Good news, drivers!

After nine months, $30 million, and countless expletives screamed into countless steering wheels, we'll finally be able to exit the Gardiner at Lower Simcoe again.

City of Toronto chief engineer Michael D’Andrea told CTV News this week that he expects the rebuilt York-Bay-Yonge off-ramp to open by the end of January.

While the original ramp, built in the 1960s, connected the eastbound Gardiner to York, Bay and Yonge streets, this new ramp will connect directly to Lower Simcoe Street.

Because it's shorter, and thus steeper than the old ramp, the city has fitted it with an automatic de-icing system to prevent any vehicles from slipping during winter months.

With the addition of a third lane, drivers will now have more space to turn right or left onto York Street from the ramp, or drive straight along a newly widened Harbour Street.

The space where the old ramp used to be will be transformed into a parkette, according to D'Andrea, and promises to be a "beautiful space" with plenty of sunshine.

Toronto might be getting a new flagship Apple Store at Yonge and Bloor, but in the meantime, tech heads can immerse themselves in the enormous Samsung Experience store that just opened at the Eaton Centre.

The largest of its kind in Canada and one of the most impressive retail spaces the brand boasts in the world, the store takes up 21,000 square feet over two storeys of space in the north end of the mall. 

Surprise!! Our Samsung Experience Store @CFtoeatonCentre is now open, come and visit us! pic.twitter.com/jODZGawhgH

— Samsung Canada (@SamsungCanada) December 27, 2017

According to Mobile Syrup, it even features a 65,000 pound curved staircase that links the two levels. It's an impressive centrepiece to the Quadrangle-designed space that mimics the aesthetic sensibilities of the company's products and exudes an almost Kubrickian futurism. 

Making good on the name, this less a place to shop than to experience the gamut of Samsung products, from an interactive VR zone on the first floor to a full demo kitchen upstairs. Yes, there's more than just phones and tablets here. 

Inside the new #Samsung store in Toronto. #Trends#Consumerspic.twitter.com/s9mdCHLsGd

— Consumer Trends (@consumertrendsm) January 6, 2018

More conventionally (and Apple-like), there's also an area to consult with Samsung staff for repair and service inquiries. If you just want to geek out, on the other hand, there's also an interactive demo area for the brand's line of televisions that has a nice seating area.

Seating is actually ample throughout the store, which might prove to be an attractive feature in a place that's so focused on demos. Who wants to take it all in while standing on tired feet? 

A significant chunk of Toronto's west side is in mourning this week as news of an impending business closure spreads on Facebook.

The business in question? Starbucks at Dufferin and St. Clair.

"I have heard... that Starbucks in Corso Italia is closing on January 31," wrote an administrator in the closed Hillcrest Village, Humewood and Wychwood Facebook group this weekend, referring to the coffee chain's location at 1228 St. Clair Ave. West.

Dozens of local residents have since commented on that post to express their shock and sadness over losing the s'bux and its friendly baristas.

Morning Crew, opening day! So excited to be here! #tobeapartner #corsoitalia #starbucks #starbucksreserve #cloverlove #newstoreopening #lensofhumanity

A post shared by Starbucks: St Clair/Dufferin (@sbux_25915) on Aug 29, 2015 at 10:04am PDT

"No!!!!!!!!" wrote one local resident. "Is something else going in? Is it moving ? So many questions!"

"That really really sucks," wrote someone else. "Like Starbucks or not, it created jobs... created a buzz, created a place for people to get work done, a nice patio to sit at with a $5 tab, and was just nice to have it in our neighbourhood."

Many floated the idea that more independent cafés could open in the area, but as one person put it, "If a Starbucks can't even survive here, how will an indie shop?"

@Starbucks thanks for the few years in #Corsoitaliato, you will be missed. We were informed you will be closing at the end of January.

— Corso Italia (@CorsoItaliaTO) January 8, 2018

The Corso Italia BIA confirmed the news yesterday on Twitter, as did Starbucks itself by email this afternoon.

"I understand that we are closing a store at St. Clair and Dufferin at the end of the month," wrote Tim Gallant, senior communications manager at Starbucks Canada. "As a normal part of doing business, every year we open many new stores, we close some, and relocate a few others."

"We consider several factors when we make these decisions," he continued. "Every partner in this store has been offered a transfer to a nearby store – of which there are several in the local area."

Gallant also dispelled any notion that Starbucks was making its decision based on Ontario's minimum wage increase, as was suggested in the Facebook thread and elsewhere.

Starbucks closing St. Clair W store because of minimum wage increase https://t.co/xxB7AHx16f

— Terry Demostenes (@Terrydemostenes) January 9, 2018

"Today the staff told us that they were told [the closure] is because with minimum wage going up, Starbucks can't afford to keep it open there," wrote a blogTO reader by email this morning. 

"I feel as though Starbucks deserves the same criticism as Tim Horton for closing an entire store over $2.60/hr."

Gallant says this claim simply isn't true.

"I can confirm that this has absolutely nothing to do with the changes to minimum wage in Ontario," he wrote. "In fact, this is going to be nearly a record year for store openings for us in Canada. A significant portion of the new stores will be located in Ontario."

this year Starbucks Canada upped their mental health benefits to $5000 PER employee, even if they're only working 20 hrs a week.

— ALB (@albinwonderland) January 25, 2017

"At Starbucks Canada we are not cutting shifts or hours, and have no planned price changes as a result of the minimum wage increase in Ontario," he explained. "Our leading and comprehensive benefits remain unchanged."

Not to sing the praises of Starbucks, but with a benefits package that includes dental, medical, tuition reimbursements, tons of free coffee and a "$5,000 a year mental health benefit for psychology and social worker services," it's safe to say that this isn't Tim Hortons.

Not by a long shot (of espresso, lol). 

A cold start to winter has been a boon for natural skating surfaces in Toronto and beyond. During the most frigid days, people have been out on Grenadier Pond and even the city's inner harbour. Further afield, Arrowhead Park's skating trail has already been a wildly popular destination. 

The most alluring skating experience near Toronto, however, might just be found in Peterborough, Ontario on the canal beneath the mighty lift lock. When it freezes over, it becomes one of the most scenic and well maintained natural ice surfaces in the province. 

A post shared by Rikki-Lynn Wilson (@rikster04) on Jan 5, 2018 at 10:56am PST

Unlike Grenadier Pond, this section of the Trent River system is regularly flooded by city staff to create what can be near perfect skating conditions in the absence of snow. There's also a green/red flag program to indicate whether or not the ice is safe to skate. 

A post shared by Husayn Dharshi (@husayndharshi) on Jan 3, 2018 at 8:33am PST

The canal bore a green flag early this year, but warmer temperatures this week have temporarily put skating on hold. Another blast of arctic air this weekend is expected to bring the return of safe conditions. 

A post shared by Ontario Travel (@ontariotravel) on Feb 24, 2017 at 11:53am PST

Surely one of the main highlights of skating here is the presence of the lift lock itself. First built in 1904, Lock 21 is one of the most imposing on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Designated a national historic site, it's a beautiful feat of engineering that's incredible to skate underneath.  

Variable winter temperatures mean that the Peterborough canal isn't open for skating every day of the winter, but in a cold year, there are plenty of weekends when it serves as an amazing day trip from Toronto.

Today in Toronto you can attend the official re-lighting ceremony for the Sam the Record Man spinning vinyl signs, connect with top minds in the fashion industry, wet your whistle with a historic beer tour, and more. 

Canadian coffee drinkers are using their money (or lack thereof) this week to show Tim Hortons how they feel about its response to Ontario's recent minimum wage hike.

At least nine different protests are taking place this morning outside of Tim Hortons stores in Toronto alone, with thousands more online pledging to boycott the chain until it restores breaks and benefits to its workers.

Action at @TimHortons to stop wage and benefit cutbacks! #15andFairness today at Dufferin and bloor. People driving by honking in support and dropping by to express their support for workers! #boycottTimHortons#onpolipic.twitter.com/KbwxIEDyhu

— Deena Ladd (@DeenaLadd) January 10, 2018

The controversy began last week after someone leaked a letter from a Coburg, Ontario Tim Hortons store owned by children of the coffee chain's founders.

Employees were told in that letter that they would be losing a number of different benefits and incentives, including paid breaks and sick days, as a result of the new $14 standard minimum wage.

Let's all show our #solidarity and #support for Tim Horton workers! This is not ok! SIGN THE PETITION - Tell @TimHortons: hands off workers’ wages and benefits! #15andFairness#BoycottTimHortonshttps://t.co/KYDV6RD0ov

— Anne Bertrand-Roy (@aroy75) January 10, 2018

Later in the week, staff at a Scarborough location came forward to say that they were no longer allowed to accept tips for the same reason.

People across the country – including Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne – have been criticizing the company (which brought in $4.15 billion during 2016 alone) in droves ever since.

#boycottTimHortons is a case study in today’s business and political landscape. How can a company so heavily depended on the very market it employs afford to be so tone-deaf to the impact of their actions? Sounds like a political statement to me, and an expensive one. pic.twitter.com/5SgVph2Edu

— Educated_Guess (@GuessEducated) January 10, 2018

The movement is spreading, if social media traction is any indication.

Angry longtime customers and advocates are sharing their thoughts, photos and encouraging others to boycott Tim Hortons using the hashtags #IStandWithTimHortonsWorkers...

#IStandWithTimHortonsWorkers. I'm so proud of the thousands participating in demonstrations across Ontario today. I will boycott all @TimHortons franchises until they listen to us and pay for all breaks. #onpoli

— Kim Crawley (@kim_crawley) January 10, 2018

#BoycottTimHortons...

@TimHortons
Loyal customer for over 20 years, but your nickle and dime attitude towards employees is shameful. I'd rather pay a little more for coffee to cover the min wage increase. Positive top executives won't cut their bonuses.#boycottTimHortons#TimHortons#MinimumWage

— James Morrison (@JdMorrison98) January 10, 2018

#TimHortonsBoycott...

I went to McDonald's this morning instead of Tim's. McDonald's has free refills, every 7 coffees are free and the coffee tastes better. Tim's has lost me forever.#TimHortonsboycott

— Devon Saunders (@SecretChipmunk) January 10, 2018

#MinimumWage...

Capitalism has taught us to feel fear and sympathy when the local Tim Horton’s franchise owner takes a 1% hit in revenue, instead of fighting for a worker who has a full-time job and still needs the food bank. #onpoli#MinimumWage#FightFor15#RaiseTheWage#capitalism#cdnpoli

— hollyprice (@hollyprice) January 4, 2018

Or no hashtags at all.

I forget which day we're supposed to boycott Tim Hortons so I'm just gonna boycott them forever to be safe.

— Paul Frank (@pwgfrank) January 10, 2018

Demonstrations are set to continue throughout the province today. A full list of actions taking place in the GTA is available online via the Ontario Federation of Labour.

Houses worth more than $1 million were anything but hot in Toronto over the past six months, according to Sotheby's International Realty Canada.

A new report from the real estate broker shows that, while the luxury home market was booming during the first half of 2017, those sales tapered off by a whopping 56 per cent in the second half of the year.

Houses between $2 million and $4 million saw the steepest drop at 62 per cent in late 2017.

A decline in home sales is normal during the latter half of a year but, as The Globe and Mail notes, 2017's was a lot more noticeable than the year previous.

Sales of luxury homes tumbled only 6 per cent in the second half of 2016 compared against the first half – a full 50 per cent less, on average, than what we saw happen between the first and second halves of 2017.

Luxury condos, on the other hand, are entirely different story.

Within the City of Toronto, sales of condominiums worth more than $4 million skyrocketed in 2017, up 82 per cent over the previous year.

That number is even higher when you factor in the entire GTA.

"Sales of $1-million-plus condominiums were up 59 per cent year-over-year within the region, with luxury sales over $4 million up 91 per cent over the previous year," reads Sotheby International Realty Canada's 2017 year-end Top Tier Real Estate report.

Calling it "the year of the condo" across Canada, Sotheby's CEO Brad Henderson confirmed that the phenomenon is happening all over North America.

Still, he says, "the performance of the GTA's top-tier condominium market eclipsed that of other major Canadian markets in both sales volume and percentage gains in 2017."

A life sized LEGO bar is set to be assembled in Toronto and, if you're lucky enough to score tickets, you'll be able to grab a drink there this spring.

An actual drink – not LEGO bricks in a beer stein.

The aptly named Legobar (not associated with the toy company) is a travelling pop-up party spot made from more than 1 million LEGO bricks.

The entire venue will be transported between 11 different cities this year, according to its creators, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Sydney, Melbourne, Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto.

A post shared by We Are Pop Up (@wearepopup) on Jan 9, 2018 at 9:55pm PST

Each time the structure moves, it will be taken apart and then rebuilt "into the ultimate nostalgia trip."

Not much has been revealed about the project so far, but the bar is promised to feature local DJs, custom LEGO sculptures, and "an abundance of blocks for people to shape into their own creations."

​The Legobar will arrive somewhere in Toronto around May or June this year.

Organizers will likely partner with an already established local bar for the venue's menu, according to Australia's Good Food, but every drink will be served in a cup made of LEGO bricks.

Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis, according to the pop-up's website, but you can register here to be notified of when they go on sale.

The City of Toronto is more than $5 million short of what it will take to repair the flood-ravaged Islands and other public waterfront areas damaged by last spring and summer's high water levels. 

An estimated $7.4 million worth of damage was done to our city's waterfront parks by the time they emerged from Lake Ontario after nearly three months underwater in August.

The city's preliminary 2018 budget, however, allocates only $2 million to repair work on that front.

Putting off Toronto Islands repairs could lead to disaster. More damage to the island has likely been done due to the deep freeze freezing floodwaters. We must harden our island so we can continue to enjoy it every summer. Thank you for standing up for it @PaulaFletcher30#TOpolihttps://t.co/T0mnlcxgru

— Waterfront for All (@Waterfront4All) January 10, 2018

But this doesn't mean the islands won't be up and running this summer, or that repairs won't happen.

Ward 30 councillor Paula Fletcher says she'll be pushing for more money to fix the damage in full. This will include everything from repairing paths to installing permanent water pumps on the Islands, according to CBC News. 

There's also the fact that many priority repair projects have already been completed, and thus would not be factored into 2018's budget.

Drake helped LeBron James throw a birthday party for Dwayne Wade in Toronto last night, in case you weren't invited. No big deal.

The NBA superstars just happened to be in town this week ahead of Thursday night's Raptors vs. Cavaliers game – and what better way for Drizzy to test out his latest hometown restaurant venture?

James, Wade and Drake himself were spotted at the latter's mysterious new restaurant, Pick 6ix, near Yonge and Wellington on Tuesday evening, along with various other members of the OVO crew.

Photo by Johnny Nunez for Getty Images on Behalf of Rémy Martin

Don't feel like you missed an opportunity to meet your heroes though, Stans – the restaurant isn't even open yet.

On top of that, nobody outside of Drake's crew really knows what it is just yet. A sushi restaurant? A sports bar? A swanky celebrity supper club? All of the above?

Photo by Jaclyn Skrobacky.

The restaurant will host an official grand opening party this evening, Jan. 10, according to a press release from Rémy Martin, which co-sponsored last night's bash.

[UPDATE: A PR rep for Pick 6ix clarified that an opening date has not yet been set for the restaurant. The rep says that Rémy Martin "did not have the correct information" and that Pick 6ix will open near the end of January "at very earliest."]

Photo by Johnny Nunez for Getty Images on Behalf of Rémy Martin

As of Wednesday afternoon, black and gold OVO-branded cladding remained in place outside the restaurant.

Dark black curtains were drawn around every inch of window space, eliminating any opportunity to peek inside ahead of the venue's launch.

Last night's party pictures did, however, reveal tons of gold accents, a giant number 6, and many velvety, teal chairs. Cool.

The best new bakeries that cropped up in Toronto this past year gave us Asian fusion macarons and miso butter tarts, danish pastries that go way beyond danishes, all-natural donuts, banh mi croissants and more locally made sourdough than you could ever ask for.

Here are the best new bakeries that opened in Toronto in 2017.

Winterlicious 2018 is coming. Although Toronto may feel like a scene out of Game of Thrones lately, fortunately we don’t have to go to battle, but we do get to enjoy great deals on special menus at more than 200 of Toronto’s restaurants.

Restaurants start taking reservations for prix fixe dinners on January 11, which cost between $33 and $53. Three-course lunches cost between $23 and $33, and Winterlicious runs from January 26 to February 8.

New and Notable

These new heavy-hitters just got into the Winterlicious game recently, but they’re coming out swinging in this huge city-wide event.

Figures ($53)

Enter this secretive and swanky new Yorkville restaurant through a posh comic book shop and enjoy eats and drinks inside that will delight both the kid and adult in you.

Noce ($33/$53)

This Italian spot on West Queen West that does grilling and wood-fired pizzas isn’t technically new to the scene but they’ve undergone a massive rehaul that makes it feel like a whole new place.

Lbs. ($28/$43)

Have your very own Lobsterfest at this Financial District spot with lobster rolls for lunch and Nova Scotia lobster for dinner.

Beaumont Kitchen ($28/$43)

A colourful global Winterlicious menu of gnocchi fritti, ragu, risotto and schnitzel dazzles inside this slick spot at Sherway Gardens.

Le Notre Bistro ($43)

This charming corner spot in Harbord Village boasts an intimate setting, hands on service, great wine and authentic French dishes.

Hot Tickets

These are the heavy hitters, the powerhouses, the Big Kahunas that reign over the Toronto restaurant scene, and now is your chance to try their food at a discount.

Canoe ($33/$53)

The Canadian-inspired masterpieces that make up the artful food at this Financial District mainstay are only paralleled by the stunning view.

Cafe Boulud ($33/$53)

Oh you fancy huh? French fare from the brilliant mind of one of the world’s premier chefs is represented at this Yorkville restaurant inside the Four Seasons.

Lee ($53)

Asian cuisine at this King West destination is given a new twist by one of the most recognized chefs to come out of our city.

Fring’s ($53)

The Lee family continues their legacy at this younger, more energetic, Drake influenced sibling King West restaurant serving dishes that expand even further on Asian fusion cuisine.

Lena ($33/$53)

South American cuisine gets the upscale treatment at this Yonge and Richmond restaurant with design that’s as breathtaking as the food.

Cheap(er) and Cheerful

Not all of us have fifty bucks to drop on one dinner, so here are some places to go to eat like well on a budget.

Momofuku Noodle Bar ($23/$33)

Though these may be some of the more expensive noodles you’ll ever eat, they’re more than worth it, not to mention the buns. For Winterlicious, you can have both.

Wickson Social ($23/$33)

Salmon souffle plays with dumplings and kale salad on the Winterlicious menu at this restaurant housed in a historic building.

Yuzu No Hana ($23/$33)

If sushi is what you’re craving this winter, look no further than this upper floor restaurant in the Entertainment District.

Bannock ($23/$33)

This restaurant at Queen and Bay is everything Canadian: approachable, wholesome and comfortably priced. Salmon, risotto, duck confit and bacon meatball pizza all get points for being locally sourced.

Museum Tavern ($23/$33)

This American-style tavern across from the ROM is doing double cheeseburgers and ahi burgers for Winterlicious.

Veggie-Friendly

Why let carnivores have all the fun? Herbivores can join the party too at these spots.

Miku ($33/$53)

There are vegetarian options every step of the way at this Japanese restaurant on Queens Quay that specializes in aburi sushi, even offering unique veggie nigiri.

R&D ($33)

There’s a vegetarian stir fry and japchae on the Winterlicious menu at this Chinatown restaurant this year, and all desserts get the vegetarian seal of approval.

Ufficio ($28/$43)

This seafood-heavy restaurant on Dundas West is a boon to pescatarians. Vegetarian soups, arancini and pastas are available and there’s even a vegan avocado crudo.

The Carbon Bar ($43)

A roasted cauliflower dish will be on offer at this Southern restaurant near Queen and Church along with their usual famous brisket and ribs.

Maple Leaf Tavern ($43) 

Though cheeseburgers and short rib are go-to’s on the Winterlicious menu at this Leslieville spot, they’ll also be providing vegetarian mushroom soup and eggplant parmesan.

Toronto has been ranked one of the most visited cities in North America — and in fact the world if you take a wide enough view of these things.

Approximately 4.5 million international tourists left home explicitly to visit the 6ix last year, according to one of the world's leading market research firms.

A freshly dropped report from Euromonitor International places Toronto among the top 10 most-visited cities in North America, just behind New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Cancun, and Orlando in terms of visitor volume.

That's pretty freaking huge – even if it the numbers sound kind of low.
You see, Euromonitor's Top 100 City Destinations Ranking only counts "visitors from abroad who arrive at the city under review as their first point of entry" and stay "for at least 24 hours" in "collective or private accommodation."

Someone from London, England who comes to Toronto on vacation and stays in a hotel for one week would count. Someone from London, Ontario who comes to Toronto for a day of shopping and then drives home would not.

Euromonitor's figures also exclude same-day visitors, people in transit, those in paid employment abroad, students who stay for more than 12 months, military personnel, transportation crew and "displaced people because of war or natural disasters."

These are the world’s most visited cities: Euromonitor International’s latest ranking reveals the top 100 city destinations based on visitor numbers. https://t.co/M0Se5JIdVv#wef17pic.twitter.com/hybYgxTOSX

— WEF Context (@WefBot) January 9, 2018

Tourism Toronto pegs our actual annual visitor count at closer to 40 million, which is great – but not so impressive when contrasted against the entire world.

Euromonitor places us at spot number 52 on a list of 100 city destinations worldwide. That said, Toronto is on the rise and in the grand scheme of things that ranking is pretty impressive in and of itself.

The number of tourists visiting Ontario's capital rose 11.2 per cent between 2016 and 2017. Some might credit a low Canadian dollar and events like The Invictus Games for that bump, but others might just say that Toronto is simply really cool right now.

The seven coolest cities to look out for in 2018 are:
- Toronto
- Muscat
- Dundee
- Paris
- Tokyo
- Tbilisi
- San Miguel de Allendehttps://t.co/cBBO23dyIv

— CNN International (@cnni) January 10, 2018

Like, really cool.

One of Toronto's most populated condo neighbourhoods is Humber Bay Shores, which means that apartment seekers will often see units available around here for rent. While you can still rent a sub $2,000 suite here, if you want more than a one bedroom, it's going to cost you. 

This unit in the Riva Del Lago Condos on Marine Parade Drive shows off what an upscale space looks like in the area. For one, it's enormous. In addition to an ample open concept kitchen/living area, both bedrooms have en suites, and there's even a powder room.

That's a lot of washrooms for the average renter, so I'd expect anyone interested in this spot has ideas to entertain and show off the incredible view the unit enjoys. I mean, that's kinda the best part of the whole place. 

The rent is a bit of a grey zone, though. While most people who could afford it will have condos/houses of their own, it's also not a downright luxury suite, so there's a high roller element it won't attract. It'll likely go to a someone who's working in Toronto for an extended period but not permanently. 

Specs

• Address: 702 - 110 Marine Parade Dr. 
• Apartment type: Condo
• Rent: $4,400
• Furnished? No
• Air conditioning? Yes
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: Yes
• Laundry? In suite
• Outdoor space? Balcony 
• Pet friendly? Unspecified

Good For

Someone who needs lots of space and is willing, at least for 12 months, to fork over a fair amount of cash to live in a suite with a beautiful view.

Move On If

You expect easy subway access for condo rental above $4K. Humber Bay Shores has much to recommend, but transit accessibility isn't one of them.

Rock climbing gyms in Toronto are a perfect place for people who want to experience the thrill of scaling a mountain without the actual mountain. Whether you’re going with a big group or braving a solo climb, get snug in your safety harnesses and prepare for an intense full-body workout.

Here are seven gyms you can go rock climbing in Toronto.

Basecamp Climbing

This seedy theatre-turned climbing gym in Koreatown boasts some of the highest climbs in the city. A selection of walls from flat to overhang make it an accessible gym for climbers of all levels.

The Rock Oasis

Though not nearly as tall as their original location on Bathurst, this location in Leslieville is still huge. Featuring 25,000 square feet of climbing area, it also has lots of bouldering space, auto belay stations, and courses for beginners.

Boulderz Climbing Centre

Prepare for sore arms after a visit to this gym in the Junction Triangle. Specializing in bouldering, which is done on smaller rock formations without harnesses, this little gym will have your grip game on another level.

Joe Rockhead's Indoor Rock Climbing

This Liberty Village gym has the honour of calling itself the very first rock climbing gym in Canada. Open since 1990, Joe Rockhead’s is still one of the best places in the city for climbing aficionados of all levels.

Toronto Climbing Academy

In an attempt to make everything as realistic as possible, this gym in East York is designed with an abundance of gear and textured walls to best replicate real-life climbing. They’re the only gym to have specially designed simulated outdoor rock features and they’ve also got a sky window, meaning lots of natural light.

True North Climbing Inc.

As part of the sports centre at Downsview Park, True North has enough facilities to spend an entire day here. Not only do they have free WiFi and post-climb lounging couches, this North York gym also has the world’s largest climbable stalactite wall that drops down from the ceiling.

Hub Climbing

Located in Markham, Hub is primarily a bouldering gym but also features yoga classes and an in-house workout gym for climbers looking to elevate their climb game. They’ve generously added a foam pit to the bottom of their signature dragon-shaped wall, for those who will inevitably fail but don’t want to die in the process.

Another skyscraper is in the works for downtown Toronto, and this one's a big boy.

At 64 storeys and almost 300 metres, the proposed Commerce Court development would add approximately 168,000 square metres of office space to the city's Financial District and be as tall as First Canadian Place. 

If built to specification, the two buildings would actually tie for Toronto's tallest office building (not to be confused with Toronto's tallest condo building).

Renderings of the proposed reworking of Toronto's Commerce Court complex by Hariri Pontarini Architects for QuadReal. Image via City of Toronto.

QuadReal Property Group submitted a zoning by-law amendment application late last month asking the city for permission to "re-imagine" and "transform" the historic property at the southeast corner of King and Bay Streets.

Documents submitted to the city show that QuadReal wants to demolish two of the five existing buildings at Commerce Court and build an addition to the Hotel Victoria building at 56 Yonge Street.

The historic and stately Commerce Court North building, built during the Great Depression in 1931 and now one of Toronto's only Art Deco towers, will obviously remain in place.

So too will be the 57 storey Commerce Court West, which was designed by I.M. Pei and erected in 1972 as one of Toronto's first modern office towers after the TD Centre.

A rendering of the proposed building's atrium looking east from Bay Street. Renderings by HaririPontarini Architects for QuadReal via City of Toronto.

When all is said and done, Toronto will have a brand new, 298.14-metre-tall, mixed-use office and retail building.

Renderings by Toronto-based Hariri Pontarini Architects show a stunning atrium at the tower's base, completely transparent and filled with light both day and night.

The pedestrian plaza will be rebuilt with a landscape plan by Claude Cormier & Associés, according to Urban Toronto, which aims to "better integrate the new buildings with their surroundings while honouring I.M. Pei's vision for the square."

This one could be a game-changer for the Financial District. 

The TTC has plenty of hidden spaces that exist just beyond the purview of our daily commute, but you might be surprised just how easy it is to spot one of the biggest of these subterranean secrets. 

Pay attention the next time you're walking along the platform at Lawrence Station. About a third of the way up when entering from the south side there's a section of the ceiling cut out where you can get a glimpse at one of the most mysterious places in the subway system.

What you see from platform level when looking up toward the attic. Photo by Derek Flack.

The Lawrence attic or "bowling alley," as it's sometimes referred to on account of its layout, is an enormous underground area that runs along the top of the platform and around the north end of the station. 

Station infrastructure near the beginning of the attic. Photo by Derek Flack.

Aside from maintenance staff and urban explorers, this isn't a place that many people cast eyes on. I was lucky enough to get a tour from TTC spokesperson Brad Ross as part of a project I was working on called Unseen Toronto (the episode below starts at the 32 second mark).

Among the various things I learned about the Lawrence Attic is that it exists in part because of the challenges posed by the terrain of the next station on the line, York Mills, which is the deepest in the system.

It's this middle room that presumably accounts for the nickname "the bowling alley." Photo by Derek Flack.

Located, as it is, at the bottom of Hogg's Hollow, the subway line starts to descend after Eglinton so as to maintain a gradual slope. That's why, you'll notice, Lawrence is also very deep: it's getting ready for York Mills.

The north end of the Lawrence station attic. Photo by Derek Flack.

Because the station was built using the cut and cover method, which involved digging down to the platform level from the surface, the TTC had two options: it could fill in the area above the platform or it could leave it open. The latter option was cheaper, which is why there's so much empty space up there. 

The ventilation system at the station. Photo by Derek Flack.

Some of it is, however, put to use. Along with the ventilation system, there's also a TTC substation and a massive city sewer pipe. And that's not to mention the imposing looking underside of the lengthy escalator at the Bedford Park side of the station. 

The backside of the escalator at the Bedford Park side of the station. Photo by Derek Flack.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Lawrence attic is that it's an interstitial space. I haven't run across to many underground attics in my day.

The view looking down at the tracks and platform from the attic. Photo by Howard Brull.

Never is this more strange to experience than when you hover over the platform through the ceiling cut-outs. The trains roar by underneath you as commuters go about their business. It's a bizarre bird's eye view that's quietly thrilling. 

One of the anonymous rooms in the Lawrence attic. Photo by Derek Flack.

You don't have to get inside the attic to see signs of existence, though. Beyond the sprawling holes in the ceiling, you can also glimpse it from the very northern tip of the platform at the precipice of the escalator. 

A ladder heading up to street level from a dark corner in the attic. Photo by Derek Flack.

Look up. There's a strange world hiding in plain sight. 

Events in Toronto today include Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield's future focused variety show, a Mexican fiesta featuring Toronto's most popular mariachi band, and a multi-discipline art party where musicians, fashion designers, and dancers can all shine.

Just when it looked like we were finally moving on from the bitter cold snap that rang in 2018, Environment Canada has issued a new, special weather statement for the City of Toronto.

Mild weather is on tap for Thursday, when temperatures are expected to hit a positively steamy 9 C. Friday morning doesn't look terrible either with a forecasted high of 1 C.

On Friday night, however, the picture changes drastically.

Nighttime lows of -17 C are expected all weekend, which means that today's melt (and rain) will be tomorrow's ice.

"A general rainfall of 10 to 20 mm appears likely, although some areas may see higher amounts," warns Environment Canada.

"This rainfall in combination with the melting snowpack may result in pooling of water on roads and low-lying areas."

The federal weather agency says that "a very strong cold front" will move into the region on Friday, "bringing an abrupt end to the mild spell."

Rain will turn into snow with a risk of freezing rain as the chill takes hold, making icy roads and sidewalks virtually inevitable. 

Sounds like another great weekend for hiding inside. Good times, January. Good times.

Tons of Toronto commuters found themselves in a bit of pickle this morning after subway service was basically shut down south of Bloor Street.

No southbound subway service, no shuttle buses and bus route only every 20 minutes. Don't bother even trying to get to work folks. #TTCfailsagain#TTC

— Erin Nixon (@ErinNix71) January 11, 2018

The TTC announced around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday that trains were holding on Line 1 in both directions at St. Andrew Station near King and University due to a fire investigation.

Ten minutes later, service was suspended. 

Is the subway on fire? 😐pic.twitter.com/P0GHBEUAtS

— Chris (@caake) January 11, 2018

"Service turning back St. George & Bloor," wrote the transit agency on Twitter, meaning that nobody could take the subway south of Bloor to get downtown.

Subway delay ballet: watching the moment people say fuck it and leave the station. #dramaticexits

— Jeremy Elliott (@JeremyElliott) January 11, 2018

Many people rushed to Spadina in an effort to circumvent the problem using streetcars, which only made the streetcars impossibly rammed.

At least the weather is cooperating for no subway service Thursday! @TTChelpspic.twitter.com/T89oG1dqzm

— Jeff Feiner (@jefffeiner) January 11, 2018

Passengers heading north on Line 1 were inconvenienced, too, as the trains turning back at Bloor slowed down service in both directions.

Looks like trains are turning back at Bloor, so heading northbound from Dundas will be a bit slower as there is traffic from trains turning at Bloor. My apologies for the inconveneince and delay this morning. ^KA

— TTC Customer Service (@TTChelps) January 11, 2018

TTC officials announced that the delay had been cleared just before 10 a.m. this morning, but while service has resumed, it's not exactly great.

"Customers may experience longer than normal travel times southbound between Yorkdale and St George Stations," wrote the TTC on Twitter just minutes ago, "as a result of an earlier delay."