blogTO

Celebrity-approved Ontario pizza shop opening first Toronto location

Macy Hatcher — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A New Jersey-style pizza shop that's gotten rave reviews not only from its community but also from celebrity pizza connoisseurs is opening a new location in Toronto.

Back in 2022, pizza review legend Dave Portnoy visited Mississauga's Pizza Nostra while filming his popular YouTube series 'One Bite'. After commenting on the owner's evident passion and declaring it an unmissable stop, Portnoy gave Pizza Nostra an 8.0 rating.

Lucky for Toronto (and anyone who lives by Portnoy's pizza ratings), Pizza Nostra has confirmed to media outlets that they'll soon be opening a third location.

Pizza Nostra is family-run — brothers Marco and Andrea Grande opened in 2015 alongside Marco's wife, Lily, and has been a local staple ever since.

With both locations, 362 Lakeshore Rd. W in Mississauga and the other at 245 Lakeshore Rd. E, popular in their own right, location three, the first to officially land within Toronto city limits, is a guaranteed hit.

The staple slice at Nostra is the tomato pie, a New Jersey-style pizza that holds its own with cheese layered under the tomato sauce, with a thin crust perfect for folding in half — as many a New Yorker, including Portnoy, insist a slice must be eaten.

For those interested in exactly the opposite, Nostra also offers a 16" square Sicilian pizza which boasts a thick and fluffy crust.

Pizza Nostra's first Toronto location will be located at 802 The Queensway in Etobicoke, but its official opening date is still under wraps.

Toronto is getting a new bakery specializing in 'scoopable cookies'

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Cookies seem to be all the rage in Toronto these days, and the city is about to get a new bakery that serves them up like no one else does.

Whenever the craving for a good cookie hits — which, if you're anything like me, happens often — Toronto residents can rest assured that they're in good hands. There are the heavy hitters, like Craig's and Andrea's, alongside newer additions to the scene, like Eight Cookies and Milk and Cookies, all eager to sate your sweet tooth.

But if all those options are just a bit too well done for you, you're in luck, because the aptly named Gooie is gearing up to open what co-founder Maria Tsianos calls "Toronto's first Scoop Bar" in the heart of the Entertainment District this fall.

Owned and operated by Maria, her three siblings Nicolette, Dimitria and Vasili Tsianos, and their best friend Katherine Noitsis, Maria tells blogTO that the idea for Gooie was born from a lifetime spent appreciating a good, gooey cookie together.

"We grew up baking together and have always had a soft spot for underbaked, gooey cookies," Maria explains. "Creating Gooie felt like a natural extension of something we've always loved doing, and in a way, it's brought us right back to being kids in the kitchen together."

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At Gooie, customers can skip the crispy edges and dive straight to the molten centre of the cookie, with warm, fresh batches of half-baked cookie dough served by the scoop and topped, if you so choose, with soft serve and a selection of sauces and toppings.

You're damn right I'd so choose that.

The menu will feature a signature classic flavour that never changes, surrounded by rotating seasonal options so you can keep coming back every time the craving strikes. Along with the cookies (or whatever you'd call them), the shop will offer a full coffee menu with homemade syrups and one-of-a-kind flavour combinations.

Gooie will be located at 106 John St. and is expected to open by the end of November 2026.

25 retro photos of what Toronto looked like in the 1980s

Kimia Afshar Mehrabi — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0400

It goes without saying, but Toronto has changed dramatically since the 1980s, when much of the city's skyline was still a long way from taking shape.

The SkyDome was still under construction during the latter half of the decade, the Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) hadn't even opened yet, and many of the sky-high office buildings and towering condos that now define Toronto's skyline were nowhere to be seen.

Even the Eaton Centre looked vastly different, with now-defunct department stores like Eaton's and Simpsons serving as its anchors. Countless other businesses, restaurants, and shops that once drew steady crowds have also since disappeared or changed so much they're practically unrecognizable today.

Here are 25 photos of what Toronto looked like in the 1980s.

Dundas looking east from Yonge, between 1980 and 1989.

Yonge looking north to Dundas, between 1980 and 1989.

Yonge and Dundas intersection view from Eaton's in 1983.

Spadina Avenue at Dundas Street West in 1981.

Spadina looking south from Queen in 1983.

Ontario Place restaurant patio between 1980 and 1984.

Ontario Place Forum between 1980 and 1987.

Toronto skyline from a ferry in 1985.

Dundas Street West at Ossington Avenue from the northwest corner in 1983.

Yonge Street, east side, north of Shuter Street in 1987.

Old streetcar at Queen and Yonge in 1983.

Nathan Phillips Square between 1982 and 1986.

King Street West, looking west across Yonge Street in 1982.

SkyDome under construction in 1988.

Front looking east to Spadina in 1986 or 1987.

Bloor and Bathurst, sometime between 1983 and 1989.

Bloor looking east to Yonge, between 1983 and 1989.

Yonge looking north from Eglinton, between 1982 and 1986.

Yonge and Dundas in the 1980s.

Eaton Centre in 1981.

Gould and Yonge in the 1980s.

Ontario Place looking northeast from above between 1980 and 1988.

Skyline from Toronto Harbour in 1981.

Church and Queen in 1980.

Temperance looking east to Yonge between 1982 and 1986.

Where to eat in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood for $15 or less

Macy Hatcher — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Annex has historically always been a very important part of Toronto: one of the city's premier neighbourhoods for architecture, celebrity homes, UofT professors, and iconic landmarks like Lee's Palace and the ever-so memeable (now departed) Fancy Induced Burger.

Something many turn a blind eye to, though, is the neighbourhood's food scene. Bordered by neighbourhoods like Little Italy and Koreatown, it can be tough to realize that just a few steps further could yield just as tasty results.

Not only that, but you can fill your belly for less than an hour of minimum wage work, all while exploring the beauty of the Annex as you hop from place to place.

After spending the last five years living in Toronto's Annex, I have now made my departure to Little Italy. It's less than a 10-minute walk from any of these spots, though, which means if you check them out, I might be there to give you recommendations in person.

Until then, here are the best eats in the Annex under $15.

Canada's largest botanical garden to become Ontario's own winter wonderland

Sandeep Panesar — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Ontario's holiday season is getting a festive glow-up as Canada's largest botanical garden transforms into a winter wonderland.

Winter Wonders returns to Hendrie Park at Royal Botanical Gardens this month, allowing guests to stroll through dazzling light displays, enjoy festive music, and indulge in holiday treats.

Beyond the thousands of twinkling lights and installations perfect for holiday photo ops, an on-site vendor market will help you check off those last-minute gift items, too. Browse local vendors and shop an array of handcrafted items to bring home for everyone on your list.

The event also celebrates the Royal Botanical Gardens with an indoor display featuring what organizers call "seasonal decor and vibrant plants."

Visitors looking to beat the cold can step inside the Mediterranean Garden and Breezeway to explore the greenery, check out the Botanical Train Display, and stop by the on-site gift shop for a little extra holiday shopping.

Winter Wonders runs from Nov. 26 to Jan. 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., on select days throughout the week. Tickets cost $22, plus a $2 service fee and applicable taxes, and must be purchased online in advance. It will be closed to the public from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1.

Although the attraction takes place at Royal Botanical Gardens, admission requires a separate ticket. Beginning Nov. 26, the gardens will close at 4:30 p.m., and only ticket holders may enter Winter Wonders.

Winter Wonders will be held at Hendrie Park, located at 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, Ont.

Toronto Raptors coach blasts officiating after Barnes' career-high performance

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The Kawhi-less Toronto Raptors suffered a tough home loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday, despite Scottie Barnes putting up a career-high 41 points.

And Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic wasn't happy with how the game was called.

Speaking with the media after the loss, Rajakovic didn't mince words when asked about the officiating.

"A player that gets 34 shots and scores 41 points [only] goes to the free-throw line three times; that's kind of BS, to be honest with you," Rajakovic said.

#Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic calls out the officiating after Toronto’s #NBACup loss to the #Magic. “A player scores 41 points and goes to the free throw line 3 times, that's kind of BS, to be honest with you. “They got to the free throw line 29 times. We got to the free throw line 15 times.”
— Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) October 31, 2026

The discrepancy between fouls called was hard to ignore in Toronto's seven-point loss. The Magic attempted 29 free throws, while the Raptors had just 15.

"I don't think that we're a more physical or a more aggressive team than them [tonight]. I think that both teams played really aggressive, good basketball, and I think that the criteria should be the same on both ends of the floor," Rajakovic added.

Barnes also made history with his performance, tying a Raptors franchise record for the fewest free-throw attempts in a 40-point game. It's a mark Vince Carter previously had since the 2000-01 season.

When asked about the foul calls, Barnes had a pretty honest response. The two-time All-Star shook his head and said he's "raging on the inside."

"I think for me being that aggressive and only shooting three free throws is kinda crazy," Barnes said.

I think Scottie agrees (re: the officiating) “I think being that aggressive and only shooting 3 free throws is kinda crazy. It just wasn’t going our way. It is what it is… It’s tough out there… I think that’s enough for me to say. I’m raging on the inside.” https://t.co/jXNrOyYlMo
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 31, 2026

"It just wasn't going our way. It is what it is. I think that's enough for me to say. I'm raging on the inside."

Barnes' 41 points surpassed his previous career high of 35, which he recorded against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2024-25 season. Despite the loss, the Raptors star said setting a new career-high in points was a goal for his 2026-27 campaign.

"Before the season, I told myself I wanted to break that," Barnes said.

"I'm just trying to be more aggressive out there."

Barnes was Toronto's only player to score more than 20 points on the night, while RJ Barrett struggled to find his rhythm after an impressive run in the previous four games.

The Raptors will now head west for a four-game road trip before returning home on Nov. 9 to face the Memphis Grizzlies.

Celebrity chef opening new restaurant unlike anything else in Toronto

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A celebrity chef who has left his stamp on Canada's culinary world through cookbooks, restaurants, and even a short stint on Dragons' Den is gearing up to open a new restaurant in Toronto.

Chef Vikram Vij has long been a fixture of the Canadian culinary landscape for the better part of 40 years, making his mark on the West Coast with celebrated restaurants Vij's, Rangoli and My Shanti, as well as a couple of cookbooks and a swath of television appearances.

While only Vij's remains in British Columbia today, Chef Vij's impact on the local food scene still looms large.

Soon, Toronto will get a slice of the metaphorical pie for the very first time, as Vij is gearing up to open his first-ever Toronto restaurant, a concept called Sahni, at the Union Hotel in the coming months.

The restaurant, where Vij serves as Culinary Director, will specialize in Gujarati and East African cuisine. It'll be the only restaurant in the city that explicitly blends the two cuisines, but it's not as unlikely a pairing as it may seem.

Gujarati people — hailing from the Indian state of Gujarat — have a long history of migration to and from East Africa, assisted by ancient trade routes and post-colonial emigration. The two cuisines, as a result, have grown tightly enmeshed.

While a majority of the finer details are being held tightly under wraps for now, Vij's expertise in Indian cuisine has been well-documented over the decades, so Toronto diners can expect a tasty new treat on the local food scene to boot.

Sahni will be located on the lower level of Union Hotel at 60 York St., and is expected to open in the winter of 2027.

Toronto brunch staple is extending its hours for new late-night eats

Macy Hatcher — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Tatsuro's is a Toronto Japanese-inspired breakfast and brunch spot in Leslieville that, since it opened in spring 2025, has exclusively operated between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Excitingly, the team has broadened their horizons and is now bringing the city a new menu of late-night bites to tickle your taste buds.

Co-owners Charlie Fung and Oscar Lau first met working together in Markham. Their friendship grew into a business relationship through every service industry worker's only moments of rest after a long shift, after hours.

Much of after hours in the service industry is spent laughing about the antics that transpired during the day's shift, experimenting with dishes, or sharing a drink with a co-worker in silence to commemorate a day of hard work.

Now, the duo takes inspiration from the early days of their friendship and applies it to their newest business venture, AFTERHOURS.

"It's like going into a closed cafe or restaurant at night, Soprano's style without the cigarettes," Lau tells blogTO.

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Fung is taking the lead on the dinner menu, which gives Lau the chance to partake in one of his favourite activities: manning the charcoal grill.

The pair has a blackboard from the University of Toronto that they use to write off-menu grill specials — whatever they feel like cooking that day but couldn't serve at brunch.

"If you like our day stuff, the night stuff will strike the same chord," Lau says.

More than just a collection of dishes, the menu represents the restaurant's home neighbourhood of Leslieville, while bringing together Japanese techniques, local collaborations and bold, thoughtful flavours.

Expect koji dry-aged burgers made with Atomic Burger patties, grilled over Japanese binchotan charcoal and topped with whey teriyaki sauce, desserts from East Chinatown's Bakerrae, a Latin-Japanese-Inspired salmon crudo, beef shank and tendon ragu and a two-sheet udon lasagna, subtly infused with Chinese spices like cinnamon and star anise.

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Fung, a man of many talents, is also curating the wine list to accentuate and honour the food menu with Naturale!

Lau's describes the offerings at AFTERHOURS as "an Izakaya wine bar situation with a charcoal grill going in the back and a small wine list."

The atmosphere is relaxed yet sexy, while a smaller wine list may mean fewer options but a harder time deciding between the tightly curated few they have.

The mystery leaves room for interpretation and repetition; coming back is always exciting because there are always new opportunities to discover between moods, foods, and wine.

With just two running the kitchen, the team has kept the menu intentionally intimate, focusing on dishes they are genuinely excited to serve.

It's this balance of technique, creativity and community collaboration that gives the menu its character: a neighbourhood-driven approach with Japanese cooking techniques and a carte-blanche attitude at its heart.

AFTERHOURS is located at 1378 Queen St W. and open Thursday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This $4.6M Toronto home comes from an impressive architectural pedigree

Misha Gajewski — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Some Toronto homes have impressive architecture. Others have an impressive history. But 94 Roxborough Dr. in Rosedale happens to have both.

Originally built in the 1950s by Howard Chapman, the son of renowned Canadian architect Alfred Chapman, the house has some pretty impressive design credentials.

Alfred Chapman was responsible for several notable Toronto buildings, including the original Royal Ontario Museum building, making the family connection a particularly interesting piece of the property's history.

The great room with views of the treetops.

And while plenty of mid-century homes have been renovated beyond recognition over the decades, 94 Roxborough Dr. has managed to hold onto its architectural character while embracing a much more contemporary aesthetic.

The soaring ceilings in the great room.

The house underwent an extensive renovation in 2021, transforming it into a sophisticated modern residence without completely erasing its mid-century roots. The result is approximately 3,000 square feet of living space that feels both luxurious and surprisingly inviting.

The sculptural staircase and bevelled-glass windows.

From the moment you step inside, it's clear this isn't your typical Toronto house. A marble foyer, bevelled-glass entrance and sculptural staircase immediately establish the home's architectural personality.

The gas fireplace and large windows.

But it's the abundance of natural light and connection to the surrounding greenery that really make the interiors special.

Large windows frame views of the mature trees outside, making it feel as though the house has been designed around the landscape rather than simply dropped onto a lot.

The dark and moody kitchen.

And nowhere is that more apparent than in the kitchen.

Integrated appliances and granite countertops in the kitchen.

The custom-designed space features a massive 13-foot island, Canadian granite countertops, bespoke cabinetry and enough high-end appliances to make even the most enthusiastic home cook a little jealous.

The kitchen.

We're talking a Wolf gas cooktop, steam oven, warming drawer and Miele dishwasher.

The eight-foot picture window.

Arguably the kitchen's best feature is its enormous eight-foot picture window overlooking the forest-like gardens. It's basically the kind of view you'd expect from a cottage in Muskoka, except you're still in Toronto and can probably get a very good latte within walking distance.

The open-concept great room, dining nook and kitchen.

Just off the kitchen is the great room, which might be the most impressive space in the entire house.

The great room.

With soaring ceilings, white oak floors, a gas fireplace and an overlooking loft, the room has a distinctly modern chalet feel.

A family room on the lower level of the house.

The home's other living and entertaining spaces follow a similar design philosophy, combining clean contemporary finishes with warm materials and thoughtful architectural details.

The primary bedroom.

Upstairs, the primary suite offers a private retreat of its own, complete with a luxurious ensuite, separate shower room and elegant dressing room.

A flexible space with an ensuite bathroom.

There's also a flexible office or additional bedroom with views into the treetops, which would probably make working from home considerably more appealing.

One of three bathrooms.

In total, the house features three full bathrooms and just two above-ground bedrooms, although the flexible layout means there are spaces to adapt to your needs.

The dining nook.

Outside, you're spoiled for privacy. With no immediate neighbours on either side and lush greenery surrounding the property, the house feels more like a secluded woodland retreat than a home just minutes from downtown.

The terrace.

A tucked-away side terrace offers an intimate spot for outdoor dining or entertaining, without having to worry too much about nosey neighbours peeking over the fence.

The bedroom in the basement.

And while the house might feel like a secluded country escape, it still comes with all the practical conveniences you'd expect at this price point.

The primary ensuite.

There are automatic blinds, a 1.5-car garage and a private double driveway. You're also just a short distance from Summerhill Market, ravine trails, Yonge Street, transit and plenty of restaurants and shops.

The lower level of the house.

The property has even been featured in an international architecture publication and a luxury home series, although its design is arguably impressive enough to speak for itself.

And perhaps that's what makes 94 Roxborough Dr. so appealing.

The main floor of the house.

Unlike some of Toronto's enormous luxury homes, where seemingly every room exists solely to demonstrate how much money the owner has, this house feels like it was actually designed to be lived in.

A moody bathroom.

It's architectural, but not cold. Luxurious, but not ostentatious. And surrounded by nature without requiring you to give up the conveniences of city life.

The property is currently listed for $4,650,000.

The exterior of the house at night.

It's is a lot of money for a two-bedroom house, even by Rosedale standards. But then again, you're not exactly paying for an ordinary two-bedroom house.

Is it better to rent or buy property in Toronto?

Phoebe Knight — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Though Toronto's real estate landscape always seems to be changing, there's one constant: it's pricey.

After a landmark few years for home prices in the early 2020's, where the average price of a home peaked around $1.3 million in 2022, home prices in Toronto are on a marked downturn year over year — but that doesn't mean they're affordable by most definitions of the term.

The same can be said for rent prices in the city. Still boasting some of the highest rents in Canada, prices in Toronto have been trending down in 2026, but with other factors, like rising grocery costs, also impacting Toronto residents' finances, cost of living remains a hot-button issue, whether you're paying monthly rent or a mortgage.

So, which way of life actually is better? blogTO decided to hit the streets to get Toronto residents' opinions on the issue and found that feelings were divided.

@blogto Would you rather rent or own in Toronto? 🏠 🎙️ @madisonschuli 🎥 @betabriii ♬ original sound - blogTO

The pro-renter camp cited perks like the freedom to move more easily and the fact that landlords, rather than themselves, are on the hook for costs associated with maintenance and repairs.

The people who argue the benefits of owning property stress the relative security of the investment, with one property owner stating that paying her mortgage is now more affordable than were she to rent the same place. That, and she can paint whatever she wants on the walls without asking for permission.

One respondent notes that there are "pros and cons" to both, but says it's "impossible for people of my age group to buy."

That said, almost everyone admits that they aspire to own property in Toronto one day — whether or not they'll be able to afford it is another question entirely.

Ontario town will shut down streets for a holiday festival and fireworks show

Sandeep Panesar — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Festival of Lights in Bracebridge, Ontario, is kicking off its annual holiday attraction with quite the bang this year — no pun intended!

The event transforms downtown Bracebridge into a festive escape, kicking off with a dazzling fireworks display and offering nightly programming leading up to the holiday season.

Organized by The Town of Bracebridge and the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Festival of Lights launches on Nov. 20 with an evening of activities curated to set the tone for the upcoming holiday season.

Opening night will feature live performances, food vendors, living windows, and a visit from Santa. Visitors can also expect a holiday train, local vendors, and plenty of hot chocolate, with the evening culminating in a fireworks show at 8 p.m.

With fireworks permitted in town only on select days throughout the year, the display will be a special treat for those who enjoy watching the skies light up in brilliant colours.

Downtown Bracebridge will become a pedestrian-friendly zone for the festivities, allowing locals and visitors to explore shops and take part in the evening's activities. The opening celebration, officially called the Moonlight Shopping Party and Street Festival, will run from 6 to 9 p.m., giving visitors extra time to browse downtown businesses.

Attendees can also bring a new, unwrapped toy for the event's toy drive.

The holiday fun continues until Dec. 4, with daily activities including an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt throughout downtown. Visitors can search for hidden holiday characters in participating businesses for a chance to win one of three $50 Shop the Bridge gift cards.

Shoppers can also take part in the Let It Glow holiday window display contest, which invites the public to vote for their favourite decorated storefront for a chance to win a gift card.

Guests are also welcome to roam the streets for festive photo opportunities and a lit-up downtown Bracebridge, just in time for what many call "the most wonderful time of year."

Festival of Lights will run from Nov. 20 to Dec. 4, with the annual Santa Claus Parade officially wrapping up this year's attraction.

The parade will start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4 and proceed through Manitoba Street with illuminated floats and entertainment keeping the Christmas cheer alive!

Kevin Pillar says Toronto Blue Jays would be 'foolish' not to sign this free agent

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:03:55 -0400

The start of MLB free agency is just days away, and it could be a very interesting one for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto's front office has a few needs to address, like adding a power-hitting outfielder and bringing in another starter (or two) for the rotation. But there's also another option that a four-time All-Star former Blue Jay says it would be "foolish" for Toronto to miss out on.

On the latest episode of the Blue Bird Territory podcast, former Blue Jays Kevin Pillar and Ricky Romero discussed a few free agents they'd like to see Toronto go after this offseason.

The pair touched on big names like former Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and Japanese slugger Seiya Suzuki, but no one was higher on Pillar's list than three-time batting champion Luis Arraez.

"He's a guy that it doesn't matter who's on the mound [...] he hits elite pitching. It would be foolish for them not to want a guy like that in their lineup," Pillar said of Arraez.

“It doesn’t matter who he’s facing, he hits elite pitching.” @KPILLAR4 wants Luis Arráez in a Blue Jays uniform next year. Presented by @bet365ca. https://t.co/a7P7OrE0XT
— Blue Bird Territory (@BlueBirdTerr) October 28, 2026

"Whether Luis Arraez is getting on base or not, you know what you're going to get [from him] every single time. He's going to grind out at-bats, and he's going to be tough."

Arraez is entering free agency after splitting last season between the San Francisco Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. The 29-year-old happens to be just one of two players in the modern era to have won the batting title in both the American and National leagues.

Since making his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2019, Arraez has hit over .300 in six of his eight seasons and earned four All-Star selections, including one last season.

While his game doesn't bring much power to the plate, Arraez would still provide Toronto with a significant offensive boost, especially in the hits department. For comparison, Ernie Clement led the Blue Jays with a respectable 153 hits; Arraez had 185.

Luis Arraez with the Phillies: .278/.309/.369 | .678 OPS | 82 OPS+ Luis Arraez with everyone else: .318/.363/.418 | .779 OPS | 113 OPS+ https://t.co/EaoySHTnvc
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) September 27, 2026

The 32-hit difference would have put Toronto among the top 10 teams in the league in hits. The signing would also add a consistent bat to the top of the lineup.

The bigger question around Arraez is where he would fit defensively.

Toronto could move Kazuma Okamoto to the DH spot following George Springer's departure and put Arraez at third base; or throw Clement at third, while Arraez takes over at second — a position he played 147 games at last season.

Of course, signing Arraez won't come cheap. Spotrac estimates the free agent could command around $18 million annually, although a three- or four-year deal could potentially bring that figure down a little bit.

Pillar is right, though; it's a good investment for a player who can consistently get on base and cause havoc for opposing pitchers, especially in a competitive division like the AL East.

Over 30-year-old Ontario vintage and antique market makes triumphant return

Macy Hatcher — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:47:47 -0400

The Sunday Antique Market returns to Ontario next month, bringing together generations of collectors, independent vendors and curious newcomers who share a passion for the past.

For more than three decades, the Sunday Antique Market has been a part of its customers' and vendors' lives. In the same vein, the customers, history and antique items have been a part of the Sunday Antique Market.

There's something beautiful about finding the perfect object at an antique market; as silly as it may sound, something as quotidian as a silver spoon can carry an entire life's worth of history, connection, and story that has existed long before it fell into your hands.

Returning this November to the historic Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga after its summer hiatus, The Sunday Antique Market carries this spirit at heart. And for a growing community of vintage enthusiasts, that's precisely the appeal: not just shopping but discovering something meaningful.

Marlene Cook, founder and organizer of The Sunday Antique Market, started her journey back in 1993.

"My fascination with antiques began when I was just 14 years old, much to the dismay of my family, who had absolutely no appreciation for old things," Cook tells blogTO.

As she grew older, the fascination remained. Drawn to the beauty, craftsmanship and design of objects from the past, Cook's passion grew stronger until she eventually turned her passion hobby into a passion project, which ultimately ended up being her life's work.

"Since its beginnings, The Sunday Antique Market has grown into one of Canada's most recognized antique markets, attracting generations of collectors, decorators, vendors, tourists and people who simply love antiques and vintage," Cook proclaims.

"Over the years, the market became much more than a place to buy and sell antiques and collectibles. It became a meeting place, a Sunday ritual and a community of people who share a genuine enthusiasm for the past."

Partaking in the soon-to-return market is vintage and antique collector Jonah Zalken, Owner of Abandoned Love Vintage. Describing the market as a place where people from different generations, cultures and backgrounds come together through the excitement of searching and discovering, he reminisces on the reasons why he started his business only a year ago.

The exchange of knowledge is equally important to Jonah. As a lifelong collector with an interest in film, music and objects from the past, Jonah approaches vintage selling through storytelling.

"To me, the story makes it more than an object. It contextualizes it, adds value, and adds another dimension," Zalken explains.

His research has led him down some unexpected paths, including uncovering the history of a 1922 fashion illustration by Canadian artist Ronald McCray, who became an influential figure in Toronto's theatre scene during the 1920s and 1930s.

To Zalken, his discoveries demonstrate how vintage objects can open a variety of pathways to much larger stories about local history. A large part of this adds to his belief that vendors also have the opportunity to educate as much as they do to sell.
That's where the building itself comes in.

Obviously not up for sale at the market, but opening its doors to share its beauty is The Small Arms Inspection Building, a former Second World War munitions inspection facility that calls Mississauga home. Industrial architecture, expansive windows and skylights offer a bright, open setting for vendors and visitors.

Zalken puts strong emphasis on the importance of the building, which he believes makes it especially fitting for a market centred around preserving and appreciating the past.

Something he often explores in his storytelling is the connection between place, object and history. This is something he hopes to bring to the new generation of vintage and antique lovers on the rise.

Speaking of the new generation, Zalken is a huge fan of the younger generation of shoppers and vendors entering the vintage industry. "It's economical to shop secondhand. And now it's fashionable. So I think that's a win-win," Zalken says with no hesitation.

In a generation that longs for nostalgia, uniqueness and originality, Zalken is not shocked or shaken by their natural gravitation towards vintage; he strongly encourages it: "There's nothing cooler than seeing someone walk down the street and they look as though they've been plucked from a different generation, and it's amazing to be a small part of that person's story," tells Zalken.

Both Cook and Zalken are just two members of a large community of vintage and antique market lovers and participants who have knowledge and joy to share.
Walking into the Market today, more than 80 carefully selected vendors from Ontario and Quebec unite under one roof, offering an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage finds, and collectibles.

"There are very few shopping experiences where you can spend an entire afternoon surrounded by history, speak directly with knowledgeable vendors and perhaps discover something truly extraordinary and fun," Cook tells blogTO.

With visitors able to discover anything from mid-century modern furniture, silver jewelry, vinyl records, artworks, antique books, photographs, pottery or decorative objets, maybe the most important thing they'll leave with is the curiosity to learn something new and a connection that's worth discovering.

The Sunday Antique Market returns to the historic Small Arms Inspection Building at 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E. in Mississauga on Sunday, November 1, 15, and 29, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission.

Tips for discussing final wishes and plans with your aging loved ones

Kendall Bistretzan — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:08:35 -0400

Life is full of preparing for the major moments, like graduations, vacations, tuition, and weddings. But what about funerals? Planning for end-of-life events can feel uncomfortable if you aren't prepared, but it's also inevitable.

Funeral planning in a time of immediate need can be stressful and overwhelming for a grieving family, while planning ahead gives you more time to research, communicate, and ensure the important details are aligned.

Wondering where to begin? Here's a checklist of questions you can ask your older loved ones to get started, as recommended by the experts at Dignity Memorial.

What has already been arranged

Before you begin, it's important to know what arrangements are already in place. The easiest way to do this is to ask your loved one if anything has been arranged, and where that information is kept.

This is also a good opportunity to test the waters and get a better understanding of how open or sensitive the topic of end-of-life planning is to your loved one. Discuss as much or as little as you're comfortable with, and revisit this conversation over time as needed.

Cremation or burial preferences

Buried or cremated is the classic question, but there's some extra information you'll need to know. What sort of casket or urn do they want? Would they prefer direct cremation, or a viewing and memorial service included as well? And most notably, where would they like to be laid to rest?

There are different options and price points for all these considerations, and making plans in advance ensures you lock in today's prices while avoiding emotional and financial overspending.

The personal touches that matter most

Funerals and end-of-life celebrations can look different for everyone. Perhaps your loved ones want something low-key, like an immediate burial or cremation with no service, or something elaborate where all loved ones can come together in a celebration or gathering.

Personal touches can include things like catering, music, flowers, mementos, remembrance items, and basically anything else you can come up with. Discuss with your loved one how to best make their end-of-life celebration honour their memory, and feel at ease knowing your arrangements are literally what they would have wanted.

Important reminders

It's important to bear in mind how your loved one might be feeling about this conversation. When asking these questions, listen without taking over, respect any hesitation they might have, and work through the conversation over time.

The best way to ensure wishes are met when the time comes is to write everything down together, and you can use the above points in your checklist.

It's also helpful to use Dignity Memorial's free planning guides for support. The Insider's Guide to Funeral & Cremation Planning is free online, or you can also call 866-668-1841 to speak directly to a funeral advisor. You don't have to navigate these conversations alone.

Tim Hortons location in Korea might just be better than any we have in Canada

Irish Mae Silvestre — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:04:55 -0400

A new Tim Hortons location just opened in Seoul, South Korea, and the experience offers such a hefty dose of Canadiana that it's surprisingly more Canadian than what you can find at home.

The new Tim Hortons flagship store, called Banff Town Seongsu, is located in Seoul's trendy Seongsu neighbourhood. And it has everything you could expect from a getaway in the Canadian Rockies right in the city: mountains, a cozy lodge, a waterfall, a mini "lake", a bright red canoe, and a rooftop deck decorated with camping equipment and red and black plaid blankets.

Banff Town Seongsu is set to officially open on Nov. 3, reports The Korea Herald, and it's already making waves online with props shipped from Canada, but also for its exclusive and very Canadian menu.

Content creator Kenji Kumagai shared his experience on TikTok, stating, "Tim Hortons basically brought Canada to Korea."

He then highlights some unique menu items: an Apple Ginger Black Tea Quencher and a menu set that includes chicken alfredo. There are also some very Canadian items such as spicy corn rib omelette banock, chocolate cream cheese BeaverTail, maple dirty chai, and Nanaimo bars.

Watch the clip below:

@kenji_kun The coolest Tim Horton’s is in Korea #TimHortons #TimHortonsBanffTown #KoreaTravel #Seongsu #SeoulCafe ♬ original sound - ᴋᴇɴᴊɪ ᴋᴜᴍᴀɢᴀɪ

And like every Tim Hortons location, you can get yourself some Timbits; however, this location goes a step further and allows you to customize them.

"Food is great, the vibe is there, and yeah, it's super cool," concludes Kumagai.

According to The Korea Herald, guests can also order a Quebec-style breakfast poutine and Montreal-style bagels. The store also has maple syrup for sale.

"We've opened many stores to meet customers, but that alone wasn't enough," An Tae-yeol, chief business officer at Tim Hortons' Korean operator BKR. "We wanted to show the Tim Hortons experience more clearly, from food for every part of the day to warm spaces and kind hospitality."

So if you're looking for a very Canadian experience at a Tim Hortons, all you have to do is hop on a plane and travel halfway across the world to Seoul.