One of the fiercest transit debates in Toronto is resurfacing again right now in the form a leaked internal report on Scarborough's controversial subway line.

As it turns out, those who argued against nixing a fully-funded LRT line in favour of more subways back in 2013 were right – at least when it comes to cost vs. reward.

The Toronto Star just published the results of a private Metrolinx analysis from 2013, which concludes that a Scarborough subway was "not a worthwhile use of money."

Please ask your city councillor to support a Value for Money comparison of a 1 stop subway vs 7 stop LRT for Scarborough. #FactsMatter

— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) November 4, 2017

Marked "draft," the report was never published. The Star obtained it through a freedom of information request, and reported on the results this week in light of Councillor Josh Matlow's (yet unsuccessful) efforts to see the project audited.

Matlow has been challenging his colleagues on the value of the Scarborough subway since last year, when the plan was revised to include just one single stop at a cost of $3.35 billion.

The saga of Toronto's most famous bike-riding parking enforcement officer continues this week as local citizens, cyclists and even city councillors speak out in support of Kyle Ashley's work.

Ashley, who was suspended from Twitter last week over complaints about the "appropriateness" of his tweets, is still off work according to the Toronto police association.

An investigation into Ashley's feed is ongoing, and while police won't discuss the nature of the alleged complaints, it's widely believed that they stem from the officer's use of social media to take photos of (and scold) motorists who park in bike lanes.

Passed so many cars blocking bike lanes today. Wished the twitterverse still had our @TorontoPolice#biketo Parking Pal. #BringBackKyle

— Shawna Caspi (@shawnacaspi) November 6, 2017

Police spokesman Mark Pugash did, however, acknowledge that a manager had spoken to Ashley previously about complaints from Montreal– where his "park shaming" Tweets were popular among cyclists, and where an election just saw Denis Coderre voted out of the mayor's office.

City Councillor Shelley Carroll told The Star on Monday that while she admired Ashley's work, she worried his tweets had become too political.

"It is really important going into an election year to not have a Toronto police employee taking up sides and engaging in a direct way in politics," she said.

Supporters of Ashley disagree, arguing that he is being denied fundamental freedoms.

PEO Kyle Ashley is a tremendous asset to the #BikeTO community. Let's call on @TorontoPolice to #BringBackKyle! https://t.co/TxKnbjW2Rf

— Robert Zaichkowski (@RZaichkowski) November 6, 2017

"The members and supporters of Toronto's cycling community demand the restoration of Twitter handle @TPS_ParkingPal," reads a change.org petition started by local cyclist Julie Mollins.

"We believe PEO Ashley plays a crucial role as a defender of cyclist safety throughout Toronto and we denounce the removal of his right to democratic free expression."

In just under 24 hours, the petition has racked up about 150 signatures. On Twitter, the support is even stronger with hundreds of tweets calling for Ashley's reinstatement, many of them using the hashtags #BikeTO and #BringBackKyle.

Yonge and Carlton could look very different over the next decade should a proposal be approved to build a massive 250 metre (approximately 75 storeys) condo tower on the northeast corner. It would join a series of sprawling developments planned for the area.

The desire to redevelop the site at 2 Carlton isn't new. An initial proposal from current site owner Northam Realty Advisors called for a soaring twin tower condo complex here, which has now been revised as a single, taller tower.

As Urban Toronto reports, the new proposal cuts the number of units down from 1,100 to 1,056. Given the gap between the towers was quite narrow (18 metres), the single tower design maintains much of the square footage of the original. 

Built in 1959, the existing 18 storey Carlton Tower that currently occupies the site is unlikely to receive heritage protection, though it is broadly included in the Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District. 

While the proposed height at 2 Carlton would make it one of the tallest condos in Toronto by current standards, with super tall towers in the works for both Yonge and Bloor and Yonge and Gerrard, it will merely maintain the density planned at major intersections along Yonge St.

The current designs have yet to be approved by the city, so some alterations could be on the way, but with Yonge St. soaring upwards, it'd be hard to argue that the height proposed here is outlandish. 

From the YYC to the YYZ comes the soon-to-open market-style restaurant brand Mercantino.

A staple among busy professionals in Calgary, where it already has five locations, Mercantino is making its first foray into the Ontario market as an anchor retailer at One York Street.

Set to open later this fall (i.e. really soon) Harbour Eats Mercatino will be located on the fourth floor of the One York / Harbour Plaza complex. 

The restaurant brand bills itself as "a unique marketstyle restaurant that serves fresh, delicious, healthy, and natural food, that's quick and gentle on the wallet."

"Harbour Eats by Mercatino will operate an impressive food hall with an expansive terrace overlooking a new city park and Lake Ontario," reads a press release from this summer announcing the restaurant.

One Yonge developers Menkes say that Mercantino, along with the forthcoming Coppa's Fresh Market, will "service the strong demand for retail by the 24/7 office and residential population in Toronto's South Core."

Toronto-area skies are about to be blessed with meteor shower that's a bit different than the others. The North Taurids meteors are expected to peak this weekend, offering the chance to see a few fireballs streaking across the sky.

Here's why you should have the Taurids on your radar. Although this is a low frequency shower — roughly five shooting stars will appear each hour during the peak — the meteors that are visible tend to be eye-popping thanks to the size of debris left by the Comet Encke.

Perhaps better still, because the peak is minimal, you can't miss the North Taurids on account of one night of clouds. The shower is expected to yield shooting stars — some of which will be fireballs — throughout the duration of November. 

In other words, while you'll have to wait a while if you're staring at the sky looking for these meteors, you'll have numerous days to do so — and the reward could be big. So keep an eye out.

As with all meteor showers, the North Taurids are named after the constellation from which they appear to derive, in this case Taurus. Look for this constellation in the hours around midnight for your best chance of catching the celestial show. 

You'll want to get somewhere very dark to witness the North Taurids, but that's the only requirement. So if you have a late fall getaway planned, make sure to slip in some time for stargazing. 

Toronto is about to welcome a new grocery store / entertainment centre unlike anything else the city has seen.

Nation's Experience at 1980 St. Clair Ave. West — a.k.a. the Stockyards — will be opening its doors to the public this Thursday, Nov. 16th, for the first time. It's been a long time coming.

Housed in what was once Toronto's first purpose-built Target location, Nation's will boast more than 200,000 square feet of grocery and dining space, as well as a 10,000 square foot entertainment centre.

A Facebook page for its grand opening event promises "a unique and thrilling shopping experience" featuring an arcade, VR experience rooms, an indoor playground and a family amusement centre.

Why put video games in a grocery store, you ask? Why the heck not, I say. It's 2017. Anything is possible!

The most advanced VR entertainment experience on Earth is about to hit Toronto. Are you ready?

As reported earlier this year, Cineplex has been modifying the ground floor of its Scotiabank Theatre in downtown Toronto to hold what will soon be the first ever IMAX VR Centre in our country.

Only three of these innovative, state-of-the-art centres exist anywhere in the world right now – one in Los Angeles, one in New York, and one in Shanghai. 

This month, Toronto will have one too. 

The clock is ticking. Play #DeadwoodMansion by GloStation only at IMAX VR. Tickets: https://t.co/uVD6GPfZa3pic.twitter.com/59G6om3Ep0

— IMAX VR (@imax_vr) November 7, 2017

"This isn't your friend's living room," reads the IMAX website. "With IMAX VR you're getting the most advanced VR headset and motion-tracking technology powered by blazing fast computers in a state-of-the-art facility purposely designed to let you suspend reality."

Toronto's IMAX VR experience will feature both single-player and head-to-head multiplayer competition.

Travel to new heights in #IMAXVR! 🚀pic.twitter.com/Z1k23ZHJwe

— IMAX VR (@imax_vr) November 4, 2017

The system's combination of premium technology, 360-degree sound, real-time haptic feedback and proprietary player "pods" will transport players into "interactive virtual worlds that are more realistic than anything imaginable," according to Cineplex.

A private event is scheduled to unveil the space to media and other interests late next week, after which the complex will be open to the public. There's no official launch date as of yet, but I'm told one is imminent. 

The IMAX VR centres in L.A. and New York are already massively popular, and it stands to reason that Toronto's will be too. Prepare to line up.

It looks like someone just put an obnoxious Tinder creep on blast outside Dundas West Station.

This isn't actually the case – though you couldn't be blamed for thinking so at first glance.

Rows and rows of iPhone screenshots have been pasted on the old Giraffe Condos sales centre building at Dundas and Bloor streets.

A post shared by Trumpgrabs (@trump_grabs) on Sep 19, 2017 at 1:09pm PDT

The display is reminiscent of the Texts From Your Ex Instagram account, except that these aren't screenshots of nasty text messages – they're news headlines from a world where Donald Trump is president of the United States.

It's all part of a larger work called Trumpgrabs by Toronto artist Kate Schneider.

Apparently this is not another Nafta.

A post shared by Trumpgrabs (@trump_grabs) on Jun 1, 2017 at 3:12pm PDT

"This work contains all the screenshots of news alerts I’ve received on my phone since Trump was inaugurated President," Schneider explains on her Instagram account.

"The work is a personal archive and diary of the moments that are upsetting and feel beyond my control."

The public installation outside Dundas West Station contains a total of 504 screenshots over seven 24" x 36" posters, according to Schneider.

Poster madness!

A post shared by Trumpgrabs (@trump_grabs) on May 30, 2017 at 12:13pm PDT

"The posters are a reflective aggregation of headlines since Donald Trump was inaugurated President," she explains by email. 

"The work is passive visual advocacy presented without context and seeks to draw public interest and understanding to the global impact of the actions of the United States leadership."

If all goes well, she hopes to install the posters in other locations around Toronto, and in various cities around the world.

Former MLB all-star Roy Halladay is dead following a small plane crash in the Gulf of Mexico, according to police in Florida.

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office confirmed around 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday that emergency crews were responding to a downed plane in the Gulf. A few minutes later, they said that one body had been located.

The ICON A5 personal aircraft had crashed about 10 miles west of St. Petersburg around 1 p.m., according to the Sheriff's Office.

This photo is of the plane that crashed, killing 1 in the Gulf. That is @RoyHalladay. We don't yet know if he was in the plane today. #WTSPpic.twitter.com/w8K17grFa5

— Noah Pransky - WTSP (@noahpransky) November 7, 2017

Photos from the wreckage helped local news outlets link the crash to Halladay, whose name the plane was registered to.

It was not immediately known if Halladay was flying the plane, but fans were worried for the former Blue Jays pitcher, who'd only recently started flying the ICON A5.

I have dreamed about owning a A5 since I retired! Real life is better then my dreams!! Thx Kirk & everyone @ICONAircraftpic.twitter.com/wkk6TtjAY4

— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) October 13, 2017

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office confirmed during a news conference around 4:15 p.m. that the person who died was indeed the two-time Cy Young award winner. 

Halladay, a former eight-time All-Star pitcher for the Blue Jays (1998-2009,) has two children with his wife, Brandy.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Passing through Rosedale, it's impossible not to wonder what the interiors of the neighbourhood's stately homes look like. While some residences in this luxurious area show off considerable pomp from the street, many others are reserved in their outward appearances. 

Take this old house at 19 Whitney Ave. The exterior has a dignified air, but it hardly hints at the presence of the glorious indoor pool at the rear of the property. Now this is a place that I'd like to spend my winter weekends.

The rest of the house isn't quite so opulent, though there's more than enough luxury on offer in the form of multiple living areas, a wine cellar, multiple bedrooms with en suites, and a lovely backyard marked by mature trees. 

If there's a quibble to be made about the layout, you might take issue with the size of the master bedroom, which is underwhelming given the rest of the house. That said, what would you even do with more space in this room?

Specs

• Address: 19 Whitney Ave.
• Price: $5,495,000
• Lot Size: 50 x 184 feet
• Bedrooms: 5 + 1
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 3
• Walk Score: 40
• Transit Score: 82
• Listing agent: Fran Bennett
• Listing ID: C3934857

Good For

Someone with $5.5 million lying around who loves to swim laps in the winter.

Move On If

You're partial to contemporary architecture. While the interior has received updates, this is an old house that touts its age proudly.

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

The cheapest movie theatres in Toronto might not send you back to the days when you were in Grade 7 and it cost like $3 to go see a matinee with your friends at the mall, but you still don't need to be gouged. Seek out these spots when you're looking for a cheap date or night out.

These are the cheapest movie theatres in Toronto.

Carlton Cinema

This Yonge and Carlton gem has long been known as the least expensive regular movie theatre in the entire city with $10 general admission, $5 admission on Tuesdays, and just $6 for screenings of classics like Wayne's World, The Mask, and Bill & Ted's Excellent adventure.

Market Square Theatre

Formerly known as Rainbow Cinemas, this St. Lawrence Market-area theatre boasts the same prices as Carlton Cinema thanks to its acquisition by Imagine Cinemas (who owns both). You won't find better prices for feature film showings anywhere else way downtown. 

Fox Theatre

Not only is the Fox licensed to serve booze, it screens some super hip films that you might not otherwise get a chance to see locally – like The Florida Project, which stole the show (and Drake’s heart) this year at TIFF.  Prices are as low as $8 if you have a membership card.

Hot Docs Ted Rogers cinema

The former Bloor Cinema, located in the Annex, has emerged as a hot venue for high-profile documentary premiers and, of course, is well known for hosting the annual Hot Docs Film Festival. It's only $11.50 to watch a film here year-round.

Alliance Cinemas: The Beach

This Queen and Coxwell cinema was built atop the former Greenwood Racetrack, which is pretty cool. It also edges out most of the other non-Cineplex owned theatres in Toronto in terms of price, with $11.99 general admission and $7.50 on Tuesdays.

There are plenty attractions across Ontario that only truly shine during one or two seasons of the year, but the prettiest towns in this province are ripe for exploration pretty much all the time.

Even during awkward periods like the transition from fall to winter, these places retain a certain beauty and charm. Such is the case with Brockville, the aptly named city of the 1,000 Islands. 

The Brockville Railway Tunnel has quickly become the city's biggest attraction. Photo by Keith Hare / Brockville Railway Tunnel.

This town of approximately 22,000 has received lots of press since opening its dazzling glowing railway tunnel earlier this year, but there's a lot more to this quaint city on the St. Lawrence.

Downtown Brockville is as picturesque as it comes. Photo via Brockville Tourism.

In addition to a picturesque waterfront area, the historic downtown is chock full of old beautiful and public spaces. Throw in a nice selection of bakeries, cafes, and small restaurants, and you have the recipe for a decidedly European vibe.

Be sure to check out Tait's Fresh Start to stock up on baked treats if you're going day tripping from Brockville. For coffee, head to Spitfire Cafe. 

Brockville's is located right on the St. Lawrence River. Photo via Brockville Tourism.

For three seasons (spring through fall), much of the tourist interest here is focused on the St. Lawrence and 1,000 Island cruises, but there's also a vibrant arts and culture scene that sustains interest throughout the year at venues like the Brockville Arts Centre. 

The Brockville Railway Tunnel is open until December 3rd before shutting down until March 31 next year. It's a great lure to get people to this charming riverside destination, which has lots more to offer when you arrive. 

Today in Toronto one the most popular rappers of the last five years rolls through town, two new documentaries about Canada are being screened, and one of the stars of Broad City is part of a two-woman night of comedy. 

Good news for Toronto commuters who don't want to drive or take transit every day: The Bloor Street bike lanes are here for good.

In a 36 to 6 vote last night, city council decided to make the separated bike lanes on Bloor between Shaw St. and Avenue Rd. a permanent fixture.

The bike lanes, which were installed last summer as part of a year-long pilot project, have already proven successful in terms of usage and reception.

#CheersForGears. Council votes 36-6 to make the #BloorBikeLanes permanent. Congrats to everyone who made the case for a better city. pic.twitter.com/con3gwmeR9

— jennifer keesmaat (@jen_keesmaat) November 8, 2017

An extensive city staff report published last month found that the Bloor lanes are being used by more than 5,000 cyclists on an average weekday, making them the second-most travelled of such routes in the city behind the Richmond-Adelaide bike lanes.

The report concluded that Bloor's new bike lanes had improved road safety and reduced the total number of conflicts between all road users by 44 per cent. It also revealed a massive increase in the number of cyclists who said they felt "safe" or "very safe" cycling along the busy downtown road – about 85%, compared to just 3% surveyed previously.

SO happy that #toronto voted to keep Bloor St bike lanes. Can’t explain how much more confident I’ve become since they were put into place. https://t.co/59neBEO6rQ

— D. Esther Kim (@dek_gold) November 8, 2017

While there are, of course, those who disagree with the move (including two deputy mayors, Denzil Minnan-Wong and Stephen Holyday,) most people seem pleased with the outcome of Tuesday night's vote.

Members of the local cycling community are certainly thrilled, as are city councillors who've supported the expansion of Toronto's cycling infrastructure for years (though, as many on Twitter note, it still has far to go).

Rejoice in the Bloor lanes being approved, but weep about how it took ~10 years and a hell of a fight led by tons of amazing people, just to put in a mere 2.44 km of bike lanes. We'll have the minimum grid within a few hundred years, if we're lucky.

— Zach (@ZachMHenderson) November 7, 2017

"Today’s decision I think puts to bed the old debate that it’s bikes versus cars, or bikes versus business," said councillor Joe Cressy lsat night after the results were announced.

"What this vote and the staff report in support of it has shown," he continued, "is that when you build a bike lane and you design it well, it's a win-win for everybody."

The best restaurant burgers in Toronto taste as good as they look. A world apart from their fast-food counterparts, these elevated, often decadent offerings are meant for more leisurely dining to maximize enjoyment.

Here are the best restaurant burgers in Toronto.

Toronto transit riders can expect to see a 23 per cent increase in weekend subway closures next year, according to a new TTC staff report.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

The commission's 2018 forecast shows a total of 43 subway closures scheduled for 2018, which is up from 35 closures in 2017, plus seven late Sunday openings.

Most of these closures are for the purpose of repair programs, upgrades and inspections, but particular attention will be paid to construction activities involving the Eglinton Crosstown line, and the continued installation of the TTC's automatic train control (ATC) signals.

That look when you get to the Subway station and it's closed for the weekend #ttc#wtf#inefficient#RTZ#Raptors#WeTheNorthpic.twitter.com/bLiyZI6jIU

— The Official GPB (@TheOfficialGPB) October 21, 2017

As has been the case in previous years, these maintenance and upgrade-based closures are scheduled for weekends, when ridership is lower, to minimize the inconvenience.

The Eglinton Crosstown-related closures will take place on Line 1 over 24 weekends, "with combined state of good repair projects extending the northern boundaries of those closures on nine weekends," according to the report.

On Line 2, the TTC requires two full weekend subway closures in 2018, and Line 3 will have four closures, only one of them scheduled over a two day weekend.

The TTC says that shuttle busses with increased service on existing affected routes will be available to riders during all subway closures.

Scheduled TTC subway closures for 2018

• Jan. 13-14, Line 1: St. Clair W. to Union
• Feb. 3-4, Line 1: St. Clair W. to Union
• Feb. 10-11, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Feb. 17-18, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Feb. 24-25, Line 1: St. Clair to Sheppard
• March 3-4, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• March 10-11, Line 1: St. Clair W. to Union
• March 17-18, Line 3: Kennedy to McCowan
• March 30-April 1, Line 1: Wilson to Finch W.
• April 14-15, Line 2: Kipling to Jane
• April 21-22, Line 1: St. Clair W. to Union
• April 28-29, Line 2: Woodbine to Kennedy
• May 6, Line 3: Kennedy to McCowan
• May 12-13, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• May 13, Line 2: St. George to Broadview 
• May 19-20, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• May 26-27, Line 1: Lawrence W. to Finch W.
• May 27, Line 2: St. George to Broadview 
• June 2-3, Line 1: St. Clair to Sheppard
• June 9-10, Line 1: Lawrence W. to Finch W.
• June 10, Line 2: St. George to Broadview 
• June 16-17, Line 1: St. Clair to Sheppard
• June 24, Line 3: Kennedy to McCowan
• June 30-July 1, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• July 7-8, Line 1: St. Clair to Sheppard
• July 8, Line 2: St. George to Broadview
• July 14-15, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• July 21-22, Line 1: St. Clair to Sheppard
• July 22, Line 2: St. George to Broadview 
• July 28-29, Line 1: Lawrence W. to Finch W.
• Aug. 11-12, Line 1: St. Clair to Finch
• Aug. 18-19, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Aug. 25-26, Line 1: Lawrence W. to Finch W.
• Sept. 1-2, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Sept. 8-9, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Sept. 9, Line 2: St. George to Broadview
• Sept. 15-16, Line 1: Bloor to Union
• Sept. 22-23, Line 1: St. Clair to Sheppard
• Sept. 23, Line 2: St. George to Broadview 
• Oct. 6-7, Line 1: Bloor to Union
• Oct. 13-14, Line 1: St. Clair to Sheppard
• Oct. 20-21, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Oct. 27-28, Line 1: St. Clair to Sheppard
• Nov. 3-4, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Nov. 10-11, Line 1: Bloor to Union
• Nov. 17, Line 3: Kennedy to McCowan
• Nov. 24-25, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Dec. 1, Line 1: Bloor to Union
• Dec. 8-9, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence
• Dec. 15-16, Line 1: St. Clair to Lawrence

Drake has the whole world in the palm of his hand, but there's one thing the 31-year-old artist longs still longs for despite any amount of industry praise, commercial success, or fans throwing bras at him on stage.

It's a $160,000 first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The Hollywood Reporter recently published an in-depth profile on the Toronto actor-turned-musician-turned-entertainment mogul, which outlines what's next for Drake as he forays into the world of film and TV production, and also his love for Harry Potter. 

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Nov 8, 2017 at 6:41am PST

We learn that Drizzy is teaming with Netflix to revive a British crime series called Top Boy and that he's working on another untitled TV series with Steve Golin of Anonymous Content (home of Mr. Robot).

We also learn that Apple has given Drake free range to produce "whatever he chooses" as part of their content partnership and that Margaret Atwood offered him a cameo in season two of The Handmaid's Tale. 

But, the big take away is that Drake really, really likes Harry Potter.

When 2 of ur favorite things in the whole world unexpectedly collide....

always knew Aubrey was a real one

I wanna sit down with Drake and read Harry Potter with him someone make my dream come true I have money https://t.co/VYOBbU2QHH

— Josh 🐟 (@joshmfish) November 8, 2017

"For the past four years, he has been chasing a first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and it's finally on the market for $160,000," writes Tatiana Seigel for THR. 

"And why not? What's 160 grand when you're selling out concerts from Amsterdam to Auckland that gross more than $1 million a night? And when you're one of the top five richest hip-hop stars in the world, according to Forbes?"

Drake told the publication that he's read all of the books in J.K. Rowling's series, and that at the time of the interview (during TIFF,) he was thinking about buying the expensive first-edition book for his birthday.

"I should get it. My birthday's coming up," he said. "Maybe I'll buy it for myself as a treat."

one of my friends (whos not familiar w harry potter) wanted to look up draco malfoy but spelled it as drake o malfoy and we found these gems pic.twitter.com/zV0YPzbu9l

— manon,, (@whtvrmanon) October 30, 2017

The artist is keeping the details of his upcoming Hollywood projects vague for now to avoid any legal headaches (which crop up fast when nearly everything you says, wear or touches goes viral).

He did, however, reveal lots about his history, mindset and hopes for the future in the profile. It's a worthy read for Drake stans and aspiring business moguls alike.

As for the Harry Potter book, well, Drake's birthday has already come and gone. It is not yet known whether he purchased the $160,000 novel for himself, but many online are hopeful that he did.

Toronto will face multiple TTC closures this weekend. Not only will a portion of Line 1 will be closed for track work on both Saturday and Sunday, but St. Andrew Station will be closed for fare gate installation.

There will be no subway service between St. Clair and Lawrence stations on November 11 and 12 due to track work. All trains on Line 1 will turn back northbound at Lawrence Station and southbound at St. Clair Station. Shuttle buses will operate between these stations.

In addition to the service disruption, St. Andrew station will be closed this weekend. Fare gate construction begins November 8 and will continue into February. The station will be closed from 10 p.m. on November 10 until 6 a.m. on November 13.

During this weekend closure subway trains will not stop at the station. Customers should use Osgoode or Union stations to access the subway.

It's also important to note that trains on Line 1 will be bypassing Queen Station both ways starting at 11 p.m. each evening until late November due to fare gate construction. Service will resume at the regularly scheduled time each morning.

Subway service will resume on Monday morning. The next scheduled closure will halt weekend service on Line 1 between St Clair and Lawrence stations again on November 25 and 26 due to track work.

There's something exciting happening to Toronto condo design. You won't notice the change on the skyline just yet, but after decades of glass box construction, the city is poised to embrace far more daring architecture. 

There are a handful of projects in the works right now that are set to redefine the conventional condo tower in Toronto. The interventions are various — from super tall towers to vertical forests — but each shows a willingness to embrace bold designs rarely seen in the city today.

Of this brave new crop of buildings, Bjarke-Ingels' ziggurat-style condo planned for King West has probably received the most hype. While it's design has undergone some tweaks since it was first released, if anything, the valley and peak motif has actually become more clear.

Bjarke-Ingels King West development for Westbank and Allied REIT.

In addition to the sure-to-be iconic silhouette of these buildings, the design deserves credit for its incorporation of heritage storefronts on King St. and ample public space (i.e. the valley portion of the project). If there's a lesson for the city here, it's that sometimes you can have it all.

The Toronto Tree Tower from Penda and Tmber.

While the scale is smaller, an equally radical project that's in its early stages is the Toronto Tree Tower from Penda Architects and Tmber. This 18 storey building would be built out of modulated cross-laminated timber (CLT), which is strong enough to sustain this height. 

Based on the novel building materials, the units can be assembled off site and then stacked atop one another during the construction process, which is thus expedited. This would be Toronto's second major wood tower, the other planned at George Brown's waterfront campus.

3XN's Waves at Bayside development for Tridel.

Copenhagen-based firm 3XN has made a figurative splash in Toronto's condo scene with two planned towers that push the design envelope. Of these, its Waves project at Tridel's Bayside community is the most eye-popping. 

The idea of a wave-themed condo along the waterfront might sound hokey, but the multi-level design avoids the pitfall of building a huge private block in front of the waterfront and adds lots of visual interest from afar. 

Church and Wellesley by 3XN for One Properties.

While not as immediately stunning at first glance, 3XN's Church and Wellesley rental tower is also set to make an important contribution to Toronto, not the least of which because it features a huge public gathering area in the heart of the Village. 

CetraRuddy's 64 Prince Arthur Ave. for Adi Development Group.

Speaking of international firms making a foray in Toronto, CetraRuddy's first project in the city at 64 Prince Arthur Ave. already looks like it'll be a special addition to our condo stock. This sleek  29-storey tower has a helix-shape that's as simple as it is elegant.

The One by Foster + Partners for Mizrahi Developments.

Lastly, I'd be remiss not to mention the One as part of any review of exciting condo architecture coming to Toronto. Not only will the Foster + Partners tower be Toronto's tallest open completion, it's designed to be a true show piece rather than merely a steel and glass monster. 

Night view of the One by Foster + Partners for Mizrahi Developments.

It's likely to be surpassed fairly quickly by one of Pinnacle One Yonge or YSL Residences, but it's external steel frame (almost like an exoskeleton) and glowing facade promises a more elegant addition to the skyline. 

Have we finally arrived at a period when we can say that the future looks bright for Toronto condo design? That might be a bit ambitious, as there's still plenty of anonymous structures going up all across the city, but the marquee projects have raised the bar, which is certainly a welcome trend.

Fingers crossed that Toronto's array of new condos only get more and more daring. If we're destined to be a city of such buildings, it wouldn't be the worst thing to stick out. 

What's a fair fare for all public transit riders across Toronto?

City council isn't yet sure, but they're eager to see it figured out – which is why they voted unanimously yesterday on a motion to see plans for an integrated TTC and Go-Train fare accelerated.

Tabled my motion today at City Council for a truly integrated and affordable co-fare for Go/TTC trips. Passed 39-0. https://t.co/I5XqOlhVzX

— Mike Layton (@m_layton) November 7, 2017

It was Ward 20 Councillor Mike Layton who put forth the motion, which asked "the City Manager to request Metrolinx and the Toronto Transit Commission to accelerate their plans for full and affordable fare integration for the City of Toronto, including a single fare for rides within the City of Toronto, and to report back to City Council."

It was passed 39-0, but not without some passionate speeches and debate in the council chamber first.

"We went from an $8 fare to get from Liberty Village which employs 15,000 people, 15,000 people living there as well," he said of the most recent Metrolinx report. "We're charging them $6.50 instead of $8 to get from Liberty Village to Union Station. That's still too much."

"We are one city, let's have one fare," he said. "And let's make this whatever you call it system ... work for the city of Toronto."

Personally, I agree with @m_layton. Those using transit from further away should be applauded, not punished with higher fares #topoli

— Katherine DeClerq (@kedec01) November 7, 2017

Layton argued that the recent installation of the Presto system has provided the city with a great opportunity to finally move forth with fare integration after 6 years of waffling around the issue.

Ward 7 Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti stood up to suggest a "friendly amendment" to Layton's motion that involves Metrolinx taking over the whole system, TTC included.

"Allow the province to run a system for everybody," he said, prompting Ward 11 Councillor Frances Nunziata to say "Councillor Mammoliti, please."

Another city councillor could actually be seen on camera face-palming when Mammoliti sarcastically told Layton "I appreciate you telling me what my residents would want."

Regardless of how fare integration ends up working, city council seems intent on getting a single-fare for transit within Toronto, whether by GO trains and busses, TTC vehicles or eventually SmartTrack.