The best sneakers in Toronto can be found at stores that pride themselves on a wide selection of brands and a range of fashionable or styles. Comfort is key when it comes to the versatile and practical sneaker, but in a city that prides itself on its streetwear and athleisure we revere the timeless wardrobe staples that are the humble kicks.

Here's where to find the best sneakers in Toronto.

The black SUVs are back in action on Toronto's streets this week after nearly four whole days of (relatively) decent post-TIFF traffic– and this time, they've got the cops on their side.

And by their side. And probably inside, too.

Prince Harry motorcade closing down the Gardiner #PrinceHarry#Toronto#InvictusGamesTorontopic.twitter.com/MCJJlCuc50

— Chris McElhinney (@CMcElhinney) September 24, 2017

Prince Harry, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were all in town this weekend for the Invictus Games, which kicked off Saturday and will continue through to Sept. 30.

A post shared by Nicky Splinta (@thesplintabulouslife) on Sep 25, 2017 at 5:59am PDT

Torontonians have been sharing excitement over the arrival of these dignitaries – especially that of the handsome prince – for weeks. 

The excitement peaked on Saturday as Harry made his way around the city for various appearances and meetings, including a visit to CAMH and sit-downs with Gov. Gen. David Johnson and Trudeau.

Gently cut of by Prince Harry’s motorcade. As, you know, happens from time to time.

— 🇨🇦ynoT🇨🇦 (@CrtvPrdx) September 25, 2017

And then it dropped off a cliff – at least for all the motorists stuck in traffic.

Massive, police-escorted convoys for Harry, Trump and other dignitaries have been making it difficult to get around Toronto since Saturday morning.

At least 20 cars and black SUVs were seen escorting the First Lady from Pearson Airport on Saturday morning, almost all of them with flashing lights and surrounding by police motorcycles.

Police officers shut down major traffic routes running through the downtown core all day, of and on, for motorcades like this to pass through. 

@CityNews#PrinceHarry#Toronto#InvictusGames motorcade under the Gardner pic.twitter.com/NEcNZ7k6XC

— WarningU2 (@WarningU2) September 22, 2017

Some people were thrilled to catch a glimpse of royalty as Harry's convoy whizzed past (even though the windows were closed and they couldn't see him.)

When you're walking in front of The Ritz, a giant motorcade shows up and you realise you're walking by Prince Harry. #InvictusGames#Toronto

— Emma Badame (@pollyprissypant) September 23, 2017

Others were annoyed when police unexpectedly stopped traffic for dozens of guarded vehicles to zoom through the core.

When Prince Harry's convoy zooms by you with a police escort and you are just sitting in Toronto traffic 😐

— AyCarumba (@bartyboyronde) September 24, 2017

"Prince Harry's motorcade has thundered by me twice in one day," tweeted one person in Toronto. "Enough already."

"Are the invictus games that big of a pull that the entire city of Toronto is in a traffic jam?" wrote another shortly before noon on Saturday.

apparently the GO buses were delayed bc of prince harry's motorcade escort ugh

— monica (✿◡‿◡) (@monicapro_) September 24, 2017

Contrasted against Trump, however, the crowds seemed far more forgiving of Harry, who founded The Games for sick and wounded soldiers in 2014.

@FLOTUS had a meeting #PrinceHarry in Toronto. She had 15 SUV's in her motorcade. She sat in one waving to media. What a waste of resources!

— Iris Collier (@IrisRCollier) September 23, 2017

For their part, Toronto Police have been issuing releases every day of The Games so far to advise the public about "travelling in Toronto" – which appears to be a roundabout way of saying "road closures in Toronto."

They've also been as congenial as possible to citizens. Some officers even stopped to take a photo with a wedding party when they weren't escorting the prince.

In between moves members of Prince Harry's motorcade team joined a wedding party.

Congratulations!! pic.twitter.com/rYY2SBNn22

— TPSMotorSquad (@TPSMotorSquad) September 23, 2017

The police listed about 10 different restrictions or complete closures for Saturday, including parts of Queen Street West, York Street, Bay Street, Adelaide Street, Front Street, Lake Shore Boulevard and Richmond Street. 

"Members of the public travelling to and around these locations should plan ahead and consider taking public transit," reads the release. "Please note the closure times are flexible. Should events go longer than anticipated, road closures will be in effect until necessary."

It's getting easier and easier to identify exactly where in Toronto Drake is living right now.

The rap superstar posted yet another photo of his beautiful temporary residence on Instagram early Monday morning. In this one, he and record producer friend Noah Shebib (better known as 40) look out over the sun-splashed Toronto islands from a floor-to-ceiling corner window.

They can see Lake Ontario, the main runway at Billy Bishop Airport, and many glass buildings in the downtown core. Drake wears a "revenge" jacket from his own merch line from last year's Summer Sixteen tour.

This is the fifth image we've seen on @champagnepapi's Instagram showing off the condo's splendid views – and that's not even counting his Instagram Stories.

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Sep 10, 2017 at 7:20pm PDT

Either Drake wants to come home to a mob of screaming fans outside his lobby, or he just really wants to show the world how beautiful our city looks from up high.

If the latter if true, he's doing a good job of it. If the former is true, fans need to move fast.

Drake posted a photo of himself over the weekend with Ferris Rafauli, the architect and designer behind his forthcoming Toronto mega-mansion, with the caption "Congrats @ferrisrafauli on a masterpiece for you and yours. My turn now."

Judging by his Instagram stories, the rapper's new Bridle Path home is finished (or just about there,) which means he'll likely be moving soon. 

We'll keep you posted on what his views look like from there – but can almost certainly say they won't include the CN Tower... unless Drake installs one himself.

This weekend was a scorcher in Toronto. Despite it now being fall, a major heatwave came in and gave Toronto the summer that never happened.

Some of us took on the heat, and spent the weekend at various events outside or at the beach. Others opted for an air conditioned approach, and attended one of the many events indoors around the city.

Here’s how Toronto spent the hottest weekend of year.

A post shared by @sshanly on Sep 25, 2017 at 5:37am PDT

After a summer of flooding and closed beaches, the city was finally able to take advantage of the weather and hang out by the waves. Plenty made their way to Woodbine, Key and Balmy beaches in The Beaches while big crowds took the ferry to swim at Hanlan's.

A post shared by Amy Jacks (@amy_jacks) on Sep 24, 2017 at 6:27pm PDT

Back on the mainland, many reveled in the excitement of the Invictus Games, taking in the track and field at York University and free wheelchair tennis competitions at the courts recently installed at Nathan Phillips Square.

A post shared by Michelle (@finnspirit) on Sep 25, 2017 at 9:52am PDT

All eyes were also on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, First Lady Melania Trump and Prince Harry who are in town for the Games and took in the opening ceremony at the ACC.

A post shared by FinallySomeGoodNews (@finallysomegoodnews) on Sep 24, 2017 at 3:53pm PDT

The closing ceremonies are this coming Saturday, and will feature performances from Bryan Adams, Kelly Clarkson, Bruce Springsteen, and more.

A post shared by Personal Blog (@above_and_beyondbymel) on Sep 25, 2017 at 3:36am PDT

It was also the final weekend of the month which meant Kensington Market was hosting its monthly car-free Pedestrian Sundays street festival. Crowds flocked to Augusta, Baldwin and Kensington Avenue for tacos, churro ice cream cones and free street performances.

A post shared by Movement_Culture (@movement_culture_people) on Sep 25, 2017 at 7:01am PDT

Comedy lovers took in the busiest week of the year at the annual Just For Laughs festival. Headliner Ali Wong thanked all the Asian women for coming and bringing their white husbands. JFL42 continues through this weekend.

A post shared by Jane (@janeleeow) on Sep 24, 2017 at 7:14pm PDT

Rap took over the Port Lands during the Sundown Music Festival hosted by the Ryerson Student Union. There was no surprise Drake appearance but music fans still got to celebrate the beginning of the school year with big names like Miguel and Joey Bada$$.

A post shared by @d_d_mau on Sep 23, 2017 at 6:04pm PDT

The inaugural Sterling Road Block Party helped attendees cool off with a couple cold ones from Henderson Brewing Co. while taking in art installations, music, and food from The Drake Commissary.

A post shared by Henderson Brewing Company (@hendersonbrewing) on Sep 24, 2017 at 11:56am PDT

More art was on display at the Queen West Art Crawl at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Local artists showcased their work to art-lovers and passerby hung out in the park and contemplated lining up for goth ice cream across the street.

A post shared by Tim Donaghey (@a.traves.de.mis.ojos) on Sep 24, 2017 at 4:47pm PDT

Local Etsy vendors also made an appearance this weekend at the Made in Canada event in the air conditioned MARS building. These events provide a great opportunity for online vendors to showcase jewellery, papercrafts, clothing and other products in a physical space.

A post shared by Lily Kao Design (@lilykaodesign) on Sep 23, 2017 at 6:49pm PDT

The most courageous of us ventured to the Wychwood Barns in the heat for piping hot soup at the Soupalicious festival. Jennifer Clark, one of the many local vendors in attendance served up her Spicy Coconut Lentil soup. 

A post shared by Jennifer Clark (Soup Girl) (@localsoupgirl) on Sep 24, 2017 at 10:29am PDT

This weekend also hosted several big name concerts. At Massey Hall, Feist played to a sold out audience.

 

A post shared by Mikhail Whale (@mikhailwhale) on Sep 25, 2017 at 7:16am PDT

Those seeking a less chill vibe took in the The Crystal Method at the Pheonix Concert Theatre Friday night.

A post shared by THE CRYSTAL METHOD (@thecrystalmethod) on Sep 23, 2017 at 5:19pm PDT

The always popular Word on the Street Festival also made its annual appearance this Sunday. Authors and poets like Kateri Jane Lintier chatted with literature lovers who braved the heat to come down to Toronto's waterfront.  

A post shared by Kateri Jane Lanthier (@katerijanelanthier) on Sep 25, 2017 at 8:26am PDT

While there many chose to check out Toronto's newest public space, the Toronto Book Garden, which opened to the public on Sunday.

A post shared by Andrew Lai 🐢 (@andrewtheturtle) on Sep 24, 2017 at 10:57am PDT

Mickey Mouse has come to the 6ix, and he brought a big balloon.

The hotly-anticipated EDIT festival– aka the Expo for Design, Innovation and Technology – kicks off Wednesday at the old Unilever Detergent Factory near Toronto's Port Lands.

Ahead of the 10-day-long festival, Mickey Mouse and his iconic hot air balloon just arrived at the event site to celebrate the winners of an OCAD-wide competition challenging students to envision a sustainable, eco-friendly version of Mickey's home.

"Mickey Mouse home of the future' is a fully functional shipping container home that captures the magical essence of the most beloved Disney character of all time," reads a release for the event. "Mickey’s new sustainable home will be on-site at EDIT out front of the factory and available for guests to tour."

Mickey's hot air balloon will be inflated today and Tuesday, prior to the expo's opening, so keep an eye out this week – you may just be able to catch a giant mouse floating through your neighbourhood's skies.

Looking to spruce up your pad? You're in luck. We've teamed up with Toronto's newest custom design shop Hart & Hive to give one lucky reader a chance to score a gift card to be used towards their design services.

Check out all the contest details here.

Toronto's newest super park just got some semi-permanent, stone-based residents of the creepy but cool variety.

A post shared by Renee Tratch - Toronto Writer (@kidsinto) on Sep 22, 2017 at 4:12am PDT

Saturday marked the launch of the Don River Valley Park Art Program – a curated series of temporary public artworks taking place along the Don River."

A post shared by Phil B (@p.bzuk) on Sep 24, 2017 at 6:23pm PDT

Artist Duane Linklater was tapped to initiate the program with his 14-piece cast concrete sculpture series Monsters for Beauty, Permanence and Individuality.

A post shared by Bruce Reeve (@brucekreeve) on Sep 24, 2017 at 8:33am PDT

Linklater's "monsters" are actually cast replicas of gargoyles that adorn prominent buildings around the city. They're meant to inspire reflection upon Toronto’s history in terms of development, settlement, and changes made to our natural environment.

A post shared by Sonya D (@theculturepearl) on Sep 25, 2017 at 5:21am PDT

"The gargoyle as an icon communicates power and authority; it is a protector of a certain kind of colonial space," reads the project's description. 

"Linklater’s gargoyle sculptures focus attention on the Lower Don’s role in Toronto’s industrialization, while sparking a larger conversation regarding ongoing Indigenous and colonial occupation of the city."

A post shared by rebecca carbin (@iheartyourworkartfutures) on Sep 23, 2017 at 7:46pm PDT

The sculptures are part of a long-term installation, according to the park's website, so don't worry if you've only seen pictures online.

A post shared by Alex Bozikovic (@alexbozikovic) on Sep 24, 2017 at 9:47am PDT

You've got some time to take your own. The monsters await you by The Don.

Many of us know finding an apartment in Toronto can be a nightmare already. Now, a new report suggests that it’s going to be even harder if the provincial government doesn’t step in.

The report, by the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario, shows at least 1,000 rental units were converted to condos over the past six months.

In the report, the FRPO says this is a result of the province's new rent control policies. These policies limit the amount your rent can be increased to the rate of inflation.

Because of this limitation, developers are choosing to build condos rather than apartment units, or converting those already in development to condos.

Prior to these rent control policies being put into place, the CBC reported that many groups were warning demand would exceed supply. One of the groups giving this warning was the FRPO, who has now issued this report.

At that time, rental control policies were in place already. However, they only applied to buildings built prior to 1991. This was referred to as the “1991 loophole.” Any building constructed after 1991 was fair-game for rent hikes.

The report also states that the government must enact sweeping new policies to ensure the amount of available apartments doesn't fall to critical levels. Their recommendations include a policy for developers to add at least 6,250 new units in Ontario every year for the next ten years.

At the moment, there are currently 28,000 purpose-built rental units in development, according to the Globe & Mail.

While rent control policies are a dream come true for renters, it seems they may start to make life a nightmare for people trying to find an apartment.

Nuit Blanche 2017 in Toronto might once again lack the corporate backing its enjoyed in the past, but the curators have embraced this situation with programming that celebrates the revolutionary spirit and fierce independence that often accompanies artistic creation. This is the year that Nuit Blanche commemorates protest as an art form.

Here are my picks for must-see exhibits at Nuit Blanche 2017.

Zone: Monument to the Century of Revolutions

The Village Print Shop

This interactive exhibit by the Justseeds Artists' Collective takes place in one of the many shipping containers stacked in Nathan Phillips Square. A makeshift silk screen studio will be used to create banners, t-shirts, and posters that can be pasted around the city or taken home as souvenirs. 

Monument to (Im)mobilization

Tings Chak uses a 1:1 scale installation to represent a maximum security prison cell. The space explores audio, textual artifacts and physical space to incite oppression and immobilization. 

Toronto Through Sound

LAL's sound installation highlights the unknown and disappearing histories of Toronto's neighbourhoods in a 10 minute soundscape. Neighbourhoods include Chinatown,  Little Italy, Little Bangladesh and Kensington Market, to name just a few.

Zone: Taking to the Streets

Automobile

You'll hear this sound installation before you see it, as a series of cars pump out bass-heavy music on powerful interconnected sound systems orchestrated by Joe Namy under the Wellesley Street Bridge at Queens Park. Expect this one to be a popular stop over the course of the night.

Dream Variations

For an entirely different experience, head to U of T's Faculty of Music for Abbas Akhavan and Kristina Lee Podesva's invitation to take a bit of respite on cots laid out throughout the building. The pillows and coverings have been prepared by newcomer women in collaboration with the Toronto-based chapter of Mes Amis Canada / Darzee.

Won't Back Down

This all-night performance features artists, activists, and rotating live DJ sets at Queens Park atop a flatbed truck. Inspired by the March 26, 2016 Black Lives Matter events at Toronto Police Headquarters, this series of performances celebrates activism, community bonds, and reanimates lost histories.  

Zone: Life on Neebahgeezis

Serpent People

Through the power of storytelling, Aanmitaagzi Company uses a series of sculptural installations, theatrical performances, and a 15-foot puppet to explore our relationship with consumption.

Laxa'ine' gigukwdzikasi' gigukwas Hayaliligase', The Many Large Houses of the Ghosts

Marianne Nicolson's ghost stories recall the supernatural spirit world.  Her animated projection on the clock tower at Old City Hall exposes the haunting of institutional buildings as symbolic of Toronto's (and the nation's) history.  

Zone: Calculating Upon the Unforeseen

Embassy

Exploring the peculiar cultural and geographic dynamics of the embassy as a home in another home, this makeshift structure built by Cedric Bomford and Verena Kaminiarz is meant to represent a perpetual state of becoming, where viewers must actively imagine its completion as a political and social project akin to our own political ideologies.

Forest

The AGO's Walker Court comes to life for Nuit Blanche with Will Kwan's interactive performance piece that involves the use of a "human microphone" through which participants will amplify a series of messages and stories related to the passage of time.

Special Projects

Truth 

Brian Leitch aka KWEST, uses recycled clothing and textiles from H&M to create an artistic piece. The garments become a symbol of the ways in which people and things are rejected or thrown away. Expect a wild scene at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Major Institutions

EDIT: Prosperity for All

Quite possibly the most intriguing venue for Nuit Blanche this takes place in collaboration with the EDIT Festival at the old Unilever soap factory at East Harbour. You can explore the first floor of the old industrial site with an installation that imagines a future world.

Meeting - Place

Artscape Youngplace is turned into an immersive gallery for Nuit Blanche this year with a series of exhibits organized around the theme of communal experience. This could be a prime place to stop in the event that you need to warm up or dry off as it's all indoors.

Fly By Night

It's going to be party central at the Gladstone Hotel during Nuit Blanche, but even better, the second floor studios will play host to a series of installations and exhibits by Nicole Beno, Tori Fleming , Joel Ong, Elizabeth Milton, Whyishnave Suthagar, and Yifat Shaik.

Independent Projects

STARscape

Experience a world surrounded by endless stars! Stretching across an alleyway on Camden Street, F_RM lab digitally generates stars on an undulating canopy. Audiences are placed between two worlds: fantasy and the stark reality of a light polluted sky. 

Warm Up To Me

This sound and visual installation provides personal narratives of residents from six Toronto neighbourhoods. Warm Up To Me Collective explores people's memories of place and how stories can connect each one of us both locally and globally. 

Layered Cities 

Want to create your own unique visual experience of life in the city?  Immerse yourself in the layers of images in this new media installation by Anne Hanrahan, a maze-like configuration that shifts with each audience's movement through the space. 

X,Y, and Zed

Eight boxes reveal the individual experiences of eight Glory Hole Gallery artists. Look through the holes to see the world from a different perspective. 

Speculating in Futures

Visit the lawn of a century-old high school where you'll be surrounded by tarot cards, fortune-tellers, and popular activities like the Japanese gambling game "pachinko." This unique installation by visual arts students at UTS uses icons of "luck," "fortune," and "determination" as allegories of migration and settlement. 

Special Events

Hendrick’s Gin Hot Air Balloon

For the best perspective on all the action taking place at Nuit Blanche this year, the Hendrick's Hot Air Balloon will be the place to be. Hovering at almost 45 feet above Nathan Phillips Square and covered in cucumber-themed art, this is will be a spectacle worthy of Nuit Blanche.

You'll have to apply for a chance to get on the balloon, which you can do on the website or by visiting the following restaurants and bars: Alo, Civil Liberties, Pure Spirits Oyster House, Pinkerton's Snack Bar, Cluny, Cocktail Bar, DaiLo, Pretty Ugly, and Patois.

After a summer of floods, cold temperatures, and terrible weather, a series of warmer weeks (and a sweltering weekend) are getting people out of the city and flocking to the Toronto Islands.

As reports came in showing Sunday would be the first day of 2017 under an extreme heat warning, a trip to the island started to look more and more appealing.

The Parks, Forestry, and Recreation department says the Toronto Island Ferry had 26,536 passengers visit the Island. This is staggeringly high compared to the five-year historic average of 9,870 for the same weekend.

With crowds appearing on the beaches and around the islands, businesses are rejoicing.

A post shared by † c a s s i e † (@cassholesink) on Sep 23, 2017 at 2:08pm PDT

“Usually this time of year, we’re serving chili to people wearing sweaters,” Maura McIntyre, co-owner of the Island Cafe, says, “but instead, we’re selling Piña Colada slushies.”

She says the traffic has been “crazy,” especially compared to earlier months when the weather was terrible and the Islands were closed.

“It feels like July,” McIntyre laughs, “but in July, it was raining. It’s backwards this year.”

A post shared by Kristin (@skinnybitchp) on Sep 24, 2017 at 6:41pm PDT

Linda Rosenbaum co-operates the newly-opened walking tour on the island, Walk Ward’s Island.

She says this year was “a crazy time to open a business on the Island because it was closed for two months,” but that, “people have been flocking to us once we started up in August.”

Rosenbaum said in May that the walking tour business would be put on hold due to the flooding and closure of the Island. However, things are going well with the reopening and the nice weather.

Beach weather on the #TorontoIslands despite the sandbags from flooding still in place pic.twitter.com/rsEimuRSwD

— Mark McAllister (@McAllister_Mark) September 24, 2017

"Traffic back to the Island was slow when the park reopened," Rosenbaum explains, "and it steadily increased over August and September. But the biggest increase came with this hot weather."

She says businesses like hers are extremely happy that the summer has finally arrived.

A post shared by Gregory Guillaumond (@gregoryguillaumond) on Sep 24, 2017 at 6:10pm PDT

If you’d like to take advantage of the sunny weather with your own trip to the Islands, it’s best to go soon. Later this week, Environment Canada is expecting a cold front to sweep in and cool things off again.

Attention all shoppers: You can bring your dogs to the Indigo store at Bay and Bloor, but you might get some side-eye for it.

A Facebook comment war has broken out this week under a post from the Indigo, Chapters and Coles brand page.

The post in question, published yesterday, features a photo of one woman and two dogs with the caption "I came to Indigo this weekend because I was downtown and I wanted to hang out. I love reading but also love spending time with my dogs, and Indigo is a place that allows me to enjoy both of these activities."

It's long been known that the Indigo at Bay and Bloor (and many Chapters / Indigo stores) is cool with canines coming in. Dog-owners have raved about this in the past. Dog-haters have conversely expressed their discontent with the policy.

Indigo's contentious photo of a young woman with two poodles seems to have brought the matter to many new eyeballs, however, and more than 100 people have now weighed in with their thoughts in just 24 hours – because Facebook. 

"This gives a clear message to those of us with allergies: Your health doesn't matter," reads the top comment on the post. "Indulging people who cant leave their dogs at home matters more."

"This is where I get so frustrated with society," wrote another top-voted commenter. "Unless it is a legitimate service dog it does not need to go with you places. People need to realize that animals do not belong everywhere."

If you've seen the pet-filled hashtag Indigo promoted with this post – #IndigoWeekend – you can probably guess what happened next.

A post shared by Annie D (@a_demill) on Sep 18, 2017 at 4:10pm PDT

Team doggo argues that perhaps the nay-sayers are overreacting a bit. Some are comparing dogs to children, saying that if customers must put up with screaming kids, they should be allowed to bring their pooches.

"All everyone does is complain about nonesense," writes one. "Stop being so damn sensitive. One company allows dogs, just don't stop there and shop online."

"Why must people make a negative out of a positive?" asked another. "My mom always said if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. Leave the girl alone people."

Allergy sufferers seem to be winning the fight, if top-rated comments are a barometer of success. The volume of comments in support of dogs at Indigo is higher, however.

And then there is the contingent of people who don't seem to understand the issue very well.

"Are there no rules whatsoever regarding this policy?," asked one woman. "What about a horse? Can I bring a horse in? A goat? A chicken?"

As Toronto condos get taller and taller, their views tend to get better and better. But even some developments that don't tower 40+ storeys high offer stunning vistas these days thanks to the expansion of condo development onto prime sites outside of the core. 

Here are some new condos in Toronto with the most stunning views.

The One

On track to be Toronto's tallest condo tower when it's complete in 2020, the One will offer unparalleled view of the city. Because the retail component will be housed on the bottom half of the development, even those with units on the bottom portion of the condo will already be high enough to have sweeping panoramas of Toronto.

Daniels Waterfront

Both the east and west Lighthouse towers in Daniels' City of the Arts development will offer the ideal combination of lake and skyline views. Depending on the unit, you might have a view of both the inner harbour and the CN Tower or eastern section of the city as it spreads out to the Scarborough Bluffs. 

Vita on the Lake

This condo will look like a giant at Humber Bay Shores when it's built up to its 53 storey height. Two sides of the building will offer stunning harbour and skyline views, while a third will have a view of the western lakefront. The northwest-facing side won't be quite as money, but it won't be blocked by other condos.

Auberge on the Park

Not every desirable view in this city relies upon proximity to the lake. On the contrary, hovering above our magnificent ravine system is also highly attractive. Such is the case at Auberge on the Park, which is set to rise on the site of the old Inn on the Park, which was built here because of its lush location in the first place. 

Zen King West

Sometimes the best views are ensured not by the height of the building, but by its fortuitous location. Zen King West will only reach 32 storeys, but being located right atop the railway lands ensures a direct view across Fort York and onto the skyline. Better still, it should be protected from incursion for the long haul. 

Both the Invictus Games and JFL42 continue this week with big events and stand up comedy shows (respectively) in venues all over the city. If you're looking for less spectacle, there's also the new d'bi.young anitafrika play and the Nick Murphy concert.

Toronto's hot, hazy weather is breaking records (and spirits) this week as an extreme heat alert remains in place throughout the city.

Thermometers rose to a high of 31.5 degrees Celsius yesterday, marking the highest temperature seen on a Sept. 25th in Toronto since 1891 – 126 years ago. At that time, the record high was set at 31.3 degrees Celsius.

This is slightly cooler than what we experienced on Sunday, but still insanely hot for a late September day in Canada's largest city.

"Sweater weather is still on hold across southern Ontario," wrote The Weather Network on Tuesday morning, "as high pressure continues to dominate the region, pulling sultry temperatures and humidity up from the southern U.S."

Environment Canada says that hot and humid conditions will continue today, with daytime temperatures reaching the low thirties and humidex values approaching forty. 

Fortunately for those of you looking to bust out your fall wardrobes (and you know, breathe comfortably outside,) a cold front is expected to move across the region on Wednesday. This should bringing cooler, slightly more-seasonal temperatures to Toronto by Thursday.
 

Free things to do in October have a lot to do with Halloween, including the annual Night of Dread parade. But that's not all, there's an annual exhibit of mind blowing photography, the year's biggest Zine fair and the final Pedestrian Sunday of the year. 

Toronto's first-ever EDIT Festival takes over the old Lever Ponds Detergent Factory at the bottom of the DVP for 10 days starting this Thursday. It's undoubtedly the city's most ambitious new festival and one you really don't want to miss.

Running from September 28 to October 8, the Expo for Design, Innovation & Technology promises to be a futuristic playground that will not only allow us to explore a unique Toronto space but will be a whirlwind of 50 exhibits, 125 speakers and 40 workshops.

It's 10 days of imagining the world as a better place, and here's what you need to know about it. 

The Factory

The abandoned soap factory has been closed for eight years, but teams of people have come together to transform four floors of the old Unilever building into a fully functioning and safe event space able to handle 100,000 visitors.

Tickets

There are a variety of ways to take in EDIT, so it's kind of a like a choose your own adventure. There's a single day pass for every day at $15 ($10 for students), which gets you in and around the factory and some talks and exhibits. The Multi-day pass starts at $39 and gets you unlimited visits for the entire fest. Parking passes are $20 per day. 

Big name guests

Bruce Mau, David Suzuki, Richard Florida, Emily Haines, Iam Campeau of a Tribe Called Red, and punk queen Odile Decq are just some of the speakers who will talk about various social, environmental and global issues. There are talks about all kinds of topics happening every day. 

Opening night party

The event that will kick the festival into high gear happens September 28 and tickets for the big night are $85. The party is basically a sneak preview of what’s to come and will allow everyone to explore the space.  There'll also be food, drinks and live shows. 

Exhibits

There are too many noteworthy exhibits to list here, but some of the standouts are the massive Prosperity for All photo exhibit, the Spectra interactive light show, a drone zone and the futuristic Mickey Mouse house.

Food

Food plays a significant role in the festival with the Bug Snacks food day and celeb chef Bob Blumer's free Feeding the 5000 event on October 8. There'll also be a beer garden out front from Ace Hill and Food Dudes truck for replenishment. Fast Company will also be here talking about the Future of Food.

The EDIT Festival runs from September 28 to October 8.

Toronto can’t get enough of pop-ups, and the latest is a restaurant by celeb chef Gordon Ramsay in partnership with Montreal’s Antonio Park of Park Restaurant and Matty Matheson of Parts & Labour, as well as American Express.

Both Ramsay and Park have made television appearances judging cooking competitions Masterchef and Chopped Canada respectively.

The space takes over the former Zimmerman's Freshmart grocery store at 241 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market.

The space has been totally transformed from a musty shuttered store to a sparkling new restaurant and speakeasy called Cobalt Social.

The pop-up restaurant  opens tomorrow. For your chance to snag a seat at the exclusive Cobalt Social just click here.

There's limited seating each night at Cobalt Social so reservations are first come, first serve.

Toronto may be experiencing a record breaking heat wave right now, but the city's real estate market remains cool.

Numbers from the Canadian Real Estate Association indicate an aggregate price drop across the country compared to last month. It's a mere 0.77 per cent, but it marks the third month in a row of decline, which hasn't happened since 2012. 

Toronto's real estate market has seen the biggest drop, however, with composite benchmark prices hitting $755,400 in August, down 2.28 percent from July, and a further 7.48 per cent over the previous three months.

Prices are still up over 14 percent on a year over year basis, which only dramatizes the stark contrast between the housing market today and the soaring gains that were made at the outset of the year.

Toronto's real estate market has witnessed noticeable decline, with prices of detached homes falling below the $1 million mark and the number of condos sold down by as much as 31.2% since April.

Given the hot streak the Toronto market was on, these figures might suggest a return to normalcy. The CREA forecast notes that the market has shown signs of stabilizing and might reach an equilibrium in the coming months.  

The legend of Toronto's most entertaininggrocery store chain continues this week with the discovery that deodorant is now under surveillance at a No Frills location near St. Clair West.

Jill Rosenberg broke the news on Instagram yesterday, writing "Good to know they are watching anyone tempted to test out the deodorant on their pits at the local No Frills."

Her photo shows a piece of paper, taped loosely to a metal pole near some toothbrushes and Polident, that reads "All deodorants are under surveillance."

Rosenberg says she spotted the sign at Freddie's No Frills on Alberta Ave., right off St. Clair Street between Dufferin and Christie.

Good to know they are watching anyone tempted to test out the deodorant on their pits at the local No Frills #eww #gross #weirdtoronto

A post shared by Jill Rosenberg (@marsgirl66) on Sep 25, 2017 at 1:00pm PDT

"I just moved back to Toronto after living in Dubai for 6 years," she explains. "So I have my eye open for local things that are quirky and absurd."

Quirky as it may be, signs like this don't generally get printed up with the sole intention of amusing grocery store customers.

Toronto is, after all, living through an unprecedented late-September heat wave, and deodorant is humanity's first defence in the fight against smelling sweaty.

Rosenberg theorized in the Weird Toronto Facebook group that people must be testing out deodorant right there in the aisles for management to install a security cam.

Others who commented on the photo suggest that the culprits are shoplifters or employees who work when the store is closed and "use a different stick every night."

Customer service representatives at No Frills were unable to comment on the matter by phone, nor could they provide us with a direct number to the store in question. 

We don't even know for sure that the deodorant is under surveillance at this point – only that customers are being warned about it.

Either way, it's probably safe to refrain from doing weird stuff in the deodorant aisle at Freddie's No Frills right now. Or ever. 

Arts and culture hubs like 401 Richmond in Toronto got some very good news today. The province announced its intention to create a new property tax category that will result in a huge tax reduction for buildings of this kind, thereby saving both the owners and tenants the agony of having to foot unrealistic bills.

After taking heat for its failure to prevent huge property tax spikes, the city is actively working to protect small businesses, heritage sites, and spaces like 401 Richmond that are a bit of both.

Councillor Joe Cressy and MPP Han Dong said the province and city will create a unique tax classification for spaces like 401 Richmond in the tax code so that they have a legitimate shot at long term viability in a city with land values as high as Toronto.

The Ontario government is prepared to develop a new tax class for heritage properties, including 401 Richmond! 💪

— Han Dong (@HanDongOntario) September 26, 2017

The site is a massive industrial complex-turned-arts centre that houses over 140 artists, shops, and galleries, and has become a valuable asset to Toronto's arts community.

Some actual good Toronto real estate news?! @401Richmond will stay! https://t.co/ykTITxtZo0pic.twitter.com/3EGc8AiLRx

— Jillian Tamaki (@dirtbagg) September 26, 2017

Just a few months ago the fate of the hub was uncertain after the property taxes became unmanageable.

The increase in taxes witnessed a jump from from $520,280 in 2013 to $846,210.73 this year, which threatened the livelihood of the space. 

The community rallied behind the heritage site and created an online petition in an attempt to save the space.

This year's Nuit Blanche theme of 'Resistance, Monuments and Protest' includes a printmaking event on September 30 called Save 401.

While the space is now effectively saved, people will still be able to make take-away posters, tote bags, and t-shirts featuring the slogan to serve as a reminder that we almost lost this gem.