There's a lot to do today in Toronto, including film screenings to get you talking and thinking and a book party in a brewery. If you just need to let it all out, there are a few fun concerts turning up the volume as well. 

King Street might soon look a lot different as the city of Toronto considers how to improve transit on this busy downtown thoroughfare.

The city, along with the TTC, has looked at a variety of options for King Street, but according to the Globe and Mail, it's settled on a plan that prioritizes streetcars over private vehicles. 

City staff recommend restricting through traffic on King between Bathurst and Jarvis streets. Those in cars will still be able to drive on King Street, but will have to turn right at most intersections. 

"Drivers will still be able to access destinations along King, but must enter the road at the block they are heading to and then leave again at the end of that block," writes Oliver Moore in the Globe and Mail.

Cars will be diverted to nearby streets, including Adelaide and Richmond. The plan also calls for improved public space, such as utilizing areas along the existing curb lanes as pedestrian zones.

Pending city council approval, a pilot project between Bathurst and Jarvis streets could be in place by this fall.

Summertime in Toronto means it's time to visit your local ice cream parlour, gelateria and frozen yogurt purveyor. Satisfy your cravings for scoops, ice cream sandwiches, and chocolate dipped swirls with this handy guide to frozen treats in the city.

Here are my picks for the top ice cream and gelato shops in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Annex

Greg's Ice Cream on Bloor has been a Toronto institution for three decades and counting. Signature flavours include sweet cream, toasted marshmallow and coffee toffee.

Baldwin Village

Thai rolled ice cream is available all over Toronto and one of the city's top purveyors can be found on Baldwin St. Arctic Bites makes rolls to order in flavours like Thai ice tea and Fruit Loops.

Bayview & Leaside

Hollywood Gelato carries over 20 fun house-spun gelati at a time cycling through a repertoire of 200+ flavours. Highlights include cake batter, key lime pie and roasted marshmallow - available in a cup or cone, two scoops at a time.

Photo by Jesse Milns at Ed's Real Scoop.

Beaches

Ed's Real Scoop has expanded to four Toronto locations, but the original one in The Beaches is a local gem. The sweet shop sells ice cream, gelati and froyo in 100-plus flavours.

Bloorcourt

Part bakeshop, part ice cream parlour, Bakerbots churns out house-made ice cream in unique flavours ranging from bourbon bacon to beer.

Caggabetown

Grinning Face is all about non dairy gelato made from seasonal farm-fresh ingredients. Look forward to inventive flavours like apple cider caramel, wildflower honey and beets, and wild blueberry with Hawaiian basil.

Corso Italia

La Paloma is an old school gelateria where the display case is filled with dozens of flavours. 

Photo by Jesse Milns at La Diperie.

Danforth

Montreal import La Diperie serves up delicious vanilla soft serve that gets dipped and loaded with toppings. 

Distillery District

Sweet Escape Patisserie makes its ice creams from scratch in a rotating assortment of flavours including birthday cake, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and a vegan soy latte. 

East York

Lickadee Split is a mom-and-pop operation that brings in its ice cream from Maypole. Find a rainbow of flavours including confetti-speckled birthday cake and s'mores.

Etobicoke

Tom's Dairy Freeze is a retro roadside attraction where soft serve cones and malt milkshakes are the major draw.

Financial District

Momofuku Milk Bar sells swirls of cereal milk and double double (coffee) soft serve in a cup decorated with cornflake crunch.

Junction

Delight Chocolate creates all natural ice creams in small batches. Look forward to seasonal flavours like Ontario rhubarb, plus the signature Junction Junk Yard studded with crushed up chocolates and confections from around the shop.

Photo by Jesse Milns at Sweet Olenka's.

Kensington Market

This 'hood is bustling with ice cream and frozen treat options. One of the best offerings come from Sweet Olenka's. The shop is stocked with ice cream bars, ice cream sandwiches and scratch-made ice creams.

King East

G For Gelato carries icy treats in 36 flavours at a time. Select from house flavours like salted chocolate peanut butter, coconut basil, and a boozy smoked whiskey vanilla caramel. 

King West

Soma Chocolate stocks a dozen or so house-spun gelati and sorbetti in rotating flavours like lemon sour cream, blood orange and mascarpone. Of course, chocolate is the house specialty and dark or milk chocolate flavours should not be overlooked. 

Photo by Hector Vasquez at Put A Cone On It.

Koreatown

Put A Cone On It is an ice cream focused cafe from the same people behind Manic Coffee. Fruit sorbets and gelato-ice cream hybrids are the main attractions. 

Little India

Bombay Chowpatty is a no frills spot on Gerrard where frozen treats like mango shakes and royal falooda are menu favourites.

Little Italy

This neighbourhood has numerous options to satisfy your sweet tooth  but The Big Chill is the perfect nostalgic destination. There's ample seating outside making it a magnet for locals on hot days.

North York

For those individuals looking for a vegan option look no further than Nanashake. The dessert shop offers treats that are all made with plant-based ingredients.

Photo by Jesse Milns at Bang Bang.

Ossington

Join the queue at Bang Bang to mix and match fresh baked cookies with house made ice cream for the ultimate ice cream sandwich like cinnamon toast or burnt toffee.

Parkdale

Find 16 flavours of gelati on display at Boreal Gelato as they cycle through a roster of 65 recipes. Standout flavours include candied bacon, root beer and dairy-free lemon-olive oil and sweet clementine.

Queen West

Kekou Gelato near Queen & Spadina is often packed with hungry patrons eagerly awaiting to dig into offerings of made-in-house popsicles, ice cream bars and soft serve.

Photo by Jesse Milns at Sweet Jesus.

Riverside

Sweet Jesus on Queen East boasts a line-up of epic ice cream treats. Cones are loaded with toppings of cotton candy, brownies and potato chips.

St. Clair West

Booyah stocks it freezer with Kawartha dairy ice creams and pairs scoops with house-baked cookies and waffle cones. They even have ice cream tacos too.

Scarbourough

Lingan Cream House is a Sri Lankan snack shop where ultra creamy house-made ice creams and sherbets come in flavours like mango, pineapple and vanilla. 

Photo by Jesse Milns at Hollywood Cone.

West Queen West

Hollywood Cone is your one stop shop for over the top epic ice cream treats. They serve “mutant” shakes and “titanic” eighteen-inch-long sundaes.

Yonge & Dundas

Fugo Desserts is a small dessert shop where frozen treats draw inspiration from all over the globe. Flavours range from grey tea to vanilla and Thai tea.

Yonge & Eglinton

Check in at Hotel Gelato to satisfy cravings for frosty treats. Traditionalist are well looked after with choices like chocolate, vanilla and lemon, while adventurous eaters can opt for flavoured like spicy Mayan chocolate, sponge toffee, and avocado.

Yorkville

Summer's Ice Cream is so good it's now distributed by the pint in select grocery store freezer aisle. The original location in Yorkville is home to two dozen flavours including almond butter toffee and espresso fudge mud pie. Also find frozen yogurts, sorbets and soft-serve.

It's that time of year again. We're opening the poll to 23 new best of categories including rooftop patios, bibimbap, Italian bakeries, bagels, bookstores, furniture stores and more. Voting ends on Thursday May 18 at 7 p.m

Take the poll here

Have you noticed something different about the CN Tower lately? Unless you've been looking closely, you might have missed the construction that's been happening at the observation deck level since earlier this spring. 

A section of the iconic pod has been covered with a tarp for the last couple of months as renovations are underway on the cladding and windows. When contacted about the construction, CN Tower spokesperson Patrick Leavey wouldn't divulge too much about the project.

"While no details have been officially announced, we can tell you that we are working on some upgrades to our observation level that will provide improved accessibility and an exciting new perspective on the view – coming June 2017," he explained.

A bit of digging reveals that an application to alter the tower was filed in November of last year. It indicates that the existing windows will be replaced with floor-to-ceiling versions, which will significantly improve the view from the observation deck. 

When the first portion of the pod was covered up, it was hard to know what to expect, but we're getting a bit better picture now that the tarp has come off the first section.

While some expressed concern at the prospect of major alterations, it looks like the general shape and design of the pod will remain the same, with the height of the first metal band trimmed to allow for the bigger windows. 

We'll have to wait until next month for the big reveal, but it looks like the upgrades will have the most impact from inside the tower. 

Food festivals are taking over Ontario Place this summer. Toronto's former amusement park on the water is in the process of getting an extreme makeover, but as it awaits its facelift, it's becoming a destination for all sorts of events.

Ontario Place, the amusement park, shut down in 2012. Since then, Torontonians and tourists mainly accessed the space via Echo Beach and the former Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, now called the Budweiser Stage. 

"Ontario Place over the years has been pretty stagnant there hasn’t been much going on there until recently," says Brad Wishen from TasteToronto.

He and his team landed on Ontario Place because they needed a bigger venue for their second annual Taco Fest - as well their new beer, bourbon and BBQ fest - and he's looking forward to contributing to the revitalization of the site. 

Philip Suos, who runs the Mac and Cheese Festival as well as the new BBQ Eats Festival notes Ontario Place works for food festivals because it can accommodate large crowds. The Mac and Cheese Festival came under fire when its first ever event in Liberty Village was too small to accommodate thousands of local cheesy pasta lovers.

The West Island, which hosts most of the food events can hold up to 8,700 people.

According to its 2016 to 2018 business plan, Ontario Place uses event rentals as a key revenue driver and aims to, "develop the site as a festival and event space with distinct flexible, multi-purpose applications and features."

This Victoria Day long weekend, the Culinary Ontario Festival will take over Ontario Place as part of the provincial government's sesquicentennial celebrations. And later this summer, phase one of the revitalization efforts will open to the public.

"I think people will really find it a beautiful gathering place," says Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Eleanor McMahon.

Along with this weekend's food fest, Ontario Place played host to the immersive in/Future arts festival and will host myriad events this summer. And even though the Budweiser Stage couldn't open due to Lake Ontario's high water levels, the West Island is dry for now.

Victoria Day fireworks in Toronto mark one epic, loud, and colourful celebration of the summer ahead.

As always, the biggest firework display will take place at Ashbridges Bay starting at 9:45 p.m. on May 22. It's an official City of Toronto show and features over 2,000 fireworks. 

A smaller show will just be a short distance away at Woodbine Beach. The dazzling show will take place at Boardwalk Place on May 22 at 10 p.m.

If you are out in the suburbs, head to Canada's Wonderland on May 21. Their fireworks show starts when the park closes at 10 p.m. and is available for free if you already paid to get in that day. 

On an unofficial tip, Trinity Bellwoods has had a pretty amazing DIY fireworks displays, and people always seem to light something up in Christie Pits, so check those public parks out if you don't feel like heading down to the water.

Something surprising is happening in the industrial Port Lands. Long a bit of a wasteland and home to energy, shipping and construction industries, an ambitious new enterprise has just sprouted up.

The name is Ildsjel and they brand themselves as both an arts collective and workspace that encompasses a music studio, meeting rooms, engineering shop equipped with 3D printers, hangout spaces and more.

Co-founder Rebekka Zuckermann Kristiansen is from Norway, where the word “ildsjel” roughly translates to “enthusiast.”

Upon entry past a large porch, you enter a high-ceilinged, industrial space. However, with a fireplace and cozy furniture near the front cafe area to greet you, it doesn’t feel too big or intimidating.

And why the Port Lands?

“Being located [here] allows us to create a mix-use space that can accommodate micro-manufacturing, events, and a variety of arts and culture industries at the same time,” says Zuckermann Kristiansen. 

She speaks of a “discovery culture” associated with the Port Lands that counteracts the lack of traffic that's often necessary for new businesses to thrive. The location itself, she says, forces Ildsjel to be creative.

They offer three tiers of membership in order to use the space: Connector ($30/month), Collaborator ($125/month for part time, $250/month for full time), or Provider ($500/month).

Connectors have free access to Ildsjel events and can book the space for their own work and events.

Collaborators have access to open air workstations, can partner on events, and can use the space for 20 or 40 hours depending on whether they’re full or part time.

Providers have dedicated workstations, lockable drawers and 24/7 access to the space.

Writer Peter Sanfilippo uses one of the open air spaces to write and work on the collaborative graphic novel he works on with another friend focused on his time at now dying out HMV.

“This is a huge opportunity because our members are establishing the community with us, bringing their unique experiences and expertise to the table as we define what this creative community will look like,” says Zuckermann Kristiansen. “We thrive on people walking in to our space and seeing what it could be in terms of their own craft.” 

Along with Zuckermann Kristiansen, Dmitri and Jason Kanaris also cofounded Ildsjel, the latter of whom presides over this domain, the collective’s “makerspace” filled with all sorts of 3D printers and other equipment I barely dare even breathe on.

However, that’s the exact opposite of the point: all these benches are available for basic hourly rent, and there are libraries of hand, power, and specialty tools, as well as mechanical systems for carpentry and metal fabrication, a milling machine, and lathe drill.

Jason is available for troubleshooting on the use of all of this equipment, and can help you use it to bring ideas into the physical realm. He can help you create a circuit board to operate a product you’re imagining, or even assist when you’re stumped repairing an electric guitar.

RHC Music run by Ross Hayes Citrullo and Salmoral Studios run by Connor Salmoral (who also assists with RHC) both operate out of the professional studio in here. Like everything in here, this place is designed to be multi-purpose.

That means not only do the two companies use this as their studio, bands also rehearse here and voiceover work takes place here. You can work with RHC to record music, and with Citrullo and Salmoral’s skills and experience they can help bands with everything from grant writing to mastering their product.

Ildsjel is designed to be a jungle gym for creative workers where they can talk, eat, drink, throw events and make their wildest imaginary dreams a reality.

“If we were in any given neighbourhood in the downtown core, I don’t think we would feel the same kind of freedom, or the same kind of community spirit that we find here,” says Zuckermann Kristiansen.

“We have had a lot of great conversations with people who wish to develop more creative spaces in the Toronto waterfront, and we have been in touch with organizations who are arguing the case for a Port Lands culture hub,” she adds.

She feels there’s an “innovative energy surrounding arts and culture” in the area right now. 

“We feel like we’re a part of the movement here in the Port Lands now. Being in the Port Lands has helped us shape our concept of collaboration over competition.” 

It's not easy getting good paella in Toronto but that might be all about to change with the opening of a paella and sangria restaurant later this year.

A former convenience store at Queen and Coady in Leslieville now has a sign up announcing its future arrival.

Construction is at very early stages so don't expect this to open imminently. But in a neighbourhood flush with pubs, Italian restaurants, coffee shops and waxing salons local residents are excited that something new is on the way.

Previously, a short-lived tapas cafe and wine bar called Hola Cafe called Leslieville home but its shifting identity and low key vibe never seemed to win over customers.

Patria, Carmen and Barsa Taberna are among the current go-to paella and sangria spots in Toronto but this east side addition definitely seems to be bringing a tighter focus to its menu.

The Trump International Hotel and Tower on Adelaide Street continues to dominate Toronto's skyline thanks to its spire and new light installation. Although all is not bright at this downtown skyscraper.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Russian-Canadian Alexander Schnaider used money from a deal brokered by the Russian bank Vnesheconombank (VEB) to help fund 65-storey building, which at the time was facing financial troubles. 

"Mr. Shnaider sold his company’s share in a Ukrainian steelmaker for about $850 million in 2010, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. According to two people with knowledge of the deal, the buyer, which hasn’t been identified publicly, was an entity acting for the Russian government," writes the Journal.

The Journal reports that American investigators are currently looking into connections between Trump (and any of his associates) and Russian financial institutions. "The Toronto deal adds a new element to the list of known connections between Mr. Trump's associates and Russia," says the Journal.

Trump, of course has stressed that he only licenses his name and manages the day-to-day operations of the hotel.

Back in March, the Toronto building was sold for nearly $300 million to its main debt holder JCF Capital.

The 707 Lofts is a boutique condo development just south of Bloor on Dovercourt that's recently joined a portion of the neighbourhood that's defined by a mix of century-old detached homes and 1960s-era apartment towers.

Given the proximity of Ossington Station and the bustling retail strip along Bloor, this building has much to offer from a rental standpoint. Some will like that it's never been lived in before, but features like in-suite laundry and private parking top my list.

The interior might be a bit cookie cutter, but it's well designed and can certainly be brought to life with furnishings. Condo rentals are typically more expensive than their apartment building counterparts, but this one isn't outrageous given its amenities and the fact that it's brand new.

Specs

• Address: #401 707 Dovercourt Rd.
• Apartment type: Condo
• Rent: $1,800
• Utilities: Not specified
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Parking: 1 private space
• Laundry? In-suite
• Outdoor space? Balcony
• Pet friendly? Not specified

Good For

Someone who likes the idea of renting a new condo but doesn't want to live in a vertical community. There's a real mix of housing types here that keeps the neighbourhood vibrant.

Move On If

The knock on new spaces like this is always that you can save a bunch of money by living in an older apartment. $1,800 isn't over the top for a condo rental like this, but it's still in the premium range for a one bedroom.

Even though it's hot and sunny outside today, the water levels in Lake Ontario keep on rising.

The Toronto Islands are expected to be closed to the public until at least June 30 and other places across the city have also been effected by the heavy rainfall from earlier this season.

Today, part of Eastern Avenue in Leslieville is flooded thanks to water that's coming out of the sewer system.

Some flooding is happening at Eastern and Leslie, near the Loblaws (a portion of the parking lot is flooded too). There's also water a little farther east on Eastern near the South Central Letter Processing Plant.

As of earlier this afternoon, some sidewalks were closed and traffic was building up, but the street wasn't shut down, so cars were just driving on through the water. 

Today in Toronto you can feel the excitement because summer is finally on its way. Not only is there an enormous rib fest happening, but there are some very loud concerts (hi Wavves!), a night market, and an art battle party. 

Toronto restaurant openings highlights the latest restaurant openings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now

• Pop-up fave Uncle Smoke BBQ has opened up a brick-and-mortar called Uncle Smoke Cookhouse at 2285 Dundas St. W. just north of Roncesvalles.
• "Good vibes only" Calii Love now has a second location in addition to its original on King West, this time at 1235 Bay St. in Yorkville.
• Also in Yorkville, European-inspired HÖM Cafe is serving up all-day breakfast, open-faced sandwiches and schnitzel plates at 95 Cumberland St.
• Al Pastor has reopened in the Junction at 2982 Dundas St. W. with more seating and an expanded menu.
• UB Social (the UB stands for "Unemployable Baker") has replaced Agora Cafe at 3015 Dundas St. W. in the Junction.
• Brickyard Bistro has replaced Brickyard Grounds at 1289 Gerrard St. E.
• Brett's Ice Cream at 1698 Queen St. E. in the Beaches is offering all-natural scoops with vegan, dairy and gluten-free options in fancy cones.
• Sports bar In the Paint has taken over the spot that was previously Tavern by Trevor at 145 Spadina Ave.

Recently reviewed

• Halal Guys Toronto
• Silo13
• Japango
• The Alternative Cafe
• Fat Lamb Kouzina

Opening soon

• Lit Espresso Bar is opening a new location, which will be at 2196 Bloor St. W. in Bloor West Village (by Runnymede), and this one will have Neapolitan pizzas in addition to coffee.
• Picnic is opening a third location, this one at 120 Bloor St. E. (by Church St.)
• Even more pizza is on the way with General Assembly at 331 Adelaide St. W. (by Peter St.)
• Tabriz, a "Persian cookhouse," is set to open at 995 Bay St. (just north of Wellesley).
• Opening any day now, Babas Doner House is replacing Barton Snacks at 1120 Queen St. W. and the latter should be reopening further down the street at 1188 Queen St. W. soon (it's been doing the occasional pop-up at Churchill in the meantime).
• Canary & Fox Micro Market is opening next month at 778 Annette St. in Baby Point.
• Garden Gangsters (formerly known as Evolution Food Co.) will soon be opening a second location at 171 East Liberty St. in Liberty Village.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to editors@blogto.com

The Blue Jays have been taking a beating against Atlanta this week and  frustration boiled over last night when "Superman" center fielder Kevin Pillar appeared to yell a homophobic slur at Braves pitcher Jason Motte after striking out to end the 7th inning.

So are we just going to pretend that @KPILLAR4 didn't initiate all this by yelling a gay slur? Better step up on this one, @MLB. pic.twitter.com/8bB3xijtCu

— Dr. B (@BlakeTheRxGuy) May 18, 2017

Video seemed to capture Pillar screaming the word "faggot" after which benches cleared and more words were exchanged before players on both teams returned to their respective dugouts.

The benches clear in Atlanta after Kevin Pillar takes exception to Jason Motte's quick pitch in the top of the 7th inning!!! pic.twitter.com/fcwxtUWuYL

— TheRenderMLB (@TheRenderMLB) May 18, 2017

Pillar later apologized for the slur, but not directly to Motte. "It was immature, it was stupid, it was uncalled for," he said, reports the Associated Press.

He went on to say that situations like this are, "part of the game," and,  "I’m going to do whatever I’ve got to do to reach out and apologize and let him know he didn’t do anything wrong, it was all me."

The situation isn't sitting well with many Jays fans.

Pillar should be suspended for this. Bringing homophobic slurs to the ball field? Grow up, Pillar. https://t.co/iluAMdQTLX

— Julia Brown (@julialbrown10) May 18, 2017

What's even more unfortunate is this happened on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Many fans are calling for a suspension after his actions.

Hey @BlueJays will you take action on Pillar's homophobic slur? I love this team, and have always worn my Pillar jersey with pride. Not now.

— shannon alberta (@shan_alberta) May 18, 2017

There's no word yet from the MLB on what action they might take in light of this incident.

In 2012, then Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar received a three game suspension after writing a gay slur on his eye black strips. He was traded later that year to the Miami Marlins.

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2017 is a bit of a mixed bag as some major malls will be up and running but most major businesses will be taking the day off. Whether you need to do last minute shopping or are looking for something fun to do, let this be your guide on May 22.

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

General
 

Closed

• Government offices
• Banks
• Libraries
• Post offices

Open

• The TTC will operate on a holiday schedule.

Photo by Hector Vasquez at Saks Food Hall.

Food
 

Closed

• Most major grocery chains will be closed on Victoria Day with a few confirmed exceptions listed below.

Open

• Fresh & Wild (2294 Bloor St. West) - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• Fresh & Wild (69 Spadina Ave.) - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Galleria Supermarket (7040 Yonge St.) - 24 hours
• Galleria Supermarket (865 York Mills Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Loblaws (60 Carlton St.) - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• Pusateri's (1539 Avenue Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pusateri's (2901 Bayview Ave.) - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pusateri's (57 Yorkville Ave.) - 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Rabba (various locations) - 24 hours
• Saks Food Hall (176 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saks Food Hall (25 The West Mall) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Food Depot (115 Dupont St.) - 24 hours
• The Kitchen Table (10 Queens Quay West) - 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (389 Spadina Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (595 Bay St.) - 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (705 King St. West) - 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Whole Foods (87 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bloor Street Market (55 Bloor St. West) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Metro (444 Yonge St.) - 24 hours

Photo by Hector Vasquez at Left Field Brewery.

Drink

Closed

• LCBO
• Beer Store

Open

• For a complete list of independent bottle shops in Toronto, see this directory. Holiday hours are provided where applicable but we advise calling ahead to confirm.

Photo by Hector Vasquez at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Malls
 

Closed

• Bayview Village
• CF Fairview Mall
• Dufferin Mall
• Scarborough Town Centre
• Sherway Gardens
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Open

• CF Promenade (1 Promenade Cir.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Hillcrest Mall (9350 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pacific Mall (4300 Steeles Ave. E.) - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Toronto Premium Outlets (13850 Steeles Ave. West) - 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Yorkville Village (55 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• CF Markville (5000 Hwy 7) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Square One Shopping Centre (100 City Centre Dr.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.) - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo by Andrew Williamson at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.

Attractions
 

Closed

• The Toronto Zoo

Open

• Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. West) - 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• CN Tower (301 Front St. West) - 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• The Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park) - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Gardiner Museum (111 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Canada's Wonderland  - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Movie theatres

TTC signal upgrades don't stop for long weekends, which means we're on the cusp of another major subway closure. Line 1 will be shut down between St. George and Sheppard West (formerly Downsview) on May 20 and 21 as crews continue to install Automatic Train Control.

Similar to previous Line 1 closures this year, shuttle buses will run only on the northern part of the route, between Lawrence West and Sheppard West.

Passengers traveling north from St. George are encouraged to head east to the Yonge Line and then catch a bus or streetcar to return west. Service has been bolstered along this routes during the closure.

There are also two key parking restrictions in place on the weekend. They will be in effect on Lawrence Avenue, between Allen Road and Yonge Street, and on Bathurst Street between Bloor Street and Barton Avenue to help keep TTC buses moving.

Dupont and Glencairn stations will be closed during the weekend shutdown, while all others along the route will be open, so you can purchase fares and connect to surface routes.

The Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista might love his bat flips, but not everyone was impressed when he chucked his bat last night.

In the eighth inning of last night's game against the Atlanta Braves, Bautista hit a solo home run and then flipped his bat. 

JOSE BAUTISTA DOES IT AGAIN 😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/sa0pTNAphF

— Baseball King™ (@BasebaIlKing) May 18, 2017

As TSN writes, Atlanta's first baseman Jace Peterson and catcher Kurt Suzuki both exchange words with Bautisa as he rounded the bases. Both benches cleared after this incident.

I don't care who you are, I love the Bautista bat flip!😂😂

— Chad Lewis (@C_lewis8) May 18, 2017

While some always appreciate a good bat flip, others, including Braves supporters weren't quite as impressed.

I was really hoping someone would give Bautista the Odor treatment last night. A bat flip while down 4-8???

— Bubba Lockhart (@KennyLockhart15) May 18, 2017

Wednesday night's game was particularly controversial, especially after Kevin Pillar appeared to utter a homophobic slur in the seventh inning.

Here's a nice break from all the multi-million dollar condos that often dominate our attention. Even with the Toronto real estate market soaring, not that many people can afford condos in excess of a million bucks.

This one bedroom loft is listed at $649,900 and offers a good look at what you get in this price range. There are some great features, but also a few things that prospective buyers will have to give up, the most obvious being a fully enclosed bedroom.

Located in a former knitting mill that was converted to loft units in 1996, this space lives up to its designation by placing the bedroom above the washroom space, which cleverly contains a washer-dryer. All in all, it's a very good use of 782 square feet of space.

There aren't a ton of heritage features on display, but the exposed brick wall is a centrepiece, and the living room window floods the space with light. The gas fireplace is also a nice touch.

Specs

• Address: #107 676 Richmond St. W
• Price: $649,900
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Parking: 2
• Walk Score: 97
• Transit Score: 100
• Maintenance Fees: $725
• Listing agent: Richard Pope
• Listing ID: C3800105

Good For

This condo will appeal to those who don't like the idea of living in a high rise community. It's a boutique building with just enough heritage on display to have some cultural cachet.

Move On If

This place is really only suited to a single occupant or a couple with compatible work schedules. It'd be hard to use the living space when someone else is sleeping.

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

Honest Ed's might be covered in graffiti, but the iconic Las Vegas-style sign still dominates the corner of Bathurst and Bloor. But next week, that'll change.

On May 23 at around 11 a.m., right after the Victoria long weekend, works crews and a crane will start removing the beloved 30-foot-tall by 60-foot-wide light-up sign before transporting it to a storage facility for refurbishment.

After it's fixed up, it'll find a new home outside the Ed Mirvish Theatre, pending approval from city hall. Some of the other smaller signs will become part of the new Westbank development that's replacing the discount department store and Mirvish Village.