10 things to do in Toronto today

The Labour Day weekend fun continues with events in Toronto including the final day of Electric Island and the Aga Khan Museum's birthday celebration. Kaskade is spinning the beats at Cabana and the Air Show —for better or worse—is in full effect.

Events you might want to check out:

Kaskade (September 1 @ Cabana Pool Bar)
Legendary house and trance DJ Kaskade is ready on deck to spin some hot hits at this poolside party with support from Manzone & Strong.
The Virgin Suicides (September 1 @ The Royal Cinema)
One of the best movie soundtracks accompanies this story of teenage longing in a time of tragedy in Sofia Coppola’s brilliant first feature.
Rock the Block (September 1 @ The Annex Food Hall)
Toronto's newest food hall is celebrating the long weekend with a back to school party that includes food, music and games and $5 tall boys.
ART of BBQ Labour Day Cookout (September 1 @ Black Lab Brewing)
Friends, family and dogs are all welcome at this Labour Day cookout with ART of BBQ bringing their huge smoker to serve up some yummy barbecue.
MURAL Block Party (August 30 - September 1 @ Stackt Market)
There's still one last day to get in on the fun at this big block party with art, talks, music, food and drinks inside the city's new shipping container market.
Ukrainian Film Days (August 30 - September 1 @ Imagine Cinemas Carlton)
The last day to check out Ukrainian-made films is on with screenings from Ukrainian filmmakers about the country, its people and their stories.
Oak + Fort Warehouse Sale (August 30 - September 1 @ 630 Queen St W)
It's not too late to get your hands some some stylish gear with up to 80 per cent off on men's and women's clothing at this huge sale.
Electric Island (August 31 - September 1 @ Ontario Place)
Electric Island is wrapping up for another year, but not without one last day of beats with a stacked lineup of local and international DJs.
First Five Fest (August 31 - September 1 @ Aga Khan Museum)
The celebrations continue today as the Aga Khan Museum celebrates its fifth birthday with performances, dance, music and free admission.
Air Show (August 31 - September 2 @ Exhibition Place)
You may not see them, but they're definitely there, as planes of all kinds continue to zip across the skyline on the second day of the annual air show.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

These screaming heads in Ontario are a must-visit this fall

This steam train near Toronto will take you on a stunning fall tour

The top 10 new restaurants in Toronto

New restaurants in Toronto ended summer with a bang. Brunch, wine, noodles, pizza — it's all about indulgence when it comes to saying goodbye to the warmer months. 

Here are my picks for the top new restaurants that opened in Toronto last month.

Bar Poet

Seek out this indoor patio with skee ball and $10 pizzas at Queen and Dovercourt.

Boat King of Thai Noodles

This restaurant near Bay and Collage offers a great Thai take on noodle soup. 

The Fourth Man in the Fire 

Dundas West is where to find this pizza joint by the man behind Burgers Priest. 

Piquette 

Grant van Gameren now has this wine bar at the corner of Dovercourt and Queen serving regularly changing small plates with a Spanish influence.

Smoke Bar & Kitchen 

The people responsible for Hogtown Smoke now have this restaurant on West Queen West serving up barbeque and other pub fare.

Azkadenya 

This Middle Eastern restaurant just near Osgoode station does take out or dine in but specializing in make your own shawarma.

Moretti Toronto

Italian food has a new home in Toronto in this restaurant in the Entertainment District.

Cass Avenue 

Yonge and Eglinton has this bar inspired by Detroit serving snacks and cocktails.

Sushi Momo

South Etobicoke has this brand new destination for sushi and other classic Japanese dishes. 

Sisters and Co.

The beginning of the month saw the opening of this Dundas West brunch spot just steps from Trinity Bellwoods.

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

Toronto bar lets a roll of the dice decide your drink order

Two new cannabis stores in Toronto have just been barred from opening

It's been just over a week since the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario announced the 42 lucky winners of its second-ever cannabis retail licence lottery — and 12 have already been disqualified.

The AGCO announced in an update on its website Friday that only 29 of the vendors invited to apply for a cannabis licence are still in the running to (potentially) sell legal weed out of their own brick-and-mortar stores.

In Toronto, where 13 addresses were chosen in the lottery, one applicant has been disqualified and another has withdrawn.

It looks like Goldie, the swanky cocktail bar at 619 King St. W., won't be turning into a pot shop after all.

The person behind that bid withrew their application, while whomever was behind the bid for a store at 213 Queen St. E., right across from Moss Park, was disqualified for failing to submit a $50,000 credit letter within five days of the AGCO's August 21 announcement.

Interestingly enough, CAFE at 104 Harbord — the random selection of which has proven highly controversial, given its history on the black market — is moving forward in the process 

Five applicants are now shown on a "wait list" for the Toronto area, though it has yet to be determined which of them will be given the chance to bid for a retail cannabis license.

Here are the five addresses on the wait list: 

966 College St.

A currently-vacant retail storefront in Dufferin Grove, not far from the West End YMCA.

1824 Jane St.

This York strip mall has played home to various local businesses over the years, including Lola's Catering, Cash King and Lagos African Market.

1295 Finch Ave. W Unit A

This is another strip mall unit, this time in North York, near Finch and Keele.

1295 Finch Ave. W Unit B

This sport is right next to 1295 Finch Ave. Unit A (see above.)

1786 Jane St.

This storefront on Jane just north of Lawrence is already listed as an active cannabis dispensary called "High Society" on several weed-finding websites.

by Lauren O'Neil via blogTO

Electric scooters to be allowed on Toronto streets under new pilot project

There may soon be a new way for you to get around the city's busy streets, because Ontario is planning to introduce electric scooters in the province as part of a five-year pilot. 

Riding e-scooters in Ontario is currently illegal according to the province, because they don't meet the government's safety standards.

But according to The Ministry of Transportation, the pilot would allow e-scooters to be driven on the same roads as bicycles. 

Funny how a lot of cities are banning e scooters. So Ontario is encouraging them

— Craig (@firephoenix2016) August 30, 2019

On the province's regulatory registry, the fact that the scooters are environmentally-friendly is cited as one of the reasons for the proposed pilot. 

Talk of these kinds of scooters coming to Ontario has happened before, but it seems like it may be for real this time. 

Of course, with the introduction of a new vehicle on Toronto's already-dangerous roads, comes rules. 

Bad call. Don't we have enough carnage with pedestrians? Headlines will read: "Another E-scooter operator killed" Drivers, especially in the GTA, are too impatient and with no law enforcement to slow them down, it will only get worse.

— Bob Hathway (@HathwayBob) August 30, 2019

To operate a scooter, the driver must be at least 16 years-old. Multiple passengers are also not allowed on the vehicles, they cannot exceed a maximum operating speed of 32 km/h, and bicycle helmets are required for those under 18.

"The ministry is interested in exploring the feasibility of these vehicles safely integrating with other road users, while promoting road safety and fostering business innovation in the province," the summary of the proposal states. 

"They represent a new way for residents to get around their communities, are seen as providing first and last mile connections to transit, and represent an opportunity to reduce traffic congestion."

The public has until September 12 to comment on the proposal. 

by Mira Miller via blogTO

9 warehouse sales in Toronto this September

Warehouse sales in Toronto for September 2019 are here to save you a chunk of change on all your back to school (or work) needs. A ton of Herschel gear is getting marked down and you can pick up Toms for cheap. Beauty supplies, kitchenware and lots more is on sale as well.

Events you might want to check out:

Herschel Sample Sale (September 5-8 @ I'M Mac Sales)
Just in time for back to school and work, Herschel Supply Co. is having a huge sale on backpacks, luggage, apparel and accessories up to 50 per cent off.
Maguire Boutique Sample Sale (September 6 @ 1514 Dundas St W)
Montreal's Maguire Boutique is making its way to Toronto for the first time for a sample sale, with big savings on stylish clothing and accessories.
SlavinRaphael Sample Sale (September 7 @ SlavinRaphael)
Tiger of Sweden, Hunter Boots, New Balance, Ted Baker, Alo, Good American and lots more designer brands are on sale at this one-day only sale.
Designer Sample Sale (September 7-8 @ 77 Carlton St)
Huge saving son a ton of designer brands like alexander Wang, Aquazzura, Gianvitto Rossi, Self Portrait are on, plus drinks, food and music.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Warehouse Sale (September 13-15 @ Zwilling J.A. Henckels Warehouse)
Amateur and professional chefs can pick up some new gear with cookware, knives, gadgets and tools from brands like Henckels and Zwilling.
Ferre Sposa Bridal Sample Sale (September 14-15 @ Ferre Sposa Bridal Boutique)
Savings of up to 90 per cent off over 300 designer gowns are on, plus earrings, veils, bracelets, dresses and more all marked down.
My Brush Set Sale (September 14-15 @ International Centre)
Makeup supplies of all kinds are on at this sale with up to 90 per cent off on makeup and beauty supplies, plus professionals on hand to chat.
G-Star Raw Warehouse Sale (September 18-22 @ International Centre)
Men's and women's G-Star Raw gear is on sale at this big warehouse sale, plus a ton of designer brands all marked down.
Toms Warehouse Sale (September 19-22 @ Markham Fairgrounds)
Stay comfy with big savings on Toms footwear with shoes, boots, sandals and accessories for the whole family all marked down up to 70 per cent off.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

10 things to do in Toronto today

The long weekend fun is in full effect and events in Toronto today will see the Aga Khan Museum open its doors for free. The final Electric Island of the year starts today and you can expect lots of booms and zooms as the Air Show kicks off across the skies.

Events you might want to check out:

DJ Snoopadelic (August 31 @ Cabana)
Snoop Doggy Dog — a.k.a. DJ Snoopadelic — is dropping by to provide the beats for some long week pool party fun.
Caribbean Street Food Festival (August 31 @ Daniel's Spectrum)
Back and bigger than ever, you can fill up on tons of traditional Caribbean street food goodies, plus a rum pairing session, activities, prizes and more.
Sunnyside 21 (August 31 @ Sunnyside Pavillion)
Party it out by the beach at this Labour Day long weekend edition of Sunnyside with DJs Chus and Ceballos spinning all the best house and electro.
Stranded Fest (August 31 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
Stranded Fest is back with a stellar lineup of local cover bands rocking out to all the hits to some of the biggest bands of old.
Back to the Future (August 31 @ St. Peter’s Church)
Where we're going, we don't need roofs because this outdoor screening is showing the one and only Back to the Future alongside lots of cheap snacks.
Hayley Elsaesser Sample Sale (August 31 @ Hayley Elsaesser)
One of the city's most vibrant and fun clothing stores is having a sample sale on men's and women's items, plus Churnt Up on-site with tasty treats.
WiGGLY Beach (August 31 @ Cherry Beach)
Wiggle it out at this family and pet-friendly beach party with groovy beats by local DJs TAKIN & Christina Barroness spinning throughout the day.
Electric Island (August 31 - September 1 @ Ontario Place)
The last Electric Island has come too quickly, but there's still two days of beats from some big names in electro at this long weekend festival.
First Five Fest (August 31 - September 1 @ Aga Khan Museum)
The Aga Khan Museum is turning five and celebrating with a weekend-long festival with music, performances and free admission to the museum.
Air Show (August 31 - September 2 @ Exhibition Place)
Keep your eyes on the skies this weekend as Snowbirds, jets and Red Arrows zip through the air and perform synchronized stunts.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

You can explore this incredible glowing tunnel in Ontario

There's something profoundly alluring about an abandoned tunnel. Upon entering, you can't but help but wonder about its original purpose and the history that's contained in its reinforced walls. Problem is, there are very few of these places that are safe to explore.

Fortunately, Ontario is home to one of the most remarkable tunnel destinations in North America.

The Brockville Railway Tunnel, originally built between 1854 and 1860, was the first of its kind in Canada. It actually pre-dates the country's more celebrated western tunnels laid out for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The tunnel during renovation efforts. Photo by Keith Hare / Brockville Railway Tunnel.

After decades of neglect and deterioration, it was miraculously restored as a pedestrian passageway that's proving a major tourist draw for the small town east of Kingston on the St. Lawrence River.

Renovation efforts commenced in August 2016, and the first stage of the tunnel officially opened last summer. It's been a local hot spot since.

The LED lights in the tunnel rotate colours, which gives an ethereal effect. Photo by Keith Hare / Brockville Railway Tunnel.

The 525-metre passageway features a stunning LED light show that changes colours as people travel underneath downtown Brockville. The stunning rock walls are immediately reminiscent of the Stockholm subway system.

Some portions of the tunnel feature more rough-hewn rock walls. Photo by Keith Hare / Brockville Railway Tunnel.

While the tunnel has a certain degree of polish thanks to the renovations, the groundwater that occasionally collects at the bottom offers amazing reflective photo opportunities. This is Instagram heaven.

Looking straight down the passageway. Photo by Keith Hare / Brockville Railway Tunnel.

The restored tunnel is only phase one of Brockville's long term vision to create a Railway Park at the site. Future phases involve the redevelopment of the former railway Gorge property north of the tunnel and the railway lands to the west.

One of the other colour profiles in the LED light show at the tunnel. Photo by Keith Hare / Brockville Railway Tunnel.

Those projects will surely enhance the site, but there's no need to wait to check it out. The tunnel is definitely the centrepiece and looks spectacular.

by Staff via blogTO

Toronto landlord accused of faking a girlfriend to evict tenants

Today in "landlords behaving badly" (or who are alleged thereof), we have the story of a Toronto property owner who is said to have faked a relationship with a stranger in order to illegally evict two tenants.

Said landlord is now facing up to $25,000 in legal penalties for harassment, and for preventing the tenants from having reasonable enjoyment of their home.

The tenants, Lucy Kohlhepp and Robert Chapman, presented their case alongside paralegal Bradley Truax during a Landlord and Tenant Board hearing on Wednesday.

Kohlhepp and Chapman had been renting their semi-detached, two-bedroom house in Toronto's Little India since April 2018 for $2,300 a month, according to The Star. The couple's landlord, Krista Baker, emailed them in March to say that their lease would not be renewed.

After the tenants explained that they legally had a right to continue leasing month-to-month, and after they had refused Baker's offer to let them stay by raising the rent by $150 per month, the landlord came back to them with an N12 personal-use eviction notice.

The dreaded N12 form permits a landlord to (legally) end someone's tenancy on the grounds that an immediate family member will be moving into the unit.

Use of the form has been rising around the GTA in recent years, prompting concern among affordable housing advocates who say that some landlords use them dishonestly as a way to raise rents on their units (among other shady strategies).

Kohlhepp and Chapman allege that this is what Baker did after learning that the "girlfriend" she was booting them for was a prospective tenant she'd never met.

The fake girlfriend — Vivien de Boerr — agreed to move in, despite finding it weird that she had to pretend to be the landlord's girlfriend, but wound up backing out of the deal in May upon learning of the upcoming court hearing.

De Boerr, who says Baker sent her messages that made her feel "uncomfortable and intimidated," testified on behalf of Kohlhepp and Chapman at the Landlord and Tenant Board on Wednesday.

Baker's legal representatives now have 10 days to respond to the allegations. If found to be in violation of the Residential Tenancies Act, she could be looking at a $25,000 fine.

by Lauren O'Neil via blogTO

Downtown Toronto is about to get a new pedestrian bridge

GO Transit users will soon have a convenient way to access the new Union Station bus terminal under construction at 81 Bay St., because a shiny new pedestrian bridge is about to be installed. 

The bride will connect Scotiabank Arena and the bus terminal, and it'll span 39.5 metres over Bay St., according to Metrolinx.

Look up! A glass pedestrian bridge is being installed above Bay Street this weekend. It will connect you to the future state-of-the-art Union Station Bus Terminal. Read more this impressive project and changes to your route this weekend https://t.co/OqXs0aDYZV #MetrolinxFYI pic.twitter.com/tt1MiPMupC

— Metrolinx (@Metrolinx) August 30, 2019

It'll also be an extension of the city’s PATH network. 

Work on the bridge will begin this long-weekend and is set to be completed by the end of next weekend, so it's a fairly short timeline. 

Although the construction won't take long, it's sure to create some detours in the area. 

Bay St. will be closed from Front St. to Lake Shore Blvd. from 12:01 a.m. on Sat, August 31 to 5 a.m. on Mon, September 2.

According to Metrolinx, this may also cause some delays for GO buses travelling through the area. 

The bridge is just one small part of the soon-to-be CIBC Square, a two-tower development which also includes an elevated park spanning the GO rail corridor. The development will alter the city's skyline when completed in 2022. 

“This pedestrian bridge is an important part of the new Union Station Bus Terminal project,” Grant Bailie, director of Rail Corridor Infrastructure at Union Station, told Metrolinx.

“Seeing this piece and the rest of CIBC Square rise from the ground is extremely satisfying ”

by Mira Miller via blogTO