A&W is taking over Toronto one neighbourhood at a time

January 26, 2017, 6:11 am

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If you're craving a teen burger in Toronto, you'll soon be able to grab one nearly anywhere in the city.

That's because, as many diners point out on Reddit, A&W seems to be expanding throughout various Toronto neighbourhoods. And as one Redditor posts, it's no coincidence. 

In Maclean's February issue, writer Murad Hemmadi details the Canadian burger chain's aggressive urban expansion. It began opening new urban concept restaurants - with sleek glass facades - in Toronto back in 2010.

And according to Hemmadi, the company now has 35 of them. By focusing on Ontario and Quebec, A&W plans to triple that number.

"A&W already has significant presence in suburban areas, but there is a great opportunity in busy urban areas," says Yanick Morin, A&W's national direct of franchise development via email.

"As one of the fastest growing city centres in North America, Toronto's unique appeal is driving growth, and we are eager to be part of that,"  

There's now an A&W at the corner of College and Ossington, as well as locations in other high-traffic areas including Queen West, the Danforth, South Core and the Financial District.

Outlets opening soon include one in Parkdale as well as another in the Junction's historic Campbell Block. This A&W will replace the 40-year-old Super Submarines and many aren't too happy about it. 

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Uniqlo to start selling hijabs in Toronto

January 26, 2017, 7:23 am

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When Uniqlo opened its first two Torontolocations last year, they did a good job of carrying winter-friendly items like lined, fitted pants and loads of coats and jackets. Now they're also thinking about the local market with their spring 2017 line, which will be influenced by Toronto's astounding diversity.

Beginning February 24, Uniqlo's Eaton Centre and Yorkdale locations will launch a modest wear line featuring hijabs, abayas and pieces inspired by the baju kurung, a tunic-and-pants outfit popular in Southeast Asia. So far the collection doesn't include burkas.

Uniqlo has offered modest wear collections since 2015 in other markets, with collaborations like Muslim designer Hana Tajima's collection in the U.S., though this will be their first venture at Canadian stores. 

The Canadian spring-summer modest wear collection includes 30 designed pieces in 81 colours and patterns with hijabs starting at $39.90 and will include long skirts, pants and tunics, plus various pieces for layering.

Toronto is serious about making King Street car-free

January 26, 2017, 8:37 am

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The idea of a car-free King Street has been proposed many times as a way to address congestion on what is the city's busiest streetcar route and a crucial commuter corridor.

It's sure to be a controversial solution, but it has not been possible to debate its merits in the absence of a working plan that would outline its implementation. 

That could be set to change as the city just launched the website for its King Street Pilot study. It's the central hub for information related to what will be a long-term project designed to improve the function of the street, particularly during rush hour. 

While the city has yet to decide on one of the various pilot options, the removal of cars during some periods of the day will likely be tabled as part of this test process.

The preamble to the pilot project notes that the city and the TTC have already taken measures to improve transit on the street, but bigger changes are in store.

"A more significant change is needed to improve transit service on King Street," the website reads. "The pilot project(s) will test a range of options to determine what might further improve transit reliability, capacity, and efficiency."

The focus here is squarely on improving transit and cycling options on the street. The city's Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmaat told the CBC that the options under consideration "essentially get cars out of the way."

This is the earliest stage of the process. The next update will come at a public meeting on February 13, when the city will reveal the pilot options. 

Fashion Santa appears on Chinese TV show

January 26, 2017, 9:27 am

≫ Next: Weekend events in Toronto January 27-29 2017

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Looks like Toronto's Fashion Santa isn't letting intellectual property woes get in the way of promoting his much-loved persona. 

Paul Mason, AKA the original Fashion Santa, recently appeared on a popular Chinese TV show in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The beard takes Shanghai!#shanghai#china#adventurepic.twitter.com/V9NFXRSR07

— FashionSanta (@PaulMasonModel) January 10, 2017

On the show, which airs on China's ShanDong television network, Mason struts along an on-stage runway and poses for Snapchat-style emoji-filled photos. 

He also helps lead the entire audience in a traditional song, proving he's officially a year-round international sensation.

There's still no word on the ongoing legal battle between Mason and Yorkdale Mall about who owns the rights to the Fashion Santa name, though Mason has said he's open to working with Oxford Properties, which owns Yorkdale, in the future. 

Weekend events in Toronto January 27-29 2017

January 26, 2017, 10:22 am

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Weekend events in Toronto will make you forget about the drab weather outside. You can be dazzled by Toronto's new light show, hit up parties in unique spaces, skate to Beyonce, and take in some art at the free Power Plant winter season launch party. Better start planning.

Events you might want to check out:

Toronto Light Festival (January 27 - February 10 @ The Distillery Historic District, Toronto, Ontario)
Come out of the dark days of winter with the Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District and check out light installation from local and international artists.
DJ Skate Nights: Bey Skate (January 28 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Celebrate Queen Bey on the ice with DJ Lissa Monet spinning Beyonce hits. Don't have skates? Can't find your lucky helmet? Don't worry, you can rent everything at the rink.
Epic Vintage Warehouse Sale (January 28 @ Warehouse at Dundas E and Carlaw Ave )
This warehouse will be filled with clothing and accessories that 69 Vintage's Kealan Sullivan has collected over 14 years.
Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration (January 28 @ Dragon City Mall)
Celebrate the year of the Rooster in one of the biggest North American Chinatown neighbourhoods in and around the Dragon City Mall.
Winterlicious (January 27 - February 9 @ Participating Toronto restaurants)
Toronto's winter culinary celebration gives you the chance to discover delicious plates at more than 220 restaurants across the city at more affordable price points.
Toronto Tea Festival (January 28 @ Toronto Reference Library)
Taste all kids of tea, learn where they come from, check out exhibits and demonstrations and then shop for your faves all weekend.
Revel Food & Werewolf Pizza Pop-up (January 29 @ Beaver Cafe)
Toronto's Revel Food and Werewolf Pizza team up to celebrate the Lunar New Year with pizza, dumplings and so much more at this pop-up.
Hooded Fang (January 27 @ The Silver Dollar Room)
The Silver Dollar promises a big announcement soon, on top of the news that this is probably the last time they'll ever work with one of the venue's favourite bands, Hooded Fang.
Cloud Nothings (January 27 @ Lee's Palace)
Check out the scrappy noise-pop band Cloud Nothings performing songs from their new album Life Without Sound. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and don't forget those ear plugs.
Jason Collett, Taylor Knox, Forces and more (January 28 @ Handlebar)
This new Toronto concert series opens with performances from Jason Collett, Taylor Knox Music, Forces and Alli Sunshine.
Bear's Den (January 29 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for this concert from U.K. folk-rockers Bear's Den. Catch them as they show you why they keep being nominated for all kinds of music awards in Britain.
Beam Me Up: Edition Speciale (January 27 @ Beaver Cafe)
Beam Me Up takes its Edition Speciale soiree on a spiritual sojourn to the Beaver, for a one night stand of world disco inside one of West Queen West's smallest but greatest dance floors.
Winter 2017 Opening Party (January 27 @ Power Plant)
Be the first to experience exhibitions by artists such as Jonathas de Andrade, Maria Hupfield and Kapwani Kiwanga. This season reflects on Canada's 150th anniversary.
Beach Bash in The Six (January 27 @ Ripley's Aquarium of Canada)
Ripley's Aquarium is throwing big beach party, so dive in at the 19-plus event, featuring food stations, a surf simulator, photo booth and tunes from DJ Shamz.
Chus Ceballos Extended Set (January 28 @ Nest)
Chus and Ceballos are often in Toronto for huge dance events like Pride, but are making a special visit to Nest. Opening sets from Sean Collier and Brent Hayward will help you stretch it out before the big show, which runs until 5 a.m.
Bombay Nights: Winter Edition (January 28 @ Mod Club Theatre)
This Bollywood party will feature entertainment by The Prodigy who will be spinning Bollywood hits, remixes and bhangra.
Sunday Afternoon Social (January 29 @ Loft404 Inspired Gatherings)
Box of Kittens party collective and Justin of alienInFlux Sound System, Boreal Canoe Trip and the founder of Harvest Festival throw the latest instalment of their Sunday afternoon loft party.
Italian Restaurant Week (January 26 - February 5 @ Various locations)
The inaugural Giro d'Italia brings together some of Toronto's best restaurants to celebrate Italian cuisine. Each restaurant will serve a four-course prix fixe dinner menu for $45.

The top 50 pizza in Toronto

January 26, 2017, 11:01 am

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Toronto is a pizza town. There's everything here from Neapolitan to Roman styles to pizza topped with poutine or potato chips. No matter what neighbourhood in Toronto you're in, chances are there's a great tasting pizza nearby.

Check out all 50 essential Toronto pizza joints in this photo gallery.

Government might do something to cool down Toronto housing market

January 26, 2017, 11:11 am

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Will anything stop Toronto's red hot real estate market this year? The Royal Bank of Canada thinks so. In its January Canadian Housing Health Check (PDF), the bank warns that "the likelihood of policy intervention to address housing risks in Toronto is increasing."

The report doesn't specify which level of government is most likely to interfere, though a recent precedent has already been set in Vancouver when the provincial government implemented a 15 per cent tax on foreign home buyers, which noticeably slowed the country's other runaway market.

The Ontario government hasn't done much to indicate that it will put in place a similar tax, though there are other ways that it, or the federal government, could intervene. 

"Affordability-related vulnerabilities continue to be major concerns in Vancouver and Toronto," reads the RBC report. 

"Such vulnerabilities are now being tempered (somewhat) in Vancouver, however, by rapidly moderating price increases. On the other hand, Toronto is showing increasing signs of overheating."

RBC has also forecasted that the rate by which housing prices increase in Toronto will slow slightly compared to last year. At the close of 2016, the bank predicted five to ten per cent increases for 2017.

Should the numbers actually be much higher than this as the year progresses, it's increasingly likely that governmental measures will be taken to slow things down.

Uniqlo responds to backlash over clothing giveaway

January 26, 2017, 1:24 pm

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Uniqlo's free clothing giveaway is heating up, and not in the most positive way. Yesterday, the global retail chain announced it'd be giving out 30,000 free items from its HeatTech line in Toronto on January 27 and 28.

Some, however, were critical of this move and thought Uniqlo should donate these pieces of apparel to local charities and shelters instead.

A Change.org petition emerged in response. At press time the "Get Uniqlo to Donate HeatTech clothing to Toronto's Homeless," had about 500 digital signatures.

When reached for comment, Uniqlo Canada responded with a statement via email:

“UNIQLO believes in giving back to the communities in which we operate. The 'Warmth for All' giveaway of 30,000 HEATTECH Extra Warm items is inclusive of all Torontonians,” it read.

In addition, 5,000 HEATTECH Extra Warm items for kids will be donated to @TKBGC@YWCAToronto@BBBSToronto and @TorontoYouthDev#WARMTHFORALL

— Uniqlo_Canada (@Uniqlo_Canada) January 26, 2017

“In addition, we have partnered with children’s organizations across Toronto, including: Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, YWCA Toronto and Toronto Youth Development to provide an additional 5,000 HEATTECH items to offer support to youth in need.”

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Toronto Zoo in global tweet-off over cute animals

January 26, 2017, 3:28 pm

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Could there be a cuter tweet war? Doubt it. Today, the Toronto Zoo found itself in the middle of the world's most adorable Twitter storm.

The #CuteAnimalTweetOff is breaking the Internet as zoos around the world tweet out photos of their fluffiest and most delightful little creatures.

The Toronto Zoo, of course, put out a picture of one of its baby pandas, who we already know how much the world loves.

As the New York Times reports, this whole thing started after the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. tweeted out a birth announcement for its new seal pup.

This tweet-off is probably the best thing to come out of D.C. in quite some time. 

Here are some of the highlights from the #CuteAnimalTweetOff if you need a little pick-me-up.

Drake says he's going to start acting again

January 26, 2017, 3:31 pm

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Drake got his start on the small screen, famously playing Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi. Now, it looks like Toronto's very own rap superstar wants to get back into acting.

In an interview on the Cal Cast podcast, hosted by the University of Kentucky's head basketball coach John Calipari, Drake revealed that he's interested in getting back into acting. As Fader reports, this return could come next year.

"Acting is another thing that I just can’t wait to really dive into," he said.

"I think after I release More Life, which is this playlist I’m working on, and finish this tour, I think I’m going to really start to position myself in the acting world and, hopefully, take some great roles."

More Life is a playlist project Drake is currently finishing off. It was supposed to be released via Apple Music in December, but it should be out sometime early this year.

Toronto comedy club takes heat for offensive ads

January 26, 2017, 5:30 pm

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A Toronto comedy club found itself in hot water after a series of rather insensitive Instagram posts surfaced on Twitter earlier today.

On January 24, writer Matthew Hansen first tweeted about three Instagram ads from The Corner Comedy Club and today, writer Jonathan Goldsbieposted about them too.

Toronto’s most intimate comedy experience. Live at Queen and John.

A photo posted by The Corner Comedy Club (@thecorner_to) on Jan 6, 2017 at 11:31am PST

The ads aim to poke fun at the club's small size, but many feel that they cross a line by invoking Holocaust imagery, not to mention the other sentiments expressed.

Toronto’s most intimate comedy experience. Live at Queen and John.

A photo posted by The Corner Comedy Club (@thecorner_to) on Jan 6, 2017 at 11:57am PST

I called The Corner Comedy Club for comment, and owner Joe Tuccitto got back to me with a statement via email, which was also posted to the club's Instagram account.

A photo posted by The Corner Comedy Club (@thecorner_to) on Jan 26, 2017 at 1:32pm PST

Sure, some argue you can use humour to discuss the Holocaust — there's actually a documentary about it that played at Hot Docs last year — but this is not an example of that. 

Toronto’s most intimate comedy experience. Live at Queen and John.

A photo posted by The Corner Comedy Club (@thecorner_to) on Jan 6, 2017 at 10:56am PST

Condo of the week: 55 Scollard Street

January 26, 2017, 5:56 pm

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Living in a condo contained in a luxury hotel has its pros and cons. The amenities are generally incredible, but there's also a lot more action than what you'll find at the average residential building. Then there's the Four Seasons, where the idea is to create the best of both worlds.

With two towers on Scollard Street in Yorkville, potential residents can decide whether they want to live in the same building as hotel guests or in an adjacent building that houses only private residences.

This unit is located in the latter and thus ideal for folks who enjoy some peace and quiet, but also sprawling skyline views and spa facilities.

$1.7 million will buy you a two bedroom unit on the 20th floor that's absolutely brimming with light. It's not an enormous space, but decked out in white, it feels like there's plenty of room maneuver, particularly given the generous balcony. 

Specs

• Address: 2005- 55 Scollard St.
• Price: $1,695,000
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2
• Parking: 1 (underground)
• Walk Score: 100
• Transit Score: 96
• Maintenance Fees: $1692.03
• Listing agent: Julia Knowlton, Chestnut Parl
• Listing ID: C3689006

Noteworthy Features

• High end appliances and chef's kitchen
• 5 piece en suite
• Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna, Gym, Yoga Studio

Good For

Someone who loves the idea of luxury hotel amenities and is willing to pay for them in the form of high maintenance fees. Given the central location and on-site features, this would also be a great pad for someone with little interest in driving a car.

Move On If

The allure of Yorkville is lost on you. Living at the Four Seasons is all about cachet, and if you don't plan of cultivating that, your money will go further elsewhere.

Thanks for Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage for sponsoring our condo of the week. All editorial written and selected by blogTO.

Road tolls won't be coming to the DVP and Gardiner after all

January 26, 2017, 6:35 pm

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If you don't like the idea of road tolls on the Gardiner and DVP you're in luck as the project just hit a major snag. As the Toronto Star reports, Premier Kathleen Wynne will not allow the tolls to proceed. Instead, she'll be pledging more funding for local transit.

According to the Star, an official announcement will be made on Friday in Richmond Hill where Wynne will reveal new funding for the TTC as well as other local transit initiatives in the province.

Road tolls in Toronto date back to the 1800s when Torontonians were required to pay fees at various gates scattered around the city. The money was used to help build out the city's road network but was ultimately canceled in 1895.

The idea resurfaced in recent years as a way to fund the city's transit infrastructure and gained momentum when a report was submitted to the city outlining exactly how it could be done.

When Mayor John Tory endorsed the idea in November, a plan later approved by City Council, it seemed tolls were inevitable.

Public opinion also appeared to be in favour of road tolls on the DVP and Gardiner. In a poll conduced by Mainstream Research, 70 per cent of Torontonians said they thought tolls were a good idea.

But now it  seems that it was perhaps all just political gamesmanship and a crafty move for Tory and City Council to get the funding from the province they initially sought.

The top 10 events in Toronto this February

January 27, 2017, 5:00 am

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The top events in Toronto this February will make it easy to shake off the mid-winter blahs with music and film festivals as well as a multi-day goodbye extravaganza at Honest Ed's.

Events you might want to check out:

Rhubarb Festival (February 15-26 @ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre)
Canada’s longest running new works festival transforms Buddies into a hotbed of experimentation with artists exploring new possibilities in theatre, dance, music, and performance art.
Amy Schumer Live (February 16 @ Air Canada Centre)
These are dark days, people. We can all use a good laugh, and Amy Schumer is just the woman we need. So bring your pals to this show by a comedian at the top of her game.
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival (February 17-19 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
The sixth annual TIFF Next Wave Film Festival screens free movies for anyone under 25. It includes special guests, young creators workshops, a 24-hour film challenge and more.
Wavelength Music Festival (February 17 @ Garrison)
Your friendly neighbourhood concert series turns 17 this year and it's throwing a big birthday party over the Family Day long weekend to celebrate.
Winterfolk XV (February 17-19 @ Various locations)
Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival takes place on the Danforth and is an all-ages, mid-winter event where you’ll find the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music.
5th Annual Toronto Black Film Festival (February 15-19 @ Various locations )
The Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the very films dealing with the varied experiences of black people from diverse communities. The fest opens with Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story Of Historically Black Colleges And Universities and films are screening at various cinemas throughout the city.
1 LOVE T.O. 10th Anniversary Party (February 18 @ Harbourfront Centre - Natrel Rink)
The final free skating party of 2017 is a biggie because it's also a celebration of 1 Love T.O.'s 10th anniversary. Skate to music DJs Dlux and Yuknodis, alongside host Mr. 1 LOVE T.O. himself – Tyrone Tyrone 'T-rex' Edwards. 
Winter Stations (February 20 - March 27 @ The Beach)
Winter Stations is a public art exhibition that transforms lifeguard stands at Balmy, Kew and Ashbridges Bay beaches.
The Artist Project (February 23-26 @ Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place)
Head to this annual art fair to see work from more than 250 contemporary artists. Even if you're not looking to buy anything, you can check out both established and up-and-coming visual artists.
Toronto Is for Everyone (February 23-26 @ Honest Ed's)
The first, last and only farewell party for Honest Ed's is this is a multi-day, multidisciplinary, immersive experience happening inside the original store.

The Best New Restaurants in Toronto for 2016

January 27, 2017, 5:55 am

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The best new restaurants in Toronto run the gamut from German to Mexican to Portuguese, from barbecue to plant-based dining. Whether you’re chomping down on a carrot dog or a ham hock, these are the newest places Torontonians have most enjoyed eating and drinking.

Here are the best new restaurants that opened in Toronto during 2016.

9 - Piano Piano

An Italian spot by those who used to do Splendido, this Harbord joint is welcoming, fun and simple, with eye-catching wall art and pizzas with names like The Pretty Woman (anchovy) and The Dairy Mafia (three kinds of cheese and garlic). They also do family style service.
10 - El Rey Mezcal Bar

This Kensington destination is not only one of the spots in town introducing Canadians to mezcal, but is also offering a menu of snacks and sharing plates like shishitos, tostadas and snow crab tostones.
6 - Baro

The new incarnation of what used to be Valdez on King West has kept some things the same and revamped a few, still offering amazing cooking by chef Steven Gonzalez such as stunning ceviche flights and duck chaufa mixed tableside.
7 - Maple Leaf Tavern

Sometimes staying home in Canada is where it's at. Classic bistro plates like lamb shoulder, lasagna, burgers and Pacific cod aren't fussy or finicky at this revamped tavern across from Gerrard Square in Leslieville.
8 - Planta

Plant-based cuisine has come to Yorkville and diners are loving it. Coconut ceviche, cauliflower tots, carrot hot dogs and beet juice cocktails are just some of the delightful and ethical options here.
5 - Adamson Barbecue

This old school barbecue joint in Leaside offering pulled pork, turkey breast, sausage, pulled pork and rib goodness by the pound or as plates or sandwiches has been wowing the city by doing classics well. Open for lunch only.
11 - Lake Inez

House made egg noodles, local beers, mussels in a Filipino broth and skewers are all available for sipping, munching and slurping at this new Little India spot that brings together the comforts of a tiny lake in Michigan and the flavours of the big wide world.
4 - Ufficio

Torontonians seeking respite from meat-heavy menus without deigning to do away with style and animal flesh altogether can find comfort at this Dundas West Italian spot. Vegetables and sea creatures like octopus and tuna are often locally and sustainably sourced.
3 - Otto's Bierhalle

From the same folks that brought us Otto’s Berlin Doner in Kensington comes a massive beer hall at Queen and Dovercourt, slinging nerdy brews like BrewDog and limited edition Burdock bottles along with heaping platters of schnitzel, pretzels and schweinshaxe.

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Toronto food events: Toronto Tea Festival, Winterlicious, Bollywood Brunch

January 27, 2017, 5:58 am

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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.

Events you might want to check out:

Winterlicious (January 27 - February 9 @ Participating Toronto restaurants)
Choose from more than 220 restaurants and grab a three-course prix fixe lunch or dinner.
Bevy 0031 (January 27 @ TBA 48 hours before the event)
Celebrate the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies' third birthday at this event featuring lots of beer and a one-off brews.
Toronto Tea Festival (January 28 @ Toronto Reference Library)
Head to the Toronto Reference Library to learn all about tea - you'll probably be inspired to curl up with a good book and a mug of tea, which sounds like the best weekend ever.
Revel Food & Werewolf Pizza Chinese New Year Pop-Up Extravaganza (January 29 @ Beaver Cafe)
Ring in the New Year at this pizza party pop-up that'll also include dumplings, beer and karaoke.
Bollywood Brunch @ Ji (January 29 @ Ji Restaurant)
Chef Kirti Singh will serve up a spread of Indian-inspired dishes for brunch at Ji. Go and spice up your morning routine.
Dutch Eats at Orchard (January 29 @ Orchard)
Toronto's Dutch pop-up Borrel will be at Orchard Bar for a "gezellig" afternoon of comfort food and bar snacks.
Toronto Common's 3 Year Anniversary (January 30 @ Boxcar Social (Harbourfront))
Toronto Common will treat the city to a party with bourbon, BBQ and fried chicken. Turning three never seemed like so much fun.
Winter Midnight MRKT (February 3 @ 2nd Floor Events)
This late-night market will feature lots of local vendors as well as plenty of street food for you to munch on.
Brews of the 6ix (February 4 @ Canvas Event Space)
Brews of the 6ix might be a little pricier than you're average beer festival, but that's because it's a fundraiser for Crohn's and Colitis Canada.
In Conversation: Celebrity Chef Christine Cushing (February 8 @ The Grand Banking Hall)
Even if you're not a George Brown College student, you can pay $15 to hear from celebrity chef Christine Cushing.
Good Earth Coffeehouse Grand Opening (February 9 @ Good Earth Coffeehouse)
This West Coast coffee chain is opening a Toronto location, and it's giving away free cups of joe all day long to mark the occasion. Aren't we lucky?

Toronto gets a new kind of film festival

January 27, 2017, 6:34 am

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Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is launching a new three-day weekend of films, talks, and panels with an impressive debut cast. It's like a TED event, but with movies and more culturally relevant speakers.

The Curious Minds Weekend is inspired by the Curious Minds Morning Speaker Series and will take place from March 3 to 5 at Hot Docs' Bloor Street home base. The event's based on the idea of expanding the conversations you have after seeing a great movie.

Speakers will include Naomi Klein, Gigi Gorgeous and her father David Lazzarato, Ryan Lizza, Dan Savage and a live table reading with Tatiana Maslany and the cast of Orphan Black. 

The three-day fest closes with Tanya Tagaq who will debut her new video and lead a discussion afterwards about the artist-as-activist.

Tickets are $179 for the entire weekend (members pay $159), while individual events range between $26-$39 (members $21-$34).

Toronto's most famous video store closes today

January 27, 2017, 7:48 am

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As January draws to a close, restaurants, businesses and studios along Markham Street are all but shut down. And today marks another such departure.

Suspect Video, a Mirvish Village staple, has been around for more than 25 years. In August, it started liquidating its stock and once it closes, it plans to operate solely online.

Yesterday, Suspect Video posted a note to Facebook announcing that it'd be locking the doors on its physical location this weekend. It's open today for the last time, though staff will be packing up tomorrow and happy to greet those who stop by.

It's not an easy time for video stores in Toronto. Within the past two years, many have shut down, including Queen Video's Queen Street location and Film Buff.

Along with Suspect, all of Mirvish Village has to vacate the neighbourhood to make way for the huge new rental development from Vancouver's Westbank Corp. 

Submit your pics to our 2017 Winterlicious photo challenge

January 27, 2017, 9:12 am

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Winterlicious is back for 2017! The popular prix fixe program will run from January 27 to February 9, featuring lunch and dinner options at price points lower than usual at more than 200 Toronto restaurants.

If you're planning on partaking in the fun this year make sure to submit your food photos to our photo challenge using the hashtag #blogtolicious on Instagram.

We'll be selecting our 10 favourite photos before letting you vote for three lucky winners. Prizes for the top three vote-getters will receive gift certificates from the following Toronto restaurants.

• 1st place: $200 gift certificate from Montecito
• 2nd place: $100 gift certificate from Safari Bar & Grill
• 3rd place: $50 gift certificate from Vagabondo Italian Ristorante

The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. on February 9, 2017.

This is what Toronto's brand new light festival looks like

January 27, 2017, 9:18 am

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The Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District opens today. The event, by the same folks who run the Toronto Christmas Market, is completely free to attend and there are loads of Instagrammable installations situated throughout the neighbourhood. 

The fest  will stay lit until March 12 and you can visit from sundown until 11 p.m.

Take a peek at the Toronto Light Festival in this photo gallery.