Last night marked the first significant snowfall across the Toronto area with places surrounding the city getting a dose of powder that far surpassed downtown accumulation levels.

Despite everyone else knowing a traditional Canadian winter was on its way, however, it seems like Metrolinx didn't get the memo.

In a tradition as ingrained in our winter culture as ice hockey, GO Transit held up thousands of commuters trying to get into the city this morning with multiple delays and wonky service.

It's snows in Toronto EVERY YEAR... How have I spent the past 2 hours on the Go Train due to delays? @GOtransit@Metrolinxpic.twitter.com/VKJUIGxC7j

— Dames Nellas (@DamesNellas) December 12, 2017

From signal problems to over crowding and even cancelled trains with no shuttle service, it seemed that GO's vehicles—mighty as they may seem—were ill equipped to handle snowy weather.

After 50 years, you were think Go Transit would be able to work around "signal problems". @Metrolinxpic.twitter.com/gfAZZaxAYY

— Captain Wilace🇨🇦 (@wil_thomp) December 12, 2017

Regardless of how early one may have left to control for a delay, some people were held up for hours trying to get to work. Some speculated that it's almost as if it's just something that has to happen each year with no way to avoid it.

As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west the first snow of the season leads to cancellations and delays on the #GOtrain. Predictable. #Metrolink

— Stephen Ellis (@badgerbites) December 12, 2017

The proactive approach, it seems, just wasn't in the brochure. And the cold weather and lack of vitamin D probably didn't help, either.

As usual we apologize for the excessive #GOtrain delays this morning. Our winter weather strategy is to pray that it does not snow. When it does snow we apologize for the inconvenience #GOtransit#Metrolinx#WeDontDoWinterpic.twitter.com/nTqcgAJiee

— NO Transit (@NOtransit) December 12, 2017

It always takes a little while to adjust to the new weather conditions, so hopefully things resume running smoothly soon.

Snowshoeing doesn't always have to mean running for the bus through a snowbank. Just north of Toronto lies one of the most spectacular snowshoeing trails in the province, part of which is suspended high atop the treetops.

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Collingwood is home to host of different winter activities, but passing across the suspension bridge, which spans 420 feet and sits 25 metres above the ground, has got to be one of the ultimate adventures after a fresh coating of snow.

A post shared by Scenic Caves Nature Adventures (@sceniccavesnature) on Feb 17, 2017 at 10:50am PST

The bridge is Ontario's longest suspension footbridge and is wide enough for two people to walk side by side and enjoy the splendour of the 200 year old forest it overlooks.

A post shared by Carel Maeda (@carelmaeda) on Dec 8, 2016 at 10:10am PST

From the vantage point of the bridge, one can see about 10,000 sq. km of combined countryside depending on weather conditions. The view stretched all the way across Georgian Bay to the far off shores of the Penetanguishene Peninsula and, of course, nearby Blue Mountain.

A post shared by Scenic Caves Nature Adventures (@sceniccavesnature) on Feb 16, 2017 at 9:03am PST

It's open almost all year around (April and November are weather permitting), meaning that it can be snowshoed over during snowfall or hiked in warmer months when the fall colours are on full display.

And, if you've already seen the majestic view, there are nighttime snowshoeing adventures that take you through the forest with a headlamp and guide to navigate the pitch black trails. 

A post shared by Scenic Caves Nature Adventures (@sceniccavesnature) on Mar 14, 2017 at 7:33am PDT

This is also a cross country skiing paradise for those who want to cover more terrain as they explore the area. There are over 27 kilometres of groomed trails for classic and skate style skiing. All the necessary equipment is available for rental on site.

While Blue Mountain might be Ontario's busiest destination for downhill skiing, if you're looking for an incredible view and a slower pace, Scenic Caves should be on your winter day trip list. 

Are you a bad recycler? If so, it might be time to clean up your act because the city of Toronto is about to dispatch the recycling police to ensure that residents are using their blue bins properly.  

As the Toronto Star reports, Solid Waste Management officials will be checking to make sure residents are putting the right items in their recycling bins and possibly charging a small fee if contraband is spotted. 

Sweet little notices were sent out last month (and probably thrown on top of a pile somewhere) that give a rundown on the impacts of improper recycling.

#toronto#Recycle#recyclerightpic.twitter.com/EWPsgxCv87

— Alex Southey (@AlexSouthey) December 11, 2017

Each year, the city estimates that around 52,000 tons of materials unfit to be recycled is sent to the landfill because it improperly tossed into people's blue bins.

26% of Toronto recycling bins are contaminated with non-recyclable materials. Costs a lot. City could save $600K per year per percentage point reduction. pic.twitter.com/z9b9TXGta0

— Matt Elliott (@GraphicMatt) December 8, 2017

Dealing with contaminated recycling comes at a cost of about $10 million per year to the city and subsequently the taxpayers. 

Jim McKay... I ❤ this #toronto#waste#waste360#recyclepic.twitter.com/rzUAIpzwtd

— N.S. (@BarFly999) December 7, 2017

The new program is all part of an effort to educate the public on proper waste management, which can ultimately reduce landfill usage and save the city money.

And hopefully help the planet out a bit, too.

Oh no! White powder from the sky! What can we do? Where shall we go? How do we survive?

You’ll make it through this day. #Toronto#commute#snowTOpic.twitter.com/xy9CLeVLGQ

— Daniel Francavilla (@Francavilla) December 12, 2017

Toronto is dealing with its first major snowfall of the season right now, and, as usual, the occasion is being commemorated with an outpouring of disbelief.

“You see how snowy it is out there?! It’s a wonder wonderland”

No Carol actually I didn’t see it even though I was just outside 47 seconds before you

— Jess Scafiezzo (@jessscafiezzo) December 12, 2017

Approximately eight to 10 centimetres of snow had already fallen in and around the city as of 4 a.m. last night, according to EnvironmentCanada, with additional snow this morning. 

Every Canadian this morning. #SnowTO@MadelnCanadapic.twitter.com/BoxKvrKkfo

— Dani. E. (@DaniEsho) December 11, 2017

Those who aren't inexplicably surprised by the December snowfall are either over it...

These cold snowy mornings got me thankful for my pink fluffy housecoat - where I shall live in for the rest of the season #bye

— Sawina (@SalinaaSk) December 12, 2017

... or smitten by all the pretty flakes.

Just in time for the holidays! So much snow!!! ❄️🌨☃️ #DLWS#SnowTO#ONstormpic.twitter.com/ht9PthAe3n

— Sue Holland (@suesthegrl) December 11, 2017

Sure, it's cold and slippery, but it's also rather also beautiful if you see it the right way. 

This mornings walk to work #snowTO#snowdaypic.twitter.com/F1dLdfNiR0

— Kevin Twomey (@KevinDTwomey) December 12, 2017

The dogs of Toronto most certainly always enjoy the season's first snowfall. Heck, there are even some cats out there who like the fluffy stuff.

OMG SNOW SNOW SNOW ❄❄❄☃ #the6ix#Torontopic.twitter.com/iTJlDiPyVK

— Dr. Vivien Lee (@DrPsychNinja) December 11, 2017

Commuters, on the other hand... not so much.

If you find it difficult to drive in wintery conditions try to remember this poem

If you can't drive
In the ice and snow
Stay home so you don't
Annoy me

— Andy (@_rallycap) December 12, 2017

Leave yourself plenty of extra time today if you plan on travelling by car, bus, train, subway, streetcar, bike or foot, because first snowfalls like this can be really annoying for anyone who needs to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time.

Bundle up, Toronto – or better yet, stay the heck inside. It's going to be a cold one tonight.

Toronto Public Health has issued an extreme cold weather alert, effective immediately and until further notice, across the city, based information from Environment Canada.

The federal weather authority forecasts a low of -11 degrees Celsius overnight on Tuesday, but with sharp northwest winds gusting up to 50 km/h.

With the wind chill, it's expected to feel more like -20 degrees Celsius tonight.

NEWS RELEASE: Extreme Cold Weather Alert Issued – seek shelter, check on loved ones. More info: https://t.co/XJ1hMzIZZb

— Toronto PublicHealth (@TOPublicHealth) December 12, 2017

As per the city's public health policies, an extreme cold weather alert must be issued in Toronto when the temperature is forecast to reach -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20.

This is to activate additional city resources that help keep vulnerable people safe during periods of extreme cold; resources such as more shelter beds, overnight street outreach, and the relaxation of service restrictions for community agencies.

"The City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance," writes the city. "Call 911 if the situation is an emergency."

We're now just five days away from the launch of Toronto's brand new York-Spadina Subway Extension after more than a decade's worth of work and waiting.

The excitement is palpable, and increasingly so as we get closer to Sunday's grand opening. I mean, in less than a week, Toronto will have six new transit stations and an extra 8.6 km of subway service. It's a pretty big deal.

TTC officials had already outlined what the northbound expansion of Line 1 would look like on its temporary subway maps, but now we're seeing the real thing installed on the Rocket trains, complete with their shiny lights.

You probably won't see them turned on for the final six stations before Sunday, but the fact that the new maps are in place is a wonderfully obvious reminder of just how soon service is about to begin. 

If I was a York student commuting from downtown, I might just start to cry tears of joy.

Coming soon - more subway. pic.twitter.com/MR86znBpYp

— Matt Galloway (@mattgallowaycbc) December 11, 2017

The revamped maps also feature a new side panel that highlights transit hubs, like UP Express connections and GO stations, as well as commuter necessities, such as washrooms. 

Just 5 days until this new map turns years of work into reality. The Line 1 extension opens this Sunday at 8 a.m. pic.twitter.com/7u5jvqOA4K

— Brad Ross (@bradTTC) December 12, 2017

Brad Ross, the TTC's executive director of corporate communications, shared an image of the lit up signs on Twitter today, writing "just 5 days until this new map turns years of work into reality.

The Toronto York-Spadina Extension will open to the public this Sunday, Dec. 17 at 8 a.m.

Toronto's reputation as Hollywood North just keeps growing, and one of its biggest film studios is about to get even bigger.

The sprawling 300,000 square foot Pinewood Toronto Studios is set to add another 27,500 square feet of mixed-use facilities as part of a long term project that will see the studio's footprint expanded to 700,000 square feet across 33.5 acres of land in the Port Lands.

Today we're celebrating a major expansion at #pinewoodtorontostudios #PinewoodTOExpansion #filmTO

A post shared by Pinewood Studios Group (@pinewoodstudios) on Dec 11, 2017 at 9:24am PST

 The newest facilities will include a new sound stage, production office, and workshop area for costume and set design. It's a 10 per cent increase to the existing studio, but foretells of much more to come.

At the risk of cliche, the underlying idea here is if you build it, they will come. Pinewood has already hosted major Hollywood blockbusters like Total Recall and Suicide Squad in recent years, but the massive expansion of its facilities is meant to draw even more productions here. 

"Following the completion of this immediate next phase, Pinewood will accommodate 11 purpose-built stages, including one of the largest soundstages in North America at 46,000 square feet," reads a press release announcing the expansion. 

An aerial view of the current Pinewood Studios, which is set to expand its footprint dramatically. Photo via Pinewood.

Given the number of productions currently filming and slated to film at Pinewood, it could use all the space it can get.

Start Trek: Discovery already takes up a huge portion of the existing space, but soon the studio will also be home to filming for DC's Shazam! and the highly anticipated James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro remake of Fantastic Voyage in 2018. 

And that's just the projects we already know about. The Hollywood Reporter suggests that there's also an unnamed Netflix project that could begin production at Pinewood next year. 

Throw in the fact that rival studio Cinespace is in the midst of its own massive expansion, and you have the recipe for Toronto to become one of the busiest production hubs in the world. 

If a category of real estate listings called "Toronto Dream Homes" existed, you can bet that you'd find 18A Westmount Park Rd. on it. This ravine property offers the ultimate in privacy and luxury on a huge lot that feels like it's in the midst of cottage country rather than Etobicoke.

The realtor describes it as a "James Bond property in Toronto," which doesn't actually feel too far off the mark. Along with the stunning surroundings and modern architecture, this is also a smart home, which can be controlled from your iPhone. 

There's 7,000 square feet of exterior deck space to go along with the pool and hot tub, and that's not to mention the 3,000 square feet of space taken up inside the home by windows alone. 

Also worth noting are the sauna and massage room on the lower level, and the four-car heated garage. You can actually comfortably park 14 cars here if you include the meandering drive that sets this house back from the road. 

Here's the best part: it's only $9 million!

I'm only half joking. Located, as it is, near Richview, the price of this masterpiece is actually far below what it would be in neighbourhoods like Rosedale or the Bridle Path, so you might even be able to afford it before you've earned your first hundred million.

Specs

• Address: 18A Westmount Park Rd.
• Price: $8,999,999
• Lot Size: 1.32 acres
• Bedrooms: 4 + 1
• Bathrooms: 7
• Parking: 14
• Walk Score: 63
• Transit Score: 71
• Listing agent: Randal Weese
• Listing ID: W4002687

Good For

A reclusive millionaire who loves the view into the ravine without another house in sight. It's not big enough for Bruce Wayne, but he'd certainly like the seclusion.

Move On If

You crave the status afforded by owning a home in one of Toronto's more established neighbourhoods. You won't be able to snag a place like this for $9 million in these places, but status has never come cheap.

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

Toronto-themed gifts are hotter than fire this holiday season, thanks to a years-long explosion of new ways to put on for our city. Whether trendy, timeless, or just plain fun, there are locally inspired goods out there to suit the style of just about anyone on your list.

Here's a round-up of Toronto-themed holiday gift ideas this year.

The Raccoons vs. Toronto t-shirt

Love them or love them so much it hurts, raccoons are the very heart, soul and unofficial mascot of this city (sorry Drake.) This tee simultaneously pokes fun at our ongoing garbage feud, and the "X vs. Everybody" t-shirt format that swept Toronto (via Detroit) in 2015.

Toronto's Bolt x Rally sells witty and pretty planters on Etsy, but locals can pick them up in person to skip shipping fees.

Toronto roots planter

These hand-painted terra cotta planters are perfect for any ex-pat on your list who could use a little piece of home. They look great filled with succulents and cacti, work in any office or home environment, and can be shipped internationally straight from the retailer.

This TTC USB lets you carry a little red rocket in your pocket with tons of data on board.

A TTC subway replica USB key

This tiny USB 3.0 flash drive is mad cute, and will definitely score some accolades from transit buffs around the office, but at 16GB it's also just a well-priced data storage solution. It's new this year from the TTC gift shop, which describes the drive as "really, super cool!"

This hat from Toronto-centric clothing brand The Button Machine comes in a traditional blue, or black and red Raptors motif.

A Turonno toque

Do you know someone who pronounces the word Toronto with two hard "T"s? As in "tor-AHN-toe"? Give them one of these dope hats by The Button Machine as a reminder that the second "T" is silent. If your giftee is already team Turonno, they'll love it even more.

You'll find tons of Toronto-themed goods and wearables at Juxtapose in The Annex, including these brass necklaces.

The 6ix / Toronto tattoo banner necklace

Annex gift store Juxtapose commissioned these special "tattoo banner" style necklaces from U.S. jewellery designer Larissa Loden. The banners themselves are brass and feature hand-stamped letters on an 18-inch chain. They're available in both "Toronto" and "the 6ix." 

Honest Ed's is gone, but ceramic tile, resin mounted coasters like these can live on for generations.

Toronto coasters

If you know someone who collects those dope subway station coasters by Toronto photographer Justin Roth, surprise them with some new, yet different pieces from the same artist – like one commemorating Honest Ed's or the "You've Changed" sign on West Queen West. 

Toronto Humane Society donors will receive one of these cute calendars in the mail. Actual cat not included.

A 2018 Toronto Humane Society calendar

Give the gift of adorable pet photos every month, all year long, in the form of a calendar that both features and supports the care of animals at The Toronto Humane Society. The annual "New Beginnings" calendar can be picked up at the shelter for a small donation.

You can hang your keys, scarves, hats, and anything else you want to on this bold piece of functional wall art.

Subway map coat hooks

Industrial designer Alan Wisniewski, a Torontonian and Humber grad, was inspired by the clean lines of our public transit maps when he created these cool wall hooks that double as art when they're not in use. There are 10 hooks in total across three colourful lines.

Candles are always a popular gift choice, because who doesn't like nice smells and cozy ambience?

Neighbourhood candles

Queen West smells like oakmoss and sage. The Annex has notes of cassis and fig. Yorkville is "sophisticated" with "sweetness and musk" – or so says the Toronto Neighbourhood candle collection. You can find them all at the wildly cool TKVO gift shop on Dundas West.

You can't go wrong with an excellent book when it comes to Christmas presents. Find this one at Outer Layer on Queen Street West.

Toronto Street Art Strolls

For this glossy and colourful 192-page graffiti guide, Toronto author Nathalie Prézeau compiled the most impressive pieces of street art from 43 different neighbourhoods throughout the city. It's got more than 1,100 photos and tons of great tips for tourists and locals alike.

Free things to do in Toronto this winter just go to show that anyone who believes cold weather is a reason to stay indoors is sorely mistaken. With new skate paths, unbelievable light exhibits, and waterfront art installations, there's no excuse not to get out and explore.

Little Italy's AF1 Caribbean Cuisine is the latest in a long line of restaurants to shut down unexpectedly after an all-too-brief run at 596 College Street.

Adrian Forte, of the successful chicken and waffle spot Dirty Bird, opened up his "island of Jamaican cool" at the busy corner of College and Clinton just eight months ago.

The reviews were outstanding. Customers loved Forte's take on the dishes of his heritage and childhood in Kingston, as evidenced by all the raving posts on Instagram.

Just had the most magical food c/o master chef @adrianforte - His love for his home country is evident in very bite and I'm so excited for his new restaurant @af1caribcanteen to be on the top of everyone's best resto lists!!! #getinmybelly #jerkchickenforlife #peepthestoriesformore

A post shared by Cory Lee (@coryleemusic) on Apr 8, 2017 at 3:37pm PDT

Knowing this, it should come as a surprise that the restaurant just closed down– unless you also know about how many businesses have tried to make it work at that particular location, but failed.

Before it was AF1, the so-called "cursed" corner was Spiceman Mexicana. Before that, it was home to the bars and restaurants Lucky Bastard, Bang Bang Bar, Public, CoTempo, Minimarket and Mattino – and that's only within relatively recent history.

The reason for the high turnover at this seemingly great Little Italy restaurant location is a bit of a mystery. The city did deny this location a patio licence in 2015, but there have been several new leasees since then.

I guess we'll have to wait and see what pops up next at the corner - and for how long.

Tickets for members of the AGO went on sale today for Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors. Due to the extremely high demand for the exhibit, everyone expected long wait times, but I doubt anyone figured it would be quite as drawn out an affair as it became.

Most people who signed on at noon weren't too bothered by the prompt that informed them they were in line and had more than an hour to wait. Then, after a few hours of that, the frustration set in.

Eventually, the AGO took to Twitter to confirm that about 14,000 people were trying to get tickets to the exhibit that will be in Toronto from March 3 to May 27.

14k!

— ArtGalleryofOntario (@agotoronto) December 12, 2017

That seemed to underscore just how dramatic the demand was, but it didn't quite curb the venting that was taking place on social media.

@queueit@agotoronto Suggestion: if it’s going to be a 3 hr wait just be upfront about it. Some of us are managing our meeting schedules around “more than an hour” and it’s wrecking havoc on our afternoons. #ticketqueue#infiniteKusama#InfinityMirrors

— Ada (@palindr0me) December 12, 2017

Online queue times varied, with some waiting up to 5 plus hours for tickets, but to be fair, the AGO is not Ticketmaster or Stubhub. They shut down the rest of their website to deal with anticipated demand and tried to stay active with updates on Twitter.

Thank you for being a member. Due to the nature of this exhibition, there are only limited tickets, and as a public institution, we must also be accessible to the general public. https://t.co/Eq0kZC98lv

— ArtGalleryofOntario (@agotoronto) December 12, 2017

Besides, has there ever been an exhibit that's carried this much hype before arriving in Toronto? 

Ugh! Been waiting for almost 2 hours! And it still says more than an hour to wait in line! This wait is killing me! 😭@agotoronto#infiniteKusama#infinitymirrorspic.twitter.com/jwxz8TqOPZ

— C. Henry (@cahenri) December 12, 2017

Later in the afternoon, an update patched in on the website confirmed that the system was processing roughly 1,500 tickets an hour and that as of 4:15 p.m., there were still 30,000 tickets available. A second date for members to buy tickets on January 9 was also announced.

We're very sorry for the long wait times today. The overwhelming demand has caused slow processing times BUT there are still about 30k tickets left. You can stay & continue booking or join us at the next Member on-sale date on Jan. 9. Thank you for your support & patience. pic.twitter.com/utU5Eff0xO

— ArtGalleryofOntario (@agotoronto) December 12, 2017

Tickets for the general public will go on sale online starting January 16, and the AGO has confirmed that a very limited amount of same-day tickets will be available as well, but entry time will vary depending on crowd size.

I appreciate the irony of waiting an infinity for Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors - tickets @agotoronto

— Ryan Taylor (@ryantaylor) December 12, 2017

The exhibit promises to be well worth it. Infinity Mirrors has recently been touring around North America to huge fanfare, so those who did manage to secure tickets today will surely just feel relief as the sure-to-be-even-more-wild ticket rush takes place in the new year.

And, hey, the reward for all of today's patience comes in the from of finally getting to stand inside each memorizing room. Let's not forget that.

3.5 hours later and I finally got my tickets for #YayoiKusama#InfinityMirrors@agotoronto! An irritating and stressful wait but well worth it!

— Rachel Neilson (@RachelNeilson) December 12, 2017

Don't forget to get one for the gram.

Today in Toronto you can attend a hip hop food drive, get festive at the TIFF Lightbox with a classic holiday flick and carols, and see a show about the national identity of Canada.

Brodsky / Baryshnikov is coming to Toronto's Winter Garden Theatre this January. Want to see the performance? We’ve teamed up with Show One Productions in association with Luminato to give readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Canadian premiere.

Check out all the contest details here.

With the first wave of snow and cold weather rendering Toronto a virtual snow globe, an extreme cold weather warning will see the closure of the Nathan Phillip's Square Holiday Fair today.

Holiday festivities will be on pause today after the city issued an extreme cold weather warning (standard procedure for when the temperature is forecasted to be below -15C) as Toronto transforms into a block of ice.

Holiday Fair will be Closed December 13 due to an Extreme Cold Weather Alert. We plan to reopen December 14. pic.twitter.com/cudXx7LPtl

— Holiday Fair (@HolidayFairTO) December 13, 2017

It was all snowy and cute until it wasn't. Last night when temperatures dropped to a blistering -11C that felt more like -20C with the wind chill. 

#ExtremeColdWeatherAlert is issued. If you see someone outside in need of help due to extreme cold weather, call 311. In an emergency, call 911. More https://t.co/DdqHRJ1ekfpic.twitter.com/kB4b5oMELc

— City of Toronto (@TorontoComms) December 13, 2017

Fair in the Square is one of the city's popular annual holiday markets, the other being the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District. 

If you're still looking to feel the holiday cheer, the Christmas Market has confirmed that it will be staying open despite the extreme weather warning. 

The Holiday Fair expects to reopen tomorrow and continue until December 23.

Break out the mitts and scarves, Toronto. You're gonna need 'em because according to Environment Canada temperatures are expected to feel like -27C tonight.

Temperatures for today are expected to drop to a chilly but bearable -8C this afternoon but will feel like -13C. Then winter will tighten its grasp with -18C in store tonight with a wind chill that'll make it feel almost -30C.

The fun keeps on coming tomorrow with a high of -8C and a -27C windchill to greet the day. Is it ever going to be hard to get out of bed. 

Environment Canada's forecast for Toronto. Note: this doesn't include windchill values!

On account of all this arctic air, the city issued an extreme cold weather alert yesterday that will continue until further notice. The  Nathan Phillips Square Holiday Fair has also been closed due to the weather.

While it may not be Prairie or Maritime cold, it's Toronto cold, so expect old TTC streetcars to struggle, longer wait times for taxis and ride shares, and make sure to give an extra reward for all the brave food delivery people out there.

Thankfully temperatures are expected to level out by about Friday. Until then, stay warm, friends!

Toronto subway riders can now use their cellphones at all 75 of the city's underground transit stations – without connecting to the TTC's own WiFi network first. Well, that is if they're on the Freedom Mobile network.

BAI Canada has announced the completion of its "cellular connectivity infrastructure" today, which means that every subway stop has been fully equipped for 4G/LTE network coverage on platforms, mezzanines, stairwells and in other public areas.

There's also cellular service in all nine kilometres of the tunnels for the new subway extension and within the downtown loop of Line 1 (from Bloor to St. George stations).

Technologically speaking, this is huge. In theory, we can make calls, send texts, and do whatever else we'd normally do with our phones while stuck underground waiting for a subway (and in some areas while riding it!).

A milestone to celebrate! Talk, text & data technology is now in place at all 75 @TTChelps subway stations and in the new Line 1 extension tunnel. Proud to help modernize the #TTC and do our part to bring cell service to #Toronto underground! Learn more: https://t.co/kCSt0bncMTpic.twitter.com/sqGF0sSaRT

— BAI Canada Inc. (@BAICanada) December 13, 2017

It's what the people of Toronto have been asking for, TTC Chair Josh Colle tells the Toronto Star, and something the transit agency is proud to deliver.

If only our biggest wireless networks would get on board.

As it stands, Freedom Mobile (formerly Wind Mobile) is the only carrier to sign a deal with BAI to use its new underground cellphone network.

TTC passengers who happen to be with Rogers, Telus or Bell – read: 90 per cent of all riders – are flat out of luck.

"I think they’ve got to get over themselves," said Colle of the country's biggest telecoms in an interviewwithTheStar, suggesting that the big three "step up and give their customers what they want."

All TTC stations are now equipped with cell service. @Rogers, @TELUS and @Bell need to get on board TTC. This is an essential service in the new innovation economy #innovationchiefhttps://t.co/yPt8euHD2D

— Michelle Holland (@hollandmichelle) December 13, 2017

Colle speculates that Bell, Rogers and Telus execs are "reluctant to ink a deal with BAI" because they would have preferred to build the infrastructure on their own. Historically speaking, it's a sound theory.

"The system is in place," he said. "They can provide this to their customers tomorrow if they wanted to."

Until that happens, the vast majority of Torontonians will be unable to make use of the new infrastructure. We'll have to stick to use of the free public WiFi network the TTC finished rolling out on platforms in September.

Fortunately, we don't need the blessing of our wireless providers to use WiFi.

I had a dream once that Toronto house prices suddenly became affordable, but then a blast of arctic air shattered it and I awoke to a report from Royal LePage forecasting an almost 7 percent increase in prices next year.

The report estimates that Toronto's prices will reach an aggregate of $901,392 in 2018. That number peaked at $844,000 this year.

Toronto home sales are expected to soften during the first part of the year on account of stricter mortgage regulations set to begin on January 1 that'll make it harder for existing and prospective home owners to secure financing.

Royal LePage does, however, expect sales figure to eventually reach similar levels to 2017.

What does #2018 hold for Canada's #realestate markets? The Royal LePage 2018 #forecast is out! Learn more about #home price trends in the new year. https://t.co/6VGOF92zrnpic.twitter.com/1SuxJPLt6B

— Royal LePage Canada (@Royal_LePage) December 13, 2017

Despite the anticipated slow sales to start the year, prices will continue to rise on account of a continuing supply crunch in the Toronto area. 

It's interesting note that while inventory rates often fluctuate month to month, the overarching tensions between supply and demand is a key factor in making Toronto one the least affordable real estate markets in the country.

Detached homes are still the most valuable real estate commodity, which isn't aided by a speculative market that might be even more influential than foreign ownership, which was targeted with new provincial rules earlier this year.

While the home price increase is merely an estimate, judging from the past few years it does seem that Toronto's housing market has simmered down since the days of 20 per cent jumps in home prices.

There might still be some hope after all.

Toronto New Year's Eve parties for 2018 come in all types of forms, from intimate get togethers to galas, from comedy shows to concerts, and plenty more. With so many offerings this year, any way you choose to ring in 2018 is sure to be an unforgettable occasion. 

Here's a beautiful apartment in Toronto that might actually be within reach for someone's who's willing to drop down $2,900 a month for a three bedroom space. 

Located above a store on Dundas West nearly straight across from Trinity Bellwoods Park, this two-storey unit is both pretty and spacious with a brand new open concept kitchen featuring Miele appliances and a built-in coffee maker. 

Three-bedroom apartments listed under $3,000 in Toronto often feature tiny sleeping spaces, but all three bedrooms here boast a decent size and ample light. You could comfortable fit a mid-size family in this space. 

The single washroom isn't ideal, but it too offers decent space with double sinks ready for multiple people to get ready in the morning. And, really, I'm not sure how many renters have multiple washrooms on their wish-list. It's just not that common a feature.

There are a few practical hiccups worth noting here. Closet space appears to be minimal, and there's no sign of a washer/dryer. That alone could pose problems for some people, while others would surely do without in exchange for the luxury finishes in the kitchen.

Specs

• Address: 930 Dundas Street West
• Apartment type: Above store
• Rent: $2,900
• Furnished? No
• Utilities: Extra
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 1
• Parking: Unspecified
• Laundry? Unspecified
• Pet friendly? Unspecified

Good For

Someone who needs a three bedroom space but still likes the idea of an apartment that's nice enough for regular entertaining. You could easily see a family here or a couple who wants to use the extra bedrooms for work space.

Move On If

You detest climbing stairs and you cherish ample closet space. This apartment might be beautiful, but it does come with a few drawbacks.