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Victoria Day Monday events in Toronto for 2017

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Victoria Day Monday events in Toronto are a motley collection of parties, screenings and annual gatherings, like the Brewer's Backyard at the Brick Works and the newly relocated Electric Island festival kick-off. Happy long-weekend finale!

Events you might want to check out:

Electric Island (May 22 @ Woodbine Park)
It may have been relocated to the mainland, no thanks to flooding on the Islands, but the season's first big outdoor dance music festival is happening with a killer lineup of international DJs.
The Brewer's Backyard (May 22 @ Evergreen Brick works)
The Brewer’s Backyard returns with its annual Victoria Day event down in the Don Valley. The beer selection will only be revealed when the event begins.
Free Victoria Day Screenings (May 22 @ Hot Docs Cinema)
It's holiday Monday and Hot Docs Cinema will show movies all day, gratis! Catch four landmark Canadian documentaries starting at noon. 
Earth Angel (May 22 @ Drake Hotel)
The Drake is hosting an evening of film and art fashioned by a posse of heavenly women whose work is nothing short of magical.
Beach Beats Island Express (May 22 @ Yankee Lady III)
All aboard this 113-foot yacht to sail around the harbour all day with DJs spinning for what will feel like your personal long weekend boat party. There are departures every 30 minutes to join the floating fun.
Canada's Wonderland's 36th Birthday Celebration (May 22 @ Canada's Wonderland)
This huge amusement park is turning 36, and it's celebrating with cheap tickets for $36, street performers and a dance party at the front gates of International Street.

This Week on DineSafe: HoSu Bistro, Sidecar, Burrito Boyz, Thobors, Sashimi Island

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This week on DineSafe there are only conditional passes to report. Yellow card offenders included a popular Korean restaurant on Queen St. who racked up two crucial infractions including staff failing to wash their hands. 

Discover what other restaurants got in trouble with city health inspectors this week on DineSafe.

Burrito Boyz (5314 Yonge St.)
  • Inspected on: May 15, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 6 (Significant: 6)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Kuni Sushi Ya (20 Baldwin St.)
  • Inspected on: May 15, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Sashimi Island (635 College St.)
  • Inspected on: May 15, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Epicure Shop (473 Parliament St.)
  • Inspected on: May 16, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Significant: 4)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
HoSu Bistro (254 Queen St. West)
  • Inspected on: May 16, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Sidecar (577 College St.)
  • Inspected on: May 17, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Thobors (627 Mount Pleasant Rd.)
  • Inspected on: May 17, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods.

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

The top 10 places to take a walk in Toronto

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There's no shortage of scenic places to walk in Toronto, a city that prides itself on over 1,600 some odd parks and green spaces. But not all parks are made for walking, and not all ravines will let you escape without hiking.

Here are 10 great places to take a walk in Toronto.

Lakefront promenade at Marilyn Bell Park

There's no skyline view from the promenade at Marilyn Bell, but it's about as close to the lake as you can get, and on a clear day you can easily see the escarpment across the lake. I'm particularly fond of this stretch at night, when the blackness of the lake seems to envelope you. 

Cherry Beach

Yes, I could have put almost any beach on this list, but Cherry Beach seems to be the choice of walkers, if only for its cool waters and ample park space just north of the sandy area. Stroll around as kite surfers struggle to catch wind. If you walk far enough west, you can catch a glimpse of the skyline.

Edwards Gardens

One of the prettiest places in Toronto, if busy on summer weekends, Edwards Gardens has plenty of meandering paths and trails through immaculately tended grounds. Look for wildflowers, rhododendrons and roses amongst the various flora, and be sure to pause contemplatively on one of the many wood bridges that cross Don River tributaries.

The boardwalk at the Eastern Beaches

There are boardwalks at both the eastern and western beaches in Toronto, but the east side takes the win for its people-watching and more ocean-like atmosphere (if you've been to both, this will make sense). I can think of few places better to stroll at dusk in Toronto.

Moore Park Ravine

The trail that runs southeast alongside Mud Creek features a tree canopy that'll make you think you've left the city altogether. While you'll have to share the path with cyclists, it's never that busy, and it's wide enough to accommodate all. 

Cudia Park

If it's elevated lake vistas you're after, head to this park atop the Scarborough Bluffs. It's remarkable just how tropical the scene can seem in mid-summer. Look out at the water and imagine that the deposits from these very bluffs formed what is now the Toronto Islands.

High Park

High Park is an obvious choice, but impossible to leave off this list. High Parks rolling hills offer many ravine walks, ponds, and, of course, the Cherry Blossoms in spring. There are trails all over the park and lots of paved paths if you prefer not to venture too far off the beaten track.

G. Ross Lord Park

Uptowners looking for a serene escape can hit this park, which features kilometres of weaving trails, alongside sports fields, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog park. None of the trails are overly challenging to walk, but the scenery is such that you'll feel much further north of the city's core than you really are.

Mimico Waterfront Park

A highly underrated waterfront area, this stretch of promenades offer views of the Etobicoke Yacht Club, Humber Bay Park West, and a tiny lighthouse that gives a quaint character to the bay. There are ample benches to take a break and enjoy the view.

Broadview Avenue

What would this list be without one skyline walk? Broadview Avenue gets my nomination for its sweeping views of the city and Riverdale Park below. Rotate your neck across the scene and take in the perfect juxtaposition of the Don Valley and the Financial District. This is surely one of the best views of the city there is.

The Best Pizza in Etobicoke

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The best pizza in Etobicoke isn't slim pickings. Toronto boasts the fourth largest Italian population outside Italy, and this area of Toronto isn't devoid of pizza offerings.

Here is the best pizza in Etobicoke.

3 - FBI Pizza

FBI stands for “full blooded Italian” and that’s exactly the type of pizza you’ll get at this restaurant at Lake Shore Boulevard and Burlington with a location in Woodbridge as well. Classic margherita, caprese, NYC cheese and calabrese pizzas made with quality ingredients have thin, chewy crusts.
7 - Dino's Wood Burning Pizza

This Queensway restaurant uses high quality ingredients and traditional methods to turn out their authentic pizzas. Basil is available on request here. The menu features a ton of choices, including pizza arugula prosciutto and al tuna.
9 - Pizzeria Oro di Napoli

Pies are fired in a wood-burning oven imported all the way from Italy at this place near Lake Shore and Burlington. Toppings include house sausage or house cured sardines and cured chilis, and they also specialize in elegant homemade pastas and other Italian entrees.
5 - Mamma Martino's

With over 25 years in the business, this Queensway restaurant is where to go to find reasonably priced, style-your-own pies. Toppings are far from run of the mill with eggplant, ricotta, anchovies, artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers as options.
4 - Cellar Door Restaurant

At Lake Shore and Ninth, pizzas and other entrees are made in a wood burning oven. Expect authentic Italian flair complete with wine and a rustic atmosphere and pizza toppings like oven roasted potato, soppressata, prosciutto, or their signature bomba sauce.
11 - Rocco's Plum Tomato (Queensway)

This Etobicoke mainstay with locations on Islington and The Queensway serves up a long list of pizza options topped with ingredients like pesto, grilled zucchini and tiger shrimp.
6 - Il Paesano

The secret sauce at this pie shop on Brown’s Line can’t be beat. Toppings range from shrimp to salami for pies that go all the way up to “super big party size,” $29.80 for 24 slices. They’ve been a Toronto delivery and takeout mainstay since 1959.
8 - 850 Degrees

Find Neapolitan style pizza at Lake Shore and Thirtieth made with local Canadian ingredients. Pies with names like Lord Stanley, St. John’s (with buffalo cheese) and David Bolland (with calabrese salami) show local pride.
10 - Milano's Pizza

This local favourite on Bloor West has been open for decades. You’ll find basic pies with exciting toppings like shrimp, pesto, gyro meat, grilled chicken, zucchini and goat cheese. Combos with wings and wedges are available as well as jalapeno poppers and potato “munchers.”

10 ways to volunteer in Toronto this summer

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Volunteer opportunities in Toronto this summer can only improve your life. Not only do you meet new people, help others, and make the city a better place by donating your time, but you're technically helping your own career by showing future employers that you demonstrate initiative. 

Canadian Cancer Society

There are loads of different types of volunteer opportunities here, especially during the summer months. Help the Relay for Life races all over the GTA run smoothly, there's the Run for the Cure, and even Sugar-Free September events that all need a lot of help. 

Caribana

Help make sure one the city's busiest and most vibrant festivals is a high energy, fun and easygoing experience for everyone by giving your time to Caribana. It's more than just guiding folks along a parade route; it's about learning what involved in managing a major event. 

City of Toronto

If you love the city and want to spend some of your free time outdoors helping Toronto be as good as it can be, consider helping out the City. They're going to need a lot of help during Doors Open, Canada Day celebrations, Summerlicious and have openings for all types of other roles like tour guides, art guides, and stage managers.

Evergreen Brick Works

If you find yourself stuck in the city and crave being surrounded by nature trails, hiking and wildlife, think about volunteering your time with the Brick Works. Positions here vary from welcoming hosts to leading bike tours and nature walks.

Habitat for Humanity

If your idea of volunteering is changing people's lives for the better and helping those who could really use break, then this organization is where you should concentrate your time. You can donate time in the head office, on sites as a deconstruction volunteer or at one of their many fundraising events like the annual baseball tournament. 

Harbourfront Centre

Volunteer at one of the city's most active summer spots during one of the many festivals, parties, film screenings, theatres shows, or just plain old beautiful days by the water. The Harbourfront has loads of opportunities to help guide the public and make sure all their summer programming goes off without a hitch.

LEAF

This is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the urban forest by hosting clean-up days, tree planting activations, and running annual events like the Leslieville Tree Festival

Pride Toronto

One of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities from a career growth, community building and learning standpoint, Pride has over 2,000 positions that need filling, from stage volunteers, behind the scenes wranglers, hosts, and parade helpers.

TIFF

One of the largest film festivals on the planet needs a lot of volunteers to help it run smoothly. Whether you're on the street, at red carpets or inside theatres directing eager movie-lovers to where they need to be, volunteers play an essential role at this festival. Plus, the shirts are pretty cool. 

The 519

This Church Street community hub not only runs one of the greatest outdoor festivals during Pride, but fun, outdoor and indoor programming all summer long. They are a beacon of light in the community, depend greatly on their volunteers, and help so many different types of people. Expect a lot of hugs as a volunteer here. 

The top 10 places in and around Toronto to get away from it all

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Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, even if Toronto might be one of the most livable cities in the world. There are plenty of places in and around the city that let you take a little break, even if it's only for a few minutes.

Here are the top places to get away from it all in and around Toronto.

Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park)

You won't feel like you're in the city once you're ensconced in this park right by the lake. Ride your bike, go for a jog, or simply wander around this huge park on the city's east side. 

The Great Library at Osgoode Hall

Even though it's surrounded by cast-iron fence, you can easily visit this library, which might be one of the most stunning rooms in the city. Head here at your lunch break and take a few minutes to sit and recharge in the middle of the work week.

Boyd Conservation Area

Located just northwest of Toronto, this densely wooded area is a wonderful place to spend a day away from the bustle of Toronto. It's chock full of mature trees, walking trails, and offers a scenic place to soak up a bit of nature.

Toronto Music Garden

This meditative space is mostly unpopulated throughout the day, so you can enjoy a bit of solitude right beside the lake. You'll often even hear classical music playing in the wooded areas.

Craigleigh Gardens Park

This gem of a park space is often overlooked due to its proximity to the Brick Works, but it's worth a contemplative visits in its own right. A gothic-style entrance gives the park an air of secrecy, and it's often barely populated, so the place feels all your own.

The Palm House at Allan Gardens

Immerse yourself in greenery at any time of the year. Explore the flora or simple soak in all the plant life on a dull, cold or rainy day to lift your spirits.

Miles Road End Parkette

A number of south Etobicoke streets terminate at little lakeside parkettes, but the one at Miles Rd. is my favourite. There are two benches and a chess table (which also works for a picnic), meaning it's a secluded spot to lounge with the city shimmering in the distance.

The AGO

This one is all about knowing where to go. If you're looking for some quiet time in a calm setting, head down to the Weston Family Learning Centre and walk southwest. Adjacent to Beverley St. there's an area with a few comfy chairs that might be the place to read in the city. 

Cudia Park

Everyone goes to Bluffer's Park, but the view from Cudia is just amazing and the trails that wind around above the bluffs are a great place to relax and contemplate the profoundly slow moving geological processes that created such a beautiful place.

Rosedale Ravine

Pretty much all of Toronto's ravines are ideal places to get away from it all, but Rosedale might be the quietest of them all. You can wander around the central trail or explore the scenic but solemn grounds of St. James Cemetery. 

Writing by Derek Flack and Amy Grief.

11 things to do in Toronto this week

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Get ready for a feast of festivals in Toronto this week with events like the Inside Out Film Festival, CBC Music Fest, Anime North and the first Pedestrian Sunday of the season in Kensington Market!

Events you might want to check out:

Tanya Tagaq on Angry Inuk (May 24 @ TIFF)
Award-winning vocalist and artist Tanya Tagaq hosts a night at TIFF to discuss Alethea Arnaquq-Baril’s documentary Angry Inuk, preceded by the short film Tungijuq.
21C Music Festival (May 24-28 @ Koerner Hall)
Nine concerts and 21 performers make up this festival showcasing some of the country's most innovative composers and musicians at various venues around Toronto.
Inside Out Film Festival (May 24 - June 4 @ TIFF)
Toronto's LGBT film festival showcases ground breaking Canadian and international films.
Operanation (May 25 @ COC)
Come as your most uncanny self for a night of elixirs, culinary experiments, and musical hybrids that transform the three floors of Toronto's opera house into a cabinet of curiosities.
Barbados on the Water Festival (May 26-28 @ Harbourfront Centre)
This is the largest festival of Barbadian culture in Canada and it includes a weekend of free fashion shows, literary events, rum tastings and dance parties.
Anime North 2017 (May 26-28 @ Toronto Congress Center)
Anime North is a convention that celebrates anime, manga and other forms of Japanese culture.
GO Transit Exhibit (May 26 - December 31 @ Toronto Railway Museum)
GO Transit celebrates 50 years with a display of one of the very first GO train coaches on permanent display at the Toronto Railway Museum.
CBC Music Festival (May 27 @ Echo Beach)
Serena Ryder, Walk Off The Earth, Keys N Krates, Ruth B Scott, Ralph and more Canadian artists take the stage at Echo Beach.
Doors Open 2017 (May 27 @ Various locations)
The 18th annual edition offers an opportunity to see inside more than 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city.
Pedestrian Sundays (May 28 @ Kensington Market)
The first Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday of the season is always a wonderful thing. Cars are given the boot for streets filled with food, music, vendors and hundreds of happy people.
Contact Photography Festival (April 28 - May 31 @ Various locations)
Check out the Family Camera photo exhibit premiering at the latest ROM Friday Night Live party.

This summer in Toronto could be warmer than usual

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We might not be having the most pleasant spring in Toronto, with cold weather and lots and lots of rain. But apparently, that doesn't mean hope is lost for this summer.

According to a senior climatologist with Environment Canada we could still be in for a warmer than average summer. 

The official summer forecast will come out next week on June 1, but already, things are looking up.

However, as CBC notes, all the rain we've been getting has created a breeding ground for mosquitos. If you got out of the city this weekend, you probably saw (or felt) swarms of them buzzing about.


Toronto police invited to march at Pride in New York

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Another city has invited members of the Toronto Police Service to march in uniform in their Pride parade.

According to the Canadian PressThe Gay Officers Action League in New York sent a letter last Friday inviting Toronto officers to join their Pride March on June 25, the same day as the Toronto Pride parade. 

Toronto Police have yet to officially respond to this invitation. Earlier this month, Pride Toronto said officers were welcome to participate in this year's parade without uniforms, guns or cruisers. 

Since last year's Pride parade the relationship between Pride Toronto and the Toronto Police Service has been especially complicated.

Pride Toronto's city-based funding has been called in question after the organization officially accepted Black Lives Matter's list of demands.

It seems as though some Torontonians agree with the move. 

The president of the Gay Officers Action League told CP24 he believes it's important for officers to march in uniform. 

“If Toronto officers would like to march proudly as open LGBTQ criminal justice professionals in a march and they feel it’s important to identify both as an officer and a member of the community – we welcome them with open arms,” he said. 

The Toronto Police Force's LBGTQ Internal Support Network are thankful for the invite. 

Pride Month 2017 kicks off on June 1 in Toronto. 

Here's how Toronto celebrated the long weekend

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The Victoria Day long weekend in Toronto was as eventful as ever this year. While Mother Nature didn't always cooperate, inclement weather couldn't put a damper on the multitude of events going down across the city.

Beer festivals, food events, concerts, and, of course, fireworks shows popped up all over Toronto to kick off the unofficial start to summer. Even flooding at the Islands and Eastern Beaches couldn't drown out the celebration. 

Here's how Toronto celebrated the Victoria Day long weekend in Toronto this year.

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For meat lovers staying in the city, there was a Rib Fest at Yonge & Dundas Square.

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Slow-cooked meat wasn't the only thing on the menu at Rib Fest, though. Other offerings included blooming onions, funnel cakes, and even churros. 

Despite steady rain on Sunday, hungry patrons still ventured out for their fill of ribs and the other fixings.

There was also a massive food fest at Ontario Place over the long weekend.

The Culinary Ontario Festival featured gourmet eats and drinks from a variety of vendors and food trucks.

And, as if Toronto wasn't well fed enough, the city also hosted a seafood-centric event on the water at Cabana Pool Bar.

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Lobster Clam Jam was the highlight at the pool bar on the weekend, where visitors got their fill of lobster, shrimp, poutine, and much more.

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Fittingly, beer festivals were also a fixture over the long weekend with Toronto's Festival of Beer Spring Sessions.

The annual event returned to Fort York Garrison Common, and while it did rain, attendees still flocked for pints, games and live entertainment.

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What else what down over the weekend? The Waterfront Artisan Market kicked off for the season. But if you didn't make it out, don't fret — the event will be running every Saturday until October. 

Despite a rain during the planned Trinity Bellwoods Bed In, the park  was a popular location over the past few days when Mother Nature cooperated.

Some lucky visitors even scored free ice cream pizza from the Baskins-Robbins food truck.

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To cap off the long weekend, the Evergreen Brick Works hosted a special edition of the Brewer's Backyard series.

Electric Island may have had to change venues, but it still brought the good vibes to Woodbine Park to kick off their season.

Also in music on Victoria Day, The XX took the stage at Echo Beach, which was thankfully not closed due to high water levels.

And of course you can't forget about fireworks. Many locals took in the city's biggest firework display at Ashbridges Bay as a big finale for the long weekend.

Toronto's first Jordan Brand store finally about to open

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It's been nearly a year and a half in the making, but Toronto's first Jordan Brand store will finally open this weekend. 

Fans got a preview of the store at 306 Yonge Street when it operated as a pop-up during NBA All-Star weekend last year. Afterwards, however, it shut down, leaving many to speculate whether it'd ever return on a more permanent basis.

Now those questions can be put to rest.

The store is coming back for good starting this Saturday, May 27 at 6:23 a.m. Regular store hours will resume on Sunday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). It'll then be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

Thief at popular Toronto bar caught on camera

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A long weekend outing turned sour for an international student in Toronto, who had the unfortunate luck of getting her purse stolen at the popular Bandit Brewery in Roncesvalles on May 20.

As CBC News reports, Bandit provided student Areum An with security camera footage, which she posted to YouTube, writing, "I think this guy has been stealing for a long time in Toronto. I want to be his last target."

She also linked to articles depicting similar incidents in Markham and Scarborough, and numerous Redditors also commented on the parallels. 

A representative from Bandit Brewery said the brewery is committed to patron safety, but declined to comment further because the bar's still working with police in this ongoing investigation. 

House of the week: 211 Bain Avenue

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This three storey home is located across the street from Withrow Park and it blends contemporary architectural principles with the red brick that's so characteristic of Toronto's heritage homes. The result is a delightful space that's also reserved and highly livable.

211 Bain Avenue TorontoSo often, contemporary homes stick out like sore thumbs in neighbourhoods made up of predominantly early 20th century residences, but this one just looks like it belongs, despite its more boxy exterior. 

211 Bain Avenue TorontoInside, the home is well suited to a midsize family that needs some space to move around, but doesn't desire a sprawling floor plan. You'll note that there's no separate dining room or second living room here (unless you include the basement), but three of the four bedrooms are quite large.

211 Bain Avenue TorontoWhile there isn't much to the backyard space, the deck looks stunning and the enclosed garage might just work for someone who craves a workshop. That's the only parking spot, but a street permit is always possible. 

211 Bain Avenue TorontoTwo thumbs up to this house. It'll probably go for over $2 million, but that's the Toronto real estate market these days. 

211 Bain Avenue TorontoSpecs
  • Address: 211 Bain Ave.
  • Price: $1,890,000
  • Lot Size: 17 x 115 feet
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Parking: 1
  • Walk Score: 87
  • Transit Score: 98
  • Listing agent: Mark Richards
  • Listing ID: E3807982
211 Bain Avenue TorontoGood For

This is a house that'll attract a wide range of potential buyers, even with its price tag. It's not a huge home, but it's well designed and could easily accommodate a family of five or more.

211 Bain Avenue TorontoMove On If

As nice as the house itself is, you're certainly paying for this location, which is close to both Riverdale and Withrow parks, but also to the Line 2 subway. Families with multiple cars who fancy more space will have better success elsewhere. 

211 Bain Avenue Toronto211 Bain Avenue Toronto211 Bain Avenue Toronto211 Bain Avenue Toronto211 Bain Avenue Toronto211 Bain Avenue Toronto211 Bain Avenue Toronto211 Bain Avenue Toronto211 Bain Avenue Toronto

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

The Best Rooftop Patios in Toronto

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The best rooftop patios in Toronto provide getaways in the middle of the city. Whether you want to gaze out over the big bad city or pretend it doesn’t exist for a few hours, great cocktails, buckets of beer and maybe even a shot or two await you at these sky-high patios.

Here are the best rooftop patios in Toronto.

drake skyyard

The Drake Sky Yard is a West Queen West fixture. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Drake Sky Yard

This West Queen West patio pairs twisting, tubular, light-up artwork with good food, drinks and boho and artsy vibes. There are covered drinking and dining areas in case it rains as well as more loungy space perfect for wiling away a lazy afternoon.

Thompson Hotel Toronto

The Thompson Hotel is technically only available for hotel guests. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Thompson Hotel

The rooftop patio at the King West boutique hotel has a pool and some of the best views in the city. It's a space mostly reserved for hotel guests but is also a popular venue for events throughout the summer.

gusto 101

Gusto 101's rooftop patio comes with a retractable roof. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Gusto 101

Just one of the patio areas at the popular Italian restaurant at King and Portland, the rooftop one has plenty of space and a retractable roof to boot.

The Pilot Toronto

The Flight Deck at The Pilot remains a popular Yorkville hangout. Photo by Jesse Milns.

The Pilot

This Yorkville mainstay is topped off by a patio dubbed The Flight Deck. It's a huge space perfect for large groups and has covered areas for those wacky Toronto weather days.

Paupers Pub Toronto

The casual rooftop at Pauper's Pub in the Annex. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Pauper’s Pub

This low key rooftop patio in the Annex has umbrellas and heating, and the usual variety of pub eats like burgers, nachos and fries are all available here to soak up afternoon beers.

Oasis Toronto

Oasis at Wayne Gretzky's is a popular rooftop patio in the Entertainment District. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Oasis at Wayne Gretzky’s

This rooftop patio above the schlocky hockey legend’s restaurant on Blue Jays Way offers a sharing style menu. Though it does often get crowded they don’t take reservations, so show up early or be prepared to take a spot standing near the bar.

Mascot Brewery Toronto

Mascot Brewery is one of Toronto's newer rooftop patios. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Mascot Brewery

This patio on Mercer Street is like a hidden roof party, where draft beer and cocktails are free-flowing and you can snack on fries and sandwiches under pretty yellow umbrellas.

Bovine Sex Club Toronto

Bovine Sex Club has a rooftop patio with a tiki theme. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Bovine Sex Club

The rooftop patio at this bar near Queen and Bathurst is tiki-style. That means picnic tables and a straw roof over the bar in amongst the junkyard graffiti vibes.

Bar Hop Brewco Toronto

Bar Hop Brewco has a rooftop patio perfect for beer lovers. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Bar Hop Brewco

There’s a full size bar upstairs at the rooftop patio at this Peter Street bar. Industrial decor and twinkly lights set the stage for afternoons of beer-centric imbibing.

The Porch Toronto

Beware that The Porch often charges cover to access its patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

The Porch

On Adelaide West, this huge patio offers lovely views of our city, perfect for selfie opportunities with the CN Tower. Drinks come in buckets, snacks are typically fried, and fun just keeps coming. Beware that there is often a cover charge and long lineups on weekends.

Harvest Kitchen Toronto

Harvest Kitchen sports the prettiest patio in Harbord Village. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Harvest Kitchen

The rooftop patio at this Harbord Street establishment is less about balls-to-the-wall indulgence and more about sustainable, local choices. They don’t take reservations for the patio because it’s not weatherproofed, but on sunny days the branches of trees reaching into the area create a divine setting.

lavelle toronto

Swimming, cocktails and city views are all part of the attraction at Lavelle. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Lavelle

This King West patio comes with cabanas, bikini-clad servers and a series of pools that range from inches to feet deep, not to mention a top-notch menu of classy brunch, lunch, dinner and snack options.

Partygoers furious after Toronto foam festival has no foam

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The Toronto Foam Festival at Orchid Nightclub was missing one essential ingredient this weekend: foam.

Advertised as "the wildest foam party of the year," where "huge foam cannons shower you with foam," the $30 party on Sunday, May 21 left attendees bone dry and confused.

Some demanded refunds after leaving the party with a bad case of foam-o. One attendee appeared to have a handful of foam in her hands. But there were no giant foam canons in sight.

Peter Silva, a manager at Orchid, says this appeared to be a case of disorganized promoters. 

"[The promoters] oversold tickets. We're prepared for 700 and they sold way over 1,200. There were two [foam] machines but prior to opening the doors, one machine broke, and flooded our floors, so we took an extra half an hour to open up."

According to Silva, the second machine also broke because someone dropped beer on it. 

There were smaller foam machines, but none big enough to fill a club.

Orchid is offering free entry and a drink to anyone who attended the party and was disappointed. Folks can e-mail the club or call/text 416-906-2117.


Iconic Honest Ed's sign was just removed

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A little piece of Toronto died today as work crews began the process of dismantling and removing the Honest Ed's signs. First to go was the one facing west on Markham Street.

honest eds sign removalAny mourning is sure to be tempered by knowledge that this particular light bulb-strewn icon will be reinstalled on Victoria Street later this summer, but the area around Bathurst and Bloor will never be the same once each of the signs comes down.

honest eds sign removalThis is yet another moment in the extended funeral procession for the old discount retailer, which closed its doors for good on December 31, 2016. 

honest eds sign removalPerhaps fittingly, this morning's extraction was a slow process. Starting around 11 a.m., it took over an hour just to get the first section down. Crews are exercising great caution given the upcoming restoration, which will be carried out by the Pattison Sign Group

honest eds sign removalEventually, the enormous 30 by 60 foot sign will be loaded onto a flatbed trailer and brought to Orillia, where Pattison has a facility. 

honest eds sign removalA small group of onlookers, including David Mirvish, witnessed today's theatrics. He spoke a bit about the history of the store, though it was the neighbourhood types who betrayed more obvious emotion about the events unfolding before them.

honest eds sign removalIf you're hoping to get a look at one of Honest Ed's signs while it's still located at Bathurst and Bloor, you'd better not wait too long. 

honest eds sign removal

Here are all the free movies at Christie Pits this summer

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Free outdoor movie season is nearly upon us in Toronto, and to help get you and your blanket excited, the folks from Toronto Outdoor Picture Show have announced the Christie Pits Film Festival's full 2017 movie lineup. 

Eyes on the Prize is this year's theme with a collection of movies about competition, camaraderie, and the drive to win. 

The opening night happens on Sunday June 25 with The Freshman and a live score from Toronto's The Holy Gasp. Film screenings run every Sunday thereafter until August 20. 

Food and drinks will be on sale starting at 6 p.m., and each feature will be preceded by a short film. 

Here's a list of the films screening at Christie Pits this summer.

Sunday, June 25

Short film: Squeaky Shoe
Feature film: The Freshman

Sunday, July 2

Short film: Duelo de Duendes and Lost in Motion II
Feature film: Strictly Ballroom

Sunday, July 9

Short film: Phantom City
Feature film: The Maltese Falcon

Sunday, July 16

Short film: Underdog and Boxing
Feature film: Speed Sisters

Sunday, July 23

Short film: Bootwmn and Pottery Wars and Sink or Swim
Feature film: Best in Show

Sunday, July 30

Short film: Dear Scavengers and The Cuber
Feature film: Bee Nation

Sunday, August 6

Short film: Down and Derby
Feature film: Bring it On

Sunday, August 13

Short film: Boredom
Feature film: West Side Story

Saturday August 19, Sunday August 20 closing weekend

Films TBA

Toronto upset after epic drone light show cancelled

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When a huge drone light show with a fleet of over 30 robots dancing in the sky was announced in lieu of fireworks at Ontario Place this weekend, Toronto got pretty excited.

But the show, one of the centrepiece events at the inaugural Culinary Ontario Festival, didn't go ahead as planned. Organizers cancelled it at the last minute on Saturday, and then again on Sunday because of the weather. 

"The show was cancelled last weekend due to strong winds, which posed a safety concern, as well as some rainfall," says Zev Bertini, a business development manager at Arrowonics, which was organizing the show. 

"Our backup day was on Sunday, but the weather was even worse, so that show was cancelled earlier that afternoon. It was a disappointing weekend."

Some attendees were pretty upset by the cancellation at the new summer event hot spot.

Luckily, drone light show fans won't leave Toronto totally disappointed this summer. Arrowonics has announced three more shows at Ontario Place this summer, all weather permitting. They're scheduled for July 1,  August 5 and September 2.

All shows start at 11 p.m., after Billy Bishop Airport is closed, which is the earliest time drones are permitted to fly in the area.

6 things to do in Toronto today

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Today in Toronto, a couple of major festivals kick off. It's the Inside Out LGBTQ Film Fest, with loads of Canadian premieres and parties, as well as the new 21C Music Fest, which features an exciting and adventurous new generation of composers and listeners. 

Events you might want to check out:

Inside Out Film Festival (May 24 - June 4 @ TIFF)
Toronto's LGBT film festival has been challenging viewers for over two decades by showing ground breaking Canadian and international movies. Don't forget to check out all the fun parties too.
21C Music Festival (May 24-28 @ Koerner Hall)
This year, 21C Music Festival marks Canada 150 with some of our country's most innovative composers and musicians. See all kinds of new classical compositions in venues across the city.
Timeraiser (May 24 @ The Power Plant)
Bid volunteer time on incredible original art and then drink, dance and eat to celebrate Canadian art at this annual "fundraiser."
37 Year Anniversary (May 24 @ Hemingway's)
As a Yorkville staple, Hemingway's is celebrating almost 40 years in business with oysters, lamb chops and barbecued burgers on the patio.
Intra action Performance Art Evening (May 24 @ XPACE (Lansdowne))
Xpace Cultural Centre and curator Maya Wilson-Sanchez give emerging artists a chance to showcase performance art pieces. It's also free.
Contact Photography Festival (April 28 - May 31 @ Various locations)
Catch the new Suzy Lake exhibition or a super interesting talk about the Free Black North Explored show, both currently on as part of the the free, city-wide photography festival .

Toronto is getting an absinthe bar

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Despite what you might have seen in movies like Moulin Rouge and Eurotrip, you won't see the green fairy while drinking absinthe, an anise-flavoured spirit that's often misunderstand (despite appearing at plenty of Toronto bars and restaurants and even at the LCBO).

Perhaps you'll learn more about it at L'Absinthe Bar, which is opening above Coq of the Walk at 488 College St., in the former Snakes & Lagers space.

That's fitting because the folks from Snakes & Lattes are also behind this French-inspired spot.

L'Absinthe Bar will feature about 12 different types of absinthe, mainly from France and Switzerland. Along with absinthe cocktails, it'll serve this green-tinted spirit in the traditional fashion with sugar and ice water in Pontarlier glasses.

The food menu includes absinthe-flavoured dishes, including pates, sausages and ice cream.

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