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Here are all the free movies at Yonge-Dundas Square this summer

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Free outdoor movies are coming back to Yonge-Dundas Square this summer to save you the price of seeing a $15 flick in theatres.

What better way is there to spend an evening than hanging out in YDS and catching a rock-inspired flick: this year the theme is "Rockumentaries." 

The movies are scheduled for every Tuesday at 8 p.m., from the end of June until the end of August, and each screening will be opened with a short from the Live at Massey Hall series, showing off live concert recordings of next generation Canadian musical talent at Massey Hall. 

The main movie lineup has been announced and, not to worry, chairs will be set up so you won't have to sit down on the ground. 

Here's a list of the films screening in YDS this summer.

Tuesday, June 26

Movie: Festival Express (2003)

Tuesday, July 3

Movie: It Might Get Loud (2009)

Tuesday, July 10

Movie: Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man (2005)

Tuesday, July 17

Movie: Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)

Tuesday, July 24

Movie: The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (2016)

Tuesday, July 31

Movie: 20 Feet From Stardom (2013)

Tuesday, August 7

Movie: Amy (2015)

Tuesday, August 14

Movie: Shine A Light (2008)

Tuesday, August 21

Movie: What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

Tuesday, August 28

Movie: Long Time Running (2017)


Announcing the new blogTO podcast Only in Toronto

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Today we're thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast. The first episode of Only in Toronto is now available. 

In this inaugural episode our host Dani Stover delves deeper into the world of chicken restaurants in Toronto. We find out what's so special about Nashville hot chicken at Chica's and try to uncover the secret recipe at Portuguese churrasqueira St. Matthew's.

The podcast is available for free now on iTunes.  You can also stream it right here. 

Watch for the next episode coming out very soon.

Harvey Weinstein horror movie to be set in Toronto

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Writer and director Brian De Palma — best known for his direction on Carrie and Scarface — has decided that his newest horror movie will be "inspired" by the Harvey Weinstein scandal (Weinstein was arrested on charges of rape and criminal sex acts) and will take place during the Toronto International Film Festival. 

To the french media outlet La Parisien, De Palma said "I am writing a film about this scandal, which I am currently discussing with a French producer...it will be a horror movie, with a sexual aggressor, and it will happen in the film industry."

De Palma said this character will not be called Harvey Weinstein. 

To Le Point, he said "More specifically, a horror film whose plot will be in a context of sexual harassment in Hollywood and which will take place during the Toronto Film Festival."

Many are criticizing De Palma for this idea, Vanity Fair saying that he joins a "growing group of (predominantly male) artists eager to turn the Weinstein story into art."

According to this interview, De Palma's producer pick, Saïd Ben Saïd is currently working on other films, so this one will not begin production "before the summer of 2019."

Win tickets to the Ripley’s Aquarium Country Night

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Saddle up your seahorse and swim on by Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada on June 15 to celebrate the beginning of summer with their first ever Summer Kick-Off Country Night. Want to attend? We've teamed up with them to give you a chance to win a pair of tickets.

Doug Ford was just sued by Rob Ford's widow

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Renata Ford, the widow of former Toronto mayor Rob Ford, has filed a lawsuit against her late husband's brother (and current Ontario PC Party leader) Doug Ford for what her lawyers call breach of trust, negligence, and conspiracy — among other charges.

The staggering $16.5 million suit was filed Friday in Ontario's Superior Court of Justice on behalf of Renata and her two children with Rob.

In it, Doug is alleged to have "knowingly and deliberately" put Renata and her kids in a "highly stressful and unfair financial position during their period of grief after Rob Ford's death."

Renata's statement of claim says that Doug did this for more than two years following his brother's death by withholding assets, funds and information owed to Rob's immediate family, including a $220,000 life insurance policy and millions more in residual proceeds.

Both Doug and his brother Randy Ford are also alleged to have "so negligently and improperly mismanaged" the family's business, Deco Labels, as to destroy its value.

Renata claims that, despite losing millions of dollars in recent years, the brothers are said to have given themselves "extravagant compensation" which included bonuses, travel, automobile allowances and other benefits.

None of these allegations have been proven in court, and Doug says he denies the claims relating to his family's business.

"These claims relating to Deco are completely false and we will strongly refute them in court," said Ford in a statement on Monday.

"Renata's lawyers have been clear to us throughout this campaign, that either we hand over money, or they would go public with these false claims, and that is exactly what they have done, with three days to go until the election."

Diane Ford, the mother of Rob and Doug, published a statement as well through Doug's team.

"It is heartbreaking that Renata has chosen to bring forward these false and baseless allegations against our family, right in the middle of the provincial election campaign," it reads.

renata ford

Renata Ford at her late husband Rob Ford's campaign rally in 2014. Photo by Christian Bobak.

"As a family, our one goal is to ensure Rob’s children are cared for and their financial futures are secure. Renata has serious struggles with addiction, and our hope is that she will accept help for the sake of herself and my grandchildren."

Eligible voters will go to the polls en masse this Thursday, June 7, to vote in Ontario's 42nd general election.

Toronto house with toilet in living room selling for almost a million

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Looking to buy a house in the Upper Annex for less than a million dollars?

Oh, it exists, my friends, and it's perfect for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of toilets... or value convenience to the extreme.

A lovely semi-detached, two-storey house on Bathurst near Davenport just recently hit the market for a cool $898,000, which seems like a steal for three bedrooms and a parking spot just a stone's throw from Casa Loma.

It just might be, if you can look past what appears to be a truly creepy unfinished basement and the fact that it's only got two bathrooms but three toilets.

Toronto-based journalist Kat Angus stumbled upon a listing for the home in question on Monday morning.

"Sometimes I look at Toronto real estate listings for fun," she wrote on Twitter. "In this $900K house… THERE IS A TOILET IN THE LIVING ROOM, NEXT TO THE FIREPLACE." Indeed, two photos shared by Angus show what appears to be a ceramic seat sticking into the room from out-of-frame.

Photos from the virtual home tour website Houssmax provide an even clearer view of the toilet sitting on a hardwood floor, adjacent to the fireplace, with a small, tiled shower space wedged in between.

Toronto toilet house

A mini-fridge, couch and TV could turn this main-floor living room into a self-contained, albeit very open and tiny, living space. Image via Houssmax.

After seeing the shower tiles, I was certain that this couldn't be an actual living room. Maybe it's just a fancy bathroom with its own fireplace? 

And yet, "living room" is exactly what its referred to in the floor plan for 1231 Bathurst Street.

1231 bathurst sale

It's not often that living rooms come with a toilet, as seen in the floor plans of this $890,000 house on Bathurst. Image via Houssmax. 

In response to Angus' tweet, Torontonian Robyn Urback noted that this was the second such open-toileted house she'd seen in just a few weeks.

So, what's going on here? Why would someone have a toilet in the living room? Is this a random coincidence, or are we witnessing the beginning of a wider trend? (Uh, no.)

Lots of people weighed in with their thoughts on Monday afternoon via Twitter, referencing The Simpsons and joking about fireplace logs, but the most logical explanation came to Angus from Toronto digital marketing professional Noelle Pittock.

"This is actually something that happens often if a senior is living there, and there is no main floor bathroom," wrote Pittock on Twitter. "Instead of them moving to a home, they install a toilet on the main close to wherever the existing plumbing allows."

So there you have it — someone may have put a toilet in the living room for the purpose of accessibility. 

It's up to whoever moves in next to decide whether the toilet stays, goes, or gets turned into some sort of art piece.

As Pittock joked, "you never know with Toronto real estate..."

10 things to do in Toronto today

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Events in Toronto today include a group art show inside of one of the city's biggest breweries, plus several musical performances and a fundraiser for LGBTQ+ people facing difficult circumstances.

Events you might want to check out:

Pulse (June 5 @ Steam Whistle Brewing)
Six recognized Canadian artists will be premiering their works at this free opening reception featuring beer, food and live music.
The Wonder Woman Show (June 5 @ Social Capital Theatre)
Female-identifying comedians come together for a night of solo stand-up with proceeds donated to Sistering, a trans-inclusive drop in centre.
In-visible Wounds (June 5 @ Gallery 50)
Artist Winnie Wu takes us on a trip to China in an effort to explore the one-child policy's impact on the country, using a variety of mediums.
Ski Mask The Slump God (June 5 @ Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Pop off with Florida rapper Ski Mask The Slump God who's been carving out a spot for himself as a strong contender in the international rap scene.
Good Enough Live Band Karaoke (June 5 @ Handlebar)
If you've ever dreamt of being the singer of a band, this might be your shot at stardom as musicians play the hits while you belt them out.
Pianos Become the Teeth (June 5 @ Lee's Palace)
A new wave of post-rock and screamo evokes a gentler tone with Pianos Become the Teeth, still hot off the release of their newest album "Charisma".
Daryl Hall and John Oates (June 5 @ Air Canada Centre)
80s superstars Hall & Oats have had their hits land with a new generation of listeners, and are in to rock out alongside Train.
Freedom Party (June 5 @ Thompson Hotel)
The fifth editor of Freedom Party looks to raise funds in support of Rainbow Railroad and its efforts to help LGBTQ+ people who are targets of violence.
Curious Minds Further Viewing: Rebel Without a Cause (June 5 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
The 1955 film that stared James Dean and spawned teenage angst gets a closer look with a conversation about how it changed American adolescence forever.
RioT (June 5-26 @ Comedy Bar)
Looking to embody the changing landscape of comedy, RIOT centres around a rotating cast of female identifying and non-binary performers.

Zipline next to Niagara Falls this summer

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Many consider Niagara Falls one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, and they’re not wrong.

The Canadian Horseshoe Falls, located just 90 minutes outside Toronto, attracts over 30 million visitors every year who come from all over the world just to catch a glimpse of its unreal beauty.

Now you can experience the falls from an entirely new perspective: by ziplining alongside it! WildPlay specializes in activities catered to the adrenaline junkie and this new ziplining course definitely delivers.

You honestly won’t be able to beat the views from atop the zipline. Can you imagine flying past the famous Maid of the Mist?

A post shared by Jeffrey P (@jeffreynyc) on

Dangling from 220 feet, the four parallel ziplines can get you speeding up to 70 km per hour along the edge of the falls observation landing.

And if you’re feeling anxious because you’ve never ziplined before, don’t worry because it’s completely fool proof.

A post shared by Trixy Duco (@xotrixy) on

First, you’ll be placed into a seated harness and the guides will do all the prep work. Then you’ll hang out in the gated landing at the top, and once the four lines are clear, the gates will open and the guides will release you to shoot down the lines.

The zipline runs from now until October, so make sure to get it onto this year’s bucket list before it’s closed for the season.

Once your feet have returned back to earth, be sure to check out the other activities in this adult’s playground — like the newly opened Mario-Kart inspired race track, or get some exercise in on this epic waterfront boardwalk.


Someone totally destroyed a GoodLife gym in Toronto

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Hell hath no fury like a lifter scorned at the Liberty Village GoodLife, it seems.

Video footage is circulating today of an irate (and very strong) woman going on a rampage of sorts through one of Toronto's busiest downtown gyms.

Three separate clips posted to Instagram on Monday show the gymgoer throwing free weights at a mirror, smashing a treadmill with a barbell, and arguing with a gaggle of increasingly agitated fitness bros before she is escorted out by staff.

Toronto-based rapper Troy Joe was able to film parts of the incident, which took place on Sunday, as well as snap a photo of an obliterated window close to where the treadmill was destroyed.

"When you're not summer body ready and it's already June!" he joked in the caption of his post, noting in the comments that he had no idea what prompted the woman's actions.

"I made sure I was on my toes when she walked by!" Joe replied to one commenter who had hailed his bravery for recording the scene. "She wasn't playing around."

Goodlife fitness destroyed

A GoodLife member who was working out at the time of the incident snapped this photo after a window was allegedly smashed. Image via Troy Joe.

The popular Instagram account Parkdale Life reposted a few of Joe's videos last night, writing "TO BE FAIR: It's Liberty Village GoodLife. And if you know you know."

Judging by the comments on that post (and my own seven years of experience going to that gym), it's easy to get miffed at the LV GoodLife. Too many steroids people, not enough space.

Still, the woman appears to have destroyed a significant amount of property at the gym, which is not very cool or even a little bit legal.

A Liberty Village GoodLife employee confirmed that the woman was arrested and taken away by police as a result of the incident on Sunday.

The reasons for her attack are yet unknown, though members who were present at the time suggested to the employee that she may have been suffering from mental health issues.

Long shuttered Toronto cinema is finally about to re-open

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The famous Art Deco cinema that has been dark since 2006 is set to open soon, following a lengthy and large-scale renovation. 

That's right, Toronto: the Paradise Theatre is set to open later this year. 

In 2015, we reported on plans— approved by city council that May — to restore the building as a multi-purpose space, with the cinema space still intact. 

This morning, the Paradise on Bloor social media accounts posted a stream of updates to the delight of community members who've been waiting quite a while. 

paradise theatre re open

A photo from the inside of Paradise Theatre during the extensive renovations, the orange tarps are down for lead paint removal. Courtesy Paradise Theatre's Twitter account. 

Upon re-opening, the plan is that the Paradise will be "presenting a curated mix of newly released films, older classics, undiscovered gems, themed seasons and event cinema," along with live music, comedy, talks and "multi-arts events."

paradise theatre re open

A photo from the inside of Paradise Theatre during the extensive renovations, complete with blueprints that are just a little too obscure to make out. Courtesy Paradise Theatre's Twitter account. 

There's also talk of theatre-goers being able to take advantage of in-seat dining on the theatre balcony, a restaurant, cocktail bar and lobby with a "unique food and beverage selection"... so no ordinary movie snacks here.

The restaurant, according to the Paradise's Instagram page is called Osteria Rialto and is to be run by Basilio Pesce in a space that was once occupied by a grocery store.

The website for Paradise Theatre has a marquee that says "COMING SOON," perhaps a throwback to all those years ago when the marquee  advertised "FOR LEASE." 

TTC buses evacuated due to suspicious package

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A Toronto Police investigation threw a major wrench in this morning's rush hour commute by forcing TTC passengers off buses and out of subway stations in the city's west end.

Toronto's transit agency announced at 8:42 a.m. that service was being suspended on Line 2, in both directions, between Islington and Kipling stations due to police activity at the latter station.

A short time later, passengers started reporting on Twitter that they were being kicked off buses on the 45 Kipling route.

The TTC said a short time later that "select 45E Kipling buses [were] being held for Toronto Police investigation."

Customers on offloaded buses expressed confusion online, as did customers who'd been booted from Kipling Station or found themselves locked out upon arrival.

"Where are the buses? Still locked out of Kipling. Drivers have no information," wrote one commuter. "No one outside telling anyone anything."

"You need to communicate with the station staff at Islington as to the status of the buses," wrote another. "People are getting frustrated without information!"

The TTC notices Twitter account announced that the subway delay at Kipling station had cleared around 9:30 a.m., but that bus service would still be a bit slow for some time.

"Customers can expect delays on 45 Kipling route, as a result of the earlier Toronto Police investigation," reads the account's most-recent tweet. "Efforts are underway to restore regular scheduled service."

At least a few passengers who were affected by the delay were told something about a bomb threat, though this has not been confirmed by the TTC.

"There was a suspicious package found on a bus," said TTC spokesperson Stuart Green when asked about the offloading.

"Police take over and make the decisions around public safety and evacuations."

Canada's Wonderland caught up in election sign controversy

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A Toronto-area teenager is learning the hard way this week that it's never a good idea to destroy someone else's property on camera, especially while wearing a work uniform with your name tag on it.

Marisa Maslink, an outreach coordinator for Canada's Conservative Party, posted a video ripped from Snapchat to her Twitter account late last week.

In it, a young man is seen uprooting an election sign for Thornhill PC candidate Gila Martow and then putting it in the trunk of a car — but not before punching the sign four times while mugging for the camera.

The young man, who is 16 according to YorkRegion.com, is then seen laughing while he bends the metal frame that had been holding up the sign.

"Hey @WonderlandNews - looks like one of your employees thinks it's cool to break Ontario election laws by tearing down a @GilaMartow sign and posting it to Snapchat," wrote Maslink on Twitter to the teen's apparent employer.

"Is this the position of your park?"

The popular theme park in Vaughan tweeted back that it would be "looking into" the matter.

"Canada's Wonderland does not condone the actions of the associate," said a representative for the company to YorkRegion on Saturday. "He has been suspended pending an investigation."

Reaction to the young man's actions, and in turn to Maslink's action of reporting him so publicly, has been steady and heated.

"It's called theft and mischief! Both are criminal offences. The cops should be paying him a visit," said one of the many commenters on Maslink's tweet.

"We'll be watching to see if you do the right thing and relieve this criminal from his duties," tweeted somebody else at Wonderland. "His actions are not only criminal but they stoke the social divisiveness these radicals are spreading throughout our communities."

"Well, I for one thought the KID was silly and immature," countered another local Twitter user. 

"He's young so I hope he gets a talking to and learns his lesson," he continued. "Would be a shame for the kid to lose his job over what is obviously intended as an attempt at humour. Flog him? Tar and feathers maybe?"

"It's almost like young people just hate the conservatives," joked another to Maslink. "But good luck getting that kid fired :)"

Where to vote in Toronto for the Ontario election

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Where to vote in Toronto for the Ontario Election on June 7 is important to know whether you're voting for the first time and trying to figure out where you can vote based on your electoral district, or whether you're a seasoned voter who has recently moved. 

The easiest way to figure out where to vote, and what electoral district you're in, is by heading to the Elections Ontario Voter Information Service webpage and typing in your postal code.

From there you'll be told what district you're in and will be presented with three boxes that give the options of learning how to vote on election day, where to vote ahead of time (not applicable after June 6 at 6 p.m.) and more about the candidates in your electoral district. 

Clicking on the "Vote on Election Day" box delivers you to a page that has the location of where you can vote on election day, the time frame you can vote within, the candidates in your electoral district and the option to add an election day calendar reminder. 

Before voting on June 7, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., be sure to complete the Voter's Checklist outlined by Elections Ontario.

In addition to knowing where to vote, when to vote and who to vote for, this includes making sure you're registered to vote and that you have the right forms of I.D. to vote. 

If  you can't make it out on election day, there's still time to vote in person before election day. To find out that info you'll go back to the Elections Ontario Voter Information Service webpage and type in your postal code.

From there, select the "Other Days and Ways to Vote" box, then "Vote in Person Before Election Day" and you'll be directed to your returning office, where you can cast a ballot in advance.

You'll also be shown options for voting at other locations, but the only option left — given the closeness to the election — is your returning office. 

An important note is that in-person voting at returning offices ends tomorrow,  June 6, at 6 p.m. 

Last, but certainly not least, did I mention already that it's important to exercise your right to vote? So, take this information and go do that. 

House of the week: 30 Longwood Drive

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This West Coast design-inspired house near York Mills and Leslie is architecturally stunning. I love the clean crisp lines and massive windows that flood the place with natural light.

30 longwood drive toronto The main floor is open plan, with each room flowing effortlessly from one to the other.

30 longwood drive torontoThe kitchen is sleek and modern with high-end appliances. It’s also big enough so that the entire family can comfortably mill about and not be totally on top of each other.

30 longwood drive torontoMy favourite room is the library: while it’s very minimalist, it has one of those bookcase ladders so anyone can act out that iconic scene from Beauty and the Beast.

30 longwood drive torontoUpstairs are the bedrooms. There’s five of them, so if you have a large family no one has to share if they don’t want to. Plus they're all nice and spacious.

30 longwood drive torontoThe master bedroom has a six-piece spa-like en suite bathroom and walk-in closet. I have to say I’m not a fan of the weird granite tile wall in the middle of the bedroom, but apart from that it’s decent.

30 longwood drive torontoThe basement provides plenty of living space and more room for kids to run around. It boasts a rec room, theatre room, a guest bedroom and bathroom.

30 longwood drive torontoThe best part of the house is the backyard, which has a resort-like saltwater pool and a playground. It’s a child’s backyard dream come true!

30 longwood drive toronto Specs
  • Address: 30 Longwood Drive
  • Price: $5,795,000
  • Lot Size: 66 x 151.77 feet
  • Bedrooms: 5+1
  • Bathrooms: 7
  • Parking: 6
  • Walk Score: 64
  • Transit Score: 61
  • Listing agent: Barry Cohen
  • Listing ID: C4148309
30 longwood drive torontoGood For

A large family who will take full advantage of that epic backyard pool and playground. Despite its minimalist design this house just seems made for a family with loads of kids.

30 longwood drive torontoMove On If

You’re not a fan of West Coast design. It can come across a little boxy and boring to some. So, if you’re more of a fan of Victorian or Georgian style homes this place isn’t for you.

30 longwood drive toronto

This might be the most Toronto mural ever

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Rob Ford, Gord Downie, and a raccoon who dreams of donuts just helped one of Toronto's most prominent street artists finish off a masterpiece that he's been working on since last summer.

Called Toronto Tribute, the massive mural by Uber5000 can be found on the side of a three-storey building between Rush Lane and Richmond Street, just east of Portland in an area known colloquially as "graffiti alley."

The artist had finished painting most of it by August of 2017, prompting a rash of news coverage as locals and tourists alike gathered to play Where's Waldo with notable Toronto characters and events.

"I painted this Toronto Tribute last summer, but have been prevented from finishing the bottom of the mural until last weekend," wrote Uber5000 on Instagram this week. "I'm happy to finally post a finished photo."

Much of the mural looks the same now as it did last summer. Drake still sits atop the CN Tower while Darwin the Ikea Monkey climbs up to see him, Godzilla style.

Crane Girl can be seen chilling on a crane, Dart Guy smokes a cigarette next to a giant Sam The Record Man-style disc, and what appears to be an Ornge air ambulance hovers overhead, piloted by Uber5000's own yellow bird mascot (which you should definitely recognize if you've walked through an alley in Toronto over the past 5 years).

New to the mural is a portrait of deceased Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie wearing a Jaws T-shirt, a raccoon wearing a "YYZ" hat with donuts on his mind, and late former Toronto mayor Rob Ford.

Ford is portrayed riding a moose, saying "har har har." A shadowy figure has also been added to one of the windows on a building behind him. Is it death? Is it Doug? Is it Sandro Lisi? Hard to say.

Uber5000 told The Star last year that this piece was meant to fit with the coral reef murals he'd painted nearby back in 2012.

You can see those massive murals and more of the artist's work here, or by looking for portraits of Uber5000's dog Hubble around town.


Toronto arts and community hub damaged by fire

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Sad news for the arts community as it's been announced that the fire that damaged a Regent Park arts hub last week is allegedly being investigated as arson.

Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas Street East "suffered limited fire and smoke damage" on May 30, according to a press release. Parts of the first and second floors are water damaged after the building's sprinkler system was activated.

Great start to the morning /- fire last week at @danielsspectrum

A post shared by Cate Creede (@fieldpoppy2) on

According to Daniels Spectrum, "local fire and police departments are investigating the incident, and have confirmed they suspect arson as the cause."

A tweet was sent on May 30 (the day of the fire) by the @tofire account, an account that tweets updates when fire trucks are dispatched, reported that trucks were responding to an alarm at a commercial/ industrial building exactly in the area of Daniels Spectrum around 3:56 a.m. on May 30.

The press release says that the building has been closed to the public since May 30 and the tenants of Daniels Spectrum are working on alternative arrangements for programming that has been impacted. 

"Daniels Spectrum was born six years ago out of love for Regent Park, and in celebration of inclusivity," said Artscape CEO Tim Jones in the press release. "Last week’s senseless act will not diminish this love and embrace, but will ultimately strengthen Daniels Spectrum and its community of partners and supporters."

Spaces that needed repair after the incident were Ada Slaight Hall, Native Earth’s Aki Studio and the Regent Park School of Music. Some spaces re-opened on June 3 with "limited access to staff, some tenant organizations and Centre for Social Innovation members and visitors."

Daniels Sepctrum, as a whole, will be re-opened in phases as work is completed — Native Earth’s Aki Studio should have programming up and running in July and Ada Slaight Hall is expected to open at the beginning of July.

The news of this fire comes after a devastating fire at downtown's Walnut Studios last month destroyed "hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of artwork." 

Here's what's replacing Casa Coffee in Kensington Market

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Fans of the Kensington Market mainstay Casa Coffee were crushed last month to learn that their favourite corner café slash bulk food shop would be closing its doors for good after 55 years in business.

It was unclear, at the time of its May 31 closure, what would become of the coffee and candy emporium's corner space at Augusta and Baldwin avenues.

A few days later, we have our answer, and it has nothing to do with condos.

Canadian cannabis rights activist Jodie Emery (oft-dubbed the "princess of pot") announced on Instagram Tuesday that she will be launching a hemp-themed cafe called Jodie's Joint in the space left behind by Casa Coffee, complete with the former occupant's blessing and support.

A post shared by Jodie Emery (@jodieemery) on

"I'm honoured to have been chosen as the inheritor of a cornerstone landmark, where 'Casa Coffee' operated for decades in the heart of Kensington Market," wrote Emery on Instagram in announcing the business. 

"It's a privilege to be able to carry on the corner cafe tradition that Ozzie and his family have built up for more than half a century."

Emery stressed in her post that Jodie's Joint will not be a dispensary, and that no cannabis products will be sold there until legally permitted.

"While I am most well-known for cannabis legalization activism, this cafe is focused on offering my other personal passion: great coffee!" she wrote in another post on the new cafe's Instagram page.

That said, she wrote that "Jodie’s Joint is also a form of community advocacy, by aiming to normalize cannabis hemp alongside already-normalized coffee culture."

Emery says her intention is to keep the space a welcoming place to engage with locals and tourists, in fitting with how Casa functioned since 1963.

"It's an honour and pleasure to join the many diverse shops, restaurants, cafes and businesses that make Kensington Market so special to so many people," she wrote.

Jodie's Joint is expected to open sometime this summer.

Toronto Tourism is now using Drake's face to promote the city

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Here's something middle-aged American business people like to do during industry conference luncheons: Pose with the fake heads of famous Canadians like Justin Trudeau and Drake.

No further proof of this is needed than a quick scroll through the #WEC19 hashtag, which popped into my Twitter feed earlier today attached to dozens upon dozens of photos featuring cutouts of The 6ix God's face on a stick — all of them taken in Indianapolis.

It would appear as though Tourism Toronto hosted a lunch event on Tuesday at the Indiana Convention Center as part of MPI's annual World Education Congress (WEC) conference.

The four-day-long conference takes place in a different venue each year, it seems, attracting thousands of meeting and event planners (along with tourism dollars) to whichever city happens to be hosting it.

Next year, that city will be Toronto.

To get attendees stoked for next year's conference and, presumably, to drive up attendance, Tourism Toronto threw what's described on the conference's agenda as a "WEC19 Preview Luncheon."

Photos of the menu show that attendees were served such authentic dishes as maple salmon, butter tarts and "Canadian salad with apple cider and garlic vinaigrette."

More excitingly, they were also gifted cute cutout props to take selfies with: Blue Jays hats, TTC streetcars, the Toronto sign at City Hall, Maple leaf spectacles, and of course, Drake's face.

You've got to admit, it's pretty touching to see so many people in another country getting jazzed over our home and native land (and that you'd probably do the same thing if given access to those masks.)

Tourism Toronto appears to have held a contest at today's luncheon in which attendees could tweet about #WEC19 in exchange for tickets to next summer's event, hence all the photos.

Brilliant move, I say, using the faces of our only two famous people to drive interest in the city.

The concept is kind of close to something seen in Season 2, Episode 7 of Donald Glover's Atlanta, but great minds do think alike — and nobody has a monopoly on the image of Drake. Not even Drake.

How to vote in the Ontario election

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How to vote in the Ontario election in 2018 is what's bound to be on your mind once you've figured out where to vote in Toronto in the Ontario election

Here's a list of questions, and answers, that should help you master this whole voting thing. 

When can I vote in the Ontario election?

You can vote right now via advanced voting — as long as it's between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. before or on June 6 — or you can vote on the day of Thursday, June 7 (election day) between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Something to keep in mind: just because there's early voting, doesn't mean there's such a thing as "late voting."

Where do I vote?

We have a handy guide that tells you all about figuring out where you can vote within the time frame mentioned above. 

Do I need to register to vote?

You can check if you're already registered to vote using the Elections Ontario e-registration. As of now, you can't add or update you information on the Voters List online, but if you need to make changes you can do it in person when you go to vote. 

What ID do I need to vote in Ontario?

To vote you need one piece of identification that has your name and residential address on it, as well as voting card (if you have it).

Acceptable ID — per the Elections Ontario list— includes an Ontario driver’s licence, Ontario photo card, Ontario motor vehicle permit, a statement of government benefits, CNIB ID, band council identification, bank statement, credit card statement, loan statement or agreement, utility bill, cell phone bill, insurance policy or statement, hospital record or document, residential lease, mortgage agreement or statement, cheque stub, T4 slip or pay receipt, school admissions letter, transcript or report card, or a school tuition or fees statement. 

Can I vote without a voting card?

Yes, your name just may not be on the Voters List. Bring your one piece of identification, with your full name and residential address, to your voting location. 

Can permanent residents vote?

In order to vote in the Ontario election you need to be all of these things: at least 18 years old on election day, a Canadian citizen and a resident of Ontario. Permanent residents cannot vote in the Ontario election. 

Who should I vote for?

That's up to you! When you're looking up where your voting location is, you can take a look at the candidates in your electoral district and be sure to take a look at the platforms of the parties that they are representing.

The race is between Andrea Horwath (NDP), Kathleen Wynne (Liberal), Doug Ford (Progressive Conservative) and Mike Schreiner (Green Party). The Toronto Star has an excellent primer on their platforms

10 things to do in Toronto today

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Events in Toronto today have a lot going on to get you through the rest of the week. Luminato takes over the city with performances, talks and art events abound, all while Thirty Seconds to Mars takes the stage. There's a screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey and a big patio party.

Events you might want to check out:

Thirty Seconds To Mars (June 6 @ Budweiser Stage)
Jared Leto and company are hitting the Budweiser Stage alongside indie stars Walk the Moon, MisterWives and Joywave.
Patio Grand Opening Party (June 6 @ Good Son (Assembly Chef's Hall))
Chef's Hall is heating up for the summer with a party on the patio, including entertainment, sangria, margaritas and frose specials on tap.
The Music of Nujabes (June 6 @ 218 Augusta Ave)
A celebration of the life and music of Japanese producer Nujabes gets the live treatment, featuring multiple artists, food and good vibes.
The Wonder Years (June 6 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Pop punk rockers The Wonder Years get things moving with their high-octaine tunes, performed alongside Tigers Jaw, Tiny Moving Parts and Worriers.
David Chariandy on I've Been Meaning To Tell You (June 6 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Award winning author David Chariandy discusses his new book that centres on questions of masculinity, family, race and identity.
Bernice (June 6 @ The Drake Hotel)
The Toronto sound project with a heart of gold is releasing a new album full of interesting sounds set behind the soulful singing of Robin Dann.
Intersection (June 6 @ Social Capital Theatre)
Singers, actors and dancers take the stage to explore the intersections of race, sexuality, gender, faith, ability and class.
Confabulation (June 6 @ Burdock)
The Summer Love edition of Confabulation centres on true stories of the season, the people and the places we long for.
2001: A Space Odyssey (June 6-14 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Stanley Kubrick's futurist comedic masterpiece gets a 70mm print screening for all the cinephiles, culture snobs and Kubrick stans out there.
Luminato (June 6-24 @ Various Venues)
This huge arts, theatre and music festival kicks off today at venues all across the city and includes special performances, talks and more.
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