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Thursday, February 28, 2019

The top 5 warehouse sales in Toronto this March

Warehouse sales in Toronto for March 2019 are all about big savings on great stuff. Toronto's own Knixwear is having its first warehouse sale on locally-made lingerie, and San Francisco brand Timbuk2 has a big selection of bags and accessories available on the cheap.

Events you might want to check out:

Bridal Sample Sale (March 2 @ Lace & BIRCH)
Lace & Birch is ready for wedding season, with a big sale on designer wedding gowns, evening wear, veils and accessories at huge discounts.
Timbuk2's Warehouse Sale (March 2 @ Timbuk2)
Backpacks, messenger bags, bike accessories and bags, rolling luggage and lots more is on sale at the Queen street store for up to 70 per cent off.
Mr. B's Spring Sketchers Sale (March 5-17 @ Mr. B's)
Spring shoe savings are on as Mr. B's hosts its first sale of the year with huge savings on brand-name shoes for the whole family.
The Knix Warehouse Sale (March 7-9 @ kinx)
Knixwear is hosting its first-ever warehouse sale, where you can pick up Toronto-made underwear for $5 or bras for $20.
Tom's Place Warehouse Sale (March 21-24 @ Tom's Place Warehouse Sale)
Big saving on snappy looks is on as men's suits, formalwear, clothing and accessories are all on sale at this huge warehouse sale.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

People are furious after big raise announced for Toronto police

A contract proposal introduced by the city this week shows a planned salary increase to Toronto police officers. 

The raises would amount to 11.1 per cent over the next five years, surely making for a positive day to many of Toronto's finest. 

However, the salary increases are being met with scrutiny, as the proposed salary changes for many of the City's other staff pale in comparison. 

Many were quick to note that other unionized workers on the City's budget do not receive the same massive funding as the police, including substantive new raises, like paramedics, youth services workers, and public health employees. 

Many services are also affected by lack of funding, like youth care, health care, transit, parks, infrastructure, and much, much more. 

City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam has been one of the loudest voices, expressing concern over raising a police budget when many other vital services are being ignored. 

"To be absolutely clear, I want to see city wages adjusted yearly to reflect cost of living, but it should be for everyone, not just the police. I'll be moving a motion at City Council to explore similar wage increases for all other city staff. It's only fair," she wrote on Twitter. 

Some residents are even calling for a raise in property taxes to help give the same salary increases to other parts of the City's budget—something that is a hot debate in almost every political jurisdiction in the country. 

Others pointed out that an 11.1 per cent increase amounts to only very slightly above a standard 2 per cent per year increase that is considered on par with the rate of inflation. 

Currently, the police budget is the largest line item on the City's roster, coming in at a whopping $1.026 billion as of the most recent increase in January. 


by Staff via blogTO

Popular Caribbean joint shut down by Toronto health inspectors

Golden Patty is Kensington Market’s golden boy of beef patties no longer. The shop serving hot table items and baked goods, as well as making their own patties, has been closed down due to several health code violations.

A notice of four infractions was posted to Toronto Public Health’s food safety website showing that the spot had been shut down on February 26.

Of those four infractions, three were deemed "crucial," with the condition for closure being "food premise maintained in manner adversely affecting sanitary operation." The outcome of issuing the Summons and Health Hazard Order is still pending.

Two other "crucial" notices to comply are listed as "fail to protect food from contamination or adulteration" and "food premise maintained in manner permitting adverse effect on food," with one "significant" notice to comply for failure to "protect against harbouring of pests." 

Golden Patty passed their two most recent inspections previous to this one, in January 2019 and September 2018.


by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

The second season of Netflix's Umbrella Academy is filming in Toronto

Umbrella Academy was one of the many productions filming in Toronto last summer, and it appears the hit show will be back at it again for yet another round of shoots in the city. 

The graphic novel-turned-TV show only just premiered earlier this month, but it's already considered one of the year's hottest digital series.

Netflix has officially greenlit the show for a second season, meaning we can expect sightings of Ellen Page, Mary J. Blige, Aidan Gallagher, and Colm Feore around town by the end of this year. 

It took people a while to recognize some of the classic Toronto landmarks included in the show, including the Elgin Theatre (where Ellen Page plays the violin) and Allan Gardens.

Queen Street makes tons of appearances in the show, including Moss Park to the east, a convenience store at Queen and Triller to the west, and 1698 Queen Antiques.

The spooky Max Tanenbaum Courtyard near St. Lawrence Market makes the perfect backdrop for a funeral. And there's no better library to film something in than the rotunda of the Lillian H. Smith Library. 

The newly-opened David Dunlop Observatory gets its big break too.

We also finally have the story behind the mysterious signage that popped up where Gladstone Cafe used to be.

It was only there for a few weeks, but Griddy's Doughnuts turned out to be an essential location in the Umbrella Academy. 

With Handmaid's Tale currently shooting all over the city, and Netflix's massive production hub on the way, one has the inkling Toronto's about to become a bonafide TV series hotspot. 


by Tanya Mok via blogTO

Trudeau just announced that Canada is going to the moon

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will partner with NASA to build a portion of the Lunar Gateway, returning humans to the moon by 2022. 

"Canada will be going to the moon," he said during the announcement. 

The project, spearheaded by NASA, is a space station that will be sent into orbit around Earth's moon, allowing astronauts and scientists to travel to and from the moon regularly. 

The Lunar Gateway is the next step in a long-running process of getting Earthlings to Mars, NASA says. It will have a living space, docking stations, and research labs. 

The Canadian Space Agency will invest at least $2.05 billion over the next two decades toward the project. 

A large piece of the puzzle is the Canadarm3, the third set of robotic repair "arms" built by Canada for space stations. The first and most famous Canadarm was attached to the International Space Station before its retirement and replacement with the Canadarm2.  


by Staff via blogTO

20 things to do in Toronto this weekend

Weekend events in Toronto have lots of things to do that will get you out and about before there's another random blizzard. Winter Brewfest is back and there's a huge vintage clothing show. Ai Weiwei's exhibit is here and so is Ellen. Music, markets, movies and more are all on as well.

Events you might want to check out:

Ai Weiwei: Unbroken (February 28 - June 9 @ Gardiner Museum)
The ceramic works of Ai Weiwei have finally arrived and include part of his Sunflower Seed patchwork, sculptures and illustrations.
What the Film Festival (March 1-3 @ The Royal Cinema)
Back again is this film festival dedicated to all the weird, unusual and eccentric films out there with programming, screenings, events and more.
Winter Brewfest (March 1-3 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Cheers to a mid-winter beer festival with over 150 brews on tap from Ontario and Quebec, alongside a weekend of food, games, music and more.
Vintage Clothing Show (March 2-3 @ Enercare Centre)
Vintage sellers from all over the province are arriving with a whole slew of designer goods, like clothing accessories, jewellery, handbags and more.
Ellen DeGeneres (March 3 @ Scotiabank Arena)
Ellen is taking a break from chatting with celebs to chat with local audiences, as she arrives in Toronto as part of her North American speaking tour.
Patel Gallery Inaguaral Exhibition (March 1 @ Patel Gallery)
After six years, Project Gallery is ready to re-brand as Patel and looks to kick off a new era of contemporary works with new exhibitions from local artists.
Myseum: Intersections (March 1-31 @ Multiple Venues)
Toronto gets a microscope to it as this festival explores different aspect of the city and its history through exhibits, talks and events on all month.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (March 1-3 @ Cinesphere)
The Western to end all Westerns: Clint Eastwood stars in Sergio Leone's 1966 masterpiece that would go on to influence the genre for decades to come.
Irish Film Festival (March 1-3 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
It's almost that time of year to celebrate all-things Irish, starting with a weekend of films by local and regional filmmakers focusing on the Irish experience.
A Bowie Celebration (March 1 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
The folks behind Bowie's iconic music come to the stage for a night of live renditions of his many hits and deep cuts by those that worked with him.
Cross Dog (March 1 @ Bovine Sex Club)
Peterborough heavy rippers Cross Dog are hard at work on new music and ready to kick it into high gear alongside Killer Wails, Gnarly Horse and more.
T.I.B x ildsjel (March 2 @ Ildsjel Collective)
Up-and-coming indie artists are ready to show their stuff as The Indie Blender and ildsjel Collective team up to showcase entering talent in the local scene.
Alice Phoebe Lou (March 3 @ The Garrison)
Singer Alice Phoebe Lou is teaming up with L.A. Salami to bring you a night of tunes that blend genres and create something you don't want to miss.
Carnaval em Toronto (March 1 @ Lithuanian House)
It might be February in Canada, but this party has all the Carnaval flavours of Brazil with music, dancing, food and drinks all night long.
Bent Beauty Supreme (March 1 @ Gladstone Ballroom)
Back again is this beauty pageant dedicated to alternative beauty and glamour with drag, burlesque, clowns and whatever else taking the stage.
Tone Depth (March 2 @ One Loft)
Deep cuts and hot grooves are on as DJ Tone Depth drops by to spin some enchanting progressive house alongside Ben Cormier and JYMBO.
Really Really Free Market (March 2 @ Campbell Park)
There's nothing free in this world—except everything at this market. Clothing, shoes, furniture, electronics and more can all be found free of charge.
What The Film Bazaar (March 2 @ Super Wonder Gallery)
Part of the What the Film Festival, this one-night market specializes in all kinds of rare, cult, indie and unusual merch, sold alongside music and drinks.
Antique & Vintage Market (March 2-3 @ Enercare Centre)
Old is in and this massive marketplace has thousands of vintage items and retro finds up for sale from the antique-chic to the crazy kitsch.
Upper Canada Fibreshed Marketplace (March 3 @ Centre for Social Innovation)
For all the knitters, quilters and friends and loved ones of both, this pop-up market features all local and sustainable fibres and dyes.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

Toronto delights in Sting sightings around the city

Snow and signal delays cause dangerous overcrowding on the TTC

Yesterday was a doozy of a snowstorm, basically all day. As a result, navigating from one place to another was often near impossible, and a nightmare at best. 

However, as is often true with transit in Toronto, the problems from yesterday are spilling over to today. 

Weather-related problems, like ice and snow build-up, are causing headaches on the TTC this morning. 

Furthermore, the all-too-common "signal problems" are backing up the system, too. 

There were serious delays southbound at Eglinton station, between Kennedy and Woodbine, and between Dufferin and Keele.

There were even warnings of delay between Finch and Bloor-Yonge, which is a good chunk of the line. 

Cue the overcrowding, angry customers, calls for refunds, and the other daily problems with the TTC. 

The transit service is always warning of delays, and the importance of preparing ahead. But, that doesn't relieve some of the pressure, especially the literal pressure of people on the subway platforms. 


by Staff via blogTO

Someone just replaced the TTC subway posters with something more appropriate

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Seven Lives, Grand Cru Deli, Papi Chulo's, Hutaoli, A-OK

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

Open now
Recently reviewed
Opening soon
  • 817 Sports Bar will soon be replacing The Dog's Bollocks on Queen West.
  • Wise & Wright should be opening their Toronto location at 777 Bay in March
  • A location of Blondies Pizza is coming to Commerce Court.
  • Something called Camel Restaurant looks to be replacing Mister Frenchy on the Danforth.
  • Papi Chulo's will soon be serving tacos and tequila on Ossington.
Closed
Other news
  • Craig's Cookies is now doing a permanent pop-up every weekend at the Nordstrom in Yorkdale Mall.

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

Toronto reporter files police complaint after he was licked by comedian on live TV

While there is some good news coming out of the recent controversy between Just For Laughs and Sirius XM, one not-so-nice story emerged as well. 

During a town hall meeting to discuss what to do about the JFL-Sirius merger, a CBC reporter named Chris Glover was provoked, interrupted, and licked by an attendee of the event. 

Boyd Banks, a self-titled "alt comic" stood behind Glover during his broadcast and repeatedly tried to lick and kiss his ears and neck. 

Glover, clearly irritated, attempted to move away from Banks, but to no avail in the jam-packed space. 

Now, the reporter has filed a police report into the issue. 

Comedy Bar, where the incident took place, also banned Banks from the venue for his actions, for which the comic made an apology last night. 

"I, as a journalist, was just trying to do my job. The whole thing just really made me feel really awkward and uncomfortable and embarrassed," Glover said in an interview with the CBC. 

Many chalked Boyd's actions up to assault, but that's now for the police to decide. 


by Staff via blogTO

Just for Laughs says radio station will play only Canadian content after all

The recent merger between Just For Laughs (JFL) and Sirius XM Canada struck a nerve with many in the Canadian comedy scene—and many who appreciate it. 

The merger would have rebranded Canada Laughs, a popular station that showcases strictly Canadian comics, to the new Just For Laughs Radio.

This new station would replay archival bits from JFL festivals, including international talent and old content, and no longer focus on up-and-coming Canadian comics. 

However, following outcry from the community, JFL has backed down, cancelling the rebrand and promising to keep the content Canadian. 

After a controversial town-hall meeting Tuesday night, comedians poured out over Twitter and elsewhere to express their dissatisfaction with the new direction the station would take. 

Many said the financial income they earned from the royalties was crucial—not to mention the exposure they received. 

JFL president Bruce Hills said in a news release from the comedy company that they are committed to growing Canada's comedy scene.

"We've listened carefully to the concerns of Canadian artists and regret the stress we have caused the comedy community. We are invested in the growth of Canada's comedy industry and are working to include even more Canadian talent in all our initiatives."

It looks like Canada's comedy scene will continue to thrive. We do produce a ton of funny people, after all.


by Staff via blogTO