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Internet providers in Toronto beyond Rogers and Bell

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Internet providers in Toronto go far beyond Rogers and Bell. As it turns out, there's a wealth of smaller service providers that will let you surf the web for endless hours at prices that won't break the bank.

Here are my picks for the top alternative internet service providers in Toronto.

Teksavvy

A favourite of nerds across Ontario, Teksavvy offers a healthy mix of over a dozen cable, DSL and Sky Fi plans, backed up by pleasant customer service. Monthly plans starts as low as $24.95. 

Carry Telecom

This ISP offers high quality internet services throughout Ontario and Quebec. They offer both cable and FTTN connections and plans range from $34.99 monthly to $59.99 monthly.

Acanac

One of the largest independent Internet service providers in Ontario and Quebec, Acanac offers new customers one month free on all one year prepaid Internet plans. They offer high speed DSL and cable internet packages staring as low as $29 a month. 

Start

This internet service provider offers cable, ADSL, and VSDL connections. Packages start as low as $40 a month and before signing up you can visit their website to discover which type of connections are available in your neighbourhood. 

VMedia

This Toronto-based media company makes Android-based TV its bread and butter, offering set-top video boxes that mix TV channels with access to extra internet-delivered content. They're also an ISP, offering DSL and cable plans for as low as $19.95 a month.

GTA Telecom

This company provides internet and home phone services all over Ontario. On the net side of things, all of their packages feature unlimited bandwidth and they start at $39.95. 

Beanfield Metroconnect

Choose among three unlimited fibre internet packages. The cheapest of the bunch comprises of 250Mbps for $50 with the option to add WiFi for $7 extra a month or a one time fee of $90. On the other end of spectrum there's the 1Gbps package for $100 a month.

Xinflix

Cable internet, high speed DSL internet and regular DSL packages are all available from ISP Xinflix. All packages include unlimited usage and range from $29.95 a month to $89.95 a month. 

Primus

One of the largest alternative telecoms in Canada, Primus offers a variety of wireless services in addition to a handful of DSL packages. This service is great for heavy users, as unlimited Internet packages start from $39.95 a month. 

Since Rogers and Bell own the telecommunications infrastructure, the above companies are all third-party carriers, re-selling internet services they purchase at a wholesale rate; basically, the big guys are going to get your money one way or another.


The top 10 lingerie stores in Toronto

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Toronto is full of lingerie shops with unique undergarments, special sizing, exclusive European brands and local Canadian designers. They have more to offer than the mass-market options at Victoria’s Secret and La Senza. Yes, these stores supermodels in their campaigns, but if you’re looking for a boutique experience and something less run-of-the-mill, look no further.

Here are my picks for the top lingerie stores in Toronto.

Tryst Lingerie

With two locations - one on Eglinton and another in Queen West - this store is on the top of their lingerie game, offering a full range of sizes from AA to JJ; 28 to 52. Plus, they have a massive selection of shape wear - control shorts, padded underwear, the works can all be found here. 

Change

This Scandinavian lingerie chain with a store near Queen and John has no shortage of elegant lace details and minimalistic silhouettes. Flattering swimsuits, sportswear, and nightwear also takes up a part of their stock. Plus, the prices are super fair and the sales are frequent - you can’t go wrong at Change.

Stole My Heart

Less on the basic spectrum and more on the fun side, this Dundas West destination carries all the fancy frilly masterpieces perfect for layering under a loose tank or wearing on their own. Dedicated to making women feel sexy in their own skin, their unique finds from brands like Mary Young and Fleur of England, are boudoir-inspired and luxe to the touch.

Gigi’s House of Frills

Doing its name justice, this Bloorcourt shop is brimming with frilly little pieces. The vintage-style lingerie shop carries everything you need to feel like a pin-up: glamorous loungewear, sexy hosiery, flirty panties, and vintage jewellery to boot. They even make a point to peddle only ethically-made, fair trade products - classy and conscious!

Secrets from Your Sister

This boutique with two locations is known for its top notch customer service. They’re adamant on educating women on correct fit, washing, storage, and wear. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to block off a good chunk of time - a proper fitting can take up to 45 minutes!

LoversLand

This romantic little boutique on Ossington acts as a one-stop shop for couples. Though simple, beautifully-made lingerie by notable brands like Fortnight are available, dresses, jewellery, and apothecary for men and women truly complete the experience.

Sophia’s Lingerie

This Danforth favourite is a go-to for uncommon sizes. The cups go up to L, and the styles range from staple to stunning. With price points that start at $30 and go all the way to $300, there’s truly something for everyone at Sophia’s.

La Nuit Lingerie

This Forest Hill boutique is not for the faint of heart. Carrying upscale European lingerie, this boutique is teeming with decorative undergarments meant to be shown off. Lace, bold colours,and cutouts galore - you won’t find a sports bra here!

Avec Plaisir

This Yorkville store is one of the fancier lingerie and swimsuit shops in the city, specializing in luxury European brands. With a focus on proper fitting, the associates have a training background that far surpasses the quick service at their corporate competitors.

Agent Provocateur

For extra luxurious undergarments, the Agent Provocateur boutique inside Holt Renfrew can’t be beat. Intricately designed and exquisitely crafted bras, panties, bodysuits, and nightwear are aplenty - perfect for weddings and other special occasions. Be prepared to splurge; these delicate pieces are worth a pretty penny.

What department stores used to look like in Toronto

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The department store in Toronto might not be dying, but it sure has changed in the last 30 years. Gone are the days when a diverse array of companies battled it out for consumers who expected to buy just about everything under the sun in such stores.

Before the death of Eaton's in the 1990s, the department store wars involved many more players. If you've been around long enough, you'll remember names like Kresge (later K-Mart), Simpson's, Woolworth, Woolco, and Morgans, not to mention discount shops like BiWay, Bargain Harolds, Towers, and the recently departed Zellers.

Through the 1980s, the retail economy had yet to centralize in massive corporations to the degree that it has now. There were the big players like Eaton's, Sears, Simpson's, and the Bay at malls across the city, but despite their reach, they never came close to the size, sprawl, and buying power of box stores like Walmart and Costco.

It's hard not to look back at these store's with a bit of nostalgia. These were, after all, the places where a kid's dreams came true in the toy department. In the days before the internet made consumer choice endless, these retail hubs were repositories of desire, as evidenced by the advertisements of the time.

Behold, what department stores used to look like in Toronto.

vintage department store toronto

The Bay at Fairview Mall.

vintage department store toronto

Simpson's at Fairview Mall.

vintage department store toronto

Towers at Midland and Lawrence.

vintage department store toronto

The mighty Woolco.
20140917-Eaton-Centre-Eatons.jpg

Eaton's at the Eaton Centre in the 1990s.

vintage department store toronto

Wide view of the anchor Eaton's at the Eaton Centre.

vintage department store toronto

The Yonge and Dundas entrance to Eaton's in the late 1970s.

vintage department store toronto

Simpson's at Yorkdale Mall.

vintage department store toronto

Entrance to Simpson's at Yorkdale in the 1970s.

vintage department store toronto

Eaton's at Yorkdale Mall in 1965.

vintage department store toronto

The Eaton's location at College Park.

vintage department store toronto

Woolworth flagship at Yonge and Queen streets.

vintage department store toronto

Eaton's at Shopper's World.

vintage department store toronto

The exterior view of the Bay at Fairview Mall.

vintage department store toronto

Simpson's location at Sherway Mall.

vintage department store toronto

Morgan's Department Store at Lawrence and Bathurst.

vintage department store toronto

The old Eaton's at Queen and James streets.

vintage department store toronto

The opulent interior of Eaton's at College Park ca. 1940s.

10 things to do each week in Toronto if you're broke

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Toronto might be an expensive place to live but there are things you can do every week to save a bit of cash.

Here are my picks for things to do each week in Toronto if you're broke.

PWYC Yoga

The only PWYC yoga studio in the city is in Roncesvalles. Though there's a suggested donation of $12 per class, no one at Yoga Village is judging you if you give $5. Lululemon on Queen West also offers free daily yoga classes in their Attic studio, all you need to do is register. 

Free Crossfit

The Academy of Lions on Ossington offers community classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. The class focuses on cardio, weight lifting and mobility. Registration and bravery are required. 

See a movie for cheap

The Film Reference Library is on the fourth floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox and it's one of Toronto's best-kept secrets for movie lovers and film buffs. There's also (actually) cheap Tuesdays at the Carlton Cinema and Market Square cinemas where all movies are $5.

Take a free brewery Tour

Henderson Brewery in the Junction Triangle hosts free brewery tours (which include beer tastings) almost every Tuesday at 7 p.m., just be sure to check the events calendar and register beforehand. The Amsterdam Brewhouse also offers free tours and tastings Monday and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and at various times Wednesday to Sunday. 

Hit up the museums for free

Almost all of the city's museums have free or PWYC nights during the week. The Textile Museum offers PWYC pricing every Wednesday between 5 and 8 p.m. Thursday the Bata Shoe Museum is PWYC from 5-8 p.m. The AGO is free every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. and Aga Khan is also free every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m.

Affordable theatre nights

You don't have to break the bank to see a play in Toronto. Factory Theatre offers Toonie Tuesdays (tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. the day of), Buddies has PWYC Sunday matinee pricing, and Passe Muraille has PWYC matinee tickets on Saturday and Sundays.

Cheap laughs

There's a standup comedy show at  The Comedy bar for $5 almost any night of the week, all month long. Just check out the events page to make sure you're heading there on a cheap night. You can also catch the Early Show every Saturday at Bad Dog Theatre for free. 

Take a guided city tour

Tour Guys offer free walking tours of many downtown neighbourhoods, all they ask is that you tip them at the end of the tour if you had a good time. This isn't a typical city tour and they're scheduled so you can do two or three in one day.  

Play some board games

There are a great handful of spots to step into with friends and play games. Snakes and Lattes, For the Win and Bampot charge $5 to sit and play, and Cafe Princess charges $2.50 per game. 

Grab a cheap drink, any night of the week

Toronto isn't really big on the whole happy hour thing, but there are several bars in Toronto with super cheap drink deals on various days of the week. From $5 brews to half price wine, drinking on the cheap in Toronto isn't as difficult as you might think. 

The 21 most romantic restaurants in Toronto by neighbourhood

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The most romantic restaurants in Toronto are adorable, cozy, welcoming, dimly-lit and delicious spots. They're located in every corner of the city and are ready when you want to take out a new date or an old flame.

Here are my picks for the most romantic restaurants in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Annex

This Dupont St. Parisian-style cocktail bar also has a bit of a laid back Brooklyn vibe to it. The dim lighting, intimate seating and dark decor all add a warm feeling to Bar Begonia. The cocktails area seasonal and the menu is meant for sharing. 

Bloorcourt

Located at Ossignton and Hallam, Actinolite is a great romantic dinner spot that boasts an intimate room and great wine list. The menu focuses on local ingredients and the inviting small room screams for hours of conversation. 

Bloordale

The 47 is tiny and the tables are packed close together, the music is an eclectic mix of lounge-house-electro-type-stuff and there's local graffiti on the walls. It all makes for relaxing, cozy atmosphere at a place with a great beer list and a late night food menu until 2 a.m.

Chinatown

If romance is defined by low ceilings, dim lights, cozy corner tables and plates for sharing, then People's Eatery is your spot. The Spadina Ave. hideaway gets lively with DJs and drinks if your date goes long.

A little piece of heaven for wine lovers and snackers at Midfield. Photo by Derek Flack.

Dundas West

Midfield is a place for wine lovers. The warmly lit, unfussy room quietly fills with folks as the night goes on, the music is always just right, and the menu features an eclectic range of seasonal dishes. Take your date on a tour of Europe with the wine list.

Financial District

The Chase features a gorgeous 75-seat patio with sweeping views of the Financial District. It's a very impressive and romantic restaurant with a view and menu to die for. Not only is it a delicious spot to eat at, but you can also linger here with post-dinner cocktails and desserts.

Junction

Bricco Kitchen and Wine Bar is an elegant yet unpretentious dining spot offering Italian and Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by a great wine list. The decor can be described as '60s Scandinavia with lots of reclaimed wood, metals and antiques.

The best spots in the house at Grey Gardens are the beautifully designed seats around the open bar. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Kensington Market

From its pleasing pastel palette with gold accents and palm wallpaper down to the ombre-pink pepper mill at the pass, you know Grey Gardens is special the moment you walk in. There are a variety of intimate spots to eat and have a drink, and while it ain't cheap, it is impressive and intimate. 

King East

Ardo offers a few sun-soaked tables upfront, while further back ceramic busts overlook a blue bar. The menu is inspired by the cuisine of Sicily, which includes pizza, seafood and pasta. It's a small, bright space for close talking and wine sipping. 

King West

A hidden but favourite French bistro on Niagara street, Edulis features shareable plates, a great wine list, and a cozy atmosphere that'll have you sitting in front of someone you're crushing on for hours. 

Koreatown

Bario Coreano is part of the Playa Cabana family, so this is a place for romance with a Mexican flare. The interior is a stunner with old metal gates, tiles, exposed brick and soft colour light everywhere. The food is shareable and the vibe is casual. 

Leslieville

Greta Solomon's on Queen East has 28 seats, including eight at the bar. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the French doors can completely open up when the weather's nice, so that eating and imbibing here almost feels like an al fresco experience. It's modern French cuisine in a charming space. 

Lake Inez is meant to function as both a snack bar for beer lovers as well as a bona fide place for dinner. Both the beer and the food here are terrific. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Little India

Lake Inez is a charming and cozy craft beer gastropub in Little India with Asian-inspired eats and comfort food. There's an eclectic assortment of decor; chandeliers, a hodgepodge of antique/vintage furniture, and a stained glass and tile mural. This spot acts as both as a snack bar and full-on restaurant with great food and beer options.

Little Italy

A super warm, comfortable spot for great Iranian food, The Pomegranate is a lovely restaurant if you want to try something different in a homey environment. The decor is rich with colour, as is the food and cocktail menu. 

Mount Pleasant 

Ku Kum is an Indigenous restaurant that doesn't focusing on specific heritage per se but rather reinterpreting the traditions as a whole. There's a cast of rotating art on the walls, and you can experience the entire menu with wine for $120. 

Ossington

A bit of laid back romance is always needed and this cute Ossington spot will most definitely provide it. From the team behind Bar Fancy, Superpoint features lots of twinkling lights and beautiful brick walls. It's a playful spot for a casual date.

Queen West

This cozy snack bar is a mishmash of detail; the bar counters are striped to resemble old-school TTC streetcars, while an accent wall features a rudimentary chalk map of Toronto's downtown neighbourhoods. 416 Snack Bar's menu is as small as the space, but it's done very well.

Parkdale

This tiny restaurant with an open kitchen facing the bar is named for Canada’s only heritage breed of chicken. Chantecler's menu is French bistro style, and the energy is high in this low-lit space. Order a Toronto cocktail to dial up the romance.

Roncesvalles

The Ace is a Roncesvalles favourite that's a very tight fit, but if you can get in, you'll thank your lucky, romantic stars. It's the ultimate date spot with very close seating, extremely friendly staff, and a menu filled with comfort food.

West Queen West

Montgomery's is a restaurant all about keeping things simple. Dishes are minimal but expertly executed, and the simple decor easily recedes into the background so you can focus on your dining companion. 

The charming seats at the bar and two-seaters inside this Yorkville gem. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Yorkville

Chabrol is a charming, tiny boîte tucked away down a laneway on Yorkville Avenue. Head here for Spanish influenced, French cuisine inspired by the South of France. It's a simple and elegant, yet relaxed space with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in a ton of natural light during the day, and provide just enough ambiance at night. 

Labour Day events in Toronto for 2017

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Labour Day events in Toronto feature the Brewer's Backyard beer party at the Brick Works, but it's also the final day of the CNE, and there's a concert inside a huge green house. Enjoy the holiday Monday!

Events you might want to check out:

Brewer's Backyard (September 4 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Exchange Brewery, Nickelbrook, Indie Alehouse, Cowbell, Black Oak, Shacklands, and Red Thread are lined up to serve beer, while FeasTO, Meltdown Cheesery, Fidel Gastro, Fully Loaded TO and the Wafel Bar will serve the food.
2 Chainz (September 4 @ Rebel)
2 Chainz returns to the city for a night of trap and hip hop in one of the best sounding clubs in the city.
Plant Music (September 4 @ Allan Gardens Park and Conservatory)
A concert inside the Allan Gardens Conservatory? Yes please! Four composers present music they have written for the plant life inside the greenhouses including shows from Castle If, JFM, Nick Storring and Laura Swankey.
Ossington Comedy (September 4 @ The Ossington)
It's Ossington Comedy's final show of the summer (but they'll be back soon, so don't get too emotional). Tonight's lineup includes Nick Flanagan, Mark Little, Jennifer McAuliffe and many more. It's also PWYC
Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich Pop-Up (September 4 @ Netivot HaTorah)
Here you'll find kosher, steamed, hand sliced, Montreal smoked meat sandwiches for one day only. They've brought the smoked meat in directly from Montreal for this special event.
CNE 2017 (August 18 - September 4 @ Canadian National Exhibition)
Alert! It's the final day of the CNE! Get all your food, rides,, concerts and Air Show action in while you can.

The origins of the Labour Day Parade in Toronto

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Although it's not a widely known fact,  Toronto played a central role in the founding of what has become a international holiday. Labour Day has humble roots in the activism of Toronto-area workers who sought fairer working conditions.

In the late 1860s and early 1870s, a labour movement began in Hamilton among printers who were petitioning their employer for a nine-hour workday. The Nine-Hour Movement spread to Toronto where it was taken up by the Toronto Printer's Union who demanded that their hours be reduced to nine a day, and 54 hours a week.

These demands were at the vanguard of the fight for shorter working hours. George Brown, owner of the Globe & Mail, and other print shop owners, denied the union's request and called the demands "absurd" and "unreasonable."

As a result, the printers went on strike on March 25, 1872. A few weeks later, workers in Toronto held a huge demonstration in support of the printers, and about 2,000 of them marched through the city, led by marching bands. The parade ended at Queen's Park, where the crowd had grown to roughly 10,000 people.

labour day parade toronto

The Canadian Electric Trades Union Float from the 1928 parade. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

While the strike wasn't immediately successful, it did result in the passage of the Trade Unions Act, legalizing unions, and soon after, the creation of nine hour days and 54-hour work weeks in Canada.

The 1872 parade, and others held in support of the Nine-Hour Movement, also resulted in the establishment of annual celebrations of labour.

In fact, when American labour leader Peter McGuire visited Toronto in 1882 and witnessed a local labour festival, he was so inspired that upon returning to New York, he organized the first American Labour Day on September 5 that year.

Despite the parade's Toronto origins, our American neighbours seem to have forgotten who gave them the idea!

Labour Day Parade Toronto

Postcard showing the Labour Day Parade's arrival at the CNE. 

While workers had been celebrating and parading on that day for years, it wasn't until 1894 that the Canadian government declared Labour Day an official holiday.

Since then, Toronto has been home to a massive parade where workers march, celebrate gains made by the labour movement, and demand further improvements. Presently, the Toronto and York Region Labour Council organize the parade, and invite workers from across the city to march.

The parade begins at Queen and University, and, as is tradition, it ends up at the Ex where parade marchers get in for free.

Alison Norman is a Research Advisor in the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation in Toronto.

This Week on DineSafe: Lee Chen, Diamond Pizza, Bobbie Sue's, Cocina Economica

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This week on DineSafe old school Toronto pizzeria Diamond Pizza was shut down by city health inspectors. The restaurant landed two crucial infractions, including failure to prevent an insect infestation, which ultimately lead to its closure. 

See which other restaurants got carded on DineSafe this week.

Diamond Pizza (510 Main St.)
  • Inspected on: August 28, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to prevent an insect infestation and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Lee Chen Asian Bistro (214 King St. West)
  • Inspected on: August 28, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Agra Fine Indian Cuisine (4850 Yonge St.)
  • Inspected on: August 30, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Bobbie Sue's (162 Ossington Ave.)
  • Inspected on: August 30, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 1 (Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required.
Cocina Economica (145 Berkeley St.)
  • Inspected on: August 30, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Crave Healthy Habits (145 King St. West)
  • Inspected on: August 30, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required.
Lick It Gelato (250 Queens Quay West)
  • Inspected on: August 30, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Lahore Tikka House (1365 Gerrard St.)
  • Inspected on: September 1, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and 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.


45 must-see movies at TIFF 2017 by day of the festival

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There's no shortage of movies to see at TIFF this year. From the ones getting the biggest advance buzz to films directed by women, Cannes award winners, foreign films, documentaries, free screenings at the Cinesphere and more, choosing what to see can be a dizzing decision.

Here, then, to make your TIFF-going just a bit simpler, are my picks for the top films to see at TIFF by day of the festival.

September 7

Start off your festival with the first of two adaptations of bestselling Ian McEwan at TIFF this year withOn Chesil Beach (5:00 PM, Winter Garden Theatre). Or, if you’re genre-inclined, there’s also the Quebecois zombie flick, Les Affames (6:45 PM, Scotiabank 1) as a first day option.

Get your first premium screening of one of the top 10 films to see at TIFF withe coming-of-age film Call Me By Your Name (7:15 PM, Ryerson Theatre). Then go check out the battle rap satire Bodied (11:59 PM, Ryerson Theatre) and welcome new Midnight Madness programmer, Peter Kuplowsky.

September 8

Ease into your first TIFF weekend with a lunchtime screening of the Cannes Jury Prize-winning Russian divorce drama, Loveless (12:30 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 2). Then you can ruin your lunch by seeing the first festival screening of Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! (2:30 PM, Ryerson Theatre).

At night there’s the gala premiere of Molly’s Game (6:00 PM, Elgin Theatre), the directorial debut of Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), which was shot in Toronto. Bonus: Idris Elba will be there. Afterwards, you can check out another directorial debut with actress Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird (9:00 PM, Ryerson Theatre).

September 9

Begin with Lynn Shelton's ex-convict drama, Outside In (10:00 AM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 2). Or you could embrace your Canadian-ness and see an ice-skating movie: I, Tonya (11:30 AM, Roy Thomson Hall) with Margot Robbie playing Tonya Harding before the attack on Nancy Kerrigan.

In the afternoon there's the black and white The Captain (3:15, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1) about a German deserter at the end of World War II. Lastly, if you like stargazing, see Suburbicon (6:30 PM, VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre) where writer-director George Clooney, plus stars Matt Damon and Julianne Moore, will be.

September 10

Complete the mini-Ian McEwan festival within TIFF, with the second adaptation of his work: The Children Act (8:45 AM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1) with the always dependable Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci. Then celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of Frankenstein with the biopic about its author, Mary Shelley(1:30 PM, Scotiabank 2).

Beautifully animated and Angelina Jolie-produced, be sure to see the powerful The Breadwinner (3:00 PM, Winter Garden Theatre). In the evening catch the hotly anticipated Darren Aronofsky film, mother! (9:15 PM, VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre), with Jennifer Lawrence in attendance.

September 11

Sometimes mega-downers are just part of the TIFF experience, so why not start your day off with Happy End (9:15 AM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1), Michael Haneke’s latest. Then keep that mood going with some mid-day horror in the form of the French horror film, Revenge (3:45 PM, Scotiabank 11).

But if you’re looking for something a bit more vibrant and precocious, there’s The Florida Project(4:45 PM, Soctiabank 3). Or, if you missed Matt Damon at the Suburbicon premiere, you can see him in Alexander Payne’s Downsizing (6:00 PM, Elgin Theatre)

September 12

No day that begins with Steve Buscemi can be bad, so be sure to check out Andrew Haigh’s “a boy and his horse” drama, Lean on Pete (12:45 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1). Leap ahead to the evening and you could check out the Sundance-darling Mudbound (6 PM, Roy Thomson Hall).

Or, if you’re more in the mood for a Western, there’s also Christian Bale in Scott Cooper's Hostiles(7:00 PM, Scotiabank 12). For night owls, there’s Brawl in Cell Block 99(10:45 PM, Ryerson Theatre) which offers the chance to see Vince Vaughn in a very different kind of role.

September 13

If you want to catch acting performances that are getting early Oscars buzz, today is the day. First up, there’s Annette Bening playing movie star Gloria Grahame in Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (9:30 AM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1). Then there’s Gary Oldman playing Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour (11:30 AM, Elgin Theatre). 

Next up is Diane Kruger’s Cannes-winning turn in the German film,In the Fade (3:30 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1). Consider taking a brief Oscar scouting break with the travelogue documentary Faces Places (6:30 PM, Elgin Theatre) before ending with Liam Neeson’s performance as the infamous Deep Throat in Mark Felt (9:00 PM, Scotiabank 1).

September 14

For some intrigue, begin with Japanese murder mystery and legal thriller, The Third Murder (12:00 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1). Then don’t miss the chance to see Kate Winslet and Idris Elba appear on the same screen together in The Mountain Between Us(3:00 PM, VISA Screening Room).

Afterwards, you can mix things up with the Finnish dysfunctional family drama, Miami (5:45 PM, Scotiabank 3), before getting your Canadiana on with the first two episodes of the Margaret Atwood adaptation, Alias Grace (8:30 PM, Winter Garden Theatre).

September 15

Rush to see John Woo make his gunfight action film return with Manhunt (11:45 AM, Scotiabank 2). If action isn’t your thing, you can see The Wife (12:00 PM, Elgin Theatre), an adaptation of the bestselling Meg Wolitzer novel, starring Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce.

In the evening, you’ve got two Canada-themed options to choose from. First, there's Indian Horse (8:30 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1), the adaptation of the late Richard Wagamese’s classic Canadian novel. Then there's the Vince Carter documentary The Carter Effect (9:45 PM, Scotiabank 2), for all you basketball and Raptors fans out there.

September 16

Get some vicarious outdoor time with Jane(9:45 AM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 1), the documentary about jungle-traveling, primate-studying, Jane Goodall. Then check out some Indonesian cinema with The Seen and Unseen (11:30 AM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 4), which has a strong Beasts of Southern Wildvibe. 

Bookworms with stamina will want to see Frederick Wiseman’s New York Public Library doc, Ex Libiris (12:00 PM, Jackman Hall).Finally, who can resist a wacky Nicolas Cage role? In this case: Mom and Dad(9:15 PM, Scotiabank 13) about a mass hysteria that grips the world and drives parents to want to kill their children (yes, really).

September 17

Start your final day with some Middle Eastern cinema with the Egyptian film Sheikh Jackson (9:30 AM, Scotiabank 13) about a man struggling with the death of Michael Jackson. For some laughs, be sure to check out The Death of Stalin (12:00 PM, Ryerson Theatre) the communist Russia comedy. 

Speaking of laughs, you could also see Louis C.K’s latest film—shot in black and white—I Love You, Daddy (2:30 PM, Scotiabank 4), though expect it to be a bit more somber than his stand-up. Then, as always, there's the Grolsch People’s Choice Award Screening (6:00 PM, Roy Thomson Hall). 

The Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Toronto

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The best Middle Eastern restaurants in Toronto are celebrated in all neighbourhoods. But to be the best in this city, you can’t just wrap a few falafel in some pita and call it a day. These restaurants have elevated the building blocks of chickpeas, olives, flatbreads, yogurt, eggplant, couscous, lamb, and much more to an art form.

Here are the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Toronto.

4 - Fat Pasha

This Annex place is known for its homey yet elevated and unconventional take on Middle Eastern comfort food. Their whole roasted cauliflower with pomegranate seeds is especially popular, and they also do za’atar fried chicken and a ground lamb hummus.
3 - Tabule (Riverside)

A true Middle Eastern feast can be had at this mini-chain complete with Middle Eastern inspired cocktails like harissa caesars. Saj flatbreads, bubbling plates of shakshuka, crunchy, crispy falafel, fried eggplant and cauliflower, lamb chops, and of course, tabule salad are all dishes served at these restaurants.
6 - Maha's Restaurant

An Egyptian brunch and lunch spot on Greenwood, this place does sandwiches like chicken with garlic sauce and grilled cheeses with dates and honey as well as legendary vegan lentil soup.
9 - Mustafa

Specializing in Turkish pizza, this spot in North York is decked out to look like you’re in a Turkish cave. Steaming plates of Iskender (flat strips of meat served with authentic bread) and Turkish pizzas with spiced ground beef or pepperoni are in high demand here.
11 - Little Sito

This Middle Eastern restaurant in Bloorcourt serves up elevated homestyle dinners and brunches on the weekends along with beer, wine and cocktails. The romantic atmosphere is perfecting for sharing a plate of mezze and a bottle.
5 - Byblos

This upscale spot in the Entertainment District is near impossible to get a reservation at on short notice, epically elegant sharing plates are artfully laden with perfect circles of labneh, tendrils of octopus, perfectly Frenched lamb chops and more jaw dropping creations.
8 - Takht-e Tavoos

This charming little restaurant at Dufferin and College holds early hours, but they do some of the cutest brunches ever with little sides of olives, feta, smoked salmon, and potatoes accompanying breakfasts of sunny eggs cooked over halloumi and garlic or spinach as well as sheep’s head and hooves soup.
10 - Anatolia

This Turkish restaurant in a little strip mall in Etobicoke will lure you in with their kebabs and dips, but will get you to stay with their special belly dancing nights.
7 - Paramount Fine Foods (Front)

By no means the most upscale of the bunch, but a far cry from your local Ali Baba’s decor-wise. This casual chain serves up simple Middle Eastern meals to stay or go, famous for their fresh made saj bread which is used to wrap chicken, beef or sujuk.

The Air Show thunders and roars across Toronto skies

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Once again Toronto's waterfront played host to the roar and buzz of the Canadian International Air Show over Labour Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer.

Featuring a selection of planes from Canada’s aviation history, current military jets, stunt pilots and utility and rescue aircraft, the 2017 offering had something for everyone.

air show toronto

RACAF CF-18 in its Canada 150 livery. Photo by Hamish Grant.

The always popular RCAF CF-18 started Saturday’s show, displaying this year’s dramatic Canada 150 livery as it tore across the sky in a dramatic display of maneuverability and power.

air show toronto

The Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team in flight over the GTA. Photo by Hamish Grant.

The Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team followed with a four-plane formation. I had the incredible pleasure of taking a media flight with the team on Friday morning out of Buttonville Airport (yes it’s still open!). 

air show toronto

Harvards in formation over downtown Toronto. Photo by Hamish Grant.

The expertise of the pilots was made obvious as I observed first-hand how close they fly together and how in sync they are as a team.  

toronto air show

Mike Wiskus blazes across the Toronto waterfront. Photo by Hamish Grant.

Perennial favourite stunt pilot Mike Wiskus returned for his 10th CIAS in his custom Lucas Oil Pitts Special biplane, delighting the crowd with maneuvres that seemed to defy the laws of physics.

toronto air show

The stealthy F-22 Raptor in action. Photo by Hamish Grant.

This year’s standout performer was the always impressive United States Air Force F-22 Raptor, one of the most agile fighter aircraft in the world. The maneuverability of the airframe is matched only by the stamina of the pilot!

toronto air show

Two generations of fighter jets side by side. Photo by Hamish Grant.

The F-22 also participated in a Heritage Flight with a P-51 Mustang.

toronto air show

Gordon Price's YAK-50 stunt plane. Photo by Hamish Grant.

Other performers included 75-year old Gordon Price and his YAK-50 stunt plane, a Beech Expeditor, the CH-146 Griffon helicopter and the “Stearman” Bi-Plane.  

toronto air show

The Snowbirds in formation above Toronto. Photo by Hamish Grant.

The show closed out with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, always a fan favourite for their precision and proudly Canadian attitude.

17 things to do in Toronto this week

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TIFF and its free Festival Street are only two of the major events happening this week in Toronto. There's also an east side street party, two more independent film fests, a few major pop concerts, and the brand new Toronto Fashion Week. 

Events you might want to check out:

Toronto Fashion Week (September 5 @ Toronto Fashion Week Tent on Yorkville Avenue)
Kick off Toronto Fashion Week with a conversation with world renowned designer, Jean Paul Gaultier. It's a panel discussion with special guest host Derek Blasberg, fashion writer and host of CNN Style.
Skate Girls of Kabul (September 5 - October 8 @ Aga Khan Park)
This free outdoor photography installation features portraits of the young girls of Skateistan — a non-profit organization empowering youth through skateboarding in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa.
The Bill Murray Day Fan Art Show (September 5-10 @ #Hashtag Gallery)
The Officially Unofficial Fan Art Show consists of a group of 10 artists celebrating a comic legend whose career has inspired countless fans.
CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (September 6-21 @ The Royal Theatre)
This is a festival with a street party celebrating the people and the beauty of the Caribbean. This year’s festival boasts 14 feature films and 30 short films from 18 countries.
Lady Gaga Joanne World Tour (September 6 @ Air Canada Centre)
The first night of Lady Gaga's sold-out Joanne tour takes a country twist, but still delivers all the pop hits. She'll be sticking around to premiere her documentary at TIFF afterwards. That is, assuming she gets over a bout of laryngitis she's battling.
Toronto International Film Festival 2017 (September 7-17 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
The return of the country's largest film festival has reached a fever pitch. The city feels electric with a huge list of world premieres, celebrities, and parties.
Festival Street 2017 (September 7-10 @ King Street from Peter Street to University Avenue)
This is a weekend of free concerts, an epic rap battle, film screenings, food trucks, virtual reality and giveaways, all along the main drag surrounded by red carpets and theatres.
Hard Twist Yarn (September 7 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Head up to the 3rd and 4th floor for the opening party of the Gladstone's cool show featuring textile-based art. Hard Twist 12 - Yarn challenges artists to spin a tale with thread, but without words.
Toronto Beaches Film Fest (September 7-9 @ Beach United Church - Community Complex )
This is a film festival that showcases movies about subjects this neighbourhood cares about such as issues in the developing world, activism against big companies, adventure, beach culture and surfing to name a few.
Veg Food Fest 2017 (September 8-10 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Admission is free to this vegetarian food fest down by the water with loads of food vendors and entertainment planned.
Taste of the Kingsway (September 8-10 @ Bloor Street West)
The Kingsway comes alive with midway rides, beer and wine gardens, live music, and samples upon samples of local food. This fest also features the largest dog show in Etobicoke.
The Weeknd Starboy Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour (September 9 @ Air Canada Centre)
The unstoppable pop star returns for the second round of the Starboy tour. Expect an updated stage show, even more hits, and probably a guest or two.
Cabbagetown Festival (September 9 @ Carlton and Parliament Streets)
One of the final outdoor street fests of the season takes over the entire neighbourhood with vendors, entertainment, art and way more.
World MBA Tour (September 9 @ Metro Toronto Convention Center)
The QS World MBA Tour brings you over 100 business schools under one roof. Meet face-to-face with admissions directors from the world’s top business schools, network, connect and apply for scholarships.
Toronto Bicycle Music Festival (September 10 @ Multiple Venues)
This is an annual series of free outdoor pedal-powered concerts taking place in and between our city's great community parks and streets. This year the shows happen between Trinity Bellwoods and Humber Bay Park West.
Lauryn Hill & Nas Tour (September 10 @ Budweiser Stage)
Comedian Hannibal Buress and reggae fixture Chronixx open for Miss Lauryn Hill and Nas on their joint North American tour.
El Bogo Fring's Warehouse (September 10 @ 17 Noble Street)
This is a Susur Lee-inspired outdoor food and fashion event thrown by Chef Grant Soto where terrible designer clothing is encouraged. There'll be a $4.99 barbecue menu from Smoke Signals and every item will be wrapped in Gucci ribbons.

Everyone hated the Toronto airport on the long weekend

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The headache was real this weekend at Pearson International, as travellers found themselves in the eye of the storm while union workers continue to strike.

Teamsters Local 419 have been on strike since late July but things got heated as more people tried to navigate the airport for the long weekend. There were huge traffic jams trying to enter the airport, long lineups inside, and general pandemonium. 

The strike began after Swissport, the agency that employs more than 700 people at the airport to provide essential functions like ramp duties and cabin cleaning, voted against the union's request for a change in employment contracts, including fair pay and benefits.

The result has been road blockages and flight delays lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Until labour negotiations are settled, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority has advised travellers to track their flight status online.

Win $350 worth of Purdys chocolate

The top 6 street festivals in Toronto this September

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Street Festivals in Toronto this September are kind of like those last kids in the door after the recess bell rings. It's the final few weeks of outdoor fun, and these pedestrian takeovers are not going out without a really good time.

Events you might want to check out:

Festival Street 2017 (September 7-10 @ King Street from Peter Street to University Avenue)
Festival Street is a weekend of free concerts, an epic rap battle, film screenings, food trucks, and giveaways along King St. West surrounded by red carpets during the first few days of TIFF.
Taste of the Kingsway (September 8-10 @ Bloor Street West)
The Kingsway comes alive with midway rides, beer and wine gardens, live performance, and samples upon samples of local food.
Cabbagetown Festival (September 9 @ Carlton and Parliament Streets)
This festival takes over the entire neighbourhood with a pub crawl, arts displays, films, a run, and a house tour. If you're looking to explore a cute east side hood, do so at this festival.
Toronto Ukrainian Festival 2017 (September 15-17 @ Bloor West Village )
North America's largest Ukrainian Festival happens in our very own city with three days of entertainment, music, dancing, vendors, community awareness and of course, food.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival 2017 (September 16 @ Roncesvalles Ave)
This massive celebration of Polish culture takes place along Roncesvalles Ave., which closes to car traffic and opens to humans taking in polka dances under the stars, various street performances, and a host of food vendors.
Pedestrian Sunday September (September 24 @ Kensington Market)
This is a full day of car-free fun, music, food vendors, performances, shopping and all kinds of street-side surprises. Take the afternoon and check out a dance party, a band, a food stand and more. 

The Toronto skyline was just turned into a giant light show

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Minimalism isn't the first word that comes to mind for most people when looking at the skyscrapers around King and Bay.

Architecture buffs, on the other hand, might understand why the words "LESS IS MORE OR" would be blasted across the TD Centre for most of Labour Day weekend.

You see, the first part of this aphorism is often associated with Mies van der Rohe, the celebrated modernist architect behind the Toronto Dominion Centre's cluster of sleek towers.

A post shared by Rob Shostak (@robonto) on

Canadian artist Aude Moreau channeled the late architect's catchphrase as part of a massive, illuminated skyscraper installation celebrating the TD Centre's 50th anniversary.

So, from Saturday until Monday, between sunset and sunrise, this is what downtown Toronto saw:

Calling it "the largest public art project of its kind undertaken anywhere in the world," organizers say that it took months of preparation, the cooperation of tenants across the complex, the help of five electrical contractors, and enough volunteers to open 6,000 window blinds across five massive skyscrapers.

People online have called it everything from "badass" to "whimsical," though there has been some confusion over why the word "or" appears after "less is more."

A post shared by 🕊 (@ascendsion) on

According to organizers, Moreau added the fourth word to invite viewers to "reconsider the values of openness and transparency in the modern world" and "to complicate the phrase, leaving it open to a multiplicity of viewpoints."

A post shared by Riley Szulc (@rileyszulc) on

Cool.

Get ready for major headaches on Toronto streetcar routes

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Toronto has TIFF fever with the festival set to launch in two days, but the excitement doesn't come without sacrifice, this time at the expense of the King St. commuter.

Starting September 7, the 504 King Street streetcar will be diverting from its route north to Queen Street both ways between Spadina Avenue and York Street, where there will be no service during the festival.

This will mark the third year that the stretch of King between York and Spadina has been turned into Festival Street, a vehicle-free, pedestrian-friendly area that hosts food trucks, vendors, games, activities and plenty of celeb-spotting opportunities.

The TTC has expressed dismay over the closure, claiming it's a huge pain for riders on one of the city's busiest routes, but if it's the choice between potentially catching a glimpse of Jake Gyllenhaal or a slower commute, you can kind of see both sides of the argument.

The detour will also affect the 514 Cherry, 504 King Street express bus and the 304 King Street night route, just until September 10.

To add to our collective commuting woes, the intersection of Queen and Coxwell has just been shut down to track reconstruction work that'll take much of September. This too will see a slew of streetcar and bus routes on divert throughout the closure.

On a partially good note, the 501 Queen Street streetcar is back in service between Conaught and Roncesvalles

Casa Loma is about to be transformed into a huge haunted house

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Casa Loma — Toronto's newest spot for massive steak dinners and pop art featuring Prince — will be transformed into a giant haunted house in time for Halloween this year.

The century-old castle is set to host Legends of Horror in what has become a yearly tradition of bringing a ghoulish feel to the glamorous old mansion.

casa loma haunted

The scene at Legends of Horror last year. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Many areas of Casa Loma will open for spooking during the almost two kilometre walk through the castle and grounds. Starting in the lavish gardens and moving through the bowels of the building, it will showcase the secret chambers normally closed to the public.  

Legends of Horror brings a more theatrical experience to the already inherent eeriness of the mansion, which already boasts several colourful ghost stories like the legend of the The White Lady who roams about or the one about how Sir and Lady Pellatt still kick it around their castle.

This year's event will begin September 29th through to October 31st, with updated ticket pricing to come in the days ahead.

Toronto's worst escalator is finally going to be fixed for good

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Merry TIFF-mas to your legs!

After years of gracefully stepping aside to let Hollywood use our streets, theatres and restaurants each September, Toronto is finally getting something in return (ya know, on top of the millions and millions in tourism dollars.)

Cineplex has confirmed ahead of this year's Toronto International Film Festival that the Scotiabank Theatre will have operational escalators once again "within the next few days."

This means that the era of hiking up five storeys to sit down for two hours is coming to an end – and it can't come fast enough for regular patrons of the John and Richmond theatre.

The nearly 20 year old escalators have been breaking down periodically since at least 2013, forcing locals to hoof it up 75 stairs and get sweaty when they least expect it (like during movie dates — gross.)

Last year's film festival brought the escalator situation to a head, however, when international film critics and executives started griping about the steps on Twitter. A lot of them. Enough to warrant an article in The Hollywood Reporter. Enough, apparently, to make Cineplex fix the problem in time for TIFF 2017.

Metro reports that film-goers will be able to ride up and down the escalators at Scotiabank theatre by Sept. 7, at the latest. One is newly installed, while the other is still under repair. 

Cineplex hopes to have the second new escalator running permanently by Spring 2018, but there won't be any construction on it during TIFF – probably to prevent the kind of outrage and mockery we saw from rich Californians last year.

Toronto bars will be open until 4am this week

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TIFF is back and with it last call has been extended all over the city. As always, the concentration of restaurants and bars serving until 4 a.m. is concentrated in the vicinity of the Lightbox, but there's a few options outside the central area as well. 

Here are the bars with 4 a.m. extended last call for TIFF this year.

This represents establishments approved to serve until 4 a.m. during TIFF 2017 by the AGCO. They don't have to exercise that right on each night, so it's always best to called ahead to confirm.

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