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Watch free movies at Christie Pits park this summer

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Outdoor movie screenings are a popular summertime activity in Toronto, but few are as much of a social event and party as the Christie Pits Film Festival

This annual event runs from June 25 through August 20. The debut screening, co-presented with the Wavelength Music Festival, will be Harold Lloyd's silent comedy The Freshman, with live musical accompaniment from Toronto's The Holy Gasp.

Movie lovers can head to the giant hill at Christie Pits Park starting at 6 p.m. There will be food and drink vendors (non-alcoholic) on site and the big show will start at sundown (A.K.A, 9 p.m.).

The CPFF, organized by the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, will announce its full lineup of films, with an over-arching theme title of Eyes on the Prize, on May 23. 

The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show also runs the free movie screenings at Corktown Common. These kick off on July 6. 


Minimum wage could soon go up to $15 an hour in Toronto

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Many in Toronto, and all across Ontario, have been calling on the province to increase minimum wage to $15, up from the current $11.40.

As the Toronto Star reports, the provincial government is now considering making changes to its employment laws.

The Liberal cabinet is examining a report called the Changing Workplaces Review and along with upping minimum wage to $15, reforms could include mandatory paid sick days, better protections for low-paid and vulnerable workers and an increase in paid vacation time.

Martin Regg Cohn writes in the Star that these reforms could help private sector employees join unions. They would target employers who essentially rely on contract workers to fulfil full-time positions.

"Too many companies now disguise regular employees as independent contractors or part-timers to avoid paying them full wages and benefits, he writes.

According to the CBC, the Changing Workplaces report will be made public after the long weekend and the Liberals should announce their proposed changes afterwards.

Watch video of Toronto traffic light falling and hitting car

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Talk about traffic stopping. Amidst yesterday evening's gusting winds, a traffic light fell onto a car at Bloor and Dundas, reverberating loudly as it crashed to the ground. Who knew this was such a scary intersection?

Private Instagram user @insta_grahamr captured the incident, which shows a traffic light swinging in the wind before tumbling to the ground. The popular account Parkdale Life reposted the video for all to see.  

Police confirmed that no one was injured last night, so that might make you feel better about watching this video on repeat.

Toronto showing more signs of real estate slowdown

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Today in Toronto real estate news, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) says the GTA market might finally be starting to cool down.

Just like that Katy Perry song, the market's hot, then it's cold. And while it's nowhere near freezing yet, year over year, sales in the GTA reportedly dropped 7 percent in April.

"Homebuyers and sellers both reacted to the recent Ontario government policy announcement aimed at cooling housing markets in and around Toronto," said the CREA's chief economist Gregory Klump, in the organization's monthly report, which came out todays.

"The number of new listings in April spiked to record levels in the GTA... where there had been a severe supply shortage. And with only ten days to go between the announcement and the end of the month, sales in each of these markets were down from the previous month. It suggests these housing markets have started to cool," he continued.

Sales might have been down, but prices were up. But that's, apparently, exactly what happened in Vancouver after its market started to cool last year. 

Toronto Islands now covered in fish

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With Lake Ontario water levels at record highs, the Toronto Islands have been closed to park visitors on account of flood-related concerns.

In the meantime, some parts of the Islands have become aquatic environments, where fish haven been spotted spawning over the last few days. 

Where once people might have played baseball at this field near the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, a school of carp have now gathered to reproduce in the temporary waters near the southwestern tip of the Islands. 

This image was taken by Reddit member szthesquid on the weekend, who waded in up to his knees to capture the scene, which admittedly looks quite bizarre if you can picture what the area looks like when it's not covered in a few feet of water.  

On the bright side, by the looks of it, none of these are members of the invasive Asian carp species that the province has banned.

With water levels set to remain high for the foreseeable future, the fish will likely have enough time to spawn before heading back out into the lake. Then, eventually, we might get our Island back in June.

One of Toronto's most notorious strip clubs is closing

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Strip clubs in Toronto may soon be going the way of the dodo as the number of adult entertainment venues in the city continues to drop. 

The notorious House of Lancaster on the Queensway has been sold, according to City Councillor Justin DiCiano of Ward 5, Etobicoke-Lakeshore. On his website, DiCiano writes that he's "pleased to announce" the gentlemen's club will be closing in the coming months. 

DiCiano has been pressuring it to leave the neighbourhood since 2014, after a shooting outside the club

This sale marks yet another example of a strip club shutting down in the city, something Tim Lambrinos, the director of the Adult Entertainment Association of Canada, says can be chalked up to the changing tastes of millennials.

He claims folks are more interested in other types of entertainment, like e-sports and archery tag, instead of objectifying women (and men) around a dance pole.

The House of Lancaster in Bloordale appears to be staying put.

Toronto's natural parkland has never looked so beautiful

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With the rapid rate of development in Toronto over the last few decades, it's more and more difficult to find unfinished places in this city. This is mostly a good thing, but the consequence is a diminished ability to cultivate anonymity and solitude in areas that you'd still call urban.

robert burley toronto parkland

Cormorant nesting area, Tommy Thompson Park, 2014. Photo by Robert Burley.

There's something incredibly edifying about being alone in an undeveloped area of a big city. This, no doubt, is why we're so drawn to the Leslie Street Spit, a glorified waste heap that eventually grew into a natural sanctuary. 

robert burley toronto parkland

Humber Marches at the mouth of the Humber River, 2016. Photo by Robert Burley.

As our former industrial lands steadily disappear and our contemporary parks become ever more precisely planned, it's our natural parkland — ravines, rivers, and shorelines — that serve as the last bastion of undeveloped land in Toronto.

robert burley toronto parkland

Bluffer's Park, 2013. Photo by Robert Burley.

In a new book commissioned by the City of Toronto, photographer Robert Burley turns his lens on these wild areas as both a celebration of their beauty and a study of the tender social dynamics that arise when people leave city streets and explore the natural landscape that surrounds them.

robert burley toronto parkland

Scarborough Bluffs Park, 2014. Photo by Robert Burley.

The photos that comprise An Enduring Wilderness: Toronto's Natural Parklands, which is both a book and a photo show, offer a delicate portrait of the city that we surely don't see enough, even as we're quick to offer platitudes about how lovely our ravine system is. 

robert burley toronto parkland

Riverside Trail, Rouge Park, 2014. Photo by Robert Burley.

Part of the fun in flipping through its pages is trying to figure out exactly what you're looking at. On occasion the views are thoroughly disorienting; lacking context, you might think you were staring at an image depicting an Amazonian jungle rather than Rouge Park. 

robert burley toronto parkland

Park Drive Resrevation Lands looking west, 2013. Photo by Robert Burley.

More often than not, however, tell-tale signs of the city creep into the frame. Burley isn't keen to separate Toronto's wilderness from the broadly urban environment in which it's located. On the contrary, the story here is the improbable co-existence of these two landscapes.

robert burley toronto parkland

Homeless Man beneath Prince Edward Viaduct, 2013. Photo by Robert Burley.

For me, the truly magical photos are the ones that capture the city's interstitial spaces where nature and urban infrastructure collide — graffiti-strewn bridge supports, off-camber trails in the shadows of apartment buildings, and the concrete banks of re-routed rivers.

robert burley toronto parkland

Fishing beneath the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, Rouge Park, 2014. Photo by Robert Burley.

These are the places where people often turn up in Burley's photos of Toronto parkland, solitary figures exploring a landscape that dwarfs them. What's so different about this urban wilderness than our manicured parks is that it's so sparsely populated. 

robert burley toronto parkland

Mimico Creek, 2016. Photo by Robert Burley.

Surrounded by millions of people, you can somehow be alone here. Toronto's ravines are very much forgotten places, both within and apart from the city the majority of us experience everyday.

robert burley toronto parkland

Doris McCarthy Trail, Gates Gully, 2014. Photo by Robert Burley.

"The parklands were not designed or constructed for a greater public good but rather are landscape remnants of pre-settlement times that have stubbornly refused to conform to urban development," writes Burley. robert burley toronto parkland

Lambton Park, 2015. Photo by Robert Burley.

Arising around flood plains, these are spaces "left over after planning," where not much has changed even as the city has exploded around them. They're messy, unpredictable, and often stunningly beautiful.

These are places to lose yourself for a while in service of being found.

8 things to do in Toronto today

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Toronto hip hop fans are in for a good night of music with shows from Future, Migos and Desiigner. If you're still recovering from your weekend shenanigans, there are some more laid back events, like a fireside storytelling session and Harry Potter trivia. 

Events you might want to check out:

Future Nobody Safe Tour (May 16 @ ACC)
Future, Migos and Tory Lanez hold the world of hip hop in the palm of their hands right now. Don't miss this killer lineup, now at the ACC.
Desiigner (May 16 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
The man who gave us hip hop anthem "Panda" lands in Toronto for one night only. Catch this high energy show and hear the future.
Second Biennial Grand Match (May 16 @ Go Green Cricket and Sports Field)
Cricket star Shahid Afridi will be playing during this massive cricket match and there will also be food vendors and activities starting at 6 p.m.
Fireside Tales Outdoor Storytelling Show (May 16 @ Dufferin Grove Park )
The coziest,outdoor storytelling show in the city returns to the Dufferin Grove fire pit with hosts Rhiannon Archer and Helder Brum.
Adrian Belew Power Trio (May 16 @ Mod Club Theatre)
The Adrian Belew trio is pretty much jazz royalty, and this show will blow your mind if you're into complex music. Saul Zonana will also perform.
Harry Potter Trivia Night (May 16 @ The Lockhart)
Harry Potter trivia returns to Toronto's Hogwarts home base. It all goes down at 7 p.m. but get there early to get a seat. There's no cover, but the potions aren't free.
Comedy Underground at The Drake Hotel (May 16 @ Drake Hotel)
See live standup comedy that is actually funny featuring performances from Ryan Belleville, Tom Henry, Chris Robinson, Andrew Johnston, Sandra Battaglini with host by James Hartnett.
Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival (May 16 @ The Black Cat)
Two artists find meaning in natural materials and how they inform the way we live. Check out this mixed-media show at this cute gallery on Dundas West as part of the city-wide photography fest.

Toronto Islands could be closed to public for two more months

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Fish have taken over part of the Toronto Islands, so it should come as no surprise that Toronto Island Park is still closed to the general public.

Thanks to all the rain we've had this spring, Lake Ontario water levels are continuing to rise and popular spots on the Islands, including all three beaches, are under water.

"The City has been working closely with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to monitor Lake Ontario water levels, which are expected to rise, even without further rainfall, for several more weeks," reads a news release from the city of Toronto.

"Even at the current levels, experts advise it will likely take several weeks for the water to subside."

A waterfront specialist from Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) told Metro News that the Islands could be closed to the public well into July.

The city, however, has cancelled Toronto Island Park permits until June 30. Centreville will also remain closed until that date. Ferry service is still limited to residents and essential personnel. 

It's unclear what will happen with events such as Electric Island, which is scheduled to kick off this weekend at Hanlan's Point. 

Huge crowds take over Yonge St. for free Meat Loaf concert

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Meat Loaf fans in Toronto were doubly blessed with blue skies and a chance to see their icon for free last night.

The American rock star was in town to promote Bat Out of Hell, Jim Steinman's musical that's filled with hit songs from Meat Loaf's most iconic album.

Yesterday, cast members gave the crowds that assembled along Yonge Street a preview of the show, and Meat Loaf even chimed in with some back up vocals.

Bat Out of Hell already opened in Manchester, and it'll make its way across the pond on October 14. Tickets go on sale next week, on May 24, but it looks like Toronto's already pretty excited for this fall.

TTC promises hot subway cars will be a thing of the past

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It's heating up in Toronto. Tomorrow, the mercury is expected to soar to 29 C, but it could feel like 33 C with the humidex.

If you regularly take the Bloor-Danforth line, memories of sitting in a hot subway car might be starting to surface in anticipation of tomorrow's commute. But the TTC stresses you don't have anything to worry about. 

 "The TTC is advising customers that crews have worked hard over the past seven months to ensure that customers who travel on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth can do so comfortably," reads a news release.

"To date, the TTC has spent $7.5 million to aggressively attack the hot car issue that struck last summer," it continues.

The TTC says it'll be able to service Line 2 with cool cars on Wednesday and throughout the summer. 

New bike sharing service launching in Toronto

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Toronto is about to get another bike sharing service that'll make it easier than ever to cycle around the city.

Dropbike is the country's first dock-less bike sharing system, and it's coming to the city this summer. 

How does it work? First you find a ride via the Dropbike smartphone app, then you scan a QR code to receive the combination to unlock it.

Next you ride your bike all over the city and park it at what Dropbike is calling "havens," which are artificial zones in public spaces, marked on the app.  

A post shared by Christina Moro (@chrmoro) on

This is the cheapest bike rental option of its kind, with rentals starting at $1 per hour (that's likely to go up in the future, though). Dropbike also hopes to partner with community and neighbourhood groups to get everyone involved from a grassroots level. 

Thousands of orange bikes are arriving within the next few weeks, according to the Dropbike website, so keep your eyes peeled for them.

The top 10 patios for cheap drinks in Toronto

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Patios in Toronto for cheap drinks are must visits throughout the warmer months. Whether you need to unwind after work or find a place to hang out with friends on the weekend, these patios will keep your thirst quenched without breaking the bank.

Here are my picks for the top patios for cheap drinks in Toronto.

Green Room

If you're looking for a low-key spot tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city this secluded patio in the Annex your best bet. An added bonus, their domestic pints can be had for less than $5 and pitchers for as low as $13.25.

java house toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at Java House.

Java House

This corner patio on Queen West is where to go for pitchers for as low as $11.50 and food that is equally inexpensive. Try their all-day breakfast pancakes and beer. It's the new wine and cheese.

O'Grady's Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at O'Grady's.

O'Grady's

The Church St. patio has domestic pints starting at $5.50 in addition to other well-priced specials. One of the best might just be their $5 mimosa special that's available daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Pour Boy Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at Pour Boy.

Pour Boy

The Koreatown patio is often plush with students and for good reason. They have beer specials for under $5 and cheap bar shots.

Ram In The Rye Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at Rome in the Rye.

Ram in the Rye

On Ryerson campus, this patio is where to congregate if you like the idea of pints for as low as $4. It's also open to those who aren't yet of age so you can bemoan your growing OSAP loans with friends of all ages.

Lakeview Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at Lakeview Restaurant.

Lakeview Restaurant

This 24 hour diner near Dundas and Ossington has $4 daily pint specials making it a patio definitely worth visiting. Other cheap deals include $3 mimosas, $4 Caesers and $14 daily pitcher specials. 

Sangria Lounge Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at Sangria Lounge.

Sangria Lounge

The Roncy patio may be smaller than most but waiting for a spot if you're looking for drinks on the cheap is well worth it. Domestic bottles start as low as $3.50 but if beer ain't your thing opt for a pint of sangria for $5.50.

Last Temptation Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at Last Temptation.

Last Temptation

This sidewalk patio in Kensington Market is great for people watching and boasts of menu of cocktails starting as low as $4.50. 

Bistro 422 Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at Bistro 422.

Bistro 422

The backyard patio at Bistro 422 is exactly what you'd expect. It's a low-key, no-frills space, great for kicking back and drinking some budget-friendly pitchers of sangria for only $12.39.

Free Times Cafe Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at Free Times Cafe.

Free Times Cafe

The low-key sidewalk patio on College near Kensington Market is great for more than just Middle Eastern eats. Drinks won't set you back a ton especially if you order up their daily microbrewery special for $5. 

House of the week: 51 Indian Grove Rear

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There are coach houses, and then there are $3 million coach houses. This unique home at 51 Indian Grove is the latter, and boy is it a beauty.

51 indian grove rear torontoNestled amongst tall trees in a private setting near High Park, this 3,000 square foot space is part farmhouse and part contemporary laneway home. There's lots of exposed brick, 11 foot ceilings and luxury features abound. 

51 indian grove rear torontoAs far as highlights go, the kitchen and dining room are the centrepiece of the home. Here you see the heritage elements of the structure, even as the kitchen is the epitome of modern minimalism. 

51 indian grove rear torontoWhat's so interesting about his house is how big it is given that it's designated as a "rear" address, sharing the property with another home. With four bedrooms and bathrooms, it's built for a large family.

51 indian grove rear torontoAs a laneway house, the outdoor space isn't enormous, but the forest-like setting is lovely, and the stone terrace offers a nice place to soak it all up. 

51 indian grove rear torontoSpecs
  • Address: 51 Indian Grove
  • Price: $2,980,000
  • Lot Size: 10.63 x 196.71 feet
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Bathrooms: 4
  • Parking: 3
  • Walk Score: 81
  • Transit Score: 100
  • Listing agent: Andrea Morrison
  • Listing ID: W3797753
51 indian grove rear torontoGood For

Someone who's looking for a unique property with heritage elements and isn't overly concerned with having a big backyard.

51 indian grove rear torontoMove On If

This house has a lot going for it, but ultra private types probably won't like the idea of sharing a property with another residence.

51 indian grove rear toronto51 indian grove rear toronto51 indian grove rear toronto51 indian grove rear toronto51 indian grove rear toronto51 indian grove rear toronto51 indian grove rear toronto

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

Electric Island is relocating this weekend due to flooding

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Now that parts of Toronto are under water and the Islands are on lock down for two months while fish run the place, it's no shocker that this long weekend's expanded Electric Island Festival kickoff party has been relocated.

Organizers announced today that the Victoria Day event will be at Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St. E.), instead of at Hanlan's Point. You have to give them credit, they moved pretty quickly, and with such a great lineup of DJs flying in for the big day, it's a good thing.  

The Toronto Island Park is currently off limits and today, the city announced that it had canceled all park permits until June 30. 

Electric Island tickets will be valid at the new space, there are no refunds and timing (1 p.m. to 11 p.m.) also remains the same. 


Toronto's most famous photography gallery is moving

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Another Toronto art gallery is on the move. This time, one of the city's most popular photography spaces is getting ready to call a new neighbourhood home.

After spending 14 years at 1026 Queen St. W., the Stephen Bulger Gallery will soon be located a few blocks north in a bigger space at 1356-1358 Dundas St. W. 

The gallery has outgrown its current digs, and its new home will be able to host larger exhibitions and include more room to house its growing inventory.

Movie lovers, however, might be disappointed to learn that the Camera Bar will shut down for good. For its final screening - happening next Saturday, May 27 at 3 p.m. - it'll show Soylent Green.

The West Queen West gallery will close on June 17 and the new Stephen Bulger Gallery will open on September 9. 

Toronto rent up 15% since last year

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There's good news and bad news for Toronto apartment hunters. Rental rates have decreased for the first time in almost a year this May, but they're still hovering near an all time high. 

According to apartment listing site Padmapper's monthly rental report, one bedroom units dipped 1.7 per cent to $1,750 this month, while two bedroom units decreased 0.9 per cent to $2,250.

Those numbers make Toronto the second most expensive rental market in the country behind Vancouver, where rents have started to climb again after a brief pause a couple of months ago

While prospective renters will be happy to know that monthly rates have flatlined, it's worth noting that yearly growth for both one and two bedroom units sits at 15 per cent, which underscores just how pricey it remains to rent an apartment or condo in Toronto.

It remains to be seen if the slight dip in prices is related to rent control measures tabled by the provincial government last month. 

Japanese Dollarama competitor MINISO is opening Toronto store

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A major Japanese retail brand is hoping to launch 500 stores in Canada, making it a potential competitor with Dollarama, Muji and perhaps even Uniqlo.

If you thought you had all your dollar store deals and Japanese retail cravings taken care of, think again and make room for Miniso.

Miniso is a Japanese variety store, which positions itself as a lifestyle brand. It gets new shipments every seven days at prices similar to those of Dollarama. 

It's already opened a location in Vancouver (with another opening this spring and two more later this year) and it specializes in cosmetics, stationery, extremely cute plush toys, and housewares.

According to Retail Insider the brand plans to aggressively enter the Canadian market and open between 30 and 50 stores in Canada over the next 12 months. Several stores are reportedly being planned for Toronto. No official opening dates have been announced yet. 

11 new Toronto-themed books you can buy right now

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If you're looking for something to read this Victoria Day long weekend, why not pick up something that screams Toronto? There are plenty of Toronto-centric new releases out there, including high-profile memoirs and a history of one of the city's most beloved music venues.

Here are 11 Toronto-themed books you can buy right now.

Any Other Way: How Toronto Got Queer

This anthology features work from nearly 100 contributors and chronicles how Toronto became a global leader in queer activism.

Baseball Life Advice: Loving the Game That Saved Me (Stacey May Fowles)

If you love the Blue Jays, you'll want to check out Stacey May Fowles latest, which also looks at all facets of baseball, including the gendered stereotypes around female-identified fans.

Frontier City: Toronto on the Verge of Greatness (Shawn Micallef)

Few writers capture Toronto quite like Shawn Micallef, so fall in love with the city all over again as he explores what's making it stand out right now.

How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life (Lilly Singh)

Lilly Singh is one of the top YouTubers in the world, and she's also a proud Torontonian. Her memoir came out earlier this year.

I Hear She's a Real Bitch (Jen Agg)

Jen Agg transformed how we think about dining out in Toronto and continues to tackle the industries ingrained bro culture. You won't want to miss her memoir.

An Enduring Wilderness: Toronto's Natural Parklands (Robert Burley)

You'll find a new appreciation for Toronto's parklands after flipping through this book filled with photos by Robert Burley.

Scarborough (Catherine Hernandez)

Set in Toronto's easternmost borough, this novel follows three children who are growing up the Kingston-Galloway neighbourhood in Scarborough throughout an entire school year.

The Canadaland Guide to Canada

Toronto's the centre of Canada and Drake's on the cover of this book, so obviously that's why it landed here. The Toronto-based podcast Canadaland launched this cheeky guide that'll make you think (and laugh) about our country during its widely promoted sesquicentennial. 

The Condo Kids: Adventures with Bob the Barbary Sheep (Jackie Burns and Ana Patankar)

More and more kids are growing up in condos in Toronto. This children's book explores what happens when a group of young condo-dwellers sneak a zoo animal into their unit.

Toronto Public Etiquette Guide (Dylan Reid)

Spacing Magazine's second book will teach you how to behave in public in Toronto, a key skill for thriving in the city.

The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern: A Complete History (David McPherson)

David McPherson's tome dedicated to the Horseshoe Tavern is available only for pre-order right now, but when it comes out on September 23, you can expect to learn more than you ever imagined about this venue at Queen and Spadina.

You can explore hidden spaces near Toronto this summer

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If you like to explore places that are generally inaccessible to the public or to get a better sense of the various small towns that surround Toronto, there's an excellent way to accomplish both tasks this summer. Doors Open Ontario offers access to many unseen spaces across the province, which should make for some thrilling road trips.

Here are some of the most intriguing places to check out this spring and summer.

Whitchurch-Stouffville - June 3

The highlight of Doors Open in this small town northeast of Toronto is the Jean-Baptiste Lainé Archaeological Site, which is one of the largest Huron-Wendat sites ever found and dates back some 500 years. 

Northumberland County - June 3 and 4

Here's a rare chance to get an up close look at one of Ontario's best examples of Neoclassical architecture. The Barnum House was built in 1819 and played host to a number of generations of the family before it eventually was designated as a National Historic Site. 

Ottawa - June 3 and 4

If you're willing to make the longer trip to Ottawa, there's a host of promising sites to explore. For my money, the Diefenbunker is at the top of the list, but the Supreme Court, Royal Canadian Mint, and the Lemieux Island Water Purification Plant are also highlights.

Bradford West Gwillimbury – June 17

This year there's an intriguing opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the technologically advanced Bradford West Gwillimbury Wastewater Treatment Plant. It's remarkable to learn how water is treated before it's returned to the natural environment.

Elora and Fergus - June 17

Both of these towns are worth visiting in general for their idyllic commercial strips and nearby attractions like the Elora Gorge, but during Doors Open you can get an up close look at the Elora Mill, which has been closed for renovations for ages.

Gravenhurst – June 24

Muskoka has its fair share of stunning buildings, but the Gravenhurst Opera House is one of the finest. The Ontario Heritage Trust's Sean Fraser describes it as "a medieval looking space with a grand hall and wood hammer beams."  There's also Norman Bethune House to check out.

St. Catharines – June 24

The gem of Doors Open Ontario this year has to be the behind the scenes tour of the Decew Falls Generating Station. This is a massive structure that's been in continual use since 1898. Witness the spectacle of how power being harnessed. 

Thanks to Sean Fraser of the Ontario Heritage Trust for his recommendations. 

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