TTC improving 501 Queen streetcar service

If you've abandoned Toronto's Queen streetcar in favour of UberHOP, you'll be happy to note that the city will be improving the 501 route starting January 3.

"Service will be added at busy off peak times to reduce crowding. Service over the entire route, from Neville Park to Long Branch, will be operated every 10 minutes or better, all day, every day," notes the TTC on its website.

As CBC News reports, the 501 is the city's longest streetcar route and as you probably already know, it's a source of grief for many commuting Torontonians.

Along with beefing up service at all times of the day, the TTC will also focus on the a.m. rush. "In the morning peak period, three additional through trips will operate eastbound from Long Branch Loop to downtown," it writes. "These streetcars will depart from Long Branch Loop at 7:19 a.m., 7:29 a.m., and 7:39 a.m."

The TTC is making a few more changes in the new year, most notably: it's finally opening up the subway an hour earlier on Sundays, at 8 a.m. instead of 9.

Unfortunately, however, fares are also going up. Starting on January 3, a cash fare will you cost you $3.25. Tokens are also increasing by 10 cents each.

Photo by allanparke in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Amy Grief via blogTO

10 Toronto headlines we'd like to see in 2016

It's been an eventful 12 months in Toronto what with the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, the Blue Jays dominating the American League East and the usual shenanigans from our furry and winged friends. As we bid farewell to 2015, it's time to set our sights on the new year and the potential Toronto news stories that are destined to come with it.

Here are 10 Toronto headlines we'd really like to see in 2016.

Toronto Blue Jays win the World Series
The Toronto Blue Jays bat flipped their way to clinch the World Series for the first time in 23 years. We came so close in 2015; who's to say it won't happen now?

Lyft launches in Toronto giving taxis and Uber new competition
Remember the days when Hailo and Uber fought for your attention in Toronto's sharing economy? For the past year, Uber has had a monopoly on our streets, but in 2016 it would be great to see some friendly competition from Lyft, another American app that'll quickly connect you with local drivers.

Toronto converting pay phones to WiFi hotspots
Payphones may be a dying breed in Toronto, but why not use the existing infrastructure to bring free WiFi across the city? While there's no plan in place for Toronto yet, New York is getting ready to turn 500 phone booths into high-speed Internet hot-spots by summer 2016.

Crosstown LRT to be completed one year ahead of schedule
For the first time in forever, a major infrastructural project in Toronto is slated to be up-and-running earlier than expected. In reality, let's just hope the Crosstown opens when it's supposed to in 2021.

Wine and liquor coming soon to a grocery store near you
In 2015, Torontonians saw beer on supermarket shelves. For 2016, wine and liquor are also migrating over to local grocery stores.

Eataly opens at Yonge and Bloor
Back in May, the Globe and Mail reported that the Italian market and restaurant had teamed up with the Weston family, which owns Holt Renfrew, to scout out a possible home in Toronto, one that'll likely be in Yorkville.

Hearn Generating Station to become permanent culture hub
Like the Tate Modern in London, this abandoned power plant could one day become an arts centre that we'll be able to use year-round. This headline isn't so far-fetched considering Luminato recently announced it'd be hosting a slew of its festival programming at this lakeside venue in June.

Toronto lowers food truck licensing fees and parking restrictions
It ain't easy running a food truck in Toronto. In this dream headline universe, city council has finally voted to make the downtown core friendlier for mobile eateries by lowering licensing fees, scrapping the two-trucks-per-block rule and eliminating the distance rule on how close they can park to restaurants.

Massive "The 6" sign permanently installed on Toronto's waterfront
Like a Drake-themed lighthouse, this brand new landmark could be a beacon on the shores of Lake Ontario. Norm Kelly could unveil it just in time for the "Views from the 6" album release.

Sam the Record Man sign finally gets re-installed on Yonge St.
In other sign-related news, the Sam the Record Man sign could finally come back to Yonge Street. City council voted to install the black-and-red neon marquee at Yonge-Dundas Square in July 2014. By 2016, let's hope this plan finally comes to fruition.

What Toronto headlines would you like to see in 2016? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Jeremy Gilbert in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Amy Grief via blogTO

Free TTC and InstaRyde in Toronto on New Year's Eve

Many steer clear of Toronto's downtown core to avoid travel woes on New Year's Eve. However, you'll be happy to note that the TTC will be free from 7 p.m. on December 31, 2015 until 7 a.m. on January 1, 2016.

If you don't want to ride the vomit comet, can't hail a cab or refuse to pay exorbitant amounts of money to Uber, there's a new app that's giving away free rides tonight.

Local startup InstaRyde launched this fall but it's making its big push into the Toronto market with its New Year's Eve promotion happening today from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Each new user will get five promo codes worth $25 each. CEO and co-founder Karim Sumar says InstaRyde uses local drivers just like UberX. It's currently operating in Toronto and Mississauga - Sumar notes that many initial pick-ups happen outside of the downtown core.

A regular "Ryde" suitable for four passengers requires a $3.50 minimum fare and breaks down as follows: the base fare is $2.50 plus $0.18 per minute and $0.80 per kilometre. RydeXL, Black and BlackXL options naturally cost more. You'll be happy to note that the app currently doesn't include surge pricing.

Regardless of how you get around tonight, be safe and don't be stupid; you don't want to find yourself somewhere like L'Hotel de York Regional Police.

Photo by Nick Kernick in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Amy Grief via blogTO

The top 10 Toronto news stories from 2015

Looking back on the top news stories of this year, it's clear that there's been some butting of heads. Taxi drivers want Uber gone, and the Pan Am Games had its share of controversies. Still, there's been plenty of cause for celebration. The Blue Jays gave us one heck of a season, you can now buy beer from a grocery store, and we're finally starting to see some progress with TTC upgrades.

Here are my picks for the top Toronto news stories from 2015.

See also: The top 10 Toronto social media hits & blunders in 2015

#ComeTogether: Blue Jays mania takes over Toronto
The city experienced a collective heartbreak when the Jays, so close to advancing to the World Series were defeated by the Royals.. Nevertheless, the Jays made us proud this year. From outfielder Kevin Pillar's unbelievable catch to Jose Bautista's bat flip following an epic home run, the Jays delivered some of the most exciting and headline-worthy moments in recent MLB history.

Year of the Drake
The 6 god was indomitable this year. He released a surprise mixtape that topped the Billboard 200 chart, expanded OVO's clothing line with Raptors-inspired apparel and made his first foray into the city's dining scene with Fring's. Drake references have been ubiquitous both online and off. Who can forget the time the ACC set up a Hotline Bling booth in honour of Drake Night?

Pan Am Games is a success but not without controversy
Certain aspects of the Pan Am Games ruffled feathers. The temporary HOV lanes frustrated many drivers. The announcement that Kanye West would be headlining the closing ceremonies was also met with backlash. It wasn't all bad, though. There were impressive displays of athleticism, free concerts and the creation of new facilities. Plus, we now have an iconic Toronto sign.

Taxis versus Uber
Toronto taxi drivers' longstanding conflict with Uber came to a head earlier this month. Hundreds of taxi drivers took to the streets to protest what they deem to be an illegal business, disrupting traffic and letting their grievances be known. In September, city council voted to begin regulating the ride-sharing service. A report is due this coming spring.

Mystery tunnel turns out to be a man cave
In January, a conservation official discovered a tunnel near York U. Some of the items found inside were a rosary, a generator and a ladder. The tunnel made international headlines, national security officials were notified, and speculations were rampant. The person responsible turned out to be Elton McDonald, a construction worker who built the tunnel intending for it to be a kind of personal refuge.

@norm takes the internet by storm
With over 200,000 followers on Twitter, City Councillor Norm Kelly has become an internet
sensation. His tweets are so endearing and clever that we had to ask him whether he actually manages his own account (he does). He made waves in the Twittersphere this year when he came to Drake's defence against Philly rapper Meek Mill.

First wave of Syrian refugees arrive in Toronto
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Kathleen Wynne were at Pearson to greet the first wave of incoming Syrian refugees. They gave a warm welcome to the newcomers, providing them with winter necessities and toys for their children. Before their arrival, Trudeau gave a speech at the airport reaffirming the country's commitment to helping Syrian families settle into their new home.

TTC begins catching up to the future
This was the year that all TTC streetcars got PRESTO with buses and subway stations will follow. Completion of the entire project is slated for the end of 2016. In other transit-related news, in an effort to ease congestion the TTC recently implemented all-door boarding, with a new proof-of-payment system, on all streetcar lines.

Beer now sold in grocery stores
At long last, as of December 15th, you can now purchase beer at select grocery stores across the GTA. We've been waiting for this moment ever since Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the plan in September. There are now seven grocers selling beer in Toronto. None of those six locations, however, are in the downtown core.

Fashion Santa sets the internet on fire
Fashion Santa, a.k.a. model Paul Mason, was all the rage at Yorkdale Shopping Centre this holiday season. In the spirit of charity and good PR, Yorkdale promised that for every #YorkdaleFashionSanta selfie posted to social media, it would donate $1, up to a maximum of $10,000, to the SickKids Foundation. Justin Bieber was among those who posed for a pic with the chic Saint Nick.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for the top Toronto news stories from 2015 inthe comments.

by Jeanie Tran via blogTO

Toronto Food Events: Haitian Independence Day, Robbie Burns, Malaysian Bazaar, Year of the Monkey

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events, festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

• A new block of tickets ($20) for the Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival will be released at noon on Wednesday, January 6. Steam Whistle's annual outdoor beer festival takes place on Saturday, January 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The monthly instalment of Urban Acorn's Supper Club is a celebration of Haitian Independence Day taking place in the second level loft kitchen (1565 Dupont Street) on Friday, January 8 and on Sunday, January 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 for the four-course feast.

UPCOMING

• Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace) hosts a Robbie Burns Celebration on Saturday, January 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $150 for the four-course dinner with Johnnie Walker scotch pairings.
• Experience Malaysian food and culture on Saturday January 23 at the Malaysian Bazaar happening at the William Doo Auditorium in New College at U o fT (46 Willcocks Street). Look forward to dishes like Nasi Lemak, Rendang, and kuih-muih.
• Celebrate the Year of the Monkey on Monday, February 1 at Kanpai (252 Carlton Street). The Taiwanese snack bar rings in the Chinese New Year with an evening featuring foods that reflect prosperity, health and good luck.

Know of a Toronto food event coming up? Email liora@blogto.com

Photo of Urban Acorn Vegan Supper Club from Justin Eastman Media.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO

Wily Toronto raccoon caught stealing donut on video

Being Toronto, we evidently needed one more whimsical animal story before we closed out 2015. And we got it in the form of this mischievous raccoon who successfully stole an orange donut from a local coffee shop.

Torontonian Peter Jensen filmed the carb-laded caper and posted it to YouTube earlier this week. It took the raccoon around 20 minutes to nab a sugary treat before escaping and evading capture.

As Buzzfeed notes, Jensen hasn't revealed the identity of the coffee shop in question.

Some have already compared Donut Raccoon to New York City's notorious Pizza Rat, but there's definitely something quintessentially Canadian about this scheming, donut-loving trash panda.

by Amy Grief via blogTO

Stella & Dot GTA Spring 2016 Line Launch & Fashion Show!

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by via Toronto Networking Events