Doesn't it kind of feel like the construction at Union Station should be done by now?

Whether you're there 10 times a week as part of your commute or once in a blue moon to take the train, it's hard not to wonder.

The busy transportation hub has been a mess of barriers, hard hats, and pedestrian detours for years now, leading some to wonder if it will ever not be under construction again.

I have no memories of Union Station not under intense construction. #topolipic.twitter.com/yMtuxrSTKn

— Michael Wheeler (@michaelcwheeler) November 29, 2017

According to a draft city report recently obtained by the Toronto Star, the end is now in sight.

Renovations on the Bay Concourse and lower retail levels will finally be complete by late 2018 if all goes as planned, leaving Union Station a new-and-improved version of its older, stuffier self.

Or not. I mean, construction was actually supposed to have wrapped up three years ago, in 2015 for a price tag of $640 million. The city pushed the renovation project's deadline back to early 2018 after a series of delays and contractor disputes.

CITY OF TORONTO: "use public transit! It's the better way!"

ALSO CITY OF TORONTO: *keeps Union Station in constant state of construction for 15 years rendering it impassable for large crowds* pic.twitter.com/QhezWXjCmU

— The_Road_Guy (@The_Road_Guy) January 3, 2018

Now, city officials say the project will be take another eight to twelve months to complete.

"City staff have made clear in their report that the increased costs and further delays at Union Station are largely due to changes triggered by Metrolinx," said Mayor John Tory in a statement.

"While I agree that these changes are necessary and will ultimately enable RER and SmartTrack, I won't accept Toronto taxpayers footing the bill for the resulting cost increases."

Union Station is now expected to be ready in late 2018 for a grand total of $823.5 million – about $22.8 million more than the city's last estimate.

When I think about snowshoeing, I often recall an ill-fated school trip during which those who weren't capable of downhill skiing were made to endure a five kilometre trek through the forests of Quebec. At the time, I found the activity painfully boring and physically exhausting.

How wrong I was. 

Snowshoeing through a powder-coated landscape is one of the most scenic ways to enjoy the winter, and while it's physically challenging, you don't need to be an endurance athlete to try it out. 

Nighttime snowshoeing is at its finest after a fresh snowfall. Photo courtesy of Scenic Caves Adventures.

The most intriguing snowshoeing adventures near Toronto this winter dial the atmosphere up by taking place at night. You can trek through the heart of a forest with only a head lamp and moonlight to guide you.

There's actually quite a few places to try out this novel outdoors experience. The folks at Scenic Caves Adventures run regular guided nighttime snowshoe hikes, which include passage across their giant suspension bridge (though it's obviously less impressive in the dark).

You'll also find a similar program at Horseshoe Valley, which heads out on the cross country ski trails after darkness falls. There's also occasionally night skiing through the woods, but it's less frequent. 

The view from the suspension bridge is still majestic at the outset of nighttime snowshoeing adventures. Photo courtesy of Scenic Caves Adventures.

Two other nighttime snowshoeing adventures worth mentioning are coming up later this month. Hardwood Ski & Bike will host a moonlight snowshoe and fondue feast on January 27 (and again on February 10), which involves a 5km hike followed by dinner in the chalet.

Astronomy fans, on the other hand, might consider the snowshoe adventure at Cold Creek Conservation Area, which also takes place on January 27. Located near King City, this one is just a short drive from Toronto up the 400. 

Most snowshoe events have rentals on site, but even if they don't, you can rent a pair at Mountain Equipment Co-op before heading out to explore the snowy nocturnal world north of Toronto. 

There's just something about historic churches that make a lovely base for condo developments – like, aside from all of the unused airspace above a low-rise building in a prime real estate location.

Bloor Street United Church was built in the Norman-Gothic style at Bloor and Huron streets more than 125 years ago, around 1886.

Rich in local history, the church is known for its social services and as a progressive force within the religious community – but the building itself needs a bit of work (and a lot of money) to bring it up to code.

So, in an effort to fund the heritage building's preservation and keep up with its community outreach activities, the church wants to build a condo tower right on top of itself.

That's right – this is Bloor Street United Church's idea, and it's a pretty cool one. 

Represented by Northrop Development Inc., the church has partnered with Collecdev to develop a 38-storey mixed-use tower and podium. It will be designed by KPMB Architects, with heritage elements overseen by ERA Architects.

The church submitted a rezoning application to the City of Toronto last month in the hopes of getting started on a mixed-use building with office, residential, retail, cafe, community and worship uses.

"The submission marks the beginning of the formal process of working with the City to determine the appropriate outcome for this redevelopment," wrote the church on a website set up for the development project.

"As a part of this process, the City will lead a formal consultation process that will likely include additional community consultation."

The proposal also includes the redevelopment of Pidgeon House, an adjacent building on Huron Street owned by the church.

If built according to plans submitted to the city, the proposal will result in 259 new residential units, 5,573 square metres of new office space, and 3,736 square meters of church space.

A new promenade is proposed around the property and the church space will be "an adjustable sanctuary space" for use by people of multiple faiths, as well as for community functions.

The development would also include a public three-storey atrium that serves as a climate-controlled, indoor connection between Bloor and Huron Streets, which could be huge for people who live, work and study in The Annex.

"The proposed 38-storey high-rise building would contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the Bloor Street corridor," reads the project's planning rationale document, "while preserving and enhancing existing significant heritage resources, in one of the most transit-supportive locations in the City of Toronto."

The little library that could will be growing to three times its current size in just a few years, thanks to the development of a 14-storey, mixed-used building in The Junction Triangle.

The Perth/Dupont Library at 299 Campbell Ave. has long been one of the smallest public libraries in Toronto at just 3,600 square feet.

In 2015, city council approved plans to replace thelibrary with a new, 10,000-square-foot facility at the base of a forthcoming condo building.

Construction on that building has yet to start, and new renderings show that it could look quite a bit different than how it was first imagined. The residential portion is now slated to be rental apartments, which the neighbourhood could really use.

The new library will only be one floor when completed, but it promises to be an open and sunny space thanks to large glass walls and windows. It will be located on the condo building's ground floor with an entrance at the corner of Campbell and Dupont.

Community members met earlier this week to discuss the branch's design, and it appears to have been well received.

Everything is running smoothly and The Junction Triangle is on track to see its new library rise by 2021. Construction is expected to start this spring.

Is there a nicer street in Toronto than Ellis Park Road? Winding above and beside High Park, it's certainly a contender for the title of most picturesque thoroughfare in the city.

Unlike some of the other candidates out there— I'm thinking foremost of Rosedale Valley Road — a few lucky people actually get to live on Ellis Park and enjoy the stunning view of the park below. This is a street that features incredible homes but also more modest dwellings.

By modest, I don't mean small or inexpensive. The difference here is between dream houses and just really nice houses, of which 32 Ellis Park is the latter. This four bedroom, four bathroom residence is fairly conservative on the architecture front, but offers lots of space and a marvellous view.

The interior has a cottage-like feel, which makes sense given that the first structure built in this area were more akin to cottages than houses. It's carved into the slope of the ravine, such that the backyard is small but very pretty if you're into steep gardens. 

Along with the view and easy access to the park, being on the northern portion of the street, the access to transit is also surprisingly high given how secluded it can seem nestled among the trees.

The Essentials

• Address: 32 Ellis Park Rd.
• Type: Detached
• Bedrooms: 4 + 1
• Bathrooms: 4
• Lot size: 50 x 86 feet
• Realtor: Andrea Morrison
• Hit the market at: $1.9 million
• Sold for: $1.82 million

Why it sold for what it did

A house of this size in this location doesn't come cheap, even if its last renovations already seem just a tad dated. 

Was it worth it?

This house first hit the market at $2.2 million in July 2017, but was subsequently re-listed at $1.9 million in October, after which it finally sold this month for $1.82. That's not too far off the second list price, but it's slightly surprising that it didn't get snapped up around $2 million.

In just over two months, it will be illegal for anyone to knock on your door and pressure you into buying a new HVAC system or whatever. 

Legislation passed by the provincial government last year will effectively ban door-to-door sales across Ontario starting on March 1, 2018.

Only certain types of products are covered by the ban, however – most of them related to home services; things like water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and water filters.

The rules are meant to protect vulnerable people from falling victim to "unclear contracts" and "misrepresentations by salespeople."

Salespeople can still go door-to-door, hawking prohibited items, but Bill 193 forbids them from making a sale - unless they're invited into a person's home first. Like a vampire.

Therules don't apply to marketing or advertising activities either, so don't call the cops on kids who sell chocolate-covered almonds to raise money for their school's choir. Or Girl Guides. Their cookies are great and they, too, are safe from Ontario's new legislation.

Eligible individuals who are caught violating the rules will be charged up to $500 for the first offence, $1,000 after a second offence, and $2,000 after a third.

Corporations will be charged up to $25,000 for the same.

A listing for an adorable one-bedroom apartment in The Junction has renters in Toronto freaking the heck out right now – and with good reason. 

Have you ever seen an above-ground rental unit go for $800 a month in this city? Let alone an apartment with *gasp* an actual bedroom? 

Local artist Anita Bonfini recently listed what seems like the only affordable-yet-decent apartment to hit Craigslist Toronto in... maybe ever.

A post shared by Anita Bonfini (@lillouiseliving) on Jul 13, 2017 at 11:26am PDT

At 900 square inches, it's literally too good to be true. As in you can't actually live there unless you're the size of a bumble bee.

"I've had hundreds of people respond inquiring about the space with only a handful realizing it's actually a miniature," said Bonfini by email on Friday.

"The range of reactions has been pretty extreme," she said, "from one person emailing me telling me he's Wayne (from Honey I Shrunk the Kids) to people telling me I'm cruel and that I should go f**k myself."

A post shared by Anita Bonfini (@lillouiseliving) on Jan 19, 2018 at 12:02pm PST

So, the home doesn't exist as an actual rental property for humans – but it does exist. 

Bonfini, a talented miniatures artist, designed, built and decorated the entire house herself – and she didn't do it for the purpose of trolling hopeful tenants.

"I posted the ad on Craigslist to sort of put a spotlight on the lack of affordable housing in the city," she wrote. "I was interested in seeing people's reactions."

#miniature #wip #buildingtinycommunities

A post shared by Anita Bonfini (@lillouiseliving) on Dec 1, 2017 at 12:09pm PST

She couldn't have launched it at a better time. Earlier this week, Toronto was crowned the most expensive rental market in Canada after surpassing Vancouver in a race that nobody wants to win.

The average price of a one-bedroom rental in the city surpassed $2,000 a month only four months ago, and market analysts say it could be closer to $2,200 as we kick off 2018.

The situation is bad– which is likely why Bonfini has been inundated with inquiries and impolite responses.

Installing more tiny baseboards! #miniature #wip #buildingtinycommunities

A post shared by Anita Bonfini (@lillouiseliving) on Jun 20, 2017 at 11:38am PDT

Some very optimistic Craigslist apartment hunters still can't believe that the photos are of a mini house (as opposed to an actual place that's for rent in one of Toronto's hottest neighbourhoods for $800 a month).

If you're one of them, you can find proof on an Instagram account set up to document the home's construction beginning all the way back in May of 2017.

Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar restaurant middle finger ice sculpture!

I'm hilarious. I know. What's not so clear is how the people of Toronto feel about the restaurant spearheading the "fuddle duddle" campaign against King Street's transit pilot.

#KingStreetPilot enough said. pic.twitter.com/qEA1YJptzz

— KitKat Toronto (@KitKat_Toronto) January 13, 2018

Kit Kat Restaurant has been getting the kind of publicity that money can't buy this week thanks to its very vocal criticism of the city's pilot project, which has restricted car traffic along much of King.

Restaurant owner Al Carbone, like several other business owners in the area, argues that the King Street Transit Pilot (and its lack of parking spaces) is to blame for a steep decline in sales over the past two months. 

He erected a giant middle finger in front of his restaurant (and possibly several others) last week, irritating many local commuters who enjoy the transit pilot for its ability to speed up streetcars along King.

What are you complaining about @kitkat_toronto? Fix your own business instead of blaming the #KingStreetPilothttps://t.co/deVp4nRn7g

— Pedro Marques (@MetroManTO) January 20, 2018

Supporters of the project have been complaining vehemently on Twitter in recent days aboutthe restaurantsthat have come out against the city and its pilot project.

Kit Kat, a longtime fixture on restaurant row, has become a popular target as the "face" of the anti-King Street pilot movement.

People have been bombarding the restaurant on Twitter all day, in fact, either to show support for its message...

@KitKat_Toronto has been in operation for over 25 years, a great business. They, like other restaurants and businesses helped build that part of King St at a time when no one cared. These places are fighting for their lives. Offer solutions #KingStreetPilot

— Anthony Petrucci (@AnthonyPetrucci) January 19, 2018

... or to send a digital middle finger right back.

You should be ashamed. I have zero pity for your business because of your behaviour. #KingStreetPilot

— Jan Kieljan (@janboxx) January 19, 2018

Some who say they've been longtime fans of the restaurant are now vowing to take their business elsewhere.

@KitKat_Toronto
I have lived in Toronto all my life. I’ve come to your restaurant for years. Drinks after theatre. Dinner before Jays games. The way you’re conducting yourself right now; I will never come back through your doors again.

— Andrew Scanlon (@AndrewBScanlon) January 20, 2018

Many appear to have drawn the line over a photo of mayoral hopeful Doug Ford "brainstorming" with business owners inside of the restaurant.

Celebrated many birthdays, anniversary dinners at your restaurant. Sorry you lost a customer. #SorryNotSorry

— Liz🐘 (@claude77) January 20, 2018

And the more people that complain of being offended by the Kit Kat's ice sculpture, the more people there are coming out in defence of the restaurant's move.

The amount of shocked (shocked!) people "offended" by your street art with a political message yet love the work of the real banksy amuses me, @KitKat_Toronto. Gotta love that urban NIMBYism they throw about.

— WheezySmurf, SuperGenius (@snoopmary) January 20, 2018

It's all a big, sloppy Twitter mess of anger and slush and pictures of steak right now. The drama just keeps on coming.

In the words of my girl Lisa Power, "Stay tuned for the next episode of King Street Pilot."

Cheap wedding dresses are perfect for brides who want to get married without breaking the bank. Toronto has a few stores that cater especially to those frugal fiancées, because walking down the aisle doesn’t have to mean walking into debt.

Here are my picks for the top stores for cheap wedding dresses in Toronto.

The Bride’s Project

This volunteer-run store in East Chinatown sells and donates wedding gowns that cost between $100 to $1500. You can get a variety of new or pre-loved dresses here, with all profits going to cancer charities.

White Studio Bridal

Designer Jule Lee’s custom wedding gowns are elegant and effortless. Pieces from her collection run on average between $600 and $800, which you can have delivered to you from her office in Bloor West Village.

Rent Frock Repeat

Pick out the perfect wedding dress, walk down the aisle with it, and then bring it right back. This Roncesvalles dress store rents out wedding-appropriate gowns for under $300 that you can return once the ceremony is done, since you’re only going to wear it once (hopefully).

Vintage Bride

This store is for 21st century brides with a penchant for nostalgia. This Annex shop carries hundreds of wedding gowns that date all the way back to 1867 up to the early 1900s. The average price of dresses here is $950, but can go as low as $300.

Superior Bridal

A family-run dress shop in Markham, Superior's price points run a bit higher than others on this list, with dresses between $1,200 to $9,000. The trick: head to their clearance centre next door and get up to 80 percent off of discontinued dresses. 

Bella’s Brides

Whether you’re looking for slim fits, poofy skirts or custom designs, this dress store in the Avenue and Lawrence area carries it all. Brands like Mori Lee and Kenneth Wilson are popular here, with all dresses ranging between $299 and $4000.

David’s Bridal

The deals don’t get much better than at this Scarborough retailer. Dresses range from a mere $39 to $1948, and you can easily snag an incredible wedding gown from top bridal brands like Vera Wang or Oleg Cassini for under $1000.

Best For Bride

Dresses here average around $1000 but their clearance sales are what lure in the brides. With up to 80 percent knocked off final prices during sales, dresses at store with locations in North York and Etobicoke can cost as low as $99.

Avenue 22

Located in the Castlefield Design District, this wedding company has existed in Toronto for over 20 years. They carry coveted Spanish bridal brands like Pronovias and Rosa Clara, and all their dresses ranging from $600 to $3000.

Jolie Bridal

A longtime family-run business in the St. Clair West area, Jolie provides dresses for as low as $150. Also, everything on the second floor of the shop is 50 percent, including bridal gowns and dresses for the rest of your entourage.

The top recording studios in Toronto play host to musicians and producers who want to record with state-of-the-art equipment and professional staff. If sound quality is a priority, these studios will blow away what you can achieve in your garage or bedroom.

Here are my picks for the top recording studios in Toronto.

Union Sound

Head to this cozy photography-turned-music studio in Corktown for a laid back recording session. With mixing and mastering capabilities also available, you can use Union’s huge Neve 8014 recording console and complete your next big hit. Fun fact: Feist has sang here – enough said.

Candle Recording

Co-founded by Josh Korody and Leon Taheny (the same engineer who co-created Union Sound) this studio has been graced by the likes of Tokyo Police Club, on the merit of its staff and super homey vibes alone.

Dais

Simultaneously an art gallery, incubator and recording studio, this space is for artists who really want to immerse themselves in the creative scene. Head to this studio on West Queen West and feed off all that artistic energy.

Noble Street Studio

If you want your recording session to feel like a celebrity getaway, enter the gated entrance of this West Queen West studio and enjoy their award-winning rooftop patio between songs. Past clientele include superstars like Usher, Drake, and the Biebs.

Sandbox Studios

You can book this studio in Corktown for a number of purposes, whether you’re looking to record, do some post-production editing or freelance as an engineer. They also provide tutorials on audio software and plugins if you’re trying to up your mixing skills.

JL Recording Studios

Located in the Entertainment District, JL carries a big collection of equipment for your recording needs. Primarily using a EuroDesk MX8000, they also offer big diaphragm mics to capture every nuance of your voice.

MH Studios

Get a studio gift certificate for yourself or a loved one for a session at this Castlefield studio. Sessions can last anywhere between two to five hours, take that time to session with MH’s in-house engineers, including local hip-hop producer PunisherSOUND.

Rose Room

This recording studio in Leslieville has five gorgeous rooms made of Indonesian mahogany wood. If you’re singing with an orchestra or with backup vocals, don’t worry: rooms here can accommodate groups as big as a 25-piece choir.

Revolution Recording

All three rooms of this Leslieville studio are built with cherry and barn wood, designed to best capture your acoustic capabilities. Their spacious rooms have lounges attached and come equipped with Neve consoles, with different square footage to accommodate your needs.

Dream House Studio

Mixing digital with some old-school analog equipment, this downtown studio is home to local legends like Nelly Furtado, with newer Toronto acts like Daniel Caesar slipping through this woodsy studio as well.

The top tattoo artists in Toronto are not to be confused with your regular scratchers. While it goes without saying that all artwork is subjective, there's a collection of artists around the city who've garnered sterling reputations that set them out from the crowd.

Here are my picks for the top tattoo artists in Toronto.

Tony Hu, Chronic Ink

Tony Hu and his business partner Tristen Zheng are the award-winning duo behind Chronic Ink. Specializing in neo-Asian tattoos, Hu designs some of the most spectacular dragons you’ll ever see. Check out both artists' Instagram feeds and admire their world-class creations.

G.NO, Tattoo People

There’s something about G.NO’s work that has a storybook quality to it. Specializing in small, floral designs, this artist doesn’t shy away from colour and is especially recognized for her dreamy watercolour tattoos.

Jay Decator, Passage Tattoo

As the owner of both Passage locations and an architect of tattoos for over 30 years, Decator is, for good reason, in high demand. Adept at several styles – from line work to black and greys and irezumi – he needs to be booked months in advance, but it's entirely worth the wait.

Savannah Parent, Seven Crowns Tattoo

This artist combines her love of dolls with her tattoo abilities to create ethereal, neo-traditional pieces that are softly coloured. Working from Seven Crowns at Yonge and Eglinton, her work is full of nature and often features doe-eyed animals in woodsy settings.

Seunghyun Jo Potter, FY Ink

Often flying back and forth from Korea to his Queen West shop-residence in order to grace both ends of the world with his skills, Seunghyun, also known as Potter, is hands down the best realism portraiture artist in the city.

Franz Stefanik, Okey Doke Tattoo Shop

Nobody does American traditional quite like Franz Stefanik. His portfolio is full of classic bold red and black colour palettes, ranging from sleeves to back pieces and body suits. Working from one of the best tattoo shops in the city, his designs are in a league of their own.

Alanna Mule, Bellwoods Tattoo

Mule is the co-owner of Bellwoods Tattoo, located on Lower Ossington. Her attention to detail lends to her phenomenal black and grey floral designs, and her portfolio includes tons of gorgeous geometric stencil and mandala work.

Mr. Koo, Ink and Water

The delicacy and tiny-ness of this artist’s tattoos put him at the forefront of micro tattoo designs in the city. As the director of this custom studio at Bloor and Lansdowne, Mr. Koo uses the single needle technique to achieve some of his incredibly detailed fine line work.

Scoot Mason, Scoot Ink

The owner of his own tattoo shop on Dundas West, Mason’s clientele include celebrities like Johnny Depp and Travis Scott. He might be most well known for immortalizing Bautista’s bat flip on some bloke’s body, but it’s not just hype – Mason’s black and grey work is excellent.

Lisa Sinner, Adrenaline

Regardless of what you need, it seems like Sinner can do it all. Working out of the ever-popular Adrenaline on Queen West, she has a skill-set that ranges from black and white line work to super playful American traditional art and classic Sailor Jerry pieces.

The top cafes for studying in Toronto, at the very least, offer free WiFi, but at their best provide all the right beverages and vibes for a productive study session. Take a break from your stuffy school library and hit one these cafes for some needed school fuel (a.k.a. coffee).

Here are my picks for the top cafes for studying in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Annex

Located a few short blocks from U of T's campus, The Common makes for an excellent alternative to Robarts. It’s tiny in here, but its brightly lit interior and small menu of coffee ensures you’ll have no problem staying awake.

Bloorcourt

Studying at Field Trip Cafe is kind of like being at school, but in a good way. This warm, cozy spot is inspired by the idea of an old-timey classroom (hence the chalkboard decor) and is a super laid back place to feel studious.

Brockton Village

With lots of table space to set up your laptop, Run and Gun is an ideal place to get your study on. You can migrate move from the tables to the bleacher seats, if studying cross-legged is more comfortable for you.

Spacious and brightly lit, Dark Horse is a go-to George Brown study spot. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Canary District

Located right beneath the George Brown residence, this Dark Horse is the go-to spot for students who need a break from studying in their dorms. With super high ceilings and a variety of tables and couches to choose from, you can post up in here for hours.

Corktown

Once you get over how beautiful it is inside, you’ll quickly settle into Odin and get some serious studying done, either alone or in a group. Its Scandinavian-inspired design means stylish chairs to sit in and practically placed outlets for your convenience throughout the cafe.

East Danforth

Zav Coffee is filled with art and provides a relaxed space for you to settle down with your work. There’s ample room for studying alone or in pairs, and there’s a large table up front that’s prime real estate for potential group work.

Dundas West

If the fluorescent lights and cavernous nature of libraries are too much for you too handle, head to the Tampered Press. The cafe has plenty of natural light during the day and a comfy, homey feel that'll keep you from going stir crazy.

Financial District

Head to Boxcar Social during the day for some good coffee to help fuel your studying. If you have a lot to do, get there early; this spot gets boisterous at night.

Full Stop's colourful interior makes for a good environment to get some work done. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Junction

If you’re tired of seeing the same minimalist cafe interiors, head to Full Stop for some playful decor that will help awaken your senses and get you in the study mood. This place can fit at least 40 people at a time; for summer studying, they’ve also got a huge patio.

Junction Triangle

Located in the Clock Factory building, Hale Coffee is truly a prime spot for quiet work. Huge windows and bright lighting add to its welcoming, industrial space, and tables are dotted with succulents to keep you company while you work.

Kensington Market

As one of the best cafes in Kensington, Pamenar offers customers a friendly environment to study and inexpensive beverages. Note that they have a no laptop policy in the evenings, so you’ll have to head elsewhere to study (or give yourself a deserved break, up to you).

Neo is a Japanese coffee shop on King East has a modern setting for your study needs. Photo by Morris Lum.

King East

If you've gotten your fill of croissants this exam season, head to Neo Coffee Bar for some Japanese pastries that will satisfy your sweet tooth and distract you from study stress. Pedestal tables and a couple spacious booths make it ideal for groups of all sizes.

King West

Quantum Coffee is always busy, with an incredibly spacious brick-walled back room with ample seating. You may have to fight off some Brainstation students for a seat, but if you manage to snag a spot, you’ll be guaranteed a great space to study all day.

Koreatown

Super airy and simply designed, Good Neighbour's interior provides no distractions. Grab a tea or coffee and get to working in this minimalist cafe.

Leslieville

Tango Palace Coffee Company has an edge on many Leslieville cafes: it isn't flush with strollers, meaning less wailing babies and more work done. It's also open until 11 p.m., for those who need to cram for an exam.

Liberty Village

It’s easy to pass the time here socializing and just enjoying the vibes, but Louie Craft Coffee’s exposed brick interior is a good study option for those who like to work and people-watch simultaneously.

Art and coffee make the perfect combo at Flying Pony. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Little India

If you're in need of some creative inspiration, Flying Pony may be your ideal study spot. The space doubles as a gallery, showcasing pieces from emerging and mid-career artists.

Ossington

In coherence with all of Jimmy’s other locations around the city, this spot on Ossington has an old school feel that adds to its distinct bookish vibe. Vegan and gluten-free food is available here for students trying to keep their cafe diets clean during exam time.

Pape Village

Planning on posting up for more than a few hours? Goat Coffee Co. may be your saving grace. Aside from having a mix of bar seating, two-person tables, and large communal spaces, it also has a full menu of sandwiches and salads for when you're in need of sustenance.

Queen West

Early Bird usually gets packed by mid afternoon so come early for an otherwise excellent working environment. Beware the tables reserved for non-electronic-using guests only.

Sumach's giant espresso sign is an easily recognizable logo in Regent Park.  Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Regent Park

Lots of electrical outlets at Sumach make this friendly spot the go-to destination in Regent for computer work. Unpretentious vibes and chill, non-distracting soundtracks are the best parts of this cafe.

Riverside

A pairing of fair-trade-only coffee and cozy couches at Merchants of Green makes it an incredibly welcoming place to get your work done. Refresh yourself halfway through your study sesh with an invigorating Ethiopian coffee ceremony that will wake you right up.

Roncesvalles Village

Reunion Island is the destination for Roncy folk who need a bright (very Instagrammable) place to post up and do some studying. Vibes here are relaxed and the interior is clean and classy.

Scarborough

You won’t find many cafes like this in Scarborough. Birchcliff is the first of its kind to bring third-wave coffee to this area by the Bluffs. Finish your paper or get through five chapters in this tastefully designed cafe.

St. Clair West

Krave Coffee has quickly become a favourite community hangout, but its two-person tables are also ideal for solo caffeine-fuelled cram sessions.

Upper Beaches

The Porch Light is a go-to east end destination for studious folk looking for ample seating. It feels a lot like a community hub and is usually pretty full with people typing away at their laptops. 

You can study, grab some coffee, and get your bike fixed at Fix Coffee + Bikes.  Photo by Jesse Milns.

West Queen West

As its name suggests, Fix Coffee + Bikes specializes in both coffee and bike repair. It’s eclectic space is roomy and offers a few different features for your study needs like free WiFi and a bleacher-esque area for those who like to assume unconventional seating positions.

Yonge & Dundas

As expected, the Balzacs on Ryerson’s campus can get really busy, but coming early with your laptop fully charged will help you snag a seat at one of the large communal tables. Only the small window-side tables have outlet access, unfortunately.

Yonge & Eglinton

Get some strong Turkish coffee at Istanbul Cafe to boost your study session at this cozy midtown spot. Lots of tables here allow for social group work and if you’re working alone, curl up by the fireplace in a pillowy chair to get into the zone. 

Yorkville

There’s three levels of seating at 5 Elements so you’re pretty much guaranteed a spot here. You'll find all the basic work necessities like WiFi, and there's low chances of a stranger striking conversation with you here, if you prefer your privacy. 

The top stores for watches in Toronto sell timepieces that keep you punctual in style. No matter your budget, these retailers have a range of prices and styles to help you find the wrist bling that’s perfect for you.

Here are my picks for the top watch stores in Toronto.

Shinola

Buy a perfectly-engineered watch from Detroit or personalize your own at this store at the foot Ossington's custom watch bar. It gets pricey here, with watches ranging from $400 to $3000 – thank goodness all Shinola’s timepieces come with a lifetime warranty.

Park and Province

This casual menswear store on West Queen West carries everything from chambray shirts to umbrellas at pretty high price points, but their selection of men’s Timex watches are surprisingly affordable, selling for just $60 to $170.

So Hip it Hurts

Nixon watches are the choice accessory for cool kids, so it makes sense they’re available at this staple skater shop on Queen West. They carry a variety of models that range from $150 to $550 for women’s watches and run as expensive as $1,300 for men’s.

Average

Everything at this tiny store on West Queen West is carefully curated with the mantra "function over design" in mind. Expectedly, the small selection of Braun watches here are brutally minimalist and go for either $190 or $375, depending on the style.

Fossil

This brand has been around since the 1980s but has kept up with the times by adding wearable tech to their collections. You can visit Fossil stores in Yorkdale, Eaton Centre, or Holt Renfrew to pick up a mechanical, hybrid or smartwatch for anywhere between $97 to $359.

Zane

It’s a small selection but this store on West Queen West has some beautiful watches that adhere closely to the trendy style of simple, round faces. Get brands like Larsson & Jennings with stainless steel mesh and leather bands starting from $159 to $378.

Bergo

Looking for a watch made entirely out of velvet? Maybe not, but you’ll find it anyway at this specialty store in the Distillery District. Carrying models like the award-winning QLOCKTWO, Bergo’s unique timepieces range from $45 to $2,434 and are guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind.

Good Neighbour

This trendy store in Leslieville has a good selection of watches that ranges from sleek and simple to chunkier, Aviator-inspired pieces. They carry a few different brands like Jack Mason and Rosefield, with varying prices between $150 to $505.

Smoke + Ash

Find timepieces from the Dutch brand Cluse at this women’s lifestyle store on Queen West for either $135 or $155 per watch. Designs here are for the ladies who like their wrist wear simple but sleek.

Vitaly

This super hip menswear store on Queen West has a line of original watches, Canggu, designed with two-toned faces with combinations of black, white, grey, and gold. You can find these unique pieces and other styles for anywhere between $260 and $300.  

Pet and dog adoption services in Toronto are plentiful, because who doesn’t want to save a furry animal from a cruel, uncertain fate? They need homes, you need cuddles — it all works out.

Here’s a roundup of places you can adopt an animal friend in Toronto.

Toronto Animal Services

Contrary to popular belief, the city’s animal services aren’t just for wildlife control (a.k.a. when raccoons break into your apartment.) They also run three shelter locations around the city where you can visit their adorable potential adoptees.

Toronto Humane Society

Visit this Corktown shelter and fill out an adoption questionnaire before taking one of their stray dogs or cats home. For something smaller, consider their selection of hamsters, turtles, or birds, because budgies need love too.

Etobicoke Humane Society

This volunteer-run shelter looks after both canines and cats, most who have been surrendered by owners who can no longer take care of them. If you’re looking for animal access in the west end but don’t want to commit to adoption, you can also consider volunteering.

PetSmart Charities

Nearly all locations of this pet supply store double as a PetSmart Adoption Centre, where you can adopt a new friend in need and then take them shopping for treats right after.

Toronto Cat Rescue

Cats who are a part of this rescue don’t stay in an actual shelter – they’re placed in volunteer foster homes before being adopted by forever owners. Whether you decide to adopt or foster, there’s no shortage of furry friends to go around.

PAWS

Located in Scarborough, this organization has been around for over 35 years and has a strict no-kill policy, meaning it doesn’t matter if the cat or canine never gets adopted – they’ll always have a home with PAWS. There’s hundreds of animals to be adopted here, so take your pick.

T.E.A.M. Dog Rescue

Head to this organization’s website to view their list of available dogs for adoption. With an office located in the Financial District, adoptions with this charity include some over-the-phone conversations and home visits to make sure your house is puppy prepped.

More Options:
 

• Team Cat Rescue
• Adopt-A-Dog/Save-A-Life
• Save Our Scruff
• Black Dog Rescue
• Annex Cat Rescue
• North Toronto Cat Rescue
• Forgotten Ones
• Abbey Cat Adoptions
• Just Paws Animal Rescue
• Pugalug Pug Rescue

Salons for curly hair in Toronto are for those fed up with stylists who seem only to perform well on straight-haired clientele. It’s not easy finding the perfect salon, but for people with curly locks, it’s even harder.

Here are my picks for the top salons for curly hair in Toronto.

Curly Hair Salon

Located on the ground floor of the Chelsea Loft condos at the border of the Junction Triangle, the Curly Hair Salon has a following of loyal customers who come for Karla, the resident hairdresser, who brings her Brazilian haircutting techniques to Toronto.

The Curl Ambassadors

First-timers at this Harbord Village salon can get a styling session here for just $20. The Curly-Doo service includes a wash, dry, and natural styling with some curl-enhancing products. They also specialize in dry-cutting if you need a trim.

Curl Bar

The Deva-trained stylists at this King East salon provide a huge array of services for curly hair and really emphasize the specific needs of every hair journey. Besides cuts, they also do twist outs, locs, and colour treatments.

The Curly Hair Institute

Jonathan Torch, the man behind the Curly Hair Solutions products, has gained a reputation as someone who knows how to tame frizzy hair. Curl Keeper is the crown of his enterprise – you can request this product while getting a (pretty pricey) cut at his salon in North York.

Urban Curls

Located on the Danforth, Urban is the type of salon that heavily advocates embracing your natural curls. Newbies can get a complimentary treatment on their first visit, and you can receive a $10 voucher for every friend you recommend.

Hair Sprung

This salon in the Junction has been catering to all types of hair styles for over ten years and has gained community points for knowing their way around curls. They also use AG Hair Products, a natural Vancouver-owned brand that prides itself on being paraben-free.

Aphrodite’s Sanctuary Hair Salon

A tiny salon located at Yonge and St. Clair, Aphrodite offers highlights, smoothing therapies and dry Deva cuts to transform that unruly hair into the tresses of a goddess.  

CurlyGirls

The owner of this North York salon, Adina Sherman, has several credits in her stylist’s apron: she’s Deva, Ouidad, and Curlisto certified, plus she’s equipped with waterfall and volume techniques. For those who don’t speak hair – it means Adina’s got skills.

Barberella

A name play on the 60s sci-fi movie featuring Jane Fonda, this Dundas West salon has an unpretentious environment and skilled hair stylists. Book an appointment to turn your frizz to Fonda-esque locks.

Gossips Hairstylists Inc.

Come see Mary at this Junction salon and get your custom curly cut, but make sure your hair is as natural as possible so she can better assess your hair condition. Gossips also does some amazing hair dyeing; pop by if you want to add some colours to your curls.

The top bath stores in Toronto will help you transform your washroom into a luxurious spa house. A pristine tub, sparkling countertop or even just some new towels will go a long way to help up spruce up your home’s bathing area.

Here are my picks for the top bath stores in Toronto

Ginger’s

This Castlefield store is the bathroom supply store extension of the high-end home goods retailer Elte next door. They carry everything bathing related, from towels to faucets and knobs from luxurious bathroom brand Waterworks.

Roman Bath Centre

Open since 1985, this Castlefield bath store has a glistening showroom that displays its collection of bidets and shower systems from Europe and America.

Taps Bath Centre

Another one located in the Castlefield area, the selection at this showroom is huge, meaning you’ll need a good salesperson to help you find your ideal items. Luckily the store has lots of staff that will help you choose from their wide variety of fairly affordable products.

Tubs

One of the most popular bath shops in the Castlefield Design District, Tubs has over 100 bathroom  example setups on display so you can get some inspiration for your own home. Shower displays are fully functional here, meaning you can try before you buy.

Bath Depot

Contemporary and practical appliances are the attraction at this store in the Stockyards. They sell affordable gear for both your bathroom and kitchen as well as fun accessories like integrated light mirrors, so you can brighten up your morning routine.

Bed Bath & Beyond

With its largest Canadian location situated in the Aura building, you can imagine this store by Yonge and College has everything you need to deck out your bathroom. Spend hours here looking through all it has to offer and leave with some totally necessary luxury bath pillows.

Ikea

Few stores can beat the experience of walking through this multi-level Swedish home retailer with its iconic blue and yellow motifs. Visit their stores in North York and Etobicoke to find all your bathroom necessities at low prices.

Watermarks

Selling some incredibly stylish taps and sinks, this Etobicoke store specializes in classic designs for the modern home. Implement steam systems and advanced shower drains to go full futuristic.

Taps and Stone

No matter your budget this North York bath store has the product range to accommodate you with brands like Kohler, Veneto, and Mirolin. Fun fact: there’s such thing as towel warmers, and you can buy them here.

Desco

For some serious reconstruction, head to this plumbing and heating wholesaler at their Castlefield or North York locations. Get pipes, valves or water heaters here to make sure your bathroom is running at optimal performance level.

Free events in Toronto make for a great way to explore the city on the cheap. Practically every day this week there's something free worth checking out, from pizza giveaways to short films, and even Scottish men skating in kilts. 

Events in Toronto this week will let you feast through the darkest days of winter. There's prix fixe glory at Winterlicious and plenty of scotch to try at Robbie Burns Day festivities. After lots of water, you can also hit Friday Night Live at the ROM for another party. Giddyup!

This week on DineSafe two Toronto restaurants were shutdown after receiving red cards by city health inspectors. La Prep and Curry Kitchen were both closed due to failure to prevent a rodent infestation. 

Find out what other Toronto restaurants landed infractions on DineSafe this week.

Babu (4800 Sheppard Ave. East)

• Inspected on: January 15, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 60C (140F) or hotter.

Furama Cake and Desserts (248 Spadina Ave.)

• Inspected on: January 15, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to wash hands when required.

Pizzaiolo (346 Bloor St. West)

• Inspected on: January 15, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Pamier Kabob (119 Spadina Ave.)

• Inspected on: January 17, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

RaviSoups (322 Adelaide St. West)

• Inspected on: Janaury 17, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Ssam (5600 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: January 17, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Bistro on Avenue (1988 Avenue Rd.)

• Inspected on: January 18, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

CONCEPT at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.)

• Inspected on: January 18, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 16 (Minor: 3, Significant: 10, Crucial: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required, operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 60C (140F) or hotter and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Curry Kitchen (117 Dundas St. East)

• Inspected on: January 18, 2018
• Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
• Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to prevent a rodent infestation, operator failed to provide potable water supply and operator fail to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.

La Prep (222 Bay St.)

• Inspected on: January 18, 2018
• Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to prevent a rodent infestation.

Pokito (420 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: January 18, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

Toronto's public transit authority wants to get more people riding the red rocket – even if it means conceding some business to services like Uber in the process.

The TTC released its 2018-2022 Ridership Growth Strategy last week in preparation for a board meeting on Thursday, where officials will discuss the agency's corporate plans for the next five years.

These plans include retaining all current customers, boosting the number of rides each current customer takes every year, and attracting new customers to the system.

But how?

Ridership growth has been stagnant since 2014, according to the TTC, with passengers taking about 535 millions trips each year – and nothing to suggest a higher number in 2018.

"A multitude of mobility options, including cycling, walking, bike and car sharing in Toronto have been growing rapidly and are becoming more and more tailored to the individual and trip type," reads the growth plan report. 

"The transportation system has shifted from a traditional model of owning a car or using public transit, to a 'mobility as a service' system," it continues, "where one either owns their car or accesses a sharedcar/bike alternative."

TTC slide outlining various ridership growth strategies catering to customers and potential customers. Image via the TTC.

In the spirit of 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em,' the TTC would like to "assess the feasibility of providing microtransit as a service offering at the TTC."

This could mean partnering with local ride-sharing services like Uber, according to The Star, to provide customers with a more comprehensive, door-to-door transit service.

Another idea proposed within the Ridership Growth Strategy action plan documents is "a Transit Surface Priority Plan in collaboration with City Staff that allows buses and streetcars to operate more quickly and consistently on key corridors."

In other words, replicating the King Street Transit Pilot (or parts of it) on other busy surface routes.

Dozens of different ideas are proposed within the action plan documents, including:

• Expanding bike infrastructure at up to 40 stations 
• Creating promotional materials in languages other than English
• Expanding Wi-Fi into to subway tunnels
• Continuing to work on fare integration initiatives
• Developing transit education programs in schools
• Optimizing "stop spacing" to improve safety and reliability
• Creating a U-Pass for post-secondary students
• Including TTC rides in the price of tickets for events and sports

Ironically, one of the transit commission's top priorities in trying to boost ridership is the relief of overcrowding on bus, streetcar and rapid transit services.

"It is estimated that overcrowding during 25 peak periods and 4 off-peak periods where crowding exceeds 30% of the standard can be addressed beginning in September 2018," reads the document, "at a cost of $1 million in 2018 and $4 million annually thereafter."

The idea is that more people would take public transit if they didn't have to compete with so many other customers just to hop aboard.