At long last, after more than two years of waiting, you can finally shop at Nordstrom Rack in downtown Toronto (but only if you're willing to wait in line first.)

There's some ridiculous lineups outside the newly opened @nordstromrackcanada in downtown #Toronto #shopTO 🛍 Tag your videos with #videosTO 📹 - @ronaldjayq

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on May 3, 2018 at 10:10am PDT

Nordstrom's "off-price retail division" opened its long-anticipated new location—the third ever in Canada—at the base of Great Gulf's One Bloor tower on Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

Bargain hunters who hadn't yet made it up to the GTA's other, also newly-opened Nordstrom Rack in Vaughan Mills couldn't wait to find out why our American friends are so obsessed with the discount department store.

We're here, Toronto! We're so excited to be here and can't wait to see you. Head over to One Bloor & start your shopping! ❤️ #nordstromrack

A post shared by Nordstrom Rack Canada (@nordstromrackcanada) on May 3, 2018 at 7:56am PDT

Even with 38,600 square feet of retail space, The Yorkville Rack couldn't hold all of the people who arrived to shop on opening day.

By noon, there was a lineup down the block.

waiting for rock outlets open

A post shared by Shania Chen (@shaniababy.chen) on May 3, 2018 at 8:36am PDT

The retailer is said to offer savings of up to 70 per cent on clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, home products and more, from brands like Theory, Proenza Schouler, Urban Decay,  Topshop — even Versace and Balmain.

Sneak peek party @nordstromrackto . Many designers shoes are on big sale #nordstromrack . Remember to come and check the fabulous deals on Thursday ♡ 今晚與 @chubby_bun1218 去咗Nordstrom Rack 的搶先看派對，比起响上次响Vaughan Mills, 呢度更多名牌貨品，#valentino #miumiu #prada #chloe #jimmychoo ，萬勿錯過星期四去掃貨，血拼一下。

A post shared by Miss Mak (@babybunny1218) on May 1, 2018 at 7:06pm PDT

Alexander Wang is never really "cheap," but it's cheaper here than you'd find it at Nordstrom proper.

Come grab a free coffee at Nordstrom Rack Grand Opening ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️ @nordstromrack

A post shared by @ brewingbean on May 3, 2018 at 6:19am PDT

Throw the promise of free coffee into the mix on a relatively sunny spring morning and conditions are simply perfect for a lineup to form.

Finally in toronto!! #nordstromrack #toronto #onebloor #shopping

A post shared by slatch (@sandralatcham) on May 3, 2018 at 6:12am PDT

Good luck, Toronto. Be nice.

Patio season is here, woohoo! Grab some friends, grab a drink, grab a table in the sun...and then move to a different table where maybe the bugs aren't so bad.

Cover that drink when you move, though, because the bugs are so bad and they're just dying to swim in your soda or beer.

Now, spend the evening whining to friends about how it's not fair that these tiny jerkholes won't stop mating in your hair when it just got warm enough to be outside without a parka on.

6 p.m. “Yay, patio season!”
8 p.m. “I HATE THESE BUGS I HATE THIS CITY I HATE MY LIFE”#Midges#Toronto#Fackpic.twitter.com/4NgyEBcbks

— Lauren O'Neil (@laurenonizzle) May 3, 2018

Welcome to spring in Ontario, where the closer you are to a body of water, the closer you are to getting flies in your eyes.

Midge season (part 2) peaked in perfect harmony with the first day of truly warm weather in Toronto this year, much to the chagrin of literally anyone who went outside or opened a window last night.

Midgepocalypse!

You know how ants will swarm over a bit of food? That's what the midges are like on my windowsill. I briefly took out the screen to patch the holes and a bunch of midges have invaded my room. Wasabi has caught and eaten some.

— neville park (@neville_park) May 3, 2018

As you likely well know, millions of tiny chironomids come to the city every spring and fall to form hovering insect sex swarms, just a few feet above the ground.

They don't bite, but they do love artificial light, which makes using your phone at night a treat if you want to play love shack to an actual bug orgy.

How many midges must a man inhale, before you call him a man?#torontomidges2018

— Toronto Mike (@torontomike) April 30, 2018

"The reason we get huge clouds of these midges is that you can get...four thousand larvae in a metre square," said David Sugarman, an Ontario Science Centre scientist, a few years back. "Which means you could get thousands of adults emerging practically at the same time."

Gross.

Downtown high-rise dwellers, especially those who live by the lake, often complain of giant dead bug clumps on their balconies during and after midge season.

If anyone in Toronto has a thing for collecting annoying small and confused flying bugs then I have a ton of them on my condo balcony I want to get rid of

— Josh McConnell (@joshmcconnell) May 3, 2018

Same goes for establishments with outdoor lights, such as every bar and restaurant patio in Toronto after the sun goes down.

Fortunately, midges don't stick around for very long after having sex. The tiny bugs should be dead and gone within a few weeks, at which point we'll start to see other horrid pests emerge from the Great Lakes to touch our stuff.

Toronto...what are these small bugs flying around EVERYWHERE!? Swarming my car, my backyard. I feel like I’m in a Hitchcock film. Anyone else getting them? pic.twitter.com/HhtRtcnFMX

— Laura Vandervoort (@Vandiekins22) May 2, 2018

Until then, keep your mouth closed when running or cycling near the lake.

Midges don't taste like anything, but it'll be hard to get the image of conjoined, mating bugs out of your head when you know they're in your stomach.

Watching a movie outdoors is kind of a quintessential Toronto activity in the summer. Why not do that, but on a boat?

Sail-In Cinema returns this year to Sugar Beach on August 10 and 11, but have no fear, it's not only for savvy sailors. If you're locked on land, grab a chair and head down to the beach to watch the movie land-side because it'll be showing on a two-sided screen that sits on a barge. 

This year the theme is of "In Other Worlds."

While the movies have not yet been announced, it is known that showtimes will be at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Show up early because space for boats is limited and all the best seats on land get snapped up fast.

The annual Toronto Marathon is going down on May 6 so expect plenty of road closures across the city. The massive running event begins at Mel Lastman Square at 7:30 a.m. and runs down the heart of the city before hitting the waterfront and finishing at the Exhibition Place grounds.

Whether you're looking to cheer on the runners or to avoid traffic jams, here's everything you need to know about this year's event.

Route

This map indicates the route of the Toronto Marathon. 

Road Closures

• Beecroft Rd. from Elmhurst Ave. to Horsham Ave. (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
• Ellerslie Ave. from Beecroft Rd. to Yonge St. (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
• Churchill Ave. from Beecroft Rd. to Yonge St. (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
• North York Blvd. from Beecroft Rd. to Yonge St. (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
• Elmhurst Ave. from Beecroft Rd. to Yonge St. (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
• Park Home Ave. from Beecroft Rd. to Yonge St. (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
• Yonge St. from Horsham Ave. to Highway 401 (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
• Yonge St. from Highway 401 to York Mills Rd. (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
• Yonge St. from York Mills Rd. to Eglinton Ave. (7 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Yonge St. from Eglinton Ave. to Chaplin Cres. (7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Yonge St. from Chaplin Cres. to Aylmer Rd. (8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Chaplin Cres. from Yonge St. to Oriole Pkwy (7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Oriole Pkwy from Chaplin Cres. to Lonsdale Rd. (7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Lonsdale Rd. from Ave. Road to Spadina Rd. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Forest Hill Rd. from Lonsdale Rd. to Kilbarry Rd. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Kilbarry Rd. from Forest Hill Rd. to Warren Rd. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Warren Rd. from Kilbarry Rd. to Lonsdale Rd. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Spadina Rd. from Lonsdale Rd. to St. Clair Ave. W (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Spadina Rd. from St. Clair Ave. W to Austin Ter. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Austine Ter. from Spadina Rd. to Walmer Rd. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Walmer Rd./Kendal Ave. from Austin Ter. to MacPherson Ave. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• MacPherson Ave. from Kendal Ave. to Davenport Rd. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Davenport Rd. from MacPherson Ave. to Belmont St. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Belmont St. from Davenport Rd. to Yonge St. (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Aylmer Ave. from Yonge St. to Rosedale Valley Rd. (5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Rosedale Valley Rd. from Aylmer Rd. to Bayview Ave. (5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Bayview Ave. from Rosedale Valley Rd. to Lower River St. (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Lower River St. from Bayview Ave. to King St. E (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• King St. E from River St. to Sumach St. (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Sumach St. from King St. E to Eastern Ave. (7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• Eastern Ave. from Sumach St. to Front St. E (7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• Front St. E from Eastern Ave. to Wellington Ave. (7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• Wellington St. from Front St. E to John St. (7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• John St. from Wellington St. W to Front St. W (7 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
• Front St. W from John St. to Bathurst St. (7 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
• Bathurst St. from Front St. W to Fort York Blvd. (7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Fort York Blvd. from Bathurst St. to Lake Shore Blvd. (7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Marine Parade Dr. from Humber Bay Park E to Waterfront Dr. (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Waterfront Dr. from Marine Parade Dr. to Palace Pier (8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Lakeshore Blvd. from Humber River to Remembrance Dr. (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Ramp Closures

• The eastbound Gardiner Expressway ramp to Jarvis Street will be closed from 7 a.m, to 10 a.m. Access to Lake Shore Boulevard will remain open. 
• The westbound Gardiner Expressway ramp to Lake Shore Boulevard will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Access to westbound Lake Shore Boulevard will be closed at Spadina Avenue from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• The Don Valley Parkway's Bayview/Bloor ramp to Bayview Avenue will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

A local high school student is blowing up the global beauty industry this week with what might be one of the most attractive yearbook photos ever taken.

Like, seriously, have you ever seen a teenager with makeup that's both this extra and this flawless? Aside from Kylie Jenner?

Kevin Kodra is a talented local makeup artist who just so happens to be graduating from Bishop Allen Academy in Etobicoke this year. He crafted the look below, which he described as "natural" in an interview, for his senior photo.

A post shared by Kevin Kodra 🇦🇱 (@kevikodra) on Apr 30, 2018 at 4:48pm PDT

It took him about four hours to get the heavily-contoured yet ethereal look just right, but it paid off in spades.

"Throughout my high school career, my yearbook photos were always the ones that kids would laugh at when we would get the final yearbook at the end of the semester," he said to Business Insider. "I was tired of not feeling attractive."

Thus, when it came time for grad photos, he paired his part-time passion with his academic stole and voila: "I did what makes me feel most glamorous: a bronzy, glowy look."

F2 made me tan

A post shared by Kevin Kodra 🇦🇱 (@kevikodra) on Jul 15, 2016 at 5:04pm PDT

Kodra's popular Instagram account is filled with photos of equally impressive, self-created beauty looks.

The few photos in which he wears a bare face further demonstrate how talented the teenager is at transformations, as do his next-level makeup tutorials and growing body of special effects work.

"I couldn't even get my A's straight," he joked in the caption of his now-viral post on Tuesday. "In honour of my 18th birthday, here's my senior photo... Thank you to everyone who was by my side every single day."

A post shared by Kevin Kodra 🇦🇱 (@kevikodra) on Mar 17, 2017 at 1:27pm PDT

Kodra already had a sizeable following on Instagram before publishing his graduation photo, but the attention he's been receiving ever since could very well help him launch a career in Hollywood (as planned) after high-school. 

At the very least, it's left him swimming in potential clients.

"I need you at my grad school graduation and wedding please and thank you," wrote one commenter on Instagram. "This look slays life."

"So do I get a slight discount if I book you two years in advance lol?" asked another.

4 years of pure ugly. Facetune helped a lot too. pic.twitter.com/xW3MJhcIi9

— Kev (@kevikodra) April 26, 2018

The 18-year-old Torontonian seems to be taking it all in stride, responding to fans and addressing his newfound fame on Twitter.

"Be who you want to be," he told Business Insider when asked if he had advice for other high school grads.

"If you're a 6-foot-1-inch, Albanian, bearded man who wants to wear lashes, do it," he continued. "And, trust me, it's exhilarating."

Events in Toronto today mean it's Star Wars Day! May the 4th be with you. There's also a Friday Night Live at the ROM and the first of two days for Jane's Walk.

Food events in Toronto this week has three words for you: Cinco de Mayo. There are tons of parties going on this Saturday all over the city. If that's not your thing, there's also free tea frappes and a plant-based culinary experience.

Yet another stunning property has sold on Macpherson Avenue. This two-bed, three-bath is beautiful, bright and airy.While probably not a family home—considering it only has two bedrooms—this place will definitely make a great home for a couple. 

The house is renovated in a contemporary fashion. Glass, wrought-iron, slate and warm walnut wood are seen throughout.  

I’m not a huge fan of the slate flooring everywhere, but apart from that they did a spectacular job on the renovation.

The kitchen is ultra-modern and equipped with high-end stainless steel appliances.

A south-facing balcony that has a nice view of the city is attached to the master bedroom.

The bathrooms have spa-like features, including my favourite thing: heated towel racks!

The professionally landscaped backyard is pretty cool. The house also has a year-round pool, which I’m assuming is more like a large hot tub, otherwise that’s gonna be one cold dip in February...

The Essentials

• Address: 45 Macpherson Ave.
• Type: Semi-detached house
• Bedrooms: 2 + 1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Size: 16.25 x 120 feet
• Realtor: Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited Brokerage
• Hit the market at: $2,795,000
• Sold for: $2,770,000

Why it sold for what it did?

It’s a really nice newly-renovated house in a central location with a new garage and a year-round pool. Plus the family room could easily be turned into a third bedroom.   

Was it worth it?

Considering some of the properties on this street have gone for well over $3 million, I’d say this about the right price point for this house.

King James of Cleveland and his mighty Cavaliers have taken the city of Toronto.

Welcome the beginning of the end of our hopes for an NBA championship. Welcome to Raptors extinction watch. Welcome to the recurring nightmare that is the post-2006 Eastern Conference Finals.

Welcome to LeBronto.

Toronto has a new name #LeBronto😂pic.twitter.com/N946LdIh0w

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 4, 2018

Toronto's Air Canada Centre was left drowning in Drake tears last night after the Cavs beat the Raptors in Game 2 of their best of 7 playoff series. 

Once again, for the second time this week, the Raptors failed to reach the level of excellence we saw during this year's regular season — by an even longer shot than before.

😂😂😂 History really does repeat itself #LeBrontopic.twitter.com/70VLEY7pXf

— Kendall (@KendallJW) May 4, 2018

Game 2 was a 128-110 blowout for Cleveland, unlike Game 1, which the Cavs won by just a single point in overtime.

It was a particularly great game for LeBron James, as well, with 43 points, 14 assists and 8 rebounds.

pic.twitter.com/JzUT6Kv4Pg

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) May 4, 2018

The King actually broke Michael Jordan's record last night for the most career playoff games with at least 30 points and 10 assists (it was LeBron's 16th. Jordan had 15). 

live look at the LeBron vs Raptors series pic.twitter.com/5Qktevvhsr

— LakeShowYo™ (@LakeShowYo) May 4, 2018

Bron also hit seven crazy fadeaway jumpers in the second half of the game, leaving fans shook and Raptors Global Ambassador Drake wondering if he really ever knew anything about God's Plan at all.

When Rihanna isn’t your friend anymore and you live in LeBronto pic.twitter.com/6nt8oBptDd

— Ala'a Eewshah (@AlEewshah) May 4, 2018

Adding insult to injury, ESPN announcer Mark Jones — who is actually from Toronto— jokingly renamed the city "LeBronto" at the end of the third quarter.

The nickname stuck.

LeBron James turned Toronto into #LeBronto😂😂#Cavs#WhateverItTakes
(Made by @JustinJett_) pic.twitter.com/TZ0MqyCPwy

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 4, 2018

The Cavs have now won eight straight post-season games against the Raptors.

Will the streak continue for Games 3 and 4 with Cleveland back on home turf?

made this last year. still accurate. #LeBrontopic.twitter.com/ZFe8zUkcRY

— Shake (@dopeboySHAKE) May 4, 2018

It's unlikely, but if for some reason the Raptors come out on top, we're totally renaming Cleveland. Start thinking of ideas now (Beavland?).

Cleveland is a tough word to rhyme.

Mother's Day brunch in Toronto is one of the best ways to celebrate the day. On Sunday May 13, restaurants across the city will be serving everyone's favourite weekend meal and many are doing special menus for the occasion. 

Here's where to go for Mother's Day brunch in Toronto this year.

Craft Beer Market

The Financial District beer hall will be serving up a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be smoothies, assorted salads, quiche and a crepe station. It will set you back $28.95 and spots can be reserved online via email.

Pray Tell

The snack bar at College and Ossington will have a $39 prix fixe menu come Sunday. You'll get to choose from special cocktails and tasty plates of avocado toast, noodle bowls and Eggs Benedict. Call in to book a table. 

Fring's

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the popular King West restaurant will have bottomless mimosas and sangria for $30. They will also be serving a spiced Canadian prime beef hash with a sunny egg and spicy bravas potato for $26. Reservations are still available online.

Beaumont Kitchen

If you plan on being near Sherway Gardens come Mother's Day, this is your destination for brunch. They'll be open at 10 a.m. and are taking reservations online. 

Montecito

A raw bar, carving station and made-to-order omelettes will all be on offer for $58 per person come Sunday at this Entertainment District restaurant. Tables can be reserved online.

Maple Leaf Tavern

This Leslieville restaurant will be serving a prix fixe brunch between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m for $35. They'll also be giving out carnations to all the moms who dine in. Reservations can be booked online or by calling in.

Her Father's Cider

A three-course menu for $35 will be on offer all weekend at this Harbord Village cider house. Tables can be reserved online.

F'amelia

Spend the day in Cabbagetown with a visit to this Italian restaurant. For the special day they have a prix fixe lunch menu for $39 that includes a variety of salads, pizza and pasta. Reservations are available via phone.

Mildred's Temple Kitchen

This Liberty Village spot is a brunch haven and come May 13 you'll be able to get taste of their $29 prix fixe menu. There will be fresh juice, scones and a selection of mains. There will only be walk-ins available, so arrive early. 

Bombay Street Food

Indian comfort food is what's on the menu at this restaurant near Bay and Wellesley. On Sunday they'll be offering a multi-course prix fixe brunch for $45.99 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are available online.

Northern Maverick

The massive craft brewing company, bottle shop and mega-restaurant at King and Bathurst will be open from 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and will be serving up brunch with a side of "momosas" for the day. Book a spot online.

Parts & Labour

The Parkdale favourite will have a three-course prix fixe which includes avo toast and blueberry pancakes for $25. If you're looking to book a table visit their website. 

Isabella's Boutique Restaurant

Treat Mom to a Japanese brunch in the Beaches. On Sunday they will have a $30 prix fixe menu. 

STK

Ball out in Yorkville as brunch will feature a live DJ paired with a menu of blueberry pancakes, smoked salmon, and eggs Florentine. Book a spot between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. online. 

Constantine

The ground-floor restaurant of Anndore House will be serving their brand new brunch menu from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Book a reservation online and get ready to dig into shakshuka, buttermilk ricotta pancakes and duck confit hash.

Ever found yourself thinking that there must be an easier way to get to the Scarborough Bluffs? Well, now there is! 

This Sunday May 6 the TTC is launching a bus route that will run from Kennedy station to Bluffer's Park. 

Great news for the Bluffs community and for everyone who enjoys Bluffer’s Park, one of the most beautiful places in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/0jNG1Wbs3I

— Gary Crawford (@CllrCrawford) May 3, 2018

The accessible bus service, 175 Bluffer's Park, will run between Kennedy Station and Bluffer's Park Beach every 15 minutes during the daytime and early evening on weekends and holidays.

Service will end on Saturday, October 6. That's plenty of time to enjoy all that The Bluffs has to offer and maybe snap a pic or two for the 'gram while you're at it. 

Word of Toronto’s easy-to-hack green bins and fondness for raccoon kind is getting around the animal kingdom, it seems. 

An Air Canada flight was significantly delayed at an airport in Saskatoon on Thursday evening by the discovery of a four-legged stowaway on board.

CBC News reports that the Toronto-bound flight was scheduled to take off at 2:50 p.m. CST. (around 1:50 p.m. Toronto time) but that passengers were held back "for several hours" after a raccoon got stuck inside the jet.

Raccoon is out of the plane (and running across field now). Alive and well, due to folks like this: pic.twitter.com/MLfzCYd5Wf

— Damien 🦑 (@damienlee) May 4, 2018

The curious creature was reportedly hiding in an air conditioning unit hose when workers connected it to the plane, prompting the animal to scamper up and into the jet's duct system.

Passengers were riveted by the scene as they watched workers try to apprehend the raccoon (who was presumably trying to start a new life in the big city. He was ready for the change. It was time).

University of Saskatchewan professor Damien Lee live-tweeted the entire thing from the terminal he was waiting in at Saskatoon's John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.

"Wondering what is up with AC1126," he tweeted to Air Canada around 6:30 p.m. ET, nearly five hours after he'd been scheduled to take off "Ground crew taking pictures and departure keeps getting pushed back. Info?"

A raccoon has delayed my flight to Toronto. pic.twitter.com/AafLuKrRli

— Damien 🦑 (@damienlee) May 3, 2018

Just 15 minutes later, Lee revealed that the problem had been announced.

Airport workers, professional animal wranglers and even the plane's captains tried to get the little guy out for hours, to no avail.

Lee reported at one point that crews had started taking panels off the side of the plane in an attempt to reach the raccoon, and that staff eventually told passengers "We will not be rebooking anyone. We don’t know if the raccoon is going to live or die."

Eek.

Still at it: pic.twitter.com/hT6kWSS7GS

— Damien 🦑 (@damienlee) May 4, 2018

Fortunately, the adorable creature did not die.

An animal control worker was able to get the raccoon out of the plane, according to Lee, but left with an empty carrier. The raccoon had escaped, he says, and was last seen running across the airport grounds.

For their patience, passengers were given several $10 food vouchers and discounts on a future flight.

OCAD GradEx 103 is finally here at OCADU and it's free to the public all weekend. Find out what the future of the Toronto art world has to offer and make sure you watch out for these names.

Here are 25 artists to check out at this year's OCADU GradEx.

With Ontario's general election fast approaching, PC Party leader Doug Ford is taking precautions against the threat of fake news by creating news of his own—with fake reporters, fake information and a fake network.

A series of videos posted to the Ontario PC Party Facebook page in past weeks feature a woman with a microphone interviewing voters about everything from how much they love Ford to how much they hate Kathleen Wynne.

The format of these clips is much like any local TV story—it's got stand-ups, voice-overs, b-roll, chyrons and a clear-voiced, energetic reporter.

Except the woman isn't a reporter; she's Doug Ford's executive assistant—a position that no journalist would ever even think about coming close to holding if they ever wanted to work in news again.

"For Ford Nation Live, I'm Lyndsey Vanstone," says the woman, who once entered a contest to become Charlie Sheen's assistant, at the end of each Facebook video.

A 3D-animated "Ford Nation Live" graphic then spins into frame, lending the videos further resemblance to actual news.

A total of 11 videos styled this way have gone up since April 19. The first, named "Doug Ford Calls on the Millionaires Club Running Hydro One to Resign," has racked up the most of any so far—over 1 million in just two weeks.

In it, Vanstone refers to Ford as "the soon to be premier."

Sharp viewers will be quick to recognize that the "Ford Nation Live" videos are not professional newscasts, but what about those who aren't as media savvy?

It's not a stretch to expect that some voters will take everything in the Ford campaign's videos as unbiased truth.

The lines between editorial, entertainment and political propaganda are blurry right now, and people tend to seek out only the information they want to hear.

Of course, Ford isn't the only politician to have done something like this.

In an interview with CBC News, Ford's communications director Melissa Lantsman pointed out that former news anchor Ben Chin did a series of partisan "Liberal TV" YouTube videos for the Ontario Liberal party back in 2007.

And back in 2007, the McGuinty Liberals did it too: https://t.co/fftzlRPg8j#onpolipic.twitter.com/dZwD9WjO20

— Mike Crawley (@CBCQueensPark) May 4, 2018

"It's a form of message control. All parties do this," said Carleton University journalism school director Josh Greenberg to the National Post this week.

"It's the way in which they’re choosing to do it that is unique," he continued, referring to the Ford Campaign's recent videos. "The use of a legacy-media aesthetic — the look and feel of a traditional news broadcast."

Ford will face off against Ontario Liberal leader (and current premier) Kathleen Wynne in this year's provincial election on June 7.

If it walks like a construction crane and it talks like a construction crane, it's probably not a construction crane—because those things don't walk or talk.

Neither does a new public art installation by Toronto artists Christian Giroux and Daniel Young, set to be unveiled this weekend at Vaughan Road and Bathurst Street.

That doesn't make it look any less like a crane; a colourful, overturned crane that some local residents worry will obstruct the view of drivers and cause traffic accidents.

#topoli Some very meta public art, at Bathurst & Vaughan (public art funding comes from development levies...!). Or Alsop does girders, redux. pic.twitter.com/80EtepZECj

— John Lorinc (@JohnLorinc) May 4, 2018

Called "Three Points Where Two Lines Meet," the art piece was commissioned for the St. Clair West area in 2014. The unveiling was meant to take place in 2015, but got delayed until this Saturday at 10 a.m.

Ward 21 councillor Joe Mihevc is stoked for the completion of the piece, which will be lit up by LED lights to "animate and enhance" the intersection.

Tomorrow is the official opening of the art installation at the triangle at the Bathurst and Vaughan intersection! Join us at 10am at in front of Hillcrest Christian Church to celebrate! https://t.co/YHXsC0rLMTpic.twitter.com/XLF3Od8aZV

— Joe Mihevc (@joemihevc) May 4, 2018

Some others who've seen it are less impressed.

"Ummmmm the 'public art' at Vaughan and Bathurst,'" wrote Toronto realtor Mark Savel on Twitter Wednesday. "Is this still under construction?"

"Love me some 'crane graveyard' style art," wrote another Torontonian on Twitter today. "(Sarcasm, it’s horrible!) Hope they paid handsomely for that monstrosity."

If you'd like to view the finished piece in person (or see if reports of public art NIMBYism have been exaggerated), you can do so on May 5 in front of Hillcrest Christian Church at 2 Vaughan Road.

Do you already miss winter? I don't, but I'm sure someone is wishing it was a few degrees chillier given that the city is already infested with tiny flies. 

To calm your winter woes, Ontario Place will soon be home to Toronto's first outdoor summer skating rink. The synthetic rink won't be made of ice so will be able to withstand any heat Toronto throws at it. 

The rink officially arrives May 19 and will remain open all summer long. Even better, it will be totally free to use. Skate rentals will be available for a small fee.

Ontario Place is also getting some other pretty cool things in the next few years, like a sprawling park and a beach along Brigantine Cove. 

Other things to do at Ontario Place this summer include a weekly music series in Trillium Park starting in June, the opening of four full-sized beach volleyball courts, three brand-new outdoor ping pong tables and a life-sized chess game. 

Toronto Police, the Department of Urban Forestry, Toronto city councillors and pretty much everyone who lives within walking distance of High Park are (understandably) a bit nervous about the oncoming crush of sakura tourists.

Please be respectful of the neighbouring residential streets around High Park. Please take transit, walk or cycle. We have @BikeShareTO at both Keele and High Park subway stations and along the Martin Goodman Trail. Lakeshore is closed Saturday from 8:30am to 3pm https://t.co/RIllfnQGMW

— Sarah Doucette (@SarahEDoucette) May 4, 2018

Thousands upon thousands of people are expected to visit the massive west end park starting this weekend to witness the legendary bloom of the cherry blossom trees.

The park will be packed with people taking photos on Saturday and Sunday, as will all of the parks in Toronto with sakura groves, and that's not always ideal in terms of safety or the health of our pretty pink trees.

To ensure that everyone "can enjoy their beauty," the City of Toronto's Department of Urban Forestry has published a list of cherry blossom "Do's and Don'ts."

We are expecting the #sakura cherry trees to start blooming this weekend. Many of you will enjoy the blooms in #HighPark& other parks around the city. Follow these do's & don'ts so everyone can enjoy their beauty. For more info: https://t.co/qeaKkv0TQ9#CherryBlossomTOpic.twitter.com/Z6OJY7LS2j

— Toronto Forestry (@TOtrees) May 3, 2018

Toronto Police, for their part, issued a news release to warn motorists that driving near High Park is a bad idea.

"From Friday, May 4, 2018, to Sunday, May 13, 2018, the annual Sakura Festival, better known as the Cherry Blossom Festival, will take place in High Park," reads the release.

"During the weekends, visitors begin arriving at High Park at 7 a.m., with a stream of visitors throughout the day," it continues. "Motorists can expect delays in the area and should consider alternate methods of transportation."

PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE. TAKE TRANSIT. THERE'S NO PARKING ANYWAY. PLEASE, CHERRY FANS, STOP MAKING MY NEIGHBOURHOOD A NIGHTMARE EVERY YEAR! pic.twitter.com/mVlYxlCt3y

— Аdam McDowell (@A_McDo) May 3, 2018

People who live in the area are simply gritting their teeth and preparing for the onslaught of flower fans.

"High Park is protected as the Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and  Environmentally Significant Area," noted one local nature lover on Twitter. 

"Cherry Blossom event is taking place during nesting season and disturbance to wildlife is significant. Please, remember that the park is wildlife home and we are visitors."

Sidewalk Labs hosted its second public roundtable in Toronto last night to get feedback on and share information about its forthcoming high-tech neighbourhood of the future.

A lot was said about data privacy, climate impacts and the prospect of reducing car use in the city — the latter of which led nicely into the Google-owned tech giant's announcement of something called Toronto Transit Explorer.

Similar to OldTO, which launched in March, ToTX is a free open-source map tool prototype created by Sidewalk Labs.

Samara Trilling introduces the Toronto Transit Explorer at @SidewalkToronto public roundtable. We’ll post more on it tomorrow but it’s live and available to test out at https://t.co/ulSGb6O7Fypic.twitter.com/SzLJ3LDfKd

— Sidewalk Labs (@sidewalklabs) May 3, 2018

It's not a traditional navigation app like Google Maps, though you can use it that way.

What sets the Toronto Transit Explorer apart is its focus on showing people how to best access any part of the city, from any other part of the city, in terms of time spent.

Have you ever been in a hurry to get somewhere and had to figure out "which would be faster, subway, cab or bike?" It's basically an automatic version of that, with the exception of car travel.

Users simply click on a location and ToTX calculates how long it will take them to get there by bus, streetcar, subway, bicycle, walking, bike-share, wheelchair-accesible transit or a combination of these methods.

The Toronto Transit Explorer is a prototype that shows how long it takes to get anywhere using public transit—bus, streetcar, subway, and commuter rail—as well as wheelchair-accessible transit, bike-share, cycling, or walking. Enjoy and explore! https://t.co/Re2Ldqgsmq

— Sidewalk Labs (@sidewalklabs) May 4, 2018

"Built on top of an open-source transportation router called R5, the Toronto Transit Explorer uses public data feeds from 13 transit agencies throughout the Greater Toronto Area to determine travel times, service schedules, and wheelchair accessibility," reads a press release issued Friday.

"It pulls data from Toronto’s Open Data Catalogue to generate bike-share trips, provides the option to combine bike-share and transit trips, and calculates personal bike rides depending on your choice of speed."

The fastest way to get pretty much anywhere in Toronto appears to be by bicycle as of early Friday evening, but let's be real — anyone who uses a bike could have told you that.

The crane atop the L Tower condo is finally coming down next week and Toronto's skyline will never be the same. 

For six years the small derrick crane has graced the peak of the 58-storey Esplanade building, remaining long after construction of the condo was completed.

Many Torontonians have been been confused as to why it needed to stay up in the first place, other than to add a little visual je ne sais quois to the Gardiner views.

In 2015 it was deemed unsafe by the ministry of labour and replaced, and ongoing litigation between the original contractor and developers only added to the derrick's Most Infamous Crane status. 

Since its larger counterpart was disassembled years ago, the littler crane has helmed the building all alone.

Now the management office of the condo has just announced that developers Cityzen Development Group  will finally start disassembling the crane this Monday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

While the derrick crane has never been sightly, per se, there's something about its presence that will be missed (especially given Toronto's penchant for construction cranes). 

Don't say good riddance just yet, though: according to management's statement it'll take two to three months for the whole deconstruction process to finish. 

There will also be sidewalk closures for up to two hours on Esplanade between Yonge and the Green P parking entrance, which might see the occasional disturbance as well. 

On top of that, a building maintenance unit (BMU) will be installed to take its place. BMUs are the mechanical structures suspended from condo roofs to carry human window washers or other maintenance devices: essentially this crane is going to be replaced by another one.

Construction for the new BMU will take about a month, meaning the residents of L Tower Condo won't be getting their windows at all cleaned until September at the earliest.

There's a good chance the whole procedure will take a lot longer than three months, considering L Tower was supposed to be getting its BMU last summer. 

Looks like everyone's views from the 6ix are going to see some changes this summer. 

The best late night burgers in Toronto become all the more alluring after last call. Whether you're craving a greasy burger from an old school fast food place or a Kobe burger at an upscale bar, these establishments are open into the early morning hours.

Here are the best late night burgers in Toronto.