Today in Toronto you can check out a free film festival spotlighting the best in experimental filmmaking, attend a block party on College Street, eat Skittles at a free Hollerado concert, and plenty more. 

Polar vortex, schmolar vortex. The winter we're currently living through just saw temperatures dip to -22 C on Dec. 28 for the first time in recorded history.

The previous record was set all the way back in 1960, when a low of -18.9 was recorded at Pearson Airport.

Toronto (obviously) remains under an extreme cold weather alert today as a series of cold weather systems continues to roll through Southern Ontario.

A period of "very cold wind chills" is expected today, according to Environment Canada, with wind chill values of minus 30 or below recorded already in the city this morning.

The weather agency says that these wind chills will moderate a bit throughout the day, but not by much. With the wind chill, it could feel anywhere between -22 and -27 outside this evening.

You can thank a cross-polar flow for delivering air "straight out of Siberia into much of central Canada, including the Great Lakes" between Boxing Day and Jan. 1, according to the Weather Network.

The final week of 2017 will remain blisteringly cold, and the first week of 2018 is expected to be much the same. 

Thanks, Siberia.

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

• AYCE sushi and dim sum restaurant August 8 is now open in what was previouslyLee Garden at 331 Spadina Ave. in Chinatown.
• Machino Cafe has opened at 823 Bloor St. W. at Christie Pits.
• In addition to its location at Humber College, Jamaican jerk joint Ackee Tree has added a location downtown at 372 Queen St. E. in Corktown.
• Bud's Coffee Bar has moved to a new location (a block east of its former location) at 1966½ Queen St. E. in the Beaches.
• Peri-peri chicken chain Nando's now has a location in the Beaches at 1968 Queen St. E.

Recently reviewed

• Beiruti Restaurant
• The Civic
• Rivoli
• Cheers Cut
• Balzac's Powerhouse
• Parka Food Co.
• El Pulgarcito

Opening soon

• Storm Crow Manor, a nerd bar from Vancouver,  will be opening its first Toronto location in 2018 at 580 Church St. (at Dundonald).
• Il Covo, an Italian restaurant from chef Ryan Campbell (Buca Yorkville), looks to be opening in mid-January at 585 College St. in Little Italy.
• Mapo Korean BBQ will be taking over the space that was formerly Ajuker Chicken at 680 Bloor St. W. in Koreatown.
• Defina Woodfired, Pizzeria Defina's second location, should be opening in the new year at 1485 Dupont St. in the Junction Triangle.
• Aburi Room is going to open at 16 Park Home Ave. in North York.

Closed

• Dufflet's location in the Beaches will be closing on December 31.

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

Congratulations to first-time mother Zohari on the birth of her newest family member – a healthy, hairy, approximately 140 pound baby boy (or male calf, if we're being technical).

The Toronto Zoo has just announced the arrival of arrival of its first newborn white rhinocerous in nearly 30 years.

Born on Christmas Eve at 10:45 p.m., the male calf is said to be very big and strong, with hairy ears and a ferocious appetite. 

We are excited to announce that Zohari, a seven-year-old female white rhinoceros, gave birth to a male calf on December 24 at 10:45pm 🦏pic.twitter.com/1OzhEqnrUN

— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) December 28, 2017

"Both mom and baby are doing very well," wrote the Zoo on Facebook Thursday morning, nothing that the calf "has been eating more than would be expected."

This marks the fifth ever birth of a white rhino in Toronto history, and the first since 1990.

"This recent birth is very important for white rhinoceros conservation," reads The Toronto Zoo's birth announcement. "There are approximately only 19,682 – 21,077 left in the wild according to the IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group 2016."

White rhinos are listed as "near threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

As part of the White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan, The Toronto Zoo is working to help establish and maintain healthy, genetically diverse white rhino populations so that the species can be conserved.

The calf is very big and strong, weighing in at 62.3 kg. He has been eating more than would be expected, and he appears to have very hairy ears. 🦏pic.twitter.com/3OeSUGOnCW

— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) December 28, 2017

The new baby calf, who was fathered by a 10-year-old male named Tom, is a part of the zoo's conservation efforts.

Fortunately for Toronto, he's also a very cute addition to the city. 

Neither Zohari nor her calf, who has yet to be named, are visible to the public at this time – but if history is any indication, we'll see a lot more of this little guy on the zoo's Twitter and Facebook accounts in coming months.

How can something so crushingly painful be so, incredibly beautiful? It's one of the paradoxical truths of winter; the colder it gets outside, the prettier everything tends to look. 

A post shared by Andrew Lai 🐢 (@andrewtheturtle) on Dec 28, 2017 at 7:02am PST

Toronto is currently experiencing one of the most brutal cold weather snaps we've seen in years, prompting many online to declare their allegiances to the couch – because if you don't go out, you can't get frostbite.

But nor can you see any of the stunning frost patterns beyond your own window.

A post shared by Jeff Bjarnarson (@nordic_hammer) on Dec 28, 2017 at 6:14am PST

The entire city is sparkling today with ice and snow and glossy buildings.

A post shared by Nick Freda (@nickfreda) on Dec 28, 2017 at 6:12am PST

It may be jaw-chatteringly cold out there, but it almost looks comfortable when captured on camera – like a soft winter wonderland.

A post shared by Alejandro (@ab.shots) on Dec 28, 2017 at 6:12am PST

It's not comfortable outside, of course. Environment Canada lifted its extreme cold weather warning for Toronto this afternoon, but Toronto Public Health's extreme cold weather alert remains in effect.

In either case, it feels like -22 Celsius with the windchill. 

A post shared by James (@james_oxy) on Dec 28, 2017 at 6:06am PST

That's what makes all of these winter photos on Instagram so impressive. People actually had to go outside today for shots like this.

A post shared by look alive. (@bdsix) on Dec 28, 2017 at 9:14am PST

In many cases, they likely had to take off their gloves to capture the magic.

A post shared by Sarah Estager (@sarah.estager) on Dec 28, 2017 at 7:43am PST

Even with touch-sensitive mitts, it's difficult to focus an iPhone camera.

A post shared by Tati (@ta_tuttifru) on Dec 28, 2017 at 6:07am PST

Thanks to everybody with the guts to actually go out and capture the effects of this confusingly gorgeous season.

Toronto markets, pop-ups, and warehouse sales in January include suits and sneakers at deep discounts, a tour of the city's musical history, and a chance to score a deal on vinyl LPs while enjoying a beer or two. 

Can the people of Toronto be trusted to write their own messages on a huge, illuminated, public sign – without any filters?

It depends on who you ask.

The TTC is taking some heat right now for refusing to activate a new $500,000 art installation at Pioneer Village Subway Station over fears of "inappropriate" content.

The work in question, called LightSpell, was initially approved by TTC officials in 2009, and had been paid for long before the official opening of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension.

Because of this, German artists Jan and Tim Edler (among others) were confused when, just two days before its scheduled launch, the transit commission decidednottoactivatetheirinstallation after all.

"The TTC's concerns are due to the interactive aspect of the installation, which allows people on the platform to enter short text messages at specially installed terminals," reads a press release issued by the artist collective realities:united on Friday. 

"The messages are then immediately displayed above the platform, in large illuminated letters."

The Edler brothers say that "the TTC justified its decision to censor the artwork" on the grounds that unfiltered text content could offend other passengers or "result in unacceptable interference with general safety."

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said by email today that TTC staff did test the installation before launch "using a variety of words including some inappropriate ones."

A photo posted to Reddit last week appears to show some profane words displayed on Lightspell, but Green said he could not confirm if that photo was authentic, or merely the product of Photoshop.

"Our intention is to find a resolution," he said, "through Board direction if necessary, that allows us to activate the installation."

It is with anger and disappointment that I have learnt about the censorship of the new, awesome @realitiesunited installation in Toronto which was supposed to be inaugurated Dec 15 after almost 9 years of planning and investment. https://t.co/z0xPZbWPBupic.twitter.com/JvRXOwAYxH

— Rafael Lozano-Hemmer (@errafael) December 22, 2017

The artists wrote in their press release that they "emphatically oppose" the TTC's decision. And they're not alone. 

Realities:united is gaining more and more support around the web as news of its dormant installation spreads. Many of the supporters are criticizing the TTC for its "censorship" of the work.

"I'm not surprised - this is Toronto after all," wrote one person on Facebook in response to the news. "No matter how cosmopolitan it has gotten over the last several decades, the puritanism still rears its head every once in a while."

How the hell did it get this far? Surely the potential problem was evident from the beginning. What a waste of money.

— colan mitchell 📡 (@ColanMitchell) December 27, 2017

Others online are simply shocked by how much money was spent on something that isn't being (and may never be) used.

The terminals for passengers to input their 8-character messages are currently active at Pioneer Village Station, but nothing will light up overhead. Not yet, anyway.

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross said by email last Thursday that, while he wouldn't comment on specifics, he hopes to see the issue resolved in January.

As for now, the installation will remain turned off.

A three bedroom corner condo near Bay and Bloor costs more than many detached homes in Toronto. So what do you get it you're willing to plop down over $2 million for a high rise unit? 

In the case of this unit at U Condos, that price tags brings with it lots of space, high ceilings, a well appointed kitchen, two parking spots, and a huge wrap-around balcony with panoramic views of the city. 

It's often hard to imagine a moderately sized family happily occupying a downtown condo, but a place like this is an obvious exception. While the third bedroom is currently set up as an office/guest room hybrid with a Murphy bed, it's easily big enough to be a standalone bedroom.

One noteworthy feature of this condo is that a giant master bedroom is sacrificed in favour of spreading the space out across the all three bedrooms. This distribution of space could make a lot of sense for some people, even if it diminishes the luxury factor a bit. 

Specs

Address: #4601 - 1080 Bay St.
Price: $2,088,000 
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Parking: 2
Walk Score: 99
Transit Score: 100
Maintenance Fees: $1,010.28
Listing agent: Roseanne Ruth Agasse
Listing ID: C3973305

Good For

A family who insists on living downtown. Alternately, anyone who expects to host overnight guests on a regular basis might benefit from this set up. 

Move On If

You'd rather buy a detached home on a residential street. For this price, you can even snag one that's right beside the subway. 

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

It's the final weekend of the year, and the events on offer in Toronto will make sure that you end 2017 with dancing, drinking, and laughing. As far as New Year's go, there are tons of parties on Sunday, from huge bashes to neighbourhood affairs, including some that are free. 

Don't forget! The TTC is free all NYE and so is GO Transit and UP Express.

In four days, prescription drugs will be free to every Ontario resident under the age of 25.

No co-payments. No family income requirements. Just a health card. You don’t even need to enroll; it's automatic.

That's pretty damn huge. Excuse my language, but it is.

OHIP+:Children and Youth Pharmacare is one of several huge new policies coming into effect across the province on Jan. 1, 2018.

Once it comes into effect, people aged 24 or younger will be able to walk into a pharmacy, present their prescriptions, and get free access to as many as 4,400 different medications.

The universal drug program will cover the cost of antibiotics, asthma inhalers, insulin, epi-pens, diabetes test strips, drugs to treat depression, anxiety, epilepsy and ADHD, oral contraceptives, cancer medications, and other drugs people need to get and stay healthy.

"Providing medication at no cost for children and youth will make a difference in the lives of Ontario families," reads a government release, including "low-income families, large families, single parents with children, students, young people in the workforce, and unemployed and underemployed young people."

Announced in April as part of the provincial budget package, the program is estimated to cost the province $465 million a year, and will cover 4 million young Ontarians.

For Toronto food event lovers, January means one thing: Winterlicious is fast approaching. This month the St. Lawrence Market, Cibo Wine Bar, and Palais Royale are all hosting special Winterlicious events. But before that, there are free feasts, flea markets, and pop-ups to attend.

If you pay a single cent to get anywhere in Toronto on New Year's Eve, you're doing it wrong.

Local ridesharing startup InstaRyde is giving away 5,000 free rides between Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 in an effort to keep people safe on one of the year's biggest party nights (and presumably win over some business from Uber and Lyft).

Starting at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31, InstaRyde says it will take a maximum of 4 riders per vehicle anywhere in the downtown core (from Bloor Street to the Gardiner Expressway, and River Street to Dufferin Street). 

Customers must use the "Ryde" category, according to the company, and will initially be charged the full amount of their trip. Then, they will be reimbursed.

A post shared by InstaRydeTO (@instarydeto) on Dec 7, 2017 at 8:59am PST

The promotion lasts until New Year's Day at 8 a.m.

"We are giving Torontonian’s these gifts for the holidays because we love our city," said InstaRyde co-founder Karim Sumar in a press release. 

"We are committed to giving both our drivers and our riders the best service and keeping everyone safe this holiday season. Remember don’t drink and drive, InstaRyde."

Don't live in the downtown core? No worries. GO Transit and UP Express vehicles are also 100 per cent free on New Year's Eve this year between 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 7 a.m. on Jan. 1.

During those same hours, the entire TTC will also be free to ride, just like it has been for the past five years on New Year's Eve.

The best Korean BBQ restaurants in Toronto are a tabletop-grilled-meat lover’s paradise. Classic choices like steak, ribs and pork belly come slathered in lip-smackingly flavourful sweet and savoury sauces. Just be sure to fit in a few veggies alongside this delicious meat fest.

Here are the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Toronto.

The recent cold spell that's enveloped Toronto and much of Ontario isn't without its benefits. Of the various pleasures that the onset of winter brings, the freezing of Hamilton's waterfalls is certainly one of the prettiest.

These majestic layers of ice are a legitimate winter wonderland just an hour away from Toronto. It might be a bit more challenging to hike into them through the snow, but the scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

A post shared by Manon Reinhardt (@manon.rdt) on Dec 17, 2017 at 6:29am PST

Some of the lower flow waterfalls like the Devil's Punchbowl started to freeze over in mid-December, but it's been the extreme cold of the last few days that's left the rest of these natural wonders in suspended animation.

A post shared by Denni Johnson Kleiner (@dennizilla) on Dec 28, 2017 at 6:13am PST

Tiffany Falls is particularly stunning right now. It froze over a couple of weeks ago, but recent heaps of snow have helped to make the surrounding backdrop an idealized picture of winter beauty. 

A post shared by Manny (@sunsplasher) on Dec 18, 2017 at 12:56pm PST

The ice climbers will be out here in the new year, but for now the area is a mostly undisturbed sanctuary worthy of Queen Elsa. Some of the ice build-ups are incredibly intricate. On the whole, the place is sublime.

A post shared by Travis (@travis_paul) on Dec 28, 2017 at 4:59pm PST

There are other highlights, of course. The secluded Sherman Falls looks incredible tucked within the tree canopy. If we get some wet snow that hugs the tree branches, the scene will be even more amazing than it already is. 

A post shared by Peter S.K. (@peterstephenko) on Dec 28, 2017 at 4:02pm PST

Webster's Falls is also looking great, with the entire Spencer Gorge area acting as a winter playground for those willing to brave the cold. There was a still a little trickle of water through here the other day, but it's bound to freeze completely at any moment. 

A post shared by suping Zhang (@suping.zhang) on Dec 27, 2017 at 4:22pm PST

What's so incredible about this spot is the area around the falls. The cliff face, trees, and leaf-less shrubs are all coated in a layer of ice that is remarkably picturesque, especially when it's lit up by early morning sunlight. 

A post shared by J a r e k G o r a (@jarekgora) on Dec 26, 2017 at 5:47pm PST

Winter can take its toll with consecutive months of freezing temperatures, driving snow, and city streets filled with feet-soaking slush, but a day trip out to Hamilton's waterfalls offers a timely and restorative reminder of how scenic the season can be. 

This week's bone-chilling temperatures, which dropped to a record-breaking -22 C on Thursday morning, aren't just bad for human bodies. They're bad for transit vehicles, too.

Almost an entire third of Toronto's old streetcars were unable to leave the yard yesterday, according to the TTC, because of – you guessed it – extreme cold weather.

The Globe reports that 45 of the 140 remaining "legacy streetcars" still operating in Toronto broke down yesterday morning, forcing the transit agency to send out buses along the 505 Dundas and 506 Carlton routes.

Extreme cold is taking a toll on #TTC 's 30+-year-old legacy streetcars today. As a result, 505 Dundas and 506 Carlton will be converted to buses today and tomorrow to free up streetcars for busy 501 Queen route. Mechanics working on repairs for next week's service needs.

— TTCStuart (@TTCStuart) December 28, 2017

According to the Globe and Mail, the problems appear to stem from issues with the sanding systems and pneumatics that control the doors on older cars, which have long struggled with winter.

At over 30 years old, most of the older streetcars simply aren't equipped to handle this type of sustained cold weather. 

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said that mechanics are working to repair the cars for next week, when ridership is expected to increase post-holidays.

Ops are advised of the cold weather &to do their best to accomodate customers. However if a bus is servicing the stop and if there is a large crowd they will open both doors to speed up boarding. Once customers have boarded a majority do 1/2 ^HK

— TTC Customer Service (@TTChelps) December 28, 2017

Of course, none of this would be a problem if Toronto had more new streetcars. The larger, more modern vehicles are faring just fine this winter so far, but Bombardier is way behind on its delivery schedule. 

Streetcar issues aside, it's still hard to get around the city during this severe a cold snap.

A GO Transit line was reportedly delayed yesterday after  a crack was found in a rail track designed to withstand 60-degree temperature swings, and TTC crews are working hard to keep snow and ice from building up around outdoor power rails.

Fingers crossed these frigid weather systems move along soon – though weather officials say that isn't likely. Extreme cold temperatures are expected to last until at least the end of the first week of 2018.

Toronto is becoming spoiled for choices when it comes to global brands. Not only is online shopping a major thing, U.S. and international retailers have really taken to making Toronto the first stop on their Canadian expansion tours. But there's always room to grow.

Here are my picks for 10 brands that have yet to open up a store in Toronto (but really should).

The Line

Billing itself as a "modern and personal approach to retail," this U.S. boutique brand curates fashion, beauty and home items based on an editorial theme like "the working gamine" or "the new gourmand." The stories come alive at the company's New York and L.A. stores.

Bik Bok

This Scandinavian fast fashion favourite started all the way back in 1973 and has more than 200 stores across Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Austria. It's known for producing affordable, runway-inspired pieces, street style looks and high-quality basics. 

Infinit

Toronto has tons of fantastic places to buy eyewear already, but this Argentinian frame chain isn't one of them – yet. Infinit's specs would make a great addition to the Toronto market – they're stylish, well-crafted, unique, and already huge in another country.

Glossier

This cult skincare and cosmetics brand hosted a week-long pop-up shop on West Queen West back in September and – just its like its flagship location in New York – it was lined up out the door and down the block. That's a good sign for business prospects in Toronto.

Everlane

Gigi Hadid and Angelina Jolie are among many famous fans of this San Francisco-based retailer (which just expanded to New York). Considered a leader in sustainability and transparency, Everlane only marks up its clothes by 2-3x (as opposed to the 5-6x  of traditional retailers).

Opening Ceremony
This multinational retailer is synonymous with oddball cool. Launched in 2002, OC's own designs now share shelf space with pieces by hip designers like Raf Simons and Kenzo at the brand's four boutiques in Japan, New York and L.A. 

Primark

Cheapie chains have been exploding across North America in recent years (welcome, Miniso!) and the trend is only ramping up. Irish chain Primark is known for selling high quantities of clothes, accessories and beauty products at well below average prices - like an Irish Forever 21.

Catbird

This ultra-cool jewellery company is single-handedly responsible for making thin knuckle-height rings into a fashion craze. It currently only has only two stores, both in Brooklyn. You can still find a few of the brand's pieces locally, however, at Easy Tiger and A2Zane.

Rapsodia

This boho-chic, Latin American womenswear brand specializes in eclectic clothing, lingerie and home decor much like Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters. The company currently operates 90 stores across Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Colombia, and Mexico.

Trader Joe's

No, it's not a clothing or design store, but Canadians have been driven as far as piracy in order to get their fix of this U.S. grocery chain's wares. Cult favourites include pumpkin butter, chocolate-covered potato chips and their lemon pepper fettucine. Mmm.

Often considered urban myths, secret (or once secret) tunnels do exist in Toronto. Most people have heard about the 800 foot tunnel that connects Casa Loma to its stables, but there are others out there with even more allure, some of which are still accessible if you have a key.

Here's a handful of hidden tunnels that exist (or existed) under Toronto.

Lower Queen Station

Looking across Lower Queen Station. Photo by Derek Flack.

Lower Queen station is the rough shell of an underground streetcar stop deep beneath Queen and Yonge. It was built along with Queen subway station in the 1950s and when you walk between the north and south platforms, you're actually passing through part of the never used stop.

Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital

One of the tunnels linking buildings at the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital. Photo by Matt Watson.

Built in 1884, this Gothic and Romanesque Revival psychiatric institution was the first in Canada to adopt the "cottage system," a series of small buildings instead of one monolithic asylum. A warren of tunnels allowed staff to scurry between the buildings.

The Pneumatic Post

A rudimentary map of the pneumatic tube system in Toronto.

Long before the Internet made the distribution of news stories as simple as opening a laptop, Toronto's press corps relied on a network of underground mail tubes to file copy.

The system of pneumatic pipes originally linked the Royal York Hotel and Union Station with the offices of the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway. Later the Toronto Star and Toronto Telegram laid new tubes from Old City Hall to their respective headquarters.

Roy Thomson Hall

Roy Thomson Hall under construction in the 1980s. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

This tunnel is a great urban mystery. When workers were excavating the foundations for Roy Thomson Hall in the 1980s, diggers struck something solid in the buried remains of the old Canadian Pacific freight office that used to occupy the site.

It was a tunnel leading to a room under Simcoe Street. Inside was a table, a chair, two empty cups, and a locked safe. The sealed container was craned to the surface where it quickly vanished, never to be heard from again.

Queen's Park

Queen's Park subway station. Photo by k-beer. 

There is an underground pedestrian tunnel that links Queen's Park subway station with the south basement of the Whitney Block on the east side of Queen's Park Crescent. Access is allowed for legislature staff and those conducting official business at Queen's Park. 

The first night of 2018 will be a bright one as a stunning Supermoon rises over Toronto and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere.

Traditionally called a "wolf moon," January's first and biggest full moon of the year will occur on Jan. 1 at 9:24 p.m. ET. 

The moon will start rising at around 4:48 p.m. on Monday, meaning that the sun (which sets at 4:51 p.m.) will share the sky with this year's wolf moon for a few glorious minutes, "though you'll need a view of a relatively flat, unobscured horizon to see it happen."

Full Wolf Moon: New Year's Supermoon Is the Biggest of the Year - This New Year's Day will bring a "Full Wolf Moon," the biggest of the supermoons expected in 2018. https://t.co/KiqiTe21fV

— Space Nuts (@SpaceNutsPodcst) December 29, 2017

"Supermoons  happen when a full moon approximately coincides with the moon's perigee, or a point in its orbit at which it is closest to Earth," writes the science website. "This makes the moon appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than usual."

Much to the chagrin of my imagination, the "wolf" part of this moon has nothing to do with the moon being shaped like a wolf. The name is said to come from early Colonial times, when the bright January moon made wolves howl in hunger outside villages.

View of the Wolf Moon rising over the #Toronto city skyline this weekend (Mark Blinch/Reuters) via @globeandmailpic.twitter.com/kxU4fSxVEs

— phaedra ☾ (@JacqValencia) January 25, 2016

The New Year's Supermoon is the second of three in a row, with the final one on January 31 also categorized as a Blue moon, which marks the second full moon in a calendar month. It'll also feature a full lunar eclipse, the combination of which is very rare indeed. 

Must-see concerts in Toronto this January may almost make it worth the effort to chip the ice off your front door and venture out into the frozen abyss. Here’s what’s on tap.

Here's an intriguing recent sale in Toronto that offers a peek into an old Victorian row house just brimming with character. Located on Shaw St. near the western edge of Trinity Bellwoods Park, this three-story home features an original brick exterior that dates back to the 19th century. 

In short, it's beautiful. The interior, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. While it's absolutely loaded with potential and stunning spaces, the new buyer will ultimately have to decide whether to keep it broken up as rental units or to turn it into a single home. 

The latter possibility is surely the more tantalizing when you consider the space. There's already a basement apartment that could serve as an income source, while the remarkable second level would be one of the nicest living spaces you could imagine. 

Depending on the budget, the existing upstairs kitchen could be removed and turned into a den or additional bedroom, or it could remain as is — as useful second cooking area given the size of the kitchen downstairs. 

The third floor loft would make for a lovely master bedroom, though the absence of an en suite might prove a deterrent to some. I could easily see the second and third floors treated as a long term renovation project that ultimately resulted in the creation of someone's dream home.

The Essentials

• Address: 220 Shaw St.
• Type: Semi/Row
• Bedrooms: 3+1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Lot size: 16.34 x 121 feet
• Hit the market at: $1,199,000
• Sold for: $1.62 Million

Why it sold for what it did

A Victorian home with this kind of curb appeal in a highly desirable neighbourhood has tons of cachet. The listing price might have been a bit low, but presumably that reflects the fact that the interior will need work to be set up as a single-family residence.

Was it worth it?

Absolutely. Did you look at the layout and ceiling height on the second floor? Houses with this much character and potential are highly valuable, especially given the location. I suspect the buyer is very happy with this one.