

3:30 p.m. Make a pit stop in Port Dalhousie
Nix a trip to Tim Horton's on the way home from Niagara Falls with a stop in the pretty little lakeside community of Port Dalhousie, which has a Balzac's coffee shop where you can get caffeinated to brave the trip back to the big city along the QEW. It's a remarkably tranquil place with waterfront views of Toronto in the distance.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for things to do in and around Niagara Falls in the comments.

Lead photo by Phil Marion, Aero Car photo by Thaddeus Roan, Crystal Beach photo by Brian Li.

One Toronto store is making ties great again. That's right Vassi in First Canadian Place is selling Dump Trump ties, but these accessories do more than just jump on the anti-Trump train.

Owner Andre Vassi created two designs for his politically inspired neckwear line. One features dump trucks and the other will include a purple heart and the initials H.K. to honour slain American solider Humanyu Khan.

As CBC reports, the Italian-made silk ties will cost $100 and about $35 from each one will go to charity. Money from the dump truck design, for instance, will go to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

So go ahead, make a statement the next time you suit up. Or go the Avril circa 2002 route and use one of these bad boys as a belt. You can pre-order one at Vassi or online. The dump truck ties will in be on August 10 and the gold heart ones will hopefully arrive in September.

Photo via @vassi.menswear.