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The top 15 parties by the lake in Toronto this summer

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Parties by the lake in Toronto this summer will have you dancing down by the water. They'll keep you cool and away from our busy city streets, even if only for a few hours. 

Events you might want to check out:

Shield to Shore (July 14-16 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Explore the music and culture of the St. Lawrence River basin at this free showcase featuring Tuns, Lisa LeBlanc and Boogat.
Lost & Found Showcase (July 16 @ Sunnyside Pavillion)
DJs Guy J, Eelke Kleijn, Guy Mantzur, Chicola, Khen, Sahar Z and opener Alberto Jossue spin an afternoon of house music at one of the most magical lakeside venues in the city.
Wet Banana (July 22 @ Island Cafe)
This LGBT-focused daytime dance party takes over the Island Cafe for an afternoon of house music in the garden.
A-Trak (July 22 @ Cabana Pool Bar)
Toronto’s largest waterfront patio and pool welcomes Montreal superstar DJ and producer A-Trak.
Promise Cherry Beach (July 23 @ Cherry Beach)
The final Promise Cherry Beach party of the summer will feature a licensed bar, an extended dancing area and a stellar DJ lineup.
Kayper (July 29 @ Cabana Pool Bar)
London's Kayper is a much-buzzed about female DJ bringing her EDM know-how to this sunny venue.
Throwback Bash (July 30 @ Echo Beach)
Brandy, Ginuwine and Sean Paul throw down a throwback show of summertime anthems and feel good hits right next to the water.
Arts & Music Ontario Festival (August 4-7 @ Ontario Place)
This party at Ontario Place focuses on music, theatre, dance and more, all weekend long.
OVO Fest (August 5 @ Echo Beach)
See some of Toronto's biggest musical stars at Drake's annual concert and party.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ (August 25-27 @ Ontario Place)
Take in this festival featuring BBQ eats, country music, line dancing and mechanical bull riding.
TAIWANfest (August 25-27 @ Harbourfront Centre)
This fest at the Harbourfront is free and includes food vendors and cultural programming with music and lots of lakeside dancing.
Lil Jon (August 26 @ Cabana Pool Bar)
He will demand you put your hands in the air, and you will do it like you just don't care at this lakeside venue.
Nervo (August 27 @ Cabana Pool Bar)
This Australian DJ duo composed of twin sisters Miriam and Olivia weave a mix of EDM, electro house and progressive house for this pool party.
Hardwell (September 3 @ Cabana Pool Bar)
Hardwell brings his big fest sound to this poolside jam.
Bryson Tiller (September 13 @ RBC Echo Beach)
Bryson Tiller is hotter than fire right now, so this will be a sandy dance party to cap off the season.

8 great places for Hong Kong style waffles in Toronto

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Hong Kong style waffles are those crispy, bubbly confections that are all over your Instagram feed. Over the years, the popularity of these sweet and savoury confection has grown and now you can find HK waffles on menus at ice cream shops, snack bars, and cafes citywide.

Here are my picks for the top places for Hong Kong style waffles in Toronto.

Bang Bang

The dessert shop on Ossington has gained acclaim for its customizable combinations of ice cream and cookie sandwiches. However, their waffle cone makes an excellent alternative to cookies. Pro tip: it pairs perfectly with scoops of London Fog ice cream.

Toast Delight

This Hong Kong style snack shop in Markham makes a variety of different varieties of bubble waffles to order. It comes as waffle cone loaded with ice cream, as a pizza crust or flavoured with ube.

Kaboom Chicken

Korean fried chicken at this Riverside spot is available on bubble egg waffles. Each waffle is flash fried for extra sweetness and gives off a texture more like a donut.

Woofles and Cream

You could go savoury or sweet at this food stall located in Markham, either way you'll surely leave satisfied. On the savoury side, try the Lap Cheung waffle inspired by dim sum and laced with Chinese sausage and seaweed.

R & D

Chicken and waffles might be a staple in the deep south, but this Chinatown spot makes them their own. Find platters of it on the menu featuring deep fried poultry served along HK waffles with sweet and spicy, sichuan maple syrup.

Chachago

Bubble waffles are must-try when you visit this Yonge & Dundas Taiwanese bubble tea shop. They're available in flavours like red bean, chocolate chip and Oreo. 

Phoenix Restauant

Both sweet and savoury Hong Kong style waffles are available at this cafe in Markham. On the sweet side waffles get loaded with ice cream and toppings. Then on the savoury side there are flavours like beef and cheese.

Royaltea

You've probably come across this North York spot on Instagram feed and that's in large part due to their cute lightbulb milk teas. However, you probably didn't know they are also dishing out bubble waffles with scoops of ice cream too. 

The huge park under the Gardiner Expressway inches closer to reality

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A huge chunk of the Gardiner Expressway is under construction, but so too is a big parcel of land beneath this busy thoroughfare.

The Bentway (formerly known as Under the Gardiner Park), designed by urban design firm Public Work, is coming to fruition two years after it was announced. It's hard to believe a civic project of this scale is actually happening, but as of now, part of it is slated to be up and running as early as December.

While the wintertime might seem like a strange time to open, the portion of The Bentway that runs between the Fort York Visitor Centre and Bathurst Street will include a skating trail in the shape of a figure eight.

bentway toronto

Looking east along the site of the incoming skating trail. Photo by Amy Grief.

Come springtime, the section of The Bentway that stretches to Strachan Avenue will open up, and it'll feature a new building as well as an outdoor stage with amphitheatre-like seating that'll be suitable for all sorts of performances and screenings.

Director of programming Ilana Altman says a number of partnerships are already in the works to animate this new public space. 

"Where we can, we’re really interested in roaming performances or workshops that make use of the full length of the space," she says, noting how its scale makes it unique compared to other spots in the city.

While The Bentway will be comprised of discrete spaces, such as the amphitheatre and skating rink, there will be a distinct path to link them all together.

bentway toronto

The Strachan Gate performance space and amphitheatre. Photo by Amy Grief.

Unlike the High Line in Manhattan, which this project is often compared to, visitors will be able to access The Bentway from a variety of areas since it isn't just a linear walkway.

CEO Julian Sleath says phase one of the project will be well connected to the South Core neighbourhood thanks to new bridges and pathways that are already in the works, including the Garrison Crossing that'll eventually go all the way to Stanley Park. 

The Bentway joins other projects planned for the neighbourhood, including the Mouth of the Creek Park, which Public Work is also designing, he explains.

Eventually, he notes, The Bentway could stretch from Liberty Village all the way to the old Unilever Building at the foot of the Don Valley Parkway, though that won't happen for a while.

toronto bentway

Looking east from the Strachan Avenue bridge. Photo by Amy Grief.

For now, The Bentway, which got off the ground thanks to a $25 million private donation, will be a boon for those who live and work around Fort York.

"We have estimated that there are about 70,000 residents living within close proximity to the site," says Altman, who later notes how many of the nearby condo-dwellers include families with young kids. Of course, more development is on the way too. 

The area below the Gardiner won't be a dead space for much longer. In fact, you might even be able to skate beneath the gridlock later this year. 

The top 5 new parks in Toronto

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Toronto's new parks are a mix of much-needed upgrades to some old favourites forgotten in the dust of condo construction and entirely novel spaces. The city always needs beautiful new spots to hang out, and this summer's lineup doesn't disappoint. 

Here are the top new parks to check out in Toronto.

Trillium Park

It might have taken ages for this park to happen, but Ontario Place's Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail were worth the wait. A beautiful mix of rocky edges, rolling hills of green, benches, lookout points and designer shelters, this park is a stunner both to walk or bike through, but more importantly to hang out in for hours. 

grange park

Grange Park is highly valuable downtown park in an area where green space is at a premium. Derek Flack

Grange Park

A much-needed green space in a downtown area surrounded by condos and dog owners, the newly revamped Grange Park just north of Queen West and John Street is the perfect place to sit behind the AGO. Henry Moore's "Large Two Forms," now sits in middle of the park along with new benches, a cool new playground, and water fountains. 

The fountain features 27 cast iron dogs, one scared-looking cat. Marcanadian

Berczy Park

Designed by Claude Cormier and sitting cozily underneath the Flat Iron Building, this park makeover's main attraction is a slick new public square style expanse and Cormier's dog fountain. It's been a big hit in the city for both humans and canines alike. It's just what the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood needed. 

guild inn

The newly reopened Guild Inn has revitalized the surrounding gardens and park area too. Photo via the Guild Inn.

Guild Park 

Upgrades are ongoing at Guild Park in Scarborough, but this spring marked a major milestone with the reopening of the Guild Inn, which brought with it a host of landscaping improvements to what was already one of the city's most beautiful places. Look for an improved trail system next year. 

Along with the one on Elm Street, the BIA hopes to create parklets on Victoria, Shuter and James streets in the future.

Elm Street Parklet 

This is a small but mighty and important little parklet that shows a city willing to take (baby) steps towards innovative and creative new public spaces. Like a space-age dock on a lake, the miniature park encourages hanging out, it's made from sustainable Accoya wood and is lit up at night.

Abandoned Southern Ontario amusement park is an explorer's dream

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Few things are more eerie than an abandoned amusement park. To witness a place once devoted to carefree childhood fun in a state of weathered decay is a reminder of time's unrelenting march. The shiver you feel is of your own mortality staring you in the face.

If this sounds at all enticing, there's a place not far from Toronto you should visit. Located about 30 minutes south of Windsor, across from the town of Amherstburg, Bois Blanc Island was once home to a long-running amusement park, which opened all the way back in 1898.

boblo island amusement park

Some of the rusting remains of the Boblo Island as photographed in 2008. Photo by James Marvin Phelps.

Known as Boblo Amusement Park, it was wildly popular with American tourists throughout much of the 20th century until it closed in 1993.

Many of the park's working rides were sold off to other amusement parks following the closure, but the general infrastructure of the park remained in place for a number of years before redevelopment plans started to chip away at the site.

boblo island boats

What the Boblo steamers looked like in 2001. Both have left the island now for restoration (the Columbia has been restored and now runs along the Hudson River). Photo via Boblo Steamers.

It was reputed to be an amazing place to explore throughout the 1990s. Over the roughly two decades that have passed since then, many of the most telltale signs of the park have faded away, including the ultra spooky-looking ferry boats that used to carry passengers across the Detroit River to the island attraction. 

boblo pavilion

The stunning dance pavilion when it was still in use.

There are, however, a few stubborn reminders of bygone days, including the massive dance hall that was financed by Henry Ford. Trespassing to get inside is not recommended, but the view of the exterior is pretty remarkable in its own right. 

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Other attractions still on the island include the abandoned bumper car area, the old theatre (where some have been able to enter), the decaying ferry entrance with signs pointing to Gibraltar and Amherstberg.

boblo amusement park

What remains of the Boblo Sky Tower. Photo by Paul.

You can also track down the Space Needle and the Sky Tower, which still remain, though they get more and more overgrown each year. I wouldn't count on them remaining in place for the long term.

boblo amusment theatre

Inside the Boblo Island Amusement Park Theatre. Photo by Ran.

Parts of Bois Blanc Island is now covered in palatial homes. In fact, the idea was to redevelop the entire island, but the process has been much slower than was originally planned, which is the only reason why there's so much evidence left of the amusement park.

There is a ferry that runs regularly to the island from Amherstburg, but you best be careful to obey the no trespassing signs and to leave no trace of your visit should you make the trip to explore this lost habitat of fun.

The TTC will close part of Line 2 this weekend

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It's almost the weekend, and you know what that means. It's time to great ready for another TTC subway closure. A portion of Line 2 will be closed for maintenance on both Saturday and Sunday.

There will be no subway service between Jane and Ossington stations on July 15 and 16 due to track work. Shuttle buses will operate between these stations during the closure, and extra service will be offered on some north/south surface routes.

Subway

During the subway closure on-street parking on Bloor St. will temporarily be restricted. Parking restrictions will be in effect on both sides of Bloor St. between Jane Street and Ossington Ave. between 3:30 a.m. on Saturday to 12:01 a.m. on Monday. 

There will also be an express shuttle from Jane Station to Exhibition for the Honda Indy. As well as increased streetcar service to the Honda Indy.

Regularly scheduled subway service will resume when the system opens on Monday, July 17. The next scheduled closure will halt weekend service on Line 2 between St George and Broadview stations on July 22 and 23.

What to see at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition this year

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The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition takes over Nathan Phillips Square from July 14 to 16. Entrance is free to this event that's been running since 1961, making it Canada's longest running juried art show.

The 2017 edition will include 340 artists, half of whom will be first time exhibitors. There will also be an expanded student zone, which will feature work by students from OCAD U, Sheridan College, and the University of Toronto.

In terms of artists to seek out, it's probably best to approach this massive exhibition by choosing your own adventure and seeing what catches your eye. Booths vary greatly, and some might be hit or miss, but amidst this multimedia fair, you should find something you like.

The TOAE jurors, recommend seeing ceramics artist Yolande Clark, Reid Orsten - who recreates famous pieces of artwork with teddy bears - kenetic jewellery maker Heather Rathbun, painter Dori Vanderheyden and Chason Yeboah, a self-taught artist who makes nude crochet dolls.

If you're into internet-age ceramics, check out Kaley Flowers' kitschy pieces. For Toronto-centric work, see Moira Ness's newest photography series that explores city streets at night. And if you're into hyper-real paintings, visit Mary Ann Slater's and Erin Rothstein's booths. 

In terms of setup, the event will look a little different this year. The TOAE worked with Plant Architect Inc., and it'll be laying out the exhibition in a circular formation.

"Inspired by the design of a neoclassical city, the new layout is reminiscent of a Spanish town with buildings circling the main plaza, where visitors are encouraged to wander and explore," explains a TOAE news release.

And don't worry, the cascading beer garden will return this year, so you can sip on Henderson brews after you're all art-ed out.

Bombardier's TTC streetcar delivery might be delayed yet again

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Toronto should have had 130 new streetcars by now, but thanks to numerous delays, it has only 40, reports the Toronto Star today.

And there might be another delay on this order that's been plagued with issues almost since day one. At a TTC board meeting today, CEO Andy Byford said Bombardier might not be able to ship its target of 70 streetcars by the end of 2017. 

"In all transparency, yesterday Bombardier informed the TTC months ahead that there is a potential challenge to meeting the full target of 70 streetcars for 2017. This is a potential, very limited, short-term issue. This does not mean Bombardier will not reach its target for 2017," wrote a Bombardier rep in an email statement.

Bombardier says it's extending the work week at its Thunder Bay plant from five to seven days and is flying streetcar cabs from Vienna instead of shipping them by sea. The Quebec-based company also reiterated its commitment to deliver all 204 new streetcars by 2019. 

Bombardier's take on the situation no doubt relates the TTC Board's vote today to take preliminary steps to explore the possibility of using another manufacturer for future streetcar orders. The TTC is committed to 204 streetcars from Bombardier, but has an option on another 60 which it could secure elsewhere.


Pizza Pizza fight already stuff of local legend in Toronto

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Toronto has plenty of videos that go locally viral, from raccoon antics to incensed cab drivers to parking lot brawls, but the recent clip of a late night fight at a Pizza Pizza near Queen and Broadview might go down as the most enduring of all. 

It's intense, silly, and bizarre all at once.

When the video first surfaced on Reddit, the lack of context was at least slightly alarming — what exactly are these people so mad about? Even though no one appeared to get hurt, there was at least the possibility that some serious transgression took place to lead to the kerfuffle. 

As it happens, someone just lost their mind because of a late order and then all hell broke loose. According to the Star's investigative journalism, the angry patron jumped the counter to throw around some potato chips.

So, yeah, the video is actually just a study in the behaviour of profoundly drunk and hungry people. Perhaps that's why so many of those involved are so half-hearted about it: they're just too annihilated.

Good luck if you can figure out the nuance in what's going on at each moment of the fight. It's doubtful the participants could even explain. Surely the best part is all the onlookers who already have their food who couldn't care less about the antics taking place in front of them.

The whole thing is just the epitome of ridiculousness, and that's what makes it so compelling for four minutes. That it happened at Pizza Pizza adds to it all because so many of us have had the frustrating experience of waiting for cardboard pizza at 3 a.m. 

And so the view count continues to climb — 83,000 and counting.

Rental of the week: 228 Jones Avenue

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Most of the time I spend looking for rentals to feature is filled with angst and sadness on behalf of those who find themselves in the midst of an apartment hunt, but every now and again I do come across a place a genuinely like.

228 Jones AvenueThis upper unit at 228 Jones Avenue fits that bill. It's freshly renovated, gets lots of light, has a nice-looking deck, and isn't outrageously priced. No, it's not exactly cheap, but at $1,400 for a newish space, you won't hear me crying foul. 

228 Jones AvenueIt's not the biggest place in the world, but the smallish bedroom is saved by the sliding door, which means you can easily get a Queen bed in here. The narrow layout actually means that there's a bit of room in front of the closet to take advantage of.

228 Jones AvenueElsewhere, the new kitchen and washroom can compete with the ones you'll find in condo rentals priced far higher than this place. The ad boasts in-suite laundry as well, though I can't see a washer/dryer in the photos (they might be in the closet beside the fridge).

228 Jones AvenueSpecs
  • Address: 228 Jones Ave. (upper)
  • Apartment type: 2nd floor apartment
  • Rent: $1,400
  • Utilities: Included
  • Air conditioning? Yes
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Parking: Street
  • Laundry? In-suite
  • Outdoor space? Deck
  • Pet friendly? Unspecified
228 Jones AvenueGood For

Someone looking for the new finishes of a condo rental but who doesn't need in-building amenities. Sure there's no pool or exercise room to access here, but this apartment is certainly cheaper than the average new condo rental.

228 Jones AvenueMove On If

You need a parking spot. Getting a permit here shouldn't be too hard, but if you have multiple vehicles, this won't be the best spot.

6 things to do in Toronto today

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Four different festivals launch today in Toronto, including the Unity Festival and a new technology event. There's also a free outdoor movie screening if you just need to sit on the grass and relax. 

Events you might want to check out:

Summer Craft Beer Festival (July 13 @ Liberty Village Market Galleria)
Spend your time after work at a pay-as-you-go craft beer festival that features live music as well as food from Liberty Market Food vendors.
Vector Festival (July 13-16 @ 9 Ossington Avenue)
This festival showcases emergent, critical and experimental new media. Check out video installations, web-based art exhibitions, games and virtual reality projects.
Unity Festival (July 13-15 @ Geary Lane)
This festival celebrates the best visual art, spoken word, breakdancing, and beatboxing by local youth as well as international artists.
Toronto Summer Music Festival (July 13 - August 5 @ Koerner Hall, Walter Hall, and Church of the Redeemer)
Various venues around the city present classical music performances with 26 main stage concerts, masterclasses, free concerts, lecture and workshops.
John Waters' Hairspray (July 13 @ Corktown Common)
John Waters' campy Hairspray movie will be screened outdoors, under the starts at this beautiful park with a great view of the city.
Arj Barker (July 13-15 @ Comedy Bar)
Best known for his role on Flight of the Conchords, Barker will perform multiple comedy shows in the city this week.

Win tickets to Girl Crush

Huge crowds show up for Mayweather and McGregor in Toronto

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Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor were in Toronto yesterday to drum up excitement for their big fight in Las Vegas on August 26.

As the BBC reports, 16,000 fans showed up at the Budweiser Stage for this over-the-top press conference, which even included a performance from Baka Not Nice and a Drake appearance.

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This was the second stop on Mayweather and McGregor's world tour. They were in Los Angeles on Tuesday and will be in Brooklyn today, followed by a jaunt across the pond to London, U.K.

At the Toronto event, as CBC News reports, folks came waving Irish flags in support of McGregor. 

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Drake, of course, showed up at this spectacle too.

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The two fighters exchanged lots of trash talk, but as Sportsnet reminds us, it's all part of the theatre of the UFC.

Attendees in the packed house seemed to eat it up at this free presser well in advance of next month's fight. You have to wonder if the main event will be able to live up to all the preamble. Here's hoping.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Copetin, Guschlbauer, King Taps

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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
  • Celeb chef Claudio Aprile's Copetin officially opens today in his former Origin space at 107 King St. E.
  • Austrian bakery Guschlbauer, known for its cheese buns and cream puffs, has soft opened its first Toronto location at 690 Yonge St.
  • King Taps, a massive, two-level beer hall featuring local craft brews and elevated pub grub has arrived in the Financial District at First Canadian Place.
  • Panpan Noodle Bar has opened at 23 Baldwin St. on the second floor, above the Light Cafe.
  • Rice Bar is now serving up organic salads and grain bowls (and this magical Electric Lemonade) inside 4 Life Natural Foods at 210 Augusta Ave. in Kensington Market.
  • Japanese sweets, like fruit mochi and sakura or yuzu cheesecake, are now available at Uncle Tetsu's HCafe at 4750 Yonge St. right by Sheppard Station.
  • The Nugget, a walk-up espresso bar, is now open at 761 Dundas St. W. just west of Bathurst.
  • Hoki Poke has opened its second poke shop at 563 Yonge St.
  • Sugo Cafe has replaced Big Daddy's at 1281 Bloor St. W. (by Lansdowne) in Bloordale.
Recently reviewed
Opening soon
  • Mary Be Kitchen will be offering up "whole food for the soul" at 21 St. Clair Ave. W. (at Yonge St.) this fall.
  • The Yellow Chilli, the largest Indian restaurant chain worldwide, will soon be opening its first Toronto location at Yonge & St. Clair.
  • Etobicoke pizza joint 850 Degrees is opening a second location, this time at 1566 Bloor St. W. just west of Dundas St. W.
  • The Pan Seared Inc., a resto-bar at 2038 Yonge St. in midtown, should be opening soon.

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

This is what's going to replace the House of Lancaster

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One of Toronto's most notorious strip clubs was sold this spring and soon all traces of it will disappear. Was there any doubt about what would ultimately replace it?

As Urban Toronto reports, the House of Lancaster at 689 the Queensway will become a new townhome development, featuring 55 units.

lancaster toronto

The House of Lancaster strip club. Photo by Derek Flack.

The Royal Q Towns project, from Parallax Development Corporation and IBI Group, will go up on the Queensway between Wesley Street and Penhurst Avenue. Along with residential units, the development will include retail spaces fronting on the Queensway.

While this Etobicoke strip club will soon leave the neighbourhood, the House of Lancaster in Bloordale doesn't seem to be going anywhere.


The Beer Store will now offer growlers in Toronto

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The Beer Store has announced that it'll start filling up growlers at two of its Toronto locations.

Growlers will now be available at the Beer Store outposts in Liberty Village and the Distillery District. There will be five brews available for growlers at time, but the Beer Store says it'll switch up its selection on a weekly basis.

It'll cost between $12 and $25 (plus $5 if you need to buy the glassware) to get a growler filled. These price points are similar to the LCBO's growler offerings

From July 12 to 18, you can grab Goose Island IPA, Coors Banquet, Shock Top Belgian White, Belgian Moon and Hop City Payday Saison a the Liberty Village Beer Store.

In the Distillery District, you can get Muskoka Detour IPA, King Street Saison, Belgian Moon, Goose Island IPA and Coors Banquet.

Dundas Street will be a traffic nightmare this summer

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Construction is a summertime fixture in Toronto. Parts of Dundas Street have already been closed off this summer thanks to TTC track replacement work and things look like they're going to get worse starting on Monday.

Cars won't be able to travel east on Dundas between Bay and Church streets from July 17 to September 16. One lane of Dundas Street will always remain open for westbound traffic.

The city's replacing streetcar tracks and fixing the roadway after doing watermain construction on this stretch of road earlier this year. 

Cyclists and drivers should also note that because of all this work, Victoria street will be closed just south of Dundas Square during the period, which means it won't be possible to use it as a bail out route.

Road work in the area will start at 7 a.m. during the week until 11 p.m., with some stretches of the work happening 24-7 to get it done by the end of September.

Weekend events in Toronto July 14-16 2017

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Weekend events in Toronto will barely let you sleep, so hold on to your seats, folks. You'll find a mix of festivals, concerts, parties, markets and free movies  in all kinds of unique spaces. If there's a weekend to fall deeper in love with Toronto, this might be it. 

Events you might want to check out:

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 300 visual artists.
Honda Indy (July 14-16 @ Exhibition Place)
Some of the planet's fastest drivers race around the Lake Shore, while the festival continues with food, beer gardens and meet-and-greets.
Ricky Gervais (July 14 @ Massey Hall)
Ricky Gervais is on his Humanity tour. It's sold out, but you can scour the internet to try to find tickets.
Festival of India (July 15 @ Sherbourne Common)
Meet at Yonge-Dundas for music and dancing and then make your way to Sherbourne Commons for food, drumming, singing, shows and other activities.
Toronto's Got Talent Finals (July 16 @ Fringe Club)
Meet the top five finalists of this Fringe Festival crowd fave and see who wins it all.
Budweiser County Fair (July 14 @ 525 King Street West)
This event brings the spirit of the country to the heart of the city with music, BBQ from some of Toronto’s top chefs, carnival eats and mechanical bull rides.
Shield to Shore (July 14-16 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Explore the music and culture of the St. Lawrence River basin with performances from Tuns, Lisa LeBlanc and Boogat.
All Day I Dream of Sunshine Divine (July 15 @ Fort York)
This is an enchanted afternoon of music and dreamy vibes with Lee Burridge, YokoO and Gorje Hewek & Izhevski.
Wimbledon Finals Live (July 15 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Watch one of the biggest tennis tournaments on the planet live on a giant screen with air conditioning, traditional snacks, and drinks.
Halal Food Festival (July 15 @ The International Centre)
The best halal restaurants, manufacturers, bakeries and specialty stores representing cuisines from around the world are lined up to feed you with over 200 exhibitors.
Ontario Oyster Festival (July 16 @ Laneway beside Rodney's. 469 King St. W)
Join 1,500 oyster enthusiasts and enjoy live music, food, lots of drinks and the Ontario Oyster Shucking Championships.
Charity Clothing Sale (July 15 @ TRINITY BELLWOODS PARK)
Find this great big clothing sale in Trinity Bellwoods Park, with all proceeds going to charity.
Brika x Tamga Designs pop-up (July 14-16 @ Brika)
Shop sustainable stuff from this Toronto-based brand that's challenging the fashion industry to do better by using eco-friendly fabrics and dyes,
For The Low Market Pop-Up (July 15 @ Blank Canvas Gallery)
Find quirky and unique things for your life and for the 'gram, all at low prices.
The Summer Post Market (July 16 @ Only One Gallery at 5 Brock Events)
This summer shopping event features dozens of local makers, artisans, foodies and vendors you'll quickly fall in love with.
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea (July 16 @ The Great Hall)
Check out this market featuring local artisans, designers and vendors. Admission is free, dogs are welcome and there will also be food and drinks.
Django Futuro (July 14 @ Lula Lounge)
Hear this intoxicating mix of world music and jazz with the driving rhythm of Parisian gypsy swing of the 1940s.
Uniiqu3 (July 14 @ The Baby G)
The Jersey Club movement is being hailed by music authorities as the next big wave in dance music. Thankfully, this movement has found i's first lady.
Nina Simone Tribute (July 14 @ 120 Diner)
This is a tribute to author, civil rights activist, pianist, musician and singer Nina Simone with a quartet and a special guest guitarist.
Idina Menzel (July 14 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
Tony Award-winning icon Idina Menzel has a diverse career that traverses stage, film, television and music. See her live in Toronto.
Africa All Star Music Fest (July 14 @ REBEL)
This major concert stars two of the 2017 BET Awards nominees for Best International Act: Africa Category.
Rita Mae and The Pick Brothers Band (July 14 @ Yonge-Dundas Square)
This Halifax native brings her personal blend of pop melodies with alternative and folk music to this free, outdoor Toronto stage.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (July 15 @ Air Canada Centre)
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers sing all their classic rock hits, and some lesser known tracks you didn't know you loved.
Iron Maiden (July 15 @ Budweiser Stage)
Put that Iron Maiden tank or t-shirt to good use and see the band everyone seems to be wearing these days.
Tomi Swick & Kayla Diamond (July 15 @ Fringe Club)
Opening act Kayla Diamond is the first place winner of Slaight Music's It's Your Shot Contest and then Juno Award winning Tomi Swick performs his latest and greatest hits.
Air Guitar Canada National Championships (July 15 @ Mod Club)
Provincial and qualifying champions, along with last minute entrants wield their invisible axes (guitars) to battle it out for the title of Canada's Air Guitar Champion.
Heavy Metal Parking Lot (July 14 @ The Royal Cinema)
Heavy metal! Party! Hell yeah! Metal heads won't want to miss these two cult-film screenings.
Mermaids (July 14-20 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
This Hot Docs fave takes an endearing look at people united by their love of mermaids. Or rather, their love of “mermaiding”, which is to say identifying as mermaids.
Half Baked (July 15 @ Fort York)
They're actually screening Half Baked outdoors next to a giant red canoe with free snacks and refreshments. This is amazing.
Screen Queens: Back to the future (July 16 @ The Royal Cinema)
The Screen Queens provide hilarious commentary to this 1980s classic.
Speed Sisters at Christie Pits Film Festival (July 16 @ Christie Pits, Toronto)
Catch The Speed Sisters, an all-female Palestinian auto racing team that competes professionally in the male-dominated West Bank circuit.
ROM Summer Fridays (July 14 - September 22 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
The theme for this ROM Friday party is "discount." Admission is reduced from 5:30-8:30 p.m., but it stays open until 10 p.m. with drinks and views from the c5 Lounge.
Rude Garten (July 14 @ Scotiabank Studio Theatre)
DJs Crystalwhispurr and Karim Olen Ash spin alongside lights and video projections.
Get On Up (July 15-23 @ NEST)
Find 1990s R&B and hip hop all night with DJs Starting from Scratch and Toronto legend MC Lyite.
Turning Point (July 15 @ The Garrison)
A man called Warwick spins this night dedicated to tropical rhythms and sounds.
Pirate Party XIII (July 15 @ Tranzac Club)
Attention privateers, buccaneers, freebooters, brigands, and others who be of a pirate persuasion. There be a treasure hunt, dueling canons, tug o war, and games o' skill and chance. Ahoy!
A Drag Tribute to Party Monster (July 15 @ The Beaver)
Drag monster Fisher Price hosts and performs with guests Helena Poison, and Atmos Fierce for this Party Monster tribute party. DJ Oliver spins all your 2000s NYC faves.
Cure Fest & New Order-Joy Division Fest Video Dance Parties (July 15 @ Nocturne)
DJ Lazarus spins tunes from The Cure and you'll also be seeing all their videos, plus live footage, rarities, and b-sides with photo montages.
Lost & Found Showcase (July 16 @ Sunnyside Pavillion)
DJs Guy J, Eelke Kleijn, Guy Mantzur, Chicola, Khen, Sahar Z and opener Alberto Jossue spin an afternoon of house music at one of the most magical lakeside venues in the city.
Metallica (July 16 @ Rogers Centre)
See this legendary band live at the Rogers Centre.

Hamilton is copying the Toronto sign

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The Toronto sign is a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. Ottawa copied the idea just in time for its Canada 150 celebrations and now another Ontario city is getting in on the giant letter action. 

The City of Hamilton is getting its very own lettered sign in front of city hall. The sign will cost $250,000, but the city won't have to worry about the price tag because a private donor is fronting the bill, according to CBC

Hamilton officials are excited about the idea, but many are calling the sign a total rip off of Toronto's .

The sign didn't go through regular public art process, but Hamilton city councillors and the mayor voted in favour of the big, bright art piece, which will stand 2.25 metres tall, 2 metres deep and 20 metres long.

According to CBC, the signs letters will be lit by different colours and they'll be hollow so folks can see through to city hall.

TTC to end time-based transfer program

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Say goodbye to time-based transfers on the TTC. The longstanding pilot program, which was introduced way back in 2005, will come to a close on September 3, 2017 with the addition of the new Bombardier streetcars on the 512 St. Clair route. 

The program has been around for so long, many passengers likely forgot it was a pilot, though the TTC notes it was always intended to have an expiry date.

The pilot let riders with a transfer travel along the line with re-boarding privileges for a two hour period.

"The time-based transfer was introduced on the 512 St Clair route as a temporary measure in 2005 for customers and businesses during construction of the right-of-way," explains TTC spokesperson Stuart Green.

While construction wrapped up on that project long ago, the program was successful enough to leave in place. The arrival of the new vehicles in September does, however, complicate things. 

"Operators on the new streetcars cannot issue paper transfers to customers," notes Green. 

The conclusion of the program also hints at further changes that could be in store when the Presto rollout is complete. Both Metrolinx and the TTC have discussed new fare structures once the smart card system is fully in place, though no specifics have been agreed upon. 

In the meantime, the 512 streetcar will revert to being just like all the other routes in the city — your fare will be valid only for one, one-way trip.  

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