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5 ghost towns to explore near Toronto

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Ontario is sprinkled with ghost towns, places that started with big dreams that were ultimately dashed for one reason or another. These types of places are most common in the northern part of the province, but there are a few within a manageable drive of Toronto.

Variously spooky, sad, and beautiful, these towns and camps have stubbornly refused to be erased from history. Here are five ghost towns and abandonments to explore near Toronto.

Allans Mills

Located outside Perth on the Tay River, this small milling community reached its peak in the late 19th century before many of the original mills shut down or were sold to larger companies. What remains today (a mill, general store, and school house) are all well preserved.

Balaclava

It's a bit of a hike to get to Balaclava (located just west of Renfrew), but the gorgeous old mill at the centre of the once thriving community here is worth the trip. The town was founded in the mid 19th century, but eventually faded when the supply of nearby timber was depleted.

Indiana

Only a few buildings remain of this now deserted town near Cayuga, but one of them is open to the public as a museum for those who like their explorations pre-packaged. Indiana's population was once over 300, but the community fell on hard times with the rise of the railway, which rendered canal shipping obsolete.

Cooper's Falls

Built around a sawmill operated by Thomas Cooper, this now abandoned town near Washago was once a thriving community with a general store, cheese factory, blacksmith and school amongst other things. Eventually lumber in the area was depleted and the mill closed. The other businesses followed. 

Falkenberg

This is a great one to visit when visiting cottage country in Muskoka. The town was actually part of early efforts to settle the region. Located on the main road, it was a bustling community in the mid 19th century. Things fell apart when the railway arrived in the early 1890s. You can still see the ruins of the sawmill and other signs of former life.


5 epic hiking trails near Toronto

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Toronto has some excellent hiking options, but those willing to drive about an hour out of the city are treated to some of the most spectacular trails in the country. From sweeping vistas to hidden waterfalls, these hikes offer memorable scenery and significant fitness challenges.

Here are 5 epic hiking trails near Toronto.

Rattlesnake Point

The trails at Rattlesnake point near Milton line the top of the Niagara Escarpment and offer breathtaking views of the country below all the way down to Lake Ontario. There's over 12km to explore, the most challenging of which is a 7.2km hike to Crawford Lake Conservation Area.

Dundas Peak

The trails around Dundas Peak afford access to some of Hamilton's most stunning waterfalls. Highlights include Webster and Tews Falls, both of which are some of the highest in the area. Beyond the waterfalls, there are awe-inspiring views of the gorge below.

Bruce Trail

This massive trail system stretches over 800km along the Niagara Escarpment with its closest access point to Toronto located just outside of Milton near the Kelso Conservation Area (itself a good place to hike). The scenery here is sublime, ranging from lush forest to rocky gorges and sweeping lake vistas.

Ganaraska Trail

This is another epic trail that clocks in at roughly 400km from end to end. Starting in Port Hope and connecting with the Bruce Trail near Glen Huron, only expert hikers should try to brave the more remote sections of this trail. Easier hikes can be done at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.

Elora Gorge

Snaking around the Elora Gorge Conservation area, this 10km trail encounters waterfalls, sweeping views of the gorge, and ample opportunities to explore the Grand River. This is a great place to spend an entire day, pausing to hang around by the river's shore to eat lunch and cool down with a swim.

Sold! Toronto townhouse sells for $1 million over asking

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In a real estate market where it seems everything sells for over asking, it takes a big number to stand out from the crowd. I'd say that a million bucks meets that criteria. Listed at $1,995,000, this Georgian-style townhouse on Davenport Road recently sold for a cool $3 million.

119 Davenport RoadI know, I know... the listing price is about as important as the starting bid on an Ebay auction these days, but $2 million doesn't seem to be a ridiculous number for a three bedroom townhouse with limited outdoor space.

119 Davenport RoadA far more interesting property around the corner just hit the market at $1,855,00o, so it'll be interesting to see what it goes for in the coming days/weeks. If it goes for $3 million, then the sale price of this townhouse won't seem quite so outlandish.

119 Davenport RoadThe Essentials
  • Address: 119 Davenport Rd.
  • Hit the market at: $1,995,000
  • Time on market: One week
  • Sold for: $3 million
119 davenport roadWhy it sold for the price it did

Built in 2000, this is a relatively new house. While it doesn't have a ton of outdoor space, the interior is spacious and the finished basement adds considerably to the livable area. The bedrooms and bathrooms are noticeably large.

119 Davenport RoadWas it worth it?

I'd say the jury is out on this one. Nearby semis have sold for less in the last 30 days, and no matter how little bearing some would argue the asking price has, $1 million above what it was listed at is at least a bit bonkers.

119 Davenport Road119 Davenport Road119 Davenport Road119 Davenport Road119 Davenport Road

What's open and closed Easter Monday 2017 in Toronto

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What's open and closed Easter Monday 2017 is a bit more straightforward than the last few days. Unlike Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the majority of the city is back to regular working hours.

Here's what's open and closed this Easter Monday in Toronto.

General
 
Closed
  • Municipal buildings
  • Libraries
  • Post offices
Open
  • TTC
  • Banks
Food
 
Closed
  • Many restaurants tend to favour Mondays as their day off. Calling ahead is recommended.
Open
  • Grocery stores
Drink
 
Open
  • LCBO
  • Beer Store
  • Indie bottle shops
Malls
 
Open
  • Shopping malls
Attractions
 
Closed
  • Canada's Wonderland
Open

The top 5 free events in Toronto this week

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The top free events in Toronto this week include a stunning photography exhibit starring mermaids and thousands of plastic bottles as well as Canada's largest film festival ever.

Events you might want to check out:

Toronto Maple Leafs tailgate party (April 17 @ Maple Leaf Square)
The Toronto Maple Leafs return home for game three of their playoff series with the Washington Capitals with the series tied one game a piece. Expect the square to be absolutely rocking for this one.
Fireside Tales Outdoor Storytelling Show (April 18 @ Dufferin Grove Park (South Firepit))
The coziest outdoor storytelling show in the city returns to the Dufferin Grove fire pit.
National Canadian Film Day (April 19 @ Various locations)
National Canadian Film Day 150 is a one-day, coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of Canadian cinema. Check the website for local listings and times. 
Female Directors Free Film Festival (April 20 @ Carlton Cinemas)
See seven female-directed films from seven countries all for free. Reserve your ticket online for a seat.
New Kid On The Block (April 21 @ Blank Canvas Gallery)
Canadian artist Jordan Sook's latest exhibition tells a coming of age story that will remind you of something out of a Charlie Brown comic strip.

Toronto photographer captures the city from a bird's eye view

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Photographer Max Whitehead picked up his first camera in September after getting inspired by his photographer roommates. Since then, he's started going out to shoot approximately three times a week to capture bird's eye shots of the city.

Whitehead, who's in his second year studying nutrition at Ryerson University, says photography's helped him learn more about Toronto.

"I really hadn’t experienced the city before I bought a camera," says Whitehead. He's originally from Windsor, Ontario. "It’s fuel to explore. There are so many places that I would not have gone to if wasn’t for a camera."

Some of those spots include rooftops, but Whitehead also uses a drone to get his overhead shots.

He originally got a drone to do video work, but soon started using it solely for photography.

Whitehead says he uses Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to process his work in a way that makes it stand out from other Toronto-based Instagram feeds.

He has, however, connected with other local photographers via this social media platform and often goes out to shoot with the folks behind accounts such as @pb.11, @vsnapshot, @samverbisky and @benpayne.

He's had some professional opportunities surface, but he's also happy pursuing photography as a hobby. "I have my academic life," he says, "and this is what I do in my free time."

The top 10 garden centres in Toronto

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Garden centres in Toronto will help you develop your green thumb. Every great urban gardener will tell you that sourcing your plants and gardening supplies from a quality supplier is key to your planting success.

So what makes a good garden centre? A few key ingredients are imperative; a large selection of plants and/or other gardening essentials, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and a well-organized store, so even novice gardeners can find what they're looking for.

Here are my picks for the top garden centres in Toronto.

East End Garden Centre

This full service garden centre bursts onto the sidewalk with an array of seasonal plants and accessories. In addition to annuals, perennials, plants, trees, shrubs, there's every type of gardening gear you could possibly think of. 

East of Eliza

A traditional florist shop with a hidden secret garden centre, East of Eliza is perfect for finding that pretty little something for a special event or a permanent fixture in your garden oasis. They're known for their whimsical approach to planter boxes and floral arrangements.

Davenport Garden Centre

The seasonal garden centre at Davenport and Dupont and on Bayview opens up shop every spring. Here you'll find annuals, perennials, shrubs, pots, planters, herbs and vegetables.

Fiesta Farms

You can do your grocery shopping and gardening all in one place. What more could you want? The garden centre is open seasonally and boasts a large selection of vegetables and herbs.

Plant World

If you live in the west end and are in need of a gardening fix, this is the place to be. With five acres of retail space, and year round greenhouses, this store truly has everything your green thumb is itching for.

Woodhill Garden Centre

In operation since 1976, this Thornhill garden centre offers a variety of garden products and services. The prices here are generally a little cheaper than the average garden store, and there's a wide selection of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and vines available. 

Homeland

The family run business in East York has been in operation since 1974. They specialize in organic garden soils as well as a variety of landscaping materials. 

Evergreen Garden Market

The garden centre found at Evergreen Brick Works has one of Toronto’s widest selection of Ontario native flowers, plants and trees. They also carry a variety of handmade garden tools, garden furniture, planters and gardening books.

Grow It All

As their name suggests, this store on Geary Avenue will help you "grow it all" using hydroponic methods. They carry a wide range of starter kits and can help you grow tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers and mushrooms in a variety of unique and visually interesting arrangements.

Sheridan Nurseries

Boasting a number of locations within Toronto and the GTA, Sheridan Nurseries is one of the most popular garden suppliers. Shop massive selections of annuals, perennials, bulbs, and specialty plants. They also offer custom design services for planters, containers and hanging baskets.

The Don Valley Parkway will be closed this weekend

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You better start planning ahead if you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic this weekend in Toronto. That's because the Don Valley Parkway will be completely closed - don't even try to take it to get downtown.

From Friday, April 21 at 11 p.m. until Monday, April 24 at 5 a.m., the DVP will be closed for spring cleaning.

Some of the maintenance projects include resurfacing 14.3 kilometres of roadways, pothole repairs, structural inspections on 17 bridges and graffiti removal.

The city recommends taking Don Mills Road, Bayview Avenue, Victoria Park Avenue or Kingston Road - or the TTC - instead of the DVP.

For those hoping to watch the Raptors game in Jurassic Park on Saturday, you might want to budget in some extra travel time. 


These 28 bars are open until 4am this week in Toronto

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It's a good week to be in Toronto if you like live music and staying up late. Canadian Music Week runs from April 18-23, and a whole slew of bars are allowed to serve until 4 a.m. in honour of the occasion. Just make sure to pace yourself!

Here are the 28 bars licensed to serve until 4 a.m. this week for CMW.

April 18-23
April 19-23
April 21-23

This represents the bars with permission to serve until 4 a.m. They don't have to exercise this right, so it's always best to call ahead to make sure.

6 things to do in Toronto today

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Today in Toronto, the tailgate marathon continues as we cheer for the Leafs in the first round of the NHL playoffs. If hockey isn't your thing, don't forget that CMW is in full swing with 4 a.m. last call at more than 25 bars. 

Events you might want to check out:

Toronto Maple Leafs Tailgate party (April 19 @ Maple Leaf Square )
Get to Maple Leaf Square early to cheer on the Toronto Maple Leafs with thousands of blue and white-clad fans.
National Canadian Film Day (April 19 @ Various locations)
National Canadian Film Day 150 is a massive one-day, coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of Canadian cinema. Check the website for free screening times. 
Pearle Harbour's Chautauqua (April 19-26 @ Theatre Centre Cafe)
Pearle Harbour is literally pitching her tent in The Theatre Centre for a show that’s part revival, part cabaret, part drag and part salvation.
Gladstone Grow Op 2017 (April 19-23 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Grow Op is an exhibition of art and design featuring lots and lots of plants.
Beers & Books with Zoe Whittall (April 19 @ Henderson Brewing Co)
Chat with Zoe Whittall about her novel The Best Kind of People and get a copy of the book, as well as a pint, for $20.
Bunz Week (April 19-23 @ The Garrison)
Bunz partners with Canadian Music Week for seven parties that last until 4 a.m. One of them is tonight!

Toronto brewery launches High Park cherry blossom beer

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The High Park cherry blossoms are a big deal in Toronto. But if the crowds during the brief peak bloom period make you nervous, you can celebrate sakura season another way.

High Park Brewery just released Under the Sakura, a light wheat-based lager with a subtle cherry flavour.

"We wanted to create a unique and easy drinking lager to celebrate the spring cherry blossom festival in High Park and partnered with a Niagara cherry farmer to use locally grown cherries in our beer," say High Park Brewery co-founder Ted Clark in a news release.

The brewery started delivering its newest beer yesterday, and expects it to be available at bars - including 3030 Dundas West, Shakey's, Loons Pub, Pour Boy and the Only Cafe - later this week.

It seems like perfect timing too, because thanks to the warm weather, the sakura (cherry blossom trees) are blooming earlier than first expected. There might even be a beautiful show of flowers this weekend. 

Toronto Starbucks barista does incredible caricatures on cups

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When you grab a beverage at Starbucks, you can usually expect to find your name spelled wrong on the side of your cup. Many find this frustrating, but if you're searching for a more uplifting cup of Joe, you might want to check out a certain Toronto location of the coffee chain.

That's because barista and artist Jason Tocewicz creates caricatures of his customers as he takes their orders. And he does all his work on Starbucks' cups.

As CBC reports, Tocewicz completes these drawings in just a few seconds, but on his breaks, he'll do more detailed pieces. 

These include sketches of popular comic book and cartoon characters including Mickey Mouse, Groot and the minions.

A post shared by Mustachio (@jasontocewicz) on

According to the hashtag (#sbux4803) Tocewicz includes in his detailed doodles, it looks like he's based at a location in Scarborough at 1900 Eglinton Ave. East. 

A post shared by Mustachio (@jasontocewicz) on

Who knows what you'll find on your cup if you visit.

The Best 24 Hour Restaurants in Toronto

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The best 24-hour restaurants in Toronto will satisfy the cravings you have at any time of day or night. Whether you’ve got a hankering for pho at 3 a.m. or eggs Benedict at 6 a.m., these places are here for you.

These are the best 24-hour restaurants in Toronto.

6 - Zet's Restaurant

Located by Pearson International Airport, this classic 24-hour diner slings heaping plates of comfort fare, including burgers, breakfasts and Greek dishes like pork souvlaki, all served with a view of the planes taking off and landing.
3 - Lakeview Restaurant

This popular Dundas West diner serves up 24-hour brunch, plus burgers, sandwiches and comfort foods like mac + cheese or shepherd’s pie, making for both a great late-night post-drinking option or a hair-of-the-dog (it offers daily drink specials) hangover cure the next day.
4 - 7 West

An ever reliable choice by Yonge & Bloor, this multi-level cafe on Charles Street makes for a perfect hideaway spot at all hours with its cozy atmosphere. Pasta, pizza, sandwiches and “all-the-time” breakfast can be found on the menu, but be sure to save room for a slice of the chocolate banana cake.
8 - Commisso Brothers

Italian favourites are available for grab-and-go 24/7 at the hot table (think veal, meatballs and lasagna) along with fresh bread and pastries like cannoli at this well-established grocery store and bakery in the Castlefield Design District.
9 - Vesta Lunch

A beacon for nighthawks at the corner of Dupont & Bathurst, this old-school greasy spoon that’s been around since 1955 claims a soft spot in many a Torontonian’s heart. All-day breakfast and late-night souvlaki are specialties here.
10 - The Markham Station

Known for its all-day breakfast specials and 14oz. T-bone steaks, this 24-hour diner staple in Scarborough recently renovated, so it’s lost some of its dingy appeal (if it ever was appealing) but pretty much everything else has remained the same.
5 - Owl of Minerva (Yonge St.)

Ready to satisfy diners’ round-the-clock demands for pork bone soup, bulgogi and more, this main North York branch of a successful Korean franchise is a classic late-night go-to.
7 - Fran's Restaurant

With its locations on College St. and Victoria St. just off Yonge always open, this retro-riffic Toronto institution offers diner-style food for every time of day, but its extensive all-day breakfast menu with pancakes, waffles and French toast, plus three-egg omelettes and various Benedicts, is where it’s at.
11 - Pho Pasteur

While there may be a lot of late-night eats in this area, this cash-only Chinatown joint never closes. It just keeps on chugging, serving up huge bowls of everyone’s favourite Vietnamese noodle soup, even at 4:30 a.m.
13 - Leslieville Pumps

By day, this Leslieville gas station makes not-so-traditional Southern BBQ sammies and poutine, but at night it offers up Sri Lankan curry, which seems to be popular with cab drivers changing shifts at 3 a.m.
12 - Perfect Chinese Restaurant

From family gatherings in the daytime to post-party clubgoers looking for a nosh in the wee hours, this dine-in or take-out spot in Scarborough at Sheppard & Brimley has seen ‘em all. Now you know where to go if you ever feel like having dim sum at 3 a.m.
14 - Huh Ga Ne

Whether it be sirloin beef or thinly sliced pork belly (or both!), Korean BBQ is possible any time, all the time at this restaurant on Finch Ave. W. by Yonge St. This legit spot, a K-town North fave, also does a great pork bone soup.

Cheap burger deals in Toronto by day of the week

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Cheap burger deals in Toronto are available seven days a week and can be found at some of Toronto's top bars, restaurants and takeout joints. So the next time you're hankering for a burger piled high but are running low on funds, you've got plenty of options.

Here's a roundup of the top burger deals around Toronto.

Multi-Day
  • Banknote offers their all day burger and a half pint of Rolling Rock for $10 Monday to Sunday.
  • Top Gun Steak has a cheeseburger, fries and pop combo for $7.99 from Monday to Saturday. 
  • Jackson's Burger runs a buy 1 get 1 free burger special everyday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Each day features a different burger on special. 
Monday
  • Sneaky Dee's serves their veggie burger with cheese for $8.25 and their bacon cheeseburger for $9.25.
  • Bishop and the Bleacher has burgers with fries and onion rings for just $13.95 on Monday from 5 p.m. to close. 
  • Java House has burger combos and pint for $10.95.
  • The Office Pub does Pimp Your Burger Mondays. All burgers are $10 and you can add up to four toppings to your patty. 
Tuesday
  • The Court Jester serves cheeseburgers and fries for $8.95.
  • The Roy lets you save $3 on their Roy Burger every Tuesday.
  • Tara Inn offers 1/2 price Conroy and Banquet burgers.
  • The Dizzy hosts their burger night every Tuesday. 
Wednesday
  • Crown & Dragon dishes out their Dragon burger and a domestic pint for $14 every Wednesday after 5 p.m.
  • St. Louis hosts their burger nights on Wednesday and you can grab their Angus version for only $5.50.
Thursday
  • The Ballroom serves their classic burger and a pint for $15 every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • Gabby's offers their brisket burger, fries and beer for only $15 on Thursday all day.
  • Sneaky Dee's chicken breast burger and a side will only set you back $9 on Thursday.
Sunday
  • Jackson's Burger has a family meal deal offer on Sundays. Four burgers and two orders of small fries for $22.99.

Toronto police officers want city to scrap Pride funding

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Pressure is mounting on the city of Toronto to deny Pride Toronto its annual $260,000 grant.

Last month, Councillor John Campbell (Ward 4) announced he was working on a motion to cut this yearly funding after Pride Toronto banned police participation in the event's marquee parade. Five other councillors supported this proposed motion as well.

Now, as CP24 writes today, the union that represents Toronto police officers (the Toronto Police Association) is now asking the city to drop the $260,000 grant.

According to CP24, members of the Toronto Police Services Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer internal support network released a letter today.

"At our request, we would like the association to consider sharing with the mayor and city councillors that we, as city employees, would feel completely de-valued and unsupported by our employer should they fund this event at this time," reads the letter, reports CP24.

"How can we possibly feel appreciated by our employer while they sponsor an event that its own employees have been disinvited from participating in as full, equal, and active participants in their role as city employees?" it continues.

At its annual general meeting in January, Pride Toronto members voted to accept a series of demands issued by Black Lives Matter at last year's parade, including banning police officers from the Pride Parade. 

Last month, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said Toronto police wouldn't be marching in this year's parade.

The agenda for the next city council meeting on April 26 hasn't been released yet, so it's unclear whether or not Campbell's motion will be on the docket.

Pride month kicks off on June 1.


Rental of the week: 20 Minowan Miikan Lane

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The condo rental market in Toronto is flooded with overpriced units that capitalize on their desirable locations and amenities. These days, it's common to see one bedrooms listed for $2,000 per month, even if they come in at less than 500 square feet.

20 minowan lane Fortunately, if you remain patient while searching, you'll also come across more reasonable rentals. Condos are always going to be more expensive than older style apartment buildings, but when you factor in the extra amenities, some listings remain an alluring option.

20 minowan laneThis two bedroom in the Carnaby Lofts fits such a description. The building is new, the unit is spacious, and the neighbourhood has a desirable mix of retail and entertainment options  along with good transit access.

20 minowan laneAt nearly 700 square feet, it'd be easy to split this place with a roommate or it could double as a live/work space with the second bedroom used as an office or studio.

20 minowan laneSpecs
  • Address: #501 20 Minowan Miikan Lane
  • Building type: Condo
  • Apartment type: Condo
  • Rent: $2,150
  • Utilities: Not specified
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Parking: Underground (1 space)
  • Laundry? In suite
  • Outdoor space? Balcony
  • Storage: Locker
  • Amenities: Gym, 
  • Pet friendly? Not specified
20 minowan laneGood For

This two bedroom should have wide appeal thanks to its ability to house a number of different living arrangements, from roommates to a new family. It's not cheap, so the target market will surely be young professionals who aren't ready to buy but are interested in a nice space.

20 minowan laneMove On If

You don't believe in luxury rentals. This isn't an over-the-top condo, but if your plan is to save as much as possible towards a down payment, a more modest rental will certainly help you get there faster.

20 minowan lane 20 minowan lane 20 minowan lane 20 minowan lane

Halal Guys announces opening date for first Toronto location

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We might not be getting a permanent Shake Shack anytime soon, but it seems like more and more American and international restaurant chains (hello, Cheesecake Factory and Eataly) are announcing plans to open in Toronto. 

Toronto's first Halal Guys has been in the works for a while now, but the popular Middle Eastern franchise has just announced that it'll finally start serving up dishes covered in its famous white sauce at 563 Yonge St. on May 5.

The Halal Guys started out as a New York City food cart in 1990. Now, there are Halal Guys restaurants all over the United States as well as in South Korea and the Philippines.

High Park was just set on fire

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Those visiting High Park yesterday were likely surprised to see some forested areas set ablaze and huge plumes of smoke trailing above Grenadier Pond and the surrounding area.

High Park controlled burnThe dramatic-looking scene came courtesy of Toronto's Parks, Forestry & Recreation department, who were conducting what's alternately referred to as a controlled or prescribed burn.

High Park controlled burn"A prescribed burn is a deliberately set and carefully controlled fire that burns low to the ground and consumes dried leaves, small twigs and grass stems but does not harm larger trees," explains a city press release

High Park controlled burn"Prescribed burns are part of the City's long-term management plan to protect and sustain Toronto’s rare black oak woodlands and savannahs."

High Park controlled burnThanks to ideal conditions, the scene was a tad less disaster movie-like than we've seen in previous years, when smoke rolled over Parkside Drive much to the dismay of passing drivers.

High Park controlled burnEverything remained easily in the control of fire officials throughout the afternoon, even if there were at least a few moments that looked adequately scary. 

High Park controlled burnBy late afternoon, the smoke had cleared from the park, paving the way for the next apocalyptic scene: the annual cherry blossom frenzy. 

High Park controlled burn

Now you can get free relationship advice in Toronto

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The relationship doctor is always in at the beach thanks to a group of friends who will continue to offer free advice from the back of a pickup truck all summer long in Toronto.

Dylan Cann lives in a basement apartment on Wineva Avenue in the Beaches. Since he doesn't have any outdoor space available, he and his buddies regularly throw a couch on his pickup and drive their mobile living room down to the beach.

One day in February, Cann wrote, "Free Relationship Advice," on a piece of plywood lying around in the back of his truck and passersby actually stopped to chat.

After raising $550 on the crowd-funding site Go Fund Me, Cann had enough money to enter his truck in the Beaches Easter Parade and he and his friends spent the rest of Easter Sunday and Monday doling out advice. 

"Now people come looking for us," he says. "We had complaints that we weren’t there on Saturday because we were busy getting the float ready."

Since the truck's proving popular, Cann and his friends plans to keep it running all summer and they hope to open a temporary, month-long pop-up in one of the empty storefronts on Queen Street East. 

The most common issue they discuss, reveals Cann, revolves around those who don't like a friend's partner. Others have sought help after they've cheated, and someone asked about how to spice up their 30 year long relationship.

Cann's happy to sit around and talk. Even though he's single, he knows that sometimes people just want to get an unbiased opinion about their problems.

He and his friends are pleasantly surprised by how their unintended project has taken off, and reports that some people have returned for follow ups. 

"We had people come back this week from a couple weeks before and say that the advice actually helped," he says. 

"We never really set out to make a change or any kind of difference... we just wanted to interact with people, and make people laugh and smile."

15 places to celebrate Record Store Day in Toronto

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Record Store Day in Toronto, and around the world, is on Saturday, April 22. Most of your favourite neighbourhood vinyl shops will feature discounts and exclusive releases, so get there early to get your hands on the goods. 

Here are my picks for where to celebrate Record Store Day in Toronto.

Dead Dog Records

This Bloordale shop is opening extra early at 8 a.m. to accommodate your RSD needs. In addition to performances from The Cool Hands and Where Fires Are, there will also be a Henderson Brewery pop-up.

June Records

The pros at June have actually listed the records they ordered on their blog, though there are no guarantees on what they'll receive. DJ Raf Reza will be spinning with guests all day, and the store opens at 11 a.m.

Kops

DJ Handsome from Bad Bad Not Good will be DJing in-store at the Queen Street location, and 54-40 will be performing at some point in the afternoon. Expect discounts on new and vintage records too.

LP's LPs

On the northern end of Roncesvalles, you'll find this vinyl shop open at 11 a.m., with tons of great vintage records, special imports and a select number of RSD releases. 

Neurotica 

Neurotica has recently relocated to 567 College St., and will open at 11 a.m. on RSD. It'll slash prices on used vinyl by 30 percent and on new records by 10 percent. 

Pandemonium

Junction residents can rejoice at this long-standing vinyl shop's RSD celebration. Grab all the used records you can at 20 percent off as well as a selection of limited edition RSD releases.

Play de Record

Head to this legendary record shop now on Spadina at 7 a.m. to see which RSD releases they receive in store (pro tip, they usually get really great stuff).

Rotate This

It's always fun to stop in at this Ossington record shop and check out the latest and greatest. While they won't be doing anything extra special for Record Store Day, they will have a bunch of RSD releases. 

She Said Boom

This record shop and book store on Roncesvalles will have some RSD releases in store, and while they won't be having any sales, they'll most likely be giving away a gift with purchase or some kind of special that day. 

Shortstack Records

Head inside the Black Market on Queen West to this lil' record shop. They'll be open at 10 a.m. with plenty of specials on RSD. Keep up with their Instagram as they'll be posting items and specials as they pop up. 

Sonic Boom

Big, shiny Sonic Boom is going to have a good time on RSD carrying a bunch of exclusive releases. Expect performances throughout the day from bands like Luka, Sahara, Lonely Parade and a surprise show at 4 p.m.

Soundscapes

The College street staple will be carrying a host of special edition RSD releases; some will even be on sale. It'll also have select items on sale and an in-store performance from Julia Jacklin at 5 p.m.

SRC vinyl

This Parkdale record shop will open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will have bins of sale items, with new records being added all day. They've ordered a bunch of RSD releases, so get there early.

Tiny

This much-loved Queen Street East shop is opening at 10 a.m., and it's bringing in loads of vintage vinyl, lots of RSD releases, performances from Blunt Chunks, Lou Canon, The She Devils and free beer.

Tonality Records

On Dundas West just before Roncesvalles is this slick, curated record shop where you'll find RSD releases, 15 percent off new records and 30 percent off used stuff. 

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