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Toronto ranked one of the best LGBTQ cities in the world

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Toronto has been ranked one of the best LGBTQ cities in the world according to a new report from the apartment listing website Nest.

"For a city to rank strongly as an LGBT destination, we determined that it must have a vibrant gay dating scene, a lively alternative nightlife, open minded citizens, and low levels of hate crime," reads a note on the Nest site. 

"We also took into account the national laws affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, such as the right to get married or adopt children."

toronto ranked lgbtq

Cities got a score out of five on each of the five factors (dating, LGBT nightlife, openness, safety and LGBT right), which were added together for a total score out of 25.

Out of 100 cities, Toronto ranked third, below Madrid and Amsterdam, respectively. We're the only Canadian city to make the top 10. Montreal came in at number 12, while Vancouver was 17th

According to Nest, the margin of error in the polls for each city is plus or minus four and half percentage points.


House of the week: 316 Joicey Boulevard

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As we await final data on what the Toronto real estate market has been up to in the month of June, early figures suggest that a cool down is in effect. There's plenty of anecdotal evidence to indicate this as well. Take this detached house at 316 Joicey Blvd., for instance.

316 Joicey Boulevard TorontoIt's a big residence nestled in between Nortown and Ledbury Park that's been on the market for over a month. Originally listed at $3,448,000, it's come down to $3 million, which prices it competitively against recent listing in the vicinity. 

316 Joicey Boulevard TorontoRewind six or seven months and this one would have probably been snatched up in a few weeks. It's not an especially showy home when it comes to architecture and design, but it's solid everywhere from the well-finished kitchen to the spacious backyard. 

The balance between livability and luxury is actually struck quite well here. Throw in the ample size and you have the formula for a $3 million home in Toronto.

316 Joicey Boulevard TorontoSpecs
  • Address: 316 Joicey Blvd.
  • Price: $2,999,999
  • Lot Size: 50 x 115 feet
  • Bedrooms: 5 + 2
  • Bathrooms: 6
  • Parking: 4
  • Walk Score: 45
  • Transit Score: 67
  • Listing agent: Jamie Erlick, Harvey Kalles
  • Listing ID: C3824516
316 Joicey Boulevard TorontoGood For

A big family who entertains regularly but isn't interested in the cachet of minimalist design. This house is livable first and foremost, but certainly nice enough to show off to guest.

316 Joicey Boulevard TorontoMove On If 

If there's an obvious shortcoming here, it's the Walk and Transit scores. Ledbury Park and Nortown are highly regarded areas, but they're not the best for those who like the idea of leaving the car behind.

316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto316 Joicey Boulevard Toronto

Drake's bringing OVO Fest back to Toronto this summer

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Drake is bringing OVO Fest back to Toronto for another year. There was some speculation that summer '17 would pass without Drizzy's annual bash thanks to the a delayed lineup announcement, but those fears were put to rest on Instagram this evening.

This year's festival will go down at the Budweiser Stage on August 7 and feature OVO-signed talent including  PARTYNEXTDOOR, dvsn, Majid Jordan, and Roy Woods. You can also bet that there'll be some special guests in store.

The fest might be scaled back on paper, but there's always a few surprises in store, which is part of the allure that surrounds the event, which will mark its 8th year this summer.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, June 29.

7 things to do in Toronto today

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If you're looking for something to do today in Toronto, you should probably start thinking about music or the movies. See Harry Potter get the TSO treatment, head to a free Shad concert, or simply check out a screening of Nightmare on Elm Street with a drag pre-show.

Events you might want to check out:

Shad (June 28 @ First Canadian Place)
See Shad in concert for free in a park. Toronto DJ Famous Players will open the after work show with high energy mixes and mash-ups.
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone Live In Concert (June 28 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
The TSO scores Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as you watch it on the big screen.
Summer Public Opening (June 28 @ AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario)
See three major new exhibition at the AGO for free. There's a bar to help you see things in a whole new light.
Her (June 28 @ Velvet Underground)
Don't miss your chance to see one of the buzziest bands on the internet right now. If Euro electronic pop rock is your thing, check them out.
Imelda May (June 28 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
Irish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Imelda May stops in the city for a night of a night of jazz and rockabilly vocals and music stylings.
Nightmare on Elm Street (June 28 @ The Royal Cinema)
Rue Morgue's CineMacabre Movie Nights are back. The opening night will feature a drag pre-show, Nightmare on Elm Street 2 and a post-show discussion.
Contact Dance International Film Festival (June 28 - July 2 @ Dovercourt House)
This is a unique opportunity for film and dance lovers to experience the joy, chaos and intimacy of human connection through physical movement, on the big screen. There will be screenings, dance workshops and parties too.

The top 10 art shows in Toronto for summer 2017

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Art events in Toronto this summer will allow you to explore galleries all across the city. Many choose this time of year to present exciting group shows, and while there loads of outdoor art fairs happening as well, these exhibitions will bring you inside to see the world in a whole different way. 

Events you might want to check out:

The Evidence Room (June 25 - January 28 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
The Evidence Room is a powerful and chilling installation which reconstructs key objects used in the forensic analysis of the architecture of Auschwitz.
The Milliner's Daughter (June 27 - September 4 @ The Power Plant)
Ydessa Hendeles explores perceptions of difference and diversity in her work, assembling objects and artefacts into contemporary fables about the way representation, distortion, appropriation and assimilation can filter identities.
The Morning Shines With The Lights Of Love (June 28 - July 29 @ Clint Roenisch Gallery)
This summer group show features works by Sarah Cale, Connor Crawford, Jérôme Havre, Niall McClelland, Darby Milbrath, Raymond Pettibon, Alan Reid and Tony Romano.
So Lightly Here (June 28 - July 15 @ Pau Petro Contemporary Gallery)
This group painting show includes work from Stephen Andrews, Estate of Will Munro, Ross Bleckner, Jane Buyers and Robert Flack. 
Every. Now. Then Reframing Nationhood (June 29 - December 10 @ Art Gallery of Ontario)
This show explores three urgent questions: where has Canada come from, what it is now, and where is it going?
The Weather in the Room (June 28 - July 29 @ Daniel Faria Gallery)
An exhibition of new work by Toronto-based artist Katie Lyle uses a rehearsal-like process where her subjects are reworked and repeated, scrutinized by erasing, overdrawing, overlaying and cutting away. 
Again and Again (July 1 @ Mkg127)
MKG127's tenth anniversary exhibition is a two part-er exhibition. It's a group show starring all 24 of the gallery's artists.
Rebecca Chaperon Garden (July 20 @ Gallery 555)
Vancouver-based artist Rebecca Chaperon's first solo show in Toronto is a series of unusual, imagined landscapes representing the inner places we access for creativity and imagination.
Red (July 20-27 @ RED Gallery)
This vibrant exhibition features David Cash’s red colour blocking photo-series with 12 models, five Toronto designers and a team of local creatives.
Lustful Showcase (July 26 - August 1 @ Black Cat - Artspace)
Artist Toombs takes three shots of each subject while they listen to their favourite songs. It's a photo project that boosts self confidence.

The Best Splurge Brunch in Toronto

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The best splurge brunch in Toronto is a reward for all that you do throughout the week, and how hard you went the night before. Weekends in this city are all about the silkiest poached eggs, towers of French toast or pancakes, and mimosas and Caesars galore.

Here the best places to splurge on brunch in Toronto.

4 - Farmhouse Tavern

This Junction Triangle spot is known for their packed brunch service, featuring creative and beautifully plated items like their eggs in a nest and the infamous “mother and child reunion” (duck eggs with duck prosciutto) as well as their famous “smoker” caesars which you can pimp out with a smoked oyster.
3 - Mildred's Temple Kitchen

Sky-high piles of pillowy pancakes topped with whipped cream and blueberries, along with a dazzling array of blueberry lemonade, raspberry pomegranate and tangerine mango mimosas make this brunch hotspot the place to go all out on weekends in Liberty Village. Not only do they do brunch but “blunch” later on as well.
8 - The Carbon Bar

For a decidedly Southern and therefore inherently indulgent take on brunch, head to this joint on Queen East for smoked brisket bennies and amazing chicken and waffles.
5 - Bar Buca

Head to this King West spot if you prefer your eggs with asparagus and pecorino, mortadella and guanciale, or bavette steak and wild leek salsa verde. An epic Italian feast of small plates with gorgeous coffee, cocktails and pastries awaits.
9 - Union

French breakfasts smothered in hollandaise and topped with perfectly fried eggs will transport you to Paris for the price of a meal rather than a flight at this charmingly sophisticated little restaurant on Ossington.
10 - Portland Variety

Beautiful plates of super thick brioche French toast, lemon ricotta pancakes, and lovely eggs are the way to treat yo self at this minimal and fashionable corner spot to see and be seen on King West.
11 - Antler

Go wild for brunch at this Dundas West spot, known for it’s foraged mushroom omelette, game burger made with wild boar, bison, and deer, and breakfast sandwich made with wild smoked salmon.
7 - Planta

This Yorkville spot is for those vegans that’ve been stuck with a fruit cup while their friends go ham on lumberjack breakfasts loaded with eggs and three meats. The plant-based spot serves up smoothies, cold-pressed juices, quinoa, cinnamon buns, and elegant plays on brunch classics like carrot “lox.”
6 - Beast Restaurant

Are fried pickles, pimento cheese, pork hocks, peameal and poutine your idea of a luxury brunch? Then head to this King West establishment for all that and more, and don’t forget to try one of Rachelle’s famous donuts.

Cost of Presto installation on TTC balloons to $385 million

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Regardless of how you feel about Presto, it'll eventually be one of the only ways to pay to ride the TTC as it continues to get rolled out across Toronto's transit system.

Today, the Toronto Star reports that the cost to install Presto on the TTC is expected to be $385 million, or $130 million more than the original $255 million budget from 2012.

The exact reason for this increase is unclear, though there have been well documented issues with the rollout. It's worth noting that it's the province rather than the TTC who is on the hook for the vast majority of the costs associated with installing Presto. 

Of course, it hasn't been easy for some in Toronto to warm to Presto thanks to many of the early issues encountered with this payment system that spans across transit services in the GTA, Hamilton and Ottawa. 

You can now get charcoal dipped cones in Toronto

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If the lineup's too long at iHalo Krunch, you can head east to Spadina to get your activated charcoal-infused ice cream fix.

That's because CutiePie Cupcakes, also known as the home of the original unicorn latte, just debuted charcoal dipped cones.

The local bakery and cafe will dip champagne or vanilla-flavoured ice cream in a charcoal berry coating for $3.50. It claims "activated charcoal helps your body naturally detox and purify."

While this sugar-laden dessert (and charcoal infused anything, really) will do neither, it will make for a stellar post on Instagram. That's what summer food trends are all about, right? 

And for those who are more unicorn than goth, CutiePie Cupcakes also serves up rainbow cones and other colourful confections. 


There's a huge slip & slide just north of Toronto this weekend

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If you're looking to get out of town this Canada Day long weekend, consider taking a drive out to Georgina.

Why? Because a 1,000 foot slip and slide will be popping up in this town on the shores of Lake Simcoe.

Urban Slide will be setting up its giant inflatable slide on July 1 and 2 in an event similar to Slide the City, which appeared at Downsview Park two years ago.

A one ride ticket will set you back $10, while family passes run up all the way to $150. 

If you miss it this weekend, you can catch Urban Slide in Meaford on July 7 and 8, in Penetanguishene on July 28 and 29, in Wiarton on August 18 and 19 or in Pembroke from August 25 and 26.

The top 10 events in Toronto this July

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Events in Toronto this July not only include a bunch of free outdoor movies, music and street festivals, but also returning favourites like the Fringe Festival, Bastid's BBQ, and a massive outdoor art show. Summer is finally here, so get outside and enjoy.

Events you might want to check out:

Queen's Plate Festival (July 1 @ Woodbine Racetrack)
Celebrate the tradition of Canadian horse racing with the two-day Queen’s Plate Festival. Take in the races and stay for a concert afterwards
Toronto Fringe Festival (July 5-16 @ Multiple Venues)
Fringe is a breeding grown for future theatrical hits, so see a show at anytime of the day. There's also a huge free outdoor party space. 
First Thursday: Future Perfect (July 6 @ AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario)
In honour of Canada 150, this monthly art party will celebrates the breadth and the diversity of the Canadian experience.
Bud Light Dreams Festival (July 7 @ Echo Beach)
Above & Beyond, DVBBS and Steve Angello headline this year's larger than life, two-day EDM festival.
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (July 14-16 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
This is the country's largest and longest running juried contemporary outdoor art fair. Browse work from over 320 visual artists.
Night It Up! (July 14-16 @ Markham Civic Centre)
This is the longest-running outdoor night market in the GTA and it's packed with unique Asian street food, gourmet food trucks and performances.
Toronto's Festival of Beer (July 28-30 @ Bandshell Park; Exhibition Place)
The summer sampling event is back at Bandshell Park with live music, over 300 types of beer, and an extensive food and chef lineup.
Junction Night Market (July 22 @ The Junction neighbourhood)
Dive into an evening of local food, craft beer, cider and wine in the Junction. Each food and drink item will set you back $5.
Bastid's BBQ 2017 (July 23 @ 525 King St W)
Now in its seventh year, Bastid's BBQ is a guaranteed good time with the ultimate summer soundtrack, yummy food and all kinds of drinks.
Camp Summerdaze (July 28-30 @ TBA)
This three-day festival in a TBD location features a healing sanctuary, yoga, speakers, an artist market, installations, camping and over 20 DJs and bands.

Over $1 billion invested in revitalizing Toronto waterfront

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Toronto's waterfront is about to get a big influx of cash thanks to all three levels of government.

At a press conference today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Kathleen Wynne and Mayor John Tory announced they'd be giving $1.185 billion to Waterfront Toronto.

This money will go towards flood protection, cleaning up contaminated soil, which according to a news release, "will help lay the groundwork to transform the underused industrial area into a vibrant and resilient downtown neighbourhood."

The federal government will contribute $384 while the province and city will each put more than $400 million into the project. In September Toronto got $65 million to start protecting and cleaning up the Port Lands.  

The Port Lands Flood Protection should take seven years to complete, but will open the area to grand redevelopment plans that can only fully proceed after the existing environmental issues are addressed.

Win tickets to Violent Femmes

What's open and closed Canada Day 2017 in Toronto

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What's open and closed on Canada Day 2017 in Toronto will help you plan for the busy day ahead. Whether you need to do some last minute shopping, are looking for something fun to do, or just want to pick up some brews, let this be your guide on July 1.

Here's what's open and closed on Canada Day in Toronto. 

General
 
Closed
  • Government offices
  • Banks
  • Libraries
  • Post offices
Open
  • The TTC will operate on its regular Saturday schedule.

Saks Food Hall Toronto

Saks Food Hall at the Eaton Centre is your destination for groceries on the holiday. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Food
 
Closed
  • Most major grocery chains will be closed on Canada Day with a few confirmed exceptions listed below.
Open

Rorschach Brewery

Bottle shops across the city will be open for Canada Day beer runs. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

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.

Eaton Centre Toronto

The Eaton Centre will be one of the many malls open on July 1. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

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

Ripleys Toronto

Toronto's Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is one way to spend your day this Saturday. Photo by Andrew Williamson.

Attractions
 
Open

Old fire tower is an epic lookout north of Toronto

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If you go back 70 years, rural areas north of Toronto were dotted with fire lookout towers. There were as many as 325 in Ontario before planes started fire-spotting in the 1960s. Now, only a small number remain scattered around cottage country.

Of these, a few now serve as recreational lookout towers that offer stunning views of the rugged landscape north of the city. The most popular is surely the Dorset Lookout Tower near the Lake of Bays, but I tend to favour the Tower Hill Lookout in Parry Sound. 

parry sound lookout tower

Seeing a freight train roll through town is a highlight of the lookout tower. Photo by Ryan Gaynor.

They both offer sublime views of the Muskoka region, but the one in Parry Sound hovers above the town and its active CN rail bridge adds a layer of visual intrigue, particularly when a colourful freight train chugs on by. 

Most pictures from the tower capture a view of the town and Georgian Bay in the distances, but the observation deck does cover a 360 degree panorama, so you can also peer south and east toward the lake country in the distance.

parry sound lookout tower

Looking up at the nearly 100 foot tower. Photo by Richard Spiegalman.

The tower reaches just shy of 100 feet, though it seems even higher due to its elevated location. It's sturdier than you might imagine, having been rebuilt in the 1970s primarily for the purpose of a tourist attraction. 

You could make the argument that the best time to hit the tower is when the leaves change in the fall, but given that it's free to climb the 130 steps to the top, I'd say it's worth paying a visit whenever you're in this portion of cottage country. 

parry sound lookout tower

The stunning view in early fall. Photo by Divya Thakur.

There's often a beautiful breeze at the top of the tower, which provides relief during the height of summer. The tower rewards visits at both sunrise and sunset, though the best photos can generally be taken during the former period when Parry Sound is cast in soft light.  

You can find the tower at 17 George St. There's parking at the Tower Hill Park, and the Museum on Tower Hill is a good place to learn a little about the area.

30 signs you grew up in Toronto in the 1980s

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Congratulations to anyone who grew up in Toronto in the 1980s — you had it all! The city was big but still had a small town vibe. It felt safe, clean and seemed to provide endless exciting opportunities.

It was multicultural, innocent and free-wheeling. The contemporary pop-culture was exhilarating: movies were events, TV was chock full of good stuff for kids and music was still something very special. Cynicism was a word you could not spell.

Everyone who grew up in Toronto in the 1980s will remember it slightly differently, but these are some of the retro ties which universally bind us.

Behold, 30 signs you grew up in Toronto in the '80s.

1. If you were really lucky, your friend's birthday party would be at Tour of the Universe: a Space Shuttle simulator located beneath the CN Tower that flew you to Jupiter and back.

2. You rented VHS or Beta tapes at the Video Station, Video Barn, Major Video, Videoflicks, Jumbo Video, National Video, Bandito Video, 7-11, Eatons, Sam the Video Man or Canadian Tire.

3. You learned a lot of about Leslieville geography from watching episodes of The Kids of Degrassi Street, usually shown in classrooms on 16mm film projectors.

99 queen east

4. You thought 99 Queen Street East was a very special place - the cultural centre of Toronto's entertainment scene in fact, because Citytv lived there. They moved to 299 Queen West in 1987, but 99 Queen was the *real* everywhere.

University Theatre

5. You saw Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi at the University movie theatre.

Hana Barbera land

6. Even though you went there to meet girls/ride the Dragon Fyre, no visit to Canada's Wonderland felt right without a stroll through Hanna-Barberaland.

7.Beckers was your go-to for all snackables - Banana Popsicles, Jungle Juice, Hostess potato chips, and during Christmas time their heavenly Eggnog.

Polka Dot Door

8. Your parents took you to see Polka Dot Door Live at a Mall, or the CNE. You feigned indifference, until Polkaroo showed up...

9. You observed that all the cool kids did their back-to-school clothes shopping at Stitches.

10. You hurt yourself playing outside, at playgrounds and if you were lucky at Children's Village at Ontario Place. AND EVERYTHING WAS OKAY.

Blinky Toronto

11. You were secretly terrified of Blinky the talking Police Car, whose slowly moving eyes haunted your dreams whether he was at the Santa Claus Parade, your school, or the CNE.

12. You often went to see Blue Jays games at Exhibition Stadium for $5, but were always on the look-out for errant seagull shit bombs.

13. The SkyDome, when it finally arrived, seemed like the coolest thing ever built in the history of Toronto

monorail toronto

14. When visiting the Metro Toronto Zoo, you rode the Monorail and thought the McDonalds there had the best fries (but no straws).

consumers distributing

15. When the Consumer's Distributing catalogue arrived in the mail, the toy section was lusted over for weeks.

scotts chicken

16. You looked forward to eating KFC because it was actually good, and called Scott's Chicken Villa.

polar express toronto

17. When at the CNE, the Polar Express intimidated you because they only played heavy metal, as did the Conklin Shows carnies that all had scary tattoos and kept their packs of Players no filter rolled up in their left arm sleeve.

18. You used the term "Getzky!", a universal playground burn thanks to this television PSA.

19.Night Ride/Night Walk/Night Moves was a very strange and ethereal thing which if you stumbled upon on TV you knew it was way past your bedtime.

toronto parking lots

20. Your parents didn't mind taking you downtown because they could park pretty much anywhere.

sams toronto

21. You bought your music at Sams, A&A, Peter Dunn's Vinyl Museum or Sunrise.

22. If you were lucky and your parents were rich you had Pay-TV and access to First Choice/Superchannel, but more importantly MuchMusic.

23. If you didn't have Pay-TV, MTV was your prime destination for watching music videos (Multicultural Television, Channel 47 Cable 4, that is!) with shows like Metro Music, Video Singles, Flipside and Something Else.

Gloucester subway toronto

24. You didn't think it was big deal to experience lights going out between stops on the Glouster subway trains.

simpsons christmas

25. The Christmas toy display at Simpsons next to the Eaton Centre was the stuff that dreams were made of.

funland arcade toronto

26. You saved up all your quarters to blow at Funland Arcade at Yonge & Dundas.

organ grinder

27. When you were invited to a birthday party, you really hoped it would be at the Organ Grinder, a magical Pizzeria viz sonic madhouse on the Esplanade. Usually it ended up being at Chuck-E-Cheese.

20 Minute Workout Toronto

28. You vividly remember the 20 Minute Workout, starring the lovely Bess Mota, and it's ignition of a sweaty citywide (worldwide) exercise craze. Perhaps you lasted until the end credits you noticed it was also shot in Toronto, and produced by Canadian animation powerhouse Nelvana.

mad hatter toronto

29. If you were really, really, lucky your friend's birthday party would be at the Mad Hatter, an underground, almost Fight Club style Birthday party cult that remains the stuff of solid gold legend.

condo toronto

30. The word "Condo" meant nothing to you.

Ed Conroy's Retrontario plumbs the seedy depths of Toronto flea markets, flooded basements, thrift shops and garage sales, mining old VHS and Betamax tapes that less than often contain incredible moments of history that were accidentally recorded but somehow survived the ravages of time. You can find more amazing discoveries at www.retrontario.com.


Toronto ferry terminal grounds getting major upgrade this fall

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One of the biggest disappoints of summer 2017 thus far, besides the ever-changing weather, is the fact that the Toronto Islands remain closed to the public due to flooding.

The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal might be rather empty right now, but it's usually bustling at this time of year - hopefully it will be when things are back up-and-running down by the water.

Next summer, however, the area, including the terminal and Harbour Square Park, will look a lot different because it's set to get a makeover

ferry terminal toronto

What the ferry terminal will eventually look like. Image via Waterfront Toronto.

The project will be rolled out in phases, starting with the part of the park that connects Queens Quay with the terminal, reports Urban Toronto

Nearly $3 million is earmarked for phase 1A, which will include a number of facets, including improved wayfinding, landscaping and wider pedestrian paths - basically, phase 1A will make it easier to get to and from the ferry dock.

toronto ferry terminal

A view of the path leading to the ferry terminal. Image via Waterfront Toronto.

One of the more whimsical parts of this project are the giant periscopes that act as a wayfinding tool to lead visitors down to the terminal. As Urban Toronto notes, you'll be able to look through the periscopes too to get a unique view of Lake Ontario and the Islands.

Construction starts in September. 

Rental of the week: 368 Osler Street

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Toronto's rental market is a tough place right now. While real estate prices might be cooling down, monthly rent for apartments and condos is still sky high. Paying less than $1,000 a month is a major challenge these days. 

368 Osler StreetSplitting a two bedroom apartment is one way to look for savings, though even this tried and true method isn't always guaranteed. That's why this apartment at 368 Olser St. looks rather attractive at just under $2,000 a month.

368 Olser StreetIt's certainly not the lap of luxury, but a newly renovated above ground space with two bedrooms, in-suite laundry, and good transit access is tough to find at this price point. You'll need to get some stuff on the walls to make it feel homey, but there's certainly potential here.

368 Olser StreetThe listing oversells its proximity to new spots in the Junction Triangle, but the location does have lots to like given that it's close to both the Junction, the north side of the Junction Triangle, and Corso Italia

Specs
  • Address: 368 Osler St.
  • Apartment type: 2nd floor apartment
  • Rent: $1,990
  • Utilities: Included
  • Air conditioning? Yes
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Parking: Street
  • Laundry? In-suite
  • Outdoor space? Unspecified
  • Pet friendly? Unspecified
368 Olser StreetGood For

I like this as a roommate scenario where one person pays a bit extra for the nicer bedroom, but it would of course also work for a couple looking for some extra space beyond a one bedroom.

368 Olser StreetMove On If

You hate riding the streetcar. While there are tons of amenities within walking distance of this place, you can bet that you'll be riding the 512 streetcar for longer trips. 

New Toronto food truck combines skewers and superfoods

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Get Skewered is serving up a healthier, more refined version of street food, albeit still on a stick. Choices are spare but ingredient-packed and inspired by global influences like Moroccan and Polynesian flavours.

They also do specials like cevapi and serve skewers on their own, and thankfully this truck takes debit, credit and cash. When I arrive they’re sold out of the cevapi, but are still doing the two other options, chicken or pork skewers.

Get Skewered Toronto

A Polynesian pork meal ($13.75) comes with juicy pork skewers on a bed of spinach and coconut rice with peppers and cucumber.

Get Skewered Toronto

It’s topped with a moistening and spicy pineapple habanero salsa. Salads can usually be modified for vegans.

Get Skewered Toronto

The Moroccan tahini chicken ($13.75) is also loaded with protein and superfoods: chicken skewers dressed with creamy, nutty yogurt tahini and crunchy almond slivers on a bed of quinoa and mixed greens with diced apple, pepper, and cucumbers.

Get Skewered Toronto

Four pork skewers ($9) on their own are served simply with pita and a choice of rotating sauce: today’s is red chili.

Get Skewered TorontoDrink choices are a little more upscale to match the food, with options like San Pellegrino ($2.50) and pineapple or mango aloe drinks ($2.75).

Get Skewered TorontoThe only downside here are a lack of a ledge attached to the side of the truck making it impossible to set anything down even momentarily. Boxes are also served closed, which is good for those who want to jet but not so much for hungry street eaters.

Get Skewered Toronto

This is balanced out by the fact that the core ingredients are solid and of good quality, and that you can always add an extra skewer or two to your meal for $2.50 each.

Get Skewered Toronto

8 things to do in Toronto today

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It's going to be a busy day in Toronto filled with free outdoor music, some major art shows and theatre in the forest. There are a few momentous concerts happening for your ears as well. All this, and the weekend hasn't even started yet!

Events you might want to check out:

Every. Now. Then: Reframing Nationhood (June 29 - December 10 @ Art Gallery of Ontario)
This new exhibition explores three questions through the eyes of some of the country’s best artists: where has Canada come from? What it is now? And where is it going?
The Family Camera Project (June 29 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
This photography show sheds light on how family photos reflect and shape our sense of self, family, community and nation.
Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone (June 29 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
Watch and listen as the TSO scores the very first Harry Potter movie.
Lady Antebellum (June 29 @ Budweiser Stage)
Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young open for country music superstars Lady Antebellum on their You Look Good 2017 World Tour.
Shakespeare in High Park (June 29 - September 3 @ High Park Amphitheatre )
Canada's longest-running outdoor theatre event celebrates its 35th year with bold new takes on two Shakespeare classics, Twelfth Night and King Lear.
The Wedge/RAP City (June 29 @ Unlovable)
DJs Chief Kweef, Mick Chicken Marianna and Shehzaad curate selections from such cultural touchstones as The Wedge, Rap City, Exten-Da-Mix, Indie Spotlight, Beavis & Butthead and more.
Spooky Bitch Cher Edition (June 29 @ The Beaver)
This monthly drag and dance party with a dark twist celebrates Cher to help cap off Pride month.
The Toronto Firefighter Calendar Event (June 29 @ Cube Nightclub)
Toronto’s hottest firefighters compete for a chance to be in the 2018 Toronto Firefighter Calendar.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: The Saigon Hustle, Rita's Italian Ice, Lox + Schmear

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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
  • Rita’s Italian Ice has opened at 347 College St. in Little Italy.
  • Chinese resto Chop Chop has taken over Kadbanu's former space at 771 Dundas St. W., just west of Bathurst.
  • Bubble tea and Asian dessert spot Icha Tea is now open at 235 Spadina Ave. in Chinatown.
  • Vietnamese eatery The Saigon Hustle, from the owner of Fresh Off the Boat next door, has opened in what was formerly Rose City Kitchen at 406 Queen St. W., just west of Spadina.
  • Vegan bakery/cafe Tori’s Bakeshop has opened a second location, this time in the Canary District, at 430 Front St. E.
  • Lox + Schmear, a "quick-ish service sandwich shop" with Montreal-style bagels plus the accompaniments in its name, is open at 1030 St. Clair Ave. W.
  • Korean-style fried chicken joint Home of Hot Taste now has a location where Pho Rex once stood at 658 Bloor St. W. in Koreatown.
  • Surf the Greats, a surf-themed store and cafe, is open at 276 Carlaw Ave.
  • La Vizziata Gelateria has moved across the street to 3045 Dundas St. W., in the Junction.
  • Morocco House is serving up Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine at 876 Browns Line in Etobicoke.
  • NextDoor, the sibling restaurant to Smash Kitchen in Markham, is now open at 139 Main St. in Unionville.
Recently reviewed
Opening soon
Other news
  • Sam James Coffee Bar's original location on Harbord will be closed for renovations from June 30 to July 4.
  • Chef Charlotte Langley (Scout Canning) has launched a "non traditional restaurant space" with snacks, an oyster bar (with special guest shuckers) and bubbly called Bibs & Bubs.

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

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