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The Best Vinyl Record Stores in Toronto

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The Best Vinyl Record stores in Toronto are where audiophiles go to get their fix. Some consider vinyl the ultimate recording material, but many of these stores have music in other formats and lots of great music merch to geek out on too.

Here are the best vinyl record stores in Toronto.

5 - Kops Records (Danforth)

There are now locations of this standby on Queen, the Danforth, and in Koreatown. The store is named for Martin Koppel, who started it in the 70s with his own huge record collection. Find rarities like first pressings and recordings of speeches at these spots.
6 - Play De Record (Spadina Ave.)

This Chinatown store sells vinyl, as well as turntable equipment. Though it's jumped around to several locations over its 30 year history, it's remained a mecca for Toronto hip hop DJs of all levels.
7 - Dead Dog Records

This shop with locations in Bloordale and Parkdale is always happily advertising its wares by blasting music out the front door. Not the largest shop, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for lots of personality and a couple cool band tees.
8 - Grasshopper Records

Dundas West has this store named for the band/alias of its eccentric yet legendary owner that deals exclusively in used vinyl records and is open until almost 1 a.m. every night.
10 - Soundscapes

This Little Italy store has a surprising array of vinyl in almost any genre you can think of is packed into every nook and cranny. This place is also a good source for concert tickets and some solid music literature.
11 - Invisible City Record Shop

Nestled on the second floor of an industrial building on Geary, this ultra-cool vinyl shop boasts a very personally-curated range of oddball, but sensational stock. The former DJs that own the place can talk all day about the records in here, and there’s even a booth in the corner.
3 - Sonic Boom (Spadina)

This multi-level store in Chinatown keeps its formidable stock of vinyl in the basement. Well known to music nerds and the average fan alike, the range of records here is impressive.
4 - Rotate This (Ossington Ave.)

If you’re looking for fringe bands or genres on vinyl, this independent Ossington record store is the place to go for a diverse range. They also deal in a small selection of used vinyl.
9 - June Records

Vinyl by local bands can be sought out at this Little Italy shop that intensifies its focus on new and used vinyl, and also hosts performances.

This Week on DineSafe: Ali Baba's, Bosk, Burger's Priest, Hy's, Freshii, Il Fornello

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This week on DineSafe one of the restaurants at the Shangri-La Hotel got in trouble with Toronto health inspectors. Bosk landed nine infractions including two crucial ones.

Find out what other establishments landed in hot water with city health inspectors this week on DineSafe.

Bosk (188 University Ave.)
  • Inspected on: June 4, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 9 (Significant: 7, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to wash hands when required and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Hy's Steakhouse (120 Adelaide St. West)
  • Inspected on: June 4, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Le Paradis (166 Bedford Rd.)
  • Inspected on: June 4, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Popeyes (1955 Queen St. East)
  • Inspected on: June 4, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.
The Bagel House (1722 Avenue Rd.)
  • Inspected on: June 5, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Cinco Mexican Restaurant (131 Roncesvalles Ave.)
  • Inspected on: June 5, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 60C (140F) or hotter.
Japanhako (712 Bloor St. West)
  • Inspected on: June 5, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
The Burger's Priest (1120 Queen St. West)
  • Inspected on: June 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Il Fornello (2901 Bayview Ave.)
  • Inspected on: June 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Ali Baba's (901 King St. West)
  • Inspected on: June 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 1 (Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.
Her Majesty's Pleasure (556 King St. West)
  • Inspected on: June 6, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Freshii (446 Spadina Rd.)
  • Inspected on: June 8, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 60C (140F) or hotter.
Hopscotch (40 King St. West)
  • Inspected on: June 8, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to thoroughly re-heat hazardous food items.
Koek Koek (2685 Yonge St.)
  • Inspected on: June 8, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

Win tickets to Alan Cumming in Toronto

5 fun things to do near Castle Frank subway

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Hidden away in the Rosedale Ravine and the cul de sacs of South Rosedale are a handful of destinations that make Castle Frank station worth visiting. It may not be the most popular stop on the TTC map but Castle Frank certainly merits a visit, especially for the history buffs.

Here are some fun things to do near Castle Frank subway station. 

Take a walk across the Prince Edward Viaduct

Just a five minute walk east of the station, this truss arch bridge better known as the Bloor Viaduct was opened in 1918.

With five car lanes, bike lanes going both ways, sidewalks, and its award-winning "Luminous Veil", the viaduct connects Bloor Street East to Danforth Avenue.

castle frank station toronto

It takes about ten minutes or less to walk across the bridge. Along the way you'll find small viewing stations where you can stop and appreciate the beautiful views of the Don River and the Don River Valley Park below.

Go for a stroll at Craigleigh Gardens

Take a ten minute walk through the manicured properties of Castle Frank Road to reach the wrought iron-gated entrance to Craigleigh Gardens

castle frank station toronto

Once the entrance to the 25-roomed house of Edmund Boyd Osler, a politician in the early 1900s and one founder of the ROM, the property was donated to the city by Edmund's family. castle frank station torontoToday the land serves as an off-leash park where dog lovers can pass the day in ecstasy frolicking with the many adorable puppers they'll be sure to cross paths with.  

Explore one of Toronto’s secret streets

It's easy to miss the street sign leading to one of Toronto's most secretive streets– Alpha Avenue – as you walk north on Sackville from Wellesley Street. 

Located a 15-minute walk away from Castle Frank station, this tiny residential street is lined with a small collection of houses which date all the way back to the 1880s and currently act as residences today. 

castle frank station toronto

There aren't many heritage designated homes accessible for viewing in the city, but Toronto history buffs will be pleased to find official heritage plaques by all the doors here. 

See some famous names at the Toronto Necropolis

Visiting a cemetery doesn't have to be a creepy affair, especially when it's as beautiful and historic as the Toronto Necropolis. Dating back to 1950, this gothic revival cemetery is located right next to the Riverdale Farm.

castle frank station torontoThe fastest way to get to the Necropolis is to take the Discovery Trail located just to the left of Castle Frank's subway station. You'll have to descend into the ravine before heading under the viadcut on Rosedale Valley Road, which will then lead you through Wellesley Park.

Twenty minutes later you'll find yourself exploring the sprawling lands that act as the final resting place for figures like William Lyon Mackenzie, journalist George Brown and NDP leader Jack Layton.

castle frank station torontoYou can also quickly step into the Necropolis Chapel to check out the beautiful stained glass windows and admire the interior of its gable roof. 

Check out one of Toronto’s oldest homes

Not far from Craigleigh Gardens is a small affluent community on Drumsnab Road consisting of a few elegant multi-million dollar homes that round off in a cul de sac just off Bloor Street. 

castle frank station toronto

Of all the houses here, 5 Drumsnab is rumoured to be the oldest building used as a private residence in the city. Completed in 1834, it was originally built as a single-storey home before being remodeled with a second floor, ball room, and an attic with servants quarters in 1850.

This road is private, so you probably don't want to spend time lingering here, but it's a good chance to take a look at some Toronto architecture that's withstood the test of time. 

castle frank station toronto

Jonathan+Olivia store closing in Toronto after 10 years

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One of Toronto's hippest high-end clothing stores is heading out west — and I don't just mean west of Ossington.

Jonathan + Olivia will soon be relocating to Whistler, B.C. after a solid 10 years of serving up bold, minimalist clothes in an even bolder, more minimalist space at 49 Ossington Avenue.

Owners Jackie O'Brien Jones and Nic Jones announced the news on Monday afternoon, writing that they would be making the move next month ahead of their new west coast store's September opening.Jonathan + Olivia Toronto

J+O has grown to become one of Toronto's hottest spots for chic designer threads in the west end since it opened back in 2008. Image by James C. Lee. 

"As some of you may or may not know, Jackie O'Brien Jones first opened Jonathan+Olivia in Vancouver back in 2005 with the Toronto store opening in 2008," reads the announcement.

"But now her heart is calling her home and the family is jumping into a new adventure in Whistler, BC."

All existing store credits from Toronto will still be honoured both online and at the new Jonathan+Olivia Whistler locations. That's right — locations.

Along with a flagship store in the heart of Whistler Village, the team will also open an adjacent luxury store "showcasing ready-to-wear, handbags, footwear and lifestyle objects from the world’s finest — as imagined by Jackie."

The couple says they look forward to raising their son in "a pretty magical place," but first, they will host a crazy good sale.

"Both Nic and Jackie have been in this game for a very long and time and while on the ride they have amassed a personal collection of pieces that is rather special - and never for sale," says J+O. "Until now."

The Jonathan+Olivia Archives sale will take place in Toronto on July 3 and 4, while the entire store will be on sale until it officially closes at 49 Ossington on July 5. 

Halal chain Burgers n' Fries Forever coming to Toronto

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It seems like burgers are served absolutely everywhere, but the classic eat that's beloved by all seems to have missed out on the extravagant food trends that have taken over desserts. Well, not anymore. 

Popular Ottawa burger chain Burgers n' Fries Forever (BFF) is bringing their crazy burger creations to Toronto and landing at 182 Ossington Avenue, beside Superpoint, hopefully by the end of the summer.  

Not sure what to get? How about a little bit of everything with a grilled cheeseburger. 

Thought about going for Mexican, but the urge for a burg overcame you? No sweat, there's a creation for that type of hungry. 

If you're not feeling a burger that day for whatever reason, BFF also does poutine, loaded fries, hot dogs and salads. Plus simple chocolate or vanilla milkshakes. 

All the meat in this shop is halal, including the beef bacon. They also serve veggie gravy, with the option to go for gluten-free buns and vegan patties. The fries are hand-cut and double-fried, they grind their own beef and make the sauces from scratch. 

Wow, I can already smell the line.

Free outdoor concerts coming to Yonge-Dundas Square this summer

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A grand showcasing of Canadian talent is coming back to Yonge-Dundas Square this summer for 10 weeks, plus graffiti artists creating art in real time as they're inspired by the music. 

Shows start at 8 p.m. each Friday and roll until 11 p.m. There's also going to be a beer garden starting at 7 p.m. and, because its YDS, there's always free Wi-Fi. 

Here's the lineup for this free and themed concert series. 

Friday, June 29 

Playing: DJ Shub, DATU, and hey! dw
Genre: Electronica

Friday, July 6

Playing: The East Pointers (headlining), Megan Bonnell, and The Young Novelists
Genre: Folk

Friday, July 13

Playing: Leah Daniels and The Reklaws (headlining)
Genre: Country

Friday, July 20

Playing: Chloe Watkinson (headlining), Carol Ellyn, Shred Kelly, and The Achromatics
Genre: Fusion

Friday, July 27

Playing: Iskwé, POESY, and Lydia Ainsworth (headlining)
Genre: Female-led

Friday, August 3

Playing: Fujahtive, RaLion, Sattalites
Genre: Reggae

Friday, August 10

Playing: Johnson Crook, Texas King, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer (headlining) 
Genre: Rock 'n' roll

Friday, August 17

Playing: PKEW PKEW PKEW, The Penske File, The Flatliners (headlining)
Genre: Punk

Friday, August 24

Playing: KC Roberts & The Live Revolution, After Funk (headlining) 
Genre: Funk

Friday, August 31

Playing: The Dirty B-Sides and Clairmont The Second (headlining) 
Genre: Hip-hop

Someone is building a mini version of Noah's Ark in Toronto

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A group of Toronto artists and builders are in the process of creating a 32-foot-long metallic boat that can drive on land, hold 50 people at a time, feature a 10,000 watt sound system, and have its own pizza kitchen.

And yes, it's exactly as cool as it sounds.

David Fradkin, Matthew Languay and Jonathan Stein are currently raising funds to put the finishing touches on their massive ark-inspired art car and mobile sound stage.

The Ark Car, as it's been dubbed, is built around a GMC 2001 3500 flatbed truck and will eventually serve as "an interactive and mobile community art project that can act as both a stationary or roving art piece."

Translation: It will go to music festivals, concerts and art shows around the continent, similar to Toronto's original art car Heavy Meta (of which Stein is a founding member.)

"Standing 18' high and stretching 32' long, The Ark Car is a vessel of truly epic proportions," reads an Indiegogo page set up to raise funds for the project.

"Featuring 10,000 watts of sound, custom LED Nanoleaf lighting, a pizza galley, and a dance floor, The Ark promises to be Toronto's most versatile art car!"

ark car toronto

David Fradkin, Matthew Languay and Jonathan Stein make up The Ark Car's core construction team. Image via The Ark Car.

The vehicle is already operational, albeit unpolished. Its steel support structure, sheet-metal hull panels and deck flooring are all in place.

It's in well enough shape that The Ark Car was actually able to visit HyperBorea in Tamworth, Ontario last month.

Still, it's a work in progress. The team needs about $40,000 in total to "complete the transformation from the Rusty Bucket to the mythical Ark we are envisioning."

the ark car

An artistic rendering of the Ark Car's intended design upon completion. Photo via The Ark Car.

They'll do this with the addition of everything mentioned above (read: thumping audio and visual systems) as well as a unicorn ship figurehead, a ship's wheel, fog machines, fire shooters, a hut and deck shade coverings.

"With your help, our ragtag crew will set sail in Summer 2018 to Burning Man, Lakes of Fire, and other music festivals, art events and concerts around North America," reads the Kickstarter page.

"The Ark Car is Noah's Ark on four wheels. Help us build it and set sail!"


Scarborough is getting its first Asian night market

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Canada Day weekend is bringing Scarborough a three-day outdoor night market this year with food, music, shopping and more. 

On from Friday, June 29 at 3 p.m. to Sunday, July 1 at midnight, this market is taking place at Agincourt Mall and is the first night market to take place here. 

Entertainment is going down on a 30-foot stage and on June 30 there's going to be a movie night with the theme of Hong Kong Night Market. 

There will also be 20 different food vendors selling bubble tea, Taiwanese food, kebab, Mexican food, tornado fries, takoyaki, ice cream, snacks from Hong Kong and so much more.

It's not as big as Night It Up!, Taste of Asia or the Waterfront Night Market but it's still nice to add yet another night to Toronto's growing list of options.

10 things to do in Toronto today

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Events in Toronto today have a lot of talent arriving by way of the Championship tour with Kendrick Lamar. A full two-day conference kicks off to explore big data and AI, while a new LGBTQ2 Heritage Minute honours Canada's queer community. 

Events you might want to check out:

Kendrick Lamar (June 12 @ Budweiser Stage)
The Championship Tour has arrived with a ton of big players including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, ScHoolboyQ, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, SiR and Lance SkiiiWalker.
LGBTQ2 Heritage Minute (June 12 @ Glad Day Bookshop (Church))
Glad Day is hosting a free screening of the first Heritage Minute to recognize Canada's LQBTQ2 community, plus prizes and storytelling.
Paul Simon (June 12 @ Air Canada Centre)
60s folk rocker Paul Simon is embarking on his farewell tour that has brought him, and his classic tunes, to Toronto for the night.
Gags for Rags (June 12 @ Revival Bar)
Comics flex their talents during this fundraiser to help raise awareness and funds for period products, with proceeds going towards several charities.
The Text of Light (June 12 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Director Stan Brakhage was inspired to make this film after a camera lens drooped and focused on an ornate crystal ashtray on his friend's desk.
Lady Jays Sweat Social (June 12 @ Barry's Bootcamp Toronto)
Do good for yourself and others alongside the Lady Jays and female Sportsnet talent at Toronto's new gym in support of Jays Care Foundation.
Tinder Tales (June 12 @ Gladstone Hotel)
The June edition of Tinder Tales has comics telling stories about being sick on a date with everything from food poisoning, edibles, parasites and beyond.
Rad Grad (June 12 @ Artscape Youngplace)
Artscape's Community Artist Leadership Program shows off emerging talent during this show meant to celebrate collaboration and community.
Big Data x AI Toronto (June 12-13 @ Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
Data nerds, rejoice! This conference centres around big data and AI exploration with speakers, exhibitions, networking and workshops.
Hot Breath Karaoke (June 12 - August 14 @ Handlebar)
Belt out the tunes, hide in the corner, or watch the spectacle during this free game show-style karaoke take over of Handlebar.

House of the week: 25 Burnhamthorpe Park Boulevard

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Nestled in Etobicoke, this elegant Tudor home has a pretty epic backyard… it’s a golf course.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd toronto

The residence was built in 1934 and has been beautifully restored. So while it looks historic on the outside, the inside is perfectly modern.  

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoThe main floor is open-concept with a dreamy kitchen. It’s sleek and minimalist with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoIt also has a gorgeous walk-out into the backyard.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoThe home has six bedrooms and six bathrooms, so you’ll never have to fight over who gets to shower first.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoThe master bedroom is on the third floor, which seems to be a popular thing these days. I’m torn on the vaulted ceilings. On one hand I think they offer some character, but on the other hand it might seem like you’re always in the attic.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoThe master bedroom comes with a gorgeous en suite bathroom with spa-like features and heated floors.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoThe basement is spacious with a recreation room, games room, and a wine cellar.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoBut obviously the big selling point is the amazing view of the golf course from the home’s backyard. While these photos were taken in the winter, the golf course is stunning in the summer and all that nature creates such a serene vibe even if you have to deal with an errant golf ball or two.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoSpecs
25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoGood For

A golf fanatic. This home backs straight onto Islington Golf Club, making your backyard your own personal putting green.

25 burnhamthorpe park blvd torontoMove On If

You don’t want to hear the sound of golfers yelling “fore!” while you relax in your garden.25 burnhamthorpe park blvd toronto

This gorge and waterfall near Toronto comes with an unreal lookout

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In the City of Waterfalls, there is one that undoubtedly stands out among the rest: the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Located in Hamilton, this unique gorge is known as one of the Niagara Escarpment’s most amazing sights year-round.

A post shared by Elle (@ms.malagu.photog) on

The Devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation Area consists of the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls.

The Lower Falls is a small almost six-meter classical waterfall, while the Upper Falls is the main attraction to the area. This 34-meter ribbon waterfall is the third highest in Hamilton, but one of the most popular.

This amazing site was created at the end of the last ice age by rivers that plunged over the Stoney Creek Escarpment, creating the ‘punch bowl’ effect that stands today.

A post shared by Alitas (@alitas_toma_fotos) on

A number of stories circulate as to how the Devil’s Punch Bowl got its name, but the most prominent is that it was named for the moonshiners who sold their homebrews near the falls and were viewed as doing the ‘devil’s work.’

There is also a notable 10-meter high steel cross that stands at the top of the falls that was built in the late 60s. It was originally only lit up around Christmas and Easter for six weeks, but now is lit every single night.

The Punch Bowl has also been the scene of several film and TV shoots, in 1989 was the backdrop for one of Super Dave Osborne’s show stunts.

A post shared by steph ♡ (@sstephcee) on

Just a short distance from the parking lot you’ll find a viewing platform that will give you not only an epic view of the falls, but also of Stoney Creek and the Hamilton Harbour. From there, a trail descends down into the gorge.

A post shared by B. (@garage_and_thrift) on

If you plan on hiking down to the bottom of the falls, leave your flip-flops at home. The first half of the trail is pretty steep and rocky, and then proceeds up a creek to the base of the falls.

When you reach the bottom, you’ll be able to see why the Devil’s Punch Bowl is a photographer’s dream. The gorge is completely covered with multi-coloured layers of rock, resulting in a kaleidoscope of colour. You simply won’t be able to find a better backdrop for any summer road trip.

It's going to feel like 35C in Toronto this weekend

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There's been a bit of a mid-June chill in the morning and at night when the wind picks up, leaving some of us reaching for sweaters. Well, leave those at home this weekend. 

On Sunday it's going to feel like 35C in the city. 

toronto weather

It's going to be a scorcher, Toronto. Courtesy Environment Canada. 

Over the weekend you can expect some rain, but don't let it put a damper on the summer-fun mood because Saturday is going to feel like 28C. 

Looks like the earlier 2018 Summer Forecast from The Weather Network, calling for a hot and stormy summer, is coming true as well. Bring on the frequent and intense thunderstorms... 

Consider having to go to work on Monday a blessing, the forecast predicts weather that feels like 37C and a risk of a thunderstorm — possibly an OK day to be sitting inside in AC (hopefully). 

Here's how much the TTC's new CEO will make

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It's been a solid six months since former TTC chief Andy Byford left Toronto for the bright lights of New York City, and it appears as though the transit commission is finally ready to move on.

A job listing for the position of Chief Executive Officer has been posted to the TTC's official careers site, meaning that Interim CEO Rick Leary — who took the reigns after Byford left in December — will soon either be permanently installed or step aside for someone new.

Byford's award-winning shoes will be tough to fill and the role itself is incredibly challenging.

Not only will the selected candidate be responsible for literally running the entire Toronto Transit Commission, he or she will be the target of endless public anger and frustration.

That said, the job doesn't come without perks — the shiniest of which is a salary of up to $356,046 a year.

Interested? I don't blame you. But there are, of course, some specific skills and qualities you'll need to possess for a chance at becoming a person who makes $350K a year the TTC's new CEO.

For starters, applicants will need to be "financially sophisticated" and have a "successful track record of organizational accomplishment as a President & CEO, CEO, COO" or in another high-level strategic leadership position.

You'll have to demonstrate a knowledge of public policy, maintain "high visibility among the media and public," and have experience working with government stakeholders, unions and the transportation industry, for starters.

Graduate degrees in business or public administration are ideal, and you'll be required to pass an alcohol and drug test as part of the TTC's certification process.

So... no popping bottles to celebrate your fancy new job, I guess. Good luck, Toronto.

Uber pickups now allowed at Toronto's Pearson Airport

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Toronto air travel authorities have some good news today for locals who'd rather take a Lyft home from the airport than a limo: ride-sharing services are now finally, at long last, officially permitted at Pearson.

Starting today, anyone who gets off a plane at Canada's largest airport can order a regular UberX or Lyft ride to pick them up on the Arrivals Level at Terminals 1 and 3— just like pretty much everywhere else on the planet!

You see, up until now, passengers were unable to hail rides to Pearson International Airport through either app, with the exception of luxury-tier (read: super expensive) Uber Black vehicles.

The price discrepancy was significant and incredibly frustrating for ride-sharing app users who, in some cases, would walk out and away from the airport with their luggage in tow just to order a reasonably-priced ride.

An Uber Black SUV from Pearson to Union Station is currently estimated to cost up to $130, for instance, while a regular old Uber X to the same location is roughly $40. Uber Pool, which has even cheaper rates, is not yet available to order from the airport.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority announced the news of its municipally-approved "pilot project for ride sharing companies" today, explaining that it currently fields an average of 100,000 ride sharing requests per month.

"Following significant demand from our passengers, we believe that a pilot of full ride sharing options is timely at Toronto Pearson, and in line with other airports across Canada and the U.S. already offering this service," said said GTAA Vice President Scott Collier in a press release on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the collaboration of the ground transportation industry in sharing their feedback and welcome another opportunity to offer our passengers choice in their transportation options."


Free outdoor movies in Toronto for summer 2018

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Free outdoor movies in Toronto this summer make for a different kind of movie-going experience. Image yourself cuddled-up a blanket with the cool night air on your face, surrounded by fellow city dwellers in search of something that resembles the great outdoors.

This year, the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show has expanded to include Fort York and Parkway Forest Park. And while CityPlace has yet to announce its programming, here's what you can expect at these outdoor screenings happening all over the city. 

Fort York

Our first entry comes at the edge of the summer outdoor movie watching season. Part of the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show's expansion to more parks around the city, the first instalment of the Cinematic Cities series shines a spotlight on both Brooklyn and Toronto.

  • Do the Right Thing - June 17
Trinity Bellwoods Movie Night

This bike and family-friendly favourite is back again for a third year with two screenings inside the Dog Bowl, with a a bike valet service on site.

  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - June 19
  • TBA - July 3

Canine pals are always welcome in Trinity Bellwoods. Photo courtesy of @reinshow.

Movies in St. James Park

One of the more low-key outdoor film screenings is tucked away in St. James Park. There are three happening each month during summer, paired with a delicious picnic dinner.

  • Kissing Jessica Stein - June 21
  • Coco - July 26
  • Breaking Away - August 23
Movies in Liberty Village Park

Liberty Village is set to host one of the biggest superhero movies to date (and Toronto fan favourite), Black Panther, alongside two other films peppered throughout the summer starting between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

  • Black Panther - June 22
  • Grease - July 20
  • Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle - August 24
Sorauren Outdoor Movies in the Square

Back again is this neighbourhood favourite running on the fourth Saturday of every month from June through September. Included in this mini-festival is pizzas baked on-site and Sorauren Screen Play — an interactive quiz game.

  • Babe - June 23
  • Charade - July 28
  • Ghostbusters - August 25
  • Moana - September 22
Christie Pits Film Festival

One of the most popular outdoor film festivals looks to bring other cities to Toronto for the summer with the theme of Cinematic Cities, meant to showcase the urban landscape in all its glory, paired alongside works by local filmmakers. 

  • Hairspray - June 24
  • Porch Stories - July 1
  • Casablanca - July 8
  • In the Mood for Love - July 15
  • Ocean's Eleven - July 22
  • Waste Land - July 29
  • Amélie - August 5
  • Before Sunrise - August 12

The Cinematic Cities series looks to explore the urban landscape at parks around Toronto. Photo courtesy of the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show.

City Cinema

This year's festival theme is none other than Rockumentaries, shown in conjunction with the Live at Massey Hall series that will open each film. Screenings happen every Tuesday throughout the summer and are free, with chairs provided.

  • Festival Express - June 26
  • It Might Get Loud - July 3
  • Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man - July 10
  • Standing in the Shadows of Motown - July 17
  • 20 Feet From Stardom - July 31
  • Amy - August 7
  • Shine A Light - August 14
  • What Happened, Miss Simone? - August 21
  • Long Time Running - August 28
Movie Night in the Beaches Village

Spread across Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens Park is this free outdoor film series, specially tailored for family-friendly viewing. Screenings take place each Wednesday at dusk and include free popcorn.

  • Bend It Like Beckham - July 4
  • 50 First Dates - July 11
  • Beauty and the Beast - July 18
  • League of Their Own - July 25
  • Honey I Shrunk the Kids - August 1
  • Hidden Figures - August 8
  • Ferdinand - August 15
  • Blades of Glory - August 22
  • Wonder Woman - August 29
Movies in the Common

One of the city's newest parks is playing host to a round of films. Part of the Cinematic Cities series, this spot is screening a handful of flicks each Thursday throughout July.

  • Roman Holiday - July 5
  • Scott Pilgrim vs. The World - July 12
  • Cabaret - July 19
  • Selma - July 26
Cultura Festival

This big arts and culture festival is back with free programming every Thursday night in July, including music, dance and movies beginning at 9 p.m.

Downsview Park Friday Night Lights

You don't have to go very far to feel like you're out of the city at Downsview Park. Family-friendly screenings take place on select Fridays throughout the summer, starting at 9 p.m. on the outdoor football field.

  • Ready Player One - July 6
  • Jumanji - July 27
  • Black Panther - August 10
  • Coco - August 31
  • Avengers: Infinity War - September 7
Aga Khan Park

Away from the bright lights of the city, the Aga Khan Museum is hosting a free movie night as part of their Dancing in the Park summer series that includes food and a PWYC option to check out the museum.

  • La La Land - July 7
Under the Stars in Regent Park

The Regent Park Film Festival returns this summer with a selection of family-friendly films every Wednesday in July and August. Alternative dates are provided in case it rains.

  • Cinderella - July 11
  • The Tale of Princess Kaguya - July 18
  • Birth of a Family - July 25
  • Coco - August 1
  • Bollywood Hollywood - August 8
  • Sister Act - August 15

Under the Stars is part of the Regent Park Film Festival and a neighbourhood favourite. Photo courtesy of the Regent Park Film Festival.

Parkway Forest Park

North York residents are in for a treat as the Cinematic Cities series hits Parkway Forest Park every Thursday night in August, featuring Unarmed Verses, a favourite for last year's Toronto Film Critics Association.

  • Ghostbusters - August 9
  • Unarmed Verses - August 16
  • To Catch a Thief - August 23
  • The Lunchbox - August 30
Sail-In Cinema

Pull up on your yacht or arrive by foot to this floating film festival that returns to Sugar Beach on August 10 and 11. The films haven't been announced yet, but you can vote here what you would like to see. 

Not Free
Open Roof Festival

The festivities are moving to Sterling Road this year and with it comes local music starting at 8 p.m., films at 9 p.m., and food and drinks from Amsterdam Brewery and Toben Food by Design.

Union Station announces plans for huge summer market

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Union summer, the outdoor market at Union Station, is coming back this summer after a year hiatus and it kicks off on July 1 with a delicious list of vendors that'll make the market a must-visit. 

This year Union Summer welcomes food vendors Amano, Bananza, Fugo, Harry's, Mean Bao, Roywoods, Carbon Bar, The Plant YYZ, Union Chicken and WVRST

Some of the vendors also happen to have storefronts conveniently located in Union Station

The market will be open daily from July 1 and stick around for a good month-and-a-half until closing day on August 19. 

The Instagram post announcing the vendors promises more peeks into what Union Summer holds.

Historic Toronto street finally gets the attention it deserves

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This weekend, the City of Toronto's first ever Heritage Plaque District will be unveiled to the public in a mobile, multi-site ceremony that promises to leave attendees a bit more knowledgeable, and probably quite charmed.

Get ready to see the area around Dundas and Carlaw like you've never seen it before, history buffs — in the context of wartime era family life, industrial gender segregation, and a period of fantastic ingenuity among city planners and average citizens alike.

Heritage Toronto's soon-to-be-official Dundas + Carlaw Heritage Plaque District will come with ten plaques and a self-guided tour through the part of Leslieville delineated by Gerrard Street East to the north, Queen Street East to the south, the CNR rail tracks to the west and Pape Avenue to the east.

carlaw toronto history

Several new roads were created to accommodate growing car traffic after World War II in this once industrial-heavy part of Leslieville. Image via City of Toronto Archives.

The launch event on Sunday, June 17, will consist of a 90-minute, guided tour which highlights the new plaques. This tour will begin at 1 p.m. in Jimmie Simpson Park, but don't fret if you can't make it.

Organizers say that 5,000 tour brochures will be distributed throughout the district, "allowing residents and visitors to learn more about the history of the area and its transformation to an arts and cultural hub."

The plaques focus on the area's industrial heritage, and were created by Heritage Toronto with the help of people who once lived and worked in the Dundas and Carlaw area.

Wrigley factory workers

Jobs at Dundas and Carlaw-area factories in the 1930's were strongly divided by gender, according to Heritage Toronto. Here, a group of female workers are seen at the Wm. Wrigley Jr. gum company. Image via Heritage Toronto.

"The project collected first-hand accounts from the public: from couples who met while working at the Carlaw factories, to entire families who were employed in the neighbourhood," reads a release from Heritage Toronto.

Lived experiences from workers at Wrigley and the old Reliable Toy Co. factory, which switched over to make plastic bullet tips during World War II, are but a few of those included in tour materials.

"It was a very home-like experience. Everybody was concerned for everyone else," said former Reliable Toy Co. employee Yvonne Nearing in the release. 

"Every year at Christmas time, the CEO and president who were from the Jewish faith nevertheless threw a Christmas party that was to die for. They were very good to their employees."

Toronto ranked one of the most future-proof cities in the world

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Toronto has momentum, stamina and is ready to tackle the future head-on, according to a new report. 

Cracking the top 10 on a list of global cities "that have the future-proofing capacity for longer-term success," Toronto shows that at least one Canadian city is very ready for the future. 

What does it mean to have this "future-proofing capacity" you ask? It's the ability of a city to be successful in the long-term.

Research from JLL's Cities Research Center on a project called the City Momentum Index (2018) looked at 131 "major established and emerging markets" and tracked/ ranked them all according to factors like higher education infrastructure, innovation capability and technology firms. 

  1. 1. San Francisco
  2. 2. Silicon Valley
  3. 3. New York
  4. 4. London
  5. 5. Boston
  6. 6. Los Angeles
  7. 7. Paris
  8. 8. Amsterdam
  9. 9. Toronto
  10. 10. San Diego

On this list, Toronto takes spot number nine. Vancouver comes in 19th and Montreal in 26th. 

Toronto made the list of future-proofing cities easily, but was absent from the other list JLL produces: Short-Term Momentum. This just means that Toronto hasn't had a mass spike in population, economic output, foreign direct investment or retail sales. 

But it's ok, because we're playing the long game. 

Trinity Bellwoods Park hilariously mislabelled on Toronto map

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Heaven. Hell. The great grass beach. A free petting zoo. A toilet for dogs. The most magical place on Earth. The crucible of annoying millennial trends.

Trinity Bellwoods Park is a lot different things to a lot of different people, but whether you day drink there every weekend with your crew or curse the existence of slackliners while riding your bike through, we can all agree that it's a unique place.

Toronto simply wouldn't be Toronto without Bellwoods — or, as it's referred to in Facebook's official mapping system, "Neoliberal, hipster mecca."

Trinity Bellwoods Facebook

The grassy lower middle part of Trinity Bellwoods Park, popular among drum circle participants and slackliners, has its own unofficial name on Facebook. Screenshot by Lauren O'Neil.

This fun little Easter Egg was discovered by Mickael Julliard, a Toronto-based bike courier who frequents the park with his friends.

He says that he noticed it while using Facebook Messenger's live location feature, which allows you to share your exact location with friends in real time.

Being that the situation is hilarious, he took a screenshot of the map to post in a private Toronto Facebook group with the caption "Trinity has a funny nickname on Facebook's map."

And this was no fluke. Go to any Facebook event being hosted in Trinity Bellwoods right now (or the park's location page, for that matter) and click on the "show map" feature.

From far away, everything looks normal. The green patch between Dundas and Queen Streets is labelled "Trinity Bellwoods Park."

Trinity Bellwoods MapZoom in to the lower half of the massive park, however, and that name disappears.

In its place is Neoliberal, hipster mecca, which is actually pretty bang on, for better or for worse, minus the neoliberal part. 

Trinity Bellwoods Map"It's funny cause it's true," wrote one commenter in response to Julliard's post.

"That awkward moment when whomever did this didn't google the definition of 'neoliberalism' before doing this," wrote someone else.

"They're all reading Ayn Rand while eating their avocado toast, apparently."

As for how the name came to be, well... I could ask Facebook, but then they'd probably change it.

The social network has said in the past that it uses artificial intelligence to populate its maps, which suggests that at least one semi-credible source has publicly deemed the area as such.

I'm not sure where the neoliberal part comes from, but a popular 2013 Toronto parody map by Urbane did label Trinity Bellwoods Park as "Hipster Mecca," which may have something to do with the strange Facebook label.

Whatever the case, it's a funny happenstance. Funny because it's true.

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