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The Guy Who Stole Your (and Everyone Else’s) Bike in Toronto

contact — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:05:52 +0000

From nyt:

“What exactly was he planning to do with 2,865 bicycles?

“The police are baffled by what Igor Kenk planned to do with such a surplus of bikes.

That is just one of many questions the police and others have been puzzling over since the arrest last month of Igor Kenk, the owner of a used-bike shop here.

Mr. Kenk’s legacy now fills a former police garage with a leaky roof. Organized by brand name and mostly resting on their handlebars, wheels pointed upward, are 2,396 of the bicycles that police say Mr. Kenk either stole or arranged to have stolen.

The jumbled collection of bicycles suggests that Mr. Kenk is the unofficial world champion of bicycle thieves. But as he awaits trial next month on 58 charges related to theft and drug possession, the biggest mysteries of all are Mr. Kenk’s motives and his ultimate plan for the armada of steel, rubber and aluminum he amassed.

“He’s easily the most hated man in Toronto,” said Alex Jansen, a filmmaker who has been working on a documentary about Mr. Kenk for more than a year as part of a study of his rundown neighborhood’s transition to hipsterdom. “But I just found that it’s not as black and white as I originally thought.”

Mr. Kenk was something of an informal social worker, Mr. Jansen explained, giving work to street people and outpatients from a nearby mental health institution. Of course, the police say some of that work involved stealing bicycles.

The arrest has provoked an outpouring of anger and publicity in a city renowned as one of the most bicycle-friendly places in the world. About 15,000 hopeful cyclists, some teary-eyed, have scoured the Kenk collection in search of their missing bicycles. But only 469 bicycles had been returned as of Thursday morning, when 17 more days of public viewings began.

The public reaction “was staggering,” said Ruth White, the superintendent of 14 Division, the police unit that made the arrest. “I’ve never seen anything like it in 30 years.”

Oddly enough, the police and many bicyclists were aware that Mr. Kenk’s little shop, the Bicycle Clinic, appeared to be a black hole that consumed stolen bicycles. Bike theft victims regularly discovered their missing bicycles there, and were often able to recover them, either through vigorous argument or a payment of $30 or $40.

While he had been arrested once before, Mr. Kenk was acquitted because prosecutors could not prove that he knew that the bicycles in his possession had been stolen. After that, the police lost interest in pursuing him, and many in the neighborhood came to tolerate or avoid him and his shop.

“It had become the culture in his neighborhood to visit Igor to get your bike; people accepted it,” Ms. White said.

The only reason Mr. Kenk was arrested was that bicycle thefts rose sharply in June, prompting 14 Division to start a general effort to trap the thieves by planting bicycles on the streets and waiting to see who took them.

As plainclothes officers watched on the afternoon of July 16, Mr. Kenk and another man passed the bait with no display of interest. But Mr. Kenk soon directed his companion, who has a history of mental illness, to cut the locks on two other bicycles — not ones planted by the police — and they then rode off on them.

“It was God’s way of saying, ‘It’s time to put a stop to this,’ ” said Inspector Bryce Evans of 14 Division.

When the police subsequently raided the Bicycle Clinic, the Fire Department at first blocked them from entering for safety reasons. The building was so crammed with bicycles and bike parts that a Fire Department rescue squad had to remove the upper-floor windows and lower the bicycles by rope.

That was just the beginning. An additional 200 bikes were seized in Mr. Kenk’s home. Ten landlords around the city reported that their garages had been rented by Mr. Kenk and were bulging with bicycles. As the police gathered the mounds of bikes, they also found cocaine, crack cocaine, about 15 pounds of marijuana and a stolen bronze sculpture of a centaur and a snake in battle.

Ms. White is among those baffled by it all, though she noted, “He made a lot of money off it, judging by where he was living.” While his shop was a shambles, Mr. Kenk shared a rented house in Yorkville, a fashionable and expensive neighborhood, with his partner, Jeanie Chung.

An accomplished pianist, Ms. Chung, who also faces charges for drugs and possession of stolen goods, turned herself in after returning from two performances in Banff, Alberta. (Ms. Chung’s lawyer did not respond to requests for comment.)

Since Mr. Kenk’s arrest, theories about his hoarding have proliferated. Because Mr. Kenk held a scrap metal dealer’s license, Inspector Evans speculates that he was playing the commodities markets, waiting for another spike in metals prices before melting down the bicycles.

In the past, Mr. Kenk has said that he was accumulating bicycles in preparation for a severe oil shortage. But in a somewhat disjointed interview in July for a radio documentary, portions of which were published by The Globe and Mail, a Toronto daily newspaper, Mr. Kenk portrayed himself as a crusader against theft and a protector of cast-off bicycles.

Mr. Kenk holds a passport from Slovenia and has claimed he was a police officer and a former K.G.B. agent. He has shed little light since his arrest. After one court session, he told reporters, “I’m a dead man.”

In a brief interview, Mr. Kenk’s lawyer, Lon G. Rose, declined to elaborate or offer any information about Mr. Kenk’s past, before saying: “The public reaction is a bit extreme and knee jerk.”

Mr. Jansen, the filmmaker, and others found Mr. Kenk to be a charismatic, if sometimes misguided, neighborhood philosopher. Mr. Jansen, who lives near the shop, said Mr. Kenk was a link to an era before street signs in the once-rundown area declared it to be the Art and Design District.

“You just get pulled completely in when you start talking to him,” Mr. Jansen said. “With the changing neighborhood, I knew that it would culminate in Igor being pushed out. I’m just shocked at the number of bikes and storage facilities, and the quantity of drugs is just ridiculous.”

There is no discernible pattern to the bicycles in the Kenk collection, which includes several children’s bicycle trailers and at least one toddler-size tricycle. But not everything is old, incomplete or damaged. Along two walls of the garage are dozens of packing cases filled with a product that is either appropriate or preposterous, given the circumstances: new bicycle locks.”

New Porn Channel in Canada

contact — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:05:47 +0000

From reuters:

“Canadians who may have become tired of being passed over as porn stars will have a new, home-grown outlet to showcase their erotic talents.

Federal regulators have granted Alberta-based Real Productions approval to launch a new digital pornography channel, which promises to serve up at least 50 percent domestic content.

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved the Category 2 pay-television service on Wednesday, allowing Northern Peaks to become “Canada’s first adult video channel offering significant Canadian adult content.”

“I think as Canadians there is a bit of a tiredness in seeing all American stuff,” Shaun Donnelly, president of Real Productions, said during an interview on Friday.

“There is always that thrill for something that is local and you get the sense that these are people you can meet at the supermarket.”

The CRTC only required 15 percent Canadian content, but Northern Peaks agreed to provide “not less than 50 percent of the broadcast day and not less than 50 percent of the evening broadcast period to Canadian programming,” according to the license.

“We want to be Canada’s adult channel and I think to do that, 15 percent wouldn’t cut it,” Donnelly said.

Real Productions boasts the largest collection of Canadian adult-themed content in the country with more than 200 film titles and 75 television episodes in its library.

The regulator stipulated the license will only be issued once Real Productions enters into an agreement with at least one licensed distributor.

Donnelly, who has also produced television programs for Playboy TV in the U.S. and Granada Television in Britain, said all five major Canadian cable and satellite carriers have expressed interest in hosting the channel and are reviewing the proposal.

“I’ve been in touch with the cable companies throughout the process and went ahead with it based on the interest we had,” he said

Northern Peaks will be restricted to certain types of programming including long-form documentaries, dramatic series, feature films, game shows, mini-series, sitcoms and made-for-TV movies.

The CRTC received no interventions in connection with the application, which was initially launched in October 2007.”

University of Toronto and IBM are Launching a Supercomputer

contact — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:07:23 +0000

From reuters:

“The University of Toronto and IBM Corp (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) are building Canada’s most powerful supercomputer, a mammoth machine that will need its own building for storage and will be capable of performing 360 trillion calculations per second.

It’s expected the system will be among the top 20 fastest supercomputers in the world and the largest outside the United States. It will be able to store data equivalent to that held by one million regular DVDs.

The entire budget of the project, which includes construction and operating costs, is just under C$50 million ($47 million) over five years.

Its power is roughly equivalent to “30,000 to 40,000 home computers linked together,” said Chris Pratt, strategic initiatives executive at IBM Canada.

“The kind of interconnect between parts of the system will allow the equivalent of two full-length feature DVD movies to be moved around in the space of a second,” he said.

It will be a big boost to scientists at the University of Toronto and its associated research hospitals, as it will help tackle projects in an array of areas from aerospace and astrophysics to climate change prediction and medical imaging.

Among the research, the system will be used to explore the modern scientific mystery of why matter has mass and what constitutes the mass of the universe.

Funding is being provided by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, in partnership with the province of Ontario and the university.

Building the supercomputer will involve the largest implementation of IBM’s iDataPlex system, which holds twice as many processors per unit as standard systems and is entirely water-cooled. More than 4,000 servers will be linked together.

“Every aspect of the system has been put together to be the most powerful and yet the most energy-efficient,” Pratt said.

A data center will be built just north of Toronto. Installation will begin in the autumn and it’s expected the supercomputer will be fully operational by next summer.”

Feast of Fields’ Bio Dynamic Organic Wine

contact — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:06:52 +0000

First Things First: What is Bio Dynamic Farming?
Biodynamic farming and gardening looks upon the soil and the farm as living organisms. It regards maintenance and furtherance of soil life as a basic necessity if the soil is to be preserved for generations, and it regards the farm as being true to its essential nature if it can be conceived of as a kind of individual entity in itself – a self-contained individuality. It begins with the ideal concept of the necessary self-containedness of the farm and works with furthering the life of the soil as a primary means by which a farm can become a kind of individuality that progresses and evolves.

Biodynamic agriculture is a way of living, working and relating to nature and the vocations of agriculture based on good common-sense practices, a consciousness of the uniqueness of each landscape, and the inner development of each and every practitioner.

Common-sense practices include striving to be self-sufficient in energy, fertilizers, plants, and animals; structuring our activities based on working with nature’s rhythms; using diversity in plant, fertilizers, and animals as building blocks of a healthy operation; being professional in our approach to reliability, cleanliness, order, focus on observation, and attention to detail; and being prompt and up-to-date in doing one’s job.

The concern with the uniqueness of a particular landscape includes developing an understanding of the geology, soils, climate, plant, and animal life; human ecology; and economy of one’s bioregion.

Biodynamic farming and gardening combines common-sense agriculture, an understanding of ecology, and the specific environment of a given place with a new spiritual scientific approach to the concepts, principles, and practices of agriculture. From biodynamics.ca

Feast of Fields farm has been certified biodynamic by Demeter Canada since 1996. The Biodynamic method goes beyond organic in a sincere effort to enliven the farm entity through growing in harmony with nature and working towards the goal of a self sufficient farm entity.

During the growing season, visit Feast of Fields at Riverdale Park Farmers Market on Tuesday 3-7 pm, Dufferin Grove Thursdays from 3-7pm, The Brickworks Saturday 8 -1 am or Withrow Park Saturdays from 9-1 pm. Feast of Fields also maintains a B&B cottage.

Feast of Fields Biodynamic Vineyard
RR # 1 St Catharines
Ontario Canada L2R 6P7
email: laura-sabourin@sympatico.ca

Public Transportation

contact — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:08:31 +0000

Public Transportation in Toronto is one of the world class leaders in affordability and comfort. When traveling here on business or leisure, it makes the most sense to take the GO Trains or buses or ferries. Once within the metro area you will be impressed by the efficient combination of subway, bus, and streetcar to get you where you want to go. Need information on maps, routes and generally how to get from point A to point B? The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) routes are online, and you can also feel free to telephone them for further information. From traveling to and from the airport, to downloading and printing schedules and map routes, all you need to do is go online to the TTC website.

Check it out here

Kosher Restaurants

contact — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:11:05 +0000

First Things First: What is Kosher?
“Kosher” refers to Jewish law that regulates permissible foods. Kosher foods must adhere to the complex requirements of Jewish law, and a supervising Rabbi verifies that such is the case for a given food item or serving location. Criteria is based on: 1) how animals are slaughtered; 2) rules and regulations for purity in the processing of foods; 3) careful inspection of vegetables for insects; 4) and the required temperatures in the cleansing of utensils and equipment. Additionally, Kosher laws require full disclosure of all ingredients on the packaging. With Kosher Certified foods consumers are fully aware of all ingredients. There should be no MSG, artificial flavors, fillers. or by-products.

Products and cooking equipment under kosher supervision are given regular inspections to ensure rigorous compliance with the Kashruth laws. A person known as the mashgiach does the actual supervision. A Hechsher (certifying mark) can be found to identify kosher foods and serving locations.

Below you’ll find some of the best kosher restaurants in Toronto (D=Dairy M=Meat P=Parve):

Central

Brooklyn Pizza (D), 3016 B Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B6, 416.789.4085
Colonel Wong Restaurant (M), 2825 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3A4, 416.784.9664
The Fortune Cookie (M), 2835 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B 3A4
HaKotel (M), 1045 Steeles Ave W Toronto Ontario M2R2S9, 416.736.7227
Kosher Pizza Delight (formerly Jerusalem One) (D), 3028 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B6, 416.256.7115
King David Pizza, Bourekas, Falafel (D), 3020 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B6
Noam Malka (M), Lawrence/Bathurst Plaza-Hot Dog Cart Toronto Ontario
Not Just Yogurt (D), 2997 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B3, 416.783.7604
Omni 2 – Jewellery & Java (D), 2793 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3A7
Perl’s Bais Burger (M), 3015 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario, 416.787-.4234
Shalom Shanghai (M), 3022 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B6

Downtown

Oasis Cafe & Health Bar (D), 2 First Canadian Place, Exchange Tower, Toronto ON M5X1A6, 416.368.8805
Olde Spadina Ave (M), Air Canada Center & Rogers Center, Toronto Ontario, 416.823.6313

Midtown

Bistro Grande (D), 1000 Eglinton Ave W Toronto Ontario M6C2C5
Gladstones Bar & Grill (M – formal), 398 Eglinton Ave W Toronto Ontario M5N1A2, 416.487.9500

North York

Amazing Donuts (P), 3772 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M3H3M6, 416.398.7546
Baycrest Cafeterias (D, M), 3560 Bathurst St Ontario, 416.789.5131
Chicken Nest (M), 3038 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B4K2
Dairy Treats European Cafe/Bakery (D), 3522 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6A2C6, 416.787.0309
Isaac’s Bakery & Cafe (D), 221 Wilmington Ave Toronto Ontario 416.630.1678; and
3390 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6A2B9, 416.789.7587
King David/Country Style Coffee (D), 219 Wilmington Ave Toronto Ontario M3H5J9, 416.636.3456
King Solomons Table (M – formal), 3705 Chesswood Dr Toronto Ontario M3J2P6, 416.630.1666
King Kosher Pizza, Burekas & Falafel (D), 3774 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M3H3M6
Marky’s Restaurant & Deli (M), 280 Wilson Ave Toronto Ontario M3H1S8, 416.638.1081
Milk ‘n Honey Restaurant (D), 3457 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6A2C5, 416.789.7651
Rachel’s Centre Cafe (D), Bathurst Jewish Centre 4588 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M2R1W6
Second Cup (Baycrest) (D), 3560 Bathurst St ext 2871 Toronto Ontario M6A2E1
Second Cup (BJC) (D, 4588 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M2R1W6, 416.636.1880

Uptown

Country Style Kosher Coffee (D), Winter’s College, York University 4700 Keele St Toronto Ontario
Tov-Li Pizza & Falafel Ltd (D), 5982 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M2R1Z1, 416.650.9800

North

Cafe Sheli (D), 7700 Bathurst St Thornhill Ontario L4J7Y3, 905.762.0640
Cookoos Inc (M), 7241 Bathurst St Thornhill Ontario L4J3W1
Fine Touch Catering (M), 927 Clark Ave W Thornhill Ontario L4J8G6, 905.889.2690
Golden Chopsticks Chinese Food (M), 7000 Bathurst St Unit C-6 Thornhill Ontario L4J7L1, 905.760.2786
King David Pizza, Bourekas, Falafel (D), 531 Atkinson Ave Unit 3 Thornhill Ontario L4J8L7, 905.771.7077
Kosher King (M), 7000 Bathurst St Unit C1 Thornhill Ontario L4J7P2, 905.760.1118
Miami Grill (M), 441 Clark Ave W Thornhill Ontario L4J6W7, 905.709.0096
My Zaidy’s Pizza (D), 441 Clark Ave W Thornhill Ontario L4J6W8
Not Just Yogurt (D), 7117 Bathurst St Unit 109 Thornhill Ontario L4J2J6, 905.889.1598
Yehudale’s Falafel & Pizza (D), 7241 Bathurst St Thornhill Ontario L4J3W1, 905.889.1400

Karma Co-op

contact — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:06:31 +0000

Karma Co-op is a member-owned non-profit grocery store. Shopping at Karma is a friendly experience, without the Muzak, gimmickry or hard-sell tactics of supermarkets. You can hang up your coat, mind your child in the membership room, meet your neighbours who have similar interests and make a phone call. It’s our store. And nobody profits from it except the members.

What can you buy?

- Fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, dairy products and free-range eggs
- Bulk grains, flours, seeds, spreads, dried fruits and nuts
- Frozen foods,including organically raised meat
- Renett-free cheese
- Bulk grains, dried fruits & nuts
- Coffees and teas, coffee substitutes, herbal teas and fresh spices
- Canned and packaged foods
- Household and personal care items (dental and skin care products, supplements)
- Environment-friendly cleaning products

Interested in becoming a member? Only members can shop at Karma Co-op. But you can do a one-time trial shop to try us out before joining (payment in cash only). Join Karma

Karma Coop
739 Palmerston Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6G 2R3
(416) 534-1470
Hours: M: 11am-7pm; T,W,Th: 11am-9pm; F: 10am-9pm; Sa: 10am-6pm; Su: 11am-5pm

My Favorite Movie Theatre: Bloor Cinema

contact — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:05:55 +0000

Bloor Cinema rules. It is a real, traditional, old school movie theatre for true movie buffs – showing classic favorite movies. If you’ve never been to an old theater and want to experience what your parents or grandparents experienced, check out Bloor. Its wonderful sticky floors, movie classics as well as more obscure gems, cheap tickets, squeeky seats, more than 800 seats, true movie house smells, gummy worms… will just make you sigh. In a good way. What is NOT to like about this place!? Tell me.

The Bloor Cinema is a host for gobs of film festivals, movie premieres, special gala events, classic films and Hollywood blockbusters. They showcase a variety of perspectives from across Canada and around the world: independent films, fascinating stories, important documentaries and sometimes just wild, unbridled entertainment.

This historic landmark should be a must-see item on your list when visiting Toronto, whether you go see a movie or not. LOVE this place.

Browsing tonight’s listing, I noticed that Ghost World (with Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson and Steve Buscemi) is playing. Don’t miss that excellent film!

Bloor Cinema
506 Bloor Street West,
Toronto ON M5S1Y2 Canada
(416) 516-2331

Kid Friendly Pizza Places

contact — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:06:58 +0000

Pizza Restaurants – Anyone who has a kid, or knows a kid for that matter, knows that kids like pizza. Rare is the moment when you meet a kid that hates pizza, so if you’re looking for a pizza place in Toronto, you’re in luck, because there are many really good ones in the city. Here are some suggestions:

Pizza Amato – 380 College Street , Toronto ON M5T1S6, (416) 972-6286

Pizza Banfi – 333B Lonsdale Road, Toronto, ON, M5P1R3, (416) 322-5231

Chico’s Pizza – 701 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto, ON, M6C 1B2, (416) 658-4000

Cora Pizza – 656A Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5S2H7, (416) 922-1188

Magic Oven – 270 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON, M5R1V7, (416) 928-1555 *Uses mostly organic ingredients and is very vegan/vegetarian/lactose-free friendly.

The Big Slice – 385 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M5B1S1, (416) 977-8451

Kismet Pizza – 1962 Eglinton Avenue West, York, ON, M6E2J9, (416) 782-0782

Massimo Pizza & Pasta – 302 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T1R9, (416) 967-0527

Vesuvio Pizzeria & Spaghetti House – 3014 Dundas Street West , Toronto ON M6P1Z3, (416) 763-4191

Tips, Tools, Rebates to Live Green in Toronto

contact — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:06:23 +0000

Check out Live Green Toronto, a one-stop resource for living friendly and green in our favorite Canadian city. There you willl discover literally hundreds of extremely easy ways to contribute to a healthier, lovelier, greener planet. Get inspired. Get motivated. Get a rebate!

Live Green Toronto

Toronto Meetup Groups

contact — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:06:36 +0000

There are literally hundreds of different groups of people meeting up in and around Toronto. These meetups are a great way to meet new friends and people with similar interests as yours. Some examples of groups are: Addicted to Travel (672 members), 20′s to 30′s Friends (554 members), Compassion For Animals’ Animal Rights / Vegetarians (167 members), Competitive and Recreational Volleyball Social Group (226 members), Documentary and Inspiring Films Social Club (684 members), etc. You’ll find a whole spectrum of interests, some very specific, but certainly there’s something for you. From hobbies to professional interests and sportive groups, you are bound to find your little corner of like-minded people.

Look for your meetup group here

Beating the Heat and Staying Cool in Toronto

contact — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:06:31 +0000

Summer’s in full swing and there’s only one thing to think about for the moment: staying cool. Here are some suggestions of avoiding over heating.

1. Go to Cherry Beach – Cherry Beach is a “blue flag” beach, meaning, it has been deemed safe and environmentally sound. It’s respected and recognized international eco-label. Find this cool lakeside park at the foot of Cherry Street just south of Unwin Avenue. More info.

2. Go swimming – There are many pools around the greater metropolitan Toronto area. Check them out here.

3. Eat the best gelato in Toronto. ‘nuf said.

4. Go to the movies – movie theatres are cool as cucumbers.

5. Water Slide! – at the Delta Chelsea. You have to be a guest at the hotel, however.

6. Go to the mall – There’s always Yorkdale but you have lots o choices.

7. Use Common Sense in the heat – Wear light, loose, comfortable cotton clothes; keep yourself hydrated (drink lots of water and natural fruit juices and cold herb teas); avoid overextenuating activity that can cause heat stroke; never leave children or pets inside a car; wear hats and stay in the shade if outdoors; eat light meals.

The Best Gelateria in Toronto: Dolce Gelato

contact — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:07:34 +0000

Based on the many Torontonians I’ve asked, Dolce Gelato seems to come up ahead by leaps and bounds above most other gelato places. Perhaps not THE best; but definitely excellent. My survey is not official and the results are obviously centered on my friends, family and their friends’ opinions but hey, if more than a few people recommend this place, it’s gotta be pretty good, heh?

Dolce Gelato
697 College St. (Little Italy)
Toronto, ON M6G 1C2 Canada
Telephone: 416-915-0756

Shopping in Toronto: Yorkdale Mall

contact — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:05:55 +0000

A recent $60-million expansion accounted for an additional 40 new stores to Yorkdale, and the fashion centre now offers its shoppers an even more exciting array of retailers, including the Apple Store, H&M, Lululemon, Mango, Sephora and Zara. More than 180,000 square feet of shopping space was added in the redevelopment, and the new section features a soaring 60-foot-high glass atrium.

Go crazy shopping at more than 240 shops. I am a huge fan of H&M and so you’ll see me spend most of my time there, and the Apple Store too.

Yorkdale Mall
1 Yorkdale Road, Suite 500
Toronto, Ontario M6A 3A1
Canada
Hours
Monday – Friday: 10am – 9pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Note: Monday August 4th, 2008 – Civic Day – The Mall is open 10am to 6pm.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre is closed:

Friday March – Good Friday
Sunday March/April – Easter Sunday
May – Victoria Day
July – Canada Day
September – Labour Day
October – Thanksgiving Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
January 1 – New Years Day

Heritage Toronto Walks

contact — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:05:47 +0000

Discover Toronto’s rich and fascinating past by taking a walk. Hey, not only will you get that much needed exercise, you’ll be adding even more knowledge to that noggin of yours.

Today, the walk is through Bâby Point to learn about 10,000 Years of History, but the walk won’t take 10,000 years, rest assured. Explore some of Toronto’s First Nations and French history with this tour of the area named after the estate of James Bâby, an early French settler. Hear about the Seneca village of Teiaiagon, the Carrying Place trail and the first French fort in what is now Toronto. Tours will be offered in English and French. It all begins at 1:30pm today so if you can make it, you won’t regret the last minute plans. The walk will last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Meet at the southwest corner of Jane St and Bâby Point Rd/Annette St. You will end your walk near Old Mill Subway Station.

July 26 – 1:00pm – 3pm – you’ll find yourself in the footsteps of black Victorians. In the 19th century, Toronto was a centre of antislavery organizations and Black cultural and political activities. Hear about the men and women of the community as we visit some of the sites known to them. Meet at South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St E at Jarvis. End at Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St, S of Dundas St.

August through October

AUGUST
Lambton Mills (Aug 9 2008 – 1:30pm)
African-Canadian Women in Early Toronto (Aug 10 2008 – 1:00pm)
Cabbagetown People: Discoveries of Remarkable Lives (Aug 16 2008 – 1:30pm)
The Royal Alexandra Theatre and Its Neighbourhood (Aug 17 2008 – 11:00am)
Faces on Places: Gargoyles and Other Architectural Ornament (Aug 23 2008 – 1:30pm)
Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek (Aug 24 2008 – 1:30pm)
Colourful Corktown (Aug 24 2008 – 1:30pm)

SEPTEMBER
Spadina: The Story of an Estate & Its Neighbourhood (Sep 6 2008 – 1:30pm)
The Guild Inn Gardens (Sep 7 2008 – 1:30pm)
Weston Side Story – All Around the Town (Sep 13 2008 – 1:00pm)
Yorkville (Sep 14 2008 – 11:00am)
Imagining Toronto’s Past – CANCELLED (Sep 20 2008 – 1:30pm)
Wellington Place Neighbourhood (Sep 21 2008 – 1:30pm)
Historic Moore Park (Sep 27 2008 – 1:30pm)
Fort York: 200 Years of Lakefront Development (Sep 28 2008 – 1:30pm)

OCTOBER
Exhibition Place: Ghostly Secrets Revealed (Oct 3 2008 – 7:00pm)
Swansea: The Country in the City (Oct 4 2008 – 1:30pm)
Thomson Pioneer Settlement (Oct 5 2008 – 1:30pm)

More information about Heritage Toronto Walks

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Gandhi’s Roti and other Roti Restaurants in Toronto

contact — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:07:06 +0000

A definite hole-in-the-wall favorite roti restaurant of local Torontonians in the know. You’ll find East Indian roti. The butter chicken and chicken jalfrizi rotis are some of the best you’ll sample in Toronto. I’m drooling now.

Gandhi’s Roti
554 Queen West, Toronto
Toronto ON M5V3P2
(416) 504-8155

Other rotis in Toronto: Roti Hut on Pitfield, Tarin Roti Shop on Gerrard east of Parliament in Regent Park, Patty King on the south side of Baldwin, Blue Water on Vic Park n of Eglinton, Island Foods at King and Dufferin, Bacchus and Ali’s on Queen West, and Roti Lady in Parkdale, Drupati’s at 925 Albion Road, Roti Roti on Islington, Alima’s, Village on the Grange on Dundas and University, Don Mills on Don Mills north of Lawrence, Caffeteria at the Bay at Yonge & Queen, Coconut Grove, Dundas east of University, Mona’s in Scarborough, Pam’s Kitchen, Brendan’s Roti Garden, on Hayden just south of Bloor, Ritz Caribbean Food on Yonge Street, Danforth Roti in East York on Danforth, Roti King on Eglington W between Dufferin and Oakwood, Caribbean Queen of Patties on Bloor just east of Lansdowne.

Canadians Don’t Back Out

contact — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:08:08 +0000

From the globeandmail:

This week, Collected Wisdom is driving to the supermarket in its luxury Globe and Mail company car — a 1978 AMC Gremlin. But do we reverse into that parking space or drive forward into it?

THE QUESTION: Mississauga’s Tom Landre wondered why so many people back their cars into parking spots in parking lots. “More than a few times, I have been walking through a parking lot and been startled by a vehicle that had backed in and was suddenly moving forward toward me. If they had pulled in forward, then I, as a pedestrian, would have two signals for their departure. First the brake lights would come on and then the reversing lights.”

THE ANSWER: Well, we received a huge number of responses on this on. Many thanks to all who wrote in, but unfortunately we have room for only a few of the replies.

“I always try to park so that I can drive forward out of the space rather than backing out,” writes Barbara Pettit of Fergus, Ont. “When backing out, with all the vans, trucks and SUVs on both sides, it’s almost impossible to see if it’s safe to back out. If you drive out, you can see, with much less of your vehicle sticking out into the driving lane, whether something is coming.”

As for pedestrians, she says, although they may not have as much visual information about when a vehicle is about to drive out of a space as they do when one is about to back out, the driver has a much better chance of seeing the pedestrian.

John Reid of Mississauga says driving front-first out of a parking spot is safer for pedestrians because eye contact can be easily made between driver and pedestrian to ensure that both are aware of each other.

David Sword of Willowdale, Ont., adds that backing into parking spaces is far safer than backing out because “you are backing into an empty and known space that is clear of pedestrian and vehicle traffic.”

Peter J. Ogloff of New Westminster, B.C., says it is much easier to back into a tight parking space than to drive forward into it because when you are in reverse, your turning circle centres on the rear wheels, making for a better turn.

Meanwhile, “if Mr. Landre needs signals from a vehicle that it is pulling out of a parking space,” writes Cecil Bush of Toronto, “there should still be the two signals he seeks — one when the running lights come on as the vehicle is put in gear, and the other when the driver uses the turn signals to indicate whether he is turning left or right — although, admittedly, the latter is now seldom done.”

The final word, perhaps for owners of 1978 Gremlins, comes from Duncan Boyce of Toronto: “If your battery dies and you need a boost, it can be very problematic for battery cables to reach your car if the engine is not at the front of the parking spot.”

HELP WANTED

“Now that the football season is well under way,” writes David Bryant of Regina, “I was wondering why, in a country that has been metric for decades, the Canadian game is measured in yards and not metres.” The field being 110 yards long is ready-made for a very tidy conversion to almost exactly 100 metres.

“I was reading a book that mentioned that bell-bottom pants were long associated with the Royal Navy,” says John Manuel of Golden, B.C. He wonders if there was a functional reason for this.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs New Natural Wonder in Canada

contact — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:11:18 +0000

Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Nova Scotia Canada) has been added to the World Heritage List of new Natural Wonders of the World.

These magnificently exposed layers of rock reveal the world’s most complete fossil record of life in the “Coal Age” when lush forests covered Joggins and much of the world’s tropics, 300 million years ago.|

Preserved in situ at Joggins, “Coal Age” trees stand where they grew, the footprints of creatures are frozen where they once walked, the dens of amphibians are preserved with remnants of their last meal, and the earliest reptiles remain entombed within once hollow trees. Nowhere is this record of plant, invertebrate and vertebrate life within now fossilized forests rendered more evocatively.

The fossil record includes species first defined at Joggins, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. It was here that Sir Charles Lyell, with Sir William Dawson, founder of modern geology, discovered tetrapods — amphibians and reptiles — entombed in the upright fossil trees. Later work by Dawson would reveal the first true reptile, Hylonomus lyelli, ancestor of all dinosaurs that would rule the earth 100 million years later. This tiny reptile serves as the reference point where animals finally broke free of the water to live on land. This evolutionary milestone recorded at Joggins remains pivotal to understanding the origins of all vertebrate life on land, including our own species.

With careful observation and interpretation, you may find your own missing piece of time’s puzzle. As you explore the beach at Joggins, remember that every rock holds the possibility of discovery. [source]

Happy Canada Day!

contact — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:05:55 +0000

ok. I’m a day late. Sorry.

From pch.gc.ca:

Background

On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord Monck, called upon all Her Majesty’s loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st.

The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day.

There is no record of organized ceremonies after this first anniversary, except for the 50th anniversary of Confederation in 1917, at which time the new Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, under construction, was dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and to the valour of Canadians fighting in the First World War in Europe.

The next celebration was held in 1927 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation. It was highlighted by the laying of the cornerstone by the Governor General of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower.

Since 1958, the government has arranged for an annual observance of Canada’s national day with the Secretary of State of Canada in charge of the coordination. The format provided for a Trooping the Colours ceremony on the lawn of Parliament Hill in the afternoon, a sunset ceremony in the evening followed by a mass band concert and fireworks display.

Another highlight was Canada’s Centennial in 1967 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the celebrations with Parliament Hill again being the backdrop for a large scale official ceremony.

The format changed in 1968 with the addition of multicultural and professional concerts held on Parliament Hill including a nationally televised show. Up until 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name “Festival Canada”, was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July and involved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well as municipalities and voluntary organizations. The celebration was cancelled in 1976 but was reactivated in 1977.

A new formula was developed in 1980 whereby the National Committee (the federal government organization charged with planning Canada’s Birthday celebrations) stressed and sponsored the development of local celebrations all across Canada. “Seed money” was distributed to promote popular and amateur activities organized by volunteer groups in hundreds of local communities. The same approach was also followed for the 1981 celebrations with the addition of fireworks displays in 15 major cities across the nation.

On October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as “Dominion Day” became “Canada Day”.

Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally. Grants are provided by the Department to those committees.

tags: toronto canada canada day

10,000 Canadians petition for iPhone rate relief

contact — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:07:35 +0000

More about it here.

Toronto Jazz Festival Starts June 22

contact — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:05:43 +0000

This festival is not to be missed. Here’s what past festivals looked like

if you’re anywhere in the vicinity of Toronto. Or not. Some highlights from last year featured Al Green, so you must see the Rev (June 19) if you’re tired of being alone, because if anything, he’s still in love with you. Ahmad Jamal will be there (June 23) too! And – A surprising guest, a very old timer in jazz, Dave Brubeck will be kickin it with y’all (July 2) and taking at least 5 minutes to play his signature tune. If you have no idea who he is, you will surely recognize his tunes, and at 88 years old, he will amaze you.

There will be lots of music and lots of artists and venues so the best thing to do is download a schedule and go from there. Get tickets online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling 416-870-8000.

For more information: toronto jazz

Canadian Border to Check iPods for Copyright Infringment

contact — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:07:58 +0000

“The federal government is secretly negotiating an agreement to revamp international copyright laws which could make the information on Canadian iPods, laptop computers or other personal electronic devices illegal and greatly increase the difficulty of travelling with such devices.”

Read about it here.

[via]

Uranium is Polluting Lake Ontario

contact — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:07:00 +0000

The producer of Uranium says uranium “might have” leaked into Lake Ontario. We know that really means uranium “definitely without a doubt leaked” into Lake Ontario.

From the nyt:

“OTTAWA — Cameco, the world’s largest uranium producer, has told the Canadian nuclear regulator that its refinery might have leaked uranium, arsenic and fluorides into Lake Ontario.

A section of the Port Hope, Ontario, plant of Cameco, the world’s largest uranium producer.
The plant at Port Hope, Ontario, across the lake from Rochester and down the shore from Toronto, first refined uranium for the Manhattan Project during World War II. It has been temporarily closed since July to remove contaminated soil.

A spokesman for Cameco, Lyle Krahn, said Wednesday that a computer model created for the cleanup, which is several months behind schedule, indicated that the radioactive and toxic materials have been polluting a harbor adjacent to the factory. The harbor leads directly to the lake.

The company notified the regulatory agency, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, about the finding at a meeting last week and now plans drilling tests to confirm the contamination and to measure its extent.

“We’re anticipating that material may have been entering the harbor,” Mr. Krahn said, adding that Cameco did not know how long it would take to confirm any possible pollution.

A spokesman for the agency, Aurèle Gervais, said: “The Port Hope UF6 plant matter has been ongoing for some time and the harbor issue is a recent development,” using the chemical formula for uranium hexafluoride.

In a background paper prepared for the agency’s commissioners last week, its staff concluded that the potential remained for continued water pollution from the plant.

Cameco in general and the aging Port Hope refinery, which transforms mined uranium into forms suitable for electrical power reactors, have long been targets of environmental groups and the regulatory agency.

After a flood last year closed one of the company’s mines, which produces about 10 percent of the world’s uranium, Linda J. Keen, then the head of the regulatory agency, said her commissioners and staff had a “lack of confidence” in Cameco and its management…”

Read the full article

How America Sees Canada: Better!

contact — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:07:51 +0000

From mcleans:

They came from China and England, from India and Mexico — 94 people of every age and race, from 13 countries in all. They arrived this crisp autumn morning at an imposing new office complex in Surrey, B.C., filling neat rows of folding chairs in a second-floor courtroom, Citizenship Judge Shinder Purewal presiding. The judge is a cheerful man in a happy job. He told them about some of his own experiences: the murder of his father when he was an infant, and how he arrived in Canada from India as a 17-year-old because his mother wanted to raise her family in a land of peace and security. Purewal, also a political science professor, told them how difficult it is to move to a country where you don’t speak the language or understand the culture. Give it time, he urged them, and Canada will exceed your expectations. He told them how he built a new life in Canada and earned a Ph.D., and how this country — ranked best in the world, he said — has much to offer them as well. “What makes this country great,” he said, “is your presence.”

It was a beautiful thing to see. A visitor to the ceremony couldn’t…”

Read the rest and watch a video

Clotheslines are IN again – Yay!

contact — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:08:00 +0000

From the torontosun:

“It’s time to get over any hang ups with clotheslines.

Ontario will outlaw clothesline bans by this summer to encourage citizens to use the environmentally friendly option when doing laundry.

“We want you to feel comfortable, wherever you happen to live in the province of Ontario, to put up a clothesline and to let mother nature, let the wind and the sun, dry your clothing,” Premier Dalton McGuinty said yesterday.

Homeowners would no longer be subject to municipal bylaws or homebuilder agreements that ban the lines.

Electric clothes dryers account for about 6% of a home’s energy consumption, and cutting use by 25% would save consumers about $30 per year.

Toronto Hydro’s Take A Load Off program is offering citizens a free retractable clothesline and cold water washing detergent.

At the official launch of the program yesterday, Energy Minister Gerry Phillips was wearing a shirt that had been hung out to dry.

“I think it’s safe to say that outdoor clothes-hanging season’s now with us,” Phillips said.”

CN Tower Gets a New Glass Floor Elevator

contact — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:07:23 +0000

From canoe.ca:

“After losing its 32-year status as the tallest freestanding structure on the planet, Toronto’s iconic CN Tower has something new to brag about: the world’s highest glass-floor elevator that offers visitors a thrilling perspective of the city.

Shooting upwards at 22 kilometres per hour, visitors can now watch the ground below them fall away as the elevator soars 346 metres in just 58 seconds.

For those who dare to stand atop one of the elevator’s two narrow glass floor panels – each a little more than five centimetres thick – the trip is perhaps even more harrowing on the way down.

Plunging down the concrete elevator shaft with a view of some of the…”

Full article

Warm and Fuzzy Stories: Toronto Butcher Wins $14M Lotto

contact — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:05:56 +0000

From the star:

“Every time he bought a 6/49 lottery ticket, Jose Lima prayed he’d win the big prize and promised God to share his boa sorte, good fortune.

He’s doing just that.

Canada’s newest millionaire – the 52-year-old father of two who won $14.5 million in the 6/49 draw – is giving each of his 50 employees at O Nosso Talho butcher shop $5,000.

On April 3, the fifth anniversary of his father Joao’s death, his generosity will spread even further when he gives away 22,680 kilograms of chicken legs to thank his customers and help Toronto’s needy.

Gilberto Andre, a 10-year veteran behind the meat counter, was with Lima, who manages the busy shop, when he checked his numbers.

“When I told him he’d won, he hugged me,” said Andre who described Lima as a very caring, kind man.

“For me, he’s a great person who never says no. We’re all very happy for him. And it’s such a good thing that he’s doing, sharing his good luck with us. I don’t know if anyone else would do that.”

Lima admitted he’s still in a state of shock and it’s too early to decide what to do with the money.

“The first thing I will do is to keep my promise to my employees and the people. I’ll decide what to do with the rest of the money later.”

Also at the top of his list is his…”

Read the article

Air Canada Will Charge for Customer Service

contact — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:06:09 +0000

From the star:

“It was bound to happen eventually: Air Canada now wants you to pay extra for better customer service.

In an era of continued cost-cutting, the country’s largest airline yesterday rolled out a new service called “On My Way” that, for a fee, promises to help passengers cope with delays and cancellations beyond the airline’s control, including bad weather or airport traffic.

“This is something that many airlines used to do in-house,” said Rick Erickson, a Calgary-based airline consultant. “But since the advent of the low-cost carrier, everybody wants cheap fares.”

Air Canada said passengers who opt to pay an additional $25 one-way on short-haul flights and an extra $35 one-way on long-haul routes within North America will receive “speedy” access to “specially-trained” customer service agents who will help rebook flights on Air Canada or other airlines, as well as pay for hotel stays and meals, if necessary.

Air Canada said the program, which applies to any flight cancelled within 48 hours of the scheduled departure, goes beyond the industry practice of assisting customers affected by schedule changes deemed to be the airline’s fault, such as mechanical problems with aircraft, scheduling glitches or crew members failing to show up for flights.

But while Air Canada is touting the program as an industry-first, at least one observer said it was once common for big North American carriers to go out of their way to help inconvenienced or stranded customers – free…”

Article

Featured City: Toronto

contact — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:06:31 +0000

Make sure to head over to concierge where they’ve featured our favorite Canadian city of Toronto. Here’s what they say about Toronto in a nutshell:

“* It’s a chowhound’s paradise, with everything from Nigerian to Laotian, Moroccan to Azerbaijani food

* An architectural renaissance is transforming the skyline with additions by Daniel Libeskind and native son Frank Gehry

* Toronto has become one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the continent, with lively neighborhoods, festivals, and restaurants to match

* The Eaton Centre. It’s a big suburban-style mall with all the wrong kinds of shopping

* When to go to Toronto: May, June, September, October”

More here

How Canada Warmly Welcomes Their Returning Soldiers

contact — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 22:08:19 +0000

From the sun:

A far cry from how other countries welcome home their soldiers.

View the slideshow

Top 10 Canadian Camping Destinations

contact — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:07:24 +0000

Check them out

Canadian Baseball Team’s Going to the Olympics

contact — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:05:46 +0000

From the star:

“They gleefully sang O Canada on the bus back to the hotel and again on the street after they arrived at the Howard Prince in Taichung, Taiwan.

Against the odds, the national baseball team qualified for the Beijing Olympics on Thursday and the jubilant players celebrated in the same way they did when a berth for the 2004 Athens Games was secured – by singing the anthem over and over.

“We’ve sung O Canada at least four times already,” said veteran infielder Stubby Clapp of Windsor, Ont. “Here we go again Canada, come on with me!”

The emotional display of national pride came after a 4-3 win over South Korea ran Canada’s record to 5-1 at the final Olympic qualifier, and guaranteed it a finish in the top three. South Korea and Taiwan, both 5-1 too, claimed the other two berths up for grabs at the tournament.

Washington Nationals prospect Matt Rogelstad of New Westminster, B.C., hit a three-run homer in the first while Cleveland Indians youngster Nick Weglarz of Stevensville, Ont., added a solo shot in the fourth to lead the way.

Cincinnati Reds product James Avery of Moose Jaw, Sask., held South Korea to a run on four hits in four innings and after Mike Kusiewicz of Ottawa recorded the final out, the Canadians partied into the wee hours on the eighth floor of their hotel, as players hooted, hollered and contemplated their achievement.

“To hear the national anthem sang on the bus so many times, we stopped at the hotel and we got off and before the players would go in the hotel they were singing outside and all the people were looking at us,” said manager Terry Puhl. “It really was quite a scene.

“It’s been a great night and a great tournament.”

Canada’s performance in Taiwan has been especially impressive since…”

Read full article

Arsenic in the Pear Juice

contact — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:06:52 +0000

From the canadian press:

“OTTAWA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Loblaws Inc. have warned the public not to consume certain pear juices for toddlers that may be contaminated with arsenic.

The CFIA says in a news release that there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of the products.

The two products listed in the warning are the one-litre President’s Choice Organics Pear Juice from Concentrate for Toddlers and the 128-millilitre Beech Nut Pear Juice from concentrate with Vitamin C added.

The products have been distributed across the country, the agency says.

Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that may be carcinogenic and may pose developmental risks to children.

Loblaws Inc, has voluntarily recalled the affected products and the CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall, the release says.”

Canadians Pay Less Taxes Than Americans

contact — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:06:43 +0000

From the economist:

“PAYING TAXES is, for most people, both unavoidable and irksome. But how much hard-earned pay is taken by governments varies considerably across the world. Among the rich countries of the OECD, Germans shell out the most, with a worker earning an average income giving 43% of their gross pay to the state, with nearly half of that going towards social security. Workers in Poland hand over nearly 25% of their wages to social security; whereas Australians pay nothing at all directly. Mexicans and South Koreans enjoy the lightest taxation by some way.”

See the chart

Canada Blooms Starts Today / The Toronto Flower & Garden Festival, March 12 – 16, 2008

contact — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:12:32 +0000

Canada Blooms has grown to be one of Toronto’s most successful events, drawing volunteers, visitors and participants from all across Canada and the United States. Already a popular destination with tour groups, gardeners from Bermuda, France, the United Kingdom and the United States now rank Canada Blooms as being one of the top five shows of its kind.

Canada Blooms
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC)
South Building
222 Bremner Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario

Design Within Reach – Grand Opening March 13, 6-9pm

contact — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:08:36 +0000

DWR invites you to stop by and say hello during their Grand Opening Event on Thursday, March 13. Plus, from March 13 through 19, they’ll donate 10% of all Toronto Studio sales to Design Exchange. A museum and cultural center, Design Exchange, like DWR, is committed to raising awareness and understanding of design.

About DWR from their Site
The Toronto Studio – our first international foray – is an anchor to the revitalized King Street West area. Bordering both the city’s entertainment and fashion districts, our light-filled Studio occupies nearly 5,000 square-feet on the ground floor of a heritage building. The interior architecture includes exposed brick, original beams and high ceilings, all of which create an open, airy space for you to experience the best in modern design. The Studio is within walking distance to the Sky Dome and CN Tower, and offers a welcome respite from the pace of downtown life. Proprietor Clay A. Wright leads a dynamic team with diverse backgrounds in the field of design. Visit the Toronto Studio for personalized service and expertise.

Design Within Reach
435 King Street West (at Spadina Avenue)
Toronto, ON M5V 1K4
Phone: 416.977.4003

Eco Wedding & Lifestyle Show, Toronto

contact — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:06:05 +0000

The Eco Wedding & Lifestyle Show will help the discerning couple make purchasing choices that have a lighter impact on the environment without sacriﬁcing style and joy. It’ll provide couples with a place to meet both non-traditional vendors who offer these alternatives, and established, traditional vendors who are excited about the changes being made in their organizations to create a sustainable example.

Eco Wedding/Bridal Show
March 1 & 2, 2008
at the Design Exchange
234 Bay Street
Toronto Ontario M5K 1B2 Canada
10am to 7pm
Website: Eco Wedding Show

11,000 Video Camera Eyes Will Be Watching You

contact — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:06:15 +0000

From the star:

“Surveillance cameras make TTC riders feel safer and the plan to dramatically expand their numbers is okay with Ann Cavoukian, Ontario’s privacy commissioner.

“Installing 11,000 cameras on buses, streetcars, subway cars and in stations complies with privacy standards, Cavoukian said yesterday when she released the results of her investigation.

But the TTC must make some changes to ensure the network of seeing eyes is used only for legitimate purposes and never for voyeurism, as has happened in other cities, she said.

Cavoukian urged that the TTC:

Delete video data after three days unless it’s needed for a police investigation.
Conduct annual audits to make sure privacy rules are followed.
Test a privacy-enhancing technology, under development at University of Toronto, that automatically encrypts people’s images.
The recommendations are meant to balance the legitimate needs for transit system safety and passenger privacy, Cavoukian stated.

TTC chair Adam Giambrone endorsed her findings and said his staff will be coming back with a plan for implementing them.

Privacy International, the London-based organization whose complaint trigged Cavoukian’s investigation, was less pleased.

“It is clear … the Commissioner has given up the ghost of privacy and become resigned to the inevitability of video surveillance technology,” the group said on its website.

The group argues there is no public-interest justification for the $21 million security system….”

Continue

Nightclubs Must Stop Scanning Driver’s Licenses

contact — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:05:55 +0000

From cbc:

“Alberta’s privacy commissioner has ordered a Calgary nightclub to stop scanning patrons’ driver’s licences, disputing the bar owner’s stance that the practice curbs violent behaviour.

Nyall Engfield filed a complaint to the office in August 2005 after his driver’s licence was scanned before he could enter the Tantra Nightclub at 3rd Street and 10th Avenue S.W. He claimed his personal information was collected without his permission.

Tantra and its parent company, Penny Lane Entertainment Group, argued the scanning system was for their customers’ safety and discouraged troublemakers from entering.

In a ruling released Wednesday, Frank Work, Alberta’s information and privacy commissioner wrote: “The organization did not provide any evidence to establish that collecting the complainant’s driver’s licence information, or that of other patrons, is in any way a deterrent to violent behaviour.”

Work ordered Tantra to cease scanning licences because “it has no reasonable purpose for doing so,” and to destroy the information it’s already collected from other patrons.

The Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission said it would…”

Continue

Toronto Power Company

contact — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:06:14 +0000

From vanishing point:

“Imagine a tunnel more than ten storeys underground, a hundred years old, bricklined, wet, and completely inaccessible save by descending through a narrow slit in its ceiling thirty feet above the floor, and then returning up the same rope you came down.

Now imagine that this tunnel flows into Niagara Falls, emerging behind the pummeling curtain of water that nearly everyone in North America journeys to see at some point in their lives.

This tunnel exists. In the autumn of 2004, thanks to the work of two people with the experience and equipment to make it happen, I had the chance to feel Niagara Falls.

Hydroelectric generating stations work by capturing the kinetic energy of falling water and converting it into mechanical energy using a turbine and then into electricity in a generator mounted at the other end of the turbine. At the beginning of the twentieth century, this technology had just begun to reach industrial maturity, and something of a race developed among competing private interests to capture the gravitational potential of the most spectacular water feature in Eastern North America, Niagara Falls….”

Continue

[Via]

Yes! Canada Has a Military Base in Afghanistan

contact — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:06:32 +0000

From the nyt:

“The Canadian military has resumed handing over prisoners captured in Afghanistan to the Afghan government, a practice it quietly suspended late last year over concerns about torture, the military said Friday.

Speaking to reporters in a conference call from Kandahar, Canada’s operational base in southern Afghanistan, Lt. Col. Grant Dame did not say when the transfers had restarted and said they were being made on a “case-by-case basis.”

“In other words, we’ll exercise discretion each and every time we transfer a detainee,” he said.

The resumption of transfers comes as Parliament is reviewing the country’s combat mission in Afghanistan and as two human rights groups are challenging the transfers in court.

The transfers were ended in November after a Canadian prison inspection team concluded that at least one detainee had been tortured and heard complaints of torture from several others. A heavily censored government report said that one detainee showed inspectors a braided electrical cable and a rubber hose that he said were used for beatings…”

Read the article

Canadian Official Threatens Obama and Clinton With Cutting Off Tar Sands Oil

contact — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:06:50 +0000

From treehugger:

“Why worry about keeping church and state separate when oil and automobiles already poison North American political culture? Here’s the latest dustup:- a trade war threat by a Canadian official against US presidential candidates. Analysis by category.

Car Making
Canada exports numerous cars that are designed in the US, assembled in Canada, and then sold in the US, bringing many jobs and sustaining a positive balance of trade for Canada (which does not want things messed up by challenges to NAFTA by US Democrats).

Lobbying
Neither do the Detroit-based car companies and the US oil companies operating in Alberta, all of which seem to have positive relationships with the present US Federal and the Canadian National Governments. Tactical similarities between national leaders of the US and Canada are remarkable:- see: Prime Minister Mini-Me Cans Science Advisor

US Politics
On the campaign trail, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both have been trash talking NAFTA a bit lately, taking a populist stance toward jobs and health and environmental protection. For Ohio’s sake.

Canadian Politics….”

Science for Peace – February 29, 2008

contact — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:07:14 +0000

Science for Peace- An Environmental Forum
Feb. 29, 2008 – 1pm to 5pm
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Oise Auditorium
252 Bloor Street W (at St. George Subway)

Science for Peace is a charitable Canadian-based organization of natural scientists, engineers, social scientists, scholars in the humanities and lay people throughout the world. It brings together professors, graduate students and first degree students who are concerned about peace, justice and making an environmentally sustainable future. SfP has NGO status at the United Nations.

Speakers for the event: Tony Clarke, winnter of Alternative Nobel Peace Prize and tar, sands, water and anti-corporation campaigner, Peter Victor, Bill Vanderburg, Eduardo Sousa, Jocelyn Thorpe, Lois Wilson

For more information: 416.535.6605

Canada’s secret war in Iraq

contact — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:06:54 +0000

From sott:

Most Canadians still proudly believe that their government refused to join the Iraq War. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here are some of the ways in which we joined the fray.

How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and how hard it is to undo that work again! – Mark Twain

On March 25, 2003, during the “shock and awe” bombardment of Iraq, then US Ambassador Paul Cellucci admitted that “… ironically, Canadian naval vessels, aircraft and personnel… will supply more support to this war in Iraq indirectly… than most of those 46 countries that are fully supporting our efforts there.”

Cellucci merely scratched the surface of Canada’s initial “support” for the Iraq War, but he had let the cat out of the bag. As then Secretary of State Colin Powell had explained a week earlier, “We now have a coalition of the willing… who have publicly said they could be included in such a listing…. And there are 15 other nations, who, for one reason or another, do not wish to be publicly named but will be supporting the coalition.”

Canada was, and still is, the leading member of this secret group, which we could perhaps call CW-HUSH, the “Coalition of the Willing to Help but Unwilling to be Seen Helping.” The plan worked. Most Canadians still proudly believe that their government refused to join the Iraq War. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here are some of the ways in which we joined the fray:

Canadian Legislation bans use of evidence tied to torture

contact — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:07:25 +0000

From globeandmail:

“The Canadian government will reintroduce a controversial anti-terrorism measure as early as today in a bid to comply with a Supreme Court ruling that has forced Parliament to give more rights to immigrants accused of links to terrorist groups.

In addition to assigning so-called “special advocate” lawyers to act for defendants in closed hearings, the new law bans making detainees answer allegations flowing from torture in foreign jails.

Further, government officials have privately signalled they will no longer use evidence from alleged al-Qaeda trainer Abu Zubaydah. The Guantanamo Bay detainee’s statements had figured in two of Canada’s six ongoing “security-certificate” proceedings.

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency this month admitted to “waterboarding” Abu Zubaydah to get information about possible terrorist cells. The interrogation method is designed to make a suspect talk by inducing fears he is drowning.

“I can confirm that the Minister of Public Safety and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration will not rely upon information provided by Mr. Zubaida,” John Sims, deputy minister of Justice Canada, wrote in a Jan. 11 letter.

The correspondence was sent to defence lawyer Paul Copeland, who represents an Algerian held under a security certificate. Mr. Sims’s letter pointed out that Canadian judges were already giving “no weight” to the Abu Zubaydah evidence.

The old law left admissibility of such evidence up to…”

Toronto Researchers Discover the Power of Tumeric

contact — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:05:59 +0000

From the nationalpost:

“The spice that gives the kick to many Indian curry dishes might also help prevent the ravages of heart failure, a surprising new Canadian animal study has concluded.

Researchers at Toronto’s University Health Network found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, both prevents and dramatically reverses enlargement of the heart in mice.

Enlarged hearts can lead to cardiac failure, a common and often fatal condition where the organ is unable to pump enough blood to keep the body functioning properly.

If similar results were one day duplicated in humans, the widely available spice could …”

The Living Wall in Toronto

contact — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:07:09 +0000

“The air-purification system at the new University of Guelph-Humber building in Toronto is anything but industry-standard.

And when visitors spot the four-storey wall of plants dominating one side of a light-filled atrium, the reaction is universally “Wow”, says vice-provost Michael Nightingale.

But while the lush array that includes orchids, ferns, ivy and hibiscus is impressive, the truly innovative part of the biofilter – which has been operating for less than a year – is its capacity to break down hundreds of different kinds of contaminants found in indoor air.

Thanks to the action of microbes that live on the plant roots, common pollutants such as formaldehyde, toluene and benzene are transformed into harmless water and carbon dioxide. While the plants themselves have little impact on contaminants, they provide the environment for the microbes to work efficiently…”

Thompson Hotel Toronto With Pool and Ice Rink! Coming Soon

contact — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:07:04 +0000

Set to open during the summer of 2009, the Thompson Hotel will feature a rooftop pool and bar with amazing views of Lake Ontario, Fort York and the CN Tower, all completely unobstructed; 102 rooms and 340 residential units; 42-inch plasma TVs, private 40-seat screening rooms; an outdoor skating rink with an rink-side lounge!

Thompson Hotel Toronto
550 Wellington Street W
Toronto ON M5V Canada
Telephone: 212.204.5010 (for info)

[via]

Valentine’s Day for Singles: Toronto Dance Clubs

contact — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:05:42 +0000

On your own tonight? Lots of people are date-less on Valentine’s Day; there’s no need to be ashamed or anything. Go have a great time dancing the night away. Invite some other solo Valentine’s friends and have a blast burning off some calories and listening to fun music:

Ba Ba Lu’u
136 Yorkville Ave., Telephone: 416-515-0587

Bovine Sex Club
542 Queen St. W., Telephone: 416-504-4239

Cira
126 John St., Toronto, Telephone: 416-979-0044

Courthouse
57 Adelaide St., Telephone: 416-214-9379

The Dance Cave
529 Bloor St. W., 2nd floor

Devil’s Martini
473 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, Telephone: 416-603-9300

The Docks
11 Polson St., Toronto, Telephone: 416-469-5655

El Convento Rico
750 College St., Telephone: 416-588-7800

The 5th Social Club
225 Richmond St. W., Toronto, Telephone: 416-979-3000

Fluid Lounge
217 Richmond St. W., Telephone: 416-593-6116

Funhaus
526 Queen St. W., Toronto, Telephone: 416-703-4999

The Guvernment/Koolhaus
32 Queens Quay E., Telephone: 416-869-0045

Hotel Boutique Bar
7 Peter St. Telephone: 416-345-8585

Inside
218 Richmond St. W., Telephone: 416-591-0009

Limelight Nightclub
250 Adelaide St. W., Telephone: 416-593-6126

Muzik
15 Saskatchewan Rd., Toronto, Telephone: 416-595-9998

Shallow Groove Lounge
559 College St., Telephone: 416-944-8998

This is London
364 Richmond St. W., Telephone: 416-351-1100

Tonic
117 Peter St., Telephone: 416-204-9200

[source]

Can’t Sleep? Head Over to the Insomnia Cafe

contact — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:06:08 +0000

I’ll join you because I can’t sleep either. This is a perfect place to hang out in the middle of the night, when most Torontonians are getting their much needed zzzzz’s. The decor won’t make you go too insane as it’s rather sparse decorated in a mix of funky styles. Grab a late night snack or light meal. What are some things on the menu? Fried calamari with tzatziki dipping sauce. Don’t like it fried? Have it grilled with a side of salad. Or have a crostini with hummus or roasted garlic and brie. Looking for something more substantial? Have Fries! or steamed mussels, quesadillas, soup & salad and more. I’m hungry now.

By the way, the folks at Insomnia run a bar, so if you’d rather fill up on “liquids” try their yummy mcyumyum martinis.

Insomnia Internet Cafe
563 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M5S 1Y6, Canada
Tel: 416.588.3907
Sun-Wed 11:00am-2:00am, Fri & Sat 11:00am-4:00am

Scary Canadian Public Service Announcement (PSA)

contact — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:09:56 +0000

Watch the clip here

February Beer Events in Toronto

contact — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:05:51 +0000

Hart House Beer Academy with Mirella Amato – Hart House presents an evening of Craft Beer Tasting with Mirella Amato, tour guide for the Beer Lover’s Tour Company and host of the beer segments on legourmet.tv. – on Thursday, February 21, 2008 from 7pm to 10pm in the Music Room. Featuring yummilicious pub food and samplings of 9 specialty craft beers – Hart House, Music Room, 7 Hart House Circle, $45 – call 416.978.8849 to reserve

Gouden Carolus Dinner – Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23, 2008 – This event is a 3-course Belgian menu fixe ($40) menu with your choice of Gouden Carolus, Gouden Carolus Tripel or Gouden Carolus Ambrio. The Abbot On The Hill, Abbot on the Hill, 1276 Yonge Street, call 416.920.9074 to reserve

Thankfully This Guy Doesn’t Live in Toronto

contact — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:06:10 +0000

MONCTON, New Brunswick, Feb. 6 (UPI) — It may be the Year of the Rat in China but every year is the year of the rat for one Canadian man who purposely has 87 of them in his home.

Clark Graham, who lives in the Moncton area, takes in abandoned pet rats as part of his Angel’s Heart Rat Rescue adoption program, Canwest News Service reported. He’s been at it for five years now, charging those who want to adopt a rat $10 to $15.

“I look for people who do not want them for food for their snake,” he told Canwest in a telephone interview Wednesday.

Rats get a bad rap as disease-spreading vermin but Graham finds them friendly and loyal.

“They love the company of people,” Graham said. “They crave it. I walk into a room and they all jump up and want me to come see them.”

The Dirt on Toronto: Garbage Facts

contact — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:09:03 +0000

From toronto.ca:

General

From January to August 2007, on average, 74 truck loads per day of solid waste (approximately 441,363 tonnes) went to Michigan landfill…down from 142 daily truck loads in 2003. This includes waste the City collects from residents, ICI (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional), ABC&Ds (Agency, Boards, Commissions, Divisions) and schools.

Toronto sent approximately 696,327 tonnes of waste to Michigan landfill in 2006.

Toronto’s waste disposal contract with the Carlton Farms Landfill in Michigan expires at the end of 2010.

Effective April 2, 2007, the City of Toronto became official owners of the Green Lane Landfill Site located in Southwold Township in the County of Elgin, southwest of the City of London, about 200 km from downtown Toronto. The Site features the latest technology including onsite treatment of leachate and a methane gas collection and flaring systems.

As of mid-April 2007 through to the end of August 2007, Toronto sent on average, three loads per day of solid waste to Green Lane Landfill, an amount equal to approximately 11,735 tonnes.

Green Bin organics are collected once a week and recyclables and residual waste are collected on alternating weeks.

Solid Waste Management Services has the following facilities

-seven Transfer Stations
-one Organic Processing Facility
-six HHW depots (Household Hazardous Waste)
-wo MRFs (Material Recovery Facility for sorting recyclables)
-three Maintenance Yards
-one Landfill (Green Lane Landfill Site)

Current waste diversion statistics

In 2006, 42% of Toronto’s residential waste was diverted thanks to the Blue/Grey box, Green Bin and Yard Waste composting programs. This means 375,621 tonnes of garbage was kept off Michigan trucks.

In 2006, multi-unit dwellings (apartments and condos) recycled only 13% of their garbage. The City, looking to improve that statistic, is launching a new volume-based rate structure in 2008 to enhance recycling rates. The results from piloting various waste diversion programs in select multi-unit buildings will be used to implement new programs.

In 2007, Toronto City Council approved the “Getting to 70% waste diversion from landfill plan”, which lays out the plan to increase waste diversion to 70% by 2010 and the funding model by which this goal can be achieved.

Environmental benefits of achieving 70% diversion from landfill

By achieving 70 % diversion, Solid Waste will reduce its GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by an additional 25 per cent, which is equal to taking over 100,000 cars off the road.

With 70 % diversion, Toronto will recycle 240,000 tonnes of paper annually, to save 4.5 million trees a year.

Diverting 70% of its waste means Toronto will recycle enough Blue Box materials to save 900 million kWh (kilowatt hours) of energy annually, which is enough to supply all the electrical needs for 170,000 homes.

Green Bin Organics collection

The Green Bin Program, which collects and processes household organic waste so it can be turned into finished compost, is now available to all 510,000 single-family households across Toronto.

With city-wide single-family household participation, approximately 100,000 tonnes of waste is diverted from landfill annually (resulting in 2,750 fewer trucks to Michigan each year).

It is estimated that each single-family home on the Green Bin Program contributes more than 200 kilograms of organic waste annually to the program.

30% of all residential garbage is “wet” waste or organic waste.

The Green Bin Program has a 90% participation rate.

Blue/Grey Box Combined

In 2006, Toronto recycled 163,385 tonnes of residential blue/grey box recyclables (resulting in 4,805 fewer trucks to Michigan).

In 2005, the Program expanded to include tubs and lids (e.g., margarine containers and yogurt tubs) and in 2006, cardboard cans (refrigerated dough, frozen juice, chip, nut, powder drink mix and powdered cleanser containers – minus peal-off seal or pull-off strip) were added to the Blue Box Program.

Toronto residents now combine Blue Box and Grey Box recyclables together in one container for more efficient collection and processing (effective Spring 2005).

Recycling not only saves money, it helps saves electricity via energy savings

75% less energy and 50% less water is used to make paper from recycled paper versus raw wood fibre.

Recycling one tonne of old newspapers saves 19 trees (Toronto typically recycles 100,000 tonnes of newspapers annually giving more than two million trees a tomorrow).

30% less energy is used to make glass from recycled crushed glass (cullet) versus new resources.

A 74% energy reduction is achieved by reusing steel cans and every tonne of recycled steel cans saves 1.36 tonnes of iron ore.

When scrap iron is used instead of iron ore to make steel, mining wastes are reduced by 97%, air pollution effluents by 80% and water pollution by 76%.

A 33% energy reduction is seen when new products are made from recyclable plastics.

95% less energy is used to make new aluminum cans out of old ones. Recycling just one pop can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours. Throwing away a single aluminum can is like pouring out six ounces of gasoline.

[source]

Dr. Horror, the Kidney Harvester Lives in Toronto! EEEEEE!

contact — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:06:13 +0000

From the star:

“While police forces around the world search for the Indian doctor who scammed hundreds out of their kidneys, his wife and children remain barricaded behind security doors at their Brampton home.

Interpol, the international police organization, last week issued a rarely used “red notice” warrant for Dr. Amit Kumar requesting his arrest anywhere on the planet.

Kumar, dubbed “Dr. Horror” by the Indian media where his story has led to nationwide revulsion, is alleged to be the kingpin of an underground kidney trafficking ring. Indian police believe the ring illegally harvested kidneys from as many as 500 unsuspecting Indians.

Most of the kidneys came from Indian labourers or farmers who say they were either duped, or forced at gunpoint, to give up a kidney.

The organs were then transplanted into wealthy clients, Indian or foreigners, in well-equipped underground clinics in residential areas.

It is illegal in India to sell a kidney; the Interpol warrant charges Kumar with “crimes against life and health” and being part of a criminal enterprise.

“If he has done what police say he did, I hope he gets punished severely,” a Brampton neighbour told the Star.

Neighbours said Kumar, his wife Poonam Ameet, and their two boys, 5 and 4, moved into the area last …”

Sad News: Environment Canada scientists told to toe the line

contact — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:07:58 +0000

From the national post:

Environment Canada has “muzzled” its scientists, ordering them to refer all media queries to Ottawa where communications officers will help them respond with “approved lines.”

The new policy, which went into force in recent weeks and sent a chill through the department research divisions, is designed to control the department’s media message and ensure there are no “surprises” for Environment Minister John Baird and senior management when they open the newspaper or turn on the television, according to documents obtained by Canwest News Service.

How well do you know Canada? Play this game!

contact — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:08:48 +0000

Canada is big and most people outside of Canada do not know the geography very well. Especially……yup….Americans. That’s ok; all hope is not lost. Just learn more about it by playing this game. If you think you know Canada well, test your confidence about that with this fun geography game.

It quizzes you and you click on your answer. It’ll then tell you how close you were to it. (or how far depending on your attitude )

Play now

Ex Canada official: Nuclear Reactor was unsafe!

contact — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:06:33 +0000

From USAToday:

The fired head of Canada’s Nuclear Safety Commission on Tuesday defended a decision to keep a reactor shut down for nearly a month, creating a critical shortage of radioactive isotopes used to diagnose cancer patients, and causing delays to thousands of cancer patients around the world.
Former commission president Linda Keen said the agency was following the law when it refused to approve the restart of the reactor in Chalk River, Ontario. When the government ordered operations to resume last month, the risk of a nuclear accident was 1,000 times greater than acceptable, she said.

“Ignoring safety requirements is simply not an option,” Keen said. “Safe enough is not good enough.”

The reactor supplies half the world’s radioactive isotopes. Thousands of patients around the globe faced delays in crucial medical tests because of the shutdown.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said last month there was no risk of a meltdown with the start-up, and his government blamed Keen for refusing to quickly resolve the impasse.

The 50-year-old reactor was shut down Nov. 18 for maintenance. It was scheduled to resume operations on Nov. 23, but the commission ordered an indefinite stoppage after discovering the reactor had been running without the emergency power system connected to two cooling pumps.

The Canadian government scrambled to pass legislation allowing the company to bypass the nuclear safety watchdog. The reactor reopened on Dec. 16…

Dessert Trends Patisserie & Café Toronto

contact — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:10:40 +0000

Dessert Trends Patisserie & Café in Toronto was voted the best place for wedding cakes so if you’re looking, check them out. But for me, just this photo of a pastry makes me go here. You won’t be disappointed by their beautiful patisseries; you might just not want to eat something so gorgeous. JUST kidding.

Dessert Trends Patisserie & Café also serves breakfast and lunch.

Dessert Trends Patisserie & Café
154 Harbord Street
NE corner of Harbord and Brunswick
Toronto Canada
Tel: 416.916.8155

Canadian No Longer Has To Pay More For AppleCare

contact — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 22:06:29 +0000

From Consumerist:

Zachariah no longer has to wonder about why AppleCare costs more in Canada ($199) than in the US ($169), he found a deal at L.A. Computer Company where he could get it for $119. They emailed him the agreement number, he registered the number online at Apple, and received his official AppleCare Protection Plan Certificate in the mail. So what’s the solution to the mystery of why there was a pricing disparity even though there’s parity between the dollar and the loony? We don’t know for sure, but we’re placing our money on that the prices were figured out when the dollar was worth more and they just haven’t been readjusted since.

Part 1 of the story: Canadian wonders why he has to pay more for AppleCare

Gluten Free Restaurants in Toronto

contact — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:06:53 +0000

From ryerson.ca:

Annapurna, 1085 Bathurst Street (south of Dupont), Toronto, Ontario, M5R 3G8, 416.537.8513

Annapurna is a South Indian/Sri Lankan vegetarian restaurant inspired by Sri Chinmoy. Its specializes in Southern Indian poori-based vegetarian dishes, an amazing number of which are gluten-free. Annapurna is an economical and very casual restaurant that also offers take-out and catering. Masala Dosai, made of rice and lentil flours, is only $5.99. All milk ingredients are clearly indicated, and many of the dishes are dairy-free. The staff is able to provide accurate information about ingredients, and could even answer my question about cross-contamination of fried foods.

Biryani House, 25 Wellesley Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2S9 & 6 Roy’s Square, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 2Y2, 416.927.9340

Now Magazine says: “this hole in the wall has morphed into an almost classy boite dishing up some of the best Indian food south of the 401…and it’s still dirt cheap.” Biryani House has opened a new location just just off Yonge Street, at Wellesley, and has kept it Roy’s Square location. The food is really excellent, and I have been able to confirm ingredients with no trouble. In my experience, none of the curries contain any wheat. As usual, please ask.

Café Next Door, 790 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, 416.469.1971

Café Next Door is operated by Magic Over (see listing below). The owner informed me that the menu features vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and wheat-free options for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Le Commensal, 655 Bay Street (at Elm Street), Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2K4, 416.595.9364; fax 416.596.9365

Le Commensal is a pay-by-the-weight vegetarian restaurant in downtown Toronto. The menu promises no preservatives or additives, and dishes are labeled V (vegan), O (egg), and L (dairy). The wait staff has a list of gluten-free items, and happily walked me through the buffet to show me which dishes were gluten-free. Ingredients like wheat and dairy are also indicated on the back of the dish label. For eat-in buffet menu, take-out menu, Toronto.com editorial, and review click here.

Il Fornello (several Toronto and area locations)

Il Fornello offers selections from an Alternative Menu: gluten-free pasta, gluten-free pizza crust, and gluten-free bruschetta are available, but call ahead because selections differ at each location.

Fox and Fiddle, 535 Danforth Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4K 1P7, 416.462.9830; fax 416.462.3132

The Fox and Fiddle Pub used to be owned and operated by Dennis Hansen, a Celiac. They used to prepare a range of gluten-free items, such as chicken wings and fish and chips in a dedicated deep fryer. I am unsure about the status of the menu now that he is no longer the owner.

Fressen, 478 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2B2, 416.504.5127

Fressen offers a completely vegetarian cuisine sensitive to many food allergies and intolerances. Several GF menu items were available during my visit (I really should go back, ’cause it’s been a while). Please note that Fressen also serves the usual fair of gluten-laden items. Editorial profile and review at Toronto.com.

Indian Flavour, 595 Bay Street (at Dundas, in the Atrium on Bay), Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C2, 416.408.2799; fax 416.408.3651; cell 416.885.5080

As with the majority of Indian restaurants, most of the food is wheat-free and gluten-free. I have confirmed this on my visits. Indian Flavour uses no commercially-prepared sauces, and avoids MSG and other additives. The menu includes a good selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The most popular option is probably the lunch buffet, which offers a minimum of seven dishes. Toronto Life calls Indian Flavour ” Toronto’s most successful Indian self-serve.” ZagatSurvey gives praise for this restaurant’s “great vegetarian menu.”

Indian Rice Factory, 414 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1V9, 416.961.3472

The menu asks customers to advise wait staff of any allergies. Pakoras are made with 100% chick pea flour; Papadums are made with 100% lentil flour; no wheat products are present in any curry or sauce (please verify this information when you call the restaurant: you may also want to inquire about cross-contamination). The Factory has a small, but nice, patio out back. See Toronto.com for description or Tordine.com for a brief review.

Island Grill, 3434 Weston Road (at Finch), Toronto, Ontario, M9M 2W1, 416.742.9200

Thank you to Randy for telling me about the Island Grill, a Jamaican restaurant with several gluten-free dishes. Although some dishes contain wheat four, most of the beef, pork, chicken, and fish dishes are GF, and apparently quite good too. The restaurant is owned by Patrick Lyn.

Juice for Life (now called Fresh by Juice for Life) 336 Queen Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2A2, 416.599.4442; 894 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, 416-913-2720; 521 Bloor Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1Y4, 416.531.2635

Good for juice and shakes, but not so good for food. Juice for Life is a completely vegetarian juice bar with food counter. Milk and cheese products are clearly labeled, and the menu promises no hidden milk ingredients in any dishes. Unfortunately, most dishes–even Rice Bowls–contain wheat products (usually tamari or soy sauce). You can find a few gluten-free items, especially salads, but the choices are slim. The vast array of juices and shakes, however, may make Juice for Life useful. You may be able to make a special request for a rice bowl without the offending ingredients.

Kensington Natural Bakery, 460 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1X8, 416.534.1294

Kensington Natural Bakery (in business since 1980) is a pay-by-weight vegetarian cafe offering dishes free of sugar and preservatives. You may choose from a variety of pre-made dishes in the display case, which are then heated in a microwave. Many dishes are gluten-free. Almost everything would be gluten-free but for the presence of barley syrup or malt syrup (used as sugar substitutes) in many dishes. Despite this, there are several GF dishes to choose from. The cafe also specializes in dairy-free, wheat-free, and yeast-free baking, but keep in mind that none of its baked products are gluten-free. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are also available.

Magic Oven (2 locations): 788 Broadview Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4K 2P7, 416.466.0111; and 127 Jefferson Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 3E4 416.539.0555, feedback@magicoven.com

Described as the “best pizza this side of Italy” by the National Post, and among the city’s best by Toronto Life, Magic Oven offers a gluten-free rice flour pizza crust – now available by the slice. The restaurant also caters to other dietary requirements by offering a wheat-free (but not gluten-free) spelt crust, a yeast-free whole wheat crust, as well as dairy-free and organic cheeses. A large selection of vegetarian toppings are available. Magic Oven delivers to the Danforth, Riverdale, Cabbagetown, and Rosedale areas and to Liberty Village, Parkdale, Harbourfront, Downtown, Annex, and Roncesvalles from its Jefferson Ave location. See catering section, below, for Magical Catering.

Magic Oven has recently opened Café Next Door. See listing above for more details.

Megas Restaurant, 402 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4K 1P3, 416.466.7771

This is a recommendation from Rod. He syas: “The Greek food is excellent and there are many gf choices as well as lactose free meals possible.” I haven’t been there yet.

Messis, 97 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1G4, 416.920.2186

Messis is located very close to the University of Toronto’s downtown campus. I have managed to get a gluten-free meal every time I have dined there. I doubt if there are ever any vegetarian gluten-free items, but you may want to check. See a brief description at Tordine.com.

Mong-Kut Thai, 596 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4K 1R1, 416.463.2667; fax 416.463.2678

Mong-Kut, located in Greek Town, offers eat-in, take-out, and delivery. I have never visited this restaurant, but the owner has asked me to ad it to this page. If you dine there, please tell me about your experience. The website has a full menu.

New York Fries, various locations, including two in the Eaton Centre.

NYF is my emergency lunch (when I haven’t brought anything and I am rushed for time). According to Celiac Canada’s Fast Food Fries list, which includes some information on toppings, NYF are fine. I think the staff at the Eaton Centre’s north location is beginning to recognize me. A listing of Ontario locations is available here.

El Palenque, 653 St. Clair Avenue West (east of Christie), Toronto, Ontario M6C 1A7, 416.656.0725; fax 416.656.3757

El Palenque, a family-owned business, bills itself as an “Authentic Mexican Restaurant.” While the waitress was not familiar with Celiac Disease or gluten, she was able to confirm the ingredients of several dishes. Reservations are recommended, but just be sure not to accept a seat in the basement. Even if you are not afflicted from claustrophobia, you’ll run away screaming and agitated before you ever get to taste the food. (There is a second location, which I have never visited: 9 Milvan Avenue (Weston Road and Finch), Toronto, 416-740-9718). Now has a lengthy review. See my recent (short) post on my blog about this place.

Royal Thai Garden Restaurant, 524 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1Y3, 416.536.6868

I have ordered from this restaurant many times, usually when we are too tired to cook. Verifying ingredients may be a challenge, depending on when you call and if the person who answers speaks English well-enough. If you can get “no wheat” written on your order, you should be fine. You may get a better explanation while dining in, but I haven’t done that in a very long time. A brief review is available here.

Salad King, 335 Yonge Street (entrance off Gould), Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1R7, 416.971.7041, asyliu@yahoo.com

This Thai restaurant is a frantically busy operation, because it sits on the fringe of the Ryerson University Campus, and is close to Yonge & Dundas, Toronto’s busiest intersection. Salad King recently renovated, so it is no longer quite so loud and uncomfortable. I include it because I can see it from my office window Both the menu and a large red sign at the cash ask customers to alert staff to any food allergies. In my experience, the staff are aware of ingredients and can make recommendations. If you want to talk to the chef, you would be advised to go as early as possible, or wait for the small drop in traffic after lunch and before the evening students descend. You might want to read my recent entry on the blog about Thai food.

Swiss Chalet, (various locations: try SW’s Restaurant Locator), 1.800.860.4082

Swiss Chalet operates more than 180 restaurants in Canada and selected parts of the USA. The menu focuses on rotisserie chicken, but other dishes are available. Please read the Allergy Information fact sheet before dining. The allergy information seems comprehensive (it includes nuts, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat & glutens, sesame, and sulphites) but you may want to make further inquires when you arrive.

Tiger Lily’s Noodle House, 257 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1Z4, 416.977.5499

Tiger Lily’s is located on the east end of the trendy Queen Street West area, a few steps from the City-tv headquarters. The restaurant is able to make most of its dishes GF by substituting rice noodles and GF Tamari. When I visited, the wait staff serving my table was friendly and knowledgeable about gluten. Eye has a short review. Here is another short review.

Town Grill, 243 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2L2, 416.963.9433; fax 416.963.9303

As reported in the March 2002 issue of the Gluten-Free Press (newsletter of the Canadian Celiac Association’s Toronto Chapter), David McGann, chef of the Town Grill, spoke about the difficulties in preparing GF meals and some important issues in food preparation that we should be aware of. The good news is that he is eager to serve Celiacs and welcomes us at his restaurant–called one of the best in Toronto, by Cabbagetown Corners

El Trompo, 277A Augusta Avenue (at Oxford), Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2L4, 416-260-0097

Hilary recommended this Mexican restaurant in Kensington Market. Now recently gave this restaurant three Ns (out of five), saying that it “pumps out first-rate southern Mexican street food without the Tex-Mex watering-down.”

Sushi Restaurants
Toronto has dozens of Japanese restaurants. I have only listed the two that I am most familiar with. Your best strategy is to follow the advice on Japanese restaurants in Jax Peters Lowell book, Against the Grain. For those requiring more information, I recommend that you read this extremely interesting posting on the Celiac Listserv regarding Sushi and gluten. There are probably better Japanese restaurants in Toronto, but I haven’t visited them yet.

Dr. Sushi, 26 Roy’s Square (Yonge & Bloor), M4Y 2W2, 416.929.3435; fax 416.929.9262

Dr Sushi is a tiny hole-in-the-wall near the busy corner of Yonge & Bloor. This place is small and unattractive, but the food is good, and it is close to where I work. In the summer, you can find a table in Roy’s Square. Dr. Sushi also delivers. As you know, bring your own wheat-free soy or tamari sauce.

Sushi on Bloor, 515 Bloor Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1Y4, 416.516.3456

An extremely popular and very busy sushi restaurant in the Annex. A reservation is recommended (update: they have just expanded and opened up the second floor). Delivery is available. Sushi on Bloor offers a casual dining experience. If you sit at the back, you can watch the chefs prepare the food, and maybe even have a conversation with them. Read Toronto.com’s editorial and review.

Ice Cream

Baskin-Robbins, (various locations around the city)

Publishes LifeStyles 2000 Consumer Information Guide, an eight panel pamphlet that addresses special diet needs and nutrition, food sensitivities and allergies. Baskin-Robbins claims to be the first Canadian retailer of ice cream, and other frozen desserts, to offer customers the Canadian Diabetes Association Food Choice Value symbols. Each product is labeled with an information strip containing important ingredient details. Wheat and gluten content is indicated along with egg, sulfites, nuts, lactose, etc. The symbol for wheat and gluten indicates the presence of “flour, wheat, oats, oatmeal, oat bran, graham, wheat germ, starch, malt and derived ingredients.” (Each BR location usually has one sorbet that is dairy-free & gluten free). An independent laboratory prepares all of the nutritional information. More information is available by calling 1.800.268.4923.

Dairy Queen, (various locations; try DQ’s store locator); contact address in Canada is: 905 Century Drive, Burlington, Ontario,
L7L 5J8, 905.639.1492

DQ has an allergy information page, including a short page about gluten in its products. It is probably wise to discuss ingredients in your local franchise.

Catering

The Big Carrot, Natural Food Market, 348 Danforth Ave., Toronto, Ontario M4K 1N8, 416.466.2129, fax 416.466.2366 (see retail store listings for description).

The Big Carrot can cater a gluten-free lunch or dinner buffet. A description is available on its catering page.

In Her Hands Vegetarian Cooking Service, 416.696.6566; vegmeals@idirect.ca

Prepares low fat, low salt foods free of peanuts, eggs, dairy, gluten and vinegar.

Just Eat It Vegetarian Cooking Service, 905.881.9463

Provides low fat meals that can be vegan and gluten-free.

Kilgour’s Party Platters, 220 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 3V6, 905.751.1455; fax 905.713.1715; info@kilgours.com

This company will cater all kinds of parties and social gatherings. It offers standard party platters and can provide gluten-free platters as well. Visit their website for lots more information.

Kosher, Naturally, 905.770.0646; fax 905.770.3623; kosher@rogers.com

All dishes are dairy-free, nut-free, kosher, and mostly organic. They can accommodate special diets for those with allergies or food sensitivities. I am unsure if this includes gluten-free.

Magical Catering, 788 Broadview Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4K 2P7, 416.466.0111, event@magicalcatering.com

From the Magic Oven people, this catering service can supply “organic foods, gluten or wheat free foods, vegan or religious requirements.”

Vegan Delights, 416.491.6781

Makes baked vegan food with no hydrogenated fats or refined sugars. Many items are wheat free, but I am not sure if this means gluten-free.

Wholly Macro Food, 416.463.1467

Prepares organic vegan meals. Wholly Macro is sensitive to allergies and food intolerances.

[source: ryerson.ca]

Cattle Call to Star as Maria in `Sound of Music’

contact — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:13:43 +0000

From AP:

The Canadian airwaves will soon be alive with “The Sound of Music” when a TV reality show begins auditions to cast the role of Maria in an upcoming Toronto production of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is producing its own version of the hit BBC series “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?,” which garnered the 2007 International Emmy Award for best non-scripted entertainment program.

Auditions began Friday in Toronto to start a seven-city, cross-country audition tour, from Vancouver, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, that will run through Feb. 9.

About 200 hopefuls will be invited for callbacks in Toronto, and about 50 finalists will attend the “Maria School” for further training.

The 8-part TV series set to air this summer will follow the “Marias” as they go through auditions, training sessions and evaluations.

Canadian viewers will vote to determine their choice to play Maria von Trapp, the singing and dancing nun-turned-governess made famous by Julie Andrews in the 1965 film.

The winner will join the cast of a production of “The Sound of Music” premiering in October at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and David Mirvish.

“I am delighted that `How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?’ is coming to Canada,” Lloyd Webber, the famed British composer and impresario, said in a CBC news release.

“It was an enormous success in the…

Read more

New Book: Toronto 2008: With Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region

contact — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:06:33 +0000

You might be happy to know that the new book about Toronto and nearby attraction, Fodor’s Toronto 2008: With Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region (Fodor’s Gold Guides) will be released on February 5, 2008. You can pre-order yours for only $11.53, a savings of 32%.

Pre-order your book now (before the sale disappears)
————
Here are more books about Toronto you might be interested in:

1. Lonely Planet Toronto – This comprehensive guide is your entree to its many facets: the culinary scene is as deliciously diverse as its population, the artistic community breaks conventions on a daily basis and its great outdoors are awash with options – from cycling and skiing to hiking and hockey. Socially enlightened, multicultural and uniquely Canadian.

2. Top 10 Toronto – Whether you’re looking for the finest cuisine or the least expensive places to eat, the most luxurious hotels or the best deals on places to stay, Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides provide useful information by local experts to find the best of everything at each destination.

3. Secret Toronto: The Unique Guidebook to Toronto’s Hidden Sites – For the traveler in search of something completely different when visiting Toronto. This detailed guide leads travelers far from the beaten path to uncover Toronto’s best-kept secrets. From obscure museums and overlooked neighborhood treasures to tucked-away green spaces and exotic ethnic cuisine, these little-known destinations yield big rewards for the more adventurous traveler. The soul of this cosmopolitan city is highlighted by hotspots where visitors can learn Latin dancing at night, disco after hours, and rent a private dungeon at an S&M bed-and breakfast.

4. Toronto for Dummies – This book is so great for people traveling to Toronto for the very first time AND for people who really are newbies to this great Canadian City. It’s a fun, very thorough guide about Toronto and the surrounding areas you might want to visit. From the view atop the CN Tower to its electric nightlife to it’s global cuisine, Toronto offers its visitors an unforgettable travel experience. And with Niagara Falls and Stratford just quick trips away, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. With this friendly guide, you’ll plan a vacation that’s perfect for you.

This is a down-to-earth trip planner comes with very handy Post-it flags for you to mark your favorite pages! Priced at a bargain basement price of $11 (plus some change), you’ll get your money’s worth and more with all of its 336 pages.

Green Earth Organics – Fresh Organic Food Delivered to Your Home or Office

contact — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:06:28 +0000

Green Earth Organics offers up an excellent and amazing service. Once or twice a week, they deliver to your home or office boxes of organic fruits and vegetables and other organic foods. There are three box sizes to choose from Harvest $36, Family Harvest $46, and Super Harvest $60. The contents of the boxes change on a weekly basis (due to seasonal changes). But you can also call the weekend hotline at 416-285-5300 or visit their website, to hear what is in your box ahead of time and make any substitutions you’d like when available. A great and obvious option: when you sign up for their service you can let them know which items you never want to receive, and order items you prefer.

All deliveries are done on the same day every week. Deliveries take place in the evening, 2pm. – 9pm.

Green Earth Organics buys locally grown produce whenever possible and 10% of their profits go to various non-profit groups around Toronto.

Give them a call or sign up online so you can order organic food and have it delivered to your door.

Green Earth Organics
3 – 70 Wade Ave
Toronto,Ontario
Canada. M6H 1P6
Tel: 416.285.5300
24 Hour Hotline: 416.532.2713

Canadian Privacy Commissioner Rejects DRM

contact — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:06:38 +0000

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Jennifer Stoddart, published an open letter to Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Industry Minister Jim Prentice, who has been diligently committed to resurrecting his disaster of a copyright bill, which will import the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act to Canada. Essentially, the systems in question often spy on users and then report back with detailed, private information about your activities. Ms. Stoddart is very concerned with the prospect of changing Canadian law to make it illegal to tamper with this spyware. An excerpt is below:

…Canadians are making use of new information and communication technologies to obtain access to information, films, music and other content. While new technologies have generally widened individual access to copyrighted content, they also allow copyright holders the means to control use or reproduction and to manage authorized uses.

Technological protective measures can be embedded in various media to control copying and prevent copyright infringement, or they can be built into electronic devices to prevent the reading of unauthorized content. Digital rights management (DRM) is the general term for the varied technologies used to enforce pre-defined limitations on the use of digital content. These include any means by which publishers or manufacturers control use of data or hardware. My office has prepared an information sheet on DRM technology, a copy of which is enclosed for your information.

If DRM technologies only controlled copying and use of content, our Office would have few concerns. However, DRM technologies can also collect detailed personal information from users, who often do no more than access the content on a computer. This information is transmitted back to the copyright owner or content provider, without the consent or knowledge of the user. Although the means exist to circumvent these technologies and thus prevent the collection of this information, previous proposals to amend the Copyright Act contained anti-circumvention provisions.

Technologies that report back to a company about the use of a product reveal a great deal about an individual’s tastes and preferences. Indeed, such information can be extremely personal….” read the whole letter

[via]

Guess Who’s in the Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World?

contact — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:06:01 +0000

No. 10: Canada
Population: 33 million
Life Expectancy: 80 years
GDP Per Capita: $34,000

Canada may sometimes feel overshadowed by its giant neighbor to the south, but a strong sense of national identity and abundant natural beauty help make the sprawling and sparsely populated country one of the world’s happiest. Canada also punches above its weight economically, with a huge $1.1 trillion GDP and per-capita that ranks among the world’s highest. It also has strong health care and a low crime rate.

Yay! We always knew Canada ruled.

See the other 9 happy countries

How to Move to Canada

contact — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:08:06 +0000

It’s no shocker that Americans are extremely disgusted by the U.S. government, and because of all of the lies, murders and secrets the government is responsible for, well, many American wanna get the heck outta Dodge. And fast. I don’t blame them. America is flawed. Very flawed, I hate to say, and I sympathize with Americans.

So. Many Americans are seeking a new place they can call home sweet home, and be proud of where they live. Howz about moving to Canada?????

This primer might be just for you. How to Move to Canada: A Primer for Americansmight be the ticket to your happiness.

Recently, 1.1 million Canadians voted Tommy Douglas, “the Sakatchewan premier who spearheaded Canada’s universal health care system” the “Greatest Canadian” of all time. This sort of mentality is what makes Canadian emigration more and more enticing to Americans out of step with their homeland’s priorities. In an easy-to-follow and comprehensive guide, How to Move to Canada: A Primer for Americansoffers a detailed action plan for Americans seriously thinking about making a permanent move to Canada. From the smallest details on what is necessary on the application to the rules regarding moving from Hawaii with a houseplant, the books covers details vital and otherwise, and lists websites and phone numbers for additional information. In addition to the hows, this helpful guide provides the whys from a Canadian perspective: apparently, skilled workers are needed, and as it currently stands 49 percent of Toronto residents were born outside Canada.

Brief overviews of each province and territory help readers find where they fit best. The writers play to the presumed liberal bias of their readers and provide information to that end (abortion: legal since 1988; the death penalty: abolished in 1976; same-sex marriage: legal since 2004;the firearm homicide rate: one-eighth the U.S.’s). As a lighter and less ideological companion to this useful but narrowly targeted book, readers should check out Will and Ian Ferguson’s comic work How to be Canadian.

Sugar Mountain

contact — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:13:38 +0000

Sugarholics, rejoice! Especially those of you who like sweet retrolicious candy goodness.

Sugar Mountain is a chain of specialty candy and confectionery stores, which got its humble start in 1992 as an open-air booth in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The original booth quickly outgrew demand and the first Sugar Mountain retail store opened its doors on Richmond Street West in late 1995.

From the first sight of the bright purple interior, to the multiplicity of confectionery and novelty items, Sugar Mountain stores capitalize on a youthful notion that is created via a carefully selected product offering, within a nostalgic environment that is reminiscent of one’s childhood. Specializing in retro and nostalgic confectionery, it is not uncommon that Sugar Mountain customers exclaim, “Wow, I haven’t seen this in years”. Sugar Mountain has become a nationally recognized institution and has established itself as the leading Canadian retailer of imported and nostalgic confectionery.

2 Locations in Toronto!

Sugar Mountain
2299 Yonge Street (at Eglinton)
M4P 2C3 Toronto Canada
Tel: 416.486.9321

320 Richmond Street West
M5V 1X2 Torotno Canada
Tel: 416.204.9544

Quotes About Torontonians

contact — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:06:01 +0000

“I like Toronto; the people are really chill.” ~ Rihanna

Free WiFi at These Toronto Public Libraries

contact — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:08:18 +0000

When you’re traveling, the last place you’d think you’d visit would be the public library, but don’t knock it! You can find travel books and magazines there to peruse (and be up to date with current news by reading newspapers) but it’s also a great place to catch up on email or do work online, while you’re in our great Canadian city. So if your accommodations don’t, by chance, have any internet accessibility, here are the public library locations in Toronto where you can access the internet for free via Wifi:

Agincourt – 155 Bonis Ave. Toronto, Ont. M1T 3W6, T: 416-396-8943
Albion – 1515 Albion Rd.Toronto, ON,M9V 1B2 T:416-394-5170
Albert Campbell – 496 Birchmount Rd. Toronto, ON, M1K 1N8 T: 416-396-8890
Bridlewood – 2900 Warden Ave. Toronto, ON, M1W 2S8 T: 416-396-8960
Centennial – 578 Finch Ave. West Toronto, ON, M2R 1N7 T: 416-395-5490
Eatonville – 430 Burnhamthorpe Rd. Toronto, ON, M9B 2B1 T: 416-394-5270
Flemingdon Park – 29 St. Dennis Dr. Toronto, ON, M3C 3J3 T: 416-395-5820
Gerrard/Ashdale – 29 St. Dennis Dr. Toronto, ON, M3C 3J3 T: 416-395-5820
Lillian H. Smith – 239 College St. Toronto, ON, M5T 1R5 T: 416-393-7746
Mimico – 47 Station Rd. Toronto, ON, M8V 2R1 T: 416-394-5330
Morningside – 4279 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto, ON, M1E 2S8 T: 416-396-8881
North York Central Library – 5120 Yonge St. Toronto, ON, M2N 5N9 T: 416-395-5535
Parkdale – 1303 Queen St. West Toronto, ON, M6K 1L6 T: 416-393-7686
Parliament – 269 Gerrard St. East Toronto, ON, M5A 2G3 T: 416-393-7663
Richview – 1806 Islington Avenue Toronto, ON, M9P 3N3 T: 416-394-5120
Riverdale – 370 Broadview Ave. Toronto ON M4K 2M8 T: 416-393-7720
Toronto Reference Library – 789 Yonge St. Toronto, ON, M4W 2G8 T: 416-395-5577
Woodside Square – 1571 Sandhurst Circle Toronto, ON, M1V 1V2T: 416-396-8979
York Woods – 1785 Finch Ave. West Toronto, ON, M3N 1M6 T: 416-395-5980

For more information

The Power Plant

contact — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:07:46 +0000

Toronto’s contemporary art museum, The Power Plant, is worth a visit and will make for a wonderful day spent perusing modern art. The museum itself has 3 major exhibition galleries and smaller, adjacent indoor and outdoor sites which lend themselves to virtually any presentation circumstance.

The interior of The Power Plant is made up of 3 major gallery spaces. The 2 largest, named the Royal LePage and J. S. McLean Galleries, are designed for maximum flexibility and for the diversity of contemporary art. The ceilings are nine meters high they have an adjustable grid lighting system. The third, named the Canadian Tire Gallery features three-meter high ceilings. In addition to the galleries, which share approximately 650 square meters, the Fleck Clerestory, a central corridor with a glassed roof, lobby and exterior spaces are also designated for exhibition purposes.

The Power Plant is wheelchair accessible. An elevator connects the visitor to both levels.

The Power Plant
231 Queens Quay West
Toronto, Ontario,
Canada M5J 2G8
T: 416.973.4949

Regular Hours

Tuesday to Sunday | 12-6 pm
Wednesday | 12-8 pm
Closed Monday
Open Holiday Monday | 12-6 pm

HOLIDAY 2007-08 HOURS

24, 25, 26, 31 December 2007 | Closed
01 January 2008 | Closed

ADMISSION
$5 | Adults
$3 | Seniors & Students

How Many Languages are Spoken in Toronto?

contact — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:07:45 +0000

From World66:

Over 180 languages are spoken in Toronto! There are large numbers of people from China, India, Jamaica, Greek, The British Isles, The Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Somalia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria, Germany, Korea, etc.

Gay Toronto

contact — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:09:23 +0000

As the largest city in Canada, you would definitely expect that there’d be a gay scene in Toronto. You’re right. The gay scene in Toronto is called The Village, or Church Street. It’s located along Church and Yonge between Alexander and Wellesley, and the Wellesley subway stop.

In the Village, a great kickoff would be to start at Woody’s, a massive complex of bars that is one of the most popular hangouts in the city for many years. (Many scenes from Queer as Folk were filmed here.) Next, check out Babylon Martini and Musique Boutique. Babylon has over 250 types of martinis! Pimblett’s Pub is a cozy joint, and is the oldest gay bar in Toronto. The Volcano Room is a new spot that has become insanely popular. Zipperz is a traditional piano bar, as is Trax 5. El Convento Rico pulls in the Latino crowd, while Ciao Edie is a funky retro bar. Pegasus Bar is an all time favorite, with video games, pool tables and the largest projection TV in Toronto. Remington’s is the place everyone goes to watch cute go-go boys disrobe. Lesbians hang out at Slack Alice, Pope Joan, and The House of Parlaiment Pub. The leather crowd favors The Black Eagle, The Toolbox, and The Barn and Stables.

You’ll also find that another area, called the Queer West Village, has grow in the West Toronto suburbs. It’s a conglomeration of communities where gays are completely and seamlessly integrated into a mixed district. A more tolerant mindset than most others anywhere, there is no discrimination based on sexual identity. You don’t go out there to party. If you’re looking party, go to the Village. You go to Queer West Village for mingling with gay rights and community related issues.

In the summer, you can get an all-over tan at Hanlans Point Beach on Toronto Island, or closer to town on Scarborough Beach.

When Gay Toronto needs to get its dance on, it heads to Fly. This is the big dance club you’ll recognize from Queer as Folk. On Saturdays, it thumps until well after sunrise. 5ive is more upscale and chic. Lust is where people head to on Fridays. On other nights it’s mostly mixed.

For restaurants, go to Zelda’s, an American/Mexican/Italian eatery. It’s massively popular during Sunday brunch, and its bar is one of the biggest gathering places for gay Toronto. Less tread establishments are: Tantra, the V3 Lounge, PJ Mellons, and Byzantium. For a quieter bar scene, head to Living Well, which has been a favorite with the gay community forever. The Looking Glass is another fave, with its four fireplaces and pan-cultural menu. The Village Rainbow is a Village standard establishment. Fire on the East Side’s Southern-inspired menu will not only pique your interest but it’ll also do the same to your tastebuds.

Toronto has several gay B&Bs. A few of these bed and breakfast places are located right smack in the middle of the Village: The Dundonald House, a charming guesthouse owned by legally-married gay couple Warren and Dave; Cawthra Square, a collection of three upscale B&Bs all side by side to each other, and the recipient of several gay travel awards; The Banting House, an Edwardian residence whose guests rave about it’s central location as well as its marvelous gardens. Bears and leather fans can bed down at The Bearfoot Inn. If you’re searching for a transvestite-friendly place, slide on over to the Wildside Hotel. Other unique, gay-owned properties in the immediate area are The Toronto Townehouse, B R Guest, the Toronto Downtown B&B (a luxury B&B), A Seaton Dream, the Lavender Rose, the House on McGill, and the Burwood Inn.

Pride Toronto is Canada’s largest gay event, and takes place in late June. Folsom Fair North is an extension of San Francisco’s famed leather celebration. It takes place in mid-July. [source]

The Toronto Marathon

contact — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:06:57 +0000

I know it’s a bit early! The Toronto Marathon takes place this year on October 18, 2008, but don’t you need time to train for it? THAT’S why I’m telling you about it so early!! If 26 miles isn’t your style, try the half-marathon or the 5k run.

For more information and to register

Winter Activity in Toronto: SURFING!

contact — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:06:05 +0000

From Blogto:

Canada is brutally cold in the winter. This weekend Toronto had one massive winter storm. 30cm (about a foot) of snow accumulation, gusting winds creating wind chills of -20°C (sub 0°F) and complete road carnage were enough to keep most of us in the city holed up in our homes this weekend. The closest I came to “surfing” was when, in my pajamas, I sank into the couch with a mug of fresh coffee and remote control in hand, and flipped through the channels looking for something to watch on TV.

Hardcore Toronto surfers Mark Karvonen, Walter Tuokkola, and Geoff Johnson, on the other hand, got suited in their neoprene wetsuits, waxed their boards, and headed down to Ashbridge’s Bay to ride the wicked waves of Lake Ontario.

Nuts, I say. NUTS! These guys surfed up a….

Continue reading the whole article

Toronto Fire Chiefs Drive Hybrids!

contact — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:06:29 +0000

From Treehugger:

Remembering the events of five years ago, none of us would begrudge our firefighters a nice ride; we are pleased to see that the Toronto Fire Services chief is tooling around in a Highlander hybrid. It won in a competitive bidding process that looked at performance, ground clearance and versatility. They are almost off-the-shelf- a custom Toronto colour (is not fire engine red the same all over?) and “a set of very subtly-integrated strobe lights built into the roof rack, grille, side pillars and rear lamps: at night, the thing lights up like a Christmas tree, and is visible from very far away, even though the LED units are actually tiny. ” TFS liked the fuel consumption stats and the fact that it was not a beefed up heavy duty sedan but an off-the-shelf car that was strong enough to take it. Sez Chief Stewart: “”All of the equipment we’ve chosen is here so we can respond faster and work safer.” Canadian Driver

Happy New Year Toronto!

contact — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:07:22 +0000

Have the best year, ever.

Made in Tieland

contact — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:08:46 +0000

Bags from recycyled ties! Made in Tieland

Heated Waterslide at the Delta Chelsea Hotel

contact — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:07:00 +0000

I can’ really recommend the actual hotel or condition of the Delta Chelsea Hotel. What I can mention here and want to share with you is the very awesome 130-foot heated indoor waterslide! Pretty neat.

Delta Chelsea Hotel
33 Gerrard Street West
Toronto (Downtown), Ontario
M5G 1Z4
Tel: 416-595-1975

Radioactive Waste Found in Ontario Groundwater

contact — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:07:06 +0000

From Canada Environment:

Ontario Ministry of Environment officials are downplaying the discovery of high levels of a radioactive substance called tritium (radioactive waste) found recently in the groundwater of a Pembroke landfill.

“While there was tritium in the ground water at the site, [it was] well below our ministry standards,” said Ministry spokesperson Kate Jordan. “We don’t feel that they pose a risk to the community or to the environment.”

Tritium is widely used in nuclear weapons for boosting a fission bomb or the fission primary of a thermonuclear weapon.

The highest level found in the dump’s groundwater was 1,000 Becquerel/Litre – which is 7 times lower than the level considered “safe” under Ontario law.

Not very reassuring when you consider that the the European Union’s “safe” level of Tritium concentrations in water is 100 Becquerel/Litre. In California the allowable level of Tritium in groundwater is 15 Bq/Litre.

Lunatic Adventures – Sustainable Living Tours

contact — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:06:36 +0000

Lunatic Adventures is a wilderness guiding company committed to developing environmental awareness through the provision of safe, informative, and enjoyable wilderness experiences. From canoeing to snowshoeing, our guides will provide you with the skills, knowledge & confidence needed to make the most out of your next wilderness adventure

The LUNA Project is an alternative learning center that provides opportunities for people to develop and reflect on their values and to consider how they might take an active role in creating a healthier environment for future generations.

Lunatic Adventures Inc.
250 The East Mall
Suite #1691
Toronto, Ontario
M9B 6L3 Canada

Solar Powered Car Wash in Toronto

contact — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:07:55 +0000

Solarco has completed the installation of twenty solar thermal panels at the Wash N’ Go Car Wash, located at 4000 Dundas St West in Toronto. The system pre-heats process hot water used for washing cars. Awesome.

WashNGo
4000 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Canada
416.766.7024

Toronto Neighborhoods

contact — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:06:13 +0000

Thought this might come in handy if you’re trying to get a feel for Toronto. Here are the neighborhoods and their names:

In-town
Annex
Beaches
Cabbagetown
Danforth
Dufferin Grove
Downtown
Kensington Market / Chinatown
Little India
Little Italy
High Park
Queen Street West
Riverdale
St. Clair West
Yonge St. (central)
Yonge & Eglinton
Yorkville

Suburbs
Etobicoke
North York
Scarborough
West of Toronto
North of Toronto

The Gift of Glenn Gould

contact — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:09:19 +0000

For the longest time, I couldn’t listen to The Goldberg Variations without thinking about Hannibal (The Cannibal) Lechter from Silence of the Lambs – let alone eat fava beans.

It made me sad because I love this recording by Glenn Gould. Luckily, I did overcome it and disassociated the two. Finally. Yay.

My baggage aside, one of the best things you can do for your life, is to stop everything and JUST listen to beautiful music for a while. You don’t have to spend the entire day doing this; just spend some allotted time to step away from the chaos of life, and just…chill. And chilling with music rules. Some of you are so used to multi-tasking and always doing a million things at the same time. You know I’m talking about you. Your days are filled with a continuous string of tasks back to back to back sans cesse, if you know what I mean. Calm, serenity, quiet, peaceful – well, these words do not exist in your life’s vocabulary.

Cut it out!

Do yourself a favor and find great music, like Glenn Gould: The Complete Original Jacket Collection

So…..WHY am I writing about Glenn Gould on this Toronto blog? I thought you’d never ask. Glenn Gould was born in Toronto on September 25, 1932. Thought you’d like that bit of trivia.

About Glenn Gould: The Complete Original Jacket Collection
Each of the 60 single and 9 double CDs consists of the exact recordings as first issued on vinyl and looks like a miniaturised form of the original disc: the CDs are in cardboard slipcases in the original design, and the CD itself is designed to look like a LP.

Supplemented by two bonus CDs, the limited “Glenn Gould Complete Jacket Collection” comprises 80 CDs mounted in a high-quality display case with a booklet of more than 240 pages. This booklet contains a new, detailed essay by the German Gould specialist Michael Stegemann on Glenn Gould and the LP recording era along with texts and repertoire details to all recordings in the edition, plus a listing and depiction of the records with reissue dates for repertoire that has appeared before.

The bonus CDs include the last great interview that Glenn Gould gave the American journalist Tim Page in 1981 and an essay on Johann Sebastian Bach and the fugue that Gould recorded in 1972 for a bonus LP. They also feature a number of late recordings that never appeared on vinyl: fragments of the “Italian Album” and Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll in its orchestral version — Gould’s recording debut as conductor and his last recording of all, made on 8 September 1982 with members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Another rarity is Gould’s own film music to George Roy Hill’s Slaughterhouse Five from 1972.

National Film Board, Toronto Mediatheque

contact — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 23:06:51 +0000

This gem is THE place to watch the best in Canadian animated, documentary, short and feature films in the state-of-the-art personal viewing stations. There are always new titles added monthly to a growing database of 1500+ films.

Free admission.

Weekend animation workshops for kids ages 3-13; $5 per child with guardian. Mon.-Tue. 1-7p.m.; Wed. 10a.m.-7p.m.; Thu.-Sat. 10a.m.-10p.m.; Sun. 12-5p.m.

Mediateque
150 John St (at Richmond St W)
Toronto (Osgoode subway station)
M5V 3C3 Canada
416.973.3012

Hours of Operation
Monday & Tuesday, 1 – 7 pm
Wednesday, 10 am – 7 pm
Thursday – Saturday, 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday, Noon – 5 pm

Fees for Digital Viewing Stations
Unlimited Day Pass – $2
Annual Unlimited Pass – $12
Annual Unlimited Family Pass – $15
Red Carpet Pass – $50

Gems of Hope, Toronto – Supporting Women’s Development

contact — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:06:56 +0000

This is the best time of year to be thinking about giving to a charity in your area. Gems of Hope is a a Toronto-based charity with a global focus.

Gems of Hope is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization whose mandate is to advance the standard of living for marginalized women in developing countries. To that end, Gems, in partnership with local non-profit agencies from various countries, implements women’s initiatives that empower women to break the cycle of poverty for good.

Development projects of Gems of Hope provide impoverished women with the following:

* Access to micro-credit for initiation or expansion of their small enterprises
* Skills development
* Human Development
* Basic health services
* Education on health and sanitation

With the support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and our generous donors, we have helped over tens of thousands of women to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Donate online now

You can also donate with a cheque. Please make your cheque payable to Gems of Hope and mail to:
675 King Street West
Suite 304, Toronto, ON,
Canada, M5V 1M9.

Post-dated cheques are also accepted. A receipt will be issued after your funds have been deposited.

Canada Considers the U.S. to be Unsafe

contact — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:06:11 +0000

From rabble:

“The U.S. does not meet the Refugee Convention requirements nor the Convention Against Torture prohibition.”

In a surprise ruling the Federal Court of Canada has overturned the “Canada United States Safe Third Country Agreement” in a judgment issued on November 29, 2007.

In a 124-page decision Mr. Justice Michael Phelan ruled that the Safe Third Country Agreement, which came into effect on Dec. 29, 2004 and regulated refugee movement between Canada and the U.S., violates refugee rights and that the United States did not meet the conditions required to be considered a “Safe Country” under the terms of the Agreement.

The Agreement was also held to be contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. “The interest at stake is highly important to an individual’s life, safety and dignity,” wrote Justice Phelan.

The Judge stated, “I would therefore conclude that the designation of the U.S. as a safe third country leads to a discriminatory result, in that it has a much more severe impact on persons who fall into the areas where the U.S. is not compliant with the Refugee Convention or CAT (Convention Against Torture), as well as discriminating and exposing such people to risk based solely on the method of arrival in Canada.”

“For the reasons outlined in this judgment, the United States’ policies and practices do not meet the conditions set down for authorizing Canada to enter into a Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA),” Justice Phelan stated.

“The U.S. does not meet the Refugee Convention requirements nor the Convention Against Torture prohibition (the Maher Arar case being one example.) Further, the STCA does not comply with the relevant provisions of the Charter.”

The court ruled that a one-year deadline to file refugee claims in the U.S. was inconsistent with the international conventions because it increased the risk claimants would be sent back to countries where they faced danger or torture.

Justice Phelan also noted that the U.S. definition of terrorist activities can…

Time Lapse Video of Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum’s Crystal

contact — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:07:15 +0000

From May 2003 to November 2007 this time lapse video was produced through a series of still images taken at 1pm every day during the construction of The Michael Lee Chin Crystal at Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum. Later images were captured every 10 minutes during the building’s opening week.

It is amazing.

Watch the video

[via]

Speak Easy

contact — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 23:06:26 +0000

SpeakEasy is a Toronto gathering event, a way for students, creative pros, curious onlookers, well, just about everyone is welcome. Eight times a year, meet new people, mingle and exhibit some of your creations. This is a great way to get some exposure for your art, crafts, jewelry if you are trying to become a creative professional.

Where and When?
SpeakEasy
8 times a year on the first Thursday of the month
from 8pm-Midnight
The Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen West, Toronto
Admission is “Pay What You Can” ($4 Suggested)

Toronto’s Best Bars: Melody Bar

contact — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:06:18 +0000

Speaking of the Gladstone Hotel, I want to expound a bit on their awesome bar, The Melody Bar.

It was voted among The Top 10 Bars List in the World ’07 by Conde Nast. This is what they had to say about Melody Bar:

With walls paneled in rich wood, alabaster lamps hanging from the 10-foot ceilings, fat Romanesque pillars, and an original 1930s wooden bar, the Melody Bar isn’t so much nouveau retro as a rollicking saloon. Weekend karaoke nights have become the stuff of legend, with the host brandishing a giant APPLAUSE sign to stoke the crowd—an interesting hodgepodge of expertly coiffed hipsters, ad execs, pixie punk girls, and dust-caked construction workers.

Could it be their fabulous burgers? Maybe their rockin’ karaoke (Thursday through Saturday)? Or their famous Hump Day Bump Wednesday night party? Go there and tell me about it!

Open 11am – 2am Daily. No Cover.

To Note: Holiday Hours
Dec 24 Cafe open until 4pm – Brunch Menu | Melody Bar closed
Dec 25 Cafe + Melody Bar Closed
Dec 26 Cafe open at 8am – Brunch Menu | Melody Bar open at 5pm
Dec 31 Serving bubbly till 3am
Jan 1 Cafe open at 8am – Brunch Menu | Melody Bar normal hours

Melody Bar
Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen Street West
Toronto ON M6J 1J6
416 531 4635

Gladstone Hotel

contact — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 23:07:04 +0000

The Gladstone is more than just a boutique hotel; It’s a unique hotel that, in essence, is an ongoing experiment in melding cultural entrepreneurship and urban development. They even have a Green Policy. Yay them!

The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto is an urban hotel providing both travelers and Torontonians with a truly authentic experience of the local creative culture. Our historic landmark hotel features artist designed hotel rooms and suites, affordable short-term artist studios, exhibition spaces, and versatile event and conference venues. The hotel also offers great food and drink in the Ballroom Cafe and Melody Bar. Visitors can experience Toronto from within the comforts of the hotel’s thirty-seven artist designed guest rooms, eat, drink, attend art related, social, or corporate events held within the historic landmark architecture, and then step out into the heart of the city’s vibrant art and design neighbourhood.

This isn’t just a place to stay overnight. The Gladstone is more than a hotel. It is a place where local artists exhibit their work and perform and more importantly a place where artists and regular neighbourhood patrons come just to hang out. From cabaret performances to film screenings, art exhibitions to wedding parties the Gladstone hosts events for a vast range of artists, community groups, businesses and individuals.

Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON Canada M6J 1J6
Canada
416.531.4635

The Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto

contact — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:10:43 +0000

Ok, so I’m classifying this post as a “must see” but some of you might not agree with that. I must clarify. Shoe people, and I know there are a lot of you out there, will absolutely love this museum because afterall, it’s all about shoes. Some fanatics I know will die for shoes. I know, that’s kind of scary but hey tolerance is key to living a pretty good life and judging is never a good thing – but I digress.

The museum features at least 10,000 pairs of shoes. I know that description alone is enough to make you want to go.

The Bata Shoe Museum
27 Bloor St. West, Toronto
(south–west corner of Bloor St. W. and St. George)
St. George Subway Station.
Telephone: (416) 979-7799

A Tip: Go on a Thursday between 5pm and 8pm to get in for free! Otherwise, you’ll be paying a whopping $12 entrance fee. That’s still a fraction of the cost of your latest Manolo purchase but hey, it’s good to take a discount when available.

Nearly Half of Toronto Area Residents Are Immigrants

contact — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:07:25 +0000

From CBC:

The Toronto region has experienced substantial growth in its immigrant population over the last five years, according to new census data released Tuesday.

Statistics Canada released information from the 2006 census that gives a snapshot of people who came from other countries to live here. It reveals that most people moving to Canada are flocking to large urban centres, especially Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Demographic experts have predicted that Canada’s population growth will be almost entirely dependent on immigration by 2030 and communities that don’t attract new Canadians may see steady declines in population.

A shrinking population can have a host of economic and social consequences, including a fragile local economy starved for workers that, in turn, discourages much-needed investment. Business and school closures can result, and as the declining population ages the delivery of social services such as health care becomes strained.

Some communities find it difficult to attract immigrants because new Canadians tend to choose large cities where their families have already settled and where they can obtain the services they will need.

The latest census statistics show that immigrants make up 45.7 per cent of the Toronto area population. Five years earlier, immigrants represented 43.7 per cent of the population. In terms of recent immigration, the number of immigrants who lived in the region increased to 2,320,160 from 2,032,960 between 2001 and 2006.

During the same five-year period since the 2001 census, the overall population of Toronto region increased by 9.2 per cent — compared to a provincial gain of 6.6 per cent and a national growth rate of 5.4 per cent.

The immigration figures shows that about one out of every five Canadians was born in another country. In the Toronto region the ratio is almost one out of every two, while for Ontario, it’s more than one out of every four.

The national figures are skewed by the concentration of immigrants in the metropolitan regions of Toronto, Vancouver (39.6 per cent) and Montreal (20.6).

In terms of the country of origin for foreign-born people in the Toronto area, the highest proportion came from…

Secret Toronto: The Unique Guidebook to Toronto’s Hidden Sites, Sounds and Tastes

contact — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:10:05 +0000

For the traveler in search of something completely different when visiting Toronto. This detailed guide leads travelers far from the beaten path to uncover Toronto’s best-kept secrets. From obscure museums and overlooked neighborhood treasures to tucked-away green spaces and exotic ethnic cuisine, these little-known destinations yield big rewards for the more adventurous traveler. The soul of this cosmopolitan city is highlighted by hotspots where visitors can learn Latin dancing at night, disco after hours, and rent a private dungeon at an S&M bed-and breakfast.

Secret Toronto: The Unique Guidebook to Toronto’s Hidden Sites

Celebs Born in Toronto

contact — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Lots of celebrities were born in Canada, and in particular, in our great city of Toronto. I thought you’d like to see which celebs are from Toronto, so the next time you see them in-person (yeah, like when?) you can say, “Hey you Canuck!” They’d appreciate that, eh? Ok. Maybe not. Here they are, anyway, fyi:
Dave Foley (1963) – Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 1/4/1963
Mike Myers (1963) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 5/25/1963
Jim Carrey (1962) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 1/17/1962
Rick Moranis (1954) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 4/18/1954
John Candy (b. 1950 – d. 1994) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 10/31/1950
Lorne Michaels (1946) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 11/17/1946
Neil Young (1945) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 11/12/1945
Robbie Robertson (1944) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 7/5/1944
David Cronenberg (1943) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 3/15/1943
Christopher Plummer (1927) Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 12/13/1927

Better Quality of Life in Canada than in America? Me Thinks So!

contact — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:07:13 +0000

From Macleans:

They stood and raised their right hands — a little girl with bouncing pigtails and a pink coat, a dignified older man with a flowing white beard and a saffron turban, and all the rest — and they recited the oath of citizenship in halting French. “Now you are 50 per cent Canadian,” joked the judge. Then they recited the pledge again in English. Now you are 100 per cent Canadian, he said. They applauded. Friends took photos. And just before 10 a.m. on Nov. 13, the country gained 94 new citizens, with 94 sets of hopes and dreams and plans.

It was a beautiful thing to see. A visitor to the ceremony couldn’t help thinking this roomful of concentrated optimism and potential is a tonic that would benefit his fellow citizens, for a malaise seems to have settled upon the nation. Maclean’s, for the second year in a row, has asked Angus Reid Strategies to ask the world what it thinks of Canada. The pollster also asked 1,000 Canadians for a self-assessment. The results contain more than a few surprises. The world likes Canada, a lot: not the reality of Canada, perhaps, but the ideal of Canada, the idea of Canada. Canadians, however, have a host of misgivings about their country: its lack of independence from America’s influence, the compromised integrity of its government systems, its limited impact on world affairs. Simply put, the world is in love with a country that doubts its own worth. “To me, that’s one of those observations that come off the psychiatrist’s couch,” says Reid of the dichotomy. “I suppose we could spend a lot of time thinking what that means.”

Reid and his global partners surveyed a sample of eight countries — China, England, India, Israel, Italy, Turkey, Russia and the United States — quizzing them in late October about their knowledge of Canadian issues, asking their opinions about Canada at home and its impact on foreign affairs, and taking their assessment of Stephen Harper and other national leaders. Canadians were asked some of the same questions, generally, with less…

Shopping in Toronto: Roots

contact — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:08:18 +0000

Remember the store, “Roots”? It’s actually still around! It’s a Canadian company with many of the most popular items we all remember but even better. Really high quality stuff. There is something for everyone: for Men, Women, & Children. When in downtown Toronto, you will be able to find several stores but the shop which can easily be reached is at Roots Central along Yonge Street and within Eaton’s Centre.

You will be able to purchase Roots products: Graphic T-Shirts, Short Sleeve T-Shirts, Long Sleeve T-Shirts, Sweats & Jackets, Hoodies, Pants, Hats & Accessories, Watches, Athletic Watches, Backpacks & Bags, Leather Bags, Leather iPod Cases, & Travel Gear & Bags – and more.

Love that store!

Some trivia: Guess who was hanging out at the Roots Lounge. YES, they have a lounge!!! Give up? Wyclef Jean. Love him!

Roots
220 Yonge Street, Unit B006 Level 2 Toronto
416 593 9640
Location: Yonge & Queen Streets, Inside Eaton’s Centre

Books About Toronto

contact — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 23:06:05 +0000

No. I’m not calling you a dummy or anything but this book is so great for people traveling to Toronto for the very first time AND for people who really are newbies to this great Canadian City. It’s a fun, very thorough guide about Toronto and the surrounding areas you might want to visit. From the view atop the CN Tower to its electric nightlife to it’s global cuisine, Toronto offers its visitors an unforgettable travel experience. And with Niagara Falls and Stratford just quick trips away, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. With this friendly guide, you’ll plan a vacation that’s perfect for you.

Toronto for Dummies

The Fun Advertising Minds of Toronto

contact — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:07:02 +0000

Tagline: Energizer. It would never run out on you.

Created by the advertising agency: TBWA, Toronto, Canada; Creative Director: Joe Amaral; Art Director: Pete Ross; Copywriter: Allan Topol; Photographer: Adam Rankin
Published: November 2007

Don’t Hate Toronto: A Brief History of Urbanophobia

contact — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:07:05 +0000

From The Toronto Star:

The prejudice of city-hating seems to be deeper, more persistent and more poisonous to progress in Canada than anywhere else in the world. That’s going to spell trouble in a century experts say will be defined by cities.

This week brought another sample of the disdain leaders in senior levels of government have for cities.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities on Tuesday warned that close to 80 per cent of the nation’s urban infrastructure, including roads and bridges, water and waste-removal systems, and transit are past their service life. The tab for replacing it is a staggering $123 billion.

Yet pleas for help from the weakest level of government are almost always greeted by sophistry or condescension. This time the rebuffs came from the top tier of the federal government.

First up was Prime Minister Stephen Harper: He boasted of his government’s $33 billion infrastructure program, which actually goes to provinces, not cities, and in any case works out to a paltry annual $4.7 billion over seven years.
Next came Lawrence Cannon, Harper’s minister of transport and infrastructure, who passed the buck: “I call upon the cities to go and sit down with the provinces,” he said.

And finally Jim Flaherty reminded cities of their comparatively trifling place in the universe: “We’re not in the pothole business in the Government of Canada,” said Harper’s finance minister, adding that the cities should stop “whining.”

North America is unique in its traditional denigration of cities.

The phenomenon is especially pronounced in Canada, where the urban centres, in which roughly 80 per cent of Canadians live — the country’s largest voting block — are powerless creatures of the provinces, with no constitutional standing and very limited spending powers, despite the massive downloading on to them in recent years of social-service and other responsibilities.

Almost wholly reliant for revenue on the property tax — one of the most regressive forms of taxation — municipalities are routinely depicted as feckless authors of their own misfortune whenever finding themselves staring into the fiscal abyss, even after, in Toronto’s case, accounting firm KPMG concluded in a study this year that the city is an able steward of its finances.

Toronto just lacks the money to do all that’s asked of it, a story that is repeated in scores of communities across the country.

“Many political leaders just don’t like cities,” says Richard Florida, the renowned U.S. urbanologist recently tapped to help launch the Prosperity Centre at Toronto’s Rotman School of Business. “They ofx ten think they can mobilize rural and suburban voters by running against cities.”

It might be that Western civilization traces its roots to city-states like Athens and Florence.

But suspicion of cities is as old as the Scriptures, where the Christian regard of urban life begins in Genesis with God’s wrath in destroying Babylon, Sodom and Gomorrah.

And in a New World that rejected much of the old, Henry David Thoreau despaired of the stress puppies in Boston and Philadelphia and retired to his Walden cabin far from “the desperate city.”

Even Lewis Mumford, one of the greatest urbanologists of the 20th century, worried about forces of alienation at work in cities grown too large.

“Democracy, in any active sense,” Mumford said in the 1960s, “begins and ends in communities small enough for their members to meet face to face.”

In the early days of modern neo-conservatism, prominent U.S. commentator George Gilder, appalled by the costly social-work burden cities had taken upon themselves beginning in the 1960s, described cities as “parasites,” ignoring the multitude of studies showing that national prosperity is tied to the rising affluence of urban dwellers.

More recently, the neo-conservative agenda has made room for an attack on progressive voters and U.S. cities teeming with Democrats.

“New Yorkers don’t really see themselves as part of the rest of America,” said American pundit Ann Coulter. “Americans understand that Manhattan is the Soviet Union.”

On a more sorrowful note, Joe Clark acknowledged that the easiest way to unite Canadians is to invoke their hatred of Toronto.

It helps when a nation’s capital is also its principal city. That way, federal politicians and mandarins get a daily experience of failing transit systems, decrepit schools and abandoned factories in wait need of creative redevelopment.

Outside Canada, great cities are regarded as national treasures, the face that countries show the world. Principal cities like Rome, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur, and even “sub-national” centres such as Shanghai, St. Petersburg and Edinburgh, are adequately funded by national governments.

Outside Canada, senior governments partner with cities in what are regarded as national projects.

Paris has funded a stunning makeover of the Charles de Gaulle airport in a successful bid to share European gateway status with Heathrow, Frankfurt and Amsterdam’s Schipol.

With Britain’s enthusiastic support, London is attempting to outmuscle New York as the world capital of finance.

Washington, whose ambivalence toward cities contrasts with Ottawa’s resolute disregard for them, financed Boston’s “Big Dig,” one of the largest U.S. urban-renewal megaprojects in American history.

And to help spur tourism in the gritty industrial city of Bilbao, Madrid footed much of the bill for Canadian expat Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao museum.

Outside Canada, cities have authority to collect local retail and income taxes, and they share in regional taxes. All that applies to U.S. cities, as well, which also have long been permitted to engage in debt-financing by issuing tax-free municipal bonds. Canadian cities, by contrast, are in a fiscal straitjacket, forbidden from running deficits, much less issuing and managing debt.

Yet Canadian cities have rarely been blessed with a confluence of conditions favourable to their future prospects — and to Canada’s.

The nation’s public finances are more sound than that of any G-8 country, enabling Canada to invest heavily in social as well as physical infrastructure to a degree not seen before.

Canadian cities consistently rank among the most liveable in the world. Canada’s receptivity to immigrants and America’s contrasting post-9/11 xenophobia is directing an unprecedented share of the world’s talent to Canada.

The strengthened loonie makes recruiting large numbers of leading scientists, academics, software engineers and corporate administrators away from strong-currency jurisdictions possible for the first time in decades.

These people want to live in cities. “Places that bring together diverse talent accelerate the local rate of economic development,” Florida writes on his blog (www.creativeclass.typepad.com).

“When large numbers of entrepreneurs, financiers, engineers, designers and other smart, creative people are constantly bumping into one another inside and outside of work, business ideas are more quickly formed, sharpened, executed, and — if successful —expanded.”

Globalization and the information age are accentuating the importance of cities, Thomas Courchene, director of the Institute of Intergovernmental Relations at Queen’s University and one of Canada’s foremost public-policy experts, writes in a landmark June report for the Institute for Research on Public Policy, Global Futures for Canada’s Global Cities.

Courchene describes a “virtuous circle” by which global city regions can take “actions that make them attractive to human capital, which, in turn, allows them to become magnets for attracting knowledge-based industries.

“Evidence suggests that privileging Canada’s `hub cities’ will propel them and their hinterlands forward economically.”

Yet Canadian cities are starved of the cash to fund such a renaissance.

“The international evidence on our global city regions’ fiscal weakness is striking,” Courchene warns.

“Cities like Stockholm, Berlin, Vienna and Helsinki spend twice as much and Copenhagen and Amsterdam three times as much per capita (on infrastructure, social services and cultural amenities) as Toronto does.

“This suggests that there is ample scope for decentralization in Canada to go beyond devolution of money and power from Ottawa to the provinces.”

Bottom line: It’s time Canada’s communities were funded directly by Ottawa, which is projecting $26 billion in excess funds over the next six years.

Cities should also be given the capital-raising tools common to cities elsewhere in the world.

It would help immensely if mayors like Toronto’s David Miller had quasi-premier status, with complete control over the city bureaucracy and all-important budget that New York’s Michael Bloomberg wields.

It would seem obvious that municipalities have unrivalled competence in understanding and dealing with the multitude of issues in their jurisdictions.

In the prolonged absence of visionary leadership from Ottawa or provincial capitals, “on urban planning, environment, transportation, education, refugee settlement, public health and many other policies the true innovators in Canada and the U.S. have been mayors,” says Florida.

It’s time to withhold political support from leaders who don’t grasp that urbanity will shape this century even more than the last one.

We have nothing to lose but elected representatives who take our votes for granted, impeding municipal and national progress and inviting our civic deterioration.

[source]