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Thursday, January 31, 2019

The top 10 markets and pop-ups in Toronto this February

Markets and pop-ups in Toronto for Feburary 2019 are ripe with gift ideas for that special someone (or yourself—you deserve it!) The Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair is back and there's a special Valentine's Day makers market. Streetwear, lingerie, fibres and more are all for sale as well.

Events you might want to check out:

Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair (February 2 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Valentine's Day is upon us and this arts and crafts fair is full of sexy goodies, erotic items and romantic gifts for you and your main squeeze.
The Deadstock Depot (February 2 @ ArtscapeSandbox)
Jawnz enthuthiasts rejoice as the Deadstock Depot returns with a huge selection of handpicked vintage streetwear finds from top designers.
LandMade (February 3 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Knitters can get their hands on fibres from 10 local fibre farms around the province from bumper crop of the fibre they have raised themselves.
Mary Young Pop-Up (February 8-10 @ 525 Queen St W)
Unique, contemporary and stylish lingerie is on sale as Mary Young pops up with a new collection, love care cards and floral bouquets to take home.
Toronto Art Crawl (February 10 @ The Great Hall)
Over 50 local artists are coming out for a day of shopping with lots of handmade goodies, fashion, jewellery, home decor, vintage, photography and more.
Heart Crafted (February 10 @ The Workroom)
A sweet pre-Valentines pop-up market is on with local, handmade items including health and beauty goodies, ceramics, plants, home and accessories.
Objects of Desire (February 10 @ Gladstone Hotel)
If you're looking for a gift for someone special (or you), this market is geared towards art, design, craft and fashion that are both beautiful and practical.
The Leslieville Flea (February 17 @ The Fermenting Cellar)
Back again is this huge makers market with 50 artisans on hand that specialize in vintage goods, arts and crafts, food and health and beauty and decor.
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea (February 17 @ The Great Hall)
The Great Hall is set to fill up with local artists and makers as the flea hosts a huge market stacked with locally- and sustainably-made goods.
The Wedding Co. Market (February 24 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Toronto's own wedding experts and specialists are gathering to showcase their creations, inform and assist planners in making weddings come to life.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

Justin Bieber's new clothing line sold out almost instantly

Toronto socialist group trying to get TTC bus more frequent service

Waiting for the bus is never fun, but it’s especially terrible in subzero temperatures, and even worse when it seems like it’s never going to come.

Toronto-based organization The Socialist Project has identified one particular bus route where this is a persistent problem: the 41 Keele. They’re petitioning Mayor John Tory and Toronto City Council to make the route part of the TTC’s 10-Minute-or-Better Service Network.

According to the organization, the route services primarily “working class, racialized, and immigrant communities,” and has been hit hard by public transit being defunded so that, in their words, “the wealthy few can keep their taxes low.”

The initiative, dubbed “Action Keele,” takes a grassroots approach using techniques like flyering. A free newsletter by the same name is actively looking for content, there’s a petition on their site and they’re recruiting volunteers. 

Bullet points accompanying the online petition cite the facts that the 41 is one of the city’s most overcrowded routes, services those who depend more heavily on public transit, and was passed on for improvement while similar routes 35 Jane and 29 Dufferin were included as part of the 10-Minute Network.

Even those lucky enough to live near a subway station or along a bus or streetcar route with frequent service know the sting of waiting forever for a bus that may never arrive, so whether you want to get involved in the project for your own sake or that of others, it’s easy to help out.


by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

25 things to do in Toronto this weekend

Weekend events in Toronto are ready to welcome a break from the city-wide deep freeze with art, music, parties and markets. The Toronto Tea Festival is on in time for cuddle season and there's a ice skating party and exhibits devoted to The Clash and street art.

Events you might want to check out:

Clash on the Danforth (February 1 @ Pape/Danforth Public Library)
The Clash have history in Toronto and this exhibit traces their role in shaping the city's punk scene through posters, videos and photos.
Street Art Photography Exhibit (February 1 @ Artusiasm Gallery)
From the street to the gallery, this photography exhibit looks at street art all over the city by local artists and include print sales, music and more.
Toronto Tea Festival (February 1-3 @ Toronto Reference Library)
Winter is no doubt tea weather and this annual festival is back with a weekend of sampling, vendors, exhibits and more to get you set for cuddle season.
DJ Skate Nights (February 2 @ Natrel Rink)
DJ Skate Nights is back with an icy mix of electronic, R&B, hip-hop, house and ambient styles courtesy of Donna Dada and Obuxum.
Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair (February 2 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Valentine's Day is upon us and this arts and crafts fair is full of sexy goodies, erotic items and romantic gifts for you and your main squeeze.
National Bridal Show (February 1-3 @ Enercare Centre)
This huge bridal show is on to help plan everything from themes, flowers, food, venues, decor, music and all things needed to create your dream wedding.
Farm Boy Grand Opening (February 2 @ Farm Boy)
Farm Boy is ready to open its second location at Leslieville and Lakeshore and is celebrating with treats, activities and a visit from Lulu the Cow.
Coldest Day of the Year Ride (February 2 @ Alexander the Great Parkette)
You haven't felt cold like biking during winter and Cycle Toronto is back with its annual group ride through the slushy city streets.
The Winter Chocolate Show (February 2 @ Enoch Turner School)
Chocolatey goodness is on at this all-day chocolate show featuring Canada's leading bean-to-bar chocolate makers, tastings and talks.
After Funk (February 1 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
Toronto's own After Funk is set to release their new album Santa Barbara that's full of crisp sounds, groovy bass and dancey beats.
RL Grime (February 1 @ Toybox)
L.A. DJ and producer RL Grime is here to melt the ice with hot mixes, slow grooves and deep cuts alongside Manzone & Strong.
Yonatan Gat and the Eastern Medicine Singers (February 1 @ Lee's Palace)
Yonatan Gat rips it alongside the chants and drumming of the Eastern Medicine Singers to make for one heck of a powerful performance.
Anthems In Ashes (February 2 @ Bovine Sex Club)
Lead by Harley Olivia's powerful vocals, hard rockers Anthems In Ashes are playing alongside Nevercast, Black Absinthe and Fortunate Losers.
Toronto R&B Sounds (February 3 @ Nightowl)
Artists from Toronto's local R&B scene are coming out for this monthly showcase, featuring musicians and singers ready to have you swaying to the beat.
Laughsploitation (February 1 @ Eyesore Cinema)
A bunch of exploitation classics are screening at Eyesore while a big lineup of local comedians are on hand to add some colourful commentary.
The Matrix (February 1-3 @ Cinesphere)
The Cinesphere has you with The Matrix screening this weekend in all its goggle-wearing, bullet-dodging, TTC-riding glory.
The Misandrists (February 1-3 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Director Bruce La Bruce is here to introduce his film that follows a member of a feminist terrorist group in this "radical lesbian separatist fantasy."
The Last Resort (February 1-7 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
It's the 1970s in sun-drenched Miami Beach and photographers Andy Sweet and Gary Monroe were there to capture the vibrant retiree culture.
Tapette (February 2 @ Handlebar)
The first Tapette os the year is on with a night of pulsing French disco and house and a special French drag performance by Champagna.
Bamboo Bass Festival Pre Party (February 2 @ One Loft)
Toronto is getting a little taste of Costa Rica as local bass DJs and producers head to One Loft for a night of sweaty beats and hot hits.
Super Bowl Viewing Party (February 3 @ Rebel)
Catch all the action of this year's Super Bowl at Budweiser's official viewing party with food, drinks, music, games and free entry.
Malabar Annual Sale (February 2 @ Malabar Theatrical Costumes)
Malabar is having its much-anticipated annual sale of costumes, stocking dancewear, makeup and accessories all up to 80 per cent off.
Really Really Free Market (February 2 @ Campbell Park)
Don't bother pulling up the couch cushions because this market is full of decor, clothing, books and more; all completely free.
The Deadstock Depot (February 2 @ ArtscapeSandbox)
Jawnz enthuthiasts rejoice as the Deadstock Depot returns with a huge selection of handpicked vintage streetwear finds from top designers.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

Toronto businesses are reducing packaging to go waste free

Toronto soccer fans turn on TFC for trading their best player

One of the greatest players in Major League Soccer history is leaving Toronto after four years of blowing minds, setting records and leading his team to victory both in regular season and playoff games.

Sebastian Giovinco, 32, has been transferred to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal club, Toronto FC confirmed on Wednesday night.

TFC will reportedly receive a $2-3 million transfer fee, but Giovinco himself will see his income skyrocket to US $11.5 million per season—and at $7.115 million in 2018 alone, he was already the highest-paid player in the league.

That's not to say the Italian All-Star is happy about the move. Far from it.

"It's without hesitation that I can say that I wanted it to end differently," wrote Giovinco in the caption of an Instagram post about the news. "As I have always maintained, I was hoping to renew my contract and finish my playing career in a city that feels like home... A place my family loves to live and wanted to call home for good."

"Unfortunately, this desire of ours has clashed with a change in direction with current TFC management," he continued. "Recently, after refusing to exercise the club option for 2020, I was offered terms that I deemed unacceptable."

Then the athlete really laid in, suggesting that management doesn't prioritize winning and that their possible suggestions of him leaving for a more lucrative deal are false.

"After having grown the brand and elevating the overall reputation of TFC both at home and abroad, it seems I no longer serve a purpose. I would have accepted less to stay in Toronto." he wrote. "Therefore, I reluctantly announce that my tenure as a TFC player has come to an end."

Al-Hilal fans are pleased as punch to be getting an MLS great. TFC fans are not so thrilled by the news, especially after reading Giovinco's parting message.

"This is the kind of things GMs get fired for when there is time for pause after, but this has MLSE written all over it" wrote one fan in the comments section of an article announcing the news on TFC's website. "This is a stain that [will] mark this club forever."

"TFC front office should be sued for their lies," wrote another, whose comment was followed by one of the many fans saying "No more season tickets for me."

"This was an extremely emotional transaction for our club," said TFC president Bill Manning during last night's announcement. "We'd like to thank Seba for all he did for TFC during his time with the club... He leaves Toronto as the greatest player in club history."

"Obviously, replacing a player like Sebastian is difficult, but we are working diligently and are confident that we will be adding a new Designated Player in the near future who will be an exciting addition to our team," added TFC GM Ali Curtis.

The Atomic Ant, as he's affectionately known, leaves TFC as the club's all-time leading scorer with 83 goals in total.


by Lauren O'Neil via blogTO

SickKids unveils dazzling design for new patient support centre in Toronto

SickKids is getting a huge upgrade over the next few years, and part of that makeover includes getting a colourful new 22-storey building complete with a cafe, library, and lots of natural light.

The new Patient Support Centre (PSC) has been given the go-ahead to replace the old 8-storey Elizabeth McMaster Building, which is already in the process of being demolished at the corner of Elm and Elizabeth streets. 

Designed as the first phase of Project Horizon (a redevelopment project that plans to turn the children's hospital into a "re-imagined hospital of the future") the PSC will be much taller and far more aesthetically-pleasing than the McMaster building, which was built in 1983.

sickkids toronto

SickKids' new Patient Support Centre is designed by B+H Architects. Photo courtesy of B+H Architects.

The B+H Artchitects-designed proposal features horizontal fins jutting out of the building, and a blue ribbon staircase encased in glass. Due to the nature of the undulating glass façade, those working inside the PSC will be treated to tons of natural light.

They'll also be able to look directly across to their colleagues in the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGRCRL) building next door, or access the PGRCRL via an enclosed pedestrian bridge.

On the main floor are plans for a cafe and some retail space in the atrium, while up top, terraced green roofs are expected to be built in the final phases of construction.

The floor below is proposed to include spaces that are open to the public, including a library, simulation space, and conference centre.

Construction on the PSC is anticipated to start sometime late this year or early 2020, and completed by 2022.


by Tanya Mok via blogTO

SickKids unveils design for new patient support centre in Toronto

SickKids is getting a huge upgrade over the next few years, and part of that makeover includes getting a colourful new 22-storey building complete with a cafe, library, and lots of natural light.

The new Patient Support Centre (PSC) has been given the go-ahead to replace the old 8-storey Elizabeth McMaster Building, which is already in the process of being demolished at the corner of Elm and Elizabeth streets. 

Designed as the first phase of Project Horizon (a redevelopment project that plans to turn the children's hospital into a "re-imagined hospital of the future") the PSC will be much taller and far more aesthetically-pleasing than the McMaster building, which was built in 1983.

sickkids toronto

SickKids' new Patient Support Centre is designed by B+H Architects. Photo courtesy of B+H Architects.

The B+H Artchitects-designed proposal features horizontal fins jutting out of the building, and a blue ribbon staircase encased in glass. Due to the nature of the undulating glass façade, those working inside the PSC will be treated to tons of natural light.

They'll also be able to look directly across to their colleagues in the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGRCRL) building next door, or access the PGRCRL via an enclosed pedestrian bridge.

On the main floor are plans for a cafe and some retail space in the atrium, while up top, terraced green roofs are expected to be built in the final phases of construction.

The floor below is proposed to include spaces that are open to the public, including a library, simulation space, and conference centre.

Construction on the PSC is anticipated to start sometime late this year or early 2020, and completed by 2022.


by Tanya Mok via blogTO

Toronto's most popular bike lanes were finally just made permanent

Downtown Toronto cyclists rejoice! In a unanimous vote on Wednesday afternoon, city council decided to keep the bike lanes running along Richmond and Adelaide Streets around forever.

What started as a pilot project back in 2014 has become one of the most successful cycling infrastructure projects in City of Toronto history.

As of September 2018 (the most recently available data), an average of 6,160 people were found to be using the bike lanes every single day. This represents an increase of 1,095 per cent in cyclist volume over 2013.

"The Richmond and Adelaide cycle tracks serve as a critical east-west spine in the Downtown Core, providing access by bike to the largest concentration of jobs in the City, region and the entire country..." reads a report presented at City Hall this week.

"Cyclist volumes on these streets have increased significantly with minimal impact to motor vehicle travel times," it continues. "Collision rates for cyclists and motor vehicles have also reduced significantly following installation of the cycle tracks."

When asked about the tracks in an online survey between 2014 and 2017, 93 per cent of 10,646 respondents (most of them cyclists) either agreed or strongly agreed that the bike lanes on Richmond and Adelaide be made permanent.

A swift 22-0 vote in favour of the move on Wednesday suggests that council agrees, too.

The motion to permanently maintain cycle tracks on both Richmond and Adelaide from Parliament to Bathurst (as well as the short, connecting North-South lanes on Simcoe and Peter) passed with flying colours, albeit with one amendment.

City Council has agreed to work with local BIAs throughout the area to switch the Adelaide Street bike lane over from the right side of the road to the left.

When complete, the north side cycle track on Adelaide Street will be the first of its kind in Toronto, providing a whole new host of opportunities for local businesses and city staffers to beautify the public realm.

"We are investing in safe, separated on-street bike lanes on major downtown roadways," said Mayor John Tory on Twitter following the vote.

"The Richmond-Adelaide cycle tracks are an important investment in cycling infrastructure that provides another option for people to move about our city quickly and safely."


by Lauren O'Neil via blogTO

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Milky's, Daily Dumpling Wonton Co., Forno Cultura MOCA

Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest food news in Toronto and gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now
  • Cafe Milky's has soft-opened at 760 Dundas Street West (at Markham Street) and officially opens on February 4.
  • Forno Cultura debuted its new location at MOCA yesterday on Sterling Road.
  • Daily Dumpling Wonton Company has launched its brick-and-mortar shop at 792 College Street (at Roxton Road) in Little Italy.
  • Torch Pressed Sushi, featuring aburi-style sushi, now has an outpost at 507 Church Street (at Wellesley Street East) in addition to its North York location.
  • Clay Pot King is now open at 9021 Leslie Street, Unit 3, in Richmond Hill.
Recently reviewed
Opening soon
  • Wine bar and fine-dining restaurant Sash will be opening soon at 1133 Yonge Street (at Shaftesbury) in Summerhill.
  • Wilder, a brunch spot in the Junction that quietly closed late last year, now has new owners and is under new management. It should be reopening in a week or two.

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


by Christina Cheung via blogTO

Toronto restaurants keep closing because of burst pipes

Condo of the week: 1 Balmoral Avenue

This boutique building was once named one of Toronto’s top condos by Toronto Star architecture critic Christopher Hume, and it’s easy to see why. The penthouse suite boasts 10-foot ceilings, stunning domed windows and beautiful hardwood floors.

1 balmoral avenue torontoThe living room, dining room and office space are open concept. The huge windows provide lots of natural light and the wall of mirrors makes the office space seem larger than it is.

1 balmoral avenue torontoThe kitchen is sectioned off from the rest of the unit, which, for those who like fragrant cooking, can be a bonus. The kitchen is on the smaller side but there’s plenty of storage and it has new appliances.

1 balmoral avenue torontoThere are two bedrooms and three washrooms in this suite. The master bedroom is spacious and has a cozy fireplace.

1 balmoral avenue torontoThe master also has a spa-like en suite and walk-in closets.

1 balmoral avenue torontoApart from the 2,007-square-feet of living space inside, the place also has a balcony that looks west, so you can admire the sunset over the city on summer nights.1 balmoral avenue toronto

Specs
  • Address: #PH906 – 1 Balmoral Ave.
  • Price: $2,450,000
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Parking: 2
  • Walk Score: 95    
  • Transit Score: 88
  • Maintenance Fees: $1,695.26 monthly
  • Listing agent: David Fenster
  • Listing ID: C43441081 balmoral avenue toronto
Good For

Someone looking for a classically beautiful condo. This isn’t a hard loft or one of those glass boxes downtown, it has an elegant quality that’s hard to come by.

Move On If

You are looking for a hard loft or new build condo.1 balmoral avenue toronto


by Misha Gajewski via blogTO