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How Toronto saved the North American streetcar

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Toronto streetcarAt the turn of the 20th century almost every major North American city relied on the streetcar as its primary mode of public transportation. New York would open the first portion of its subway system in 1904, but the demise of trolly-based transportation took place at the hands of the bus more than anything else.

Persistent conspiracy theories allege that the decline of the North American streetcar system can be traced to a plot by General Motors as well as numerous oil and tire companies to spur automobile dependency in the U.S., an urban mythology which has its roots in the very real charges that were brought against GM for monopolizing the sale of buses during the post-Depression period.

retired streetcarsStreetcar systems across the States dropped like flies from the late 1930s through to the '50s when the bus rose to dominance as the surface vehicle of choice for public transit in mid-sized American. Even Los Angeles used to be a streetcar town until the early 1960s, when both the Pacific Electric and the Los Angeles Railway ceased operations.

Cities like Chicago, Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh all made large-scale purchases of President's Conference Committee (PCC) streetcars when they were released in the 1930s, but by 1954 Toronto had the largest fleet on the continent as the TTC purchased used cars from American cities that were retiring the electric railways (e.g. Ceveland, Kansas City, and Cincinnati).

PCC streetcarThe streetcar was yet to be an endangered species at the halfway point of the century, but its decline was in full swing. Following the release and popularity of the PCC cars, only a handful of U.S. cities updated their fleets with newer rolling stock.

By the '70s and 1980s, the streetcar was deemed an obsolete in North America, remaining only in a handful of cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco where legacy lines were upgraded to separated light rail.

Toronto was the only city that bucked the trend by investing heavily in its existing streetcar system during this period. It certainly didn't seem like this would be the case following the 1966 opening of the Bloor-Danforth subway line, which replaced the busiest streetcar route in the city. Plans were announced in the fall 1971 to scrap the remaining service on other streets across the city by 1980.

As is well known among local transit history buffs, a group of civic activists led by Institute of Child Studies professor Andrew Biemiller and public transit expert Steve Munro formed the group "Streetcars for Toronto," which successfully lobbied for the retention of the streetcar system in Toronto. In the years that followed, the TTC bolstered its existing fleet of PCC cars with the new Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV).

clrv streetcarThe rest is history as far as Toronto's streetcar system goes. The TTC still operates almost 189 CRLV streetcars to go along with 48 ARLV versions (i.e. the double cars), a collective fleet which is slowly (very slowly) being replaced by the new Flexity models, which will take the city through many decades of service.

So often in Toronto we're charged with emulating other cities, but this is an obvious and perhaps even crucial example in which our city has proved to be trailblazer. As light rail makes a major comeback in North America, it's hard to imagine what would have happened if Toronto had killed its streetcar fleet back the '70s.

It's worth noting that the comeback of the streetcar in most American cities doesn't exactly resemble Toronto's primarily shared right-of-way system, but the predominant thinking behind the return of the streetcar as a mode of transit is greatly indebted to Toronto's system in its downtown focus, short stop lengths, and greater efficiency at moving people than buses.

kansas city streetcarStreetcar systems in cities like Portland, Salt Lake City (the S Line), Seattle, Washington (DC Streetcar) and most recently Kansas City have similarities to Toronto, while the proposed Los Angeles Streetcar is almost unthinkable without the longevity of Toronto's system to point to as justification for the desirability of such transit in densely populated areas.

Not everyone is a cheerleader for the streetcar in Toronto, and the term has carried heavy political implications for many years, but there's civic pride to be had in the daring manner in which our city stuck with this mode of transportation.

The streetcar is an enduring icon of Toronto's urban landscape, and also a reminder of our willingness to go our own way.

Photos via the Toronto Archives and Jason Doss.


Inside the secret attic at Queen's Park in Toronto

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queens park atticSome of Toronto's most recognizable buildings are made all the more alluring based on the forbidden areas they boast. Think of the observation deck at Commerce Court North, for instance. Once the most popular of its kind and host to tens of thousands of visitors a year, it's been closed to the public for decades due to safety concerns.

For the Toronto history buff, the prospect of a peek at such a place is tantalizing to the say the least. Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to be toured around a few well known places like this in the city, but sometimes it's the unexpected places that reveal the most fascinating secrets.

Queen's Park is as gorgeous as Toronto heritage buildings get, but aside from some ghost stories and a Rush album cover, it tends to lack the type of intrigue of a place that's completely off-limits like Lower Queen Station or the former massive LCBO warehouse near the waterfront.

Public tours of the provincial legislature are held almost daily, and the building often appears on the annual Doors Open roster. There is a part of the building, however, that's almost never seen by the public. It's the attic. And while that might not sound so enticing on paper, it's actually packed with compelling features that you'd never expect given that it receives very little attention.

Full disclosure, my opportunity to have a look at the Queen's Park attic came courtesy of a television series called Unseen Toronto that I was working on over the winter and spring. It was one of a few places around the city that I was lucky enough to gain access to during filming. I've written about a few of the locations before, but the attic was a first-time visit for me, and I was enthralled.

queens park toronto atticThe first thing you notice upon entrance is the massive underside of the roof. As part of a building that dates back to 1893, it's a complex array of wooden beams reminiscent of the hull of a massive sailing vessel. It's impossible to see to the top because the supporting infrastructure is so thick.

Lest you get caught gawking at what's above, though, it's another feature on the floor of the attic that's probably the most surprising. Architect Richard Waite installed massive ducts atop the legislative chamber as part of a ventilation system that was ultimately replaced with modern HVAC, but the original units are merely covered by a thin steel shell.

queens park atticWhen you open one up, you're able to stare down at the assembly through a decorative metal grate that gives the distinct feeling that you're a spy or part of a security detail keeping clandestine tabs on the proceedings below. I only managed to get a crappy cell phone pic, but you get the sense of how novel the view is.

For all the delights of the attic that you can only enjoy from the inside, there are a few that can be easily spotted by anyone walking by outside. If you've ever noticed that the central portion of the building's architectural details aren't symmetrical, it might be interesting to note that the original plan was to install a massive clock face on the western side.

queens park torontoAlas, there was never enough money to install the clock, so the building now boasts a huge rose window where it was planned to go. Early drawings of Queen's Park give a indication of what it might have looked like with the huge clock.

queens park atticOn the eastern side is something a bit stranger. People familiar with the history and architecture of the building tend to call it the "mystery room." It's essentially an enclosed terrace with a solely decorative purpose. Given that Queen's Park was designed in the Richardson Romanesque style, the area is likely a riff on a loggia, though both its south- and east-facing walls are exposed.

queens park atticThis is surely one of the best restricted views of Toronto that there is. Elevated above five storeys, you can look straight down University Avenue into the heart of the city. To walk around up there for a few minutes is to realize how amazing it would be to somehow open the space up for public use. In fact, the entire attic offers amazing views southward.

queens park atticThis is not an entirely unvisited place. Along with the occasional film crew, it's obvious from the various names and initials carved out in dust throughout the attic that security guards, building workers, and even provincial politicians have made their way up here.

It's a surprisingly magical place, even as it is so rarely seen.

Today in Toronto: Poetrix, Boss Lady Mondays, Annex Ukulele Jam, Black Sabbath

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tranzac torontoToday in Toronto there are quite a few people standing on a stage to entertain you. Whether it be poetry, comedy, ukuleles or an explosive metal concert from Black Sabbath, just sit back and appreciate the brave men and women in this city putting it all out there to give you a show.

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 the Tranzac club by the TFF in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Win a $1000 gift card from Elte MKT

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elte marketWant to win the ultimate furniture shopping spree? Elte MKT has a diverse selection of contemporary furniture at price points lower than most other shops in the area. Sofas, sectionals, coffee tables and beds are just some of what you'll find here along with more than 2,000 rugs in stock. And we have a $1000 gift card from Elte MKT to giveaway to one lucky reader.

Get all the contest details here.

Online shoe store gets a permanent location in Toronto

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shoes torontoIt's scary to shop for shoes online, so one digital retailer opened a storefront in Toronto to let you browse IRL. This newly opened bricks-and-mortar shop stocks items from big brands as well as pieces from local designers.

Check out my profile of Shoes.com in the Fashion section.

This Week on DineSafe: Chinos Locos, Gio Rana's, Court Jester, Jaipur Grille, Hakka Wow, The Factory Girl

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dinesafe torontoThis week on DineSafe inspectors seemed to concentrate on the east side of the city. Broadview's Chinos Locos and well-established banh mi shop Rose's Vietnamese Sandwiches are among the eateries sporting conditional passes this week.

See which other restaurants landed on DineSafe in my weekly roundup.

Chinos Locos (368 Broadview Ave.)
Inspected on: August 22, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Hakka Wow (1433 Gerrard St. East)
Inspected on: August 22, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure premises cleaned to prevent food contamination.

The Factory Girl (193 Danforth Ave.)
Inspected on: August 24, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

Kennedy Public House (2199 Bloor St. W.)
Inspected on: August 24, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

The Court Jester (681 Danforth Ave.)
Inspected on: August 25, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 3, Significant: 1)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant (1220 Queen St. E.)
Inspected on: August 25, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Jaipur Grille (208 Queen Quay West)
Inspected on: August 25, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Rose's Vietnamese Sandwiches (601 Gerrard St. E.)
Inspected on: August 25 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

Famous St. Lawrence Market restaurant worth the wait

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Busters Sea Cove TorontoThis famous St. Lawrence Market restaurant still has lineups after all these years. Tourists and locals alike know to hit this spot for lobster rolls, fish fry baskets, grilled seafood over salad, crab cakes, chowders and more.

Read my profile of Buster's Sea Cove in the restaurants section.

Maps show Toronto's building and population boom

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toronto population mapThose who live in Toronto know that the city's population is growing rapidly. Whether it be the cranes that dot the sky or the traffic on the roads, you don't need statistics to feel the effect of the increased number of people who call this place home. But beyond this lived experience, what does Toronto's population boom look like?

The last census with detailed population data related to this city dates back to 2011. That's an eternity when you consider the breakneck speed at which Toronto is growing, but a new report from the Canadian Urban Institute offers insight into the city's increased density via population profiles of 16 downtown neighbourhoods.

toronto population mapThere's plenty of interesting information about each area in the report, but the bird's eye view is perhaps most fascinating. Without recent census data as a guide, the study uses development pipeline data to track "all built, active, and under review projects over a five-year timeframe, 2011 to 2015."

The picture that emerges shows where Toronto's downtown growth is concentrated and also allows analysts to make rough estimates regarding the future population of the neighbourhoods under examination:

toronto population map"There were a total of 27,150 built residential units in the development pipeline dataset for the Downtown, which when added to the 2011 base population of 199,405 is the equivalent of an estimated population downtown in 2015 between 242,845 to 245,830.

There were a total of 86,660 active and under review residential units in the development pipeline dataset for the Downtown, which is the equivalent of a potential population growth of 138,655 to 148,190 over the 2015 population estimate. Adding this to the 2015 population estimate results in a total potential future population of between 381,500 to 394,020."

toronto population mapObviously this isn't the most rigorous way to estimate population given the other variables involved (e.g. whether built units will be occupied), but it does paint an intriguing picture of a city in the midst of a boom.


Toronto restaurants help Italy earthquake relief effort

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italy earthquake relief torontoA number of high-profile Toronto restaurants are pitching in to help raise money for central Italy, the area devastated by an earthquake last week. And they're doing it with pasta.

How? When you order pasta Amatriciana (a dish native to Amatrice, a town affected by the earthquake) at one of the participating Toronto restaurants (which includes Buca, Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse and Campagnolo) they'll donate a portion of the proceeds to the Canadian Red Cross Italy Earthquake Appeal fund.

As Now Toronto reports, this campaign started when an Italian food blogger asked chefs from around the world to pitch in to the relief effort via pasta. Eventually, Jamie Oliver jumped on board.

"On August 24, a powerful earthquake struck central Italy. It claimed more than 290 lives, and destroyed towns and villages including Amatrice - home of the famous pasta Amatriciana. #AmatricianaTO joins together restaurants across Toronto to raise money for the earthquake relief efforts," reads a note on the AmatricianaToronto Facebook page.

You can support the #AmatricianaTO campaign at:

Photo by @zmia642.

The top 10 events in Toronto for September 2016

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september events torontoSeptember might signal the end of summer, but it's a huge month for events in Toronto. From the end of street festival season to the rebirth of Ontario Place, to the citywide spectacle that is TIFF, the city is set to burst with activity over the next few weeks. Summer vacation might be wrapping up, but that doesn't mean the party has to end.

Here are my picks for the hottest events to experience in Toronto this September.

Fan Expo (September 1-4)
The Bat Signal has been lit up in the sky, calling all comic, sci-fi, fantasy, cosplay, anime, horror and nerds in general. It's Fan Expo 2016, and the roster is more impressive than this city has ever seen. I'm not joking. Here's a list of 13 things not to miss!

TIFF (September 8-18)
As has become customary, there's an A-list grouping of talent coming to TIFF this year. There are also a dizzying array of films worthy of your attention, not to mention virtual reality flicks as well. There's an app to help you navigate the overwhelming fest. Have fun!

Manifesto (September 9-18)
Manifesto is a 10-day festival of community and culture that effectively takes over the entire city. The Anderson Paak and Katranada show, as well as the great big free music day at Yonge-Dundas Square are definitely highlights.

Junk Food Fest (September 9-11)
Now that summer is pretty much done and you can stop thinking about your bikini body, dive into some greasy goodness. The Junk Food Fest lasts all weekend, it's free to get in, and it's brought to you by the Mac & Cheese festival team.

Veg Food Fest (September 9-11)
Featuring foods you'd never imagine are made from vegetables and other non-carnivorous substances, this weekend-long food festival at Harbourfront Centre boasts free samples, live music, cooking demonstrations, presentations, new products and duh, lots of food. Check the official site for a full list.

Cabbagetown Festival (September 10-11)
This east side festival turns 40 this year, and it's set to take over the entire neighbourhood, so the best thing to do is just get over there and walk around. Someone will be doing something interesting and you can be there to witness it. There's an 11a.m. start time both days and loads of musical performances on tap.

In/Future (September 15-25)
I'm extremely excited about this one. Ontario Place will be taken back by the people! Or more specifically the artists! Shows, music, performances, readings, lectures, installations... the list is impressive. There are even screenings inside the Cinesphere! There are many ticket types on offer, so check out their Facebook page to get excited.

TURF (September 16-18)
The Toronto Urban Roots Festival, or TURF as it's mostly commonly referred to, is one of the final outdoor music festivals of the year. All kinds of ticket types are available, all kinds of beer will be on hand, and 44 artists will perform including The Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab and so many more.

Toronto Beer Week (September 16-24)
To put this one in official terms, Toronto Beer Week is "a collective series of events dedicated to the celebration and advancement of the craft beer movement." Check out the full calendar to plan your bubbly week including pub crawls, a cruise, beer run, mini small batch beer fest and a pig roast. Cheers!

JFL 2016 (September 22-October 1)
There will be 42 festival acts over 10 days at the Just For Laughs comedy marathon. Trevor Noah, Roseanne Barr, Craig Robinson and Margaret Cho are just some of the headliners. Shows and parties are happening in every corner of the city, so plan accordingly to bust your gut.

Did I miss your favourite major event in September? Let us all know about it in the comments section.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich in Toronto

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grilled cheese sandwich torontoThe best grilled cheese sandwich in Toronto will satisfy your cravings for that straightforward but awesome combination of bread and gooey cheese. Find this childhood favourite on lunch menus citywide where it's often upgraded with a few slices of tomato, strips of bacon, or a smear of sweet chutney.

Here are the best grilled cheese sandwiches in Toronto.

Boozy paint parties more popular than ever in Toronto

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Paintlounge TorontoThere's something happening in Toronto right now, and it's very childish.

More than ever it seems, adults are acting like kids. Whether it's our obsession with the nostalgia brought on by marathon sessions of Stranger Things or running through obstacle courses or playing bubble soccer, the supposed grownups of our city are turning back time and having fun again.

Painting with the added bonus of drinking is one of the most popular social sports in Toronto right now. Places like Paintlounge, Paint Cabin, Pinot's Palette, and one-off events like Paint Nite are bringing art and group activity to beautiful new heights.

But what exactly is happening? Why, for example, does everyone suddenly want to paint and drink right now? There's a paint night happening somewhere in Toronto on any give day of the week at this point.

Kevin Chow, Operations Manager at Paintlounge (they have several locations) believes he knows why. "I think there was something missing in Toronto," he says. "Especially an outlet for people to come in and paint and explore art in a judgement free zone."

Paintlounge hosts paint nights, but also paint parties where, with a special events permit, you and a gang can take over their space, bring all the drinks you want and create something together.

"It's not a competition," Chow says. "We've had people make offers on other people's paintings when they're done, and we've have people going out with each other after meeting at Paint Lounge."

He also believes adults are highly interested in painting (and drinking together, at last!) because it's something many people didn't get to explore when they were younger.

"I'm not artistic, but I like to do art," explains Taylor Poelman, who's tried out a paint party put on by Pain Nite. "My mom says I'm the only kid whose art could not go on the fridge, I'm really not good. So I was excited to see if they can make me paint something nice."

Turns out, she's pretty good. After sitting at an easel with a drink and a brush, she created something fun. Poelman also notes that it would be pretty expensive to get into this on your own. So if you want to explore that little part of your brain that might not have been flexed as a kid, this is your chance. The booze-y part adds a touch a liquid courage.

"It sounds so cliche, but you could connect it to millennials," she says. "Like Pokemon Go, which is based so much on nostalgia, I think there's an element of that. People who are coming into fully fledged adulthood, still want to do things beyond going out to dinner because you can do that all the time.

"Everyone wants to do something new... something people can do that is more than just going to a movie," Poelman continues. "We're all just big kids... [many of us] still live at home so we feel we have the right to do those things again. It's also like, what's wrong with having fun?"

That's where Poelman hits the nail on the head. There's no hard and fast reason people in Toronto are combining liquor and coloured liquids on a canvas, but it can likely be attributed to the search for novelty and fun.

"Maybe in a generation past there's an idea that when you're an adult you don't get to have fun anymore," she says. "Which is total crap."

Photo from the Paintlounge Flickr page.

Toronto's love affair with cider continues to grow

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toronto cider festivalOn Saturday, 2,500 cider lovers took over Yonge-Dundas Square to celebrate the fruity, effervescent alcoholic beverage that's all the rage these days.

In the 2015-2016 fiscal years, Ontario craft cider sales jumped 54 per cent at the LCBO. In Toronto,more and more bars seem to offer craft cider, and the recently opened restaurant Her Father's Cider serves only Ontario cider on tap.

Her Father's owner Joshua Mott thinks this uptick in cider's popularity has been a long time coming. But, we still have a ways to go.

Her Fathers Cider Toronto"It's amazing to me how people come into the bar and that's their first experience of cider, or at least their first experience of cider other than the big commercial ones that aren't a good indication of what cider is," he says.

Bar Volo's Tomas Morana is also seeing the cider scene grow. "We only had one cider line for quite a long time, and then in the last couple of years we've gone up to three," he says.

More local cideries have entered the market and many are producing delicate, dry and funky beverages, notes Morana. Bar Volo - along with other bars and restaurants, such as Wrvst - brings in ciders, both on tap and in bottles, that aren't cloying or sickly sweet.

"I think it's really nice that we finally have more local options using real fruit, as opposed to artificially flavoured, mass-produced ciders," he says.

Wvrst TorontoAlong with an increase in options, more customers seem to be ordering cider at Bar Volo now, especially those who are looking for a gluten-free alternative to beer. Morana doesn't think it's just a seasonal trend - cider is popular in the winter too.

And it was certainly popular this weekend as 18 cideries, including 15 from Ontario, participated in the Toronto Cider Festival. The entire event sold out, and during the evening sessions, the lineups in front of the vendors started to grow at around 6:30 p.m. as drinkers waited around to fill up their sample cups with this trendy fermented apple juice.

"Given what the cider market is right now in Toronto, and all over Canada, there is a lot of room for growth, says Cider Festival co-founder Chris Palivan. "It's trending and people are getting on board and they're loving it."

Photos by (in order) @brodyrutledge, Jesse Milns and Hector Vasquez.

Today in Toronto: Kanye West, Meghan Trainor, Twilight Tuesdays, Fonda Lola Tequila Tasting

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twilight tuesdays torontoToday in Toronto Yeezy and his floating stage descend upon the city for the first night of his two-show stint, Meghan Trainor hits the Molson Amp, and there's a night market at Drake One Fifty. It's a late summer Tuesday, why not enjoy it?

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 Twilight Tuesdays by Jesse Milns.

Where to go for Korean street food in Toronto

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kooyi torontoThe great thing about Toronto is there are always newcomers flooding in to elevate the city's food scene. And now chef operating in a newish Korean restaurant is here to show us how it's done when it comes to kimchi fries, Korean fried chicken, and sneaky beef.

Read my profile of Kooyi in the restaurants section.


Campbell House to be party venue and night market

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mongrel house tiffGet ready to go star-gazing at Queen and University next week because the Campbell House Museum will play host to a number of actors, directors and filmmakers during TIFF.

For the second year in a row, Canadian film distributor Mongrel Media is transforming the museum into Mongrel House, a dedicated space for its various events and after parties.

While you'll be able to get a glimpse of the action from the street, don't expect to be invited inside. This exclusive venue will feature a night market with food from St. Lawrence Market, live music, a ping-pong lounge and live karaoke - last year Geoffrey Rush brought down the house with a rendition of Love Shack.

The Mongrel House will be open from September 8 to 14. This year at the festival, Mongrel's showing 16 films, including many buzzed-about selections like The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer, Personal Shopper and Paterson.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

Where to dine like you're in France in Toronto

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greta solomons torontoWith French-influenced dishes that offer well-balanced flavours and a menu that's constantly changing, this dinner destination that's named after the owner's grandparents is sure to become a neighbourhood gem.

Read my profile of Greta Solomon's in the restaurants section.

House of the week: 51 Sunnypoint Crescent

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51 sunnypoint cres torontoWhat could be better than a large corner lot atop the Scarborough Bluffs, with direct lake access and water views in nearly every room? Coming in at $4,688,000, this unique lakeside abode is fresh on the market.

51 sunnypoint crescent torontoWhile there's no denying the spot is unique, it could be a bit too much for those buyers looking for a modern rebuild. Those looking for character and more outdoor space than you know what to do with, however, will have found their dream spot.

51 sunnypoint crescent torontoThe place boasts a renovated kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and bedrooms. There are some interesting centre rooms with only skylights for natural light, and a massive fitness room on the lower level. But the real selling point? The perfect view of Lake Ontario - and a perch just above the 'Bluffs.

51 sunnypoint crescent torontoSPECS

  • Address: 51 Sunnypoint Crescent
  • Price: $4,688,000
  • Lot Size: 111.00x850.00 FT
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Bathrooms: 5
  • Parking: 4
  • Taxes:
    $18,766.26
  • Walk Score: 38
  • Listing agent: Richard Kunhui Wu
  • Listing ID: E3509603

51 sunnypoint crescent torontoNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Massive corner lot on the Scarborough Bluffs
  • Lake access
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows with lake views in South facing rooms
  • Inground pool
  • Multiple patios to enjoy the lake view

51 sunnypoint crescent torontoGOOD FOR

Those who seek waterfront access with a unique interior to set up as you wish.

51 Sunnypoint Crescent TorontoMOVE ON IF

Your idea of a home just under 5 million has a bit more feng shui and flow.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
51 sunnypoint crescent toronto51 sunnypoint crescent toronto51 Sunnypoint Crescent Toronto51 Sunnypoint Crescent Toronto51 sunnypoint crescent toronto51 sunnypoint crescent toronto51 sunnypoint crescent toronto51 sunnypoint crescent toronto51 sunnypoint crescent torontoWould you live in this unique Scarborough home? 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.

John Legend hosting free event in Toronto next month

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john legend torontoContrary to popular belief, there are some free events at the Toronto International Film Festival. But to access them, you might need to wait in line.

So get ready to queue outside of the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema on Tuesday, September 13 when John Legend and Mark Duplass (one half of the Duplass brothers duo), along with TIFF Vanguard programmer Colin Geddes, host a free night at the movies.

The event will celebrate the Vanguard films (described as dark and edgy) at TIFF 2016 and will spotlight three AXE Collective aspiring filmmakers all of whom have been mentored by Legend and Duplass.

Anyone's welcome to attend, but admission is first come, first served. And in addition to hearing from Legend, Duplass and up-and-coming filmmakers, this event will feature a DJ, popcorn, hors d'oeuvres, complimentary cocktails and dessert.

john legend tiffPhoto via @johnlegend's Instagram.

Prepare for brutal commute along King St. during TIFF

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TIFF ttc TorontoIt's almost the most wonderful time of the year in Toronto. That's right, TIFF kicks off next week and it's set to transform our city into a glittery, celebrity-filled hot spot, especially for the first four days of the festival when five blocks of King Street become a pedestrian-only promenade.

But not everyone's too pleased about this Festival Street initiative, especially if you rely on the 504 to get to and from work.

The streetcar will be diverted from September 8 to 11. According to the TTC website, the "504 King streetcar will be split into east and west sections. There will be no streetcar service between York Street and Charlotte Street."

Here's what service will look like next week:

East section: from Broadview Station, streetcars will travel west on King Street, south on Church Street, west on Wellington Street, north on York Street and east on King Street returning to Broadview Station.

West section: from Dundas West Station, streetcars will travel east on King Street, north on Spadina Avenue, east on Adelaide, south on Charlotte, west on King to Dundas West Station.

ttc map tiffThere will also be supplemental buses running, but be prepared for a significantly longer commute than usual.

As the Toronto Star reports, this King Street closure has had an impact on the TTC's service in the past. And even though the transit agency's brought its concerns to the city, Festival Street is a go for 2016.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

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