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Nobody knows what happened to the Toronto moose

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The moose that ran around Toronto and into our hearts has not been seen since Saturday.

Early on Friday a moose was spotted near the Buttonville Airport and toured through the street of Markham, dodging traffic and hopping over fences.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry officials were tracking the moose as it tried to navigate through residential areas before finally settling in a wooded area to rest.

It was last seen at around 3 p.m. on Saturday near 6th Avenue and Kennedy Road.

Attempts to tranquilize and transfer it proved difficult while it was on the move, and no attempts were made during nightfall for safety reasons.

Officials said they're hoping that by now the moose has moved on to a safer area but admit they have no idea where it might currently be hanging out.

It's likely that it made it's way down through any one of the GTA's river corridors including the Rouge River area, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge, or as far away as Algonquin Provincial Park.


Bike thefts in Toronto are way up

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Cycling has never been more popular in Toronto and neither has bike thefts.

According to the CBC, bike thefts have gone up 26 per cent from 2014 to 2016, with mountain and black-coloured bikes being targeted the most by thieves.

Numbers obtained from the Toronto Police show that 3,728 were reported stolen last year and only 49 were recovered.

Breaking and entering is up 74 per cent since 2014 as well, a troubling trend that has a lot of people wondering what should be done about this epidemic.

Nearly everyone in Toronto has felt the sting of having a bike or two stolen. But the problem comes from the difficulty in identifying and apprehending bike thieves.

Recovery is also rarity for bike owners, with Police citing the convertible nature of the bike, which can be quickly and easily converted into cash or parts and sold on the streets or online.

There is the occasional victory for bike owners, like the arrest of notorious bike thief Igor Kenk many years back, but until a viable solution comes along, there's always bike sharing.

Free commuter paper 24 Hours Toronto just shut down

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Two of Canada's largest print media companies have announced the completion of a "non-cash transaction" in which, essentially, they just traded a whole bunch of newspapers with each other.

Postmedia, which publishes The National Post and Sun-branded newspapers (among others), acquired 22 "community newspaper properties" and two "free commuter dailies" as part of the deal.

Torstar, in return, got 15 of Postmedia's local newspapers, and also a pair of free daily commuter papers – 24 Hours Vancouver and 24 Hours Toronto.

Postmedia says it will continue to operate only two of the newspapers it just acquired, both in Exeter. It will close the remainder of the local newspapers, which include Metro Ottawa, Our London and St. Lawrence News, by mid-January.

Torstar, for its part, was vague on plans to shut down any of its newly-won community papers with reports stating it would close most of the acquired papers – but we do know that at least one of the free commuter dailies is out.

Toronto Star Community Relations Director Bob Hepburn confirmed to us by email this morning that 24 Hours Toronto will be closing, effective immediately, as "the paper under Postmedia had no staff directly employed by the publication."

It's worth noting that TorStar also owns Metro Toronto, one of 24 Hours Toronto's former competitors.

The top 50 vegetarian restaurants in Toronto

WVRST is opening a second location in Toronto

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Toronto's favourite German-style beer hall and purveyor of fancy sausages is expanding. Prost!

WVRST, which opened near King and Bathurst in 2011, announced via Instagram last night that it would soon be launching a second location within Union Station's new-and-improved food court.

The appropriately named 'WVRST2' is scheduled to open in August of 2018.

No word yet on what the restaurant looks like inside, but construction cladding surrounding it features the same red subway tile motif found inside WVRST's King Street location – which almost makes the business look like part of the rejuvenated transit hub itself.

#WVRSTunion2018

A post shared by Homemadebymary (@homemadebymary) on

As fun as it would be to hear the TTC announcement robot try to pronounce "WVRST Station," I'm glad this one's an actual place to eat. 

No word yet on how many types of artisan sausage WVRST2 will carry, but its a safe bet to say they'll be selling the flagship restaurant's famous duck fat fries.

A huge winter festival is coming to Toronto's waterfront

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The province wasn't kidding when it promised to make Ontario Place a "year-round waterfront destination."

This winter, the freshly-revitalized former amusement park will be hosting yet another brand new and totally free festivalfor Toronto to enjoy.

Winter at Ontario Place, as the event is called, will run pretty much all season long from December 8 to March 18, 2018. 

It will be open to the public seven days a week and include "various winter themed activities" such as the highly-anticipated Winter Light Exhibition with its 12-foot-tall, freestanding icicle silo.

Ontario place skating

An artist's rendering of the soon-to-open synthetic ice rink at Ontario Place. Image via Ontario Ministry of Tourism.

The start of the festival also marks the public opening of Ontario Place's new, synthetic outdoor skating rink, which comes complete with skate rentals, sharpening, music, drinks and snacks on site.

A press release announcing the winter event series invites visitors to explore the snow covered hills at Trillium Park and along William G. Davis Trail during the festival, promising "lots of room to build snow sculptures."

Guests can also expect film screenings at the newly re-opened Cinesphere, a bonfire on the north end of Cedar Cove, and something called "Illuminated Island," in which "fairy lights will cast a warm glow" along the West Island paths.

Sounds cool, if not a bit cold. Bring your mittens!

Toronto is considering crowdfunding to improve local roads

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The city wants to improve road safety and could be looking to the public for help.

According to discussions today at City Hall, the new Vision Zero Road Safety Plan (RSP) intended to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto's streets could be supported through crowdfunding.

Funds raised will go towards the acceleration and expansion of various infrastructure projects that include improved pavement markings and awareness initiatives.

If approved, the crowdfunding option would go into effect late next year and any funds raised could be allocated to use by other city services as needed.

City council is set to vote on the crowdfunding measure as part of the 2018 budget meeting next month.

Curling clubs in Toronto

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Curling clubs in Toronto range from country-club chic to city-owned casual and there are plenty of different leagues to choose from. For both novices and pros, there are several options available to get on the ice.

Here's a round-up of curling clubs in Toronto.

East York Curling Club

This city-owned East York club is has six sheets of curling ice and is home to the University of Toronto Curling Club and the World Juniors Curling Championships. Annual fees hover around $450 for men and women, but are significantly cheaper for daytime leagues.

High Park Club

This club near the park that bears its name is the oldest in the city and has a five-sheet curling rink where Friday and Saturday evenings are geared towards new members. Club fees are affordable and you can even borrow their brooms until you're ready to buy your own.

Leaside Curling Club

Another city-owned facility at Laird and Millwood has eight sheets of ice, a spectator area, and a variety of different leagues including mixed, and daytime. Annual memberships start at about $65 plus playing fees that vary for different leagues.

Royal Canadian Curling Club

This club near Queen and Broadview is member owned and operated with a six-sheet rink. Curlers are expected to buy a general membership that gives them access to a ton of perks and access to the club's many social events.

Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club

This club near Wilson and Bathurst has six sheets of curling ice and offers instructional clinics and a four-week Curling College for curling beginners. There are leagues for the whole family, as well as social events and annual bonspiels.

Granite Club

This members only club near the Bridle Path has been around for more than 130 years. It has eight curling sheets and apparently the only third-floor curling rink in the world.

Donalda Curling Club

This members only club in Don Mills has four sheets of curling ice and programs for everyone. There's also a dress code.


10 things to do in Toronto today

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Events in Toronto today include a live talk from former First Lady Michelle Obama, a new stage show straight from Mumbai, and a celebration of women in the film industry. 

Events you might want to check out:

Michelle Obama (November 28 @ Mattamy Centre)
The first lady gives her first ever talk in Canada about advancing women and girls' role in changing the world. Tickets are still available but start at a steep $500.
Toronto Argos Grey Cup Celebration (November 28 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Nathan Phillips Square should be packed today as Argos fans gather to celebrate the team's Grey Cup victory.
Art Battle Toronto (November 28 @ The Great Hall)
Artists have 20 minutes to competitively create the best painting they can as the audience votes on who advances. 16 artists will participate, but only one will win the art battle!
Women On Screen (November 28 @ Gladstone Hotel)
The Gladstone is celebrating women in the entertainment industry through a night of pilot script live readings, food, drinks, and a silent auction.
Amaara - A Journey of Love (November 28 @ Harbourfront Centre's Fleck Dance Theatre)
Making its Canadian premiere direct from Mumbai, Amaara combines the methods of western dance with the spiritualism of Indian forms for an enchanting evening.
Tuesday Cabaret (November 28 @ Super Wonder Gallery)
The College St. gallery plays host to a Vaudvillian style variety show spotlighting local talent.
Stories of Mistletoe Mishaps (November 28 @ The Ossington)
Listen to stories about the the worst gifts ever and the family Christmas card mistakenly mailed to the wrong address at this PWYC storytelling event.
Bingpot Trivia (November 28 - December 19 @ Broncos)
Teams of up to 8 people take on questions about music, sports, pop culture, 90s nostalgia, and more. The game is free to play and drinks are insanely cheap.
One of a Kind Show (November 23 - December 3 @ Enercare Centre)
This sprawling show featuring over 800 makers, artisans and designers presses on until the end of the week.
Christian Dior at the ROM (November 25 - March 18 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
In celebration of the House of Dior’s 70th anniversary, the ROM explores Dior’s dramatic creations at their newest exhibit that just launched on Saturday.

This 1km trail is the most epic holiday light show in Ontario

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'Tis the season for holiday light displays in small towns all across Ontario. Many of these quaint festivals have something to recommend, from scenic riverside locations to huge numbers of lights, but none offer as complete a package as Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg. 

Alight at Night

Holiday light displays don't get better than Alight at Night. Photo via Upper Canada Village.

Alight at Night enters its 17th season this year with over a million Christmas lights spread across a one kilometre trail that passes through a village of historical buildings that date back to the 19th century. 

For context, consider that Niagara's Winter Festival of Lights features 2 million lights over an eight kilometre route that most people travel by car. Alight at Night might be shorter, but it's way brighter, and you get much closer to the displays.

Unlike other light festivals, the illumination here is pretty much constant throughout the village, which is why exploring on foot is so rewarding. 

There are other perks as well. Given the self-contained nature of the festival, visitors can tour the light displays via horse-drawn wagons that wind through the village. Group rides are included with admission, while private carriage tours are available at extra cost. 

Other activities include carolling, a toy train, a visit to the village bakery and/or Willard's Hotel, the latter of which offers the perfect place to warm up over an adult beverage or two.

alight at night

A section of Alight the Night in panoramic view. Photo by Jazmin Million.

Morrisburg might be a hefty drive from Toronto, but Alight at Night is arguably the most spectacular of the lights festivals spread across this province. If you're looking for a memorable festive adventure, it doesn't get much more scenic than this. 

Alight at Night runs from December 1 to January 6, 2018. Check the calendar for specific times. Adult admission is $15.95. 

House of the week: 276 Inglewood Drive

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Inglewood Drive is probably best known for its annual Santa Claus display, which sees the street lined with oversized inflatable St. Nick figures each December. Straddling Moore Park and Rosedale, it's also home to some spectacular real estate. 

276 Inglewood Drive TorontoCase in point, this recently listed house at 276 Inglewood, which is one of the rare contemporary homes on this section of the street. Built in late 2015, it still looks pretty much brand new inside and out.

276 Inglewood Drive TorontoWorking with a relatively narrow lot, the house is deceptively large with four above ground bedrooms and a well finished basement that adds lots of living space. The exterior suggests a hyper modern design, but the prevailing vibe is that of tasteful restraint. 

276 Inglewood Drive TorontoThe price tag just shy of $5 million speaks more to location than it does to the opulence of the home. That said, it does boast a beautiful kitchen, spacious family room, and a brilliant two-sided fireplace that must make the back deck an amazing spot to relax on cool summer nights.

276 Inglewood Drive TorontoIn general, this is one of those well designed homes that puts livability rather than pure luxury at the forefront. 

276 Inglewood Drive TorontoSpecs
  • Address: 276 Inglewood Dr.
  • Price: $4,699,000
  • Lot Size: 40 x 125 feet 
  • Bedrooms: 4 + 1
  • Bathrooms: 6
  • Parking: 2
  • Walk Score: 40
  • Transit Score: 70
  • Listing agent: Adam Brind
  • Listing ID: C3990460
276 Inglewood Drive TorontoGood For

A big family. This house is built to accommodate lots of people with five usable bedrooms, two separate TV/family areas, and a dedicated kids play area. 

276 Inglewood Drive TorontoMove On If 

You don't need the space. There's plenty of excellent houses nearby with lower bedroom counts.

276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto

276 Inglewood Drive Toronto276 Inglewood Drive Toronto

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

Scarborough really doesn't want the one stop subway station

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Scarborough residents really don't seem to want the proposed one stop Scarborough subway.

Scarborough Transit Action recently polled locals and the results are in. 85 per cent surveyed were blissfully unaware that the existing Lawrence East station would be closing and replaced with the $3.36 billion dollar station.

Concerns continue to mount that Scarborough's ridership needs won't be met with about half of respondents suggesting the new stop will do little to accommodate them.

According to Scarborough Transit Action, “the Lawrence East Smart Track station will not make up for the elimination of rapid transit access for the 10,000 riders who currently use the Lawrence East RT station," and result in more crowding on surrounding bus routes and longer wait times.

The group is pushing for the city to abandon the controversial station and move ahead with the seven-stop LRT route that will connect to Malvern.

Earlier this year, city council once again voted to approve the station, recently given the honour of one of 'the world’s most high-profile wastes of capital' by The Guardian.

It's part of Mayor John Tory's SmartTrack plan to install 22 new stations that will reconfigure the city's transit system to better accommodate the swell of daily commuters around the GTA.

Construction for the station could begin as early as next year.

The 10 worst lineups you'll face in Toronto this holiday season

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With Halloween, American Thanksgiving and now Black Friday out of the way, Toronto is finally free to celebrate the holidays the same way it celebrates everything else – by lining up for hours to buy and/or eat stuff! (#QueuesFromThe6ix.) Love 'em, hate 'em, or love to hate 'em, there will be lines. Everywhere.

Here are the some of the worst lineups you'll face in Toronto this holiday season.

The Cheesecake Factory

Yorkdale Mall's hot new mega-restaurant has been lined up since day one, and the steady flow of hopeful customers shows no sign of letting up any time soon. Rumour has it there was a 3-hour-long wait this weekend just to order take-out.

The LCBO

Buying booze over the holidays is impossible – literally, on some days – so stock up now if you get the chance. But don't do it on a Friday or Saturday evening. And definitely don't do it at the King and Spadina location before, after or during a Leafs game. *shudder*

Pearson International Airport

Airport hell is unavoidable if you're travelling to see relatives this season. Sorry. From check-in, to security, to terminal bathrooms, you can expect very long and obnoxiously noisy lines. Take advantage of Pearson's free WiFi and the beauty that is noise-cancelling headphones.

Laduree

Nothing says "Merry Christmas, I am a classy person" like the gift of macarons from this storied Parisian tea room, which opens its first Toronto location in Yorkdale's luxury wing this December. Laduree's debut in Vancouver last year saw shoppers lining up for hours.

Every King West TTC stop

Sure, the King Street Pilot project is making 504 streetcars run faster, but commuters are noticing an uptick in the number of people waiting for streetcars that are already full. Some say overcrowding has actually been worse since the pilot started, but hopefully it's only growing pains.

The Toronto Christmas Market

About 600,000 people are expected to visit this popular seasonal market over the next month or so, which should scare anyone who saw how long the lines were last year. The Market's website encourages visitors to arrive during "non-peak times" to avoid disappointment.

Dagu Rice Noodle

This wouldn't be a proper list without some noodles in the mix, and Canada's first outpost of this very famous Chinese restaurant at Dundas and Bay certainly fits the bill. You might have to wait a while to get a seat, but it'll be worth it.

Fashion Santa 

Not many people can say they've met the world-famous Fashion Santa and have selfies to prove it. Yorkdale Mall is bringing out its sexy character for only one day this year. You'll be able to snap pics with him Saturday, December 2, from 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.-  if you get there early enough.

Passport Canada

There are seven different places in Toronto that accept passport renewal applications, three of which can do the job urgently for a fee. People who realize their documents are expired right before a vacation will likely spend an entire day waiting here. Don't be one of those people.

Nathan Philips Square 

What's more fun than skating outdoors in the heart of our beautiful city as lights twinkle overhead and music rings out through the downtown core? Not waiting in line to get on the rink, that's for sure –but lots of Torontonians do it anyway, for hours at a time each year. 

Toronto introduces new rules to cut down on cyclist dooring

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There's a reason why some cyclists ring their bells constantly while riding past parked cars, and it has nothing to do with annoying other people.

That "ding ding ding ding ding" is meant to avoid injury – and potentially death – at the hands of someone who all-too-casually exits a vehicle without checking first to see if the bike lane is clear.

More than 200 people were injured last year by car doors jutting out into bike lanes, according to Toronto Police.

"Dooring," as it's called, is almost always unintentional – but it's not an innocent act. It's a dangerous threat to local cyclists, and some city board members say more could be done to prevent it from happening.

A motion set to go before the city's Public Works Committee on Wednesday recommends that City Council ask the province for several regulatory changes in an effort to reduce the number of dooring (or "door-prize") incidents in Toronto.

These changes, originally proposed by Board of Health Education Representative Chris Glover, include:

  • Making drivers at least partially responsible for passengers who door cyclists
  • Adding dooring incidents to Ontario's formal collision reporting process 
  • Revising driver education programs and the G1 Knowledge Test to teach new drivers about dooring prevention techniques, like the "Dutch Reach"
  • Introducing new training requirements for "vehicle-for-hire operators" (ie; Uber drivers) 
  • Requiring that rear view mirrors be installed on all passenger doors in taxis and other for-hire vehicles

Currently, drivers who are convicted of dooring can be fined up to $1000 with three demerit points in Ontario.

When it's a passenger, on the other hand – as might be the case with an Uber vehicle – the driver of that vehicle faces no penalties at all.

If the Board of Health's recommendations are implemented, Uber (and soon, Lyft) drivers would be required to undergo more rigorous training on how to avoid doorings.

A Beck Taxi operations manager told CBC News in an interview this week that city taxi drivers are already required to complete a course at Centennial College that covers warning passengers about cyclists.

10 free things to do in Toronto this December

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Free events in Toronto this December offer a number of fitting send offs to 2017, including a year in review music and arts celebration, skating parties, and a huge fireworks show to cap Canada's 150th birthday. 

Events you might want to check out:

Sounds of the Season (December 1 @ Canadian Broadcasting Centre)
CBC's annual charity drive brings you live performances by Serena Ryder, Shawn Hook and Whitehorse as well as the chance to meet your favourite CBC broadcast personalities.
Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square (December 1-23 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Back for its 2nd year, Holiday Fair celebrates the season with an enchanting artisan market, live entertainment and more right in the heart of downtown.
Really Really Free Market (December 2 @ Campbell Park)
No money, no swapping, everything is free. Each attendee is allowed one large shopping bag, or two bags for families, and can take any items they please. After 3pm there's no limit!
Evergreen's Winter Village (December 2-31 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Experience the magic of winter at Evergreen Brick Works with skating, hikes, an Etsy market and much more.
Long Winter (December 9 @ Polish Combatants Hall)
The all-winter-long music and arts festival returns for its December show with boat loads of live performances, visual arts, and a 2017 in review talk show style panel.
Tales of Two Cities at the Aga Khan Museum (December 10 @ Aga Khan Museum)
Soak in this opportunity to visit the Aga Khan Museum and its beautiful courtyard for a free premiere screening of Tafelmusik: Tales of Two Cities, an orchestra and chamber choir concert filmed in the museum last year.
Best of LGBT Short Film Festival (December 11 @ Carlton Cinemas)
A showcase of the best LGBT themed short films from around the world today, 2017's lineup even includes the animated short and viral sensation In A Heartbeat.
Hot Docs Presents Free Holiday Classics (December 16-22 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Don't miss this chance to watch some of your favourite holiday movies of yesteryear on the big screen. Offerings include Elf, A Christmas Story, Love Actually, and more.
DJ Skate Nights (December 16-30 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Toronto loves nighttime skating, especially when it's free. Even better, a stellar lineup of DJs will provide the soundtrack for your evening on ice.
Toronto New Years Eve (December 31 @ Toronto, ON)
Ring in the New Year with the rest of Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square for the year's final celebration of Canada 150. Expect live electronic music, DJs, and a fireworks finale.

Alessia Cara and The Weeknd score Grammy nominations

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It's always great to see the city's thriving music scene being recognized on an international scale, especially with The Weeknd and Alessia Cara getting huge recognition at this year's Grammy Awards.

Alessia Cara is up for four awards; Best New Artist, Song of the Year and Best Music Video for “1-800-273-8255” with Logic, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Stay" with Zedd, while The Weeknd's 2016 album Starboy is up for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

Local talent Daniel Caesar is also up for Best R&B Performance for "Get You" and Best R&B Album for Freudian.

The list isn't short on big-name Canadian talent, either, with Michael Bublé, Justin Bieber, Leonard Cohen, and Arcade Fire up for awards as well.

The ceremony is set to take place on January 28.

Toronto just can't figure out how to let restaurants have patios

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For a city where "patio season" is celebrated harder than every national holiday combined, Toronto is really weird about patios.

The bylaws regulating who, what, when, where, why and how restaurants can operate their own outdoor spaces are dizzying.

They've also been inconsistent across the GTA for a long time, which is why The Municipal Licensing and Standards Committee has been working to "harmonize" bylaws and fees for "sidewalk cafes, parklets and marketing displays" in Toronto.

Earlier this year, the committee got business owners riled up when it recommended boosting fees for restaurant and bar owners who operate patios by up to 400 per cent as part of the harmonization initiative – just below what it costs to run a patio in Manhattan right now.

Now, we have new and updated details about the project from a report that will be considered early next month by the Joint Licensing and Standards and Public Works and Infrastructure Committees.

It's a long report with lots of numbers, measurements and nuanced rules surrounding permit applications and approvals. You can read the entire thing here.

Toronto retractable patios

One of several sidewalk cafe design options from a report outlining the proposed new bylaw and fees for patios in Toronto. Image via The City of Toronto.

The report also provides some new design options for sidewalk cafes and proposes the introduction of "retractable cafes," which are pretty cool. 

Toronto journalist Matt Elliot already took the liberty of pulling out some highlights for his Twitter followers, one of which is almost comedically minute.

"Currently, applications for café locations on arterial roads are refused if there is one objection," reads the text from Page 46 of the report. 

Under the proposed new rules they would increase the threshold to two objections.

So there you have it. Should the proposed new bylaw and fees for sidewalk cafés, parklets and marketing displays in Toronto be approved by City Council, a citizen can no longer single-handedly prevent a patio from opening up near where they live.

They'll need a friend to complain, too.

Michelle Obama just won the day in Toronto

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Michelle Obama arrived in Toronto today to speak to a sold out crowd at the Mattamy Athletic Centre at Ryerson University.

This was the former First Lady's first Toronto appearance since she left the White House and Toronto was happy to have her.

Corporate Toronto ponied up $500 a ticket, a price tag that helped subsidize many youth to attend for free. 

The diverse audience dovetailed perfectly with the theme for the day which was billed as Advancing Women and Girls to Change the World.

The event format was a conversation with Obama and Economics Club of Canada President Rhiannon Trial. They discussed serious topics such as racism, education and leadership as well as sillier stuff like who Obama would most like to invite to dinner (Jesus) and what she would feed him (pizza).

Obama didn't mess around when conversation touched on the current occupier of the White House as she called for "leaders with facts and knowledge" and frowned on the practice of tweeting from your bed in the middle of the night.

"Effective communication is about thought," said Obama. "Then you need to edit it and spell check it."

Before the 45 minute conversation was over we also learned that Obama is a fan of SoulCycle, was awe-struck by the Pope ("What do you say to the Pope? How was your trip? Can you touch me?") and the Queen ("What do you do with the Queen? I touched her. She touched me first.")

The audience, which included Sophie Gregoire Trudeau who also gave some prepared remarks, gave Obama a standing ovation and seemed to relish in being in the same room as someone who's so universally admired.

Toronto's next community centre might be its best yet

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Toronto is a city on the rise - literally - and it's looking to establish public spaces for all the new condo residents.

The newest project, a community centre that's part of the Canoe Landing Campus in CityPlace, is already impressing with its massive 160,000 square foot structure.

After over two decades of planning, the space will now be dedicated for public use. Photo courtesy of ZAS Architects.

The city commissioned architect firm ZAS to create buildings that feature sustainable design elements like an expansive green roof that will help reduce the complex's carbon footprint.

The complex will include an elementary school, a child care centre, fitness facility, indoor play areas, a community kitchen, basketball courts and gardening plots.

The Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, and City of Toronto & Childcare Services will be establishing new facilities inside the complex. Photo courtesy of ZAS Architects.

One of the most stunning design features has to be the sloping roofs. Some are fitted with live vegetation that's incorporated into the overall landscape while others use photo-voltaic panels to generate renewable sources of energy.

The campus buildings form a "C" shape to better soak up the solar rays that help power the facilities and allow for more overall park space.

The campus seeks to be the last word on innovative public spaces. Photo courtesy of ZAS Architects.

The new greenspace will be a welcome addition to the downtown core and surrounding condo community in anticipation of the new Rail Deck Park that's set to be built nearby.

Portions of the project are set to be completed by 2019.

Toronto just can't wait for Jollibee to open

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Filipino fast food juggernaut Jollibee is coming to Toronto – but you already know that, right?  The entire city has known about it since 2015.

The multinational company announced that it would be opening its first Canadian store right here in Toronto more than two-and-half years ago.

And yet, I do not have a peach-mango pie on my desk right now. What gives?

Jollibee hasn't pulled out of the Ontario market. In fact, it's now slated to open two locations in the GTA.

The first local Jollibee is scheduled to open inside Mississauga's new Seafood City Supermarket "sometime next year." A second franchise is slated for the Kennedy Commons Shopping Centre in Scarborough, according to a RioCan map of the mall's tenants.

Signs have been spotted for both restaurant locations, but as far as the people of Toronto can tell, we won't be able to pick up that sweet, sweet Jollibee Spaghetti for dinner any time soon.

The (fast) foodie contingent is starting to get a bit impatient, especially after learning that Jollibee just opened its second Canadian restaurant – in Winnipeg.

The first Jollibee to open in Canada? Also in Winnipeg – which does, for the record, have a huge population of Filipino Canadians.

People reportedly started lining up as early as 10 p.m. on Monday night to get a taste of Jollibee in Winnipeg this morning.

This means we'll likely see long wait times when the first of the chain's locations open in Toronto, where lining up is a municipal sport.

Those who have yet to experience the fast-growing chain (known colloquially around the world as "the McDonald's of the Phillippines") can expect to see some classic North American fast-food on the menu.

What most people are stoked for, however, are the dishes Jollibee is uniquely famous for – stuff like ham sauce-topped spaghetti, "burger steaks," Chickenjoy fried chicken, breakfast hot dogs and halo-halo. 

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