A Toronto landmark will soon be swallowed up by a towering condo at Richmond and Church streets, but the good news for preservationists is that it doesn't look like the city will lose another historic building. 

The new development, located at 114 and 120 Church St. as well as 59 Richmond St., is set to rise to 45 storeys or 149.5 metres right above the famous McVeigh’s Irish Pub, whose owners have staunchly refused to sell their property to developers.  

The fate of 120 Diner/Club 120 doesn't appear so bright according to the development application and the new renderings, which show no sign of its continued existence. 

A full render of the building at its 45 storeys. Image by Teeple Architects via the City of Toronto.

The proposed development will house around 567 residential units, including one-, two-, and three-bedrooms. Meanwhile, the ground level will feature retail space, and the second floor will have room for both retail and office space.

The first floor at-grade will feature public space and retail. Image by Teeple Architects via the City of Toronto.

What is particularly interesting is the stepbacks featured on the first, fifth, seventh, and twenty-first floors. These will leave room for outdoor gathering spaces and amenities. These also help avoid the sense that the new development is completely subsuming McVeigh's.

Still, it remains possible the city planners will consider the huge new building too close to the existing historical structure. These plans have yet to be vetted by the city's Design Review Panel. 

129 vehicle parking spaces and 584 bicycle parking spaces will be spread amongst the three underground floors planned for the development.

The striking glass structure will take over one of the few remaining low-rise sections of the area, and tower above Church and Lombard should it be approved in its current form.

Events in Toronto today understandably skew towards the creepy and spooky being Halloween and all, but there's a ton of variety among them. You're probably too old for trick-or-treating, so consider one of these events instead. 

If you’ve ever been on the TTC, this may not come as news to you.

It turns out that many TTC routes have reached beyond their satisfactory capacity and are classified by the Commission's own standards as “overcrowded.”

Fifty different routes exceed overcrowding standards in the course of a week, which amounts to about one-quarter of all surface routes, according to a report in the Toronto Star.

The TTC says lack of vehicles is part of the problem. This comes partially as a result of Bombardier’s failure to stick to the new streetcar delivery schedule.

The worst offenders are the 505 Dundas streetcar, the 41 Keele, the 122 Graydon Hall, the 53 Steeles E., and the 11 Bayview.

Some of the 50 overcrowded routes only achieve that status during rush times, or on weekends. The TTC says the numbers are averages, meaning that they can be overcrowded sometimes, but not always.

For rush hour times, the 505 Dundas was the most overcrowded, reaching 122 percent capacity at times. For “any time” during the week, the 504 King unsurprisingly took the top spot, at 123 percent over capacity on Saturday evenings.

The TTC says it's taking action to prevent the issue, but some forces are beyond its control, like the Bombardier shipment failures.

Perhaps the King Street Pilot Project, which begins operation on November 12, will help alleviate some of the issues on the 504. As for the rest of the routes, it may be a tight ride for many people for a little while yet.

Toronto just lost one more place to start a cleanse.

Belmonte Raw, open for nine years in the city, has officially closed its doors. Operating two locations, the cold-pressed juicery is now finished.

In a notice posted to the door, founder and owner Carol Belmonte writes that it has been “an honour” but now plans to focus on her health, family, and passions.

The notice posted on Belmonte Raw's door on Queen East. Image by blogTO.

The store in Leslieville was among the first in the city to jump on the cold-pressed juice trend, a space that was rapidly saturated as pricey juice bars opened in neighbourhoods across the city.

In 2015, Belmonte Raw branched out with its second location in the PATH, but despite a high traffic location between the Exchange Tower and First Canadian Place it was noticeably less busy that some of the surrounding businesses.

The shuttered PATH location as it looked on October 30. Photo by blogTO.

The tiny Leslieville location was also often empty, seemingly functioning more as a place where people would quickly pop-in to grab their regular juice supply than as somewhere to eat, drink and hang out for a while.

Do you ever wish Trader Joe’s would open in Toronto? Well, it looks like you'll be able to get the next best thing.

Farm Boy, a cross between Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, has announced plans to expand within the Toronto area. The supermarket chain currently operates 29 locations in Ontario, mainly in Ottawa, but has yet to come to downtown Toronto.

This fresh-focused company is mainly interested in selling products found at the “outer perimeter” of the grocery store. That is, the deli, bakery, produce aisles, meat, fish, prepared meals, and dairy, while eliminating the inner-aisles of packaged products and groceries.

The company, which calls itself a “food experience” rather than a grocery store, has been operating in the GTA for a few years, via Pickering and Oshawa. There's also a store opening some time soon in Etobicoke.

However, CEO Jeff York, now says he wants the company to enter the Toronto market. There are apparently several pieces in place to open 10 to 12 stores in the city, putting up competition for places like Loblaws, Pusateri’s, and Longo’s.

The company plans to enter the Western Canadian market in a few years, but for now it has its sights set on Toronto.

Pumpkin parades in Toronto started with Sorauren Park back in 2004 and have since exploded into a widespread phenomenon in parks across the city on the day after Halloween. After sundown on November 1, the city's pumpkins come out for one final show before being composted. 

Here's a roundup of pumpkin parades happening around the city.

Fall colours have swept Toronto and surrounding areas across Ontario, turning the landscape into a variety of warm hues. A late September heat wave put a bit of a damper on vibrant foliage in the city, but those travelling out of town have been treated to magnificent displays.

Check out the breathtaking beauty of Ontario's fall colours in this photo gallery. 

It's time to get prepared for the King Street Pilot Project, which will soon transform one of Toronto's primary streets.

Construction on King Street for the transit and pedestrian-based project has already begun. Crews were spotted today removing traffic lines and installing new signage along the street in preparation for the pilot's debut.

Construction workers unload machinery at King and Bay Streets. Photo by Michael Ott. 

The project is officially set to open November 12, and will severely limit the amount of vehicular traffic on King Street thanks to a slew of new restrictions. 

It’s starting. pic.twitter.com/Aw5rUkapxV

— Chris Bateman (@chrisbateman) October 30, 2017

The pilot stretches from Jarvis to Bathurst, turning this stretch of King into what's being referred to as a "transit priority zone."

Construction workers install a new "no left turn" sign at Church and King. Photo by Michael Ott.

New rules for traffic will including forced turns at key intersections and bike boxes for cyclists. 

Many curbside sections of King are blocked off with construction fencing. Photo by Michael Ott. 

Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders should double check the new route ahead of its scheduled start day to make sure they know how to travel down King. 

Small businesses are starting to feel extreme pressure from rising property tax rates in Toronto.

As the cost of property skyrockets in the city thanks to the development boom, tax rates are increasing beyond what many believe is a sustainable level for small businesses.

The owner of downtown bistro, Le Select, fears it may fall victim to this trend.

Frédéric Geisweiller, the owner, says that the city needs to step in to prevent his and other businesses from being forced to close their doors or sell to developers.

Geisweiler tells the Globe and Mail that he's facing a 55 percent increase on his tax bill, which is based off the hypothetical or potential value of the property, something he says he has no control over.

Le Select's annual taxes would increase to over $203,000 by 2020 if the current rate trend continues. 

Joe Cressy, councillor for Ward 20, has helped to table a plan that would create a new tax class for small businesses, including creative spaces like arts and culture facilities.

Unfortunately, the bill cannot be completely passed by the city, but would require provincial permission. The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) controls property value taxes in Ontario cities.

MPAC bases property values off a buildings' "best use," or potential use, rather than its actual standing. For small businesses, this means increased taxes when they're surrounded by dense developments.

In the case of Le Select, the surrounding area is developing extremely quickly. Developments like Wellington House and The Well are adding new density to an area that's been somewhat removed from the condo boom thanks to the old Globe and Mail building.

Similar property tax increases for small businesses along Yonge St. have already begun to push out longstanding stores and restaurants, though some relief has been issued.

How this all plays out may determine whether Toronto will keep its vibrant small business scene amidst the mega developments currently sweeping the city. What it seems proponents of small businesses are searching for is a little balance.

From cheesecake to horse parades to live music, there's no shortage of things to do this November in Toronto, so start planning your weekends and thinking of ways to get out of work. There's no better way to fight the oncoming cold weather than by getting out there and doing things!

November is in the air, so it’s time to start gearing up for the holiday season, which is rapidly descending upon us all. Holiday lights are about to erupt around Toronto, but some of the biggest displays will be outside of the city. 

To really get in the festive mood, consider a short trip to see some of the most outlandish light shows in Southern Ontario. Niagara Falls' Winter Festival of Lights is always a big hit, but it's not the only one worth a look.

A post shared by Vernon (aka MoVernie) (@realmovernie) on Dec 18, 2016 at 10:44am PST

Located just on the outskirts of Kitchener-Waterloo at Bingemans event grounds, the Gift of Lights celebration dazzles visitors with its two kilometres of holiday lights, displays, and other decorations.

A post shared by Bingemans (@bingemans) on Dec 16, 2016 at 2:55pm PST

The event’s main attraction is a 200 foot light tunnel you can drive right through, surrounding viewers with thousands of twinkling colours. The tunnel is a huge draw partially because it's the perfect opportunity for the ultimate festive Instagram shot.

A post shared by Kristin Zinger (@krstnzngr) on Jan 7, 2017 at 8:49pm PST

The Gift of Lights opens November 17, and runs through January 6.

This hyper-modern house at 11o Donwoods Dr. in the prestigious Hoggs Hollow neighbourhood is sure to divide opinions. Some will love the bold architecture and design, while others will say they'd prefer something homier.

What you can't say is that this property isn't unique. The rounded kitchen alone would set this place apart from pretty much every other home in Toronto. It's reminiscent of Bar Raval minus all the warm wood tones. 

The other notable design feature is the multiple levels over which this home is spread out. For all its square footage, it actually only features three above ground bedrooms (there's a fourth in the basement), which speaks to the open concept and general airiness. 

Over and above the opulence inside the house, the secluded backyard is surely a highlight. The pool doesn't look so inviting in these autumnal photos, but it's easy to imagine just how nice it must be in mid-summer, surrounded, as it is, by a veritable forest. 

Specs

• Address: 110 Donwoods Dr.
• Price: $5,988,000 
• Lot Size: 75.8 x 138.5 feet
• Bedrooms: 3 +1
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 8
• Walk Score: 17
• Transit Score: 75
• Listing agent: Sharon Soltanian
• Listing ID: C3969315

Good For

Modern design fans with deep wallets. This is a statement house if there ever was one, so you can expect a buyer who plans to entertain regularly. 

Move On If

The architecture doesn't move you. I doubt that the utter lack of walkability will bother most people interested in laying down $6 million for this place, but it might be a factor for some. 

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

Today's post-Halloween events in Toronto include an array of pumpkin parades in parks all across the city. Other noteworthy happenings include a visit from a former One Direction singer and a designer label sale right downtown.

The best wine bars in Toronto not only offer some of the best selection of vino in the city, they also provide some of the best environments in which to sample them, great food, and helpful staff to decode even the most inscrutable lists. The only thing that’s ever missing at these places is the sound of a cork popping.

Here are the best wine bars in Toronto.

On November 24 and 25, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be transformed into The Gentlemen’s Expo. Want to attend? We've teamed up with the annual event to give readers a chance to win a pair of passes.

Check out all the contest details here.

The top restaurant openings in Toronto for October brought us new options for sushi, pasta, BBQ, rice bowls, French cuisine, burgers of all stripes and even vegan cocktails.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants that opened in Toronto last month.

Hello 123

This vegan spot from the creators of Kupfert & Kim does cocktails made using kombucha and chaga but also incorporates messy pulled pineapple sandwiches, veggie burgers and skewers into their morning-to-night menu. This new hangout is fresh to death.

Aloette

With an almost Kubrickian interior, this sister diner to powerhouse Alo at Queen and Spadina is serving up classics like beef tartare and burgers as well as boozy shakes elevated to the highest level.

Annabelle

This pasta bar near Casa Loma has been making a name for itself with licensed lunch, brunch and dinner. A part of the Lil’ Baci empire that also includes Bob Coffee Bar nextdoor, daily pastas and a negroni bar are highlights here, while brunch includes not only baked or poached eggs, but also meatballs and pasta carbonara.

Polly Anna

From the people behind Thirsty Duck and Eastside Social comes this classy joint with a motto of eat local, eat often, and drink well. The Gerrard and Jones restaurant is serving up colourful veggie-heavy dishes like mushroom pappardelle.

Omai

This tucked-away spot in Baldwin Village has minimal dim decor of neon and bar seating, but the action is all in the middle of the room where elaborate tapas of sunomono or pork belly and a wide array of temaki hand rolls containing anything from squash to salmon, tuna or egg and truffle are constructed.

Earlscourt BBQ

Those pining for the days of BBQ platters soaring out of the Wenona Lodge Kitchen need yearn no longer: the Pork Ninja himself now has his own restaurant at Earlscourt and St. Clair West. You’ll find all the same good eatin’ like smoked brisket, pulled pork, wings, mac n’ cheese, hush puppies, and many Pork Ninjas signature sauces here.

Mad Crush Wine Bar

In a dazzling space where Bar Italia used to be, this Little Italy restaurant from the same folks behind the Oxley and Queen and Beaver is fitted with a splendid skylight illuminating a regal bar and a wine list that gossips with you like an old gal pal - not to mention dishes like raw butterfish, foie gras and wasabi and lamb.

Chez’s Restaurant

Another Little Italy newcomer, this restaurant is doing creative cocktails including some smoked options and easy favourites like scallops and pasta.

Onnki Donburi

This small spot near Yonge and Bloor is where to go for a reasonable, tasty and fast rice bowl for a quick lunch power-up or speedy takeout dinner. Raw salmon, torched pork belly, deep-fried shrimp, and galbi short ribs are some of the options on the simple menu.

Bacchanal

This French restaurant across the street from 99 Sudbury serves oysters with waffle chips and donuts piped full of hazelnut praline cream.

Toronto was treated to an amazing selection of Halloween costumes this year, from hilarious pop culture plays to wildly clever local references. The most adorable trend, however, must be raccoons in green bins. 

The most elaborate of these outfits — or perhaps it would be more appropriate to say "props" — comes courtesy of A Peterson on Twitter, who shared the amazing interactive costume above a few days before Halloween.

It's since received a smattering of love on Reddit for its combination of inventiveness and cuteness. Lots of people had the idea for a costume based on this theme, but I haven't seen anyone else who actually got in the bin!

@mattgallowaycbc thought u+other torontonians may appreciate our costume #raccoons#OurBabyIsTheRaccoon#familycostume#TorontosInsideJokepic.twitter.com/e50hiZLwKO

— Coreen (@JonzerInTheCity) October 31, 2017

Still, that shouldn't take away from the work of these folks, who birthed a raccoon cub as part of a tandem costume. Now that takes inside Toronto jokes to the next level. 

A post shared by Blair Kay (@blairkinto) on Oct 29, 2017 at 9:16am PDT

Lastly, this costume from Blair Kay on Instagram, might not have been quite as embellished as its counterparts, but it surely wins the caption award for this gem: "Trash panda gettin crunk on bin juice."

To be honest, I just want to shake all of your hands. Well played! And long live Toronto's communal pet. 

Toronto's biggest annual Halloween street party returned to Church Street last night. From TTC inspired costumes to ones that made a political statement, there were lots of creative getups this year.

Check out some of the best costumes from Halloween on Church St.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto is expanding. Buca, with current locations in Yorkville and two near King and Portland, will be opening two new restaurants.

New locations announced today will appear at Yonge & Eglinton and at the north west corner of Yonge & St.Clair. This will be in addition to its previously announced location coming to Vaughan.

The Yonge & Eglinton restaurant will be similar to the Bar Buca concept on Portland. It's slated to open in spring 2018 and will serve, according to a press release, as an all-day Italian-inspired bar and café.

New to this location will be homemade gelato offerings, a new pizza menu and as well as takeout.

Details for the Yonge & St. Clair location are sparse but it will apparently be an entirely new concept for the Buca family. More details will be released next  year.

Everyone's least favourite stadium name might soon be a thing of the past if the latest rumours are to be believed.

The Rogers Centre, formerly the much-beloved SkyDome, was renamed back in 2005 when Rogers Communications purchased the stadium.

The renaming was seen as a travesty by many. When we kidded a couple years ago that it was going to be called the SkyDome again, the fake announcement (posted on April Fools) was met with huge fanfare.

But now it seems like the idea of ridding the stadium of the name Rogers Centre might not be so far fetched after all.

The rumours started in earnest this week when sports writer Bob Elliott tweeted that he was hearing Rogers Communications was considering selling naming rights.

Hearing Rogers Communications is considering selling naming rights to the Rogers Centre @BlueJays

— bob elliott (@elliottbaseball) October 29, 2017

The rumours could have merit, according to Blue Jays Banter, now that stadium naming rights are attracting premium dollars.

Just two months ago it was announced the ACC would be rebranded Scotiabank Arena for a cool $800 million over 20 years. 

The rumour also makes sense since Rogers Communications just got a new CEO. As Blue Jays Nation points out, there is some speculation that monetizing some of the company's non-core assets might be a strategic priority for the new boss.

As expected, the rumour already has Toronto dreaming up ideas for new corporate overlords and naming possibilities.

Since Amazon might choose Toronto for its next headquarters maybe a stadium name could be in their future?

Maybe Amazon can pay for the naming rights to Rogers Centre. Then you can have your beer delivered to your seat by drone.

— W.B. (@Every5thDay) October 29, 2017

Or perhaps Apple would be the perfect fit.

I want Apple to buy naming rights to the Rogers Centre and call it the iDome.

— Cory McKechnie 🐿 (@cory_mck) October 30, 2017

There's no official word from Rogers Communications yet that the naming rights are in play so for now we'll have to be content to just imagine the possibilities.