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Friday, August 30, 2019

This is when the first Chick-fil-A location is opening in Toronto

The oh-so-controversial opening of Toronto's first Chick-fil-A location has been imminent for a while, but now we finally have an exact date. 

The fried chicken spot at 1 Bloor Street East will officially open its doors at 10:30 a.m. on Fri., September 6. 

The restaurant's Canadian website is officially live and includes the opening date announcement, a full menu with prices and more. 

The opening will likely be met with protesters, as many are preparing to boycott the chain for its financial ties to anti-LGBT hate groups. 

But the some of the city is also anxiously awaiting the opening, eager to try the fast-food spot's famous original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. 

Whichever side you're on, the opening of Toronto's first Chick-fil-A location definitely has the city talking — and the drama is likely to continue once the restaurant opens next week.


by Mira Miller via blogTO

People are already mad at the Toronto Air Show and it hasn't even happened yet

It's that time of year again, Toronto: The days are getting shorter, the kids are gearing up for back-to-school and only one long weekend stands between us and the month of September.

If you were already in your feelings about the CNE's arrival earlier this month, the late-August fair's departure will surely bring you down even more — and there's no way to ignore the fact that it's happening thanks to the resounding "whoosh" of fighter jets.

With the last weekend of the CNE comes the annual Toronto Air Show, now in its 70th year.

Members of the Red Arrows, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and other famous aviatory athletes will take to the skies every day between August 31 and September 2 from noon until 3 p.m.

It will be loud, as you well know if you've lived anywhere within roughly a 3-kilometre radius of Exhibition Place during this time of year.

It's already quite loud as of Friday with pilots practicing overhead and, despite the fact that it doesn't officially kick off until tomorrow, Toronto residents are already expressing their disdain for the air show.

"People griping about the air show on Twitter" is a legit thing that we've come to expect...

And, in some cases, make fun of.

Many critics assert that the airborne event glorifies war weaponry.

Others raise concerns about the noises and how they might be perceived by those who aren't aware of the air show's existence.

Others still worry about their pets, many of whom hate the incredibly loud noises of planes zipping overhead.

And yet, for all of its detractors, the airshow still has plenty of support among both organizers (clearly) and members of the public.

"OK, Toronto, controversial tweet. I love the airshow," wrote one Twitter user today as pilots practiced their routines.

"I grew up around air bases and this is an opportunity for talented men and women to show the results of their practice, dedication and skills in a setting where they aren't rescuing your lost loved one, or being shot at." 

The 2019 Toronto Air Show starts tomorrow at noon. Unless you're far from the downtown core or hiding in a basement, you really can't miss it.


by Lauren O'Neil via blogTO

There's more road closures in Toronto this Labour Day long weekend

Labour Day weekend means road closures, but never fear, as it's typically for several exciting events. Sometimes it's better to just leave your car at home and join in on the fun. 

Here's what you need to know to navigate around the city by car this long weekend in Toronto.

Labour Day Parade

The following road closures will be in place on September 2 to accommodate the parade route and formation. The parade leaves Queen Street and University Avenue at 10 a.m. and will head west on Queen Street West to Dufferin Street, then turn south and enter the CNE grounds at Dufferin Gate.

  • Armoury Street will be closed from Chestnut Street to University Avenue from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Centre Avenue will be closed from Dundas Street West to Armoury Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • University Avenue will be closed from Dundas Street West to Richmond Street West from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • York Street will be closed from Richmond Street West to Queen Street West from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Dufferin Street will be closed from Queen Street West to Saskatchewan Road from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Queen Street West will be closed from Bay Street to Dufferin Street from 8:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Toronto Fashion Week
  • Hazelton Avenue from Yorkville Avenue to Scollard Avenue will be fully closed starting September 2, until midnight on September 5.

by Staff via blogTO

Toronto drivers are getting busted in record numbers for disobeying the rules on King St.

The King Street Pilot project, now named the King Street Transit Priority Corridor, has clearly been a source of confusion for drivers since its launch in November 2017. 

According to police, at least 16,000 tickets have been issued to drivers for disobeying the rules since it began. 

The project gives priority to streetcars on a section of the busy King St. West in downtown Toronto. 

While cars are not banned from the street entirely, there are several rules in place and some movements are restricted to keep traffic flowing at a good pace. 

It began as a trial project but was made permanent by the city in April. 

Sgt. Brett Moore of Toronto Police Traffic Services told CTV News that, although an immense amount of tickets have been given out, most of the drivers who've been caught breaking the rules are from out of town.

“When you come to downtown Toronto and drive – it is nothing like the town that you come from. There are a lot of distractions that you’ve got to be aware of," he told CTV. 

King St. West between Jarvis and Bathurst, the area in which the rules apply, is lined with signage. But it's still possible to see how the whole thing could be confusing for out-of-towners. 

Moore told CTV that police will continue to spread awareness about the project through the media and social media.

The fine for driving through a restricted intersection or making an illegal turn on the King Street Transit Priority Corridor is a hefty $110, so make sure to read the signs!


by Mira Miller via blogTO

100 essential restaurants in Toronto to try before you die

The best restaurants in Toronto can be places on your bucket list or places you've been to a million times, where some of your fondest memories were made. These places are all about good food, good times and the essential flavours of the city.


by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

The Toronto Raptors are bringing back the Dino jersey this season

Toronto overspending on homeless shelters to be paid for by less affordable housing

Toronto is lacking when it comes to affordable housing, and it's no secret.

Sufficient affordable units are not being built fast enough, and the city's homeless continue to be shuffled in and out of the shelter system. 

According to city of Toronto document called Operating Variance Report for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019, the city's inaction on affordable housing is actually saving them quite a bit of money. 

The document reports that the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration is expected to be $42.5 million over-budget on homeless shelter services by the end of 2019.

This is because of "Continued strong demand for shelter beds, respite and housing support services as well as cost escalations in Hostel Services."

But have no fear — the overspending is expected to be "more than offset by saving in Social Housing System Management and under spending in affordable housing construction and social housing improvement projects totalling $84.6 million."

That's right, the city is actually offsetting the increasing costs of shelter beds by not building affordable housing. 

Toronto columnist Matt Elliott tweeted about it yesterday. 

According to the city, there are currently three new affordable housing projects underway — although there are few concrete details available about the projects on the city's website. 

There is an average of 7,800 people in the city's shelter system each night, and that number only seems to be going up. 

Without new affordable housing, demand for shelter beds will certainly continue to increase and an end to chronic homelessness in Toronto remains nowhere in sight.

But at least the city's saving money, right?


by Mira Miller via blogTO