blogTO

A Walk in the Winter Sunlight

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:32:00 -0500

Photo by simon.carr in the blogTO Flickr pool

Join the blogTO team

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:36:00 -0500

It's that time of year again. You know, the time of year when you're searching for a new creative outlet and we're searching for creative people. Or, you're looking to write more and your favourite local web site (and, plug, iPhone and iPad apps) are looking for new writers. Plus, if the title of this post didn't give its purpose away then we really have our work cut out for us. Um, if you haven't guessed by now, I really didn't have a clue what to write in this intro. It's late and I I've eaten too much pavlova.

Keep reading for ways you can join the blogTO team.

ONGOING WRITING ROLES

The ideal candidates for our writing team are individuals who have a journalism, writing or blogging background and write in a casual and irreverent style that is fun to read. You have deep knowledge/expertise in one or more of our editorial coverage areas and know the city very well. Ideally, you're familiar with Wordpress or other web publishing tools and know how to hyperlink, embed YouTube videos and understand/recognize basic HTML formatting tags (bold, italics etc.). In each of these roles, you'd be expected to contribute to the site at least once a week.

Specific writing roles we have available include:

Restaurant reviewer - This role is ideal for someone who eats out a lot and likes to take photos of their food (or regularly dines with one or more friends who do). You have an understanding of food preparation and how to describe the food you're eating in a fun way that's a treat to read. In this role, you must provide high quality photos of your meal (taken by you or one of your dining companions).
Food writer - From seeking out the latest pop-up, food truck or dining social club to talking to Toronto chefs or writing about a soon to open restaurant, this role is for someone who has their pulse on the local food scene. Strong photo capabilities a definite plus.
Bar reviewer - For the individual who likes to drink at the newest bar in town. You'll be giving our readers the lowdown on the good, bad and the ugly of Toronto's bar (not pub) scene.
Art Gallery writer - You go to galleries. Often. Weekend and Thursday night plans are filled with checking out the latest exhibits in Parkdale, West Queen West, Bloordale and beyond to soak in creative inspiration. Your passion is contemporary and avant-garde art and you have a good knowledge of established and emerging artists working in Toronto.
Fashion writer - As a fashion writer for blogTO you'll review the newest stores, hit up the hottest fashion parties and scope out the latest styles on the runway.

Please note that all these roles are part time/freelance. As noted above, we ask that all team members contribute to the site at least once a week.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT WRITERS

We are currently looking for writers to complete specific assignments in the following topic areas. If you're interested in taking on a short-term and/or one-off writing assignments and are very knowledgeable (ie. expert) in one or more of the following areas please get in touch with us.

Fabric stores in Toronto
Hot pot restaurants in the GTA
Toronto restaurants serving Bibimpap
Filipino restaurants in Toronto
Toronto restaurants serving Fish tacos
Toronto restaurants that make empanadas
Toronto and GTA area restaurants that serve dim sum
Toronto Halal restaurants
Mexican restaurants in Toronto

As an ongoing member of the blogTO team, what can you expect from us in return? How about:

1. Some pay. Most blogTO team members earn between $50 and $100 a month but the more you contribute, the more you earn. Also, you can get free perks like media passes and access to exclusive events as applicable for your role.

2. Your very own blogTO business cards and blogTO email address.

3. Free food and/or drinks at our semi-regular blogTO socials.

4. An awesome pavlova recipe.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested in applying? Simply send us an email to jobs [at] blogto [dotcom] with the following info.

1. State the role you're applying for.

2. Please explain to us why we should pick you instead of another applicant.

3. Tell us which Toronto neighbourhood you live in, how long you've lived in Toronto and why we should or shouldn't care about the answer to this question.

4. Links to any of your previous writing or photography (if applicable).

5. Please don't send us any attachments, resumes or cover letters. Anything you want to communicate to us should be done via text and hyperlinks in the body of the email.

Thanks in advance to everyone interested in applying for one of our special writing assignments or to be a member of the blogTO team. We aim to respond to all applicants who send us a complete application as per the instructions above.

Council votes against Ford to return to LRT transit

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:03:00 -0500

Although Rob Ford continued to proclaim that "taxpayers want subways" the folks on city council proved they don't buy that theory, earlier today adopting a motion put forward by Karen Stintz to return to a LRT-focused transit plan that looks a lot like the first phase of Transit City. After a marathon special meeting at City Hall today, the final tally was 25-18 in favour of the TTC Chair's transit strategy, which includes light rail on Finch Avenue, an at-grade section on Eglinton East and a proposal to investigate the best course of action for Sheppard Avenue East.

Adding mirth to the already-mockery of a meeting, the final vote was attempted a total of three times as councillors claimed they pushed the wrong button. Yes, 8.4 billion worth of transit-bound dollars with which to play, and councillors are stumbling on the first step: pressing the right button. The mis-votes weren't, however, a factor in the final outcome.

It's very possible Giorgio Mammoliti let out an audible weep following the concluding count. Animated throughout the day, the Ward 7 councillor objected to the idea that LRT was being rammed down his constituents' throats, and at one point even suggested that money be diverted to a Finch BRT, the Eglinton LRT and Sheppard subway instead of at-grade rail in the area.

Ford was similarly indignant about the day's proceedings. At the outset of the afternoon session, the mayor attempted to pass a motion that would delay a vote on Stintz's motion in favour of referring the options for the Eglinton Crosstown to an expert panel, who would evaluate the merits of at-grade or underground passage East of Laird Drive.

When that didn't work — his motion was defeated 19-24 — he would later call the entire meeting into question. I'm very confident the Premier will build subways," Ford said during a brief media scrum after the voting had concluded. "Technically speaking that whole meeting was irrelevant because it's a provincial project."

It remains to be seen what exactly Metrolinx and the province will do with today's news, but pretty much any way that you dice it, this meeting was another huge blow to the mayor and his putative leadership. The councillors who backed the Stintz plan spoke of the need for the city to get the most transit infrastructure possible from the $8.4 billion in funding available. So long as the province endorses today's decision, it appears that's set to be the case after all.

Update (9:05 p.m.)

Ontario Minister of Transportation, Bob Chiarelli, has released a statement on today's council meeting, one that sure makes it sound like the province will support council's decision:

"Earlier today, City Council met to debate the future of public transit in the City of Toronto. As a former Regional Chair and Mayor, I have always respected the will of council, as a whole, to come to a position regarding public transit priorities.

Over the past few weeks, Torontonians have been party to a healthy debate about the future of public transit. For many, public transit is a necessity — it's how employees get to and from work, how seniors get to and from their appointments and how students commute to school.

Throughout the debate, the McGuinty government has maintained a clear stance--we wanted the City to come to a common position so that we all could focus on building much-needed transit infrastructure.

Now that Council has endorsed a position, we have asked Metrolinx to consider the impacts on current transit planning and report back to us as quickly as possible."

Read the statement in its entirety here.

Update (9:25 p.m.)

Rob Ford has posted a note to his Facebook page indicating that he plans to continue to campaign for subways in spite of today's vote. We've copied it in full below:

"Dear Friends,

I campaigned to bring subways to Toronto and the people of Toronto gave me an overwhelming mandate to build subways.

Today, City Council spoke to its wish for the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown. The residents of Scarborough, Toronto's fastest growing region, deserve underground rapid transit — and I promised to deliver it to them. Today's vote does not change my promise.

Great cities, like Paris, London and New York were built around long term transit visions 100 years ago. Subways in Scarborough represent that long term vision for our great city.

I want to thank the thousands of you who called and wrote to my office and to the office of your respective Councillors to tell them that you voted for subways.

I will continue to stand up for taxpayers across Toronto. I will continue to work for a high-speed subway network in Scarborough and across the city.

An investment in first class transit infrastructure will stand the test of time. I want residents, many years from now, to look back at our time and be thankful we did the right thing by building subways that will still be in use.

I will not abandon the people of Scarborough and Finch Avenue to a second class transit solution that will inflict St. Clair Avenue style chaos on neighbourhoods without any promise of improved travel times.

That is, and remains, my commitment to you as Mayor of this great city."

Robyn Urback and Derek Flack

Photo by Mariam Matti

Special city council meeting on Toronto transit

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:51:00 -0500

City Council has assembled for a special meeting to quarrel about the future of Toronto transit. The City has $8.4 billion worth of provincial dollars to play with, and naturally, there are conflicting ideas on the best way to spend it. While Ford et al. are, of course, touting subways, TTC chair Karen Stinz and a host of other councillors are backing a compromise solution that includes would bring LRT to streets like Finch currently lacking such infrastructure.

We'll periodically update this post as the meeting continues.

Update (7:15 p.m.)

Karen Stintz's motion passes 25-18 after a series of mis-votes. That means LRT on Finch West, at-grade LRT on Eglinton East, and a study of how best to proceed on Sheppard Avenue. We'll have more on this shortly.

Update (5:50 p.m.)

Councillor Nunziata, speaking in her outdoor voice as always, mentions her opposition to the late Transit City in emphasizing the superiority of buried transit on Eglinton. Councillor Mihevc points out that Nunziata did, in fact, vote in favour of Transit City, and a mild "raised-voice" match ensues. Mammoliti inevitably joins in. People in the gallery contemplate death.

Update (5:25 p.m.)

Councillor Peter Milczyn thinks Council needs to emphasize, literally, other possible sources of funds for the Sheppard line extension. He also thinks Stinz deserves some props for standing up for what she believes to be best for Toronto transit. Agree?

Update (5:15 p.m.)

Councillor Lee proposes an amendment to Stinz's proposal to include a member of the Sheppard East Village BIA on the suggested expert advisory panel. A totally logical recommendation—wait, am I at City Hall?!

Update (5:00 p.m.)

"Show me your magic beans!" Councillor Perruzza exclaims to Mammoliti. We'd all love subways, he continues, but we don't have the magic beans to fund them. Touché, sir. Perruzza says Council is burning money (I believe his exact words were, "We're burning it! We're burning it! We're burning it!") and emphasizes the need to move forward with Stinz's plan. I, for one, would like to see those magic beans.

Update (4:40 p.m.)

Doug Ford has just finished an impassioned plea on behalf of Scarborough. In arguing that subways vs. LRT create a two-tiered system, he has considerably amped up the downtown vs. suburbs rhetoric. For a different way of thinking about Scarborough transit, here are just a few of the problems it faces while it waits for an unfunded subway.

Update (4:20 p.m.)

And then Mammoliti dropped a bomb. "The only difference between the Giambrone and Stinz proposals," he said, "is that we don't have a leather couch in this particular proposal." Less stinging, perhaps, was his amendment motion to divert funds from the Finch LRT to go towards Eglinton and Sheppard. Yes, you read that right; he is taking money away from his ward and putting it elsewhere. That's one way to prove a point.

Update (4:35 p.m.)

Here's a link to Councillor Karen Stintz's PowerPoint presentation on Toronto transit planning. It's worth a look if you're looking for more context on why she's brought her motion forward.

Update (4:10 p.m.)

With the refer/defer motions having failed, Council has returned to the original debate of Stinz's motion. This has been a slow-moving process during which both Councillor Cho and Councillor Wong-Tam put forward motions regarding federal funding for Toronto transit expansion and gender and racial equality with regards to the Sheppard line extension.

Update (3:30 p.m.)

The afternoon session began with a cameo by Rob Ford (who was noticeably absent during much of the morning meeting). Ford brought forward a motion to defer the vote on the Eglinton line for 30 days in order to establish an expert fact-finding panel to assess the situation — and to delay what looks more and more like a vote he can't win. After passionate pleas by various councillors both for and against the motion (which was amended by Councillor David Shiner to include evaluation of other TTC projects including the LRT on Finch and Avenue), the motion failed by a vote of 24 to 19.

That has paved the way for continued deliberation on Stintz's original motion.

Morning Session:

The meeting kicked off with Stinz's list of recommendations, which includes a proposal to establish an "expert" panel on transit. The panel would include former mayor David Crombie, Eric Miller from the University of Toronto, and Gordon Chong, among others, all of whom would weigh in on how best to execute the Sheppard Avenue expansion. According to Stinz's proposal, the advisory panel would report back no later than February 21. The mayor's existing plan sees the Sheppard expansion buried, as well as the entire Eglinton Crosstown line.

TTC chief general manager Gary Webster then put himself in front of the firing squad (only a bit of hyperbole there), fielding questions about Sheppard (Matlow: Does Sheppard meet the TTC's test for full subway? Webster: No), deflecting subtle motions for deferral (Grimes: Should we wait for Metrolinx to weigh in? Webster: No, we have the information we need), and defending his record and expertise.

Photo by Mariam Matti

The story behind Toronto street names

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:53:00 -0500

The meaning of Toronto street names often comes to mind when my subway train pulls into the station, and I make up stories about the scenery above my head à la Bill Bryson in his book Notes from a Small Island. At Pape there's a community of solemn Catholic nuns; at Donlands I imagine vast grass plains inhabited by the wild Don tribe. Greenwood, my stop, is buried below an beautiful but treacherous forest of towering pines.

Back on the street, I continue to wonder after their provenance. Many are named for people, a symptom of rampant cronyism in the early days of settlement, but there are some interesting stories nonetheless. Here's a handful of the best.

Spadina

Spad-ee-na, Spad-eye-na, however you want to say it, the broad, majestic avenue is one of Toronto's cultural hot-spots and a vital thoroughfare. Derived from the Ojibwa word "ishpadinaa" meaning "high or sudden hill", Spadina was the name chosen by Dr. William Baldwin (of Baldwin Street) for his property at the top of the escarpment behind today's Davenport Road. Designed by Baldwin, Spadina Avenue was the name of the street between Bloor and Queen. The section below Queen was known as Brock Street until 1884. Pheobe Street is named for Baldwin's wife.

Adelaide

Adelaide Street might sound like a polite tip of the hat to our Australian pals, but in reality Toronto had the name first. Named in 1797 for the young Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, later the wife of King William IV, Adelaide Street has been extended several times east and west consuming lesser streets in its path. The capital of South Australia was also named for Princess Adelaide in 1836.Avenue Road

Rumour has it that Avenue Road was named by Scottish construction workers who, arriving at the site, proclaimed "let's 'ave a new road here". I would say it's far more likely the street was named for its tree-lined character. The presence of other Avenue Roads in London, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland further suggest the urban legend might be false.

Parliament

Although there's nothing remarkable about the name, the weird thing about Parliament Street is that it doesn't run anywhere near the parliament buildings. 218 years ago, it did. The Parliament Buildings of Upper Canada were located at the foot of Parliament Street on the south side of Front Street, which was then known as Palace Street. Berkeley Street originally held the title "Parliament" until it was shifted a block east.

Dundas

Considering Dundas' importance as a thoroughfare, it's surprising to discover the street is a relatively recent addition to Toronto's grid. Named for its destination, the historically important town of Dundas near Hamilton, the street's winding route hints at its past as a multitude of unconnected roads through the centre of Toronto. Although the route and name was established much earlier west of Ossington, several streets had to be renamed to form the section of today's Dundas Street that passes through the core of the city including Arthur Street, St. Patrick Street, Agnes Street and Wilton Street, among others.

Queen

One of Toronto's principal thoroughfares, regal Queen Street used to have a slightly less majestic name. Renamed for Queen Victoria in 1837, the route was originally known as Lot Street for the 100-acre "park lots" laid out by Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada John Graves Simcoe (of Simcoe Street). Designed to entice people to settle in the new town of York, the narrow, deep lots provided ample space for a villa with a waterfront view. A total of 32 rectangular properties from the Don River west to roughly Lansdowne were marked out for purchase. Toronto Family History has more on Toronto's park lots.Roncesvalles

There's something about the name Roncesvalles that just doesn't roll off the tongue. Meaning "valley of thorns" in Spanish, the street was named by Colonel Walter O'Hara, an early Irish settler to the area, for the 1813 battle of Roncesvalles Gorge, a bloody conflict in the Napoleonic Wars between French and Anglo-Portugese forces in which he fought.

Sherbourne

In a piece for the National Post in 2003, Liz Clayton told the story of how Caroline Street lost its name thanks to "the vilest wretch this world was ever cursed with." Named for Caroline of Brunswick, the wife of George IV, the name was discreetly canned in favour of Sherbourne, a misspelling of the town of Sherborne in England, when the lady lost the affection of the public.Danforth

No-one seems sure how the street became simply The Danforth. What is known, however, is that the avenue and road get their name from Asa Danforth Jr., the contractor who built the original Kingston Road east to Prince Edward County. An American who arrived in Upper Canada in the late 1700s, Danforth Jr. had already had a career in land speculation in the state of New York and around the town of York when he turned to road building. Despite financial trouble, the Yankee finished the 106-mile road but was never able to collect all the money promised to him.

Yonge

Once appearing in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest street in the world, Yonge Street is today one of Toronto's principal streets. Home to Canada's first subway, "Main Street Ontario" follows an ancient trail north from Lake Ontario. Developed by John Graves Simcoe and named for his pal Sir George Yonge, an English MP and British Secretary at War, the route was first built north from Eglinton to Lake Simcoe before it was extended south to Lake Ontario.Broadview

One of my personal favorites, Broadview Avenue is perfect for the game I mentioned in the introduction. Not surprisingly, Broadview gets its name for the expansive view it affords over the Don Valley. Dylan Reid at Spacing has a great piece on other literal street names in Toronto. The best vista the street has to offer comes from Riverdale Park.

Jarvis

Before it was named for Samuel Jarvis, the north-south road was called New Street. Created by the sale of Jarvis' Hazel Burn estate north of Queen Street, the road was the first to be paved in Canada. Kids in the area no doubt were pleased when the first Hazel Burn was cleared - children were apparently locked in the smokehouse if they were caught stealing fruit from the estate's orchards.

—

For more check out Allan Gould's Toronto Street Names.

Street Sign photo by E. Victor C., Spadina photo by Phil Babcock, Dundas Square photo by Maxxime, Roncesvalles photo by sniderscion, Broadview photo by Jason Allies, Danforth photo by EvidencE in the BlogTO Flickr pool.

Berkeley Castle salon has loyal following

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:08:00 -0500

Go ahead and try to find a negative review of this Esplanade salon. I dare you. Uh, well, maybe not actually. But it's clear in any case that the positive reviews far outweigh the negative, and I'm pretty sure it has a lot to do with owner John Taccone. Him and the quiet seclusion, that is.

Read my profile of Navigate Space in the fashion stores section.

The Best Shepherd's Pie in Toronto

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:40:00 -0500

The best Shepherd's Pie in Toronto evokes images of cobblestone streets and old English stout. While we might not have the streets (though if you squint hard enough at a pothole-marked Steeles Ave., it might start to look like cobblestone) and the stout is only sporadically available, Toronto does have some pretty decent options for an authentic plate of hearty Shepherd's Pie.

Traditionalists vow it must be made with lamb, ideally braised with wine or beer and mixed with carrots, peas, and other vegetables. The top crust--the mash--may be classic or garlic flavoured, but always generously applied, fluffy, and crispy on the edges where the oven has done its thing. Bangers on the side? That's a matter of preference.

Here is the list of the best Shepherd's Pie in Toronto.

Top photos by mhaithaca, poopoorama and WordRidden.

Inside Markus Uran's studio and showroom on Harbord

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:27:00 -0500

Although this menswear designer's clothes can be found at a few stores like Nomad and Lost and Found, there's always the option to drop by Markus Uran's studio and showroom space on Harbord Street for those who want to get an inside look at a larger sample of his work and where he dyes and sews his garments.

Read my profile of Metsa Studio in the fashion stores section.

This Week in Fashion: One-night-only sale at The Drake, Dermalogica to host skin health workshop & other deep discounts this weekend

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:42:00 -0500

Tomorrow: Yorkville's Homegrown Boutique to host one-night-only sale at the Drake
The Canadiana-inspired Homegrown Boutique hopes to get some of that west-end money when it transports select store stock to The Drake Hotel for a one-night-only sale. Fall/winter and last season merch is reduced up to 60 per cent, with nothing over $150. Shop from local talents like Toronto's Zoran Dobric, or Montreal's Arti Gogna. They also stock wares from Caitlin Power and Sarah Stevenson, two powerhouses from Toronto Fashion Week. Find out more information here.

Beauty lovers: Sign-up now for Dermalogica's mini-summit on skin health
Next Thursday, skin specialists from Dermalogica — the only brand I'll let touch my face — is hosting an education and self-motivation workshop with its experts and Wedding Barbells fitness coach Jay Arzadon. Spaces are limited, so consider this your advance warning. Held at Dermalogica's Training Centre on King West, the $20 admission includes a two-hour presentation, fuel by Liberty Village's Raaw Sushi and a Derma-approved swag bag. All proceeds benefit joinFITE, the brand's philanthropic project aimed at helping women entrepreneurs get a leg up. For more information, or to RSVP, e-mail skinsavvy@dermalogica.ca or call 416-368-2286 x 522. Yes, registration is mandatory.

Philip Sparks' End of Season/Clearance Sale
Starting tomorrow, look for 75 per cent off menswear, womenswear, boots and accessories. There's also deeper discounts on samples and one-of-a-kinds. Shop online or visit 639 Queen St. W., 5th floor. 12 p.m. until 6 p.m., ends Sunday.

Get thee to UPC Boutique — it officially closes next Monday
Months after the announcement that the best independent boutique Yorkville has is closing, it's finally time to draw the curtain. So there are still massive deals. Until February 13, take advantage of the blow-out sale of the week with 60-80% off all remaining stock. 128½ Cumberland Street.

Canadian e-retailer Ukamaku opens up showroom for 'Be Our Valentine' Sale
Feeling a bit patriotic? No? Okay, but at least visit Ukamaku's showroom this week for a chance at Canadian labels at reduced prices. Until February 14, the usually online-only store will bring you v-day deals on top-tier jewellery from Pslams 91:1 and Marlu, accessories from Nella Bella, clothing from ahead-of-her-pack Rachel Sin, and more familiar faces. 219 Dufferin St., Suite 224C, weekdays open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekend 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo from Philip Sparks

How does each Toronto transit plan stack up?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:14:00 -0500

It's showdown time at City Hall today, as council convenes for a special meeting to debate the merits of Rob Ford's vision for underground transit versus the wider-reaching, primarily above-ground plan first put forward by the previous administration. In the lead up to what will surely be a closely monitored session, it's worth asking how exactly we got here. Few would have imagined that David Miller's LRT plan would be back on the agenda when Ford declared Transit City dead on his first official day in office — even if he never had the unilateral authority to do so.

It's been a tumultuous 14 months since then, but it wouldn't be a stretch to say that Ford's grip on council has slowly eroded since that time. The first definitive signs of this came with the unanimous vote against his brother Doug's plan to wrest control of the Port Lands redevelopment from Waterfront Toronto, and the trend kept up when councillors opposed to his slash and burn budget were successfully able to claw back some of the service cuts on the table for the 2012. In the wake of the budget vote, Ford claimed victory, but given his unwillingness to compromise on transit plans, it'll be impossible to do the same unless he gets exactly what he wants today (complete burial of the Eglinton Crosstown) — which is extremely unlikely.

That David Miller radio appearance on Newstalk 1010 the day after the vote on the Port Lands — you know, the one in which he said that Transit City could be "turned on like switch" — seems more and more like an impeccably timed bit of political maneuvering, doesn't it? Today's meeting, however, is about more than just a return previous transit expansion plans.

In a less linear sense, one could argue that the reason Toronto is back to considering an LRT plan many thought finished a year ago is that the various players responsible for transit planning in Toronto just can't seem to get on the same page. In a rather depressing article for the Star today, Royson James tracks the various ways in which in-fighting amongst the mayor, the TTC, and Metrolinx have conspired to put the future of Toronto transit planning in the uncertain position we see today.

Above all, however, the reason that council is gathered today is that there are serious doubts as to whether Ford's plan is the best use of the $8.4 billion the province has supplied Toronto in transit funding. Note well, this isn't a debate about the relative merits of subways or LRTs, but about how to provide service for the most people with a limited amount of money. Everyone wants subways, but Toronto's transit challenges are widespread and where we build infrastructure should reflect that.

Toward that end, the Pembina Institue's recent tale-of-the-tape comparison of the various transit strategies suggested for Toronto is useful guide to what's on the table today. Amongst the statistics to be found in the chart below, one that should really stick out is the number of residents served by each plan. In a nutshell, the LRT plan formerly known as the first phase of Transit City "would bring transit to 120,000 more Torontonians than Mayor Ford's full plan (including an unfinanced Sheppard subway) at about 70% of the cost."

When one takes out the Sheppard subway extension — and, let's be honest, does anyone think this thing is actually going to be built? — the number spikes to 240,300. While there's an argument to be made about a future increase in density along a subway line, given this city's difficulty in proceeding with transit expansion since the 1970s, it's difficult to argue against the benefits promised by the more wide-ranging plan.

Anyone care to prove me wrong?

Morning Brew: Council to vote on transit plans this morning, some stats on the St. Clair ROW, Ultimate Tazer Ball has Ontario connection, and food trucks 101

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:39:00 -0500

No, you're not imagining anything: everyone in the city definitely is talking about transit today. It's D-Day as city councillors vote this morning whether or not to void Rob Ford's subway plan and resurrect Transit City. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. Stay tuned for more coverage.

In other transit news, the much-maligned St. Clair ROW isn't as bad as some have made it out to be. According to data compiled by the Globe and Mail, "overall traffic and peak-period volumes have fallen sharply; transit ridership has jumped 13 per cent, while service frequency has improved." Is this just a matter of drivers avoiding the street, or has the project been unfairly criticized?

This seems safe. A popular video making the rounds across the internet seems harmless enough: just a bunch of guys playing soccer. Then you notice they're all carrying tasers. Yes, it's the Ultimate Tazer Ball League, the brainchild of Leif Kellenberger. The first match is set for March in Bangkok and one of the four registered teams is from Ontario. Don't try this at home, folks: apparently, they're all professionals at tasering.

So you've seen the rising popularity of food trucks in the city, you've tasted their delicious food, and now you think: I can do that. Well, before you buy yourself the truck, you might want to check out this Food Truck 101 infographic first.

Recession? What recession? According to the Canadian Real Estate Association's fancy new tracking system, the average detached home in Toronto sells for over $600,000. That's up 50 per cent in just seven years.

IN BRIEF:

Photo by tomms in the blogTO Flickr pool

Radar: Dare To Wear Love, Wild Culture New Vaudeville, Raconteurs presents "Crush," Pivot Reading Series, DK Ibomeka CD launch

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:00:00 -0500

CULTURE | Dare To Wear Love
The Textile Museum of Canada presents a special fashion exhibit that opens today: "Dare To Wear Love." This exhibition is focused on the work of Canadian fashion designers who have made a point of contributing original works with the intention of raising both funds for, and awareness about HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Dare To Wear Love is an organization that was founded in 2009, by Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell of Hoax Couture, with the aim of putting fashion to work for a greater cause. "Dare To Wear Love" runs until May.
Textile Museum of Canada (55 Centre Avenue) 10AM

VARIETY | Wild Culture New Vaudeville
Wild Culture New Vaudeville is a variety show on overdrive! All acts are between 3 to 7 minutes, and anything "normal" will not be tolerated! This show is all about the "curious." "Mind Mulch for the pre-Valentine's Day flutters" is how this one is being characterized by the organizers. This is a newer monthly event, finding its "legs", and has been getting a good buzz so far. Some of tonight;s offerings include: song therapy, a musical act utilizing pots and pans, drawing lessons, some esoteric films, and much more. Something different is guaranteed.
The Rivoli (334 Queen Street West) 7:30PM PWYC ($10 suggested)

CULTURE | Raconteurs presents: "Crush"
Ranconteurs delivers the event that will inspire you to share your "Crush" stories at No One Writes to the Colonel tonight! Valentine's Day is almost here — and just thinking about it coming up will find you remembering of the many loves in your life... the ones that might have been, and the ones that almost were. Time to spill it — it will make you feel better! You will not be alone tonight, either — many will be sharing tales of unrequited love, "crushes," and that type of thing. Some might find it entertaining, and participants might find it cathartic! Either way, it's a great excuse to get out and have some pre-Valentine's Day fun.
No One Writes to the Colonel (460 College Street West) 7:30PM

BOOKS & LIT | Pivot Reading Series with Meira Cook, Dani Couture and Sarah Pinder
The Pivot Reading Series returns to The Press Club for another evening of literary goodness. This reading series aims to present both the cutting edge and the established in Canada's literary scene, and goes down every other Wednesday, hosted by Angela Hibbs and Sachiko Murakami. Tonight, poet Meira Cook from Manitoba, novelist/poet Dani Couture, and zinester/writer Sarah Pinder will all share some of their work with you. Come out and support Canadian literary talent!
The Press Club (850 Dundas Street West) 8PM PWYC

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

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For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by Jared Krause in the blogTO Flickr pool

Leuty Lifeguard Station

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:36:00 -0500

Photo by marty_pinker in the blogTO Flickr pool

Beau's Brewing Co. set to debut new beer at WVRST

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:09:00 -0500

There's a lot to like about Beau's All Natural Brewing Company.

In addition to brewing certified organic and extract-free beer, Beau's boasts an impressive commitment to sustainability. They produce 100% post-consumer posters, brochures, and coasters as well as environmentally friendly packaging. They also provide financial support to a host of environmental advocacy groups and they are the first company in Eastern Ontario to engage the Guelph Food Technology Centre's sustainability division for an energy audit.

They also made news this past year when their efforts to start a home delivery service employing homeless youth hit a snag that caused Premier Dalton McGuinty to review some of the more archaic rules in the Province's Liquor License Act.

On top of all that, they brew some accomplished beers like their Lug Tread Lagered Ale and four seasonal beers that are each only available for three months a year. Perhaps that's why they haven't had much trouble finding "friends" to take part in the brewery's Friendship Series — a collaboration of beers created with other brewers.

"The Friendship Series was inspired by all the great and innovative brewing going on around the world," says Beau's co-founder Steve Beauchesne. "In the last few years I've had the chance to meet some truly talented brewers, and when that happens we usually get talking about creating beers. Actual hands-on collaborating is always fun, and you end up sharing knowledge and experience at the same time."

On Friday, the product of Beau's latest collaboration, "Mates with Dates" will debut here in Toronto on tap at Wvrst. To mark the occasion, Beau's head brewer Matthew O'Hara will be in attendance, along with the UK's Alex Barlow of All Beer with whom the beer was created.

Mates with Dates is loosely based on a British brown ale with the notable exception that organic dates made their way into the brew and then the creation was aged several months. The result is a strong beer (7.7% alcohol) which has notable dried fruit and spice notes. In other words, an ideal companion on a winter night.

Festivities start Friday at 7pm at Wvrst at 609 King Street West. For more information, you can also check the event page on Facebook.

Historic Clinton Street tavern now offers espresso

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:31:00 -0500

Known for its baby grand and exceptional selection of gluten-free, this classic tavern has been revamped and now includes an espresso bar. While perhaps an unconventional place to indulge in a macchiato and croissant, this spot offers all the room to spread out and relax with a bit of historic tavern charm. Just don't mind the 5:30 p.m. rush.

Read my profile of Monarch Espresso Bar in the cafes section.