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The Weeknd opens a pop-up shop in Toronto

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Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndPop-up shops are the latest trend from musical superstars with artists like Kanye, Justin Bieber, and Drake all getting in on the fun. The latest comes from Scarborough's own The Weeknd (a.k.a. Abęl Makkonen Tesfaye), breakout pop artist behind "Can't Feel My Face" and a local golden boy.

The pop-up is located in the same spot at the foot of Ossington where Kanye West's took place in the summer of 2016, though the lines didn't quite stretch to Argyle for this one. In true Canadian style, fans line up patiently in hats and coats, awaiting their chance to purchase the several scant racks of what's essentially concert merch without the concert.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndUpon entering the space, you're transported to an alternate underground nighttime reality that fits well with the often trippy visuals (like explosions on quiet streets) that The Weeknd uses in his music videos. Everything is bathed in a weird nightclub-like red light that feels sexy and risque as it highlights the red logos of crosses and lightning bolts that adorn much of the apparel.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndThe light comes from neon signs reading THE WEEKND and STARBOY, the name of his third studio album which this pop up promotes. A giant illuminated lightning bolt serves as a display table in the middle of the bare space.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndPerched atop it are baseball caps ($55) with two options for designs. There's a triad of a red cross sandwiched between two red lightning bolts, vague enough to look cool whether anyone knows you're a Weeknd fan or not.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndA more standard design reads "STARBOY" in white embroidery, under which the Weeknd's name is printed in smaller letters.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndOther than that, it's the standard merch offerings dialed up to 11. Tees go for $45 and bear similar designs to the caps, one with the red triad of crosses and bolts and one with Starboy written in white on black, but with the addition of a cool panther. Jungle cats, lightning, crosses, skulls, images of The Weeknd himself and his own record label XO tie everything together thematically.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndLong sleeve tees ($55) bear the crosses and bolts down the arms. Another has the word "Starboy" written down the arms and features an image of The Weeknd as he appears on the Starboy album cover. Yet another is more similar to a white short sleeve tee, emblazoned with the words "FALSE ALARM," the name of a single, surrounded by cool, creepy figures.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndThere's also a couple of tees and a hoodie ($115) that are specially made for Toronto, with our city's name in red alongside a silhouette of The Weeknd with his back turned broodingly.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndJackets are the splurge item here. A bomber jacket ($260) has the Starboy/panther combo on the back and the XO logo on the breast.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndThe most expensive item on offer is a denim jacket ($340) with lightning bolts on the sleeves and a red cross along with the word "Starboy" on the back.

Weeknd Pop Up TorontoFervent Weeknd fans lined up on Wednesday to get the opportunity to snag their place at a Weeknd autograph signing Thursday night. If you missed your chance to meet The Weeknd in person, at least you can still check out this sweet pop up until Sunday, November 27 at 3 p.m.

Starboy Pop Up Shop Toronto WeekndPhotos by Hector Vasquez


Future of Gardiner in doubt as costs climb by $1 billion

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gardiner budget torontoThere was lots of backlash when Toronto city council voted on the hybrid option to fix up the eastern portion of the Gardiner Expressway. According to a new staff report, however, the entire Gardiner project (including the work on the East Gardiner) will cost $1 billion more than expected.

The staff report, which will be presented to the executive committee next week, estimates the capital costs for the project have grown from $2.6 billion to $3.6 billion.

This higher-than-expected increase comes from a lack of federal and provincial funding. Construction on the Gardiner is expected to begin in 2019 and should be completed by 2026.

The proposed tolls on the Gardiner and the DVP, as the report suggests, could help offset the budget. According to CP24, this increase won't consume all of the potential toll revenue.

Photo by CJ Burnell via the blogTO Flickr pool.

Major road and TTC closures in Toronto this weekend

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road closures torontoRoad closures continue to hit Toronto streets as holiday festivities ramp up in the city. Last week it was the Santa Claus Parade, and this week it's the Cavalcade of Lights that'll cause congestion on downtown streets. There's also a scheduled TTC closure on Line 3.

Queen Street West from University Avenue to Bay Street will be closed on Saturday, November 26 from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for the annual Cavalcade of Lights and Christmas Tree lighting. In addition, a number of smaller local roads in the area including Hagerman Street and Elizabeth Street will be closed to accommodate this event.

If you're parking at city hall, it'd be wise to use the entrance on Chestnut Street south of Dundas Street West, which is also where scheduled WheelTrans pickups and drop-offs will take place.

The eastbound and westbound lanes of Bremner Boulevard will be occupied from Rees Street to Lower Simcoe on November 25 and 26 for a street festival related to the 104th Grey Cup from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

Watch out for bridge work and road repairs on Bloor St. between Sherbourne and Castle Frank Crescent this weekend from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. One lane will be closed in either direction during this time.

As far as the TTC goes, all of Line 3 will be closed on Saturday, November 26. Shuttle buses will run in place of the SRT.

For a full list of road restrictions, check out the City of Toronto's master list.

Photo by Bruce Wang in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Black Friday madness takes over Toronto malls

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Black Friday TorontoBlack Friday in Toronto is in full force. It looks like many were brave enough to face the crowds to score some savings on clothing, electronics, holiday gifts and anything else they could get their hands on.

Hordes upon hordes of people flooded malls like CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre, though it appears that Boxing Day is still the wildest day on the city's shopping calendar.

Some people who abstained from hitting the malls today likely did so because so many Black Friday sales are happening all weekend long, so you expect the malls to packed throughout the weekend as well.

If you didn't make it out today, here's a glimpse at what went down on Black Friday in Toronto.

Lead photo by @kyphoto.

How a Toronto bar got in on The Weeknd's big launch

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starboy torontoThe Weeknd has official taken over Toronto with his show at the ACC, his pop-up on Ossington and now his beat up car parked on King West.

"I'm very curious to see tonight and tomorrow night when it's crazy with people on that corner," Bradley Rishes, one of the owners of Early Mercy says. The car is parked outside his bar at the corner of King and Brant Streets.

He was approached by the folks at Free For All Marketing on behalf of Universal Music Canada to rent the spot for the weekend. Rishes had to agree to leasing the spot for a pop-up for a major recording artist before he was told who it was.

Once all the papers were signed, they told him it was for The Weeknd for his three-day Toronto blitz.

The car is a completely smashed up 1984 Lincoln Town Car with a giant neon lightning bolt jotting out of it, reminiscent of the neon crucifix in the "Starboy" video. There's a smoke machine inside and music pumping out to the street.

There will be a security person at the car, which is roped off because of the all the broken glass inside and around vehicle, for the duration of the activation which ends Sunday evening.

"I'm not sure if The Weeknd likes the location or if Universal thought it was the best suited location," Rishes says, but they're happy to have the exposure.

Photo by Lorna Freeman.

The top 7 ice fishing destinations in Ontario

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Ice fishing OntarioIce fishing destinations in Ontario can be found surprisingly close to Toronto, though the options increase considerably as you enter traditional cottage areas like Lake Simcoe and Muskoka. The sport is currently witnessing renewed interest, so if you're game to bundle up this winter to catch some fish, then now might be the time to take the plunge.

Here are my picks for the top ice fishing destinations in Ontario.

Georgian Bay
Salmon, sturgeon and pike are just some of the fish caught in Georgian Bay. Collingwood Adventure Voyages offers fishing packages with heated ice hut rentals. For big groups, Ride on Rentals offers a deal for eight people that includes a heated ice hut, fishing poles and pre-drilled fishing holes.

Lake Simcoe
This is one of the most popular spots for ice fishing in the province. One notable spot in the area is Casey's Fish Huts. With an inn at which to stay, a bait and tackle shop, and a daily rate of $50 to rent an ice hut, they've got everything covered. Blue Hut Rentals, on the other hand, provides a slightly higher end experience with hut rentals and operators to help with tips on how to catch perch.

Muskoka
Muskoka Recreation offers half day ice fishing excursions on Lake Rousseau and Lake Joseph with a guide, equipment, chairs and a warming hut. Another good bet is Muskoka Stay and Play Tours, which offers a two-day ice fishing package with accommodation that includes a snowmobile ride, all your gear, and a cooking session for your freshly caught fish for lunch on the ice.

Prince Edward County
On the Bay of Quinte in Prince Edward County, ice fishing is super popular. Chasin' Eyes provides fishing and safety equipment and transportation out on the ice as long as you bring a fishing licence and warm clothes. You can also add ice fishing to the Drake Devonshire's winter packages. Accommodation is included, while some packages include snowshoeing, spa services or mulled wine.

Kawartha Lakes
Golden Beach Resort on Rice Lake has an ice fishing package for $140 per person for one night and two days that includes ice hut rental, accommodation and poles and bait. If you're feeling more adventurous, Lake Scugog Ice Hut Rentals has sleeper huts available that are heated with propane stoves for cooking your catch of the day. Viamede Resort also offers ice fishing for winter stays.

Haliburton
The ice fishing scene in the Haliburton area is all about resorts that have a bunch of winter activities. Buttermilk Falls Resort rents out heated ice fishing huts right on the resort property along with snowshoeing and skating. Loralea Country Inn Resort on Halls Lake has huts available for catching Trout and small-mouth Bass, winter hiking trails and toboggan hills.

Hamilton Harbour
The ice fishing scene at Hamilton Harbour is growing in popularity. Stocking measures from the Ministry of Natural Resources have helped bring back the Walleye population. You'll have to DIY it when it comes to setting up on the harbour, but it's one of the closest options to Toronto. For now, catch and release is likely the wise move, though the Ministry says the fish are safe to eat.

Did I miss a great ice fishing spot? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo by @wospaces via Instagram.

What kind of house does $4 million get you in Toronto?

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million dollar house torontoThe $4 million house in Toronto tends to be located in areas away from the heart of the city where lot sizes are more ample. There are exceptions to this rule with neighbourhoods like Rosedale and Forest Hill, but for the most part, the houses in this price range have tons of space both inside and out.

Here's what a $4 million house looks like in Toronto.

$3,995,000 for a contemporary home in Rosedale
The beauty of having four million to drop on a home is that you can have your pick of almost any neighbourhood in the city. This gorgeous house in Rosedale isn't enormous at four bedrooms, but an excellent renovation and a number of high end finishes (minimalist kitchen, soaker tub, wine cellar, etc.) make it a highly desirable property to the buyer looking to live close to downtown.

4 million dollar house toronto$3,995,000 for a laneway house near Yonge and Eglinton
This is a unique property in a somewhat hidden laneway near Yonge and Eglinton will appeal to anyone who's looking for an unconventional space. The real estate listing characterizes this home as an "urban villa," which is actually a pretty good descriptor given the mix of contemporary and classical design. It's hard to believe this property is tucked just off of Yonge St.

4 million dollar house toronto$3,998,000 for a new build near Hogg's Hollow
On the other end of the spectrum there's this far more traditional home in the Cricket Club neighbourhood. Given its location, the lot size and interior square footage are generous, but the selling point here is the gorgeous main level with its gourmet kitchen and butler's pantry. This won't excite lovers of contemporary design, but it's an elegant home with tons of space.

4 million dollar house toronto$4,195,000 for an updated mansion in Rosedale
Once you get over the $4 million mark, the houses are often works of art. This classic Rosedale home has been refinished in a wonderful combination of old-meets-new. There's hardwood throughout, multiple fireplaces, and a stunning en suite bathroom off of the classy master bedroom. The big garage allows for Porsche storage as well as a workshop.

4 million dollar house toronto$4,398,000 for an oasis near the Humber Valley
Houses with lovely swimming pools like this one are a rarity these days, but it's hard to wonder why they've decreased in popularity when you check out the backyard here. It's not just big; it feels like a sanctuary. One can imagine a wedding taking place here. The house itself isn't remarkable, but it's a picture of refinement that's already aged well despite the ever so slightly dated decor.

Do you think any of these houses are worth $4 million? Let us know in the comments.

The skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square is now open

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skating torontoJust because the weather now officially sucks in Toronto, it doesn't mean you have to sit inside and hibernate all winter long. Instead, take advantage of the season and do something festive, or at least active. Why not lace of your skates and take a whirl around the ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square; if you haven't noticed, it's now open.

The rink opened just in time for the Cavalcade of Lights tree-lighting festivities happening tonight in front of City Hall. While it's sure to be busy, there's going to a skating party with a DJ spinning live on site.

Along with Nathan Phillips Square, most of the city's public outdoor rinks open today. The rest will be ready on December 3.

Here's a list of the rink that are now open:

  • Alexandra Park/Harry Gairey
  • Broadlands CC
  • Cedarvale Park
  • Christie Pits
  • Colonel Samuel Smith Park
  • Dieppe Park
  • Dufferin Grove Park
  • Giovanni Caboto
  • Glen Long CC
  • Greenwood Park
  • High Park
  • Hodgson Public School Grounds
  • Irving W Chapley CC
  • Kew Gardens
  • Ledbury Park
  • Mel Lastman Square
  • Monarch Park
  • Nathan Phillips Square
  • North Toronto Memorial CRC/Eglinton Park
  • Otter Creek Centre
  • Ramsden Park
  • Regent Park
  • Rennie Park
  • Rosedale Park
  • Royalcrest Rink
  • Scarborough Civic Centre/Albert Campbell Square
  • Sherbourne Common/ Paul Quarrington Ice Rink
  • Sir Adam Beck Rink
  • Sunnydale Acres Rink
  • Trinity Bellwoods Park
  • Van Horne Park/Pleasantview Rink
  • Wallace Emerson Park
  • West Deane Park/Martingrove
  • West Mall Rink
  • Westway Outdoor Rink
  • Withrow Park

Photo by Wil Guerrero via the blogTO Flickr pool.


Instagram star captures the silent beauty of Toronto

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Toronto InstagramPhotographer and prolific Instagrammer Adeyemi Adegbesan, more commonly known as Soteeoh, is happy that Torontonians are finally falling in love with their city. He's believed in it all along, but actually got his Instagram moniker from a t-shirt he designed a number of years ago, which made fun of Toronto's self-hating and self-deprecating sensibilities.

Toronto Instagram"I just love the city," he says. "I love being from here and I used to get frustrated sometimes having conversations with people. They'd say, 'Toronto's boring,' or 'there's nothing to do here.' I always found it a super inspiring place to be. And it's just kind of awesome now to look around and see so many people feeling the same way."

Toronto InstagramAdegbesan got started in Instagram back in 2012. He was looking for a creative outlet and tried everything from tattooing to painting, but nothing stuck until he jumped onto the burgeoning social media platform. At first, he used the app in sort of a basic way, but that soon changed.

Toronto Instagram"I just got a really good response every time I posted a real picture as opposed to just what I was doing or what I was eating," he says.

Toronto InstagramTo date, he has just over 60,000 followers and Instagram as well as photography is his full-time gig. He calls himself a freelancer and has worked with massive brands such as American Express, Adidas, Ray Ban and Ford.

Toronto InstagramBut he maintains photography as an artistic outlet too. He and Toronto's Anser (known for Mysterious Date) just wrapped up a collaborative art show at Project Gallery. They met over Instagram in 2014 and began working together to create pieces using long exposure photography and a flashlight.

Toronto InstagramWhen shooting on his own, Adegbesan often heads to the Financial District. He likes the area's lines and geometry as well as the motion he captures in that downtown part of the city.

Toronto InstagramHe admits, however, that he's biased because one of his favourite places to capture is Kensington Market - it's also where he lives. He notes he's inspired by the city's diversity and its many ethnic enclaves.

Toronto Instagram"Toronto's a pretty incredible place to shoot," he says. "I feel like it's a really beautiful city, juts aesthetically. On top of that it's a really dynamic city because of the culture here."

Toronto InstagramHe tries to feature that dynamism on his Instagram feed as it fuels his creativity.

Toronto Instagram"What I get from that is a constant source of creative inspiration," he says. "That's really what I like to focus on. Because it is changing and it's so lively right now, there's always something sort of new to focus on."

Toronto Instagram

Photos by Adeyemi "Soteeoh" Adegbesan.

Holiday movie screenings in Toronto this year

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holiday movies torontoHoliday movie screenings in Toronto fall into theatres in early December. Many of these screenings are completely free or help raise money and gather toys for local charities. Best of all, these classics will have you feeling cozy and warm inside.

Here's a round-up of holiday movie screenings in Toronto this year.

TOP PICKS

A Christmas Story (Dec. 10, The Revue)
This hilarious Christmas classic screening is completely free! But The Revue asks you to bring an unused or unwrapped toy as a donation to get in. The film starts at 4 p.m. and is the perfect way to hang out with the fam to remind them about the importance of the season through the movie's goofy lessons.

Black Christmas (Dec. 17, The Royal)
For those of you who have a twisted sense of humour and can see darkness during the holiday season, this is the Christmas horror slasher flick for you.

Screen Queens: Home Alone (Dec. 18, The Royal)
Screen Queens is like Mystery Science Theatre + Drunk History + Elvira and booze. Drag Queen Allysin Chaynes guide viewers through this screening with lots of commentary, jokes, giveaways and sass. You'll never watch this Christmas classic in the same way again.

Love Actually (Dec. 18, Hot Docs Cinema)
All Hot Docs Cinema holiday screenings are free and they're playing every Christmas classic you could ever want over the month of December. Love Actually is a new-school favourite, but it's such a cute one to watch with a good pal. Hot Docs also has a bar, so add wine to this screening and you'll be gushing tears the whole time.

Sound of Music (Dec. 26, TIFF Bell Lightbox
Another holiday tradition is this epic musical starring Julie Andrews and Toronto's very own Christopher Plummer. TIFF shows this classic in beautiful surround sound and you'll be singing along to every song because you know you know them all.

MORE MOVIES:

Did I miss a holiday movie screening you're excited to see? Let us know in the comments.

Photo is movie still from Christmas Vacation.

The 10 worst lineups you'll face in Toronto this holiday season

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toronto lineupsThe worst lineups you'll face in Toronto this holiday season naturally centre around shopping and travel. While the horror of Black Friday is fading, there's still the mad rush on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day to get through. Luckily, most of us are feeling pretty cheery at this time of the year, so why complain if you have to wait a little while?

Here's where I think you'll face the worst lineups in Toronto this holiday season.

Toronto Christmas Market
The Toronto Christmas Market gets so busy that organizers introduced a new fast pass option - you can skip the line at the entrance for $20.

Balzacs (Distillery District)
This is still the most popular coffee shop in the Distillery District and it fills up pretty quickly when the Christmas Market's on. Visitors need their coffee and eggnog-cold brew beverages.

Fashion Santa
Fashion Santa might've been replaced by a different male model, but if last year was any indication, people will still wait around to take a selfie with this year's imposter at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

Pearson on the busiest travel day of the year
The check-in and security lines at Pearson are usually jam-packed on the Friday before Christmas - this year, that's December 23.

The LCBO
The LCBO is packed before all major holidays but it's going to be especially busy before Christmas and New Years because no one wants to run out of booze during the festive season.

The skating Rink at Nathan Phillips Square
Most of Toronto's outdoor skating rinks open today, including the one at Nathan Phillips Square. Though you may have to wait if you want to rent skates and go for a spin, especially during winter vacation when school's out.

The parking lot at Yorkdale
Yorkdale was a shopping destination even before its expansion. It now boasts Uniqlo, Nordstrom and a standalone Canada Goose store, which means you'll have to wait in your car and fight for a while before you see a spot. Save yourself the grief and subway in.

Boxing Day outside of Sporting Life
I dare you to try to get into Sporting Life on Yonge Street on Boxing Day. The lineup curls around the block before the crack of dawn and it's pretty intimidating - but if you wait, you might score quite the deal on new winter clothes.

Sweet Jesus
Sure, you might have to wait in line to get into midnight mass, but this house of worship is a tad bit sweeter. While those queuing can still get ice cream, they're probably looking for epic hot chocolate and other hot beverages.

Movie theatres
Those of us who don't spend December 25 unwrapping presents usually head to the movies. There are usually some awesome new releases out as well as lengthy lineups for tickets, seats and snacks.

Photo by Hector Vasquez.

The cluttered beauty of Toronto streets in the 1960s

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Toronto 1960sToronto's main streets looked remarkably different in the 1960s. Even as the city is much denser and more vibrant today, the aesthetic of the urban landscape was at its busiest during this decade and the one that followed. Streets like Yonge and Bloor were a cluttered mess of irregularly shaped signs, flags and awning, but there was an undeniable beauty in the chaos.

This, no doubt, is why photos from the decade inspire such deep nostalgia these days. Toronto has grown up, but its lost much of its messy character along the way. Neon signs had burst onto the scene in the 1940s, and in the span of about 20 years it completely changed the North American streetscape.

Toronto 1960sFrom movie marquees to towering restaurant markers to steel-framed rooftop ads for beer and cigarette companies, streets were packed with a dizzying array of visual stimuli that seemed to announce Toronto's arrival as a big city in a blaze of red light.

Business owners could get away with far more outlandish signage during this period, and they took advantage with ostentatious self-promotion that protruded onto the street and hovered atop many buildings. No one would endorse this type of urban planning today, but despite the overt commercialism, there was an energy that this bright hodgepodge lent to the city.

Behold, the cluttered beauty of Toronto streets in the 1960s.

Toronto 1960sLooking up Yonge towards Queen St.

Toronto 1960sSimilar view during the holidays

Toronto 1960sYonge and Dundas

Toronto 1960sYonge and Gould streets

Toronto 1960sOpposite view

toronto 1960sLooking west on Bloor from Bathurst

Toronto 1960sLooking east on Bloor from Lansdowne

Toronto 1960sLooking north on Lansdowne from Bloor

Toronto 1960sBloor near St. Clarens

Toronto 1960sBloor near Havelock

Toronto 1960sLooking east on Bloor at Dovercourt

Toronto 1960sLooking north up Bathurst at Dundas

Toronto 1960sBloor and Islington

20161122-queen-parliament.jpgQueen and Parliament

Toronto 1960sDanforth and Coxwell

Photos from Chuckman's Toronto Nostalgia series.

Major road and TTC closures in Toronto this weekend

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Road closures continue to hit Toronto streets as holiday festivities ramp up in the city. Last week it was the Santa Claus Parade, and this week it's the Cavalcade of Lights that'll cause congestion on downtown streets. There's also a scheduled TTC closure on Line 3.

Queen Street West from University Avenue to Bay Street will be closed on Saturday, November 26 from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for the annual Cavalcade of Lights and Christmas Tree lighting. In addition, a number of smaller local roads in the area including Hagerman Street and Elizabeth Street will be closed to accommodate this event.

If you're parking at city hall, it'd be wise to use the entrance on Chestnut Street south of Dundas Street West, which is also where scheduled WheelTrans pickups and drop-offs will take place.

The eastbound and westbound lanes of Bremner Boulevard will be occupied from Rees Street to Lower Simcoe on November 25 and 26 for a street festival related to the 104th Grey Cup from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

Watch out for bridge work and road repairs on Bloor St. between Sherbourne and Castle Frank Crescent this weekend from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. One lane will be closed in either direction during this time.

As far as the TTC goes, all of Line 3 will be closed on Saturday, November 26. Shuttle buses will run in place of the SRT.

For a full list of road restrictions, check out the City of Toronto's master list.

Photo by Bruce Wang in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Black Friday madness takes over Toronto malls

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Black Friday in Toronto is in full force. It looks like many were brave enough to face the crowds to score some savings on clothing, electronics, holiday gifts and anything else they could get their hands on.

Hordes upon hordes of people flooded malls like CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre, though it appears that Boxing Day is still the wildest day on the city's shopping calendar.

Some people who abstained from hitting the malls today likely did so because so many Black Friday sales are happening all weekend long, so you expect the malls to packed throughout the weekend as well.

If you didn't make it out today, here's a glimpse at what went down on Black Friday in Toronto.

Lead photo by @kyphoto.

How a Toronto bar got in on The Weeknd's big launch

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The Weeknd has official taken over Toronto with his show at the ACC, his pop-up on Ossington and now his beat up car parked on King West.

"I'm very curious to see tonight and tomorrow night when it's crazy with people on that corner," Bradley Rishes, one of the owners of Early Mercy says. The car is parked outside his bar at the corner of King and Brant Streets.

He was approached by the folks at Free For All Marketing on behalf of Universal Music Canada to rent the spot for the weekend. Rishes had to agree to leasing the spot for a pop-up for a major recording artist before he was told who it was.

Once all the papers were signed, they told him it was for The Weeknd for his three-day Toronto blitz.

The car is a completely smashed up 1984 Lincoln Town Car with a giant neon lightning bolt jotting out of it, reminiscent of the neon crucifix in the "Starboy" video. There's a smoke machine inside and music pumping out to the street.

There will be a security person at the car, which is roped off because of the all the broken glass inside and around vehicle, for the duration of the activation which ends Sunday evening.

"I'm not sure if The Weeknd likes the location or if Universal thought it was the best suited location," Rishes says, but they're happy to have the exposure.


The top 7 ice fishing destinations in Ontario

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Ice fishing destinations in Ontario can be found surprisingly close to Toronto, though the options increase considerably as you enter traditional cottage areas like Lake Simcoe and Muskoka. The sport is currently witnessing renewed interest, so if you're game to bundle up this winter to catch some fish, then now might be the time to take the plunge.

Here are my picks for the top ice fishing destinations in Ontario.

Georgian Bay
Salmon, sturgeon and pike are just some of the fish caught in Georgian Bay. Collingwood Adventure Voyages offers fishing packages with heated ice hut rentals. For big groups, Ride on Rentals offers a deal for eight people that includes a heated ice hut, fishing poles and pre-drilled fishing holes.

Lake Simcoe
This is one of the most popular spots for ice fishing in the province. One notable spot in the area is Casey's Fish Huts. With an inn at which to stay, a bait and tackle shop, and a daily rate of $50 to rent an ice hut, they've got everything covered. Blue Hut Rentals, on the other hand, provides a slightly higher end experience with hut rentals and operators to help with tips on how to catch perch.

Muskoka
Muskoka Recreation offers half day ice fishing excursions on Lake Rousseau and Lake Joseph with a guide, equipment, chairs and a warming hut. Another good bet is Muskoka Stay and Play Tours, which offers a two-day ice fishing package with accommodation that includes a snowmobile ride, all your gear, and a cooking session for your freshly caught fish for lunch on the ice.

Prince Edward County
On the Bay of Quinte in Prince Edward County, ice fishing is super popular. Chasin' Eyes provides fishing and safety equipment and transportation out on the ice as long as you bring a fishing licence and warm clothes. You can also add ice fishing to the Drake Devonshire's winter packages. Accommodation is included, while some packages include snowshoeing, spa services or mulled wine.

Kawartha Lakes
Golden Beach Resort on Rice Lake has an ice fishing package for $140 per person for one night and two days that includes ice hut rental, accommodation and poles and bait. If you're feeling more adventurous, Lake Scugog Ice Hut Rentals has sleeper huts available that are heated with propane stoves for cooking your catch of the day. Viamede Resort also offers ice fishing for winter stays.

Haliburton
The ice fishing scene in the Haliburton area is all about resorts that have a bunch of winter activities. Buttermilk Falls Resort rents out heated ice fishing huts right on the resort property along with snowshoeing and skating. Loralea Country Inn Resort on Halls Lake has huts available for catching Trout and small-mouth Bass, winter hiking trails and toboggan hills.

Hamilton Harbour
The ice fishing scene at Hamilton Harbour is growing in popularity. Stocking measures from the Ministry of Natural Resources have helped bring back the Walleye population. You'll have to DIY it when it comes to setting up on the harbour, but it's one of the closest options to Toronto. For now, catch and release is likely the wise move, though the Ministry says the fish are safe to eat.

Did I miss a great ice fishing spot? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo by @wospaces via Instagram.

What kind of house does $4 million get you in Toronto?

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The $4 million house in Toronto tends to be located in areas away from the heart of the city where lot sizes are more ample. There are exceptions to this rule with neighbourhoods like Rosedale and Forest Hill, but for the most part, the houses in this price range have tons of space both inside and out.

Here's what a $4 million house looks like in Toronto.

$3,995,000 for a contemporary home in Rosedale
The beauty of having four million to drop on a home is that you can have your pick of almost any neighbourhood in the city. This gorgeous house in Rosedale isn't enormous at four bedrooms, but an excellent renovation and a number of high end finishes (minimalist kitchen, soaker tub, wine cellar, etc.) make it a highly desirable property to the buyer looking to live close to downtown.

4 million dollar house toronto

$3,995,000 for a laneway house near Yonge and Eglinton
This is a unique property in a somewhat hidden laneway near Yonge and Eglinton will appeal to anyone who's looking for an unconventional space. The real estate listing characterizes this home as an "urban villa," which is actually a pretty good descriptor given the mix of contemporary and classical design. It's hard to believe this property is tucked just off of Yonge St.

4 million dollar house toronto

$3,998,000 for a new build near Hogg's Hollow
On the other end of the spectrum there's this far more traditional home in the Cricket Club neighbourhood. Given its location, the lot size and interior square footage are generous, but the selling point here is the gorgeous main level with its gourmet kitchen and butler's pantry. This won't excite lovers of contemporary design, but it's an elegant home with tons of space.

4 million dollar house toronto

$4,195,000 for an updated mansion in Rosedale
Once you get over the $4 million mark, the houses are often works of art. This classic Rosedale home has been refinished in a wonderful combination of old-meets-new. There's hardwood throughout, multiple fireplaces, and a stunning en suite bathroom off of the classy master bedroom. The big garage allows for Porsche storage as well as a workshop.

4 million dollar house toronto

$4,398,000 for an oasis near the Humber Valley
Houses with lovely swimming pools like this one are a rarity these days, but it's hard to wonder why they've decreased in popularity when you check out the backyard here. It's not just big; it feels like a sanctuary. One can imagine a wedding taking place here. The house itself isn't remarkable, but it's a picture of refinement that's already aged well despite the ever so slightly dated decor.

Do you think any of these houses are worth $4 million? Let us know in the comments.

The skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square is now open

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Just because the weather now officially sucks in Toronto, it doesn't mean you have to sit inside and hibernate all winter long. Instead, take advantage of the season and do something festive, or at least active. Why not lace of your skates and take a whirl around the ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square; if you haven't noticed, it's now open.

The rink opened just in time for the Cavalcade of Lights tree-lighting festivities happening tonight in front of City Hall. While it's sure to be busy, there's going to a skating party with a DJ spinning live on site.

Along with Nathan Phillips Square, most of the city's public outdoor rinks open today. The rest will be ready on December 3.

Here's a list of the rink that are now open:

  • Alexandra Park/Harry Gairey
  • Broadlands CC
  • Cedarvale Park
  • Christie Pits
  • Colonel Samuel Smith Park
  • Dieppe Park
  • Dufferin Grove Park
  • Giovanni Caboto
  • Glen Long CC
  • Greenwood Park
  • High Park
  • Hodgson Public School Grounds
  • Irving W Chapley CC
  • Kew Gardens
  • Ledbury Park
  • Mel Lastman Square
  • Monarch Park
  • Nathan Phillips Square
  • North Toronto Memorial CRC/Eglinton Park
  • Otter Creek Centre
  • Ramsden Park
  • Regent Park
  • Rennie Park
  • Rosedale Park
  • Royalcrest Rink
  • Scarborough Civic Centre/Albert Campbell Square
  • Sherbourne Common/ Paul Quarrington Ice Rink
  • Sir Adam Beck Rink
  • Sunnydale Acres Rink
  • Trinity Bellwoods Park
  • Van Horne Park/Pleasantview Rink
  • Wallace Emerson Park
  • West Deane Park/Martingrove
  • West Mall Rink
  • Westway Outdoor Rink
  • Withrow Park

Instagram star captures the silent beauty of Toronto

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Photographer and prolific Instagrammer Adeyemi Adegbesan, more commonly known as Soteeoh, is happy that Torontonians are finally falling in love with their city. He's believed in it all along, but actually got his Instagram moniker from a t-shirt he designed a number of years ago, which made fun of Toronto's self-hating and self-deprecating sensibilities.

Toronto Instagram

"I just love the city," he says. "I love being from here and I used to get frustrated sometimes having conversations with people. They'd say, 'Toronto's boring,' or 'there's nothing to do here.' I always found it a super inspiring place to be. And it's just kind of awesome now to look around and see so many people feeling the same way."

Toronto Instagram

Adegbesan got started in Instagram back in 2012. He was looking for a creative outlet and tried everything from tattooing to painting, but nothing stuck until he jumped onto the burgeoning social media platform. At first, he used the app in sort of a basic way, but that soon changed.

Toronto Instagram

"I just got a really good response every time I posted a real picture as opposed to just what I was doing or what I was eating," he says.

Toronto Instagram

To date, he has just over 60,000 followers and Instagram as well as photography is his full-time gig. He calls himself a freelancer and has worked with massive brands such as American Express, Adidas, Ray Ban and Ford.

Toronto Instagram

But he maintains photography as an artistic outlet too. He and Toronto's Anser (known for Mysterious Date) just wrapped up a collaborative art show at Project Gallery. They met over Instagram in 2014 and began working together to create pieces using long exposure photography and a flashlight.

Toronto Instagram

When shooting on his own, Adegbesan often heads to the Financial District. He likes the area's lines and geometry as well as the motion he captures in that downtown part of the city.

Toronto Instagram

He admits, however, that he's biased because one of his favourite places to capture is Kensington Market - it's also where he lives. He notes he's inspired by the city's diversity and its many ethnic enclaves.

Toronto Instagram

"Toronto's a pretty incredible place to shoot," he says. "I feel like it's a really beautiful city, juts aesthetically. On top of that it's a really dynamic city because of the culture here."

Toronto Instagram

He tries to feature that dynamism on his Instagram feed as it fuels his creativity.

Toronto Instagram

"What I get from that is a constant source of creative inspiration," he says. "That's really what I like to focus on. Because it is changing and it's so lively right now, there's always something sort of new to focus on."

Toronto Instagram

Photos by Adeyemi "Soteeoh" Adegbesan.

Holiday movie screenings in Toronto this year

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Holiday movie screenings in Toronto fall into theatres in early December. Many of these screenings are completely free or help raise money and gather toys for local charities. Best of all, these classics will have you feeling cozy and warm inside.

Here's a round-up of holiday movie screenings in Toronto this year.

TOP PICKS

A Christmas Story (Dec. 10, The Revue)
This hilarious Christmas classic screening is completely free! But The Revue asks you to bring an unused or unwrapped toy as a donation to get in. The film starts at 4 p.m. and is the perfect way to hang out with the fam to remind them about the importance of the season through the movie's goofy lessons.

Black Christmas (Dec. 17, The Royal)
For those of you who have a twisted sense of humour and can see darkness during the holiday season, this is the Christmas horror slasher flick for you.

Screen Queens: Home Alone (Dec. 18, The Royal)
Screen Queens is like Mystery Science Theatre + Drunk History + Elvira and booze. Drag Queen Allysin Chaynes guide viewers through this screening with lots of commentary, jokes, giveaways and sass. You'll never watch this Christmas classic in the same way again.

Love Actually (Dec. 18, Hot Docs Cinema)
All Hot Docs Cinema holiday screenings are free and they're playing every Christmas classic you could ever want over the month of December. Love Actually is a new-school favourite, but it's such a cute one to watch with a good pal. Hot Docs also has a bar, so add wine to this screening and you'll be gushing tears the whole time.

Sound of Music (Dec. 26, TIFF Bell Lightbox
Another holiday tradition is this epic musical starring Julie Andrews and Toronto's very own Christopher Plummer. TIFF shows this classic in beautiful surround sound and you'll be singing along to every song because you know you know them all.

MORE MOVIES:

Did I miss a holiday movie screening you're excited to see? Let us know in the comments.

Photo is movie still from Christmas Vacation.

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