Annex Post July 2022 by Post City Magazines

AX-JULY-22-OFC_Layout 1 2022-06-22 3:15 PM Page 1

PIES DE RESISTANCE COMEDIAN COLIN MOCHRIE SAMPLES THE CITY’S BEST PIES FOR THROWING (OR EATING!)

MOVING VIOLATIONS?

T.O. LANDLORDS MAKING YOUNG RENTERS JUMP THROUGH HOOPS

The Best New Weekend Getaways From Toronto

JULY 2022 · VOLUME 5 · ISSUE 7

AX-JULY-2022-IFC_IFC 2022-06-22 12:06 PM Page 1

This was the first move for us in over 35 years. Kathy addressed our countless questions and concerns both thoughtfully and reassuringly. Our old house had its special quirks and challenges and Kathy rose to the occasion every time. Kathy is the consummate real estate professional. Her hard work helped us attain a 'Holy-moly' selling price of 15% over-asking. We would highly recommend Kathy to anyone considering buying or selling a home. — Paul & Monica Monczka

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Happy 155th Birthday Canada! FROM

AND

650

Check out StreetsofToronto.com and @streetsoftoronto on Instagram for all kinds of ways to celebrate this great country we call home all month long!

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BIG BRANDS. SMALL PRICES! 88 YORKVILLE (Now Open)

Big the C or small , ASH and s MAN buy ells i t all! s OLIV ER JEW

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ELLE

RY.CA

CONTENTS JULY 2022

Welcome to this month’s Post. Sit back & enjoy.

AN ENDURING LOVE Radio host Kolter Bouchard on surviving cancer with his wife by his side

PIES DE RÉSISTANCE Comedian Colin Mochrie samples the city’s top pies for throwing (or eating!)

A EUROPEAN STATE OF MIND Jeanne Beker on the must-have swimsuits for your vacation

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@lyst.com

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ROAD TRIP The best new weekend getaways a short drive from Toronto

DESIGNER DIGS Three stunning properties if you are in the market for a home with a storied past

PUBLISHER

Lorne London

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER-IT

Ron Johnson Jarrod Daley

EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR FOOD EDITOR

Julia Mastroianni Erica Commisso

ART Dorothy Chudzinski Lindsay Low

ART DIRECTOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Erin Neilly Kristine Hughes

SOCIAL Leanna Hosier Kaitlin Narciso

SENIOR SOCIAL EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR

SALES VP OF SALES DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING MEDIA ADVISORS

Lisa London Lynne London

ACCOUNT CO-ORDINATORS

George Redak Carly Roebuck

Jo-Anne Craine Victoria Mazzara Rachel Roth Clara Strebel

ADMINISTRATION Tina Trevellin Laurie McGillivray Lance Garvey

CONTROLLER GENERAL MANAGER DISTRIBUTION CO-ORDINATOR/ CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER

Sarah Ives Paula Torneck-Richie

PROOFREADER EDITOR EMERITUS

BAYVIEW & YORKVILLE COVER IMAGES (THE ROYAL HOTEL) BY: GRAYDON HERRIOTT

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Village Post

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CITYSCAPE

THE POST INTERVIEW

20 questions for Maestro Fresh Wes

NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS

Toronto’s legendary rapper and actor has a brand new bag, hosting Race Against the Tide, a show about sand sculptures. The show premieres this month on CBC-TV, and we asked Maestro about it, his first job slinging Whoppers & more. by Ron Johnson

$290 The cost, in millions, for the city to host a whopping five soccer games as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

6.6 The review rating in Pitchfork for Drake’s newly released album Honestly, Nevermind.

What’s your most prized possession?

I think family.

Did you try making a sand sculpture?

What talent would you most like to have?

Absolutely not.

Maybe if I could play basketball better, because my son always says, “Dad, you’re a rapper, not a Raptor.”

What was your first job in Toronto?

What’s the strangest thing that happened?

My first job went to Burger King: $2.65 an hour. Scarborough.

Probably the tide coming in. Like you're standing on the beach and, you know, within a few hours you’re swimming.

What was the best meal you’ve eaten in the city?

Definitely not a sandcastle.

Probably my mom and my dad’s home cooking. Curry chicken, roti. They're a team. You know, the dynamic duo, when it comes to cooking. And when it comes time to make an apple pie, Dad does the apples, Mom does the pastry. Oh my goodness.

If you could live in any Toronto neighbourhood, where would it be?

What did you find challenging about your job as host?

Timing, you have to respect your producers, to respect your writers. And you have to deliver your lines not only in the race against the tide and before the sand sculptors finish their work. You have to deliver your lines before you drown.

What’s hanging above your couch?

I got a nice painting from Jamaica.

What’s the last thing you made with your hands?

Scarborough. How do you get out of a creative rut?

Take a break. It’ll come back to ya. And I’m drinking chaga tea these days. It’s very good for your cognitive skills and your cognitive health. I highly recommend it.

Did you learn any new skills?

Another thing that was challenging, too, was telling the sculptors who lost to pack up their stuff and get off the beach. Right? That's hard to do. I could never do anything like that. I want to say, let's go down and grab fish

Is there one thing you have multiple versions of?

Maybe versions of my sweatsuits. You know, I got the red joint, the black joint, the burgundy joint, all kinds of different versions.

What’s the worst piece of career advice you’ve received?

You know, you can't just work on music. You got to work on the business too. When I say that, I think everything, heavy things

that I've learned, you know, come into fruition. Just continue trying to grow as opposed to just do one specific thing. What living person do you most admire?

Probably my son. He’s a good dude.

1955 The last time a Maple Leafs player won the Hart Trophy — Ted Kennedy 67 years ago — other than new league MVP Auston Matthews.

Does he have an interest in music?

Music? Nah. He has an interest in video games like any other 13year-old. What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Some fish and chips and a beer, man. You know what I’m saying?

28 The number of monkeypox cases confirmed in the city of Toronto as of late June.

What is your desert island album?

Maybe my Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On, or maybe Public Enemy, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. And what’s next for Maestro Fresh Wes?

Well, I'm very excited to be on Race Against the Tide, so hopefully season three.

22 The jersey number of Toronto’s Andrew Wiggins who won the NBA Championship last month with the Golden State Warriors.

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I absolutely appreciate sand sculptures. I knew nothing about sand sculptures. Absolutely nothing. And I was enthralled by, you know, the art at the end of the day.

and chips and a beer. But I got to be serious and be like, yo, pack your tools.

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Did you develop a new appreciation for sand sculpture or were you always a fan?

NEWS

STINTZ ON MIDTOWN

Remote work is just one obstacle to increasing ridership on transit

TTC needs some TLC

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If 67 per cent of downtown employees can work remotely, it’s a tough hurdle

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Very early into the pandemic, we learned that we were not actually all in it together. Some people were able to quickly adjust to a work-from-home world, while others either lost their job or continued to go to work each day and risked becoming sick. Although the world is returning to its pre-pandemic state, the recovery is equally uneven, and the results are evident in transit ridership. Although transit ridership is slowly rising each month as restrictions ease, confidence grows and people return to work, it is nowhere near its prepandemic levels and will not likely get there anytime soon. This past April, ridership on GO Transit had increased to 30 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels, and although the transit agency was preparing for a boost in ridership as people were being called back to the office, it wasn’t expecting the pre-pandemic rush. At the TTC, during the same time, the agency reported that overall ridership levels were about 51 per cent, but the ridership increase is uneven. Ridership numbers continue to increase but have only reached near prepandemic levels on routes that service workers who are required to go to work every day. Toronto’s downtown core has the highest percentage of workers whose job enables them to work from home. According to a recent report by the Board of Trade, 67 per cent of employees in the

downtown core can work remotely. The large banks, consulting offices and large employers have realized that mandating employees back to work five days a week will only lead to more turnover. Last year, GO Transit conducted a study and found that riders were more likely to use transit for pleasure trips or to attend an event. Now that capacity restrictions have been lifted on sporting events, a soldout Blue Jays game drives ridership as much as returning to the office. The price of gas also plays a role in switching to transit but not that much, since, by and large, the people that can choose to take transit over driving can also choose to work from home instead of going into the office. It will take more than the price of gas to drive ridership. In the meantime, the province will need to seriously consider how to stabilize and support the TTC because the City of Toronto doesn’t have sufficient resources, and it looks like the flexible work week, for those who can, is here to stay.

KAREN STINTZ

Karen Stintz is a former city councillor, elected in 2003, and was a chair of the TTC. She lives in Ward 8.

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Here is what I would do for the homeless as mayor My neighbour Lawrence and I were discussing the state of the city. “This morning,” he said, ”I saw a woman walking across the intersection in rags. There’s no other way of putting it. She was in rags.” I had not seen her, but like everyone else in this city I have seen too many similar kinds of scenes on our streets, of people utterly despondent and distressed. Mayor John Tory’s response is a familiar one. Last year, at a cost of $2 million, he called in the police to clear a few parks of the homeless camping out. More recently, he assisted staff in awarding contracts worth $1 million for private security to do the same, carefully splitting the cost so it would not have to be approved by City Council and be publicly reported. It’s an age-old strategy to put a worrisome problem out of sight. It is clear that city council does not have the financial resources to tackle the problem of the poor and homeless in our city. The provincial government certainly has the means to address the issue of the poor and the homeless, but Premier Doug Ford apparently has no interest in doing so. The matter was hardly mentioned in the recent provincial election. Mayor Tory knows that asking the premier for support on this issue will be ineffective: it has not worked in the last four years. What is to be done?

If I were mayor, I would use the same strategy employed by the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina who sought the fate of their “disappeared” children: gather at the door of the decision makers at regular times. Presence, even silent presence, demands response and action. As mayor, I would announce that every Tuesday at noon I would be attending on the steps of the legislature for two hours to demand action to deal with

“Simple physical presence can be very powerful for those exercising that privilege.” homelessness and poverty in Toronto. I would ask interested members of city council to join me as well as members of the public. It would grow in number as people realized it was an action they could take to both acknowledge the seriousness of the problem and seek redress. Simple physical presence can be very powerful both for those exercising that privilege and for those decision makers being addressed. The demands would be that welfare rates would be increased from less than $800 a month for a single person to at least $2,000 a month; that property owners

would be given interest-free loans of up to $10,000 to create a new apartment; that funds would be provided for enough support workers to assist the homeless. Why $2,000 a month? So the person can rent an apartment and have enough money to buy food and clothing and the other necessities of life. The cost of such a program for the 7,900 individuals (including children) in city shelters on June 8 of this year and another 500 sleeping rough and in tents would be $17 million a month. That might seem like a lot of money, but a single shelter bed costs $3,700 a month, so at the end of the day there’s a substantial saving of public money. Most of this money is from the province: it is the province that needs to substantially change how money is spent to actually address the needs of the homeless while assisting the public purse. The city can’t solve this problem on its own. It’s a simple plan that the mayor and council could show leadership on to ensure that no one else in the city has to be dressed in rags.

JOHN SEWELL

John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto. His most recent books are How We Changed Toronto and Crisis in Canada’s Policing.

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Private security in parks is wrong

FOR CHILDREN 18 MONTHS - 4 YEARS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022

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Private security at Toronto parks is a controversial move by the city

NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Rendering of development at 22 Balliol St.

400+ purpose-built rentals for midtown Site of popular area grocery store to be transformed by Jennifer Schembri

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A proposed highrise development is set to deliver 414 rental apartment units to the Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue area. Last week, Shiplake Management Company submitted a new Site Plan Approval (SPA) to the city to construct a 40-storey tower located at 22 Balliol St. that is currently occupied by a singlestorey building with a Sobeys Urban Fresh grocery store and a boxing gym below grade. Located a short walk from Davisville subway station and designed by award-winning architectural firm gh3, the proposed development is inclusive of a four-storey podium, and 33 of the rental units are slated to be affordable housing units. Retail, including the return of the current grocer Sobeys, is set to occupy the ground and second floors. The application for the site was first proposed in 2016 but was met with opposition by the community as it asked for an increase to the permitted height and density (amongst other things). In 2017, an appeal was submitted to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), and a settlement was reached that included the addition of a mid-block connection and an at-grade

bicycle parking space; the removal of balconies on the north, east and south tower facades; and reducing the size of the tower floor plate. “By scrapping our community’s Midtown in Focus plan, the province mandated an unreasonable built form on this site,” said councillor Josh Matlow, who represents Ward 12, Toronto–St. Paul’s. “However, working together with our community, we were able to replace the much-needed grocery story, secure affordable housing and get significant public realm improvements.” Of the 414 rental apartment units, the breakdown would include 41 three-bedrooms units, 129 two-bedrooms as well as 214 one-bedroom units. Thirty studio apartments are also planned. According to renderings, the modern exterior of the 126metre tower is covered in bold vertical lines that extend its entire length, and 155 parking spaces will be available for both residential as well as commercial use. Both outdoor and indoor amenity space is planned for the lower podium, third floor and rooftop of the tower, adding up to more than 20,000 square feet of space.

NEIGHBOURHOOD

NEWS

Narrow sidewalks is one reason Avenue Road is unsafe

Councillor doesn’t want to wait until someone dies to fix Avenue Road improvements.” “There have been no immediate safety improvements on Avenue,” Desjardins said. Instead, the city has opted to continue studying. Options to improve safety include widening the sidewalks, reducing the number of traffic lanes, adding bike lanes or lowering speeds. As part of its process, the city opened a survey to the public, which ended in late May, and will hold a public meeting in July. Despite the lack of action, making changes to Avenue Road is very much in mind for local councillor Mike Layton, who recognizes that up to 10 new developments in the area will add even more pedestrians and make change more necessary. “We don’t have the sidewalks to hold the people,” he said. “More and more people walk that neighbourhood and more and more are getting forced out into traffic. That’s a dangerous situation to be in.” He’s split though on what to do. ARSC provided a vision in 2021, along with Brown + Storey Architects, that would drastically change the area in favour of pedestrians, increasing the sidewalks by 240 per cent, adding 580 new trees and reducing the street to four lanes of traffic. Layton said the mock-ups are a “visionary guide” for what could be possible, but he noted that it would be difficult to achieve, due to the need to move hydro infrastructure such as storm

water drains. The city plans to do a major reconstruction of Avenue Road in about 10 years that could include permanently widening the sidewalks but hopes to implement short-term changes in the meantime to address the safety concerns. The plans come as the city has received some criticism on traffic mobility after the reinstatement of programs such as CaféTO and ActiveTO that allow more street life but also impede traffic movement. Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro recently wrote a letter to Toronto City Council calling on it to scrap the ActiveTO program that closes down major roadways, such as Lake Shore Boulevard, at times to allow pedestrian and cyclist use. Shapiro said the closures discourage those in Toronto’s peripheries from attending baseball games. Looking around the city, it is not uncommon to see cars backed up for kilometres. Layton, though, said that carfriendly infrastructure can’t be “sacrosanct” and never be touched. To him, nothing will change if cars are prioritized instead of people, and so the city needs to continue to offer options to “entice” drivers away from their cars, such as better transit or bike lanes. “We need to grow and evolve,” Layton said. “Do we have to wait until somebody dies?” —Eric Stober

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A stretch of Avenue Road in downtown Toronto could see some changes in the near future to improve pedestrian safety, but is it moving fast enough? The city is currently undertaking a study of Avenue Road between Bloor Street West and St. Clair Avenue West to determine if any changes should be made. The road currently holds six lanes of traffic, and its sidewalks are narrow in parts, below the standard width of 2.1 metres. This has posed safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists. Last year, a teenager died on his bike from a collision at Cumberland Street and Avenue Road, adding to a growing list of collisions in the area. “Avenue Road is a very hostile roadway,” said Arlene Desjardin, the co-chair of the Avenue Road Safety Coalition (ARSC), a group advocating for better safety in the area. “The cars are just driving too fast.” The city found in 2017 that about 85 per cent of the vehicles on the 2.1 km stretch of Avenue Road routinely travelled above the 50 kilometres an hour speed limit. This has resulted in cars sometimes losing control and mounting the sidewalk, according to Desjardin. Since that study, though, little action has been done to improve the road’s safety, according to Desjardin, despite a vote by Toronto City Council in October 2021 to make “immediate safety

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Ward 11 councillor MIke Layton says priority should be people not cars

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OUTDOOR

Bloor-Yorkville is your destination to explore luxury shops, unique restaurants, galleries and the best salons and spas Toronto has to offer.

FEATURE

Etobicoke

Mississauga

$3,000

$2,632 $2,583

Avg. Rent

Scarborough

$2,514

$2,500

$2,356

$2,000 $2,077

$2,253 $2,126

$2,093

$1,999

$1,963

$1,500

Avg. Rent $PSF

$4.00

$3.78 $3.44

$3.50 $3.00

$5.19

$3.05

$3.19

$2.75 $2.93

$2.89

$2.50

$2.68

$2.63

Month

Apr-22

Jan-22

Oct-21

Jul-21

Apr-21

Apr-22

Jan-22

Oct-21

Jul-21

Apr-21

Apr-22

Jan-22

Oct-21

Jul-21

Apr-21

Apr-22

Jan-22

Oct-21

Jul-21

Apr-21

Apr-22

Jan-22

Oct-21

Jul-21

Apr-21

$2.00

Month

Average rents per-square-foot are soaring in Toronto and across the GTA, and with demand so high, landlords are using unprecedented tactics to find the perfect tenant

Rental rates are rising, demand is skyrocketing, and landlords are asking for anything they want Three young couples on trying to rent in Toronto’s post-COVID market, from the request for illegal deposits to questioning a pair’s relationship status by Julia Mastroianni When Aaron started looking for a place to move into with his partner after moving back to Toronto from student housing in London, he had no idea he would be fielding questions about the longevity of his relationship with his partner from landlords. Aaron, who requested his name be changed, was informed he wouldn’t be getting a place he and his partner applied for, namely because the pair didn’t make enough money. The couple decided to get a cosigner, and soon after the landlord called Aaron and his partner to schedule an in-person interview. “She was questioning whether the relationship with my partner was going to last the year’s contract,” he said. “She asked how long we’ve been together and whether we’d lived together in the past. It felt like an active attempt to find reasons to decline us.” After the interview, all the landlord said was that she would be raising the monthly rate by $75. In today’s hot rental market, it’s becoming increasingly common for landlords to be as particular as

possible in finding a tenant, asking intrusive and illegal questions and raising rates on a whim. And young tenants are paying the price. A Rentals.ca report on Canadian rental rates found that Toronto had the second-highest rate increase, behind Vancouver. The average rate for a one bedroom increased 15.7 per cent year-overyear to $2,133 and by 21.5 per cent to $3,002 for a two bedroom. “When the pandemic hit, it was a race to the bottom [in reducing rents],” Ben Myers, president of Bullpen Research who did the analysis for the June report, said. “Now we’re seeing the reverse.” Myers said the return of employees to the downtown core, students to school and tourism to the city have all put upward pressure on rental rates. But he said the recent increases in the past six to eight weeks are due to rising interest rates, which have softened the housing market and deterred buyers that would have been moving out of the rental market. Landlords listing their units can see how fast units are renting and for what rates, Myers said, and then

price their units even higher. With so much demand, landlords are becoming particular about what kinds of tenants they want. Kyla and her partner had been renting a basement unit in Toronto before she was informed by the city that the unit was illegal and she would have to move. She’s been looking since April for a new place, and she’s seen rental rates steadily rising, even within the last week. “Prices are just ridiculous right

multiple months of rent in advance, though a landlord legally can only ask for a deposit equal to or less than the amount of one month’s rent. “But if you say no, even though they can't do that, you're off their list, right?” Heather, who lived in the same unit in the 905 with her partner for four years, was evicted for the landlord’s personal use of the unit. Since starting the hunt for a new home, Heather said it’s been a very

“People ask, ‘Why aren’t you saving up for a house?’ And I’m just wondering: ‘How would I?’” now. I found a place for $1,800, sent in my application and was approved by the landlord. But then an hour later he messaged me to say someone else had offered $2,000, and I could still have it if I paid $2,100,” she said. Kyla said it hasn’t been difficult to find available units. “It’s just nobody can afford them.” She’s also been asked to pay for

frustrating process. “We were paying $2,000 a month for a three-bedroom home, and now, for that price, you can get a one-bedroom,” she said. She has encountered landlords with what she describes as “very high standards,” making it difficult to get approved. “One wanted us to write an essay to them to tell them about ourselves and include

photos,” she said. “It felt so strange to basically beg to get a home.” Heather also has two cats, which made it difficult to find a place — landlords cannot legally put a clause in a lease stating no pets are allowed, but they can refuse a prospective tenant who has one. The place Heather ended up finding was over $1,000 a month more than her previous place, and the landlord asked for a security deposit of $500 for her pets, along with postdated cheques up front for the year. Both are illegal under the Residential Tenancies Act. Karen Andrews, a lawyer with the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, said that a landlord who is asking for illegal things up front is a bad sign. Depending on whether the landlord lives in the same building as you, she said it could be best to lie about having a pet or a partner move in so as not to ruin your chances of getting a unit. When landlords ask for multiple months of rent, she suggests negotiating to keep the deposit as small as possible. “But ultimately a tenant is not in a good position to negotiate on the strength of what the law says — that’s not a tenant any landlord wants.” Rose Marie, a representative from the Small Ownership Landlords of Ontario, admitted that landlords will often now ask for information or rental requirements that are legally not allowed to be asked in Ontario. Marie said landlords are being more particular in terms of what tenants they accept because of the past two years, when many tenants were unable to pay their rent. When landlords filed for rent arrears or eviction, Marie said the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) often took a year to get to the application, causing landlords to lose “tens of thousands of dollars.” “Now landlords are so terrified to rent, they’re moving to the short-term rental market or leaving their units vacant,” Marie said. But a shortage of units isn’t what tenants are struggling with – it’s the inability to afford them. “Four years ago, I was paying $670 for a one-bedroom in Toronto,” Kyla said. “And my wages stayed the same, but now I’m paying triple. People ask, ‘Why aren’t you saving up for a house?’ And I’m just wondering: ‘How would I?’” There isn’t exactly hope in sight just yet. Myers predicts rental prices will remain strong for the rest of the year at least. “We’re not even back to 2019 levels yet,” he said. “In Toronto, rates went down really fast, and they’ll come back really fast too.” 13 J U LY 2 0 2 2

North York

| POST |

Toronto

NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS

The sisters behind Mandy’s bring their salads to midtown Plus a fun-loving party shop, two in-demand luxury brands arrive in Yorkville and more Mandy’s, a sister-owned restaurant that offers trendy salads and healthy dishes in an Instagram-worthy space, is the latest notable eatery to offer its creations within the Kitchen Hub Food Hall at 1121 Castlefield Ave. The eatery is in good company — Chubby’s, Piano Piano, Gusto 101 and more have all recently partnered with the food hall to make it easy for Torontonians to order from one place while enjoying the cuisines from as many restaurants as you choose.

The luxury brand hailing from France, Balenciaga, is slated to open one of its largest stores in Yorkville soon. Joining the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and more, Balenciaga will occupy more than two levels and 7,000 square feet, making its home inside the former Diesel retail store at 92 Yorkville Ave. Stop in at the new spot for some window shopping or a splurge later this summer.

L-R: Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe, founders of Mandy’s

Carlo’s Bakery is an internationally recognized name thanks to TLC reality show Cake Boss, and now you can snag some of the TV-worthy eats right here in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood. Rubbing shoulders with tons of other Italian bakeries and restaurants, the Yorkville spot at 24 Bellair St. will be a grab-and-go format, so passersby can grab classic cannolis, cakes, lobster tails and more for a quick and easy sweet treat.

by Raquel Farrington

Half a block south of Eglinton is a new one-stop-shop pop-up for all things party! From balloons to table decor, curated kits and more, Let’s Fête has everything you need to throw the perfect esthetically pleasing soiree. Dinosaur print for your daughter’s seventh birthday? Let’s Fête has got you. Blush bouquet for a floral-inspired setup? Say no more! The pop-up at 723 Mt. Pleasant Rd. is open every week, but with changing times and days, check the website before you pop by. Fairview Mall just got a relaxing new addition. You can now book your choice of comprehensive medi-spa treatments and services at Lucie Mé Medical Spa, well-known in the Thornhill area, right inside the mall at 1800 Sheppard Ave. E. The spa offers a variety of skin care services, cosmetic injections and professional products including Skinceuticals, Skinmedica and ZO Skinhealth. A Canadian shop for women’s lifestyle brand Lafayette 148 has been in the works since 2021, and now it’s finally here! Although the New York City–based brand is already available in stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom in Toronto, the brick-and-mortar shop is the company’s first Canadian location. The location at 130 Bloor St. W. shares a space with top luxury brands, including Dior, Prada and Moncler.

416-960-9995

Sales Representative

Broker, Senior Vice President, Sales

Sales Representative Senior Vice President, Sales

NelsonDenhamBrown.com | @nelsondenhambrown

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L SO

46 Teddington Park Ave. Lawrence Park $14,200,000 5 + 2 Bedrooms | 9 Baths Built upon the architecture of luxury, this isn't just a home, it's an expression of perfection in its purest form. Crafted from the finest materials from around the world, where even the most minute details were obsessed over.

416-960-9995

420 Brunswick Ave Annex | $3,439,000 4 + 2 Bedrooms 4 Baths | 2 Car Parking Set apart by master craftsmanship & quality design, this historic house on iconic Brunswick Ave, in the heart of the Annex is steps to Jean Sibelius Park. It is simply the best lifestyle location in the city.

16 Bernard Ave | Annex 90 Pricefield Rd. $6,888,000 Rosedale | $3,195,000 4 + 1 Bedrooms 4 Bedrooms 4 Baths | 4 Car Parking 3.5 Baths | 2 Car Parking The best in urban lifestyle. 3 Beautiful family home nestled into prime SW South Storey detached, private drive, Rosedale. 90 Pricefield repregarage, prime Annex. Totally sents a rare opportunity to live renovated. Kitchen/family in one of the most sought room opens to a large terrace after communities in Toronto. and private walled gardens, Versatile home suitable multiple decks, a short stroll to for all types of families. Yorkville shopping.

5 True Davidson Dr. Governor's Bridge Estates $3,898,000 4 +1 Bedrooms 6 Baths | 4 Car Parking Incredible opportunity in coveted Bennington Heights School District. Walk to Nesbitt Park, Evergreen Brickworks & Summerhill Market. An opulent lifestyle awaits.

92 Belmont St. Yorkville | $1,399,000 2 Bedrooms 2 Baths Create your own dream home or just move in. Charming 2 storey condo alternative. Steps to Yorkville, Bloor St., & TTC. 25' Frontage. Lovely private garden.

Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Brokerage | 416-960-9995 | 1867 Yonge St., Suite 100, Toronto ON

CRIME

NEWS

CITYWIDE BREAK-INS JUNE 2022 WHERE

WHEN

TIME OFOF DAY TIME DAY

HEATH ST. E. AND LUMLEY AVE.

JUNE 1

5 P.M.

KENDAL AVE. AND SPADINA RD.

JUNE 2

1 A.M.

TAMWORTH RD. AND HORSHAM AVE.

JUNE 2

10 A.M.

NEWTON DR. AND LLOYDMINSTER CRES.

JUNE 3

3 P.M.

RUTH AVE. AND CONACHER DR.

JUNE 3

9 P.M.

ROCHESTER AVE. AND MILDENHALL RD.

JUNE 4

4 P.M.

ST. GERMAIN AVE. AND YONGE ST.

JUNE 7

1 A.M.

CRESCENT RD. AND ROSEDALE RD.

JUNE 7

3 A.M.

OLIVE AVE. AND WILFRED AVE.

JUNE 7

3 P.M.

DE VERE GDNS. AND BROOKE AVE.

JUNE 12

1 A.M.

HEATH ST. E. AND WELLAND AVE.

JUNE 15

5 P.M.

ROE AVE. AND GREER RD.

JUNE 16

10 A.M.

ST. GEORGE ST. AND ADMIRAL RD.

JUNE 17

12 A.M.

ROYAL PALM DR. AND PAYSON AVE.

JUNE 18

10 A.M.

YONGE ST. AND HIGHLAND PARK BLVD.

JUNE 20

10 A.M.

SWEET SUMMER TREATS

CRIME BRIEFS

have charged a 39-year-old male suspect in connection with 20 break-ins in Richmond Hill. From November 2021 to June 2022, police responded to a number of commercial break-ins in office buildings and believed the inciYork Regional Police

is requesting public assistance in identifying a male suspect wanted in a sexual assault investigation. On Thursday, June 2, a male suspect allegedly followed a 35-year-old female victim from a store in the area of Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue to a nearby side street. The suspect then sexually assaulted the victim, who was able to get away and contact the police. An image of the suspect has been released by police.

Toronto Police Service

suspect has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder as part of a homicide investigation after a shooting in the area of Eglinton Avenue West and Oakwood Avenue. On Sunday, June 5, at 3:47 a.m., police received several calls regarding a shooting at 1602 Eglinton Ave. W. It is alleged that there was a large gathering inside an establishment, and after an altercation, a firearm was discharged and a male victim sustained serious injuries. The victim, 54, of Toronto, was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was arrested on June 14.

A 33-year-old male

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A 28-year-old male victim of Toronto is dead after a shooting outside of Sheppard Subway station. On Wednesday, June 15, at approximately 10:10 p.m., police responded to a call for a shooting in the area of Sheppard Avenue West and Yonge Street after gunshots were heard in the area. Police arrived and located a male victim outside of the subway station’s north exit suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers provided life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are asking witnesses or anyone with dash camera footage that was in the area to contact police.

dents were tied to the same suspects. Through an investigation, officers identified the suspect, who was arrested and charged on June 18. The suspect, of no fixed address, faces 20 counts of breaking and entering, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and possession of crystal meth.

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suspect has been arrested and is facing charges after threats that resulted in the lockdown of a school in the Mount Pleasant Road and Elm Avenue area. On Monday, June 13, police were notified of a threatening email and phone call involving Branksome Hall Prep School. Officers attended the school and found the threats were unfounded, and there were no reported injuries. On June 20, the suspect was arrested. She has been charged with threatening death, public mischief and conveying a false message with the intent to alarm.

A 15-year-old female

ROYAL LIGHTING . 1549 Avenue Road

(North of Lawrence)

royallighting.com

Sale Ends July 31, 2022 | While Quantities Last | Free Parking | sales@royallighting.com

We have updated our look with a fresh, new feel. With modern amenities and a selection of elevated restaurant style dining experiences to choose from, we are sure to exceed your every expectation.

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There has never been a better time to discover The Annex. Call to book a tour and ask about our personalized offers.

The Annex

123 Spadina Rd., Toronto 416-961-6446 • reveraliving.com

Sunday: 11:30 am - 5 pm Mon - Sat: 9:30 am - 5 pm 416 . 782 . 1129 All sizes are approximate.

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

SUMMERHILL WAREHOUSE MAGIC

This 19th-century plywood factory at 142R Davenport Rd. conceals an architectural wonder that’s anything but plain. Purchased in the 1970s by a well-known Toronto designer and later transformed into a bespoke home by Roots co-founder Michael Budman and influential architect Diane Bald during the 1980s, this home was used as a film production location and hosted more than a few stars. It’s listed for $3.973 million with Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.

DESIGNER DIGS In the market for a home with a storied past? There’s a former warehouse laneway home transformed from top to bottom by two Toronto icons, a famous curvy house that was conceptualized by an iconic T.O. builder and a stunning property that is the sole creative vision of an award-winning architect.

CURVY SHOWSTOPPER

The home at 108 Stratford Cres. was conceptualized by custom home builder Farhad Kazmian. Known as the Bézier Curve House, it has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It’s listed for $12.895 million with Heaps Estrin Real Estate.

With five bedrooms, eight bathrooms and opulent details, 1 Huckleberry Ln. is the crowning glory of the award-winning architects behind Toronto’s Altona Group. It’s listed for $7.95 million with Hammond International Properties Ltd.

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MARVELLOUS MANSION

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THORNHILL

LAWRENCE PARK

The Best New Weekend Getaways From Toronto

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WANDER THE RESORT FEATURES SIX LAKESIDE AND FOUR POOLSIDE CABINS

By Ron Johnson, Julia Mastroianni and Jennifer Schembri

Farm fresh and funky in Prince Edward County In 2022, Prince Edward County has become a perennial hot spot, revered as much for its white sandy beaches and cool vintage shops, as it is for its vineyard experiences, craft breweries and of course, the flourishing food scene. Two hours east of Toronto, each year, flocks of vacationers descend upon PEC, eschewing far-flung destinations in favour of a domestic escape. And who can blame them when local lodgings like Wander the Resort — a dreamy cabin retreat on West Lake — is on offer. Featuring six lakeside and four poolside cabins, minimalist Nordic design meets country charm care of two-bedroom retreats that sleep up to six. There’s also a laundry list of Instagram-ready amenities, including a communal firepit for bonfires, and an edible garden with pick-your-own herbs and vegetables. Or, check out the newly restored Royal Hotel, a luxurious 33-room boutique hotel that is a foodie’s dream lodging. Joining a long list of rich and varied eateries, Bocado is serving up seasonal and Spanish-inspired foods, cocktails and seasonal wines. At the helm is Toronto’s Stuart Cameron, a former executive chef at Icon Hospitality. Right next to Waring’s Corner (a.k.a. the roundabout) toward Bloomfield, Toronto’s beloved burger joint Harry’s Charbroiled has found a permanent home in the County.

THE BEST NEW WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM T.O.

PELEE ISLAND ADVENTURES OFFERS A WINE AND BEER TOUR OF THE ISLANDS

Looking for a true island adventure, Ontario-style? Pelee Island, known for being the southernmost inhabited place in Canada, will not disappoint. Your first sign that you’re somewhere not quite like the rest of Ontario? Locals traversing by golf cart on public roads. Pelee Island just became one of only two municipalities in Canada to allow golf carts on the roads. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can book your own golf cart for the duration of your trip with Pelee Island Adventures, new to the north side of the island as of 2021. While you’re there, stop by Pelee Island's new eatery, the Dog and Goat Restaurant. With pub fare and a gorgeous patio by the water, there’s a reason it’s become a new favourite for those who frequent the island. For a little bit of culture and history, try a private tour of the Vin Villa, Canada’s first commercial estate winery. Pelee Island has recently been flourishing as tourism has come back to the area. Visit the new One of A Kind Pelee for work from local artisans, upcycled goods and antiques, or try the Pelee Shop for the perfect souvenir.

For the intrepid traveller, the community of Temagami offers bountiful alfresco adventures, with opportunities for everything from canoeing to hiking and fishing. Ojibway for “deep water by the shore” the hub of the region is Lake Temagami, boasting 500 kilometres of shoreline and over 1,200 islands to explore. Located five hours north of Toronto in the Nipissing District, one of the area’s biggest attractions includes the Temagami Fire Tower atop Caribou Mountain — one of the highest points in Ontario — situated 400 feet above the town offering spectacular, unobscured views of its protected old-growth red and white pine forest. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the municipality is also known for a number of charming small towns surrounding Temagami. For an opulent camping experience, Chic Shore offers the opportunity to experience glamping in a green and luxurious way. Situated on the waters of Lake Temagami, the resort offers solar-powered domes complete with a kitchenette, woodstove, gourmet pizza oven and movie projection screen for rainy days. No time to grocery shop? No problem. For an extra charge, the resort offers a “stock the fridge” option, or if you’re too languorous to cook, a private chef is available by reservation.

GLAMPING AT CHIC SHORE

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Island vibes in southwestern Ontario

Solar-powered domes on Lake Temagami

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THE JUNE MOTEL SAUBLE IS THE IDEAL 1970S BEACH TOWN RESORT

There are some places you just instantly fall in love with, and Sauble Beach is one of them. Here, you can spend your days frolicking in the second-largest freshwater beach in the world and your nights walking along the shores of Lake Huron at sunset. And although it’s often been overlooked as just another sleepy beach town, there’s much more to Sauble than just a pretty postcard image. Located a few hours north of Toronto, Sauble is also the home to ample recreational outings, like birding, as well as a number of lush hiking trails including the ones found along the Sauble River. If you missed out on snagging a cottage along the shore, a stay at the June Motel Sauble might be the throwback you’re looking for. Upon entering, you’ll be enveloped in 1970s beach town vibes, while sunset-inspired rooms decked out with neon signs, hanging plants and wave-like custom wallpaper await. There’s also an indoor/outdoor lobby bar complete with a firepit, a curated gift shop and endless lobster rolls at Heydays restaurant, which you can enjoy poolside. For casual fare and spectacular beach views, Smashed Burgers and Bar offers signature cocktails (like the Spicy Bruce), bar food bites (like nachos and dip) and, of course, fat, juicy burgers and crispy fries served up with Smashed Burgers signature smashed sauce.

The June Motel in July and August

The Cottage Life: What you need to know before buying your dream cottage + `KMK^SYX Z\YZO\^c MKX Z\Y`SNO K aOVV NO]O\ÒN aOOUOXN \O^\OK^ L_^ aSVV cY_ O]MKZO ^RO XKXMSKV MYX]O[_OXMO] YP cY_\ SXÒ]^WOX^) ,c ^RSXUSXQ VSUO KX SXÒ]^Y\ \K^RO\ ^RKX K MYX]_WO\ cY_ WKc QO^ ^RO LO]^ YP LY^R aY\VN] As the temperature rises and we approach the summer months, we may be tempted by the listings in cottage country to escape the city, but it appears we are not the only ones. Since the pandemic, increased demand has caused property prices in vacation destinations to rise steeply across the country. As an example, assume there is a beautiful 3-bedroom waterfront cottage in Muskoka that has caught your eye for a price of $1,995,000. You feel it is a reasonable price, you already spend several weekends every summer in the area, and you assume the property will appreciate a modest 3% peryear over time – great investment, right? If you have convinced yourself this venture will yield family memories as well as mighty financial gains, you may want to reconsider.

Many people have a dream of having a family cottage and hope to see that property get passed down through the generations. But is this just another item in your estate? Will your family always agree on how the summer home is managed? What happens if one member wants to keep it while the rest want to sell?

As when planning any sizeable purchase, Ron Haik, Wealth Advisor | Client Relationship Manager at Nicola Wealth, says there are a number of key considerations one should make ahead of time in order to maximize your finances, and your vacation time. Here are the questions you should ask yourself before diving into that lake property:

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO

How are you funding this purchase?

Depending on a client’s personal situation, an alternative could be to invest in a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate properties. Normally reserved for ultra-high-net worth and institutional investors, Nicola Wealth provides access to commercial real estate through their carefully curated real estate portfolios of properties across North America. These portfolios provide diversification beyond the public markets (REITs) and achieve exposure across asset classes (industrial, multi-family residential, retail, office, mixed-use properties) and geographies. The resulting income from investments like these minus applicable fees, can be used to rent vacation retreats anywhere in the world, providing a benefit and an-

What are the hidden expenses? Maintaining a second property is expensive. Think about what it costs to run one home – property taxes, strata fees, insurance, maintenance, utilities, etc. – then double that. These could account for 2-4% in additional expenses eating into your investment. How much time will you spend at the cottage? While working remotely may be reasonable on a part-time basis, more and more

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What happens to this property when you’re gone?

There could be plenty of non-financial reasons to purchase the cottage, but we recommend taking the position of an objective investor when assessing how an investment in a second or recreational property fits into your financial plan. Most advisors categorize secondary properties similar to a primary residence, as items of consumption.

If you are borrowing money to invest in your vacation home, you need to consider the rising interest rate environment we are currently in, and to take that into account for the duration of your mortgage.

organizations are summoning their employees back to the office. Let’s assume you will spend 100% of the peak season at your new cottage (mid-June through mid-September), this still leaves your new abode empty for three quarters of the year. Oh, you thought you were going to rent out your place in the off-season. Between the cost of hiring a management company to clean and facilitate the rentals, and the reduced rental rate during the shoulder season, where is the value? Also, it’s important to note, any income you collect for rental should be included in your taxable income. At the top marginal tax rate, it leaves less than half in your pocket.

Haik says it may be better to rent than buy – and not because he doesn’t like real estate as an asset class. Many of his clients have a portion of their total portfolios in real estate, excluding their primary residence. However, there are alternative ways to invest in private real estate, besides taking on a recreational property.

other option rather than being tied to the same destination year after year, you can diversify your vacation through a variety of one-week vacations. WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS So, let’s revisit your dream cottage; say you purchase the three-bedroom waterfront abode in cottage country either with cash (lucky you) or through financing with a mortgage. On top of any mortgage payments you may have and/or any stress caused by the maintenance and management of the property, there are normal home ownership costs (mentioned above) adding to your monthly expenses. While the cottage will hopefully appreciate over time, the gains upon disposition will be taxed. Alternatively, you could instead invest in a portfolio of real estate properties or REITs, with a lower barrier to entry / lesser investment minimum than the price of a cottage. This investment would generate annual cash flow, essentially building your wealth rather than potentially depleting it. Over the years, you could own a diversified real estate portfolio producing after-tax cash flow to book any vacation property in the world – with no second lawn to mow or heating bills to pay!

The great thing about working with a planning-focused wealth advisor, is that they can customize the right solution for you based on your goals, objectives, tax rates, and risk tolerance while you can focus on building your legacy beyond wealth, and the cottage. This material contains the current opinions of the author and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material is distributed for informational purposes only. Forecasts, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. This investment is intended for tax residents of Canada who are accredited investors. Residency restrictions apply. Please read the relevant documentation for additional details and important disclosure information, including terms of redemption and limited liquidity. All investments contain risk and may gain or lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please speak to your Nicola Wealth advisor for advice based on your unique circumstances. Nicola Wealth is registered as a Portfolio Manager, Exempt Market Dealer and Investment Fund Manager with the required securities commissions.

LONG POINT ECO-ADVENTURES FEATURES GLAMPING CABINS AND OUTDOOR SHOWERS

LANDS 8FIFTY OFFERS FINE DINING AND TAPAS

Wellness and glamping on tap in south Algonquin South Algonquin has everything you would hope to find in an unspoiled four-season wilderness destination: an abundance of lakes, hundreds of kilometres of recreational trails, cotton candy sunsets and a spectacular Dark Sky Preserve where stargazing adventurers can ponder the mysteries of the universe. Joining a number of unique accommodations in Haliburton County, Nomi Resort is a 40,000-square-foot lodge that bills itself as a wellness community. Carved out of the forests of the Canadian Shield, the main lodge includes a number of guest rooms, as well as year-round indoor and outdoor wellness programs where you’ll find a hot tub and sauna, a full spa, steam room and an espresso lounge. But the biggest “wow” at Nomi is Lands 8FIFTY restaurant and bar, which includes a menu of upscale comforts, including tapas, fine dining and a chef’s table. If a night spent gazing at the cosmos is on your bucket list, Four Corners Algonquin, in the nearby community of Whitney, offers transparent dome bubble tents to sleep in. For a more private glamping experience, safari tents, tiny homes and pole tents are also available, and gear like pots and pans, sleeping bags, campfire games and even musical instruments can berented.

If you’re looking to leave urban life behind (at least for a little while), Lanark County has everything you’d expect from a small-town destination, but with all the comforts of a contemporary city. Located less than an hour from Ottawa, the self-proclaimed maple syrup capital of Ontario, is made up of a number of small towns, where you can find winding streets of historic landmarks, and beautiful hilly landscapes. It’s also the home to more than 100 lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. If you’re looking for a fab place for a getaway, the Good Northern is a film-themed waterfront cottage in the community of Glen Isle. You can sit by the Mississippi River that runs through the backyard, which is home to beavers, loons, geese and otters, or if you’re feeling adventurous, a kayak and canoe are on hand. Inside, each room is dedicated to a different movie, including The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Big Lebowski, Amélie and Twin Peaks, and includes a ton of props to stage the perfect Instagram-worthy photo shoot.

THE GOOD NORTHERN

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There is so much sand in Norfolk County that it’s hard to tell where the beach ends and the wineries begin, and that’s just how they like it. Located just a few hours southwest of Toronto, the other “county” is one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets. The former tobacco belt has transformed into a foodie wonderland with everything from lavender and ginseng farms to craft breweries and wineries. Looking for a place to stay that reflects the unique nature of Norfolk? Try the gorgeous glamping cabins at Long Point Eco-Adventures. Perched on the edge of a bona fide UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this facility has the coolest new lodging in the area, including glamping tents complete with king-sized beds, outdoor shower and private firepits, to enjoy nature at its finest. The buzziest new arrival on the Norfolk scene has to be Front Porch Southern Kitchen and Blues Joint. Front Porch serves up a delish barbecue with a side of live music that has the hordes beating a drool-splashed pathway to the door of this new roadside attraction.

The Life Aquatic in Lanark

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Come for the BBQ, stay for the beach in Norfolk County

THE BEST NEW WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM T.O.

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THE BEST NEW WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM T.O.

A grand new theatre and a teeny-tiny cinema in Stratford

A CRUISE SHIP TRAVELS FROM TORONTO ALL THE WAY TO MINNESOTA

Toronto is now home to cruise ships offering unique summer getaway voyages. Viking Cruises Canada is offering trips on the Great Lakes aboard their 378-passenger ship Viking Octantis, with a second expedition vessel — the Polaris — joining for the 2023 season. The company is operating eight cruises, including three departing from Toronto, where passengers will have the opportunity to explore the largest freshwater ecosystem on earth, aboard a top-of-the-line ship equipped with two yellow submarines (fittingly named John and Paul), an onboard theatre, multiple restaurants and cocktail lounges and a Nordic spa, as well as a beauty and hair salon. The 15-day Great Lakes Collection voyage from Toronto to Minnesota includes a full day in Algoma, Wisconsin, the gateway to the Door Peninsula, home to boreal forests, rugged rock formations and pristine beaches, as well as Alpena, Michigan, where shore excursions include admiring panoramic views of the northeastern lower peninsula aboard a historic BrittenNorman Islander aircraft. On a 16-day sail from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the voyage combines scenic landscapes and storied cities with stops in Trois-Rivières and Cape Breton, as well as the bustling metropolis of New York City.

THE REGION IS HOME TO 22 SHIPWRECKS

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Cruising on the Great Lakes

Located on the Bruce Peninsula and a part of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tobermory is a nature lover’s dream. There are a few classics that you just can’t miss when touring this harbour village. Visit the Grotto, a dreamy oasis of sparkling blue water within an ancient limestone cave structure. Then take a boat ride over to Flowerpot Island, where you can hike, swim, snorkel and even go shipwreck diving. Tobermory has earned its title of the scuba diving capital of Canada — it’s home to 22 shipwrecks within the Fathom Five National Marine Park, but its crowning glory is the crystal clear waters, making it easy to spot the shipwrecks down below during your dive. Looking for a place to stay that will give you unfettered access to the waters and unbeatable nature? The SweetWater Bay recently opened on the shores of the Georgian Bay. This boutique hotel is nestled within acres of greenery and offers clear views of the flowerpots (giant rock pillars formed over years of wind, ice and waves) on Flowerpot Island. The property connects to the Bruce Trail, putting you right on track to enjoy Tobermory’s most popular hiking trail.

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STRATFORD IS HOME TO GREAT THEATRE, BOUTIQUE HOTELS AND BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

Stratford is impossibly charming. Situated on the banks on the Avon River in Perth County, the picturesque theatre town is brimming with history and culture, a dreamy getaway for those who fancy Victorian architecture, impeccably groomed gardens and dynamic local cuisine. Though it’s only two hours away from Toronto, upon arrival you almost feel like you’ve been transported to another era. If you’re looking to catch a show at the Stratford Festival, Canada’s largest classical repertory theatre company, the Tom Patterson has joined the queue of impressive venues to check out a performance. The $72 million theatre features a facade of Italian glass and Spanish bronze and is situated along the edge of the Avon River. For a theatre experience on a much small smaller scale, the Little Prince Cinema Lounge in downtown Stratford is an old-timey 13-seat micro-theatre that recently earned the title of the world’s smallest purposebuilt cinema in operation from Guinness World Records. With just five rooms, the Perth County Inn is a chic and stylish boutique hotel located across from the historic courthouse, and kitty-corner to Shakespeare Gardens.

The most luxurious shipwrecks in Tobermory

SUMMER SHOPPING GUIDE

Knoll is now part of WSG's product line!

Aeron & Embody Chairs In Stock For Immediate Delivery

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Rolex • Patek • Cartier • Omega • Breitling • Audemars Piguet • IWC

Since 1985 90 Eglinton Avenue East

info@workspacegroup.ca

416-440-0123

Visit us online: www.vanrijk.com

Estate Jewellery and Watches

Tues. Wed. Fri. 10:30am–5:30pm Thurs. 10:30am–6:30pm Sat. 11:00am–5:00pm Sun. Mon. Closed

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PERFECT FOR THE FRENCH OR ONTARIO RIVIERA @TSC

Heading to one of these sunny destinations this summer? Jeanne Beker has the best swimsuits for your vacation, whether it's in the French countryside or an Ontario beach town. Pair it with one of these stylish hats, and you'll be ready to relax to the max!

Santorini A NOD TO THE FRENCH

Maryam Keyhani, $668, Maryamkeyhani.com, "This reminds me of the hat that Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's! Very elegant, very chic."

FUN WITH FRINGE TWO-TONE

Lilliput Hats, $240, 462 College St., "This hat has a bit of western vibe going, and it would definitely give you a bit of height and has a great brim."

PURPLE POWER

Beth Richards, $221.99, TSC.ca, "These are such easy to wear pieces and very flattering; it has a nice high cut leg and a beautiful mauve colour."

YES TO MESH

Norma Kamali, $395, 3401 Dufferin St., "This one is fantastic. It's so sexy and it almost looks like a three-piece. This is the coolest, most innovative suit from an amazing designer."

Versace, $325, 176 Yonge St., "This red with the wonderful Roman detailing on the shoulder is so powerful. It's such a classic suit."

Bruce Peninsula FROM DAY TO NIGHT

Amalfi Coast FLOWER POWER

Bathing Belle, $199, 355 Roncesvalles Ave., "This is a great retro look, and the top of the swimsuit looks like it could be its own summery top paired with a black skirt or jeans."

Gravitypope, $200, 1010 Queen St. W., "This hat reminds me of ’60s mod fashion with this little black and white print. I love a bucket hat because you can have fun with the brim." FRILLS ALL OVER

WIDE-BRIM BEAUTY

Frock, $250, 97 Roncesvalles Ave., "This is a great striking colour, very of the moment. And I absolutely love the drama of this hat."

VisualMood/Etsy, $170.30, Etsy.com/ca/shop/ visualmood, "This style gives you so much more than a bathing suit; it almost looks like a playsuit. Very sassy, very sweet, very romantic."

Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, Jeanne has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune in to her new podcast Beyond Style Matters

SPORTY IN THE SUN

The Orange Room, $89.95, 63A Howden Rd., "The brim is fairly wide, so it will offer great sun protection, while also looking sporty and chic at the same time."

Prince

Edward

County KEEPING IT CHILL

Hilary Macmillan, $160, Hilarymacmillan.com, "What a great, whimsical ice cream print. I love the asymmetry of this, and it's so fun that it's a one piece that's kind of a two piece."

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GRECIAN DETAILS

St, Moritz

St. Tropez

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Archives Toronto, $268, Archivestoronto.com, "This hat has a lot of attitude, a lot of whimsy. It has that artisanal feel; it would really get heads turning."

THE CANVAS FOR YOUR MASTERPIECE ON LAKE JOSEPH “Point of View” is a once in a lifetime opportunity for cottage connoisseurs to create their perfect architectural vision for a family compound on prestigious upper Lake Joseph. Rarely does a magnificent property of this calibre become available on the Big Three. Majestic windswept pines and all-day sun accent this stunning property. The panoramic exposure – South, West, and East, brings you brilliant sunrises and spectacular sunsets. Utmost privacy with 1673’ of shoreline, gorgeous granite outcrops, and gently sloping land on 6.8 acres. Numerous sandy coves allow little ones easy access to the lake, plus crystal clear deep water for those who prefer to dive in. Featuring 2 separately deeded parcels that will accommodate two cottages and boathouses for a unique, one of a kind family compound. This coveted locale on Lake Joseph is exceptional for its views, unparalleled beauty and peaceful waters.

$15,995,000

ONE OF MUSKOKA’S MOST REMARKABLE PROPERTIES

$5,695,000

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Contact: Gord Waites

Sales Representative

705-765-1555

Welcome to Fairholm Island, one of the most iconic waterfront residences that have ever adorned the shores of Lake Muskoka. This offering is like no other: showcasing 800 feet of stunning Lake Muskoka shoreline with North West exposure, spectacular sunsets, and islanddotted panoramic views. Featuring a spacious 3 slip boathouse and a private 3,000 sq. ft. oversized guest cottage alongside the renowned historic 5 bedroom waterside residence that can never be duplicated, making this unique lakefront family compound an opportunity for discerning buyers. All in the heart of a prestigious and most sought after Beaumaris community.

GORD WAITES TEAM Luxury Muskoka Properties

GORDWAITES.COM

J O H N S T O N & DA N I E L C H A I R M A N ’ S AWA R D W I N N E R S 2 0 2 0 , 2 0 2 1

FEATURE

CURRENTS

THE SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE This season can be a fun one in Toronto — if you’ve got the right intel. Here are all the essentials you need to know to travel, beat the heat and make the most of your summer. by Ron Johnson

HIDDEN TORONTO Explore some of the city's best overlooked parks, unusual classes and secret spaces this summer Toronto Music Garden

World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma worked his design hand to co-create this park inspired by pictorial elements in a cello suite composed by none other than Bach. 479 Queens Quay W. Community sailing club

The Elora Quarry features limestone cliffs and a massive two-acre pool

Stay cool with these natural swimming holes near T.O. Near the city, there are plenty of awesome natural swimming holes that make for a great road trip. Herewith, our five favourite wild swimming spots near Toronto. Decew Falls, St. Catharines

This lovely conservation area features swimming at the base of a beautiful waterfall. The Decew Falls site sits on the Twelve Mile Creek and is on the Niagara Escarpment. There are hiking trails through a lush forest and two waterfalls to check out while there. Enjoy the hike on the way in until arriving at the stunning 72-foot waterfall that drops into a turquoise pool. How to get there: The site is located on Decew Falls Road and has a small parking lot for about 20 cars. To get there, use Morningstar Mill in your GPS.

Elora Quarry, Elora

Sure, it’s not entirely natural. Humans dug the gigantic pit in Elora for a long-running quarry site, but now it has filled in with water to create one of the best swimming spots around. The Elora Quarry Conservation Area is stunning with dramatic limestone cliffs, sandy beach and forests surrounding a massive two-acre natural pool. The site is run by the Grand River Conservation Authority, and there is a charge of $10.50 per person to enter. No alcohol or dogs are permitted. How to get there: The Elora Quarry Conservation Area is located about 90 minutes northwest of Toronto on Wellington County Road 18. St. Mary’s Quarry Looking for the largest freshwater swimming

Not quite your average white-threadsand-champagne sailing club, the Toronto Island Sailing Club owns an assortment of sailboats, sprinkled with a few power boats for good measure. Cough up just $465 a year for good old-fashioned fun on the water — without a side of pretension. Torontosailing.com Meditation lessons

area in the entire country? It’s a couple hours away from Toronto in the charming small town of St. Mary’s. People have been cannonballing into this swimming hole for more than 80 years. It was converted to a pool in the 1940s after the quarry closed down. How to get there: Head west on Highway. 401 to Highway 8 toward Stratford.

Get schooled on how to meditate and find your inner peace at Shambhala. 670 Bloor St. W. Bau-Xi Photo

Blink and you’ll miss this tiny photography gallery perched across from the AGO behemoth. Look for Cara Barer’s prints of books she’s transformed into hypnotizing shapes. 340 Dundas St. W.

The Cove at Canatara Beach

This Blue Flag Beach is located on Lake Huron near the mouth of the St. Clair River, and it is lovely. In addition to the warm Lake Huron waters there is also an awesome swimming hole behind a small peninsula at the western end of the beach. The views are a wonder, especially at sunset. How to get there: Head west on Hwy. 401 to Hwy. 402 and head towards Sarnia.

Canoe Landing Park

Renaissance man Douglas Coupland spruced up drab downtown condoland with a gigantic red canoe, perfect for, yes, canoodling. 95 Fort York Blvd.

3. On a return trip to Scarborough at 7:45 a.m., I was greeted by a lineup of easily 200 to 300 people. The security guard mentioned that people are beginning to line up as early as 3:30 a.m. Egad. Lesson: If you think 8 a.m. is early enough, you're kidding yourself. Bring a chair! 4. On the fourth visit, I left the crowded confines of the 416 for the Whitby Mall, another passport office 45 minutes east of Toronto in the afternoon. The last person in line said they'd called "capacity" at 10 a.m. So he had been in line for 5.5 hours at that point. Lesson: No matter when you go, you're going to wait four to six hours if you get in. 5. I drove east to Whitby Mall at 4 a.m. For this trip, I had a camp chair, headphones, water and an iPad loaded with Stranger Things episodes. At 8:30, the doors opened and I was ushered into the attendant. It was finally over. Lesson: If driving, Whitby Mall is a good office to try: many wickets and an indoor waiting area.

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Renewing a Canadian passport has become the city's latest bloodsport. After a week that included five separate visits to Toronto and area passport offices, an application was finally filed. Here's what I learned. 1. The first time visiting a passport office was at the Victoria Street location in downtown Toronto at noon, which had a line snaking down the block. The people at the front had been waiting since 9 a.m. Lesson: Victoria Street gets a crazy amount of midday sun — if this is the only place you can get to, be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat and water. 2. The second visit was to the Scarborough passport office, which was already at capacity for the day and had started a “hopeful line.” A few people bounded happily in at the last minute, including yours truly. Sadly, there was an ID issue and the visit was for naught. Lesson: Be sure to have double- and triple-checked everything — in this instance, ensuring you bring a photo ID with an address.

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Surviving the Service Canada passport office

Sail with the Toronto Island Sailing Club

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Nu-skoka Nine new shops, spas, eateries and places to stay to shake up your cottage vacation in Muskoka this summer by Kaitlin Narciso

Muskoka is the crown jewel of Ontario’s cottage country and is consistently named one of the best places to visit in Canada. With a variety of independently owned and operated businesses, the Muskoka experience is truly one for the books. The region finds the perfect balance between upscale luxury and natureoriented fun. With a rugged landscape that is filled with natural splendor, Muskoka boasts an abundance of scenic activities both on the water and on land. If a full out active adventure isn’t quite what you’re looking for, the stay, spa and food scenes of the area are equally as impressive. For the cottage-goers who think they’ve seen it all, we’ve rounded up the latest offerings in the region to bring you our new and must-do guide to Muskoka!

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Muskoka BeerSpa

Whether you’re staycationing or day tripping to Muskoka, the Muskoka BeerSpa is a quintessential Canadian spa, complete with hot tubs, cold pools, saunas, cabanas, a beer garden and more. Hidden away in a woodland wonderland, the BeerSpa provides the perfect environment for relaxation. The adults-only environment is tailor fit for individuals looking for a fun escape, where they can devour delicious pub food, sip on

some Clear Lake Brewing beers and even stay the night in one of the reimagined glamping cabins. In-room draught taps, complimentary junk food and morning pastries? Say no more. Muskokabeerspa.com Muskoka Wake

Muskoka Wake is Muskoka’s leading wakeboard, wake surf and water sports school — but now, it’s adding even more fun into the mix. With mens’ nights and ladies’ nights, you’ll join the Muskoka Wake crew for a fun evening of surfing, music, friends and free goodies from local businesses. Muskokawake.ca The Smokin’ Birds

This legendary barbecue spot started as a roadside pop-up last year, but when something is this good, it has to stay! The Smokin’ Birds, run by Jennifer Dewasha (formerly of Café Boulud) and former regional chef of the Chase Hospitality Group Jane Macdonald, offers the kind of compact menu where you know every item is a winner. Try the pulled pork, smoked turkey breast or brisket sandwich topped with pineapple coleslaw at the new, permanent location, which just opened in May. You can find them at 3142 Muskoka Rd. 169 in Bala, but they’re only open from Friday to Sunday, so time

GREAT ESCAPES

your trip accordingly if you want a taste of these smoking good dishes. Thesmokinbirds.com

to the yummy café with doughnuts and espresso, Jack & Stella offers something for the whole family. On Saturdays in the summer, chill out on the dock and listen to live music over coffee. You’ll feel as though you’re part of the community even if you’re just popping in for the day! Jackandstella.com

The Water’s Edge

Stay in this unique Muskoka accommodation, where cottage meets lakeside tree house. Cosy with all the creature comforts guests could need, this property was passed down from generation to generation and transformed from the original bones to become this incredible space that is both modern and nature oriented. Airbnb.ca

Gangnam Korea

The Fare Food Co. L-R: Muskoka Wake offers lessons and more, BBQ from The Smokin’ Birds

Muskoka Mountainworks

Offering rock and ice rock guided climbing experiences, Muskoka Mountainworks is here to help you discover the beautiful regions of Ontario in an exhilarating and exciting way, alongside a professional guide. Adventurers have a variety of different options

to choose from, including paddling, swimming and tent camping, in addition to the climbing fun. For those looking to really hone in on their climbing skills, Muskoka Mountainworks also offers a few different workshops. Muskokamountainworks.com HydroSpa Muskoka Wellness

With views of Lake Rousseau, HydroSpa Muskoka Wellness by

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Water Experience is the pinnacle of tranquility. This recent addition to the luxurious JW Marriott hotel aims to connect guests to the natural beauty of the area. The spa menu provides an abundant array of treatment and package options, promising to make your visit unforgettable. Thehydrospas.com Jack & Stella

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up at a gas station in Port Carling at 3658 Muskoka District Rd. 118 W.

This eatery opened in 2021 to great fanfare, with lineups around the block for Gangnam Korea’s fried chicken. During its opening day alone, the Huntsville restaurant sold 250 bubble teas. Many have driven down from neighbouring towns, including Orillia and North Bay, where Korean options are few. Owner Sunju Lee moved to Muskoka at 13, and now, with a family of her own, she’s excited to bring a taste of her heritage to the area for her kids to enjoy. The restaurant offers up not only stellar Korean fried chicken but a few other classic, must-try dishes, including dupbap, jap-chae, bulgogi and mozzadogs. Dig in! Gangnamkorea.ca

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Two chefs with big-name restaurants behind them are bringing good eats and fun drinks to Port Carling this summer. Spencer Newlands, formerly of Alo and Pearl Morrissette, and Tosh Agassiz, formerly of Canis and Bosk, teamed up to found the Fare Food Co. The company offers everything from private dining to cooking classes, but Fare Food’s Muskoka pop-up offers up smash burger, fried chicken, craft beer, cider and more. Open from June until Labour Day, you’ll find the pop-

CURRENTS

DAILY PLANET

Creating the reality of a four-day workweek From Ontario to England, governments are toying with the idea of a shortened work schedule

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The five-day workweek is an anachronistic relic of a different time with different conditions. Back in 1930, renowned economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that technological advances, slowed population growth, increasing capital and changing economic priorities would make three-hour shifts or a 15-hour workweek possible and desirable within 100 years. Keynes cautioned, however, that the “age of leisure and abundance” could be met with dread: “For we have been trained too long to strive and not to enjoy. It is a fearful problem for the ordinary person, with no special talents, to occupy himself.” We’re eight years from Keynes’s 100-year prediction. Technology has advanced. Population growth has slowed. Capital has increased, and environmental and social crises have led many to question economic priorities. So why are we still working hours similar to 70 years ago? Part of the answer lies in the postwar adoption of

MAKING THE CASE IN ONTARIO A township in Ontario called Zorra, near London, was one of the first in the province to implement a four-day workweek permanently after what started as a pilot project. Since then, the Ontario township of Springwater, in Simcoe County, implemented a four-day workweek pilot that began in April.

Two Ontario towns have tried a shortened workweek, but Toronto hasn’t yet

“consumerism” as an economic model. It may also relate to the concern Keynes raised: the “dread” that people won’t know how to occupy their leisure time. But with so many people feeling overwhelmed by an out-of-whack work-life balance, the latter isn’t an insurmountable problem. Women, especially, are feeling the crunch. Unlike in the 1950s, most have joined the workforce, but as in

DENNIS PITINO

those days, they still do most of the housekeeping and child care. Because we’ve failed to reduce work hours gradually, as Keynes envisioned, we’re unlikely to achieve 15-hour workweeks by 2030. But environmental and social conditions have sparked a move toward a four-day workweek. The biggest trial is in the U.K., where 3,300 workers at 70

companies recently started working four days a week with no loss in pay. The experiment will “measure the impact on productivity in the business and the well-being of its workers, as well as the impact on the environment and gender equality,” a Guardian article says. Along with other benefits, like increased vacation time and flexibility and working from

home, shorter workweeks not only give people better lives, they’re also good for the environment. Fewer people commuting means reduced pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. The pandemic taught us it’s possible to rapidly shift our ways of thinking and acting, especially as they relate to work. It’s past time to recognize that life isn’t given meaning through excessive consumption and toil, but by having time to spend with friends and families and by pursuing interests outside of work. We may not achieve Keynes’s predicted 15hour workweeks by the end of this decade, but we can surely aim for a better balance.

DAVID SUZUKI

David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology (with files from Ian Hanington).

HOW THEY MET

CURRENTS

The proposal

A year into our relationship, I told Dominique I would propose at Cloud Gardens, an urban park at Richmond and Bay in Toronto. When the day came in late 2014, I took her to dinner at Spuntini’s in Yorkville (which burned to the ground a week later) and hired a photographer (Sid Naidu, creator of Scarborough Made) to capture the proposal. When I asked her to marry me, I expected tears. Instead, she started laughing!

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The marriage and honeymoon

Radio host Kolter Bouchard on surviving cancer and a pandemic with his wife by his side Kolter Bouchard, radio host of Kolter & Meredith on 102.1 the Edge, has had a challenging couple of years. He underwent chemotherapy while also raising a newborn during the pandemic. He’s now in remission, but through it all, he’s had his “rideor-die,” wife, Dominique Bouchard, by his side. Kolter shares how the pair met in school, their wild first date and their secret to marital success. How they met

Dominique and I met at orientation for the Radio Television Arts program at Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan) University. We shared a media writing class on Thursdays, and I would always try to sit close to her. It took a few months, but around winter exams, I finally worked up the courage to invite her to my dorm. Do I sound like a stalker? Yes. Was my plan successful? Also yes. The first date

Our first official date was in 2010 at a St. Patrick’s Day party held by Dominique’s childhood best friend, Juno-nominated artist Ceréna. We brought a thermos full of vodka-Sprite and shared it throughout the evening. When

the thermos ran dry, we paid another partygoer for shots. We were a bunch of rowdy 18-yearolds and one (or more than one) of the neighbours called the cops. Dominique and I were more than a little intoxicated, and because we were afraid of going to jail, ran to the basement and hid in a

The kids

Two weeks before the start of the pandemic, we welcomed into the world our daughter Nia.

expected tears. Instead, she started laughing!”

The courtship

The day I met my [then future] mother-in-law, Denise, my car overheated. It was a thousand degrees outside, and between trying to repair my 1997 Pontiac Sunfire and the embarrassment I felt, I was sweating like a pig as I asked for a ride to the train station. Twelve years later, my mother-in-law barely remembers the event. But it’s burned into my memory, and to this day I still cringe.

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Balancing careers and marriage

The last two years have been difficult given not only the pandemic, but also my cancer treatment (I’m in remission!), raising a newborn and cooperating a digital marketing business. We share a calendar and schedule almost every aspect

“When I asked her to marry me, I

bathroom. By the time we were ready to leave, we realized the trains had stopped running, so we slept on a couch and used my shirt for a blanket.

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of our lives. It doesn’t sound super romantic, but having a handle on the need-to-dos allows us to focus on the wantto-dos. Also, having parents who are hungry to take their grandchild gives us muchneeded alone time.

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The secret to success

Laughter. Dominique and I share an incredibly dark sense of humour, which is not only how we bond, but how we’ve overcome stressful experiences like relocating to Dubai, beating cancer and, most difficult of all, potty-training a two-year-old.

pacepharmacy.com 416-515-PACE (7223) Our 2 locations: 40 Laird Drive (Leaside) 14 Isabella Street (Downtown)

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Meeting in school led to a love that endures

RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER CARE

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Kolter and Dominique Bouchard’s first date happened at a university party

We were a couple of broke 23year-olds and got married at Toronto city hall in January of 2015. We could barely afford the marriage licence, let alone a honeymoon, so that was delayed a couple years. When we finally saved enough money, we spent a glorious week in Mombasa, Kenya. This trip actually inspired our daughter’s name: Nia means ‘purpose’ in Swahili.

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July 1st to July 16th | Port Carling

C e l e b r a t i n g

3 0

Ye a r s

WWW.MINDHAM.COM

TASTE TEST

FOOD

PIES DE RÉSISTANCE We asked comedian Colin Mochrie to sample the city’s best pies for throwing or eating. We won’t bore you with the details of which pies are most aerodynamic — instead what follows is Colin’s pick for T.O’s fruit pie champion.

BLUEBERRY MABEL’S “Blueberry is very healthy. We should all have blueberries in our diet. And that pie is very nice. The pastry is good, almost like a biscuit kind of crust. The berries are really nice. It seems like the right amount of sweetness. It’s a very well-made pie.” 746 St. Clair Ave. W., $21.99

PEACH LATTICE

COLIN MOCHRIE The standup artist recently appeared on LOL: Last One Laughing Canada.

PHIPPS DESSERTS

SWEETIE PIE

taste of

“That’s very nice, because sometimes rhubarb can be very, very sweet. But this is just right, and the strawberry comes out after the rhubarb, which is very nice. It has a nice nose to it, smells very nice.” 1639 Bayview Ave., $26.99

PEACH RASPBERRY

art t l a n o da it i

VERY BERRY

EPI BAKEHOUSE “I like the combination of peach and raspberry, and I like the crumble. Add ice cream to it and, because it’s a runnier pie, it’s pretty nostalgic. My mother made all of her pies runny, and the kids would have pie ice cream soup.” 1526 Bayview Ave., $22

“Nice, classic apple pie. It’s a very strong crust. It stays firm, doesn’t break. It’s not runny, the apples have a firmness to them. They’re the right amount of sweet. It’s a good, classic pie. Pleasing to look at, lovely to taste.” 1 Sultan St., $16

“It’s very pretty. I admire the presentation, and how it all stays together. There’s a taste in it I can’t quite identify, and it has a very strong aftertaste.” 287 Augusta Ave., $30

FLAKY TART

blend

“In my opinion, I do find raspberry pies very sweet. I think this would be great with a nice scoop of ice cream. It would complement the flavour very nicely.” 420 Eglinton Ave. W., $23.99

MIXED BERRY

unique b

er r y

PHIPPS BAKERY

APPLE

DESSERT LADY

WANDA’S PIE IN THE SKY

RASPBERRY

RUNNER-UP

“It has a very nice presentation. I love that the filling is staying within the crust. And, the crust seems to stay fairly together when you cut into it, and the addition of the sugar on top is very nice.” 711 Mount Pleasant Rd., $17

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STRAWBERRY RHUBARB

a i g l nosta

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WINNER

“It’s flaky. It’s good, it’s very sweet. The crust is crunchy, which is very nice. I like a good crust. The crust can, in some cases, make or break the pie. I very much admire the artistry that went into making it.” 1875 Leslie St., #21, $15

POST CITY X CAPLAN'S APPLIANCES

Things are getting hot with celebrity chefs Rob Rossi and Craig Harding reserve for plating. Julienne the rest of the zucchinis into medium-sized pieces. • In a mixing bowl add the 100g of the tempura flour and the 100ml of sparkling water and mix. You want a thin tempura batter. Add a pinch of salt. Mix in the julienned zucchinis. • In a heavy bottomed pot, add around 2 inches of oil and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully add the zucchini and deep fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the colour is golden brown. • Remove fried zucchinis from the pot, and place onto a plate lined with a paper towel. Lightly season with salt. • Grab a plate or small platter and place the uncooked thin coin zucchini slices in a circle as the base of the dish. Add the tempura zucchini on top and sprinkle with a pinch of Espelette dry pepper. Chop a few leaves of fresh mint and gently place over the dish. • Remove the hot honey from the stove and drizzle the hot honey over the tempura. Hit with a quick squeeze of lemon. Lastly, finely grate some pecorino cheese on top.

L-R Open Fire hosts Chefs Rob Rossi and Craig Harding, Zucchini Fritti with Hot Honey and Pecorino

It’s the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends. A family-run business for over 75 years that is renowned as the destination for delivering dream kitchens – both indoor and outdoors – Caplan’s has sponsored a new cooking series that focuses on cooking simple and delicious recipes outdoors. Hosted by acclaimed chefs Rob Rossi and Craig Harding, Open Fire creates delicious, innovative dishes, and one of their favourite recipes is shared with you here. This perfect summer recipe is light and packed full of delicious flavours. Chef Harding recommends purchasing Japanese tempura flour as it makes the process much quicker, and it tastes great. Simmering your own hot honey takes the recipe to a whole other level, adding a depth of flavour and heat that brings it all together.

Espelette spice has become a favourite of the chefs that adds a subtle flavour of sweet and smokiness. Zucchini Fritti with Hot Honey and Pecorino Ingredients: - 100g Japanese tempura flour - 100mL sparkling water - 2 green & 2 yellow zucchinis - 4 fresh habanero peppers - 1 cup of honey - Oil, for frying

- Salt - A few leaves of fresh mint - Espelette dry pepper - Lemon - Pecorino cheese

Be sure to tune in to Open Fire, airing weekly on TLN, for more recipes.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

• In a small sauce pot add 4 fresh habanero peppers with a cup of honey. Simmer slowly for 20 minutes. • Slice a yellow zucchini into thin coin-sized slices and

S E E T H E CO L L E C T I O N AT T O RO N T O ’S P R E M I E R K A L A M A ZO O D E A L E R

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THE HOT LIST The hardest reservations to secure in Toronto

Prime Seafood Palace

Matty Matheson’s latest restaurant is six years in the making. 944 Queen St. W. Le Select Bistro

The iconic French restaurant is back and freshly reopened, with a menu full of classic favourites and new creations. 432 Wellington St. W. Amal

L-R: Tuna crudo at Wilma Snack Bar; Charcoal Biryani’s Hemant Bhagwani

Recently, Drake stopped into this Lebanese restaurant and bought everyone in the space a shot. 131 Bloor St. W. Alo

1. Valerie

Hotel X’s latest installation is a three-storey ode to the Roaring Twenties, remixed with sleek, modern interiors. Go for the one-of-akind cocktails and Adrian Niman–crafted menu, and stay for the Instagram-worthy decor and showstopping view of the Toronto skyline. Located on the 27th through 29th floors, the food offerings are Niman’s take on sushi, with a fun, modern twist. Of course, fresh flavours take the front seat on the creative menu, complemented by cocktails with sake, gin and vodka bases that are almost too pretty to drink. Each floor offers a different experience, with the first serving as a live music venue, the second operating as a full-service dinner space, and the rooftop terrace acting as a cocktail bar that’s available for private parties. 111 Princes Blvd. 2. Tenny’s

This is the third iteration of the Parkdale space. It started as Tennessee Tavern before transforming into Gianna’s, a spot for Detroit-style pizza. Now, it’s back as an ode to the Tennessee Tavern, complete with live music, Southern comfort food and an extensive cocktail menu. Stop by for the live music and stay for the food and drinks, with a menu offering everything from small plates and sandwiches to fully loaded burgers and desserts. Pub food favourites include nachos, ballpark pretzels, wings and, for all the Tennessee Tavern stans, perogies. There’s even a milkshake machine, but it’s not for whipping up what you think. It’s for blending the

by Erica Commisso

frothiest, iciest cocktails, like iced tea or a cucumber smash — perfect for the summer season. 1554 Queen St. W. 3. Wilma Snack Bar

Taking over the former Crosley’s space on the Ossington strip, Wilma Snack Bar offers visitors a cosy place to connect with friends and enjoy good food and drinks. The impressive lineup of snacks pays homage to Italian fare, offering menu items like finocchiona and prosciutto di Parma fresh off the slicer. There’s also a raw bar that offers up oysters and tuna crudo alongside spring vegetables and vitello tartare ‘Piedmontese.’ The most appealing part, though, is that Wilma’s snack menu rotates weekly and includes mouth-watering dishes like duck liver crostini, fried artichokes and papaya. Arugula is served with cacio e pepe vinaigrette, and grilled maitake mushrooms are seasoned with chili condimento and lime. The snack selection at Wilma can be paired with an extensive cocktail menu that is populated by beer and wine (including a difficult-to-find selection of orange wine) and one-of-a-kind spins on traditional cocktails. 214 Ossington Ave. 4. Charcoal Biryani

Charcoal Biryani is the latest restaurant to be added to restaurateur Hemant Bhagwani’s long list of successful eateries, including Popa, Amaya and Egg Bird. The new spot, according to Bhagwani, is Toronto’s first “Turkish-Indian crossover.” He calls it a “good marriage,” with India already having a heavy

influence on Turkish and Persian cooking. Menu highlights include the Turkish kebab rolls with chili sauce, served with fries and the biryani, which, Bhagwani says, is where the Turkish-Indian crossover takes place. With four types on the menu, including a vegetarian option, the biryani is served with spicy salsa, cucumber raita and a Turkish salad. Additional Indian dishes include the butter chicken curry and smoked saag paneer, each served with rice, raita and mixed pickle. 1595 Bayview Ave. 5. The Kettle

This new halal restaurant serves up everything from kebabs and curries to wings and pies. The name is meant to represent the very important chai tea culture in India, which is often enjoyed alongside street food eats, known as chaat. The upscale vibe melds Indian street food with Canadian comfort food classics in a cool interior typical of Queen West haunts — think exposed brick, shiplap-lined walls, low light and leather bench seating. Skip the flight to South Asia and try the Mumbai bhel chaat, which is made from puffed rice, tomato, onion, chili and coriander. If you’re looking for something a little more familiar, samosa chaat might be more your speed. It’s deep-fried and filled with masala potato, mango, house-made chutney and sev, which is a popular Indian snack food consisting of small pieces of crunchy noodles made from chickpea flour paste, seasoned with turmeric, cayenne and ajwain before being deep-fried in oil. 685 Queen St. W.

Osteria Giulia

David Minicucci and Rob Rossi serve up some of the city’s most coveted Italian food. 134 Avenue Rd. Stock T.C.

This rooftop patio is the YongeEglinton place to be this summer. 2388 Yonge St. Don Alfonso 1890

This Michelin chef–helmed restaurant officially unveiled its new digs inside the Westin Harbour Castle. 1 Harbour Sq. Bernhardts

Complete with a must-see back patio, Bernhardts is operated by the team behind Montreal’s Joe Beef and Vilda’s. 202 Dovercourt Rd. Myth

Greek dishes are served in an upscale setting with an Instagram-worthy patio at this longtime favourite. 522 King St. W. Edulis

Voted T.O.’s best restaurant of 2022 by chefs across the city. 169 Niagara St.

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From wine bars to fusion cuisine, it’s looking delicious

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The 5 newest places to eat in T.O. right now

The Patrick Kriss–helmed hot spot will always capture a spot on the top reservations list. 163 Spadina Ave.

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Before a wall of bottles and opposite an army of vintage shoes, Hanif Harji sits behind his massive desk as his phone lights up like a Canada Day sky. Harji, who owns 20 restaurants and 20 more Miss Jones cannabis dispensaries, has 1,240 staff, and if he isn’t the city’s premier restaurateur, he could still sabre a champagne bottle from his Scale Hospitality headquarters on Wellington Street and have its cork hit four hot spots he owns. “The city has matured. We have the Michelin Guide coming in and restaurants in Toronto can compete with anywhere in the world—New York, Miami, L.A., anywhere,” says Harji, ignoring his phone, which is a true sign of confidence. “This summer, I’m working harder than I ever have and balancing price increases with consumer appetite to spend, but diners are also in a really good mood and there’s a positivity, almost an appreciation, that we’re seeing in all of our restaurants.” His restaurants include such buzzy staples as Patria, Byblos, Lapinou, Pink Sky, the Miller Tavern and more, but one of the main reasons behind all of his phone fireworks on a summer Friday is the reopening of Le Sélect Bistro, the buzziest reservation in town. Le Sélect, which was opened by Frederic Geisweiller and Jean-Jacques

Quinsac in 1977, was equal parts Algonquin round table, local watering hotel and New York City’s Pastis. However, when the original owners found their rent no longer tenable, a huge void was created where gossip and intelligent French food could be found. New owner David Aisenstat, former CEO of the Keg, approached Harji, and together they helped reinstate a Toronto touchstone—judging by Harji’s cellphone, the response has already been deafening. “There’s a trueness to it. Everything about that place is designed with love,” says Harji, who adds that he kept the bones of the original and much of its menu, including classic French bistro fare like escargot, duck l’orange and cassoulet. “Who are we to come in and think we can do better? We wanted to stay true to what it represents to so many people, and David believes in the same thing we do: building things that will last.” Building things, however, has become so fraught in our postCOVID era of discontent that not only does Harji have to deal with inflation, where price increases on everything from gasoline to fish have made profit margins tight, but also a shrinking labour force. To combat the crisis, he’s started the Scale Learning Lab, which enlists

PROFILE

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Hanif Harji, the Toronto restaurateur behind some of the city’s most popular eateries

HANIF HARJI’S REACH

Sushi at Akira Back

AKIRA BACK The Bisha Hotel’s eponymous sushi spot is helmed by one of Japan’s most famous Michelin-starred chefs. 80 Blue Jays Way PHILOXENIA Located in Thornhill, this Greek eatery attracts city-dwellers and locals alike who are searching for a taste of the fresh seafood. 8199 Yonge St. BAR CHICA One of King West’s latest late-night spots serves elevated tapas and craft cocktails, branded as Patria’s little sister restaurant. 75 Portland St.

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rash of dispensaries has become absurd, needs time to mature. “Cannabis is here to stay, and I feel good about the business. We just need to ride it out for a couple of years and hope the market adjusts itself,” says Harji, whose upscale Miss Jones shops aim to recreate the Starbucks environment for soccer moms and not only sell dime bags and eights (quantities of cannabis) but also yoga mats and hoodies. Longevity again is the common theme around Harji, who got his start in restaurants opening a Second Cup while he was still in university, and he says his drive to make something unique and authentic in the city is real. Born in Tanzania, he was raised by a homemaker and a TTC cleaner, and his household was loving with brilliant food, but he never had a silver spoon. At 48, and this could be part of his passion for Le Sélect, he sometimes sounds as if he’s thinking about his legacy. “I’m not interested in of-themoment. Lasting power is the only thing that interests me,” he says. “My commitment to doing things right has gotten more intense as I’ve gotten older, but when it all comes together at a moment in time in a restaurant, it breathes life into me. I’m fortunate to be in the place that I am.”

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previously inexperienced workers and teaches them how to work in upscale hospitality, with a guaranteed job after class. True to form, he’s creating a solution to a problem he couldn’t have predicted but needs to solve to keep restaurants running all over town. “A good restaurant will make 12 per cent profit, and a really well-run restaurant might do 15 per cent — if they have the right volume and rent. Most restaurants, however, run a five to eight per cent margin,” Harji explains. “When costs go up, that downward compression is taxing on restaurants, not just us, but everyone, and this is all over the world. I just hope consumers see it at the grocery store and understand this is a product of the world we live in today.” Despite this challenging environment, Harji can’t stop expanding. He has a luxe sushi restaurant with Antonio Park opening on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre this fall and a Caribbean restaurant called Miss Likklemore’s in the works. All this, and weed. He says his business partner Terry Tsianos introduced him to the notion of selling cannabis and that industry, where huge Canadian public cannabis companies keep finding new stock market bottoms and the

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FOUR SCRUMPTOUS NEW BAKERIES

FOXIES BAKESHOP

LETTERBOX DOUGHNUTS

AUNTY EM’S DELI AND BAKERY

HAZUKIDO

Foxies, a locally-owned, sister-run enterprise, opened as an online bakeshop in 2018, serving up fourounce (or quarter-pound) stuffed cookies in flavours like cinnamon snickerdoodle, Nutella and Oreo, which captured hearts and tastebuds across the country. But, now, the bakery has expanded, officially opening the doors to its first brick-and-mortar location at the end of May. Complete with whimsical walls splashed in hot pink and other brightly-coloured decorations, including a sprinkle bench feature wall lined with photos of the bakery’s creations, Foxies held its official opening on May 21. 669 Mount Pleasant Ave.

The click-and-order, custom-lettered doughnut business, Letterbox Doughnuts, opened its first storefront after two years of online ordering success. According to owners Jon and Priom Oliver, the dough is handmade fresh daily and contains no artificial preservatives. The unique flavours and designs come from the glaze, which you can customize by colour and style – with unique patterns like the spacethemed galaxy or ombre-esque marble. The doughnut itself is plain, but the glaze flavour options include classic chocolate, raspberry lemon or white chocolate with a rotating menu of seasonal, limited-edition flavours. 235 Spadina Ave.

Plant-based eater or not, you’ll find it tough to turn down this midtown vegan bakery’s sweets, like chocolate banana muffins, Portuguese tarts or the fan favourite: Nutella cream pie which features a gluten-free almond cake base, topped with a generous cloud of cashew cream and torched marshmallows, drizzled with vegan Nutella. There are also sandwiches and packaged meals available. The deli started as a pop-up and was so popular that the owner, Emily De Beus, decided to open a permanent location. De Beus is known for her first vegan business, Sausage Party Toronto. 1672 St. Clair Ave. W.

Your new favourite croissant isn’t French, although it does draw some inspiration from the Parisians who have perfected the fan-favourite pastry. Hazukido is the new bakery serving up a unique twist on the croissant, guided by the shokunin spirit of Japan. The technique uses only the finest ingredients to produce the perfect pastry complement to a morning coffee or an afternoon stroll. A Japanese croissant uses an exclusive folding technique that creates a uniquely Hazukido honeycomb texture, making for a perfectly golden crunch with every bite. 5315 Yonge St.

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This summer’s hottest trend is bakeries, with sweet and savoury aromas and flavours filling the air and delighting the taste buds. Each offers something different, from vegan goods to Japanese croissants. The only way to crown a champion is to try them all. by Erica Commisso

FOOD

NEWS

Southern BBQ joint goes tipless Barque is the latest eatery to join the movement

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Barque opened in 2011 and has become one of the city’s most beloved BBQ spots

by Erica Commisso

Over the last few years, there’s been a shift in the restaurant industry, with certain restaurants across the city moving to a new wages model, where tipping is eliminated from the dining experience. Now, Barque is following suit. The Roncesvalles smokehouse, which opened in 2011, joins a growing list of Toronto restaurants, from Marben to Richmond Station, that have revamped their staffing policies in recent years. A sign posted at the self-described “refined BBQ” restaurant revealed that the tip-free model was put into effect last month. The same sign was then implemented as a pop-up on the restaurant’s website. After noting that the prices on the menu reflect the full price of food (outside, of course, taxes), Barque revealed the reason for their switch. “We believe all restaurant employees should be able to afford living in the city where they work,” the sign reads. “The starting wage at Barque, $22.25, is above the Toronto rate calculated by the Ontario Living Wage Network. Our cost of fairly compensating staff (including paid sick days, personal days and health benefits) will be fully factored into our menu prices. Any gratuity is appreciated, but completely unnecessary.” Some Reddit users were excited by the change and were quick to point out other restaurants in the city that have adopted the same model, like

Bar Isabel. Others were quick to point out Barque’s history of respecting its employees: “I worked there years ago briefly. They were great people and it caught me off guard as I was still young and was used to being abused in the kitchen,” wrote another user. Instead they were beyond welcoming and would often ask for my input even though it was my first week. Great food and great people.”

“We

believe all restaurant employees should be able to afford living in the city where they work.”

The menu at Barque, which includes smoked chicken wings, fried okra chips, smoked branzino and a Beyond Meat kebab, remains unchanged, except for the increased prices to reflect wages and the no-tip policy. The restaurant has enjoyed success in its decade-long stay in the west end, expanding to include a full-service events arm, called Barque Events, in 2012 and the Barque Butcher Bar in May of 2015. Today, the team calls the space a combination of a retail shop, bar, restaurant and butcher. Barque is located at 299 Roncesvalles Ave.

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REGISTER FOR VIP ACCESS The GTA condo market is hotter than ever. If you are looking for your next home or real estate investment, you need a trusted Broker with access. At Harvey Kalles Real Estate, we have been working with the best builders and brokers in the New Homes & Condos sector for decades, and have your key to the city.

Project: Fish offers flame-seared options, called aburi

The Pemberton

Project: Fish hits Yonge & Sheppard Lunch options include freshwater eel (unagi don) or seasoned sushi rice topped with ingredients such as raw fish, omelettes and nori. Both come with udon noodles. If you’re looking for a chic date spot or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion with a larger group, dinner at Project: Fish will not disappoint. The menu is expansive, with tons of sashimi and specialty roll options you’ve never had before, like the 10piece Sesame Bomb roll, which has a unique mix of crabmeat, shrimp, cucumber, black tobiko and avocado. Sweeten your visit with a scoop of ice cream with flavour options that include green tea, black sesame, mango or strawberry mocha. The menu boasts an impressive list of chef ’s specials, too, like omakase boxes, which range in

size from six pieces to a fullblown sushi platter, as well as the hand-pressed and flame-seared roll selections. The restaurant even offers its own take on tacos, adding to the Project: Fish experience. Although the wine and beer list is small (only select red and whites and Sapporo or Asahi bottles on hand), the sake menu stands out. With a variety of unique flavour combinations varying in sweetness, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Try the Izumi Sake Politan, a boldly tart cranberry lime flavour, or the Momo Sake, which is a Japanese peach flavour. Swing by the 16 Park Home Ave. spot every day for Project: Fish’s unique sushi experience and, while you’re at it, sit on the newly opened patio when the weather is nice.

Gourmet shop Sweet Potato arrives on Bayview When the Sweet Potato, the organic grocer found in the Junction, first opened its doors back in 2007, it was well ahead of its time. This was before oat milk lattes were on every menu, Tofurkey was easy to find on grocery shelves and plant-based meant more than just the bottom of a garden. Now that organic, healthy food is more popular than ever, the Sweet Potato is meeting the demand by expanding into its second location. This grocer is all about accessibility. The Sweet Potato caters to everyone following vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets, and it’s all without the overthe-top pricing typically found with high-quality food. “I was raised by a single mom who was really into organics and health foods, like, 30 years ahead of the trend,” says CEO Digs Dorfman, “and I watched

over the years as health foods became a privilege of the wealthy.” That’s why the Sweet Potato, according to Dorfman, is focused on finding food that is sourced both “cleanly and ethically as possible,” while also being grown as close to home as possible and made accessible to an entire community. The Sweet Potato’s second location is preparing to open this November near Bayview and Eglinton, just “a hop, skip and a jump” from where Dorfman went to high school. He labels the Leaside-Bayview area as a “very strong, tight-knit community” that mirrors the neighbourhood of the original location in the Junction. “We’re really excited to be a part of it. We think we’re going to provide something really special for the community.” — Megan Gallant

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Project: Fish is the new North York restaurant specializing in classic, aburi (flame-seared) and oshi (hand-pressed) sushi styles with elevated plating in a contemporary setting. What sets this spot in northern Toronto apart from the myriad other sushi spots across the city? Project: Fish offers its dine-in omakase tasting menus to go, so you can enjoy a curated chef ’s selection of the freshest, seasonal sushi it has to offer in the comfort of your home. The cool, upscale spot offers a space suited for a work lunch or bite with friends, with a menu that opts for quality over quantity. In terms of ambience, the huge windows offer plenty of sunlight for an open concept vibe that’s accented by hanging and wall-installed greenery as well as dangling light fixtures.

by Raquel Farrington

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Unique sushi and omakase in a modern setting

Yorkville’s Signature Address

LOOKING BACK Before you go ... take a gander at some of our latest T.O. throwback pics!

Follow along on Post City’s Instagram @streetsoftoronto every Thursday for more. JULY 2022 EDITION

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Yonge Street was at the height of its bustling and lively glory in the 1970s. The central artery of the city was an eclectic mix of bars, music venues, theaters, fast food joints, small retail shops and even smaller book shops.

2,221 likes Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Canada’s first indoor mall, was the answer to the city’s growing suburban population. Lines of customers gathered on its opening day in 1964, and before noon all of its 6,500 parking spots were filled!

488 likes

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Before the entire block was demolished by Eaton’s to make way for the chain’s flagship store and mall, the Eaton Centre, this was the view facing southwest down Yonge from Dundas in August 1972.

The epic downtown skyline is always an incredible sight to behold from the shores of the Toronto Islands. Many present-day, and very notable, fixtures hadn’t yet made their marks in this photograph from 1963.

509 likes On March 29, 1966, a 24-year-old Muhammad Ali defeated Toronto’s George Chuvalo during their World Heavyweight title fight at Maple Leaf Gardens. Ali would go on to praise Chuvalo, saying, ‘He is the toughest fighter I ever fought.’

946 likes A Presidents’ Conference Committee (PCC) Streetcar passes by the brand new Nathan Phillips Square in 1965. Before the square was constructed, the area, once known as St. John’s Ward, was home to the city’s first Chinatown.

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