While not many people in Toronto are on the hunt for $4 million converted church condos, it's always nice to get a peek inside some of the city's most remarkable residential spaces. This recently listed townhouse at Yonge and Macpherson certainly fits that bill.

I've passed by this complex so many times and always wondered what the units looked like on the inside, and now I have my answer: luxurious. They look extremely luxurious. 

This one boasts a whopping 4,415 square feet of floor space that's spread across three stories. And with 4 + 1 bedrooms on offer, it's about as spacious as townhouses get in this city. One of the benefits of working with an old church is that there's space to spare.

There are a number of highlights here, from the curved central staircase to architectural details that show off the former history of the building to the award-winning kitchen (yes, they have awards for such things) and elegant master/en suite combo.

Naturally, there's also a 1,100 bottle wine cellar to house your collection of Beaucastel and Pétrus. This might be the first dream townhouse I've seen. 

Specs

Address: Townhouse #1, 12 Macpherson Ave.
Price: $4,289,000 
Bedrooms: 4 + 1
Bathrooms: 5
Parking: 2
Walk Score: 94
Transit Score: 92
Maintenance Fees: $2,885.17
Listing agent: Paul Maranger and Christian Vermast
Listing ID: C4041927

Good For

Someone with deep pockets, very good taste, and a valuable wine collection. In other words, the perfect version of myself. 

Move On If

For $4+ million you expect a detached house. But, hey, this isn't really a house anyway. It's a converted church turned into one of the nicest townhomes you'll ever see.

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

More than 55 residents of a Parkdale apartment building aren't backing down in their fight against a landlord they say is trying to push them out. Eviction notices be damned.

The tenants at 1251 King Street West (which was recently rebranded as "Waldorf Tower") have been withholding their rent payments from Nuspor Investments since the beginning of February to protest a proposed rent hike of 3.4 per cent – nearly double what the province recommends.

Community members from far beyond the building's walls have been rallying together in support of their neighbours and, more broadly, against the dwindling levels of affordable housing in Parkdale.

It was looking like things would soon be resolved last week when Nuspor director Michael Lax sent a letter to the building's residents indicating that he was ready to "negotiate in good faith."

But then, just a few days later, he served them all eviction notices without explanation.

"Michael Lax has turned around and started the process to evict people in the middle of winter," says Cole Webber of Parkdale Community Legal Services, noting that residents remain "strong moving forward with the strike."

A post on the Parkdale Organize website reflects this.

"The rent strikers are not intimidated," it reads. "They will continue their rent strike with the support of their neighbours in Parkdale."

Nuspor claims that a 3.4 per cent rent hike is necessary to offset such costs as a roughly $300,000 lobby renovation that nobody asked for.

Tenants, meanwhile, say they can't get general maintenance issues or a lack of heat in their units addressed.

"Under the current system, landlords have financial incentive to get rid of long term tenants," says Webber. "Someone who's been living in the building for a long time might be paying $1,000 a month, for instance. Those same apartments are now being rented for $1,700." 

"The landlord is using the above guideline rent increase as part of his strategy to push tenants out and raise the rent."

A helpful FAQ about the rent strike underway at 1251 King Street West in Parkdale for supporters and naysayers alike. #1251KingRentStrike#Parkdale#ParkdaleOrganizepic.twitter.com/fmSGnkHCez

— Cole Webber (@colefwebber) February 14, 2018

Webber has been assisting the building's ‏residents throughout this strike, just as he did with roughly 300 MetCap building tenants who went on strike last summer (and emerged victorious.)

He says that, as it stands now, both Nuspor and residents of the building at 1251 King are awaiting a date for their next Landlord and Tenant Board tribunal.

A previous hearing, held on Feb. 2, was adjourned before the board could reach a decision. Of course, if they reach an agreement beforehand, they won't have to to go to the board at all.

"Our message is this," says Webber. "Michael Lax needs to end this rent dispute by withdrawing his application for a rent increase."

Anyone whose taken public transit knows that those little newsstands inside TTC stations can be a lifesaver if you're in a hurry, but they don't offer much beyond the most basic items, and they haven't changed a whole lot since the 1980s.

Now the TTC is looking to switch it up and expand and diversify its shops and stalls over the next few years.

Mainstay retailers like Gateway Newstands generate a decent chunk of change for the Commission — about $5.1 million annually — while a new report recommends looking into squeezing more out of the market potential by changing up retail options across the board.

The new Market Shops network is part of the TTC's overall strategy to revamp retail inside the stations. It includes suggestions like short-term retail operations such as food trucks, pop-ups, sampling services, click & collect services, virtual stores, and automated retailers. 

The TTC hopes that all of this new fangled retail technology will make for a much better customer experience, specifically with the introduction of WiFi to enable people to do their shopping en-route throughout the day.

It's also made upgrading existing retail spaces a priority, and promises that any new ones will improve accessibility and bring a community feel to the stations.

The idea is to modernize how we experience transit in the city and improve "the way retail is procured and managed," while "enhancing the type of retail, range of services and merchandise" that's already available. 

A few suggestions of what I would like to see inside the stations are as follows: a puppy petting station, a puppy cuddling corner, and a puppy playing area. I would even pay an entrance fee that could be put towards capital investments.

Pending approval from the board when it determines its budget for next year, transit users could start seeing some changes as early as 2019.

Public opinion is shifting when it comes to the King Street Transit Pilot, and analysts think it might actually have something to do with those ice-themed restaurant protests.

The Toronto-based market research firm Forum has released the results of a poll it conducted between February 7 and 8 of this year. A total of 977 randomly selected Toronto voters were surveyed by telephone for the poll, each of whom were asked how familiar they are with details of the transit pilot.

Forum found that a "similar proportion" of people were familiar with the King Street pilot, about 68 per cent, as when the project launched in November.

Toronto has essentially built a downtown subway line overnight and for the price of some signs and a few buckets of paint. The #KingStreetPilot is a mind blowing success story for transit. #TOpoli

cc: @JohnTory@joe_cressy@m_layton@TTChelps@ttcriders@bradTTCpic.twitter.com/aHKIJQdIw8

— Pedro Marques (@MetroManTO) February 13, 2018

What does seems to have changed is how people feel about the changes to King Street, where car traffic has been restricted between Bathurst and Jarvis in favour of moving streetcars (and the some 65,000 commuters who ride them every day) more reliably and quickly.

About 42 per cent of respondents said they approved of the pilot when surveyed last week, with 24 per cent saying they "strongly approve." In November, these measures were higher at 50 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively.

Disapproval rates were also up, with 29 per cent of respondents saying they disapprove of the pilot project this time around. In November, that number was 24 per cent.

#KingStreetPilot mapping thread, animated.
(and slightly revised) pic.twitter.com/KtYJSnADGP

— Gil Meslin (@g_meslin) February 10, 2018

When asked if this is significant, Forum Research president Lorne Bozinoff said that it's a  "definite shift in public opinion" (though Twitter tells another story).

"Change in public opinion is more than the margin of error," he said, attributing the drop in approval rates to peoples' experience travelling along the new King Street, the concerts of merchants about lost business, "finger ice sculptures" and "PR events like playing road hockey on King St."

Interestingly (or maybe not) people who were most likely to say they approved of the pilot project live in downtown Toronto (59 per cent), take public transit to work (49 per cent), and have post-graduate degrees (47 per cent.)

It's not everyday you see the urban equivalent to an exotic bird around Toronto—but it seems our own resident hawks are bent on subjecting us to their mealtime spectacles as they continue to terrorize pigeons everywhere.

Red tailed hawks have been getting up close and personal over the past month in very public spaces like Nathan Philips Square much to the intrigue of onlookers who happen upon these Planet Earth-style scenes.

But amazement has turned to disgust and/or morbid interest as the hawks have run amok in their vicious dismemberment of the local pigeon population as documented on several Reddit posts.

A post shared by CityPines (@citypines) on Feb 10, 2018 at 6:21pm PST

Hawks are not new to the city. They can often be seen soaring majestically in open areas high above the trees in search of their next meal, but this winter has witnessed a drastic increase in sightings of the majestic birds in the midst of their feasting routine. 

At one point, an the area outside of Canada Computers at College and Spadina had to be closed off to allow the hawk to enjoy its feast of feathers.

A post shared by Harron (@harrojac) on Jan 29, 2018 at 6:21pm PST

Generally hawks stick to a diet consisting mainly of vermin, but these incidents suggest that the local population is becoming more interested in our hapless flying rats.

These savage displays are certainly not for the squeamish, but they offer a useful reminder that no matter how much the city develops, it remains a habitat for an array of wildlife beyond our beloved trash pandas. 

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious festivals, pop-ups, one-off dinners, supper clubs and other food & drink-related happenings in Toronto this week and next. Find us here every Friday morning.

A battle is brewing over the oft-plagued roll out of Presto in the Toronto subway system, one that serves as a reminder that local transit agencies aren't so harmoniously integrated.

According to a report from the Toronto Star, the TTC is seeking $4.2 million from Metrolinx for lost revenue to malfunctioning Presto readers technology. While the Commission has already billed the provincial transit agency for the losses, it has yet to pony up payment. 

Despite an agreement that stipulates Metrolinx is on the hook for lost revenue related to faulty Presto technology, one reason it hasn't compensated the TTC just yet might be that it contends that its incurred extra costs related to updating technology on old streetcars.

Those Bombardier delays really do have a huge ripple effect. 

Speaking to the Star, Metrolinx spokesperson Anne-Marie Atkins explains that "There is an ongoing negotiation regarding claims Metrolinx has against TTC and TTC has against Metrolinx... we are confident that working together we can resolve it."

Fingers crossed. 

Over the next several weeks, the Cinesphere will be screening the best films to come out of Hollywood in 2017 including Blade Runner 2049: The IMAX Experience and The Big Sick. Want to see them? We've teamed up with Ontario Place to give readers a chance to win a pair of passes to both films.

Check out all the contest details here.

In some exciting news for pizza lovers everywhere, another chain is opening this year to help you get your fill of gooey cheese and doughy deliciousness.

From Food Dudes, the catering company behind the eponymous food truck and three Toronto restaurants — Pantry, Rasa, and Omaw — comes a new player in the pizza game called Blondie's Pizza.

Not to be confused with the California chain by the same name, this new, local offering promised to make good on the reputation the Food Dudes have built up for quality cheap eats with their food truck presence. 

So far details on the pizza concept are scant, but it looks like there are two Toronto locations set to open sometime in May.

It might be time for Pizza Pizza to finally step up its game.

Toronto bars aren't just places to drink. Some of the newest to open also offer serious eye candy where murals, marble and velvet collide with neon and macrame. Why drink at a boring old pub when your could be at one of these unique spots?

Here are some new bars with stunning interior design in Toronto.

Mahjong

There are layers to the interior design at this Dundas West bar. The former Portuguese pool hall now imitates a bodega bathed in a pink neon glow at the front, but bypass this through a magnificent keyhole doorway and be immersed in a long space featuring a breathtaking mural. 

Mrs. Robinson

A seventies vibe here is inspired by the Little Italy bar’s namesake, Sylvia Robinson of Sugar Hill Records. With a small performance area for regular live music and tons of dangling light fixtures, this is meant to feel like Mrs. Robinson’s dream apartment.

Goldie

King West now has a high-ceilinged, swanky lounge for enjoying American-based cocktails and food with global influences. All velvet and wood panelling, there’s an element of secrecy behind the heavy, tall door, and a private Louis XIII room lies up a mirrored infinity staircase.

Convenience

Designed as a convenience store open all day at the front and a bar at the back, this West Queen West bar is complete with a wall of TVs playing security footage and a “chandelier” of security mirrors. A bank of phones with the words “PARTY LINE” above outside bathrooms are the perfect selfie opportunity.

Mulberry

A faux skylight is the centrepiece of this hushed, forest green bar in Bloorcourt. Nooks and crannies are perfect for snuggling up with your boo over expertly prepared cocktails or just a book and a glass of wine.

There doesn't seem to be any sign of Toronto's rental marking cooling down anytime soon, as new data indicates that the median price for a two bedroom apartment has passed the $2,500 mark.

A new report from apartment listing site Padmapper shows that Toronto two bedroom rental prices inched up 1.2 per cent this month to average around $2,550, while one bedrooms weren't far behind, up 2 per cent to $2,060. 

When compared with other cities, Toronto now holds strong as the most expensive rental market in the country, with Vancouver's rates fluctuating as one bedrooms fell to $1,990 and two bedrooms rounded out to a whopping $3,200.

The sliver lining might be that the discrepancy between Toronto's one bedroom and two bedroom rates are not off by much, which is something you can't say about Vancouver. Still, the combination of a low vacancy rate and soaring prices leaves our rental market looking bleak. 

All this means is that if you're still trying to figure out how you're going to afford your phone bill, you may want to explore all viable living options.

Toronto is about to be transformed into a horror movie set once again as the sequel to the hit movie IT will begin filming here this spring at Pinewood Studios and other locales around the city.

IT: Chapter 2 will serve as the follow up to last year's mega successful IT that utilized a Riverdale house for interior shots of the spooky mansion-turned-tourist attraction seen in the movie.

Many commuters will recall with fondness the advertising campaign for the movie that had everyone in the downtown sufficiently disturbed upon seeing the figure child mannequins hovering over the sewer grates.

As Toronto continues to cement its reputation as Hollywood North, expect to see a lot more public spaces transformed into dystopian landscapes with handmaidens, creepy mannequins, and who knows what else running around in the streets.

Filming is set to begin in June and wrap up sometime in the fall.

As news of the Vancouver band Hedley continues to pour in following sexual misconduct allegations, a Toronto tattoo artist is offering to cover up Hedley tattoos for free.

Allegations were lodged against the rock group late last week, which have seen them dropped from radio airplay and the Junos after a number of allegations surfaced on social media regarding the band's alleged sexual misconduct.

In response, artist Lizzie Renaud of Speakeasy Tattoo has offered her services to anyone looking to have their Hedley tattoo covered up.

PLEASE CONTACT ME if you are in the toronto area and need a Hedley-related Tattoo covered. I will be trying to provide as much free cover up work for any of you who need me. You may DM me here, or call for a consultation at 6473782481. #outhedley2k18#hedley

— Lizzie Renaud (@LZA) February 15, 2018

The allegations of inappropriate behaviour stem from what the band has called "a lifestyle that incorporated certain rock ‘n’ roll clichés."

I was chosen to be an extra in a #Hedley music video a couple years ago. It was a long thankless day and afterwards a handful of girls were invited back to their hotel room, myself included. They were vulgar and handsy and I left the second I felt uncomfortable. #outHedley2k18

— Maddy Magee (@maddymagee_) February 14, 2018

Renaud spoke with Exclaim to explain that she "immediately stood with survivors," and decided open her services up to help anyone who wishes to have their Hedley tattoo covered up.

i met hedley a few years ago and all i can say of my experience was that it was unpleasant, uncomfortable and overall just awful. i’m so glad that their behaviour is finally being brought to light. #outHedley2k18

— 𝔢𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔦 (@kartveIebi) February 13, 2018

Hedley has said that they "respect and applaud the #MeToo movement," and the band claims that the allegations are "unsubstantiated."

Imagine sitting in a park on a beautiful day when suddenly Drake rolls up in a golf cart and hands you a wad of cash. Well, in his new video for "God's Plan," he does just that, bringing his charity venture to levels far beyond what was previously thought.

Drake had been having an especially generous first half of this month, donating huge sums of cash to scholarships, homeless shelters, showering Miami locals with free groceries and treating one housekeeper to a $10,000 shopping spree.

It's all been documented in his new music video that shows Drizzy helping out the community which, according to the opening note, ended up "costing" approximately $996,631.90, which was the established budget for the video.

The video shows Drake surprising Miami residents with gifts and cash, performances, and giant OVO-branded cheques, some of whom were brought to tears by Drake's generosity. 

He took to Instagram to express how meaningful the experience was for him.

The most important thing I have ever done in my career...drop a 🙏🏽 if I can share it with you.

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Feb 15, 2018 at 9:09am PST

It's really sweet to see a celebrity finding so much joy in giving back, and this video is about as feel good as they come. Soft Drake might be the best Drake.

The best butcher shops in Toronto can ensure you know as much about the meat you’re cooking as possible. Valuing local products, ethical practices, and health above all, this is where to find your rare cuts, game, deli meats and show-stopping steaks.

Here are the best butcher shops in Toronto.

What's open and closed in Toronto on Family Day 2018 is important information to find your way around the city. While many businesses close up shop for the day, there are number of exceptions. 

Here's what's open and closed this Family Day in Toronto. 

General
 

Closed

• Government offices
• Libraries
• Banks

Open

• The TTC will run on a Sunday service schedule
• Mail delivery

Saks Food Hall inside the Eaton Centre will be one of many places to grab your groceries on Family Day. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Food
 

Closed

• It's worth calling ahead to restaurants before heading out - many already consider Mondays a day off, and are taking advantage of the holiday to recoup after Winterlicious and Valentine's Day.
• Most major grocery chains will be closed on Family Day with a few confirmed exceptions listed below.

Open

• Rabba (various locations) - 24 hours
• The Food Depot (115 Dupont St.) - 24 hours
• Galleria Supermarket (7040 Yonge St.) - 24 hours
• Galleria Supermarket (865 York Mills Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (558 Yonge St.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (351 Bloor St. West) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (10 Queens Quay West) - 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (389 Spadina Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (595 Bay St.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
• The Kitchen Table (705 King St. West) - 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Loblaws (60 Carlton St.) - 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Popbox MicroMrkt (725 Dovercourt Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Pusateri's (57 Yorkville Ave.) - 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Pusateri's (1539 Avenue Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saks Food Hall (176 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Whole Foods (87 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bottle shops across the city will remain open on Family Day. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Drink
 

Closed

• The Beer Store
• LCBO

Open

• For a complete list of indie bottle shops in Toronto, see this directory. Holiday hours are provided where applicable but we advise calling ahead to confirm.

The Eaton Centre will be open should you want to head out on a family shopping trip. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Malls
 

Closed

• Bayview Village Shops
• CF Fairview Mall
• CF Sherway Gardens
• Dufferin Mall
• Scarborough Town Centre
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Open

• CF Markville (5000 Hwy 7) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hillcrest Mall (9350 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pacific Mall (4300 Steeles Ave. E.) - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Promenade (1 Promenade Cir.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Square One Shopping Centre (100 City Centre Dr.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Toronto Premium Outlets (13850 Steeles Ave. W.) - 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.) - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Yorkville Village (55 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ripley's Aquarium will be jam packed with families come Monday. Photo by Andrew Williamson. 

Attractions
 

Closed

• Canada's Wonderland

Open

• Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Dr.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W.) - 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• CN Tower (301 Front St. W.) - 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Gardiner Museum (111 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Movie Theatres
• Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd.) - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Last night Toronto movie goers got their first chance to see Marvel's newest superhero flick Black Panther and so far it seems to be living up to the hype.

Really enjoyed my time in Toronto for the #BlackPanther premiere. Thanks for all the love & support! #WakandaForeverpic.twitter.com/CqJYVWRuiV

— Danai Gurira (@DanaiGurira) February 7, 2018

While the movie officially comes out today, there were a lucky few who got to catch an advance screening last night at local Cineplex theatres and the consensus is: it's awesome.

Attended the Black Panther private screening in Toronto🌍✊🏾 EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH THIS MOVIE!😩 it is absolutely amazing. #WakandaForever

— ADWVA (@JessicaBentu) February 16, 2018

The movie started generating serious buzz after New York-based philanthropist Frederick Joseph raised over $400,000 to ensure any children who wished to see the film had the opportunity to do so.

Getting ready to go to #Wakanda with my sister this evening. So excited to watch #BlackPanther here in Toronto. Issa worldwide party. 🤗

— Abigaelle Coly (@Abi_Iam) February 16, 2018

Toronto organizations followed suit and raised tons of money to send local kids to see film.

#WakandaCameToSlay✊🏽 Mans rolled deep in Afrocentric garb, for the Toronto premier of the @theblackpanther movie.. I even broke out the fro lol. What an INCREDIBLE movie and experience! ✊🏽#wakandaforever#blackpanthermovie#blackpantherpremiere#blackpanther#fortheculturepic.twitter.com/NAzjUuEuKW

— G. Andrew Beresford (@AndrewBeresford) February 16, 2018

The storyline is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows T'Challa aka Black Panther as he returns to the kingdom to take claim to the throne as the king of Wakanda.

Every Black person in Toronto going to #BlackPanther screenings tonight pic.twitter.com/lgkEA4CoV5

— June Findlay 🇻🇨 (@missladyniobe) February 15, 2018

Several movies goers were excited to be part of the packed theatre experience while others even seized the opportunity to cosplay the popular character for the screening.

Shoutout to the cosplayers at the #Toronto#BlackPanther opening. Your joy was palpable.

— NeonNazgul (@NeonNazgul) February 16, 2018

The movie has so far generated an impressive 98 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

How my screening started last night. Toronto does not mess around. #justus#blackpantherpic.twitter.com/T4J8t3MdtZ

— Agatha (@AgathaC80) February 16, 2018

Critics wrote that it "elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights" and serves as Marvel's source for "some of its most fully realized characters."

EVERY BLACK PERSON IN TORONTO IS AT THIS SCREENING OF THE BLACK PANTHER RIGHT NOW I LOVE BEING BLACK!

— Sam (@mcsammer) February 16, 2018

The cultural significance of the film alone makes it worth the watch.

Patrick Brown is back in the mix for leader of the Ontario PC party. He was spotted at the party's headquarters today and reportedly registered himself for the PC leadership race in advance of today's 5 p.m. deadline.

BREAKING @brownbarrie arrives at PC party headquarters to register as a candidate for PC leadership.

— Alan Carter (@ACarterglobal) February 16, 2018

Brown came under fire last month after claims surfaced alleging sexual misconduct. Sources are now claiming that the decision was made without his permission and Brown is seeking a lawsuit after at least one of the accusers admitted some of her claims were false.

Not-so-bold prediction: any Patrick Brown campaign will become a shining beacon for people who think women are bitter liars and Me Too has gone too far. By April, he’ll be full-out MRA

— Lauren Dobson-Hughes (@ldobsonhughes) February 16, 2018

Brown will now face off with some stiff opposition, including Christine Elliott, Caroline Mulroney, Doug Ford, and Tanya Granic Allen. Ultimately, the decision on who will lead the caucus lies with the party itself.

The determination of who is suitable to be a candidate in this leadership race is up to LEOC. As I’ve said before, Patrick Brown made the right decision to step down. A leadership election is not the place for him to try to clear his name.

— Caroline Mulroney (@C_Mulroney) February 16, 2018

While Nordic spas are all the rage, you know what else sounds pretty nice? A trip to Tuscany. Given that most of us can't just hop on a plane, it's nice to know that there's a more convenient but still beautiful local option. 

The Pillar & Post has long been one of Niagara-on-the-Lake's favourite hotels, but the 100 Fountain Spa on site is also worthy plenty of fawning. Beyond the treatments, it's the facilities that really set this place apart.

A post shared by Dan Giancola (@dangiancola.bto) on Jun 23, 2017 at 5:03pm PDT

A highlight has always been the sophisticated room that houses the indoor pool. Cast in red brick with wood beams across the soaring ceilings, it's about as far from a community centre pool as you can get. It feels like a step back to the Old Country.

A post shared by @sarvenditti on Nov 15, 2017 at 7:54pm PST

Alas, not everyone gets as excited as I do by elegant swimming pools. As far as Instagram-worthy amenities go, it's the outdoor hot spring that's most popular. Nestled in a secluded spot beside a rock garden and small waterfall, it's an oasis for relaxation year round.

A post shared by Kimberley Walker (@kimberleywalk) on Apr 5, 2017 at 8:49am PDT

As is the case with most hot springs, it's really amazing in the midst of a snowfall, when the steam soars from the hot water and the powder collects on the surrounding area. If you can manage a weeknight visit, you might even get the place to yourself. 

A post shared by Whitney Arlene Crispell (@whitneyarlene) on Jun 12, 2013 at 11:45am PDT

There are also a variety of spa treatments on offer here. The spa itself is a whopping 13,000 square feet, which makes it one of the biggest in the province. Given its location in the heart of wine country, it's probably not a surprise that the spa offers Vinotherapy.

Yes, that's right, you can soak up the benefits of wine both in the glass and by having it rubbed into your skin at the spa. Paradise. 

A post shared by Vintage Hotels (@vintage_hotels) on Aug 15, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT

More conventionally, visitors in the summer can also take advantage of the outdoor pool and lounge area, which really does feel like it could be located in Tuscany when the sun is shining and you have a glass of Prosecco in your hand. 

At about an hour and half drive from Toronto, it's possible to indulge in some deep relaxation without spending much time in car.  

A break from winter gloom is about to overtake Toronto as temperatures soar and the city witnesses some of the most beautiful sunsets of the year.

The event known as Torontohenge is happening both evenings this weekend. It occurs when the sun sets directly in line with our east/west street grid, and often results in epic photography.

According to the Weather Network, the best time to view the sunset on Saturday is around 5:49 p.m. for which there will be a "half-sun," and at 5:50 p.m. on Sunday when the "full-sun" will ignite the streets in a blaze of glory.

For the best viewing spots, just head to a vantage point with a westerly view and tall buildings on either side of the street. Anything south of Eglinton will do, but downtown thoroughfares like King, Queen, Adelaide, and Bloor are generally considered ideal. 

And don't worry if you miss this one. This is the first of three Torontohenge sunsets to occur this year, the next one coming in April.