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Toronto is getting a centre for Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship

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Toronto wants to highlight Indigenous businesses in the city and has now thrown its support behind a new innovation centre for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The city's executive committee backed Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam's proposal for the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at a meeting on Monday.

Wong-Tam said she anticipates hundreds of people will use the centre, which will offer services and mentorship to Indigenous businesses and is modelled after successful incubators like Ryerson's Digital Media Zone.

Scheduled to be built at the corner of Dundas and Jarvis Streets as part of the building housing the Dundas Square Gardens condos, the centre could open as early as next year.

When it does, it will be part of the Indigenous Business District planned for Dundas Street between Church to Parliament Streets.

The centre and the business district will also have the support of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations.


Weekend events in Toronto March 23-25 2018

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Weekend events in Toronto have something for everyone. If you're intent on going outside, there are plenty of spring markets and Earth Hour celebrations. Elsewhere, there's art waiting to be discovered and the last night for Friday Night Live at the ROM.

Events you might want to check out:

Long Winter Year (March 23 @ Tranzac Club)
The latest instalment of Long Winter features music, art, and comedy performances all night long.
People's Pint Grand Opening Weekend (March 23-25 @ People's Pint Brewing Company)
The DIY brewery is finally opening its doors this weekend with tons of brews on tap and the opportunity to try your hand at making your own batch.
#FNLROM (February 16 - March 23 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
Celebrate the start of the new season with a bang at the latest instalment of the Friday Night Live series at the ROM.
Do You See What I See? (March 23-24 @ Super Wonder Gallery)
This group exhibition will feature feminist art by South Asian Canadian artists who look to challenge the societal role of South Asian women from various perspectives.
Banff Mountain Film Festival (March 23-25 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Showcasing a selection of Canadian outdoor adventurers, the Banff Mountain Festival World Tour brings Banff to audiences around the globe.
SheStories (March 24 @ Comedy Bar)
Part of the SheDot Festival, SheStories is an evening of compelling and hilarious stories from some of Toronto's best storytellers.
AC2 (March 24 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
CNN's Anderson Cooper and Real Housewives Executive Producer Andy Cohen are in Toronto for an unscripted uncensored night of conversation.
What The Film Festival (March 24-25 @ The Royal Cinema)
Eccentrics rejoice! It's a film festival inspired by and expressly for all things absurd, strange, and unsual.
Unplug to Connect (March 24 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Earth Hour is this Saturday beginning at 8:30 p.m. You can join others in Nathan Phillips Square as the skyline turns dark for one hour a year.
Toronto Pug Grumble (March 25 @ Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl)
Heavy breathing and butt-sniffing is on the menu for Sunday when tons of smooshy-faced pugs gather to frolic around together.
Lucha Palooza (March 25 @ Lee's Palace)
A different take on cabaret is going down as the Lucha Libre Wrestling Cabaret Show returns to Toronto for a night of high-flying and hard hitting action.
Charlotte Cardin (March 23 @ The Great Hall Toronto)
Quebec pop singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin has been gaining a loyal following in Ontario and has returned to Toronto for the night.
Secrets (March 23 @ Hard Luck Bar)
A twist on the Cali sound comes to town with post-hardcore band Secrets while they hit up Toronto as part of their world tour.
Nelly (March 24 @ REBEL)
Rapper Nelly is dropping by Rebel on Saturday to perform some of his iconic hits.
The Wedding Present (March 24 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
British indie rock group The Wedding Present is at the Horseshoe to perform alongside Terry de Castro.
The Tyler Effect (March 23 @ Love Child Social House)
This charity event will honour Tyler McLean and feature live music, drinks, dancing, a pizza party, live paint performance, and a curated art show.
Electrovelo (March 23 @ Handlebar)
This eclectic dance party mixes synth-pop, italo disco, mutant disco, and electroclash.
Shake, Rattle and Roll (March 23 @ Clinton's Tavern)
Shake your tail feather to the oldies with classic rock, pop, and soul hits playing all night long.
Guilty Pleasures (March 23 @ Swan Dive)
There's nothing wrong with loving The Thong Song. Dance it out like nobody's judging to all the forbidden hits.
Gagapalooza (March 23 @ Glad Day Bookshop (Church))
All things Gaga are going down at Gagapalooza. Her mega monster hits will be spinning all night, plus costumes and lots of glitter.
Pump Up the Volume (March 24 @ Velvet Underground)
It's a video dance party with DJ Lazarus spinning retro dance, classic house, and electronica from the 80s to the early 2000s.
Arta Gallery Pop-Up Shop (March 24-31 @ Arta Gallery)
Arta Gallery is hosting a spring pop-up with everything from ceramics to jewellery, to handmade artisanal items and small artworks.
Nerd Market (March 24 @ OISE)
Finally, a place for nerds to buy, swap, and sell geeky goods like magic cards, comics, video games or used anime.
Old Book and Paper Show (March 25 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Soak in the sights and smells of old paper, plus mountains of other printed material like antique photography and vintage books.
Trinity Bellwoods Flea (March 25 @ The Great Hall)
The March edition of the Trinity Bellwoods Flea is on with plenty of artisans and vendors on hand to help freshen up for spring.
Port Lands Onsite (March 25 @ Ildsjel Collective)
Artists and designers and their respective processes will take the spotlight to showcase the care and expertise that goes into making everyday items.

Toronto condo prices continue to soar higher

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The market for detached homes in Toronto is practically frosty right now – but you wouldn't know it by looking at overall housing figures, thanks in large part to condos.

Both sales and prices of condominiums continue to rise as we approach what realtors say is "peak home buying season," according to BMO. 

This is helping to buoy a market that has cooled off significantly, year over year, on account of government measures like Ontario's foreign buyer tax and changes to federal mortgage lending guidelines.

Sales of new homes alone were down 58 per cent in Toronto last year, with luxury properties and single-family detached homes showing similar declines over the same period.

The prices on houses have been dropping too, in some parts of the city, but not so much that everyone is running out to buy one.

Instead, a lot of people – particularly young people – are buying condos and townhouses, which still cost less than detached homes, even as demand soars.

"The perennially hot markets of Toronto and Vancouver are largely driven by the impact of millennial home buyers creating price increases in the condo and townhouse markets," reads BMO's Spring Housing Affordability Report, which was released today.

"Millennial buyers and international migrants are cushioning the decline in detached home prices in the hottest markets," said BMO senior economist Sal Guatieri in the report, "as those looking for better affordability consider options beyond Toronto and Vancouver."

New condos are popping up all over Toronto, all the time, but the bank still predicts that a lack of supply in this crucial market will impact prices throughout the year.

For this, we can blame millennials (it's okay, we're used to it) – or, as the bank suggests we can credit this supply crunch to "lengthy building approval processes and zoning restrictions."

Toronto about to get influx of Japanese souffle pancakes

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Get ready for a new food trend, people who like to wait in lines for stuff!

Not one, but two Japanese souffle pancake shops are set to open in Toronto this spring, bringing what's already a super-hot dessert trend in Asia and The U.K. to sugar seekers in The 6ix. 

A post shared by FuwaFuwa (@fuwafuwalondon) on

Hanabusa cafe will open in Kensington Market at the beginning of April. Here, you'll be able to watch bakers make their wobbly cakes in front of an open kitchen. If you like, they'll serve your food with fully customized, preserved fresh flowers.

Our fluffy Matcha pancake with sweet azuki bean.

A post shared by Hanabusa Café (@hanabusacafe) on

Fuwa Fuwa (which translates to "fluffy fluffy" in Japanese) bills itself as the first soufflé pancake shop from Japan to open in Toronto. It will be replacing The Common at 408 Bloor Street West come April 1. We can expect "impactful flavours" and "impressive fluffiness," according to Instagram.

Official opening dates have yet to be announced for either store, but something tells me they'll be very, very popular. Remember what happened the last time someone started selling jiggly Japanese dessert food here?

Condo of the week: 155 Dalhousie Street

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Located inside the historic Merchandise building, this loft is a sight to behold. With soaring 12-foot ceilings and a huge wall of windows,  the place is bright and airy.

155 dalhousie st torontoWhile the unit used to be a two bedroom, it’s been converted into a huge one bedroom, making the suite even more spacious. Each room flows into one another with hardly any barriers to distinguish each space.

155 dalhousie st torontoMy favourite part of the place is the built-in, floor-to-ceiling shelving unit in the living room. Just think of how much stuff it can hold!  

155 dalhousie st toronto The kitchen has been redone and comes with some sleek appliances, all new cupboards and new countertops.  

155 dalhousie st torontoBut the big selling point for this place is definitely the location. Nestled between Church Street and Dundas Street, this place is close to everything. In case you were worried about getting groceries in the heart of downtown, fear not, there’s a Metro right in the building.  

155 dalhousie st toronto There are a couple of downsides to this place, namely the lack of outdoor space and the outdated bathrooms. The listing does say there are new toilets, so there’s that.  

155 dalhousie st torontoSpecs
  • Address: #523 - 155 Dalhousie St.
  • Price: $899,000
  • Bedrooms: 1+1
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Parking: 1
  • Size: 1,526 square feet
  • Maintenance Fees: $960.79 monthly
  • Walk Score: 99
  • Transit Score: 100
  • Listing agent: Heather Haden
  • Listing ID: C4072080
155 dalhousie st torontoGood For

A bachelor who wants to strut around his place sans inhibitions. The listing says this place is big enough for someone to “grow wings and fly around” and it certainly seems like there’s plenty of room for aerial activities.  

155 dalhousie st torontoMove On If

You need bedroom doors. This place is wide open so if you ever wanted to slam a door in frustration or block out the noise of someone making a smoothie in the wee hours of the morning, you’re out of luck.  

155 dalhousie st toronto

Beware of Doug signs pop up around Toronto

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More unexplained, anonymously-posted signs are appearing on hydro poles and bulletin boards around Toronto today, which means that photos of them are also starting to flow through Instagram.

I'm telling you – if you want to capture the public's attention, you've got to go analog.

"BEWARE OF DOUG" read the signs, which are simple white pieces of paper with with black text in a forceful Rockwell Extra Bold font.

The message is either an ode to Gary Larson's syndicated newspaper comic, The Far Side, or a warning to watch out for Ontario PC Party leader and aspiring Premier Doug Ford. 

Most who've seen the photos online are interpreting it as the latter or combining the two.

So far, people have spotted the signs at Broadview and Gerrard, on St. Clair West, and on Wells Hill Avenue.

Meanwhile, The New York Times just published an article calling Ford "a tin-pot northern Trump" – and they're far from the first to make that comparison.

Still, with Ford leading in the polls, Facebook is starting to fill with chatter of strategic voting. Whether or not he'll win the election remains to be seen, but I'm certain we'll see more signs like this around town before June 7.

Toronto is getting a stunning building made of wood

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George Brown College is set to bring the first-ever "institutional tall wood building" to Toronto as part of its stunning waterfront campus downtown.

Called The Arbour, this structure will be the first and largest of its kind in Ontario at 12-storeys tall with a 16,250 square-metre footprint. It was also be the site of Canada's first Tall Wood Research Institute and, hopefully, a leader in green and sustainable construction.

What we won't know until next week is what this futuristic, mass timber building will look like.

Four different architectural firms will be showcasing their design concepts at an open event on March 27 at 51 Dockside Drive. Each firm will have 20 minutes to present their ideas to a "distinguished jury," as well as members of the public, using models, panels and poster presentations.

Moriyama & Teshima Architects and Acton Ostry Architects design concept for The Arbour. (Photos courtesy of George Brown College.)

The first of these finalists is the team of Moriyama & Teshima Architects and Acton Ostry Architects, from Toronto and Vancouver respectively.

"Our design instills generous spaces for wellbeing and sustainability into The Arbour, whose very name evokes green growth and shelter. We seek to instill 'Breathing Room(s)' throughout the design," reads part of the project's vision statement.

"Our vision is rooted in confronting, and contributing to conquering, the consequences of climate change for current and future generations."

tall wood building Toronto

Moriyama & Teshima Architects and Acton Ostry Architects design concept for The Arbour. (Photos courtesy of George Brown College.)

Next up are Patkau Architects and MJMA, another Vancouver-Toronto pair who (like all of the finalists) worked with a comprehensive team of structural, climate, electrical, transportation and civil engineers, among other experts, to create their concept.

Patkau wood concept

Patkau Architects and MJMA design concept for The Arbour. (Photos courtesy of George Brown College.)

"The most important connections in a network arise between people," reads their vision statement. "The Arbour supports these connections by integrating four basic subsystems: the Spatial System, Information System, Energy System, and Structural System."

"Experienced simply as comfort, each system fits together in a mutually supporting complex of performative relationships that are both visibly evident and accessible as raw data."

Toronto tall wood

Patkau Architects and MJMA design concept for The Arbour. (Photos courtesy of George Brown College.)

The third design concept comes from Montreal's Provencher Roy and Toronto's Turner Fleischer.

Provencher Roy building

Provencher Roy + Turner Fleischer design concept for The Arbour. (Photos courtesy of George Brown College.)

"As an educational institution, the Arbour's mandate requests evolutionary transformation with the changing realities," writes this team.

"Casting away traditional approaches, the Arbour turns opacity into capacity. Its building envelope responds to the various contextual conditions in both human and performance frameworks."

George Brown campus

Provencher Roy + Turner Fleischer design concept for The Arbour. (Photos courtesy of George Brown College.)

Last but not least, we have the highly-acclaimed Tokyo-based architecture firm Shigeru Ban Architects (run by Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban) in partnership with Toronto's Brook McIlroy Inc.

George Brown wood building

Shigeru Ban Architects & Brook McIlroy Inc. design concept for The Arbour. (Photos courtesy of George Brown College.)

"Shigeru Ban Architects' depth of experience working in timber is unparalleled globally as well as within Canada," reads the team's vision document.

"The people-centric design supports a healthy educational environment and student success," it continues, "reflecting Shigeru Ban's belief that '...what determines the permanence of a building is the simple question of whether or not the structure is supported and loved by the people.'"

George Brown wood building

Shigeru Ban Architects & Brook McIlroy Inc. design concept for The Arbour. (Photos courtesy of George Brown College.)

If you have a very strong opinion about any of these designs, I suggest you hit up the presentation event on March 27 at George Brown's Waterfront Campus.

The winning selection will be chosen, after the jury has had time to deliberate, on March 28.

The best and worst GoodLife Fitness in Toronto

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The best GoodLife Fitness gyms in Toronto can inspire you to live a fit and healthy lifestyle. The worst fall flat and crush #fitspo dreams. While Toronto is full of GoodLife locations in the city, not all gyms are created equal.

Here are my picks for the best and worst GoodLife gyms in Toronto.

The Best

Richmond/John

Centrally located, and open until midnight, the two floor gym near Richmond and John Street is one of the more spacious in the downtown core. The location has friendly and accommodating staff. The class schedule includes kickboxing and boxing classes.

Bloor Park

Located right by the subway, every inch of the three floors is well-used with a personal training section, spin room, cardio station and free weights. What it lacks in brand new equipment, it makes up for in great instructors and energetic spin classes.

Liberty Village

This facility is only a single floor but it's equipped with towel service, a sauna and, more importantly, a clean environment and members who know the basics of gym etiquette. Plus, there's free two hour parking underground and it's open 24 hours a day.

Toronto Dufferin

Near Finch and Dufferin, this gym has it all including a pool, tons of equipment, spinning and other classes, free parking, childcare and it's open 24-hours daily including holidays.

Yonge and Richmond

Another 24-hour location (Monday-Thursday only), this facility has a spacious layout with enough equipment for members, a proper stretching area and a large space for free weights. The gym is busy during the after-work rush hour, but the evenings and weekends are great.

The Worst
Yonge and Dundas Square

If the thought of Dundas Square usually gives you a headache, so will this gym. Close to the Ryerson University campus, it has a decent range of equipment and plenty of room for a workout, but some of the stuff is dated back from when it used to be an Extreme Fitness.

Union Station

The location is convenient for commuters but the gym is always overcrowded because of that. Classes are packed, and the change rooms and showers always seem to require maintenance.

Manulife Centre

While this tiny, hard-to-access location has a pool and aquafit classes, it's consistently busy with minimal equipment. The location serves the Bay and Bloor crowd, which makes for a convenient lunchtime getaway but long wait times for the cardio machines.

Wellington and York

The gym is spread out over three floors, which is a workout all on its own since the elevator is always out of service. Expect to visit a different floor for change rooms, classes and the general workout space.

Little Italy

The location is extremely small, run down, and lacks proper equipment, which defeats the point of a gym. It doesn't offer any amenities, and you'll likely end up waiting for a treadmill. The men's and women's change rooms barely count as change rooms.


Toronto Food Events: People's Pint, Free Cone Day, Free Chicken, Caesar Fest

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Food events in Toronto this week have a lot going on in terms of selection. There's the much anticipated grand opening of the People's Pint, rum-jacked Caribbean food, and What A Bagel is giving away free bagels.

Events you might want to check out:

People's Pint Grand Opening Weekend (March 23-25 @ People's Pint Brewing Company)
The DIY brewery is finally opening its doors this weekend with tons of brews on tap and an opportunity to try making your own batch.
Brews (March 24 @ Canvas Event Space)
Brews will feature craft beer and ciders, live music, and a silent auction in support of those living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
National Waffle Day (March 24 @ 156 Augusta Avenue)
In celebration of this important day, Cluck Clucks Chicken & Waffles is having a one-day DIY waffle pop-up.
J'Adore Hot Pot Grand Opening Celebration (March 24-25 @ J'Adore Hot Pot)
If you've ever dreamt of a fancy and sophisticated hot pot experience, you're in luck. J’Adore in Markham celebrates its grand opening with a side of elegance.
Let the Spirits Move You (March 24 @ Ralph Thornton Community Centre)
The spirit of the Islands is alive with traditional Caribbean food jacked with rum. There's also music, a mini marketplace, and a rocking limericks contest.
Free Nando's Chicken (March 25 @ Nando's Canada)
Nando's is having its second annual #NandosDash and offering free quarter chicken with PERi-PERi fries between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at all Canadian locations.
Outdoor Matzah Bake (March 25 @ Dufferin Grove Park)
It's an afternoon of making and baking Matzah in preparation for Passover happening from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Dufferin Grove Park.
Made with Love (March 26 @ The Fermenting Cellar)
This annual event highlights Toronto's craft cocktail scene with barchefs on hand to present original cocktail and food pairings.
Free Bagels at What A Bagel (March 27 @ Multiple Venues)
For its 20th year of giving out free bagels, What A Bagel is hosting Six Bagels in the 6ix. Customers can get their six free bagels at any Toronto location.
Free Ice Cream at Hollywood Cone (April 8 @ Hollywood Cone)
Hollywood Cone is celebrating their one-year anniversary at their Queen West location by giving away free cones to the first 100 people in line at 3 pm. There will also be $3 cones throughout the day.
Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day (April 10 @ Ryerson University)
Now over 40 years running, Ben & Jerry's is have its annual free ice cream give away for anyone willing to wait in line.
Toronto Taste (June 3 @ Corus Quay)
Stuff your face for a good cause as local chefs serve up the goods in support of Second Harvest Food Rescue.
Wild Things Fest (June 9 @ Propeller Coffee Co.)
The Wild Things Festival showcases funky brews and hazy ciders made with indigenous or wild yeasts.
Toronto Craft Beer Festival (June 22-24 @ Ontario Place West Island)
Toronto Craft Beer Festival is back with an extra day of festivities. Explore craft beer and ciders, plus food, activities, and live music.
Toronto Caesar Fest (June 23 @ Academy of Lions)
There's bound to be some interesting creations at this festival all about Caesars. Music and food will be on hand as well.

Sold! Toronto tech exec's bachelor pad goes for $2.2 million

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Designer Mazen El-Abdallah from Mazen Studio renovated this stylish, three-bedroom home located on Markham Street.

90 markham street torontoThe reno job is so spectacular it was featured in the Globe and Mail and on the cover of House & Home Magazine in February 2016.

90 markham street torontoEl-Abdallah designed this place for a tech exec, combining “masculine decor with modern lines and understated glitz,” he said in House & Home.

90 markham street torontoThe home has some amazing features, including an ornate Victorian fireplace, a bistro-style kitchen that leads out to a balcony and a walk-in closet that could make any shopaholic go weak in the knees.

90 markham street torontoThe home is split into an owner's unit and a rental unit. The owner’s unit takes up half of the first floor and all of the second and third floors, while the rental unit is the back half of the first floor and the basement.

90 markham street torontoThe rental unit brings in over $2,300 a month, according to the Real Estate gossip site The Mash, which could help with the mortgage if the new owners are renting it out.

90 markham street torontoWhile the rental unit wasn't included in this reno, it’s no surprise this place went for over asking price.

90 markham street torontoThe Essentials
90 markham street torontoWhy it sold for what it did?

When your home is featured in the Globe and Mail and House & Home Magazine, it’s obviously going to fetch a pretty penny.

90 markham street torontoWas it worth it?

Absolutely. Not only is this a gorgeous Victorian house in one of Toronto’s most coveted neighbourhoods but El-Abdallah’s renovation also brings this home up to another level. If the new owners fix up the rental unit this place could easily sell for twice as much in the future.90 markham street toronto

It could soon be illegal to take bikes apart in Toronto parks

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If you've been riding a bike in Toronto for more than a season or two, chances are you've had a bike stolen – or at least part of one. A seat, maybe? A wheel? I can't keep a bell to save my life, which is ironic because it actually could.

Bike theft is a serious problem in almost every major city around the world, and only appears to be getting worse for cyclists in Toronto.

Police reports show that more than 3,700 bicycles were reported stolen here in 2016 alone, which marks an increase of more than 26 per cent over a two-year period.

Unless you have secure indoor bike parking at home, at work and everywhere else you might stop throughout the course of your day, your property is vulnerable – and what's worse is that there's little police can do about it.

City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam has put forth a motion aimed at cracking down on this type of crime by giving officers more power to stop people from "chopping" bikes in downtown parks.

"With a small number of cyclists electing to register their bicycles through the Toronto Police Service, it is often a challenge for Officers to identify stolen bikes," reads her motion, which has been seconded by Councillor Gord Perks.

"Without this information or substantial immediate evidence, Officers cannot intervene when bicycles are being disassembled, re-assembled, or otherwise modified to make identification of stolen property even more difficult."

What this means is that anyone can steal parts of bikes in full view of the public with little consequence, unless those bikes are registered. The thieves can then sell those parts, or use them to modify other stolen bikes beyond recognition.

Wong-Tam is asking City Council to allow the department of Parks, Forestry and Recreation to impose "park-specific by-laws prohibiting bike disassembly and re-assembly."

These by-laws would be enforced by Toronto Police and members of the city's Parks Ambassador Program. They would not prohibit "basic bike maintenance activities" like inflating tires or lubing chains.

The motion, called Deterring Bike Theft Near Toronto Parks, will be considered by City Council on March 26.

Until then, lock up wisely and keep an eye on your wheels – because once they're gone, there's a good chance you won't ever be getting them back.

The Best Cheap Breakfast in Toronto

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The best cheap breakfast in Toronto is sought out by the hungry, the hungover, and the just plain tight-fisted. No matter which category you fall into, these diners and cafes across the city are there to provide you with as close to a Ron Swanson special as they can manage while still charging the lowest prices possible.

Here are the best places to get a cheap breakfast in Toronto.

3 - The Amazing Ted's Diner

This Scarborough place feels like walking straight into 1954, when it first opened. There’s a shrine to bacon and super cheap breakfast combos like the 222: two pancakes, three eggs any style and your choice of meat. Save a buck on breakfasts by ordering before 11.
4 - Grenadier Cafe

$4.99 breakfasts of three eggs and meat, omelettes, pancakes or French toast are served before 11 at this unique cafe situated within scenic High Park.
5 - Billy's Souvlaki Place

At Bloor and Dovercourt, eat a low cost breakfast, drink a bottle of beer, and hang on the patio like a true Bloorcourt resident. All breakfasts, even steak and eggs, run under $8.
11 - Gingerman Restaurant

Breakfasts of chock-full western sandwiches, classic bacon and egg combos, and more don’t break the bank at this old school Scarborough hangout.
6 - UFO Restaurant

This eccentric little convenience store near Trinity Bellwoods has full breakfasts of peameal bacon, steak and eggs, and French toast all for under $10. Montreal bagels with cream cheese only cost a couple bucks.
7 - New York Cafe

Traditional breakfasts of eggs, homefries, toast and fruit are only $5.50 at this reliable spot near Broadview and Danforth, and coffee, tea or juice is included before 11.
8 - Our Spot

This narrow Kensington breakfast nook serves a standard $5.50 breakfast but here you can also include gyro meat for $2.50 with your eggs, toast and homefries. Most breakfast sandwiches like BLTs and peameal go for under $5.
9 - Ming's Noodle Cafe

An incredibly inexpensive Hong Kong tea house in Scarborough, omelettes here are $3.99 and sandwiches are under $5. Of course, you can also follow up with noodles, rice, wings or spring rolls, and accompany it all with some milk tea, Coke with ice cream, or red bean punch.
10 - Route 401 Diner

All day breakfasts of three eggs and toast for $4.75 can be found at this Etobicoke diner, and not much else runs over $10 breakfast-wise, including Italian sausage, chopped beef, three-egg omelettes and pancakes.

Popular Toronto Indian restaurant closed after fire

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Police have yet to determine the cause of a fire that broke out last night around 2 a.m. in at a restaurant near Bloor and Christie, but we do know that said restaurant will be "closed until further notice."

Banjara, a popular no-frills Indian restaurant known for its good prices and even greater food, announced the disheartening news on its website Friday morning.

"There has been a fire and we will be closed until further notice," reads the website for Banjara's Bloor Street location, which has been making mouths water near Christie Pits Park since 2006.

The fire appears to have started in the kitchen area of the restaurant, according to police. CP24 reports that one firefighter was taken to hospital with a minor injury following the blaze, which took about two hours to get under control.

It's unclear how much neighbouring Madras Masala was also affected. 

Fortunately for diehard Banjara fans, the restaurant has a second location at Yonge and Eglinton.

"Our Eglinton location will be accepting pick up and dine in orders for our Bloor location until further notice," reads Banjara's website. "Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience."

Win passes to Chef’s Party at Assembly Chef’s Hall

Harry Potter festival near Toronto lets you ride the Hogwarts Express

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All aboard to wizard prison!

The Waterloo Central Railway is calling upon all witches, wizards, half-bloods and muggles to help save the day this fall during its annual Magical Wizards Festival.

New to the Harry Potter-themed fest this year is something called the Hogwarts interactive Train Experience to Azkaban Spellbound Prison  – which, judging by the description, sounds like an escape room on wheels.

"Your dark forces briefing and training begins as you board the train with your professors and off you go on this excursion," reads the event's description. "Following your successful mission all Secret Agents will be dropped off at our the festival for fun, food and fantasy!"

Located just an hour-and-a-half from Toronto, the experience begins in St. Jacob's Ontario with participants boarding a 100-year-old stream train. From there, they will participate in a 2-hour-long, interactive show and "covert mission to Spellbound Prison."

Seven steam trains will be departing from the site of the Magical Wizard Festival on both September 8 and 9 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with prices in the $45-55 range.

Book fast, if you're interested. These things tend to sell out quickly.


Fancy new Ryerson residence might be too expensive for students

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You won't find many student discounts when it comes to rent in Toronto. That's especially true if you're a Ryerson student looking to live on campus this fall.

The university's newest on-campus residence building will cost students a whopping $1400 a month, plus utilities. By comparison, that's only a few hundred less than the average price of an entire one-bedroom unit in the city these days.

What do you get for $1400? A private, single room in a four-bedroom unit. If you want fewer roommates, expect to pay more. 

The units in the 30-floor tower all come furnished and with full kitchens and living room space. Residents have access to on-site laundry, a gym and yoga studio, study rooms and lounges. 

There's also a makers space to work on your side gig so you can, you know, afford $1400 a month.

The building at 186 Jarvis St. is open to Ryerson first-year and upper-year students with cash to burn. First-years feeling less fancy have access to Ryerson's older residences but single rooms there still cost over $1000 a month, plus the cost of a mandatory meal plan.

Meanwhile, privately run, off-campus student residence buildings can get just as pricey, if not more.

It sure doesn't pay to be a student these days.

50 things to do this spring in Toronto

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With a new season comes new beginnings, and plenty of new gems to unearth in Toronto. Between fresh food fests and perennial favourites like the High Park cherry blossoms, there's no shortage of ways to shake off winter and explore the city.

New This Year

Wild Things Festival

There's a new player in the wine/beer/cider festival game in the city with the Wild Things Festival on June 9. Just in time for sipping season, this two-session fest showcases all things wild and fermented including some funky brews and low-intervention wines.

Bentway Summer Bash

Toronto's new space under the Gardiner Expressway will shed its skating trail for some warm weather programming with The Bentway Summer Bash on from June 8 to 30. Details are still scarce, but expect a whole lot of outdoor festivities in this reclaimed space.

Sandwich Fest

There can never be enough festivals, especially if they involve food. Luckily, this year brings us another one: the Toronto Sandwich Festival on April 22 is a full day of tastings and even a sandwich design competition.

Indigenous Fashion Week

From Nunavut to Greenland, 23 artists are coming together from May 31 until June 3 to present a showcase of Indigenous-made fashion, textiles and craft. There will also be a market place featuring Indigenous female artists from Canada and beyond.

Infinity Mirrors

Miracles do happen and dreams can come true. There's still lots of time to check out the immensely popular exhibition at the AGO here until May 27. The gallery also carries a limited number of same-day, timed tickets up for grabs. Good luck!

The Ontario Provincial Election

Exercising your democratic right is always in season. This year, PC candidate Doug Ford and the NDP's Andrea Horwath will face off with incumbent Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne. Register now, if you haven’t already, and become familiar with your nearest polling station before the election on June 7.

Spring Favourites

Cherry Blossoms in High Park

Visiting the Japanese cherry trees in High Park are a quintessential Toronto spring activity. They're the gift that keeps on giving! Expect them to begin blossoming mid-April and be in peak bloom by the end of the month.

contact photo toronto

The annual Contact Photography Festival returns this May. Photo by Andrew Williamson.

Hot Docs

A sure sign of spring is large lines of people outside the Hot Docs cinema on Bloor Street. This year's festival runs from April 26 to May 6 and boasts a healthy dose of female-focused films and the world premiere of a film featuring our beloved TTC streetcars.

Contact Photography Festival

Contact is back for another year bringing photography to the masses. This month-long festival begins on May 1 and will see works by hundreds of photographers showcased in venues all over the city.

Toronto Flower Market

The first day of the Toronto Flower Market is back behind the Shaw Street CAMH location just in time for Mother's Day on May 12. The full list of dates isn't available yet, but one can expect another exciting season full of beautiful, locally-sourced flowers.

Doors Open Toronto

Toronto will get a spring airing out as Doors Open is on May 26 and 27. Explore inside some of the city's most architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings.

Luminato

One of the year's biggest arts and culture festivals is set to take over venues and public spaces all over Toronto, infusing the city with art, music, dance, theatre and film from June 6 to 24. Best of all, some of the events are free!

Taste of Little Italy

Soppressata is in the air as College Street transforms into the massive street festival known as Taste of Little Italy. Spread out between Bathurst and Shaw Streets from June 15 to 17, tons of vendors will be on hand to serve up authentic Italian grub from nearby local businesses.

Marquee Events

Mass Exodus

It’s the time of year for Ryerson University’s School of Fashion graduating class to put on one last show, known as Mass Exodus. This year’s fashion show on April 4 is centred around a critical approach to social issues within the fashion industry.

Art fairs

Spring means art fairs galore all over the city. There are plenty of opportunities to check out local art makers and vendors beginning with Toronto Art Crawl on April 8, then Artfest and the Waterfront Artisan Market on May 19, followed by the Riverdale Artwalk on June 2.

OCAD gradex

GradEx at OCAD is always a good opportunity to scope out emerging local design talent.

Images Festival

There's a lot of art you won't find hanging in any major gallery. The Images Festival, on from April 12 to 20, looks to showcase the work of local and national independent artists, photographers and filmmakers all around the city.

Coffee & Tea Expo

After the success of last year, the Coffee & Tea Expo is back at Evergreen Brickworks on April 14 and 15. Tons of local vendors are set to show off their best beans and freshest tea leafs for the beverage lover in all of us.

Fashion Art Toronto

It's called fashion, honey. Look it up when Fashion Art Toronto begins on April 17, until the 21. If you've ever been one to wonder how a dress made out of garbage bags makes it to the runway, FAT is the place to check out high fashion works in their rawest form.

Massive Illusion

AGO's annual, late-night spring bash Massive Illusion on April 19 is set to transform the gallery into a kaleidoscopic dreamworld inspired by the visiting Infinity Mirrors exhibition.

Record Store Day

For the vinyl lovers out there, everyday is Record Store Day. But on April 21, indie record stores across Toronto will be sharing in festivities and celebrating the occasion with other record stores across the world.

electric island toronto

Electric Island returns to the Toronto Islands this year after being forced to relocated due to flooding in 2017. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Digifest

This has been a technology-heavy year thus far, and Digifest gives an opportunity to find out more about AI, gaming and emerging advances and trends as experts from around the world flock to Toronto from April 26 to 28.

GradEx

GradEx comes but once a year, showcasing hundreds of graduate works from artists beginning their journey into the creative field. The four-day event takes place from May 3 to 6 across several of OCAD's galleries.

Paddle the Don

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to canoe through the heart of the city, now might be your chance as Paddle the Don is happening on May 6. It serves as a fundraiser in support of The Living City Foundation.

Canadian Music Week

Canadian musical talents take centre stage at venues all over the city from May 7 to 13. There will also be plenty of acts flocking to Toronto from around the world to participate in the week-long celebration that includes the iHeartRadio Fanfest on May 11.

Toronto Kpop Con

K-pop is becoming more and more popular in Toronto with big names like GOT17 coming later this year. Kpop Con is rolling through the city May 18 to 20 with stars Amber and Jun Curry Ahn in toe.

Electric Island

Last year's flooding of Toronto Island saw Electric Island spread out at venues throughout the city. This year, the electro music fest returns to its rightful home on Hanlan's Point for five dates starting on May 20.

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The annual Toronto Taste fundraiser supports Second Harvest. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Sing! Toronto

The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival is like Pitch Perfect in real life. A celebration of all things acappella music, the festival runs from May 23 to June 2 and will feature some international heavy hitters in singing.

Inside Out Film Fest

Representation of all kinds in film has been a big topic as of late, making festivals like Inside Out even more necessary. The festival, dedicated to highlighting the works of LGBTQ films and film makers, runs from May 24 to June 3 this year.

Anime North

A celebration of all things anime, manga, music and games, this massive three-day convention is on from May 25 to 27 — still plenty of time to decide which character to cosplay this year.

CBC Music Festival

The recently announced lineup has the one-day, all-Canadian festival headlined by July Talk. A Tribe Called Red, Charlotte Day Wilson and others will join them, performing on May 26 during a full day packed with food trucks over at Echo Beach.

Pedestrian Sundays

Walk the streets of Kensington Market car-free again this year as Pedestrian Sundays celebrates 15 glorious years, beginning on May 27 and landing on the last Sunday of each month until October 28. 

ps kensington

The car-free Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market are always a good time. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Power Ball

The Power Plant gets a reckoning with the 20th edition of the massive art party and fundraiser that is Power Ball on May 31. This year's theme is carousal, so prepare for a high-flying carnivalesque experience.

Dundas West Fest

Overtaking Dundas West, from Ossington Street to Landsdowne Avenue, this completely free neighbourhood festival on June 1 and 2 has grown to include an extra day of festivities including music, art, street food and dancing in the street.

Field Trip

Ahhh, Field Trip. Taking place in the heart of downtown, Field Trip has amassed quite a following among music lovers. This year's lineup features Metric, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Alvvays, taking place on June 2 and 3.

Toronto Taste

Stuffing your face for charity is always a good look. Toronto Taste is back on June 3 for another round of fundraising with local chefs serving up the goods in support of Second Harvest Food Rescue.

NXNE

After a two-year, self-imposed experiment in the Port Lands, NXNE is back to being spread out among music venues all around Toronto, from June 8 to 17. A huge, free festival in Yonge and Dundas Square happens during the final three days.

powerball toronto

The Power Ball fundraiser at the Power Plant is one of the most anticipated art parties of the year.

Session Craft Beer Festival

It's that time of year to break out the suds. But who wants just any suds? There's a craft beer festival in Dundas Square on June 9 with locally-sourced brews available as part of Ontario Craft Beer Week.

Stop Night Market

Finally an chance to shop and eat for a good cause as The Stop Community Food Centre brings back its Night Market for another year. Expect art installations and performances spread out over two warm, late spring evenings on June 12 and 13.

Taco Fest

Take in all things Mexican at this year’s Taco Fest from June 15 to 17. It’s definitely got a lot more than just tacos on the menu, with a margarita and sangria bar, hot sauce tastings, and a mariachi band.

Nuit Rose

Overtaking both the Church and Wellesley Village and West Queen West on June 16, Nuit Rose enlists hundreds of local and international artists from the LGBTQ community for a one-day art extravaganza. 

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival

Visiting the Toronto Islands is always a good time. It’s even better if you happen to catch the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival on June 16 and 17. There’ll be races through the lagoons all day, coupled with food and an artisan market.

Activities you can do all spring long 

Go for a hike

Hiking in Toronto just got better as our trail system became connected to The Great Trail, North America's longest trail that now runs right through the city via the Waterfront Trail, the Don Valley, and the Rouge.

Discover Toronto's ravine system

Recently ranked one of the greenest cities in the world, it should come as no surprise Toronto is home to a lush and extensive ravine system, much of which can be explored without having to leave the city.

six brewing toronto

The Six brewing Co. is one of a number of local brewpubs to open in the city this year. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Drink at Toronto's newest breweries

Toronto is a city of brews and already a handful of new ones have sprouted up since the beginning of the year. Breweries to try out include Brunswick BierworksJunction Craft Brewing, People's PintBrickworks Ciderhouse and The Six Brewing Co.

Shop at a farmers market

The start of spring means farmers market season. It's easy to shop local and pick up fresh fruits, veggies and more from Toronto's farmers markers happening all over the city. There's one every day of the week.

Bike the city

Slowly but surely, Toronto is becoming more bike friendly. Participate in Bike to Work Day during Bike Month all throughout May or shop for a new or used ride at the city's local bikes shops and make the most of the city's ever-growing network of bike paths.

Go for a run

Lace up and test your endurance in support of a good cause at one of the marathons happening this spring, including the Race Roster Spring Run-Off, Colour Me RadToronto Waterfront 10k, the Goodlife MarathonSporting Life 10k, and Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart.

toronto raptors

The Toronto Raptors might just go all the way this year. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

Cheer on the local team

The time for hibernation is over and that means getting hyped for the start of the season for many Toronto sports teams. Cheer on any one of the city's teams like the Jays, TFC, RapsLeafs, or Wolfpack. Cheer on yourself, too. You deserve it.

Go fishing

If fishing is your thing, spring is the time for it. Active Salmon populations can be found in parts of Lake Ontario and the opening of the Humber River rainbow trout season officially begins April 4.

Take a spin at Toronto's new race track

Every day is a good day for go karting. K1 Speed recently opened up a huge indoor go kart facility near Downsview Park to make all of your Mario Kart fantasies come true.

This place makes the most unreal Easter Eggs in Toronto

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'Tis the season to dip hard-boiled eggs into various glasses of coloured water until everything turns a festive shade of brownish-grey and gets tossed in the garbage. 

Easter eggs aren't the easiest food craft to DIY – especially if you're looking to impress with the final product. I mean, who wants a dirty-looking chicken's egg when they could be eating chocolate?

Nobody who's seen the Instagram page for Cake's Cove, that's for sure.

This St. Clair West sweets shop is famous for making custom cakes and chocolates "with a delightful geeky twist." Think edible porgs and secret Superman wedding cakes.

As it turns out, their Easter Eggs are next level too.

A post shared by Cakes Cove (@cakescove) on

Whatever your fandom, this place either already has you covered, or will figure out a way to make the chocolate egg of your dreams come true.

Wookies, Wonder Woman and Wakanda are all represented on the Cake's Cove IG.

Easter. Is. Here. 😍

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See also Harry Potter, Batman and Alice in Wonderland.

A post shared by Cakes Cove (@cakescove) on

You can get a Yoshi egg, a T-Rex Skull or Game of Thrones-style dragon egg.

A post shared by Cakes Cove (@cakescove) on

The most impressive (and yes, expensive) style of egg available is the chocolate geode.

A post shared by Cakes Cove (@cakescove) on

Each of these stunning chocolate eggs is totally unique, but they don't come cheap. You'll pay $25 for a small geode egg and $95 for a large.

Of course, it's free if the Easter Bunny buys it for you - and free is the most delicious flavour of all.

There's a massive butter tart festival near Toronto this spring

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Butter tarts, butter tarts, butter tarts!

Do you love butter tarts enough to drive two and a half hours for them? How about 150,000 of them at once?

Mark your calendar and polish your sweet tooth then, because Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival is coming back to Midland, Ontario in June – Saturday, June 9, to be specific.

This free street festival will see more than 60 different vendors flock to downtown Midland with their delicious butter tarts (obviously,) as well as butter tart-inspired food, products, clothing, jewelry and whatever else a butter tart can inspire.

You can also taste-test your way through the annual butter tart contest to see which tart will be named Ontario's best. Sharon will be there!

There's also a butter tart 5K, 10K and half-marathon, for some reason, so.... eat a lot of butter tarts. They're an excellent source of fuel for the Canadian body.

City of Toronto threatens to shut off water to York U

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Things are not looking good for York University right now.

The embattled school has been dealing for weeks with a strike that's seen 60 per cent of all course work delivered on campus come to a halt after failing to reach an agreement with teaching assistants, graduate assistants and contract faculty members

Now, in an entirely unrelated matter, the city might shut off their water supply.

A report about "the accumulation of arrears for water and sewer services" at York's main campus is set to go before the city's Government Management Committee on April 3.

The City Solicitor and City Treasurer are recommending that City Council follow some legal advice laid out in a confidential attachment pertaining to the overdue amount (which has not been made public.)

"York University is one of the largest consumers of water in the City of Toronto, and water is in constant demand at the university," reads the report for action, which was surfaced on Friday by The Toronto Star.

"There are significant arrears for water charges that have been billed to York University."

York University disputes the outstanding charges, according to the report, and has come to an impasse with city staff despite several attempts to resolve the matter.

"There are various statutory remedies available to the City to assist with collection of water utility charges," write the solicitor and treasurer. "Section 65 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, authorizes the City to shut off water to a property if charges payable for water are overdue."

The City could also transfer overdue public utility arrears to the property tax account for 4700 Keele Street, or pursue civil action against the property's owner.

Meanwhile, students at the school are holding a campus sit-in to show support for the union representing their striking TAs and contract faculty members.

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