Yup, you guessed it. Toronto's in store for another TTC subway closure this weekend, this time on Line 1 for track work.

There will be no subway service between St Clair and Lawrence stations on November 25 and 26. All trains on Line 1 will turn back northbound at Lawrence Station and southbound at St. Clair. Shuttle buses will operate between these stations during the closure.

Subway service will resume on Monday morning. The next scheduled closure will stop weekend service on Line 1 between Sheppard West and Wilson stations on December 2 and 3 due to signal upgrades.

A proposal to further enhance some security measures at Toronto City Hall is raising concerns this week among councillors who don't like the idea of "patron screening."

The debate over how much security is too much security surfaced earlier this month with the release of a (mostly confidential) report from the Deputy City Manager of Internal Corporate Services.

"This report proposes changes to the current 'Enhanced' level of security at Toronto City Hall," reads the document. "These proposals are based upon assessments from the Toronto Police Service and Public Safety Canada, best practices, and benchmarking."

Several key recommendations listed in the report pertain to physical security measures that would, hopefully, provide "a reasonable level of protection from foreseeable threats."

City staff recommend enhanced security measures at Toronto City Hall, including patron screening (likely metal detectors) and barriers in meeting rooms. https://t.co/r5cVnAU5Iapic.twitter.com/ar2mkYchlC

— Matt Elliott (@GraphicMatt) November 21, 2017

We don't know exactly what any of these measures would look like for sure, as the details are all described in confidential attachments – except for recommendation number one, which asks Council to "approve the use of patron screening" at Toronto City Hall.

"Patron Screening involves the use of walk through metal detectors (WTMD's), hand-held metal detectors (HHMD's), and physical baggage checks by persons, x-ray machines, or both," reads a description of the practice in the original report. "Screening Policy and Procedures will be developed to provide appropriate regulations for security screening."

Councillor Gord Perks takes up issue with the idea of screening members of the public before they enter City Hall.

"They’re not patrons, they're citizens and this is their palace," he told The Star on Tuesday. "The accessibility of city hall should be the same as the accessibility of the sidewalk."

"If our society has too many weapons in it to make this place safe, then we need to deal with that problem," he continued. "Not make it difficult for an ordinary citizen to come in and watch their civic government in action."

Councillor Paula Fletcher agreed, vowing to fight against any measures that would accessing City Hall more difficult for citizens.

The recommendations are set to be considered during a meeting of the Executive Committee on November 28. If approved there, they will go on to be considered by City Council on December 5.

Pride Toronto has hit a snag after it was revealed that it lost almost $1.3 million during the 2017 festival, landing it the red for the first time since 2010.

Financial documents show that Pride lost $1.3 million, absorbing its $848,124 surplus and bringing the deficit to $458,209.

.@PrideToronto suffers biggest financial hit since 2010 when group calling itself #QueersAgainstIsraeliApartheid was allowed to parade. This year police were banned from #PrideParade. https://t.co/S2Wsvh2sNu

— Jane Brown (@JaneBrownNews) November 22, 2017

While never originally intended to generate revenue or include corporate sponsors, the numbers show that sponsorship dropped from $2.3 million in 2016 to $1.5 million this year, and donations by $651,450, which could spell trouble down the road.

The sponsorship dollars is one thing, but the drop in donations is stunning. It means that @PrideToronto has lost a very large part of the community.

— Peter Nogalo (@PNogalo) November 22, 2017

Beverage sales and government grants were down as well, with Pride organizers receiving only $19,120 of the $260,000 available through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

This past year's celebrations were marred with controversy after Pride adhered to a list of demands from Black Lives Matter, one of which asked for the "removal of police floats in the Pride marches and parades."

Some have called the move exclusionary and point to it as the main reason for the financial hit.

@PrideToronto So how did banning @TorontoPolice from the Pride Parade work out for ya???

Hope you are in so much financial debt that your parade floats into non-existence!

Remember, hatred & exclusion gets you no where!!!#Toronto#TOpoli#PrideTO#onpoli#PrideToronto#BLMTO

— Brian Connolly (@bconnolly00) November 22, 2017

Toronto's Pride festival has become one of the biggest Pride events in North America and has evolved into an international week-long celebration that attracts people from all over the world.

The streets of a busy, west side neighbourhood were slower than usual during rush hour this morning thanks to a good ol' gentrification protest in Parkdale.

Everybody needs #AffordableParkdale! pic.twitter.com/tAJSc2HoAz

— Liam Barrington-Bush (@hackofalltrades) November 22, 2017

Dozens of affordable housing advocates joined together at the corners of King and Dufferin around 8 a.m. today, many of them carrying coordinated signs and a gigantic banner that stretched across the intersection.

As Feds announce National Housing Strategy, Torontonians continue to be priced out by gentrification#AffordableParkdale#NationalHousingDaypic.twitter.com/YvbgVTgIpf

— PNLT (@parkdaleland) November 22, 2017

Being that today is National Housing Day in the City of Toronto – an annual event created in 1998 when homelessness was declared a national disaster – the timing of the protest makes sense.

Yet another condo in Parkdale whole TCH waitlist continues to grow. pic.twitter.com/Xop5XGLGwY

— Septembre Anderson (@SeptembreA) November 22, 2017

Of course, this isn't the first protest staged by residents of Parkdale lately.

Just last week, members of the community protested a meeting of Toronto and East York Community Council over a new condo complex.

What do we want? Affordable housing!
When do we want it? NOW!#NationalHousingDay#AffordableParkdalepic.twitter.com/jqjJIHEI7n

— Liam Barrington-Bush (@hackofalltrades) November 22, 2017

Despite their efforts, council voted to approve a contentious Lifetime Developments project that is set to bring 703 new "high-end" condominium units to the Parkdale area.

That development will be built on the site of today's protest, right at Dufferin and King, where currently stands a Burger King, a Hasty Market and Island Foods among other local businesses.

Wonderful creative disruption on King St and Dufferin St calling for a more inclusive and #AffordableParkdale. #NationalHousingDay#Parkdale#Canadapic.twitter.com/SfZ9HAGDuW

— KDA (@KalsangDolmaArt) November 22, 2017

Those in opposition to the condos worry that new developments are further driving up the cost of living in the neighbourhood.

Still, they were respectful of vehicles trying to pass through during their protest, taking care to only block the road in one direction at a time, causing just minor traffic delays

#AffordableHousing#Protest at King and Dufferin this morning! Agree with their messaging and thank them for rotating their protest at the intersection to still allow #TTC to move through.#TOPoli#AffordableHousingNeeded

— Steve Ulrich (@steveulrich_TO) November 22, 2017

"For the most part they are being respectful of traffic laws," wrote one local commuter of the scene. "But they are slightly slowing down traffic in the area so be prepared."

The protest appears to be ongoing as of late this morning.

Toronto's Chinese restaurant scene is about to get another big player with Green Tea Restaurant that's set to open its first location outside of China next month.

The chain is popular in southern China with over 50 locations in cities like Beijing. It's known for fare reminiscent of a traditional Chinese market, serving up traditional Hangzhou-style dishes with a twist.

The announcement comes after the recent opening of Peking Duck's first North American location that's already caused a frenzy.

The new location will be opening December 8 at 3235 Highway 7 East, Unit 18 in Markham.

It's official! Legislation to increase minimum wage in Ontario to $15 by 2019 has just passed.

This is great news for many employees across the province who will see their hourly wage increase from $11.60 to $15 over the next two years.

BREAKING: Bill 148, which raises $11.60-an-hour minimum wage to $14 in January and $15 in 2018, passes 67-26. Liberals and NDP in favour; Tories oppose. #onpolipic.twitter.com/UWR4jHGsBI

— Robert Benzie (@robertbenzie) November 22, 2017

The bill is part of the Fair Workplace, Better Jobs Act that will also include extending personal emergency leave to 10 days; equal pay for part-time, temporary, casual and seasonal employees; and up to 17 weeks off for domestic or sexual violence survivors.

We did it. Today, we passed a law to officially raise the minimum wage to $14 an hour on Jan 1, 2018 and $15 by Jan 1, 2019. This is why I’m in politics — because I know we can build a fairer, better Ontario for everyone. The fight for $15 isn't over, but today was a big step. pic.twitter.com/uRkRfRUceF

— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) November 22, 2017

This is a big move for Ontario after it conducted a lengthy review of  workspaces across the province and found that "higher minimum wage results in less employee turnover, which increases business productivity."

The first increase will go into effect January 1, 2018.

How are there still so many tickets left for JAY-Z's back-to-back shows in Toronto this week?

This is what the people of Twitter would like to know. So let's explore.

Why isn’t the Jay Z concert tickets selling in Toronto 🤔

— Monét Monét (@TheeMonetMonet) November 21, 2017

The iconic New York rapper, currently on tour promoting his 13th studio album,is booked to perform both Wednesday and Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre.

Based on reviews from previous 4:44 tour stops (and the set list, which is dope,) they'll be fantastic shows. They always are with Jay, plus he's got a massive fan base both here and abroad.

So why does almost every section of the ACC have seats for sale right now – more than 100 of them per block, in some cases – on both nights of his Toronto tour stop?

Will Jay Z call Beyonce yet for his Toronto show #floppic.twitter.com/3r9puYRYi2

— joão (@joaofe747) November 21, 2017

The last time Jay played an arena show in Toronto was during 2014's On The Run Tour,  which he co-headlined with his wife, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

On The Run sold out in minutes – as did Beyoncé's Formation World Tour, which hit Toronto in May of 2016.

Despite the fact that Jay has packed, many stadiums in the past, some fans are blaming a lack of Bey for the perceived "flop" of his latest tour.

Beyonce's husband is in town! https://t.co/zMwHSdIyQT

— Joshua Sumi (@joshua_sumi) November 22, 2017

Some other theories: 

• Live Nation's new, anti-scalper ticketing strategy is driving ticket prices too high for the taste of some fans.
• Reports of Jay struggling to sell tickets for previous stops on the tour have been greatly exaggerated, and in some case disputed by attendees who've reported packed stadiums. Live Nation still maintains that this is JAY-Z's highest grossing tour ever, according to SPIN. 

🙌🙌🙌 - - - - - #jayz #444tour #bellcentre #mtlmoment #montreal #bell #encore

A post shared by Marianne G. Courchesne (@mariannegc) on Nov 21, 2017 at 10:42pm PST

• Bad weather. A lot of people are selling off tickets to the concerts on Instagram and Twitter right now, suggesting that partying on a cold weeknight in November isn't always the most appealing thing to do – even if you thought it would be when you bought the tickets in August.
• Promoting an album in which you apologize for cheating on your very famous and beloved wife is a bad idea, especially when that wife just put you on blast for the aforementioned cheating scandal with her own album last year.

Beyoncé may have forgiven for given her husband for stepping out, but have the couple's mutual fans.

Regardless, it's unlikely that Beyoncé will be at her husband's shows in Toronto this week. The couple does have newborn twins at home and, let's be real, it's not like she needs the money.

Maybe he should call Becky with the good hair to help him out instead.

When Santa comes to town, he takes the TTC.

The TTC is launching the first annual Santa's Streetcar event this weekend and filling a new, 100-foot streetcar with toys as part of the Toy Mountain campaign to help children in need this Christmas.

The toy drive was brought together with the help of TTC personnel to pile the streetcar with new, unwrapped toys for children in need.

The Kingston Road Loop on Queen East will be bustling with live performances, collecting non-perishable food, and serving BBQ throughout the day.

Everyone is pitching in, from local high school students to neighbourhood businesses, in an effort to organize the community celebration.

There will also be a special appearance by Santa himself, who will be on hand for photos and wish list requests.

The event takes place this Saturday November 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spirits Bar & Grill has shut down this month after three decades of serving up food, booze and laughter out of a big house with green trim in the Church Wellesley village.

A fixture on the stand-up comedy circuit in Toronto, Spirits hosted one of the city's longest running open mic nights before it announced its closure on November 17.

Comedians like Robin Williams, Seth Meyers and Lewis Black all performed live there at some point, according to a previous event listing, but the restaurant was loved for its food just as much as its entertainment.

Goodnight sweet friend

A post shared by Spirits Bar & Grill (@spiritsbargrill) on Nov 18, 2017 at 2:46pm PST

"The best Greek Salad is gone :(," lamented a fan under the bar's closure announcement on Instagram.

"That sucks. Such an amazing place to eat," wrote another patron on Facebook. "One of the best places I've eaten ever."

But it's not all sad news.

"Closed but not forgotten!" reads the Instagram notice. "We are gloriously retiring after 30 years of fun, laughter and food."

"Thank you… Thank you…," it concludes. "Thank you for your patronage."

The best donuts in Toronto elevate a humble treat to the level of fine pastry. Puffy, fluffy, sweet, and with all manner of imaginative toppings and flavour combinations, these donuts are perfect first thing in the morning or as dessert at the end of the day.

Here are the best donuts in Toronto.

The top bars in Toronto for non-drinkers make it easy to stay sober while out at night, for whatever reason. The mocktails, energy drinks, and even free soda at these watering holes can help you wet your whistle without getting a buzz on.

Here are my picks for the top bars in Toronto for non-drinkers.

Less Bar

Designed to break the stigma of staying sober at a bar, especially in the music community, this place in Bloorcourt offers Club Mate so the DJs that spin all night can stay awake, and kombucha and kefir water so your tummy actually loves instead of hates you after attending a show at this new venue.

Civil Liberties

There’s no menu per se at this secretive cocktail bar near Bloor and Ossington. You’re simply asked about your preferences and a custom beverage is creatively concocted for you, which makes it easy to ask them to hold the booze. You’ll still likely get all the bitters, egg whites, and exotic juices you might find in your average cocktail glass.

Nightowl

This bar actually goes so far as to offer designated drivers free non-alcoholic drinks to encourage responsibility. Sodas as well as virgin caesars and mojitos are all fair game, and go great with the all-you-can-eat tacos on the menu. This practice twins nicely with the free self-defence classes held at the bar.

Shameful Tiki Room

You don’t have to miss out on a crazy drink served in a tiki head with flowers, pineapples and maraschino cherries bursting out of just because you prefer not to imbibe. This Parkdale bar has a huge menu of alcohol-free drinks including one called the “Designated Driver” made with cinnamon, lime, orange, pineapple, bitters and soda.

Pretty Ugly

“Fauxmaro” was invented at this Parkdale bar, a virgin version of the bitter Italian liqueur amaro. The focus here rather than offering patrons an alternative to drinks is to create a placebo menu of virgin drinks that look, smell and taste like the real deal.

Minimum wage employees in Ontario will soon be getting a substantial boost in terms of pay, job security and income protection.

That's the idea, at least.

The new Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, passed today by the provincial government, will see minimum wage in Ontario rise to $15 an hour by 2019. The process starts by raising the rate from $11.60 to $14 in just a few weeks, on January 1, 2018.

This means that employees will be making roughly 18 per cent more money next year than they are right now – if they work the same number of hours.

Canadian grocery store chain Metro says it expects to incur $45-$50 million in extra costs next year from Ontario's minimum wage hike, according to the Financial Post.

In order to counteract the financial loss, it plans to "scale back hours at some stores" in light of the new rules.

"Some 24-hour stores will no longer be 24-hour stores," said Metro chief executive Eric Le Fleche on a conference call to analysts Wednesday. "We have to manage the hours the best we can without reducing customer service."

Very interesting, as they had already moved in that direction a couple of years ago, eliminating many 24-hour and midnight closing hours. https://t.co/qLaMbtfOpf

— Anthony Ertl (@ErtlAnthony) November 22, 2017

Metro has 12 stores within the GTA right now according to its website, seven of which are open 24 hours, including the Metros at Bloor & Spadina, at Yonge & College, in Little Italy and in St. Lawrence Market.

The Metro in Liberty Village, which used to be open 24/7, already reduced its operating hours following renovations last fall – much to the anger and disappointment of many shoppers and employees.

Uhh why is the METRO closed?Is it a holiday or something? I needs groceries! If the burrito place is closed, tell my family I ❤️ them! #RIP

— Daniel Klimitz (@Klimz) May 19, 2014

Fortunately for those of us who prefer night shopping for its lack of other people, Metro plans to expand into more e-commerce and home grocery delivery over the next year.

That's one way to avoid waiting in checkout lines, I guess.

Live music enthusiasts have a ton of options today in Toronto, thanks to JAY-Z's second show (tickets are still available), a Juno Award nominee's return to Massey Hall, and a free concert from a Vancouver indie act. It's also American Thanksgiving, there's a donut eating contest, and oh yeah, Colin Mochrie is rapping tonight. 

Depending on which way you turn when entering this condo at 55 Front St. East, you could think you've arrived at a swanky open concept soft loft or a diminutive but relatively cozy practical space. 

Thankfully for prospective buyers, the unit in question boasts the best of both worlds, with a wide open living room, kitchen, and master bedroom loft on one side, and a smaller TV room and bedroom/office area on the other. 

It's a novel design that also pays dividends in terms of the extended terraces that surround the unit on multiple levels. This would be a good place to put up guests, as the separation between sleeping areas is huge.

Design-wise, the usual notes are hit for a luxury unit: high ceilings, large windows, and upscale appliances. It's not quite dazzling, but given the location, the whole package is going to be very attractive to  someone who craves proximity to the Financial District. 

Besides, who wouldn't want to look down on one of Toronto's most beautiful heritage buildings? This unit basically hovers atop the Flatiron and nearby St. Lawrence Market. 

Specs

• Address: #1205 - 55 Front St. East
• Price: $1,895,000
• Bedrooms: 2 + 1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 2
• Walk Score: 100
• Transit Score: 100
• Maintenance Fees: $1,002
• Listing agent: Douglas Adler, Chestnut Park
• Listing ID: C3986788

Good For

Someone who's making lots of dollars in finance who wants to walk to work during the week, but enjoy the vibe and convenience of the St. Lawrence Market on Saturdays. 

Move On If

A couple with young kids might not like the separation between the master and the second bedroom. Alternately, someone looking for a quieter neighbourhood would do well to move along. 

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

Toronto restaurant openings highlights the latest food news in Toronto and gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now

• Superpoint Express in Parkdale has opened Express Bar at 269 Dunn Ave.
• The Civic on the ground floor of the Broadview Hotel in Riverside is now open.
• Bi Bim Bap now has a second location, having taken over the former Rollipub space at 598 College St. in Little Italy.
• The Gastro Pub  has replaced the old Mars Beach Diner at 1987 Queen St. E. in the Beaches.
• Meli Baklava & Chocolate Bar has moved to 123 Queen St. W. at the Sheraton Centre after some controversy at its former space down the street.
• Cinco, a modern Mexican restaurant serving tacos, pollo rostizado (rotisserie chicken) and weekend brunch, is now open at 131 Roncesvalles Ave. (by Galley Ave.).
• Kensington Sushi Market has replaced Rick's Cafe at 281 Augusta Ave. in Kensington Market.

Recently reviewed

• Hogtown Vegan (College)
• The Cheesecake Factory
• J's Apron
• AishTanoor
• Go Topoki

Opening soon

• Campo Food Hall opens tomorrow at 433 King St. W. (at Spadina).
• Pizzeria General Assembly is opening on December 1 at 331 Adelaide St. W. (by Peter St.).
• Bloorcourt's Pam’s Roti has finally found a new home 1089 Bloor St. W., one block east of Dufferin, and is currently undergoing renovations.
• Ozzy's Burgers will soon be opening at 66 1/2 Nassau St. in the space that was formerly Grilled Cheese in Kensington Market.
• Something called Sho Izakaya will be opening at 1406 Queen St. W. (at Dunn) in Parkdale.

Closed

• G for Gelato at Jarvis & Adelaide has abruptly shuttered.
• Spirits Bar & Grill on Church St. just south of Bloor has closed after 30 years in business.

Other News

• A fire at Oakwood Hardware in Oakwood Village has temporarily shut down the restaurant, but it hopes to reopen soon.

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

Never has the term dropped the ball been so applicable than last night when the Knicks scored 28 consecutive points against the Raptors.

New York rallied during last night's third quarter to outscore the Raps in what was a historic moment that Toronto just happened to be on the wrong side of.

The numbers behind the Knicks 3rd quarter against the Raptors are wild. 31 point swing to take the lead. 28-0 run. pic.twitter.com/JsjtTEjCH8

— Nelsiry (@origi_nel) November 23, 2017

Entering the second half the Raps had a comfortable lead but in the third quarter the Knicks did something unprecedented.

@LeoRautins A 28-0 run? What the bleep?!! Never seen a team go on a 28-0 run... #Raptors

— David Bustin (@avgnsdave) November 23, 2017

It was the Raptors worst quarter in franchise history.

Who does a 28-0 run? 😳

— John Michael (@mr_john_michael) November 23, 2017

The Raptors made it close with a fourth quarter run, dropping the game  108-100. But most fans won't remember that.

Still mind blown by the 28-0 run against the #Raptors

— Abiram G (@abiram_g) November 23, 2017

Road closures continue to hit Toronto streets as holiday festivities ramp up in the city. Last week it was the Santa Claus Parade, and this week it's the Cavalcade of Lights that'll cause congestion on the city's streets.

Here's what you need to know to navigate the city this weekend.

Cavalcade of Lights

Toronto's annual holiday tradition will close the following streets on November 25 from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

• Bay St. from Dundas St. to Richmond St. West.
• Queen St.West from University Ave. to Yonge St.
• York St. from Queen St. West to Richmond St. West.
• Elizabeth St. from Foster Place to Hagerman St.
• Hagerman St. from Elizabeth St. to Bay St.

During this time the City Hall drop-off/pickup location for Registered Wheel-Trans Users will be relocated to Chestnut Street from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

KidzFest at Yonge-Dundas Square

This event will close down Dundas Square from Yonge St. to O'Keefe Ln on November 25 from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Cabbagetown BIA Holiday Kickoff

Carlton St. from Parliament St. to Exchange Ln will be closed on November 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the holiday event. 

Weston BIA Santa Claus Parade

Weston Rd. from St. Phillips Rd. to Church St. will be closed on November 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for this neighbourhoods Santa Claus Parade. 

TTC Subway Closure

There will be no subway service between St. Clair and Lawrence stations on November 25 and 26 due to track work. Shuttle buses will be running instead.

West Queen West is the latest Toronto neighbourhood under threat thanks to the city's new property tax assessments.

The so-called Arts and Design district that Vogue once named the second coolest neighbourhood in the world is now seeing a similar sort of property tax increase property that's afflicted so many independent businesses on Yonge St.

There is a growing concern amongst Queen St. business owners that they may not be able to afford their businesses as property tax assessments continue to increase along with Toronto's red-hot property market.

The issue largely steams from the practice of the city basing its property tax assessment on how much neighbouring businesses sell for, meaning that small, independent shops are impacted when banks or large retail chains pony up for expensive real estate nearby. 

The West Queen West BIA is advocating for the small businesses in the neighbourhood, warning that if something isn't done, the very places that make the area so vibrant will soon be gone.

If there's a silver lining here it's the hope that Toronto will make good on its promise to reformulate how it assesses small business to better ensure they can survive.

If you live in Toronto, you probably take public transit pretty regularly and have become accustomed to loud noises. But a new study says that some types of noise are more harmful than others.

The study by the Journal of Otolaryngology examines how noise exposure on mass public transit has the potential to lead to hearing loss by measuring the noise levels at several TTC stations and comparing it to those typically found on buses and streetcars.

The study measured noise levels inside the Keele, Dufferin, Bay, and Spadina subway stations were amongst the loudest.

While the study found the "mean average noise levels on the Toronto transit system are within the recommended level of safe noise exposure," it also concluded that little sound bursts, particularly from TTC buses, could put people at risk for noise induced hearing loss.

Short periods of exposure can be uncomfortable, but the noise should not be at dangerous levels. It can get worse around this time of year as the temperature shifts cause the metal to expand and contract at different rates. ^RA🚀

— TTC Customer Service (@TTChelps) November 18, 2017

Of course, this isn't the only way to potentially suffer hearing loss on the TTC.

Guy sitting next to me on #TTC is blasting music so loud through his earphones, I can hear it perfectly. That's gotta cause hearing loss.

— Lauren Rosenblum (@LaurenRosenblum) November 18, 2010

It's worth noting that studies examining the harmful impacts of city living get published every once in awhile. It shouldn't make any of us pack up and move to the country but nevertheless it's good to be aware of some of the dangers.

Residents of Harbord Village are working to keep the spirit of their skating rink alive, even though it's filled with garbage cans.

The recreation facilities at Robert Street Park  near Bloor and Spadina are home to a multi-use field, a small pavilion, and a defunct skating rink and tennis court that are currently being used to store garbage.

Local resident Nicholas Provart has had enough and recently launched a petition to bring attention to the issue.

It's all apparently related to the proposal made by U of T to build a 23 storey student residence on the corner of Sussex and Spadina that would replace the Ten Editions bookstore.

"Overtaking Ten Editions is consistent with the university’s ongoing efforts to expand into neighbouring communities over the past 20 years. Since 1997, the St. George campus has grown by 290,000 square meters, increasing the university’s property area by 28 per cent. Holding nine ongoing development applications with the city, the #university has placed increasing pressures on surrounding #neighbourhoods in an attempt to meet the demand for office space and housing that is guaranteed to all first year #students. As a space for the transmission of knowledge and culture, it is the job of the university to engage surrounding residents in meaningful consultation, promote #heritage conservation, and improve urban life. Yet if the university wants to assist in improving #urban #livability, it has to ensure its sprawl is not impeding these attempts. Reviewing ongoing development projects to ensure they are in compliance with these goals would be a first step." (Photo by Sofia Ludwig) http://var.st/27b

A post shared by The Varsity (@the.varsity) on Mar 8, 2017 at 10:07am PST

The university has ownership rights over the area, which dates back to the turn of the century.

The petition explains that since the university designated the space to share with the public in 1988, it has fallen into disrepair so much so that the "rink hasn't worked and garbage cans are being stored there."

"It would be great if one of Canada's leading institutions could find a way [to] deed the land on which the rink and tennis courts are built to the City of Toronto to provide much-needed green space," writes Provart in the petition.

The current state of the Robert Street rink. Photo by Nicholas Provart.

Worth noting is that the City of Toronto did allocate $1.3 million for repairs to the recreation space back in 2009. So far those funds have remained untapped. 

A spokesperson for U of T recently spoke to The Varsity saying the university does intend to eventually make improvements to the facilities, although no timetable has yet been put into place.