Thanks to a streak of near-perfect weather, Toronto streets are bustling with the type energy one only sees in spring — you know, when it seems that everyone is just dying to get outside and soak up the sun for the first time in what feels like ages. People are eating (and drinking) outside, buskers are playing on street corners, and pedestrian and bike traffic has increased dramatically. In short, spring in Toronto is a good time to take photos. While we've already shared some images of early signs of the season and the annual ritual that is the High Park cherry blossoms, here's a more loosely defined collection of Toronto street scenes taken over the last few weeks by our Instagram followers.

There isn't really a set theme (just anything to do with the street), but taken as a whole, these images are a reminder that the city has come back to life after another winter. Add yours to the collection under the hashtag #streetlifeTO.

PHOTOS

Photo by Alandawe

Photo by elizabethmichelle_

Photo by this never happened

Photo by jasonfitzz

Photo by litlight

Photo by coomeshot

Photo by cheeksocal

Photo by zivanod

Photo by dflack

And just in case we need a reminder that the weather isn't always like this...

Photo by cohengilad

A bitter battle to fend off a major shopping centre on the doorstep of Kensington Market is about to enter a new phase now that developers have filed a zoning amendment application with the city.

The Riotrin Properties proposal for 410-446 Bathurst calls for an 11,458 square metre, three-storey commercial building with potential for a single store of up to 8,800 square metres on the second and third floors with roughly 10 smaller outlets at street level.

302 parking spaces would be built below grade on the heavily trafficked street. It's likely the size of the retail space is designed to target large chains looking for an outpost in a thriving part of the city.

"We do not want to see a Target or a WalMart on the doorstep," says Mike Shepherd, chair of the local BIA. "Kensington Market is one of the few places left in Toronto that you can go in there, find a lease for under $2,000 a month in a small space, and make some money as a small business owner."

"If you take that away from from everybody, that opportunity, those spaces where people can go into and try new ideas, the city's going to become a big a box store right across the board."Over the last few years, the proposal for the land including and surrounding the former Kromer Radio building has been rejected by the city's committee of adjustment and the Ontario Municipal Board.

Applying for a zoning amendment represents a new approach for Riotrin, a part of Riocan, who seem intent on bringing their retail vision to the west side of Bathurst, just south of College. So far no retailers have been confirmed in association with the project.David Perlman, a 35-year Kensington resident who represented the local area at the OMB hearings, has similar concerns.

"That section of Bathurst Street has been waiting for redevelopment for a long, long time," he says. "To take almost half the block and turn it into one suburban-style superstore will eliminate the potential for that block to be developed in harmony with the neighbourhood."

"I think it should be at the very least some kind of mixed use site ... [Riotrin] is treating it as though they've been slapped on the wrist for trying to do it through committee of adjustment and that there's nothing wrong with the plan itself, and I think that's a mistake on their part."

The developers will have to hold two community meetings as a result of the zoning amendment application, the first to be scheduled in the next few months and the other at the end of 2013.

What do you think of the proposal? Should big box retail be kept out of the neighbourhood or is the appearance of major retailers an inevitable progression in the life of Bathurst Street. Can the road as it's presently configured handle the additional vehicle traffic?

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Turner Fleischer Architects

This is London closed back in January and in its place at 364 Richmond West has arisen a new nightclub owned by the crew at INK Entertainment - the same company behind places like Cube, the Guvernment, Uniun and La Societe. So how does it stack up compared to its predecessor?

Read my review of Product Nightclub in the bars section.

The best sneaker shops in Toronto isn't an easy list to compile in a city whose shopping epicentres seem to be growing and shifting at a rapid pace. Over the last few years, the city has witnessed a surge in menswear stores for the fashion-conscious gentleman, and as such, collector items (much more common in the men's fashion oeuvre) are becoming a hot commodity. In the lexicon of cult-like apparel and accessories, sneakers, above almost all other items of collectable clothing, reigns supreme.

Sure, there are baseball caps and Japanese denim. Maybe even concert tees and beat up Levi's. But the sneaker has most certainly become an ingrained part of our cultural history since they first stepped into the spotlight in the 1980s a la Air Jordan. Whether you're a skateboarder, basketball player or simply revel in the comfort and class of a slick new pair of kicks, sneaker culture is alive and well in Toronto.

Here's a list of the best sneaker shops in Toronto.

See also:

The best shoe stores in Toronto
The best skateboard shops in Toronto

Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview at some of the places coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

• Osteria dei Ganzi is now open to the public at 504 Jarvis in the historic Gooderham family mansion. The Italian eatery is openTuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, offering a Milanese "happy hour" with cocktails and complimentary tapas, as well as, on the weekend for brunch.
• Superfood Eateries is now open at 268 Adelaide Street West, offering a grab and go selections of organic, handcrafted smoothies, breakfast bowls, lunch time tacos and salads.
• Marky & Sparky's Smokehouse will open tomorrow (Friday, May 10th) at 520 Annette Street offering pulled pork, wings, ribs and brisket for dine in and take away.
• Chocolate Brunette Pastry Company is slated to open this Saturday, May 11th at 182 Avenue Road. The dessert boutique will offer gourmet cookies, cupcakes and confections just in time for Mother's Day.
• Urban Bistro is now open at 21 St. Clair Avenue West in the former space of a combined Lettieri and Hero Burger outlet. Taking up permenant residence in the 60-seat food court are breakfast and noodle stalls along with TUM alum, Hot Bunzz offering cross culturally inspired Chinese-style buns and bao.
• Valentina, a new Latin American eatery has has taken over the site of Kensington Market's The Bellevue at 61A Bellevue Avenue.

OPENING SOON

• There's soon to be a new boutique hotel in town with the impending launch of the The Beverley Hotel at 335 Queen West. Heading it up is Chef Eric Wood (Hawthorne Food & Drink) and while he's trying to keep mum on the details, he's confirmed he'll be opening the new restaurant and lounge.
• The newest Burger Priest outpost at Queen and Spadina is nearing completion and aiming for a June 1st opening .
• Steve Gonzalez (Origin, Top Chef Canada) is slated to open Valdez at 606 King Street West, formerly the site of Cheval nightclub. The Latin American street food inspired restaurant hopes to open by the end of May.

CLOSED

• Windows are papered over at The Indian Kitchen at 394 Bloor Street West.

OTHER NEWS

• Leslieville's recently opened Skin+Bones restaurant has announced that it's on the hunt for a new chef after the sudden departure of chef Matthew Sullivan.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com

Photo from Ganzi Toronto's Facebook page

Photo by Martin Reis in the blogTO Flickr pool (see the rest of the gallery here)

Toronto events Thursday, May 9, 2013

URBAN KNOWLEDGE | A Psychogeographic Stroll Around Queen & Ossington with Shawn Micallef
Shawn Micallef is well-known in Toronto because he knows Toronto so well. The author of the 2010 book Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto will lead a walking tour around the Queen and Ossington neighbourhood tonight, passing heritage buildings and giving a condensed history of Toronto during the two hour walk. The tour begins with an artist talk by David Kaufman at Twist Gallery, where his local urban photos are on display for CONTACT, and ends at a local bar. It doesn't get much better than that. Register by e-mailing info@evelyntauben.com.
Twist Gallery (1100 Queen Street West) 7PM Free

ART | Project Art
Driving change through art, Project Art is a gallery show benefit taking place at The Burroughes tonight in support of Sunnybrook Foundation and the Odette Cancer Centre. With proceeds funding art therapy sessions for cancer patients, Project Art will feature 15 local emerging artists including a headlining performance by JessGO. Brainstorming sessions will take place throughout the night with input and designs from artist/painter Ricky Kruger, abstract expressionist Sandra Di Leo, graffiti artist PHADE, visual artist Li-Hill and abstract graffiti artist Jimmy Chiale. Check out some exciting emerging artists to fund art in the community by purchasing tickets through Project Art's Eventbrite page.
The Burroughes Building (639 Queen Street West) 7:30PM $60

FASHION | Vintage Crawl
Lovers of vintage clothing and collectibles will be on the hunt across the city tonight for Vintage Crawl Toronto, a late-night party during which local vintage shops keep their doors open until late offering special sales and deals while serving treats and refreshments. For the spring 2013 crawl, 28 vintage shops will be open until midnight, from Roncy to Kensington, including favourites like Bridge + Bardot, Pretty Freedom, Dalston Grey, 69 Vintage, Philistine and Magwood. Be armed with an action plan and a TTC pass because this event only happens once a season.
Various locations 7PM Free

CULTURE | Top Ten Event
What is one thing everyone should know before they die? Olivia Chow, Deepa Mehta, Ron James, Hilary Farr and six other Canadian legends will each take ten minutes out of their schedules to speak to crowds at the Winter Garden Theatre tonight. The topic? One thing they believe everyone should know. Showing off their personal expertise, the speakers will educate the audience in order to raise funds for Autism Ontario. Moderated by Stuart Knight, audiences will gain insights into the passions of prolific Canadians while supporting a good cause.
Winter Garden Theatre (189 Yonge Street) 7:30PM $45-$65

THEATRE | The Barber of Seville
Count Almaviva has fallen for Rosina, a girl that has been deemed untouchable because of her ward. With the help of the Barber of Seville, Figaro, Almaviva will is determined to win her love. The Barber of Seville in its 1996 adaptation by playwright Michael O'Brien and composer John Millard opens at Soulpepper tonight. The Dora Award-winning production is a fresh contemporary take on the play by French playwright Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais with the music of Gioachino Rossini. Tickets are available through Soulpepper's website.
Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane) $32-$51 8PM

ONGOING

CONTACT Photography Festival
CONTACT is the world's largest photography festival, and an annual event in Toronto. The theme of this year's festival is Field of Vision, and it includes public installations on city streets and subway stations, as well as museums and galleries. You've got plenty of time to check it out, as the show runs until May 31.
Citywide May 1-31

ALSO OF NOTE:

• CONTACT Photography Exhibit Rearview Opening
• Foxygen with Crumbs at Wrongbar
• Raja Deen Dayal: Revealed
• Life in 2030

For more Toronto event suggestions, check out these posts:

• This week in music
• This week in fashion
• This week in film
• Toronto food events
• This week in theatre
• This week in comedy
• Toronto Concerts, May 2013

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Photo of the Erik Kessel exhibit by ^ Missi ^ in the blogTO Flickr pool

Council will continue to debate whether or not to endorse certain taxes or tolls to provincial transit agency Metrolinx later this morning. The debate returned yesterday to sometimes heated discussion over whether or not to re-open the master agreement and convert several proposed LRTs to subways. There were also calls to extend the Sheppard LRT to the zoo. Metrolinx has asked municipalities for a list of preferred revenue sources to cover the cost of $32 billion in transit upgrades.

Taking a lunch break from city council, Rob Ford dropped by a nearby McDonalds to promote McHappy Day, an annual event in which the fast food company donates $1 from certain menu items to charity. During his visit Ford posed with the Hamburglar and briefly served food from behind the counter. One heckler didn't like it - "the mayor's a bum," he shouted.

Toronto's transit riders are getting a first look at the new TTC "bendy buses" expected to hit the street next year. Reddit user jdoe1369 snagged a picture of one of the vehicles fresh off the production line in Quebec. The high-capacity buses will operate on the TTC's busiest surface routes, likely 29 Dufferin, 7 Bathurst, and 85A Sheppard.

Sheppard Avenue is home to six of Toronto's ten most congested intersections, according to a new report by Transportation Services. The city division is planning to tweak the signal priorities on the street in an attempt to speed up crawling traffic. Bayview Ave. and Sheppard Ave. E. is the worst in the city, followed by Yonge St. between Highway 401 and Sheppard Ave.

Local residents are fighting to save the crumbling Mount Dennis Kodak building from demolition. The once bustling camera production facility closed in 2005. Metrolinx owns the land and plans to build a maintenance yard for the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT line on the site - it says it will keep the structure standing but doesn't have firm plans for its use. What could they do with the building?

High-end Yorkville grocery store Pusateri's could end up keeping its controversial lay-by, albeit in a smaller, narrower format. An agreement between the retailer and the city would force valets to move cars away quicker and stop it being used as short-term parking. Local councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam says lobbyists may have forced the city to revise its decision to remove the feature and widen the sidewalk. Is this a good compromise?

Finally, it was a heartbreaking night for the thousands of fans at the ACC last night. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, the Leafs were defeated in overtime 4-3 by the Bruins, giving them a 3-1 series lead. A video of goalie James Reimer's wife looking daggers at Elisha Cuthbert, the girlfriend of captain Dion Phaneuf, was making the rounds after the game. It's not what it seems, though - Reimer's wife says she was looking at someone else.

IN BRIEF:

• Partiers beat cops over noise complaint, trial hears [Toronto Star]
• Pregnant Toronto mother helps nab alleged fraudster [CBC]
• Four people injured in Gardiner Expressway collision [CP24]
• Suspect charged after man spotted with gun on TTC [CP24]

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Em Wai/blogTO Flickr pool.

This Week in Film rounds up noteworthy new releases in theatres, rep cinema and avant-garde screenings, festivals, and other special cinema-related events happening in Toronto.

NEW RELEASES

Room 237 (TIFF Bell Lightbox, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema) + The Shining (TIFF Bell Lightbox)

Ostensibly a talking heads documentary in which five cinephiles interpret and share their conspiracy theories on Stanley Kubrick's horror masterpiece The Shining, Room 237 might be the year's best comedy. In a good way. There is something undeniably tickling about watching OCD cinephiles expound their theories on what Kubrick was really up to, especially when most of them are this patently absurd. The film, therefore, is less an exposé of exciting new insights into The Shining, but rather a document of 21st century cinephilia zooming miles beyond the zenith of rationality; the auteur theory at it's most entertainingly noxious.

The Great Gatsby (Varsity, Rainbow Market Sq., Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)

Baz Luhrmann isn't exactly on a winning streak, but who can deny the appeal of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, one of the seminal works of 20th century literature, being adapted into a 3D epic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by the Romeo + Juliet guy? Okay, so I can see why there might be some reservations, but even if it is a train wreck, it's one of the most interesting and bazzling train wrecks of the year.

I Declare War (TIFF Bell Lightbox)

A nice little Canadian gem from last year's TIFF, there's a certain audacity to directors Jason Lapeyre and Robert Wilson's decision to depict a game of capture the flag as if it were a gruesome, 18-rated war picture. Not that there are any adults in the film; it's still your typical gathering of barely teenage friends playing outside on a nice day. But the weapons (assault rifles, machine guns, grenades) are presented in the film as real arsenal, and the gunfire and explosions are so authentically percussive that it takes an entire act to get used to the cognitive dissonance of what appears on screen.

Is it all a commentary on video game violence and youth's discomfiting relationships to gun culture? Perhaps that's the ultimate intent, but I Declare War works best when it isn't trying to make a statement (and also when the "drama" from silly adolescent angst goes away), and just lets us watch the most thrilling and least mimed version of capture the flag ever played.

Also opening in theatres this week:

• At Any Price (Varsity)
• Blackbird (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• Bobcaygeon (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• Go Goa Gone (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• The Good Lie (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• Graceland (TIFF Bell Lightbox)
• Kon-Tiki (Varsity)
• The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• The Manor (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)
• Peeples (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• Still Mine (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)

REP CINEMA

Remembrance of Things to Come: Works by Chris Marker (May 16-19; TIFF Bell Lightbox)

As a complement to their exhibition of Chris Marker's photographs (part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival), TIFF will present a mini-retrospective of some of the most famous and influential works by the legendary French director. Few filmmakers are as rigorous in their explorations of French politics and culture as Marker was, having created some of the most profound essay films ever made, which are often as perplexing and baffling as they are mysterious and strangely moving. In light of his death last summer, this is a welcome, (if unfortunately brief) re-visitation with his work, and is a refreshing about face on the heels of Hot Docs' unchallenging brand of non-fiction cinema.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Frida, Naturaleza Viva (Thursday, May 16 at 7PM; Revue Cinema)

"Berenice Villagomez, coordinator of U of T's Latin American Studies program, returns to The Revue to introduce this 1984 Mexican film, directed by Paul Leduc and starring Ofelia Medina in a remarkable portrayal of the artist Frida Kahlo. The award-winning production is painterly and impressionistic, aiming to capture the spirit of the artist's work, as well as present flashbacks of her tumultuous life. The film weaves together memories, dreams and images that pass through Frida's mind as she lies dying at age 47. This is a Pay-What-You-Can screening, presented for a second time at The Revue through the generosity of the Consulate General of Mexico in Toronto."

FEATURED

Toronto filmmaker Sarah Goodman (Army of One, When We Were Boys, Hidden Driveway) is currently crowdsourcing fund for her upcoming film, Porch Stories, a feature length comedy/drama that takes place in the Toronto's Little Portugal neighbourhood. If you want to learn more about the project and/or throw it some coin, click here.

Lead still from Room 237

NXT Condos seems like a bit of a strange beast thus far. The two-building development located in the Swansea area at Windermere and the Queensway features 383 suites, starting in the mid-$200,000s and climbing to $630,900, which is still on the low end when it comes to condos in Toronto.

Westside density is a good thing at this point, as is it keeps relatively affordable condo units on the market and combats sprawl. But this property is an oddity in that its interior lobby is fully furnished by Fendi. (Toyed with adding a 'fabulous' in there, but I just couldn't do it). I don't know about you, but this seems like an unnecessary stretch toward an especially weird brand of pretension to me.

SPECS

Address: 103 The Queensway
Floors: 29
Total number of units: 383
Types of units: One bedroom, one plus den, two bedroom, two plus den.
Unit sizes (in square feet): 687 to 1,521
Ceiling heights: 9'
Initial pricing: $247,900 - $630,900
Maintenance fees: $0.42
Developer: Cresford
Amenities/building features: Indoor and outdoor pools, guest suites, fitness centre with tennis court, party room, community daycare.

THE GOOD

These condos are pretty decent as far as newish developments go. They're bright, airy and open-concept, with light-filled rooms and fashionably stark white walls.

They're in a great location near the bottom of High Park and close to the Lake, so those who live there can have some much-needed green space as well as the run of urban amenities. The view is completely unobstructed (for now, at least) and it looks spectacular — especially the wide frame of the downtown core and the water. I'll take it.

(Also, community daycare FTW).

THE BAD

While some people might be stoked at the prospect of interior décor by Fendi, it's a bit over the top for me. Some people let tackiness run rampant once they make a few dollars beyond what they need. That said, it's just the lobby and buyers have obviously done what they wanted with the units themselves.

Also, there are condos in more convenient areas and closer to downtown within the same bracket. So if that's what you're looking for, you might want to keep looking.

OUR TAKE

When all is said and done, there's lots to like here. The view is spectacular, and while they're a little far west for the downtown-set, they're easily accessible via transit. All in all, not a bad spot to live. (But probably not a phenomenal one, either).

Read other posts in this series via our Toronto Condos and Lofts Pinterest board.

If you've ever basked in the glory of cardboard armour, then you've probably met Skull Man (a.k.a. Greg Sommer) the loveable weirdo that brought Box Wars to Canada, and the split personality star of the documentary Skull World. Greg looks like the kind of guy you might cross the street to avoid, but I have to tell you that if you did so, you'd be missing out on meeting a larger than life character with a heart of gold.

Box Wars, the international underground movement of Cardboard-based combat (yes, cardboard), started in Australia and has since been championed in Canada by Skull Man and his Rockers. Participants build armour, helmets, and weapons out of cardboard and tape, often making giant elaborate costumes which are ceremoniously destroyed in Braveheart style combat.

I participated in Box Wars myself in 2010, at a Toronto Roller Derby halftime show. I made a giant costume that resembled an iron, and called myself "Iron, Man", and I had only two massive cardboard fists to defend myself with. When I arrived, Skull Man immediately recognized me as a new face, introduced me to the other participants, and put me on his team for the big battle. That's the kind of guy Greg is. My costume held up better than I thought, but after a few minutes of combat I was really sweating. Box Wars is not only a tough sport, but it's a hilariously fun workout.

Skull World is not just a documentary about Box Wars, however — it offers a candid peek into the life of the quirky and inspiring man-child behind the mask. I had a chance to chat with local Justin McConnell, the director of Skull World, and ask him a few questions.

What made you want to follow Greg around for years, documenting his life?

Mostly, he's a very unique individual that I knew would be both endearing and entertaining on screen. Long before I started shooting the film I had inspiration to shoot something about him, as there's no one else out there like the man. I'm also a big fan of quirky character documentaries, and knew having access to someone like Greg gave me an opportunity others may not have. Once Box Wars started becoming a big thing in his life, there was this whole new angle to take with his story, and I knew I'd better pick up the camera and get to work.

Was there ever a point where you thought, "what the hell am I doing"?

Definitely, through the entire process. As I was making the film I'd explain it to people and would get a lot of blank stares back. I knew this was one of those movies that on the surface may not make a lot of sense to people - a "why does this exist?" sort of thing. But I also realized that those questions would be answered the moment they actually saw the film. During the first Box War battle, before it started, I had a quick moment of "oh shit, I'm actually going to fight in one of these; I hope I don't get hurt", but that passed quickly. Pretty much the moment I hit someone. There were ups and downs along the way, but the film was a fun ride to go on while making, and any moment of doubt was quickly trumped with a unique experience I wouldn't be expecting.

Who should rush out a see this film, and why?

This is a movie made for those that like their films quirky, fast paced, and bizarre. I recommend it to everyone, but the ones that have an understanding of fringe cinema and counter-culture will probably take the most out of it. Basically, you're going to see things you haven't seen in a film before, and if you're hungry for something new and different, or think documentaries are too often the same old thing, then give this a try. At the very least, you'll get some good laughs.

Any plans to battle again?

Sure. I've battled four times so far, including the one we did during the World Premiere Q&A, and I'll do it again. It's a lot of fun... a nice release of tension.

Thanks for your time Justin!

After a successful festival circuit, Skull World enjoys a limited theatrical run starting this Friday May 10th until May 16th, two showings daily (3:50pm & 9:00pm) at the Carlton Cinema. As a bonus there will be special Q&A's w/ Justin & Skull Man at the Friday & Saturday 9pm screenings.

I'll see you in line, or on the cardboard battle field.

Photos provided by Skull World

This mini-donut vendor opened at the start of May in Kensington Market's El Gordo food building. The bite-sized goodies come hot and fresh, and are dangerously easy to devour by the dozen. Just in time for warm summer evenings and Kensington's Pedestrian Sundays, this food stand offers a tasty snack for shopping and meandering through the market.

Read my profile of Lightweight Mini-Donuts in the bakeries section.

Toronto's substantial stockpile of decommissioned street signs could be up for grabs in just a few weeks if a new report gets the green light. The public works and infrastructure committee will consider a recommendation next week that calls on the city to allow the sale of disused road markers for $30, depending on the size, on a first-come-first-served basis.

"It's the city's opportunity to give you a piece of heritage," says Allen Pinkerton, manager of the signs and marketing division. "It's not to make money, it's not to be a profitable venture, it's just to cover our costs ... I really think the signs should go back to the community."

The city receives hundreds of public requests every year to buy the old metal road signs it has been gradually taking down as part of the consolidated street furniture program since 2007.

The idea first surfaced last year with a motion by coun. Adam Vaughan at the public works and infrastructure committee, but the staff report into the necessary details was bumped by other "more critical" transportation issues. The city initially thought it would sell the unwanted items for $20 each.

Toronto started rolling out its latest set of blue-and-white extruded aluminum street signs in 2007 to mixed reviews. The new reflective furniture came at the expense of the small but much-loved "acorn" signs, many of which still survive around the city. It's still possible to find painted wood or plastic examples from other decades, too.

In a typical year 1,800 old weathered or damaged road markers are taken down, and the city estimates just 5-10% of those are suitable for sale - the others are too damaged and are usually sold for scrap.Random fact: the font used on the new signs was originally Berthold Akzidenz-Grotesk Condensed, a centuries-old German typeface used by the American Red Cross, but it was switched to Clearview - the same font used on highway signs. Each new sign costs the city $80 and takes roughly 25 minutes to manufacture.

If the committee adopts the report, an inventory of the signs in the city's stockpile will be published online in between 6 to 8 weeks. Orders will be taken by telephone or by email. Which signs will you be looking for? Do you wish the city did more things like this?

MORE IMAGES:

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: Chris Bateman/blogTO

It's starting to feel a lot like summer. With patios open and temperatures in the 20s, spring looks have made way for summer ones in the form of short sleeves, skirts and summer blazers.

Check out some recently spotted looks in our Style section.

This beloved shoe store opened its second Toronto location in the Distillery District last week, and although the footwear istelf is much more, uh, progressive than its historic new location, the combination makes for a delightful visual juxtaposition.

Read my profile of John Fluevog (Distillery District) in the fashion section.

Have you download the Toronto Food Trucks iPhone app? Released to the iTunes store last month, our newest app is your go to guide to the local food trucks scene. We've packed it with photos, menu info and need to know details of all the local food trucks, as well as info on the latest food truck news, events and locations.

The app also lets you upload photos from your food truck adventures to our new Toronto Food Trucks stream that appears both in the app as well as on our web site here.

Go check it out and let us know what you think in the comments below or add your rating to the app store. Android users? We hope to have a version for you too. Sign up here to be notified once it's ready.

A special thanks to Chevrolet Sonic for being the launch sponsor of this app.

Photo by Jen44 in the blogTO Flickr pool

The long and winding road of Toronto transit took another sharp turn yesterday when a council debate about which taxes the city should recommend to the province descended into a heated debate about the merits of various subway projects. In the end, council voted not to express any preference and pass up its chance to provide valuable input.

The meeting was also marked by a lively exchange between councillor and TTC Chair Karen Stintz and Rob Ford, who appeared to be avoiding questions on how he might vote on taxes later in the meeting. "I support subways. You support LRTs. I do not support LRTs. You support streetcars. I do not support streetcars," he said. Here's the rest of the exchange.

Rob Ford called the decision not to contribute any information on taxes "one of the greatest days in Toronto's history." Ultimately, it means Toronto is unlikely to get a Yonge relief line or any of the new transit projects it desperately needs. Better buy a bike.

An elevator workers strike that has 800 repair personnel on the picket lines could have serious implications for Toronto's high rises and subway riders. Breakdowns and scheduled service work have been put on hold in many tall buildings, prompting office workers and residents in to worry about how they'll get up and down safely. The TTC says its station elevators may stay out of service for longer if they break down.

In other TTC news, the Yonge line will be closed tomorrow for signal upgrades between Bloor and Union. Riders needing to get downtown should use the University line instead. The line will re-open Sunday morning.

In case you care what Rob Ford was drinking at Wednesday night's Leafs playoff game - it was something in a neon blue cup, Diet Coke apparently. Last game it was ginger ale.

Toronto is home to 118,000 millionaires - more than Moscow, Sydney, and Chicago, but not as many as Tokyo and New York City. London-based wealth consultancy firm WealthInsight also found Hogtown is home to more than a quarter of Canada's mega-rich, and 5 billonaires. Any guesses who they are?

Rob Ford is getting praise for hiring a new photographer (or at least buying a nicer camera) from Vice. The magazine ran a piece recently mocking the official pictures of Toronto's leader. Now it seems things have improved. Check out some well-framed pictures of Ford posing with the Hamburglar and holding bags of garbage.

Finally, if you haven't done so already, download blogTO's new food trucks app and find which mobile outlets are serving near you. There are menus, photographs, and a ton of details on each vendor. Yum.

IN BRIEF:

• Police search for female witness to 'horrific' cold case robbery [CBC]
• Holly Jones remembered 10 years later [Toronto Star]
• Filthy Community Housing building sparks complaints [CBC]

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Sensory/blogTO Flickr pool.

The photos of the week collect each of the editor-selected photos of the day into one post for a contest to be decided by our readers. Sponsored by Posterjack, the photographer whose image receives the most votes will be awarded with a voucher code for a 24"x36" poster print of their work.

All the rules and fine-print can be found in the original announcement post on the blogTO Flickr page. One thing to add, however, is that the voting period ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, after which the winner will be contacted with the good news.

For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot — i.e. where and when it was taken — in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!

Lead photo by Adrian Balij

2.
Photo by Jen44

3.
Photo by Martin Reis

4.
Photo by Jonathan Castellino

5.
Photo by Black_Tux

6.
Photo by C P Bateman

7.
Photo by Brian Labelle

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events: festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

• The Depanneur (1033 College Street) presents Colombian Bandeja Paisa for Mother's Day by Cookie Martinez on Saturday, May 11th. Tickets are $40 and include mini patacones to start, as well as her mother's recipe for bandeja paisa and a selection of cookies for dessert.
• Spirit of Toronto returns to Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street) on Saturday, May 11th bringing together 100+ single malts, premium spirits, tutored tastings, live jazz, classic cocktails, and a poolside cigar bar along with a table d'hôte menu from Daniel et Daniel.
• Church Aperitivo Bar (1090 Queen Street West) hosts an evening of Wine Tasting and Italian Cuisine from Chef Sacca's kitchen on Wednesday, May 15th from 7 to 10pm.
• TIFF's Food on Film series returns on Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30pm with food activist, Anita Stewart present to offer insight to the documentary Food Inc.. Single tickets are now available for $35.
• Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West) hosts a Spring Beer Tasting on Wednesday, May 15th between 6 and 8pm in the Melody Bar. Priced at $20 per person the tasting event features four local breweries and hors d'oeuvres.

UPCOMING

• Tickets ($45) are available now for the Group of Seven Chef's Beer + BBQ Bash presented by Beaus All Natural Brewing Co.. The event kicks off at 7pm on Monday, June 17th with special guest, Anthony Walsh (O&B) alongside Scott Vivian (Beast Restaurant), Rachelle Cadwell (Dough Toronto), Matty Matheson (Parts & Labour), Bertrand Alépée (Tempered Beast) and Chris Brown (The Stop) showcasing twists on classic BBQ.
• Jamie Kennedy presents an evening with Charles Baker, on Thursday, May 23rd as part of his on going Local Food Movement Dinner series. Featuring wines from Charles Baker & Stratus, the evening also includes a reception and dinner.
• Tickets are on sale for CraveTO taking place Friday, May 24th starting at 5pm at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue). The celebration of street food and beer will feature a line-up of food vendors including food trucks, Rome'n Chariot, Buster's Sea Cove and The Feisty Jack as well as local craft brews from the likes of Mill Street, Hogtown Brewers and Black Oak Brewing (to name just a few).
• If you won't have a chance to get away for the long weekend, consider A Muskoka Weekend with Chef Susur Lee taking place May, 24th to 26th at Deerhurst Resort (1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville). Packages are available for one or two night stays ($349-$489 per person per night) and include accommodations, cooking demos and a 5-course culinary journey presented by the Toronto chef.