Bayview Post April 2023

10 HOUSING GIANTS OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS ON WHETHER IT’S TIME TO SELL, HOLD OR BE BOLD!

16TH ANNUAL

REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE

The

Catching up with ace Jays broadcaster Joe Siddall

The Toronto Blue Jays are set to toss out the first pitch on another season that could end in another and much-deeper playoff run for the team. Bolstered by a few new and very talented players alongside the core of stars in Vladimir Guerrero, Bo Bichette and George Springer, the team is ready to contend for a championship right now. We checked in with award-winning Blue Jays broadcaster and former big league catcher, Joe Siddall, at spring training in Florida to ask about how the team is shaping up.

Anything surprising you at spring training this year, Joe?

You know, this might sound like an interesting answer. I haven't been surprised by a whole lot. But the reason I haven't been surprised by a whole lot is because I think this team is fairly set. And that's a great thing.

What makes you most excited about this young team?

I think the most exciting part of the future is the way that the Blue Jays organization has built this team, and it's taken time. But when you get to players the calibre of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., that basically arrive in the major leagues at the same time and spend their first six years in a Blue Jays uniform, at least, at the same time, that's remarkable.

Did the team disappoint last year?

You know, I thought for sure, if they didn't

make the playoffs, it would have been a major disappointment. I just assumed. And fans should have assumed they were making the playoffs last year, and they did. I've always said, when you enter October baseball, it's really a crapshoot. Anything can happen. I call it like a one-month tournament for the hottest teams, right? And we saw how it ended and it didn't end very well.

Do you think Vlady is primed for a bounce back this season?

I do. I do. When I look at the top of the batting order, I'm a big fan of saying, “Your horses have to run for you.” And for me, the horses in the Blue Jays lineup are right at the top: It's Springer, Bichette and Guerrero. And you could argue that they all had a bit of a step back last year. When I think of Vlady, I think of that MVP calibre season he had a couple of years ago. And I just think he is capable of that again, because it's a talent that people call generational talent. And I think they call it that for a reason. Because he just can do things that other people don't do. And Bo Bichette to me is a guy that I think is simply going to arrive this year. I see a batting title possibly in his future. I see an MVP challenge possibly in his future. I think Bo is ready.

What do you think of the new Rogers Centre?

I can't wait to see, just like a lot of players that I've talked to throughout spring training here. Everybody's really looking for-

ward to heading north to see the changes. The new players can't wait to see not only the new changes, but just the vibe in Toronto and in Canada. They know what it's like now, and they keep hearing from their teammates what it's like to basically play for a country. So I'm anxious personally to see the stadium and the renovations and, more than anything probably, that [gap in the] outfield wall that we keep hearing so much about.

What impact will that have, especially given the team’s new outfielders?

I think the outfield will be well-prepared. I mean, they won't know until they get there and see it and do it, but when you have as athletic of an outfield as they have, that's how you prepare for something like this. And I'm not sure if things coincided here, if they knew that they were going to build a quirky outfield like that [adding things like raised bullpens], so they upped their outfield defence, but I think the improvement in the outfield defence was to me job number one in the off-season.

What’s your prediction for the season?

I'm going to say that they win the American League East. And I think they're going to win the American League East with probably 96 wins, if I had to make a prediction. And I say that because they're a very deep team. They're there. They're good inside and out.

—Ron Johnson

25

The

147

The number of years the legendary Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has been held. This year, a Torontonian will be a judge.

111.4

The number of Spotify listeners, in the millions, for Toronto artist The Weeknd, setting a world record.

L-R: Award-winning Blue Jays Central broadcaster Joe Siddall, stars Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero

The cost, in billions, of a Vegas-style casino being built near Woodbine Racetrack set to open this summer.

$1

price that Premier Doug Ford admitted he paid to get a haircut at Walmart — he was not a fan.

$26

percentage of Drake and Justin Bieber Instagram followers that are fake according to a study.

Wanted: A mayor with a vision for the city

Former mayor John Tory was a nice guy. He was friendly and genuinely seemed to care about people, especially the city’s most vulnerable. But when it came time to do something about it, he always fell a bit short.

Such is always the case with what we might call a caretaker mayor.

Tory was elected following the roller-coaster run of the late former mayor Rob Ford, the Ford Nation OG who embarrassed the city and didn’t have a vision beyond not spending any money. Before Ford, there was David Miller, who, like him or not, was not short on ideas on how to make the city great. He proposed bold plans, and the city not only stood up and took notice, many followed suit and started to expand operations with other grand, creative ideas.

It seems that we are coming full circle, in a way, from creative visionary to chaotic to caretaking and back again. W hat the city needs is someone to be bold, to put people and the city first ahead of private companies, ahead of the automobile and out-of-town commuters and most definitely ahead of the province.

It’s Toronto’s time. As Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews says, we need to make it count.

The city has no end of prob-

lems: It’s broke. We have a housing crisis, a homelessness crisis, a drug crisis, a climate crisis. The list goes on. What we don’t need is someone who will expel political platitudes while not dealing with root issues. We need someone to address them and go beyond them to find creative solutions. To dream big.

That’s what I want in a mayor. If I hear one more person say they are going to work with all levels of government to make housing more affordable, I think I’m going to lose it. The city needs to take the lead.

We have a range of candidates already lined up to compete for the job of running Canada’s largest and best city.

Most, however, are following in the footsteps of conservative mayor John Tory. Will they set themselves apart with bold ideas for the future or paint themselves as carrying on the conservative tradition that has ushered in our current dilemma?

Enough with the caretaking. Enough with the austerity. We need a vision. We need someone to be bold here. It’s what Toronto deserves.

The mayoral election is scheduled for June 26

Greenbelt brouhaha heats up

When a topless protester stormed the stage mid-Avril, it might have been the most exciting thing to happen to the Juno Awards in years. It was also a clear indication that Ontarians are not ready to just let go of the Greenbelt and let the premier slice it up for development, housing crisis or no housing crisis. After all, there have been studies indicating there is more than enough

developable land in the GTA right now to get the job done and leave this important slice of natural heritage protection and farmland alone for future generations. In addition to protests on the streets, the opening up of the Greenbelt for development by Ford’s government is currently being investigated by the Ontario integrity commissioner.

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Isolating. Depressing. This is how one Torontonian described living in a condo in an 80-storey tower at Yonge Street and Bloor Street. Although everyone’s experience may be different, the area is quickly becoming one of the densest in Toronto and more so-called supertall towers are in the works.

A 94-storey “skinny” tower has most recently been proposed for the intersection, just west of the One tower that is also 94storeys. The new tower by Reserve Properties for 15-19 Bloor St. W. will rise 302 metres in height. It would be the fourth tallest tower in Toronto, behind three others that have already been approved – the One, at 338 metres; Sky Tower that has 105 storeys and will be 312.5 metres; and Forma’s west tower, which has 84 storeys and is 308 metres in height.

The latest proposed tower would host 1,262 residential units split between studios, at seven per cent of the units, one bedrooms at 48 per cent, two-

bedrooms at 36 per cent and three-bedrooms at 10 per cent.

There will be 70 parking spots and a bicycle parking space for each unit, as well as a gym and co-working space on the third floor and a lounge and party room on the 10th floor.

Although Yorkville is being built up, the rapid change has some feeling hesitant. Massimo Chiarella lived on the 13th floor of the Aura while in school in 2016–2017, and he said that living in a tall building’s condo is not all it’s cracked up to be.

At the time, the Aura was the tallest tower in the area, but that wouldn’t be the case for long.

Chiarella recalls looking out of his balcony watching the view slowly disappear as a taller tower was being built right in front.

“When I revisited the unit, the view was gone,” he said. “The view was just another massive tower.”

He said the densification of the area can impact quality of life by having construction around constantly, which, for

him, acted as an alarm clock every morning, waking him up with hammering and drilling. But that construction is what’s in store for Yorkville for quite a while longer as more towers are approved, along with renovations planned for the lower level of Yonge subway sta-

happen in the area could even be more intense than that of Yonge and Eglinton Avenue, the traffic of which has been at a standstill for years for the LRT transit line.

“There’s no question that there’s going to be a lot more development in Toronto, and it

Scollard Street, which was outright refused by the city.

The latter site was a small piece of land with little breathing room for so much density, City of Toronto staff had said in the report.

Senior city planner David Driedger, who is involved with the Yorkville area, said that Yorkville is broken up into four different zones that dictate the kind of development that should happen within them, scaled from one to four, with one being the most dense.

“This scaling has been put in place to ensure that there is a broader structure to the heights and densities and developments that we’re seeing within the downtown area,” Driedger said.

Bedford, who used to be Toronto’s chief city planner, envisions Yorkville to take shape a lot like a pie, with there being more density around the outer edges – the crust, if you will –and the inner filling being reserved to preserve the area’s village-like character. Already, Yorkville Park is set for an expansion to provide more green space and amenities to the masses moving into the area.

Driedger said that the city’s and province’s policies work to have “complete communities” that hold everything anyone would need on a day-to-day basis to make a livable neighbourhood.

tion to boost its capacity to handle the extra density moving in.

Community planning director for the Greater Yorkville Residents’ Association, Paul Bedford, said that densification around subway stations is unavoidable, especially after the province mandated growth where there is transit.

Residents are now bracing themselves for years of construction, Bedford said, with him personally feeling that the amount of construction that will

should be around subway stations,” he said. “But the question is, the magnitude and the scale and the context and the implications and the impacts, all those questions have to be addressed individually.”

He said that although some applications make sense, others are “frankly ridiculous,” pointing to a 29-storey tower proposed for 69 Yorkville Ave., where the Dynasty dim sum restaurant currently sits, or a 61-storey tower at Davenport Road and

Nevertheless, Chiarella contends that “macro-level planning” just isn’t high on developers’ priority list. They simply want to make the most units for the most money. Community spaces, like Yorkville Park, are ones he came to rely on for a sense of social connection, saying that living in the tower was “inherently isolating” and he didn’t know the names of any of his neighbours.

“If you ask me about any nicer area in Toronto and then pitch the idea of stacking a bunch of towers in there, I’ll probably say no,” he said. “It gets to the point where it becomes worse for everyone who lives in the towers.”

—Eric Stober

“When I revisited the unit, the view was gone. The view was just another massive tower.”

A block in Yorkville is set to have over 400 combined storeys: is this the future of Toronto?

A rendering of the condo proposed for 19 Bloor St. W., the One condo at 1 Bloor St. W., and the Aura tower

New election, same old ideas for city highways

With so many serious issues facing the city, it is interesting that the declared candidates for mayor find the status of Toronto’s highways the most pressing.

Former city councillor and mayoral candidate Ana Bailão wants to upload the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway to the province. Other candidates will probably call on those same highways to remain within the city’s remit so that they can be tolled. Since neither scenario is going to happen, both are equally safe bets. The reason that these two are nonstarters is because each initiative would need the blessing of the province.

Minister of Transportation

Caroline Mulroney has already stated emphatically that the province does not want the highways that we have to offer and it would, indeed, be a very strange day if the current government agreed to the city implementing tolls. Bailão’s claim that the provincial government will buckle under a mayoral mandate would be laughable if it wasn’t for its disingenuity. Then there is current city councillor and mayoral candidate Josh Matlow who wants to tear down the Gardiner. This

position is completely consistent with his entire career of fighting decisions that he doesn’t agree with and didn’t support. The fact that a decision has been made has never been a consideration for Matlow. For some reason, he believes that he, and he alone, holds the key to the “right” decision.

What is crystal clear is that Matlow has not recently driven on the Lakeshore between Parliament and Parkside, because one journey on that stretch during the afternoon hours would make him realize that the Lakeshore is so gridlocked it robs people of their humanity.

Tearing down the Gardiner would not add a few minutes to people’s commutes, it would paralyze Lakeshore and cost millions in daily lost productivity. Of course, Coun. Matlow’s solution to the nightmare on Lakeshore is a magical LRT that has no funding.

Hopefully there is a mayoral candidate that emerges with the wisdom to understand the issues they can impact and those they cannot.

Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney

KAREN STINTZ is a former city councillor and was a chair of the TTC.

What is really going on at Exhibition Place?

It probably never crossed your mind that there is a link between the cutting down of trees in the Osgoode Hall precinct and sports gambling. But I think there is.

Metrolinx is tasked with arranging construction of the Ontario rapid transit line, which starts just north of the Science Centre, linking to the Eglinton Crosstown, runs south through Riverdale, through the Distillery District, then along Queen Street from Parliament to Bathurst, then south to Exhibition Place. Construction will close this swath of Queen Street for about 10 years, causing enormous damage to the downtown.

Metrolinx says it must construct the Queen/University station within the Osgoode Hall precinct, perhaps the oldest heritage site in the city, hence the need to cut down many dozen mature trees. Other sites have been suggested for the station — the southwest or northwest corner, or in a realigned University Avenue itself — but Metrolinx refuses.

The purpose of the Ontario Line is to provide an alternative way of getting people east of Yonge Street to the downtown, relieving the Yonge Street subway, which will be heavily overloaded once it is extended far into York

this venue will probably become a gambling venue, much in the way that horse racing is really about gambling.

Sports gambling was not permitted in Canada in 2020, which is probably why members of Toronto City Council never saw this as a possible casino. But in 2021 a private member’s bill passed parliament amending the Criminal Code, allowing such activities. Premier Ford immediately jumped on the idea and has authorized virtually any international sports gambling company to operate here under conditions that have never been revealed. The Criminal Code still says gambling must be “controlled and managed” by the province and there’s a real question as to whether the province is controlling and managing these firms.

Region. It need not extend westerly from Yonge Street, but Premier Doug Ford has insisted that it continue on to Exhibition Place and the privatized Ontario Place.

Why? Because a new esports palace is about to be constructed at a cost of $500 million in Exhibition Place, directly across from the entrance to Ontario Place. The project was approved in 2020 as part of a grand plan for

Premier Ford wants this facility to be successful, hence his willingness to spend some $5 or $6 billion in public funds to extend the Ontario Line from Yonge Street to the facility’s front door to ensure lots of people get to it easily He sees big bucks for the province. Sports gambling in New York State was valued at $16.5 billion in 2022, with net annual revenue to the state of $900 million. There were 3.2 million unique users that year.

Exhibition Place. It contains a 7,000-seat hall and looks like a good place for rock concerts as well as esports competitions, something that has proved very popular.

The company involved is Overactive Media, which calls itself a “sports media and entertainment company.” It claims to own four major global esports franchises.

In Las Vegas, esports has also become part of the gambling industry, and one can imagine that

New York State has a population of just over 19 million, compared to Ontario’s 16 million, so the province will probably get total revenues from sports gambling of $750 million, with perhaps 2.5 million annual users Some three per cent of all gamblers are seriously addicted problem gamblers — which means some 75,000 people will be dragged under by this initiative.

And that is why, in my opinion, Metrolinx is so insistent on damaging our heritage and cutting down the trees in the Osgoode Hall precinct. Sports gambling, after all, is more important to the Ford government than any idea of mere heritage.

“A new esports palace is about to be constructed at a cost of $500 million.”

A rendering of the esports stadium proposed for Exhibition Place

JOHN SEWELL is a former mayor of Toronto.

ON ALL 2023 OUTDOOR FURNITURE FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL

Allegations of racism at local school

A shocking incident of antiBlack racism has resulted in a number of educators at John Fisher Junior Public School in north Toronto being pulled from the school following an incident in January when a Black student was allegedly locked up in a small room.

“On Thursday, March 2, TDSB [Toronto District School Board] staff learned about reports of serious acts of anti-Black racism at John Fisher JPS,” said TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird. “No child should experience what has been reported, and we apologize for the impact it has had on the student and their family.”

The child’s mother, Faridah — whose “last name is being omitted to protect the identity of the child” — alleged during a press conference that the most recent incident, when her son was locked in the room for 30 minutes, is one of many instances of racist behaviour at the midtown Toronto school.

“[Since September] my son has always come back crying and stressed, and he would say that he needs to be removed from the school,” she explained.

What followed was a long ordeal that saw her son being repeatedly separated from his

classmates to sit at a special desk and disciplined, as well as other incidents, including the use of an unsupervised isolation room.

According to advocacy group Parents of Black Children (PBC), two more parents have come forward alleging similar incidents happened at the same school to their children.

The new incidents had not yet been reported to the TDSB.

“We’ve had another parent come forward … about her child being sent to the office constantly and on a regular basis and also being locked, detained or imprisoned in this isolation room,” said Charline Grant, cofounder of PBC, speaking at a press conference.

“The little girl is Black. She’s a four-year-old little girl. And there’s another five-year-old whose mom came forward as well. Also Black.”

All three children attend John Fisher.

A TDSB investigation is underway, and Bird said that the school board is committed to taking the necessary steps on each action that is reported.

“During the investigation, the principal, vice-principal and a teacher have been put on home assignment.” —Ron Johnson

L-R: Advocate Charline Grant and John Fisher Junior Public School

ALL LL 202023 3 O OUTD T OOR F FUURNRNITITUURRE FO FOR R TH T E M MONTH OF F APRPRIIL L

Midtown homeless shelter extension?

A new Toronto Public Health report on deaths of people experiencing homelessness indicated that the city shelter strategy to house people experiencing homelessness in hotel spaces is working. The lease on one of those spaces, the Roehampton Hotel in midtown Toronto could be extended to 2024.

Originally, the lease was set to expire this spring, as a development has already been approved for the site, but according to the city, another year could be in the works.

According to the city, the Roehampton Shelter Hotel remains open and, as of March 19, 2023, there were 151 residents at the site.

"On February 7, 2023, Council approved the staff report ‘COVID-19 Shelter Transition and Relocation Plan Update 2023,’ which provided authority for staff to extend the leases at most temporary shelter sites until spring 2024. This includes the shelter at 808 Mt. Pleasant Road. Negotiations with the landlord are ongoing," said city spokesperson Anthony Toderian, via email.

The Roehampton site, like many of the city's hotel/homeless shelters, was not without its share of detractors from the local community when it first

opened, but since then, it has been successfully integrated into the community.

"The rollout was incredibly difficult. This city didn't implement it as well as they should have. There weren't the wraparound services and the supports necessary to make it successful when it first opened," said city councillor Josh Matlow, in whose ward the Roehampton is located. "And that's why I fought very hard to ensure that those services were

19. The sites currently make up 30% of the total spaces in the City’s shelter system and provide safe shelter to approximately 3,000 people each night," Toderian said. "A sudden reversal of these spaces is not recommended as it would cause significant disruption to the vital services delivered through the sites and to those who rely on them. Continuing use of temporary shelter sites also helps to respond to demand for shelter services, which remains significantly high."

Matlow said the city needs to do more, not less.

provided. And those resources were there and worked very closely with the community, the city staff, the mayor at the time, along with our school board, trustee and others, to make sure that we got what we need to make it a success."

But the hotel strategy, a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, could be winding down, despite the positive results.

"The City of Toronto is undertaking a gradual, phased approach to transition out of the temporary shelter sites established in response to COVID-

"The reality is there’s a homelessness crisis in the city, and people are dying in our streets, and they need a place to go. But that's just critically important. This is above and beyond even interacting or Roehampton versus any of the other hotel shelters are permanent shelters. But I also think there needs to be significant work done on improving all of these shelter spaces, because I'm not satisfied that they have the resources and support, even today, to make them into the safe and caring environments that the shelter clients need. There's a reason why so many people decide to stay in our parks, right?" Matlow said.

—Ron Johnson

“The reality is there’s a homelessness crisis in the city.”

L-R: The Roehampton Hotel homeless shelter, city councillor Josh Matlow

Private club to replace Wrigley Factory

The development of a proposed private club at the old site of a gum factory on Leslie Street has evolved to include tearing down much of the building and creating a fresh six-storey space.

Joining the growing list of members-only private clubs in and around the city is the Phoenix Centre, in Toronto’s Don Mills neighbourhood. Part office complex, part social club, the property is situated on a whopping 4.6 hectares of land, with plans for the development to occur over two phases.

Located at 1123 Leslie St., near the corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East, the club will replace an existing office building and factory complex, and the space currently occupied by OTT Financial will remain.

The club will be owned and operated as a not-for-profit and include a variety of recreational, social, dining and business functions.

In a cover letter contained within the development application submitted to the City of Toronto late last year, the team behind the project outlined revisions to its original vision following consultations with the city.

“The development proposal

continues to contemplate the retention of the office building; however, the new proposal contemplates the demolition of the manufacturing/warehouse buildings to allow for the construction of a new private notfor-profit club, that is proposed to be 6-storeys,” it stated.

“Overall, the proposed application contemplates a total GFA [gross floor area] of approximately 42,654 square metres.”

In 2019, the office building, which was originally constructed in 1962, was recommended for inclusion on the City of Toronto Heritage Register.

According to a city report, “1123 Leslie Street was constructed for the William Wrigley Jr. Company. Built at a cost of $3,500,000, the factory was one of two factories built as part of an international expansion (a sister plant was built in West Germany) (Associated Press 1962).”

The project will be helmed by the esteemed architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, which has been involved in the design of some of the world’s tallest buildings, including the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea.

— Jennifer Schembri

A rendering of the proposed private club on Leslie Street

Introducing the Hangar District

A shortage of studio space has been clipping the local film industry’s wings in recent years, but the first phase of a massive mixed-use redevelopment of Toronto’s Downsview Airport could help.

Dubbed the Hangar District for its creative reuse of the soonto-be decommissioned airport’s hangars, it’s the first phase of Northcrest and Canada Lands Company’s ambitious 520-acre id8 Downsview project. The inaugural phase would incorporate 1.5 million square feet of new studio space and offices in the aerospace facilities in addition to delivering 2,800 residential units in future buildings up to 14 storeys.

“Toronto is turning away hundreds of millions of dollars in film production every year — simply because we don’t have the space — so we’re really excited to be part of that story and part of that industry, which is booming,”

Chris Eby, executive vice-president of Northcrest Developments, said.

Although Toronto’s film industry generates billions of dollars for the economy, soundstage capacity has been a problem for some time, and, to Eby, using the aircraft hangars to establish a film-studio campus just made sense to Northcrest, which was created by the Public Sector Pen-

sion Investment Board (PSP Investments) shortly after it purchased 370 acres of land at Downsview from Bombardier, in 2018 (Canada Lands owns the remaining 150 acres).

“They [the hangars] are unique in the sense that they’re these big, wide-open spaces with these very high ceilings and with these massive doors in both front and back, which allows you to move things out with relative ease,” he said. However high the need for more studios and labs in Toronto

units and attract a workforce of about 45,000, resulting in a daytime population of approximately 120,000 people.

“It’s the same size as Guelph,” said Eby. “We will be a mid-sized Ontario city, if you like,” he added. “We’re really talking about a city within a city.”

For context, the downtown highrise CityPlace neighbourhood contains 12,000 units.The id8 Downsview project aims to “preserve the legacy” of the airport’s two-kilometre runway by transforming it into a pedestrianfocused boulevard lined with retail, housing, schools and parks.

is, perhaps no shortage captures more local headlines than housing. On that front, the id8 Downsview project could contribute tens of thousands of new homes. The Hangar District is just one of 10 new neighbourhoods imagined in the development proposal, which is contingent on the approval of a secondary plan submitted in early 2022 as well as a district-specific application handed into the City of Toronto last May.

If the development is completed as envisioned, by 2051 it would encompass close to 50,000

“It effectively becomes the connective tissue for the entire site. It’s the thing that connects all neighbourhoods and does it in a way that creates this lively, vibrant urban environment,” Eby said.

Northcrest hopes to have approvals from Toronto City Council for the secondary plan sometime in 2024, with the district plan to follow three to six months later.

“The mixed-use aspect here is critical — it’s not just about housing. It’s about having access to parks, having access to jobs, to cultural attractions, [and] to entertainment,” said Eby. “If we’re going to be able to attract the top talent to come here, that’s the mix we think we need.”

Josh Sherman

“It’s the same size as Guelph. We will be a mid-sized Ontario city.”

A rendering of the repurposed airplane hangars at Downsview

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What’s good around the ’hood

Smythe’s storefront, at 1116 Yonge St., looked a little different this past month. The womenswear brand launched a hand-painted, limited edition collection with graffiti artist Chiara Catalano, all in support of the Women, Life, Freedom movement. The collection is being auctioned off online from March 30 to April 2, and the brand will donate 100 per cent of proceeds to Amnesty International's work in Iran.

Andrews is making a move in Yorkville, but it’s not going far! The upscale womenswear retailer is moving upstairs from its former location in Yorkville Village as part of the brand’s new experiential strategy. The new location at 55 Avenue Rd. is 4,000 square feet, features arched statement windows and offers private shopping, styling and alteration services.

Pandoughra’s Box recently opened at 711 Mount Pleasant Rd., bringing to midtown delicious cookie dough and cookies, such as the nostalgia-filled Dunkaroo dip cookie. After ecommerce ventures, pop-ups, production kitchens and more, the cookie shop is ready to find a permanent home in Toronto.

Holt Renfrew Men is moving back into its former home — the luxury retailer’s flagship location just down the road. The current men’s store moved from the flagship to a stand-alone location at 100 Bloor St. W. in 2014. Now, it’s returning back into the flagship at 50 Bloor St. W., occupying part of the 30,000-square-foot third floor.

Paris Baguette recently announced their expansion into Canada, and the first location in the country just opened in the Yonge Sheppard Centre. Offering specialty coffees by Lavazza and baked treats, the new location at 4841 Yonge St. covers 2,300 square feet and seating for up to 20 guests. The brand plans on expanding further in Ontario over the next year.

Lucullus Bakery, known for its traditional Hong Kong buns and pastries, is expanding south to Fairview Mall! With locations in Markham and Richmond Hill, the GTA has been enjoying Lucullus classics such as egg tarts, Hong Kong–style cheesecake and pineapple buns since 1991. Now, Toronto will get a chance to try these classic bakery items at 1800 Sheppard Ave. E.

Graffiti artist Chiara Catalano hand-painted Smythe’s new collection

CRIME NEWS

TIME OF DAY WHERE WHEN TIME OF DAY MARCH 1 CLANTON PARK RD. AND BRETT AVE. 5 P.M. YONGE ST. AND CLARK AVE. 5 P.M. STEELES AVE. W. AND TANGREEN CT. 5 P.M. MARCH 2 YONGE ST. AND GOLFDALE RD. 6 A.M. BARWICK DR. AND SANDRINGHAM DR. 2 P.M. YONGE ST. AND MERTON ST. 9 P.M. MARCH 3 CHAPLIN CRES. AND DUNCANNON DR. 9 A.M. SOUDAN AVE. AND COWBELL LN. 6 P.M. DAVENPORT RD. AND MCMURRICH ST. 10 P.M. MARCH 4 FISHERVILLE RD. AND RUSSFAX DR. 4 A.M. REDPATH AVE. AND BROADWAY AVE. 6 P.M. BAYVIEW AVE. AND KILGOUR RD. 7 P.M. EVITA CT. AND GOLFER’S GATE 9 P.M. MARCH 5 TOWNSGATE DR. AND BRIGHTON PL. 9 P.M. MARCH 6 YORKVILLE AVE. AND BELLAIR ST. 5 A.M. HEATH ST. W. AND YONGE ST. 5 A.M. GREENFIELD AVE. AND WILLOWDALE AVE. 5 A.M. BURNETT AVE. AND BANGOR RD. 8 A.M. GLENGOWAN RD. AND GARLAND AVE. 8 P.M. SUMMERHILL AVE. AND SUMMERHILL GDNS 10 A.M. MARCH 7 HUMBERSTONE DR. AND BALES AVE. 12 A.M. AVENUE RD. AND TRANBY AVE. 3 A.M. SHEPPARD AVE. W. AND DON RIVER BLVD. 3 A.M. BATHURST ST. AND PALM DR. 7 A.M. BATHURST ST. AND CEDARCROFT BLVD. 11 P.M. MARCH 8 RISEBROUGH AVE. AND CONACHER DR. 3 A.M. MARCH 9 DEVONDALE AVE. AND CLARKHILL ST. 4 A.M. YORK VALLEY CRES. AND MAY TREE RD. 2 P.M. WETHERBY CIR. AND WOLVERHAMPTON PL. 5 P.M. SHEPPARD AVE. E. AND BONNINGTON PL. 8 P.M. OVERBROOK PL. AND GARTHDALE CT. 9 P.M. MARCH 10 YONGE ST. AND MONTGOMERY AVE. 12 A.M. ST. HILDAS AVE. AND ALDBURY GDNS. 4 P.M. DUDLEY AVE. AND CLARK AVE. 6 P.M. MARCH 11 BLUE FOREST DR. AND CANDIS DR. 8 A.M. ALEXANDRA BLVD. AND HEATHER ST. 7 P.M. OAKBURN CRES. AND HARRISON GARDEN BLVD. 10 A.M. SOMMERSET WAY AND DORIS AVE. 2 P.M. SHEPPARD AVE. W. AND MAXWELL ST. 5 P.M.

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ROUNDTABLE

THE TV HOST:

SEBASTIAN CLOVIS

Co-Host, HGTV Canada; Principal, Clovis Contracting

THE SALES PRO:

BARRY COHEN

President, RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc.

THE BUILDER:

ODEEN ECCLESTON

Co-founder, WE Developments; Broker of Record, WE Realty Inc.

THE DESIGNER:

BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN

Principal, Gluckstein Design; Author

THE BROKER:

MICHAEL KALLES

President, Harvey Kalles

THE PLANNER:

JENNIFER KEESMAAT

Partner, Markee Developments; CEO, The Keesmaat Group

THE CONDO KING:

BRAD LAMB Developer, Lamb Development; President, Brad J. Lamb Realty

THE PLACEMAKER:

JAY PITTER

Principal Placemaker, Jay Pitter Placemaking; Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo

THE DRAGON:

MICHELE ROMANOW

Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den; Co-founder, Clearco

THE BANKER:

BENJAMIN TAL

Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC World Markets Inc.

POST: As we traditionally do each year, we will kick things off with a state of the market update from the country's top real estate economist, Benjamin Tal.

BENJAMIN TAL: Thank you very much. I'm going to divide my brief comments into three parts. The first part will be about inflation. The second part will be about inflation.

The third part will be … you got it, about inflation, because if you want to say something about the real estate market, you have to have a narrative about inflation. But I will tell you, at the end of the day, this is not about inflation. This is about the cost of bringing inflation down to two per cent. This is the target.

You give the Bank of Canada two options. One is a recession, the other is inflation. They will take a recession any day.

And what's interesting, households in Canada and the U.S. believe that the most credible source of information about inflation is social media. Not a joke. Social media is perceived to be the most credible source of information regarding inflation. So think about it for a second. The Bank of Canada is trying to figure out where inflation is going and what we are thinking about inflation, and we are influenced by social media.

So it means that the Bank of Canada is influenced by social media directly and indirectly. There's good news. The good news is that the Bank of Canada has a Twitter account. The bad news is that nobody is following them, which means that the Bank of Canada cannot tweet its way out of inflation. They have to show us, they have to make sure that we understand that they mean business, and that's why they're so militant in their language and their actions.

So now let's talk about interest rates because inflation will be going clearly slowly from seven per cent to four per cent by May or June. That's almost a given. The trick is to move from four per cent to two per cent.

The Bank of Canada is at 4.5 per cent now. They want to stop. I beg them to stop, because I think they're overshooting. Monetary policy in the U.S. is not as effective as in Canada. The tiny Bank of Canada is more powerful than

our incredible sponsor

the mighty Feds for two reasons. One is our mortgages are for five years, their mortgages are for 30 years.

You have to go back to 2008. The U.S. went through the model of deleveraging during the financial crisis. We didn't because it was not our recession. We were basically second-hand smokers back then, which means that we now have more debt. When you have more debt, you're more sensitive to higher interest rates. How sensitive? I estimate that one per cent increase by the Bank of Canada is equivalent to two per cent increase by the Feds. But this is not the whole story.

And that's why, when I meet with the Bank of Canada — and I meet with the Bank of Canada very often, unfortunately — I tell them, enough is enough. You are overshooting already. Stop now. I think they would like to stop, and it seems that they're stopping after maybe another 0.25 per cent, and I hope they won't raise rates again because we are very close to overshooting, but it's there.

POST: Barry, with boots on the ground from a sales perspective, what are you seeing?

BARRY COHEN: I'm seeing lots and lots of confusion. I'm seeing it from the sellers who are trying to pick the high point in which they can obtain. I'm seeing it from the buyers who are trying to pick the low point. And I'm seeing it from the agents, because the majority of the population of real estate agents have never experienced a rate change such as we just endured. And there's really been nothing since the early '90s and the early '80s. So, you know, it’s a problem.

I think our last rate hike was 0.5 per cent. And what that did was, I believe it signalled to the real estate community that all these rate hikes are over. And it may not be over, but it's certainly a whole lot better.

January's stats were not bad, but February, when we look back at the year, will be marked as the turning point, because we have communities that have not experienced any drop in price. We have other communities that have had as much as 35 per cent. There's price levels where they’re having 20 and 30 offers at

The RE/MAX Collection.

a time.

Now, it might be a combination of agents underpricing, but it's usually more about the market and the demand. That's very true in the $2 million range. But in the higher range, where I work commonly, I'm seeing multiple offers in 35 per cent of my transactions. So people are more optimistic. Condos are lagging behind detached. Detached homes are recovering better.

POST: Brad and Jennifer, the average detached price in Toronto for a house is over $1.3 million, and the average rent for a one bedroom is around $2,300. The city is trying to solve affordability by increasing supply, speeding up permitting processes and allowing for greater density. Is this strategy working?

JENNIFER KEESMAAT: Well, the first thing I'll say is the strategy hasn't really come to fruition yet. So, as a strategy, adding more supply, we have an incredible mismatch still today with respect to the amount of housing that we're building, and the amount of housing that we need. And it's not just the city that's trying to expedite planning approvals, it's also the province that's trying to do that as well.

We're having conversations right now about things like opening up some of the sacred cows in the city, like single-family zoning, in order to enable more density, more missing middle housing, six-, eight-, 10-storey buildings in those neighbourhoods. In the fullness of time, that will absolutely have an impact on supply. Our transit-oriented communities around our key rapid transit stations, in the fullness of time, will have an impact as well, but we're not really feeling any of that yet.

And the risk right now is that — given what's happening with interest rates and given what happened over the past two years with construction costs during the pandemic — is that there's a lot of developers that are actually sitting and waiting right now at a moment when we need more supply than we've ever needed before.

What follows is an unscripted and unrehearsed discussion involving 10 of Toronto’s leading experts on real estate. In partnership with the Rotman School of Management. Special thanks to

BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN: I think we're going to see the ability to expedite laneway housing much quicker, and the official plan will recognize that and make it more affordable. We're gonna see a lot of companies build modular laneway housing, so there's a format for them. I think we're also going to see young people who are not my age and remember 20 per cent and 18 per cent interest rates come to the conclusion that maybe it was an anomaly that interest rates were 1.5 per cent and two per cent and readjust their thinking that three and four and five is the reality and even if it's three, live as if it's five. It's still the best investment. We're not getting young people investing in equities, but they'll invest in a mortgage. So, for the future, this may be the best investment they're ever gonna make.

JENNIFER CONTINUED: So we have this convergence of two really significant risk factors, which is that we have a lot of talk about a new approach to delivering housing supply, but it’s not happening yet.

And now that I'm a developer, I'm deep in the thick of it and experiencing that at a very personal level. On the flip side of that, in the real estate market there's a lot of confusion. We are meeting with capital partners, construction partners. Some of them are going full steam ahead, and some of them are sitting back and waiting.

There's a lot of different approaches being taken, but the real risk right now is that some of the policy changes that you're hearing about that are in the pipeline, they're going to take years to come to fruition to lead to a new home being built in the city. And we're so far behind that that presents continued risk. So affordability, is it going to get better in the city in the near future? Absolutely not.

JAY PITTER: I'd just like to add to the idea of risk. Along with the risk, we should be considering the fact that some of our greatest risk is the lack of political will and political imagination. We don't actually have a strategy on the table right now. We're not getting into the specificities pertaining to what kind of supply we are talking about here. What kind of housing mix are we looking at? And the fact that the province, which is corrupt, had to step in to force the hand of the municipality to move and advance housing units forward, that's a major risk right there, because you can have policy in place, but without political will and political imagination — and dare I say political intelligence — we're not going to move forward in a good way.

Work from home is now three days in the office, making buying outside of the city a challenge. What are you hearing from this cohort, and what advice would you give them?

ODEEN ECCLESTON: Well, it's interesting that you mentioned the young people, because about a year ago, of course, as we all know, we were at this peak where it was really unsustainable. It was nonsensical, and it was downright scary in some ways, especially for young people in terms of affordability. And my heart goes out to the young people who decided to jump in at that time. Fast-forward to now, things are more balanced, but for young people, they need the right team. They need to be open to collaboration, and they need to be, frankly, open to sacrifice.

ODEEN ECCLESTON: It's going to get a little bit worse before it gets better. And I think that we're going to see places that have been declining in the past six months, mostly the 905, take an opportunity to rebound. But for the most part, I think it's going to be much of the same with the inflation until we get to, I think Benjamin said at the beginning, closer to the two per cent. The government's going to do what they need to do in order to curb inflation. So I think that that indicates that it might indeed be an incremental interest rate hike. And then, as I said, it will get worse. But then as they succeed in curbing the inflation, then the market will perhaps even go bonkers again.

BRAD LAMB: I don't think the city is making any effort on that strategy. I think the province has more or less put a gun to the city’s head to do something about it. I think because that gun has been put to their head, by changing a lot of the legislation and forcing the city to do some things, they are begrudgingly doing some things. But the average time for me, from buying a property to getting it rezoned for highrise or mid-rise, is four years, which is way too long. Which means that it takes us eight to nine years all in to finish a building, from buying the land and moving very, very quickly to get started. That’s almost a decade from when you buy a property to complete it and give people their keys. It's a disaster, and it's not going to get any better. Developers are — Jennifer is right about this — developers are sitting on sites. They're not buying sites. They're not spending money.

And so, we’ll have this year and a half, according to Benjamin, of this disaster where the rates are. Plus you can add another two years of supply just because of the delays of getting to the market. So what we're going to have in a year and a half is a monstrous housing crisis where prices are going to be significantly higher.

We're not stopping bringing people into the country. We're bringing, not just 500,000 new permanent residents a year. It's more like 900,000 people a year [which includes temporary workers, refugees, students], and we can't even come close to building a third of the housing they need.

BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN: When we talk about building more condominiums, that is not affordable housing. So when a 600square-foot unit is $900,000, that's not affordable housing. If you want a family to live in the city, they're not living in 600 square feet. Maybe they have to live in 900 or 1,200 square feet. That's $1.7 million. That's not affordable housing, nor are condominiums secure housing for renters. We can build all the condos we want, but that's not secure.

First of all, it's not affordable and it's not secure for people who are going to rent for the rest of their lives, because there is no security that the person owning the condominium isn't going to sell it at some point and can increase it to whatever level they want, whatever is allowable. Between interest rates, maintenance costs, taxes, what an investor has to pay and get from the tenant, we're not talking about affordable housing.

The only way we can build affordable housing is if we build purpose-built rental housing. And the only way we can build that is if the government partners with developers to donate the land and make concessions to the taxes on these buildings, so they can secure low interest rates for the long term. That's the only way we're going to do it. You cannot pay for the land we have in Toronto. And no developer will build affordable housing for a $1,200-a-month apartment or $1,800. It's not possible.

POST: Michele and Odeen, young people can't seem to win. House prices came down but interest rates went up.

I often encourage my client base to team up young people. I represent sometimes two and three young people at a time, you know, just really dabbling in fractional ownership. It's just get in wherever you can fit in, I tell them, and then sacrifice, it's really about — we're in a world-class city, right? — a lot of young people, if they want to get in, they have to start saving from very young. They might want to be in a particular neighborhood, but just to start investing, maybe invest in the 905, which I'm a huge proponent of.

MICHELE ROMANOW: I think it's gonna be very difficult for young people right now. You are 100 per cent right. It feels like every piece has converged to make it more and more difficult. I think, in the stats that we've seen, almost all young homebuyers have come with parents that have helped them with down payments or family money that has helped them to do that.

But at the same time, I'm an entrepreneur and a founder. Life is always kind of difficult and moving against you. It's one of those things where you have to look where everyone is not going, right? It might not be your perfect dream area. It might be, you know, making a lot of sacrifices to save up. It might be buying a place with other people. It might be airbnb-ing your place when you leave for the weekend. All of those, I think, are very real now for young buyers because interest rates are in very different places. Prices are down hopefully a little bit, but we haven't seen supply come back up.

JAY: I just wanna disrupt the sacrifice narrative for just a moment, because, as stated by my colleague here, really, if you're a young person, you can only really get into the market if you come from a family with intergenerational wealth. I was able to, as a young professional and a young single mother, purchase my first home at 30 years old.

My story is not possible in today's market, regardless of sacrifice. I understand the sentiments of sacrifice. I made those sacrifices, again as a single mom at 30 years old, and the fact that within my lifetime that option with sacrifice and hard work is no longer possible that really undermines the promise of the city and our status as a world-class city.

MICHAEL KALLES: Just to talk a little bit about the marketplace. The press is having a field day with real estate right now, right? It's an unfair comparison. I think it's important to focus on where we are now. Since January 25, when we received the smallest increase from the Bank of Canada, I believe it was from 4.25 per cent to 4.5 per cent, we've had 34 per cent of our list-

ings sell at or above asking. So you're seeing buyers are coming off the sidelines. But we also have to focus on population. We've talked about numbers between 500 and 1 million new Canadians' need for where to live, where to eat, and we need to focus on infrastructure. There's a great anecdote. There's a tower that was built, Aura, 80 stories high at Yonge and College, took eight years from conception to completion, and today houses 1,800 people. That population is almost equivalent to how many people move to Ontario every 24 hours. So it gives people an understanding that prices have nowhere to go but up. That's really where we are right now. Even the slightest uptick in demand is going to drive prices up.

BRAD: Can I just make a quick comment about young people?

When I was 24 in 1986, a long time ago, I got the idea that I wanted to get into real estate. I didn't have any money. I was an engineer. I was making $20,000 a year. My brother worked for IBM, he was making $30,000 a year. My

younger brother was finishing his last year of university. So I convinced my brothers to buy something. We couldn't afford anything in Toronto. We lived in Oakville.

So, we went out to London to look. And the three of us, I had saved $1,200 in two years of working, and I lived at my parents' house. My older brother had a rental apartment, he was actually married, and he had $1,200 in savings. And my dad kicked in $1,200 from my younger brother. And the three of us scraped together $3,600 to buy what seemed like an impossible task for us, a $24,000 townhouse in London, Ontario.

Now, we couldn't afford to live in the townhouse because we didn't have enough money. So, we rented the townhouse for $700 a month. And we kept that townhouse for two years and we sold it for $50,000. And then we had capital of about $30,000. Still couldn't afford anything in Toronto. We bought four townhouses together in London. And that's how I started my real estate career from that one transaction. And it was as exceptionally difficult to do as it is today.

So it's BS that young people cannot get in the market. You can get in the market. It's lies, OK? You can't buy your dream home at 24 years old. You can buy a tiny box apartment in a small town like Welland.

BRIAN: Don't hold back. Tell us what you really think.

A new year-round public market, combined with valet parking for bikes and micro-retail will make this a new hub in the Annex. The mix of unit types, combined with the addition of affordable housing, means this rental housing will be a great new option for families who want the convenience of urban living and who want to live without a car.

The refurbishment of the GO station in Mimico is unleashing a flurry of new development that has a strong emphasis on placemaking, walking and neighbourhood retail. Mimico is having a glowup, becoming walkable and urban.

Given the investment in the Ontario Line, which has now broken ground, Corktown is about to become one of the most transit-rich neighbourhoods in the country. Add in proximity to the new and improved St. Lawrence Market, the Distillery District and the new housing being built here, this already remarkable hub is only getting better.

Everyone should have their eye on Downsview — which is about to become a new heart to the city. With exceptional subway access and a bold vision that uses the existing runway as an anchor for public spaces and gatherings, this new community, upon full build out, will have a population larger than Guelph. It is being designed as a place for people, for walking, for leisure and for living and might just hold the clue to the future city.

ODEEN: I think that I land somewhere in the middle between Brad's perspective and Jay’s perspective here. Because I was going to say that it's difficult, but difficult isn't impossible, right? So I agree with you. I think there's a sense of entitlement sometimes with young people, but the bottom line is I'm representing these young people, right? And I know that it's difficult, but it's possible. And yes, sacrifice is just the nature of it. And in theory, that perhaps shouldn't be the case, but that just … it is what it is.

MICHELE ROMANOW: My prediction is the city is going to have to get out of its own way. I think many people pointed out some very good things, but you cannot bring this many immigrants in, have this many rules, make it this difficult to build a house, make it this difficult to rezone and not have great civil unrest. And so, even with declining interest rates, which are hard to know if we're gonna get to, you still have pricing that is way too high that is only going up based on where we are on the supply-demand scale. And the second thing is I hope we make use of repurposing all of our office buildings that I don't think are gonna be used 100 per cent for offices. I mean, we can even share office space now.

I am biased, of course, as I’m its developer, but the Tyndale Green neighbourhood on Bayview will add a new “green” hub to North York, with the addition of a 1.7-acre public park fronting Bayview that connects into another 34 acres of green space adjacent to the ravine. For people who want the amenity of living not far from the subway, but in a truly pastoral setting with new neighbourhood amenities such as a daycare and a café/market, this is going to be a different option for living in Toronto.

JAY: Hey, listen. I grew up in public housing, so I know a ton about sacrifice. My grandmother came to this country as a seamstress, worked in a horribly hot hotel laundromat, bought our family's first home in Little Jamaica, as a matter of fact. And then my family ended up moving into public housing.

I definitely understand sacrifice, and I think that you're absolutely correct that there's a generation that may not be willing to make some of the sacrifices that our parents made and our grandparents made.

MICHAEL KALLES: Well, we've talked a lot about the housing crisis, but I want to spend a moment on talking about housing as an investment. I wanna talk about the fact that, if you have purchased a home and stayed in it for seven years, and you've done so in the last 62 years, you've made money. And there's a definition of what a great investment is. It's an average return over a longer-than-average period of time, and that is the definition of housing. People who buy stocks … why they call them day traders [is because] they don't stay in them for many years. So I think people have to recalibrate their mind as to what housing is. And it's not just an investment. You do get the bonus and benefit of living in the home and raising your family.

JAY CONTINUED: But what I'm saying is that it's not about giving up that latte and the kinds of sacrifices that need to be made. Even what Brad said about the fact that they couldn't afford to live in that house where they purchased. Some people don't have a family home to live in and have a secondary home.

So there is still a degree of privilege and family support and intergenerational wealth and knowledge and spatial entitlement even to understand that you have a place in the market. Some of that perspective, that anyone can do it, it's highly privileged and it is not … it doesn't relate to on-the-ground realities in many racialized communities and people who've been intergenerationally poor.

BRAD: First of all, that's an amazing story and it's very aspirational. I'm not suggesting that every person in this country can own a home. Every person in any country cannot afford a home. There are some people that are never gonna be able to afford a home. And there's a responsibility for us as citizens to try to help them through taxation and building affordable housing. I'm

not denying any of that. It's not a realistic illusion to believe that 100 per cent of Canadians can buy a home. There's always gonna be some, probably 50 or 60 per cent, that rent. And we need to do the best we can to provide all kinds of rental housing. But if you're a young person today and you're willing to work hard and you have a job and you have a reasonable education where you can make reasonable money, expect your income to grow. I'm saying any Canadian in that category can buy a home in this country and eventually get the home of their dreams. It took me 20 years to get the home of my dreams.

BARRY: But you also have these homes. If you look back to when my grandparents and parents bought, they were building houses with side entries, side doors. They were rented out, and they subsidized the buyer who could now afford to buy a house and rent out the basement. And, hey, the home became affordable. I think we need to mandate that. It also provides quick shelter for renters who can't get into the city.

POST: Jay and Brian, there's a concern that, with all the new development, Toronto might be losing its charming character. How do we build more housing and preserve the city's history?

BRIAN: Well, we've got some problems with architecture in this city. I mean, it's unfortunate. We won't get into that one. But one comment I want to make. We have a client that is worth many billions of dollars and started off very poor. And her parents, you know, rented a house, and then they bought a house, and they rented every room, every room. I'm talking the living room, the bedrooms, everything.

She said to me, "We were so excited when we moved into the house of my parents." The father was a tailor. The mother worked in a dry cleaner. And she said, "My sister and I were so excited because we finally got our own room." She said, "Years later, we realized it was the hall."

But as far as the charm of the city, one of the problems we're doing in our city is we're building almost at zero lot lines. We're building towers that are assaulting us at the sidewalk and we're not setting them back. There's no … you know, you go to Paris and you go to London and you have … I mean, the cafés, we won't talk about the cafes on the street. But that's another story. But there are trees and setbacks and charm and parks and things like that.

And it seems like right now we're building walls of towers down the streets. And every time I see one go up, I'm like, "What are we thinking that we're building these 15 feet from the curb?" The problem is, so much of the product coming on the market is investor-driven.

Investors don't care what the building looks like. Many of them don't even live in the city, let alone care about it. You want to build 80 storeys? Well, your site allows 50 storeys. We'll give you 10 more, 20 more if you push it back, build more green space, schools, daycare centres, retail that's not fast food chains and dry cleaners.

JAY: You know what's terrible for the charm and the character of our city? The unaffordability. That's not charming. People who are unhoused. That's not charming. People trading sex for rent. That is not charming. And so, I think that if we're really invested in protecting the charm and the character of this city, we would resolve those structural issues and really advance intensification in neighborhoods.

JENNIFER KEESMAAT: One thing I know for sure is that we're getting a new mayor in this city. That's going to happen for sure. And in the best-case scenario we'll build on the momentum of the past couple of years. We've been seeing a real shift when we go out to public consultations. The people who don't want new housing are drowned out by people who do want affordable housing in their neighbourhood. People do want rental housing in their neighbourhood, because most people in this city are pretty much one degree of separation from someone who struggles with housing.

So on the planning side, I am hopeful that, in this mayoral campaign, there's some great candidates that are coming forward. My hope is that there'll be a real conversation and debate about the importance of housing so that we can continue on this trajectory of beginning to make it easier to build affordable housing, particularly on government-owned land but also building incremental housing, those five-, six-storey buildings in existing neighborhoods where it's more likely that we can build affordable supply and also purpose-built rentals. I think we're on the cusp of really significant change, and the opportunity associated with that is that less people will struggle.

Think Toronto’s market is bad? See how we compare against some of the biggest cities worldwide, based on the average home price in each. Averages are based on the most recent housing data available in each city (converted to Canadian dollars).

BENJAMIN TAL: Economically speaking, I think that the inflation panic will ease. Over time, spring, summer, I think that people will not be talking about inflation so much. I think that the short-term interest rates, the prime rate, variable rates will remain relatively stable during the course of the year as I suggested. But the five-year rate will start easing slowly. Everybody will be talking about the recession over the next six months. But if we get a recession, in my opinion, it will be a wannabe recession. It will not be a real recession because in a real recession you need blood in the labour market, the unemployment rate to rise. I don't see it happening because we have all those vacancies.

And remember, the consumer is sitting on $350 billion of excess savings that will buffer the economy from a real recession. Assuming that the Bank of Canada will not overshoot the housing market, the rate of change will slow, which means that things will start to stabilize by spring, and by summer I think that the market will stabilize. It will not pick up in any significant way because more supply will come into the market, but I don't see the rate at which it has been declining as sustainable.

JAY CONTINUED: The second point that I'll make is that a lot of heritage planners are actually weaponizing this diversity language, saying that, you know, we need to maintain the character of Indigenous places and places where racialized people live. To be clear, heritage planning doesn't give a sh** about racialized people and Indigenous peoples. Most of the character that is recognized in the city is linked to cultures that are European. Using the argument of maintaining character in this moment to block housing development is insidious and disingenuous. And if you ask most people who are racialized if they prefer to have a plaque or keep a building in place or if they would like shelter over their heads, I'm pretty sure that 10 out of 10 or 100 per cent of those individuals would say that they would like housing.

JENNIFER: So I'm gonna pull an Odeen move here and try to bridge what Jay and Brian just said. It won't be easy, but I'm going to try, because, on the one hand, we want great places with great investment and material quality, and we want a beautiful tree canopy. We want to be Paris, we want to be western Europe. And on the other hand, I think Jay's point should be well taken: that seeing people living in tents, let's talk about character. Nothing destroys the fabric of this city more than knowing that our fellow citizens simply don't have a roof over their head, are cold in the winter, are stuck on the streets and vulnerable to the weather in a winter city. There's this phenomenal kind of tension between those two spaces of wanting more housing built more quickly. One of the reasons why housing doesn't get built more quickly is because we're fussing over things like what Brian was asking for, setbacks and the tree canopy, and ensuring that we're getting geothermal into our buildings, which is two thumbs up and very good, but it adds time delays, it adds cost delays, it impacts the affordability of housing.

So the question really is, is there some kind of space that we can occupy in between, where we are recognizing that the way we design and build the city is a longterm legacy that we leave our children, but on the flip side, we've done a bunch of things very wrong? We know that, because there are people in our city who are unhoused, and I'm glad that Brad acknowledged that.

BRIAN: OK. I really object to the idea that

you can't have a green city, a lively city with good architecture if you want affordable housing. There should be no compromise. If you are building affordable housing, it should be good architecture. We should have green space, we should have a more lively neighborhood.

JAY: May I just say this very quickly? There's no such thing as placemaking or city building without negotiation and compromise. So we absolutely do have to compromise. And I'm going to come in the middle where Jennifer is because I'm not saying that we should build affordable housing without thinking about design. It is imperative that, when we're building affordable housing and all housing, especially when we're talking about the context of intensification, we do have to be thinking about things like green space, like active transportation. These are things that directly impact population health and the safety of communities. And so, I don't think it's either/or. I'm just saying that in situations where people are blocking developments based on their beloved singlefamily building or home, that is not a good enough rationale, and that people weaponize this idea of character to block housing development.

MICHELE: We need to focus on what matters here. Heritage shouldn't matter if people cannot afford a place to live. And I'm sorry, guys, this is not Paris outside. This is a slightly different city than that. And so I think we can do things with lots of design, but you kind of have to decide that that is what we are going to do as a city.

And I think that is a lot toward the government too. We haven't built a subway stop in 30 years. We fight over things that don't matter. We have prices going up, we're pricing ourselves like we’re Paris, but we're actually not behaving like it.

POST: We're now going to move on to our video questions, submitted by University of Toronto students. Barry and Jennifer, what is the safest and cheapest place to live in Toronto?

SEBASTIAN: Your mom's house.

JENNIFER: That's actually a really good answer and deeply relevant because, in May, my daughter graduates from university, and she texted me and said, "Mom, I never appreciated this before, but thank

you so much for living in Toronto because it's where all the jobs are." She's been applying for jobs. The fact that she can move back into her family home is a huge advantage that she has found against her classmates who are also competing for jobs. Odeen's comment about shared ownership and fractional ownership, that's actually a very old idea.

And I have many friends who got their foothold in this city or who grew up in a home where their grandparents lived upstairs in Little Italy or in Roncesvalles. And I'm about to start the intergenerational living piece, I guess, with my kid moving back into the house.

And one other piece that I think is really critical is the point that Barry raised about ensuring that we have secondary units and suites in existing homes. That too has always been a really critical part of home ownership in the city — what used to be called a mortgage helper. That's how we bought our first house. We had tenants on the main floor, and when we discovered we were having a baby, my husband and his friends worked day and night and put a basement apartment in the house as well so that we would also have that mortgage helper.

Whereas, historically, you were only allowed a single-family home, but now you can put a second home on an existing lot. That is really unique. That is really exceptional.

BARRY: But it's still illegal to rent out your basement unless fully retrofitted.

JENNIFER: You have to meet building code requirements, absolutely. Small units, which are criticized in a crazy way in this city, smaller homes and condos are, actually, and have historically been for 30 years in this city, a really good way to get a foot in the door into the market. So look at living in a smaller space where you can start thinking of it like the old traditional wartime bungalow.

BARRY: Right. So it's more of a concept than a geographic area. I think in Toronto, yeah, you're going to have a hard time finding somewhere cheap. But if you look to the GTA, well, then you're gonna go east, west and north. And like Brad said, you're gonna drive a little to get to your house.

BRAD: I think the student probably wants a more specific answer. So the 427, along the 427, Weston Road, Scarborough, Etobicoke. Those are the cheapest areas.

POST: Our second student question is for Benjamin and Michael. How much will the increase in interest rates help prices go down?

BENJAMIN: So, first of all, let me say a few things because I think it's important. I look at the faces here. Everybody's concerned. They're here not because they have nothing else to do but because they're concerned. And it's sold out. They are concerned. Everybody's concerned. I'm concerned. We are in a crisis here. We are talking about small things here. We are in a crisis. The next elections will be determined by real estate and health care. Every politician knows that. Last year, we got 950,000 people entering this country [including new immigrants, non-permanent residents, students, foreign students, people from Ukraine on a three-year visa]. This year, it's going to be one million. Nobody, none of them, is carrying their house on their back.

We have to realize that this is a crisis situation. There are demonstrations in Sweden over affordable housing. This is coming here, civil unrest coming here, if we don't wake up. So we are talking about the

prices rising or falling by a few per cents. That's meaningless. The fundamentals of this market are crazy, and we have to wake up here. And therefore, what I suggest is that all those solutions are very good, especially the purpose-built rental solution. There's no one solution, there are many of them. I told you before, and I'll say it again, I want to create a situation in which you are 35 years old, you are married, you have two kids, and you're renting. Nothing is wrong with you. That's the way we should go. And the only way to do it is purpose-built.

Now, if you have a condo versus purpose-built, condo wins any day. I totally agree that the government should be a big part of it. A government that sets the quotas regarding immigrants must be part of the solution to house them. Therefore, incentives to developers, eliminating HST, eliminating development charges — Ottawa must pay for that. The cities cannot do that. This is a national crisis that is leading to civil unrest if we are not waking up. Now, the question was about prices. And I suggest that over the next few months maybe prices will go down, but that's not the story. Prices went up by 46 per cent in

two years during COVID. Now, it's correcting. Without this correction, we'd be in a bubble. So that's a very healthy correction. And every time it goes down, I cheer. It's good. It's good for everybody. But it's not going to solve our affordability crisis.

Projects are being cancelled. The demand is there. You don't have to be a genius to see what will happen to prices two years from now. This is going to get worse and worse and worse.

MICHAEL: Well, we're in a situation where between 12 and 20 million people are gonna be coming to our country in the next 10 years. We see that all three levels of government are behind this. But the fact of the matter is, if you look at the development timing, Toronto ranks in the bottom quartiles — 32 months just to get approvals. So we see we're in a desperate situation, but it begs the question, what are we doing? And we have to do something drastic. Drastic because, to answer the question, prices have nowhere to go but up. And if we talk about purpose-built, if you speak to developers, they're saying that the only way they could make things work is at $6 per foot. To put it in perspective, that means if you have a thousand-square-foot unit to rent, it's $6,000 a month. Otherwise, developers can't afford it. So we need subsidies by the government to make this a reality. And Brian brought up a good point. Without purpose-built, there's no security. And that's the only way forward.

I've seen people stay too long in their house without making it accessible and then having to move out quickly because something unforeseen happens and the house doesn't accommodate them. It’s really important to start early on, when you don't need to, because when you do need it, it's too late.

All doorways need to be wide enough to get through with a wheelchair or a walker. Even smaller and older Toronto homes can manage it. You need to make sure the whole house can be manoeuvred through in a wheelchair.

In a multi-level house, elevators are essential. I’ve seen the price come down significantly on adding in elevators, and they’re now being added to new builds. It’s something purchasers want. As you age, you may not need to take the elevator, but you may need it to carry things upstairs, whether it’s laundry or your suitcase.

There’s new technology now that’s great for anyone, including anyone with disabilities. That includes voice-activated lights, for example. The older demographic is often apprehensive about technology, but it’s become so easy now.

Bathrooms need to be accessible, and that includes turning your shower into one that doesn’t have a curb that you need to step over. Add a grab bar, near the toilet and in the shower as well; they’re being designed so they don’t look institutional anymore. Companies are now making grab bars that look like nice towel bars that match the plumbing fixtures.

BRIAN: Quickly, one of the things we have to do is stop shaming people that rent. It's all about you're not worthy unless you own an apartment. The mentality has to change with that. People have to have dignity as renters. And we have to have buildings that are designed that way and integrated into neighbourhoods. So, that's the first thing. Not everybody owns. I live in New York also. They live all throughout the city, and they are lifetime renters. But as long as there's dignity to the buildings they live in and the environments they live in, and they're in all the neighbourhoods, that's the way it has to be.

You may need a kitchen island on legs so you can pull your wheelchair up to it. You may want a cooktop that lowers and raises. There’s a big trend now to just have floating shelves over counters and keep everything stored in the lower drawers, which is more accessible for wheelchairs.

JENNIFER: OK. I'm going be like Daniel Dale on CNN. I'm just gonna do a little, I hope it's not annoying, a little bit of a fact check. So, first of all, Michele, we've built two subways in the past 10 years. The Sheppard subway opened in early 2000, and the extension to Vaughan opened in 2017.

JAY PITTER: I think three things are ahead. I always like to end on somewhat of a positive note, but I think more of the same is ahead. So I think there's some of that, more of the same. I also think that to my colleague Benjamin’s point, we have a serious issue with civil unrest ahead because already you can hear the discourse pertaining to the number of immigrants coming to this country. And there's antiimmigration sentiment that is brewing in this moment, because we're not housing people who are here already and that is getting projected onto newcomers, many of whom are racialized. It's a terrible sort of conversation that I'm listening to the beginnings of. But also what I think is ahead is this contestation of the singlefamily home and the car as being the dream. I think that we are at a place in history where we have realized that we should stop talking about the dream house and the dream. I think the dream is to have a city where everyone belongs, where everyone has basic necessities that are provided to them. And I think the dream is really about, you know, resilience and sustainability. And we know that we're not going to get that going down the path of the single-family home and the car as being the dream. The dream now has to be a collective dream that serves all of us on the planet.

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JENNIFER CONTINUED: However, you are forgiven for thinking that we haven't built any, because when you build the wrong infrastructure, no one feels the impact. So the Sheppard subway, not the right infrastructure, cost $3.5 billion.

We have an organization at the city called CreateTO and an initiative from the former mayor called HousingTO that was all about building affordable housing on government-owned land. But there was one problem. There was an incentive for the developers to provide a payback for the land. So, inevitably, not a single one has been built. What happened was developers came in and they squeezed and tightened and made an offer for the land. So there would be a $10 million offer or a $30 million offer, whatever it might be, which inevitably minimized the amount of affordable housing. I feel this very personally because we responded to one of the request for proposals as a company, Markee Developments, where we're focused on building purpose-built housing and maximizing the amount of affordable housing that we build. And in our response, we put zero, just as Brian has indicated, for the price of the land, and we were providing 50

per cent. Of 634 units, 50 per cent were going to be at 50 per cent of market rate, so a deep level of affordability. But we didn't win the bid. You know why we didn't win the bid? Because in the scoring criteria, there was a category for the price of the land. So we were calling the bluff of the city and saying, “You want to maximize the amount of affordable housing, but you've actually established criteria for these projects that minimizes the amount of affordable housing that gets delivered.” That's the level of nuance at which I would argue all levels of government are failing on delivering what they say they want to deliver with respect to affordable housing. It's happening at CMHC [Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation]. We'll see what happens at the province. We don't know yet. But hopefully, whoever the new mayor is in Toronto is going to get into the weeds and figure some of this stuff out, because what politicians are saying they want and then the mechanisms they have to deliver those things are completely misaligned with a $1 billion Housing Accelerator Fund that was announced [by CMHC] 12 months ago. How much of the money do you think has

Toronto’s rental market looks bleak. See how our city fares against some of the biggest cities in the world when it comes to the average rent for a one-bedroom unit. Averages are based on the most recent housing data available in each city (converted to Canadian dollars).

been distributed? It's literally called the Housing Accelerator Fund. Not a penny.

BRAD: Sorry, can I just pipe in here? The cost of delivering a high-rise building in Toronto is $1,200 a foot, $1,100 to $1,200 a foot, including the land. The land is between $250 and $300 a foot. The HST is around $300 a foot. If you take free land from the city, as Ben said, you forgive HST, you forgive development fees, you're pretty well there. This is easy to do. It's just that our greedy, taxhungry government doesn't wanna do it. Affordable housing is not hard to do. It's all about cost. If you can deliver housing at $500 to $600 a foot in mid-rise or highrise in Toronto, problem solved. So it is about pressuring your councillor, your mayor, your local Ontario politician and your federal politician to do this. It's gonna cost all of us. We all have to pay. But it's better than walking down the street and getting stabbed in the stomach because there's a homeless person there that has no place to go. So we all have to pull together and push our governments to do this. It's not tough to do.

JAY: I won't belabour this point, but I can't let it go. Let's not vilify unhoused people. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that unhoused people are violent or will stab people in the stomach as you're walking down the street. So let's just set the record straight there.

POST: Sebastian and Brian, now that the pandemic renovation boom and the housing market are slowing, how are people adding value to their properties? Has anything changed?

SEBASTIAN: Sure. I think it depends what kind of value you're talking about. If you're talking about adding monetary value to your house, because you want to sell it or you want to flip it, then that question's been asked a million times, and it's always the same answer. You know, it's kitchens and bathrooms give you your best return on investment. It's kind of a common thread, but I don't think flipping is something that can really be done very easily. In today's world, the housing prices are way too high for all of the different reasons that everyone has spoken about here today. I also think it's a detriment to what's going on. The affordable housing that Jennifer was talking about, the bungalows, they're all gone.

SEBASTIAN CLOVIS: From a residential renovation standpoint, I think that we're gonna see a lot of underpinning happening. Underpinning used to be something that renovators didn't really wanna get into too much. It's pretty dangerous to dig out the foundation of a house, and to make that basement much taller, but there's a lot of companies popping up right now that are doing that. My company is doing it. It's something that's becoming pretty standard. And I also agree with Jennifer in terms of the garden suites and the carriage houses. We're getting a lot of requests about those. So, maximizing that space in the backyard to create housing. I think that's gonna be a huge trend in the next couple of years.

BARRY COHEN: Before I answer what's coming ahead, just another thought about affordability. Where rates are five per cent, six per cent, seven per cent now, this is an opportunity for new buyers to go to sellers and get seller-assisted financing. That means if they wanna sell their house, let them give you a mortgage. The other thing is that I think back to the first house that my wife and I owned. We rented the entire house out for the income and then rented a smaller apartment. As Brad said, you gotta get into the game. So what's coming? I think you're gonna see marginally lower interest rates, marginally higher prices, and I think that's gonna be the course for this year. And then after that it's gonna start going through the roof.

SEBASTIAN CONTINUED: I remember growing up in this city and seeing bungalows all over the place.

They all have toppers on top of them now. They've all been flipped. So the idea of, you know, buying a house or renovating your house and trying to get the minimum investment you could put in for the maximum profit that you could make is kind of a part of the problem, and it's why we're here in the first place. And so, you know, adding value to that home is something that I could give you a ton of advice on, but I'm not gonna tell you how to do it because I don't think it's the greatest thing. But with the clients that I have, you know, as of recently, the value that they're trying to add to their home is in terms of the experience that their family is having within the house itself. And I think that's very important.

And if you wanna talk about adding value to your home for your family, then it's very easy. All you have to do is think about where you spend the most time in your house and what the problems are with that area, and how you can improve it. And then think about, what's the eyesore? What's the thing that's bothering you the most inside of your home? And then think about what's the thing that just doesn't work inside of your house. And then you can create a whole list of things that you write down and grade. You grade it in terms of which one of those things will make you the most happy if you fix it. And you cross reference that with your budget. And then you know where to start your renovation, and you know how to add value to your home.

And I think that all of the renovations for that matter that I've been doing in the last two years, they're all about customization. None of them are about generalization. I think those general renovations that people were doing when they were just trying to punch in a kitchen, just in case they sell the house, they don't wanna build something that's too custom for them, because they wanna get the maximum resale. I think those days have kind of come to an end. And so, it's all about customization in today's world. And I think that's how you can add good value to your home.

BRIAN: Well, I agree that that whole concept of buying and flipping is really done. And what's happening is that the amount of money you have to add to upgrade to the next level has become prohibitive for most people. So, they're looking at their house and saying, “OK, I can't just move up $400,000 or $500,000. I have to almost double the amount to make a difference.” So, we're seeing people redesign their houses for their lifestyle and their family and not necessarily on the value. We're also seeing people that are modifying their houses to multi-generational houses that are accessible for their older parents or grandparents so that they can age in place in their houses. So that's one of the big trends we're seeing today. We're creating apartments for their parents or their grandparents. They may have elevators in them. You know, an elevator is $25,000 for a house.

I mean, it's in the whole scheme of a renovation to make a house accessible. So we're not seeing people say, “Oh, I'm gonna get a new kitchen because my house is gonna go up $400,000.” That's done. It's about, “I'm staying here.” And many people are saying, “I wanna age in place. How am I going to age in place in this house? How am I going to get into the front door? How am I going to get into the shower? How am I going to get around the house?” So we're seeing that is the renovation of people aging in place, and multi-generational homes is a big factor, whether it's a 50-yearold couple and their children or a 50-yearold couple and their parents. That's what we're seeing today.

POST: Michele and Jay, the downtown core has not come back. Many tech companies are downsizing and office building vacancies abound. What should we do about these buildings and are people still going to want to live downtown?

MICHELE: The downtown has not come back. We were one of the very smart companies that rented 55,000 square feet of office space right before the pandemic. And so, we've subleased a bunch of the space now. But I don't think it matters who you are. I mean, Shopify's subleasing their office space right now. I think all of us are now using our office space as hybrid working

spaces where people are coming in, and we're gonna brainstorm, or we're gonna be in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. But that's definitely changing when you're doing the math on, well, what would I do to come downtown twice a week? I think this conversation is really focused on what it's going to take to make housing affordable. That is really, really important here and we should be using these office buildings in different uses. I mean, an office is pretty close to a house, right? It has heat and HVAC, and you can change all sorts of things if, you know, the city allows you to do that.

JAY: So, my practice developed the proposal which will guide all cultural districts right across the city. And we also are coming to the end of the development of the Little Jamaica Cultural District Plan. I'm sure a lot of people in this room are familiar with the transit-oriented — it should be TOD — transit-oriented development, but a lot of people experience transitoriented displacement, which is a term now used to describe the ways in which transit, which should be a public good, can displace businesses as well as residents. And so, in talking to those communities in terms of downtown revival — and I know Little Jamaica's not right downtown, but I think it is a good example — one of the meetings that I had recently with BIA leaders was about the fact that a lot of those business owners along the retail corridor are now flipping those businesses into housing because there's such a housing crisis, and you can get immediate money with a housing rental and how that is a really dangerous trend because when you turn retail into housing, you jeopardize the local economy.

So a lot of local neighbourhoods are facing this crisis when you think about revitalization and recovery. So what I am seeing is that, you know, retail, I agree that we definitely need to repurpose some of those bigger buildings and think about mixeduse. I think mixed-use is where we should be heading for all things. And I also think that it is important to protect those small storefronts that really are the lifeblood of local neighbourhoods as well — so being able to have a nuanced approach that holds both of those priorities.

BRAD LAMB: I think Toronto is the best city in the world to live in. I think there's a lot of tremendous things that are happening here. I think it's a very bad idea to repurpose large-scale office properties. They cost as much as a highrise condo to build, but the revenue is about 30 per cent less. We're gonna need them again. We currently can build about 30,000 homes, 35,000 homes in the GTA. That's it. Why is that it? Because we don't have tradespeople.

I'll be the bearer of bad news here. There is no midterm solution for a housing crisis. We're in it now. You go to any country in the world and to the tier one city in those countries, front page news is the same problem. We have people from other countries that need to get out because it's a terrible state in those places, and they're coming to countries like Canada. We can't not take them in. So there's no solution to doubling from 30,000 to 60,000, because it's a skilled job to be a carpenter or a plumber or an electrician. There aren't the people and the will to train these people to get it done.

So you don't wanna hear this, but we have another nine months of this nonsense with interest rates. It will pass. There'll be minimal damage to the real estate market as there has been now. I think real estate prices are going to start to rise. I think the bottom was December. I think anyone who sells a lot of real estate will probably echo that: that the darkest days were December. January's a bit better. February is a lot better. We'll see what happens this spring. After that, we have a housing shortage. And unfortunately, right now, if you go to a new sales centre in Toronto and wanna buy a condo, it's $1,600 a foot. In five years, it's $2,000 a foot. That's what our future

and we can't stop it. I'm sorry.

is,

There are many people in our city who don’t have basic shelter and a roof over their heads; with that in mind, Post City, Streets of Toronto and the Rotman School have made donations on behalf of our panellists, our

readers and our sponsor, The RE/MAX Collection, to Sistering, an organization supporting unhoused women and trans people in Toronto, and to Red Door Shelter, which provides sanctuary for families.

Dr. Eden Noyek grew up in the GTA and attended Wilfrid Laurier University where she earned her Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences with high distinction. Dr. Eden. completed her studies in Dentistry at Western University. She is a member of the Ontario Dental Association and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

WHAT IS YOUR ORAL HEALTH ROUTINE?

April is Oral Health Month, a good time of year to take stock of your oral care routine and understand how proper oral health can have an impact on your overall well-being. This April, consider the preventive steps you can take to make sure your mouth and the rest of your body are healthy throughout the year.

Good oral hygiene is important for many reasons. Sore or bleeding gums, missing teeth, infections, and oral pain can all affect your. ability to eat and talk. These problems can have an influence on the type of food you eat and the enjoyment you get from eating. They can also make you feel self-conscious and limit your ability to socialize. Plus, while we often think of our mouth as a separate part of our body, research reveals a connection between our oral health and certain chronic diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

Along with watching what you eat, you also want to practise proper oral hygiene habits. These habits include keeping your mouth clean by brushing and flossing every day. When you’re brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled

toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth and your tongue twice a day for two minutes. Make sure you clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Of course, brushing is only part of the routine. You also need to floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque where toothbrush bristles can’t reach, including between the teeth and under the gum line.

While brushing and flossing your teeth at home are important for removing plaque, you can’t remove tartar on your own. You need to keep up with regular dental visits. Many people will need to see their dentists every six months for a routine cleaning and examination.

During the cleaning, your dental professional will use special tools to remove tartar from your teeth. Your teeth will then be polished to help remove surface stains and flossed to make sure all areas are clean. During the exam, your dental professional will check for cavities, inspect your gums, and examine your tongue, throat, neck, face, and head for signs of swelling or redness.

PROBATE OR NOT TO PROBATE

The word “Probate” has been heard by most of us and used generally when a person is thinking about making a Will and Powers of Attorney. When a person dies, the Executor/Executrix/ Estate Trustee, depending upon the nature of your assets, will likely need to apply for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a Will or without a Will if you do not have the foresight to have one. This is a fancy process for saying “Probate”.

Along with the word “Probate” come the dreaded words “Probate fees” known as Estate Administration Tax. This is the tax based on the value of your assets on the day you die and collected generally at the time that your Estate Trustee applies for the Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee.

When you are talking to your Accountant or your Lawyer about Estate Planning, they may suggest such valid ways to minimize the “Probate Fees” legitimately such as the use of Dual Wills or joint tenancy. The Estate Administration Tax has nothing to do with taxes that may be paid as rendered by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), again based on the type of assets

that you have. This is a lot to think about. If you have not made a Will already or turned your mind to Estate Planning, it would be prudent to start that process now. Estate Planning takes time. There are many factors to consider. For example: Should you at this time in your life add your spouse so that all your assets are to be held jointly. This means that if you die first your spouse will get the assets and there will be no need to apply for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a Will. This is not an automatic task and should be considered carefully taking into account all of the ramifications regarding income taxes, the state of your marriage particularly if it is rocky and whether you have children from a previous marriage or dependents you wish to leave money to.

Sounds complicated but with the right advice it should be a piece of cake. So start by making a Will. Never be shy and ask questions of your Accountant and your lawyer so that you can make educated decisions while you are still of sound mind.

Mary Anne Shaw, B.A., LL.B.

Mary Anne Shaw - Barrister and Solicitor 1366 Yonge Street, Suite 308

Mary Anne Shaw is an established lawyer whose law practice focuses on Wills and Estates, Residential Real Estate and Family Law. Mary Anne Shaw is very active in the community, and has served on many boards and foundations in the not-for-profit arts and health sectors. She provides personal service and practical solutions.

Dr. Eden Noyek

SPRING

REGISTRY

Life is full of unexpected events. Some create wonderful, lasting memories. Others, unfortunately, are the kind you’d like to forget.

While you can’t always prevent bad things from happening, you can help to protect yourself against some common risks. You buy car insurance in case you have a car accident. You purchase home insurance in case of fire. But are you covered for other risks that may have a major impact on your life?

Think about identifying possible risks, determining how big a concern they are and then assess your current level of insurance protection.

For example, which of the following risks would make a big difference in your life, and how big of a concern is this risk for you?

• Your car being stolen.

• Your house is broken into.

• You’re too ill to travel on your big vacation.

• You lose your favourite jewellery item

• You’re diagnosed with cancer

Most of us don’t expect to suffer a critical illness like a heart attack or a stroke or be diagnosed with a serious disease such as cancer. But unfortunately, these events happen. Life is unpredictable. That’s why there’s Critical Illness Insurance.

What is Critical Illness Insurance? It’s insurance that provides a tax free lump sum cash benefit if you’re diagnosed with one of the covered conditions outlined in the policy. The money is yours to use however you want. You can use it to:

• Help pay your medical bills & prescription costs

• Replace lost income or make mortgage payments

Madison Bongard is a graduate of Western University where she majored in Psychology. Being in the insurance industry for over 6 years, Madison's goal is to ensure that her clients and their families are financially secure no matter what life throws their way. She pushes her clients to strive for success while planning for the unknown. Her mission is to "treat each client like family."

If you’re like most Canadians, chances are you are not insured for the last risk listed above.

• Hire a nurse or caregiver to help you out at home Critical Illness insurance covers several critical conditions, including the most common, such as cancer, heart attack and stroke. Even if you never get critically ill, you have the option to receive 100% of your money back. Critical Illness insurance lets you focus on what really matters – getting better.

EYE STRAIN AND HEADACHES: NEW TREATMENT OPTION

Eyestrain and headaches have long been an issue for many people and have worsened by our increasing use of screens. Having an up to date glasses prescription can help but often that alone doesn't resolve the problem. And what about people who don't have a prescription? We now have a new option that can potentially reduce or eliminate eyestrain altogether, it’s called Neurolens.

It is well documented that eye alignment or "teaming" issues can cause a bevy of symptoms including eyestrain, tired eyes, headaches, neck pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and dry eye-like symptoms. Even small misalignments can cause painful symptoms. Previously it was very difficult to accurately measure these misalignments and they can vary depending on your viewing distance. This made it difficult to prescribe prism (an optical component of glasses that helps eye alignment) in patients’ glasses because the amount of prism would remain constant throughout the lens.

With the advent of new eye alignment

measuring technology and the optical industry’s first contoured prism lenses, Neurolens, we can not only measure with precision these eye misalignments but we have a lens that can correct for them! The amount of prism in the glasses is tailored specifically to your eye measurements. And with the contoured prism design, more prism is provided where it is needed most, when viewing objects at close distances like computers, phones and tablets.

A local patient commented on his recent experience with these glasses, "The glasses are actually amazing. I can tell the difference. I didn't even realize before that I would bring my head/neck closer to the screen or page I was reading and now my neck is more relaxed. My eyes are definitely less sensitive to light than before... and no more migraines/major headaches since!!!"

To discover if you are a candidate contact your Optometrist.

Dr. David Black

Dr. David Black graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry in 2004. For almost 19 years, Dr. Black has been providing eye care to his North York community. He is passionate about providing outstanding patient centered care and is constantly looking for new ways to improve the quality of life of his patients.

WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE sale spring

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CURRENTS

The Atwood effect

There’s just something about Margaret! Since Margaret Atwood released her short story collection Old Babes in the Wood in March, the book has skyrocketed to the top of the charts and received rave reviews. The 83-year-old writer seems to have a knack for inspiring love — or hate. It was the red robes and white caps from Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale that were recently donned by women’s

rights activists in Israel protesting what has been called Israel’s most right-wing government yet. No one can forget Atwood’s book banning stunt last year, in which the author released an “unburnable” edition of The Handmaid’s Tale The banning has continued, with a Virginia school board yanking the novel last month in a move to prohibit any books with “sexually explicit content.”

THE

BEST EVENTS IN

April

fools, drag queens, murder and the circus

1. Go to Steve Patterson

Most Canadian comedy fans know and love comic Steve Patterson for his role as the host of hit radio show The Debaters on the CBC. But Patterson has also been a touring standup, and he’s celebrating 25 years in the biz with a special live album recording at Toronto’s Paradise Theatre on Saturday, April 29. Patterson will record two shows, at 4 and 8 p.m., promising his multitude of multi-generational fans the opportunity to enjoy his latest material as well as a few classic favourites from years past.

When asked why the comedy matinee instead of a late show, Patterson pronounces, “I know a lot of people that don’t want to see a live comedy show that starts late at night anymore. And I am one of them.”

For the past 16 years, Patterson has helmed the hit radio show and podcast The Debaters, as well as the special touring edition that plays at locations across the country.

2. See Kooza

The iconic Cirque du Soleil big top will

be back in Toronto this month with the show Kooza, running April 7 to June 18, at 2150 Lakeshore Blvd. W.

Following its launch in 2022, Kooza has played around the world to close to eight million spectators with more than 4,000 performances in 65 cities across 22 countries.

"Kooza evokes the yesteryear of traditional circus with a timeless wonder. It is an emotional roller coaster ride that will make you laugh out loud in one breath, and gasp in awe and anticipation in the next breath," said Mike Newquist, President, Touring Shows Division, Cirque du Soleil. "Last year the world was rebuilding, and now is a time to have fun again, to laugh again, and to believe in the possibilities — which is what Kooza encapsulates."

3. Go to Violet Chachki

Probably the biggest and best drag queen on the planet, Violet Chachki is hitting Toronto and bringing her bestie GOTTMIK along with her. Fresh off a performance at the Grammys, the duo is set to light the Danforth Music

Hall on fire with their No Gorge Tour, featuring stunning performances of their favourite tunes. The performance is scheduled for April 27.

4. Go to Macbeth

The Canadian Opera Company’s latest production is that most-classic tale of ambition, obsession and tragedy, which form the heart of Verdi's take on Macbeth. The classic murder rampage in the Scottish highlands hits the Four Seasons Centre on April 28 and runs until May 20. This premiere production is directed by Sir David McVicar and stars Quinn Kelsey and Sondra Radvanovsky.

state of the art video projection, incredible lighting and a full live band, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is a moving and powerful concert featuring all the hits such as “Mrs Robinson,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Boxer,” “The Sound Of Silence” and many more. The show runs April 11 to 16 at the CAA Theatre.

6. See Vierge

Factory Theatre will play host to the world premiere of Rachel Mutombo’s new work Vierge running April 8 to 30.

5.

See The Simon & Garfunkel Story

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is an acclaimed concert-style theatre show that has played in 50 countries around the world. The show follows two young boys from Queens, New York, who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. Using

Directed by Natasha Mumba, the play Vierge tells the story of 16-year-old Divine, who doesn’t really fit in anywhere, and her only real friend is Jesus (Christ). That all changes when her family joins a new church, and through the other girls in her youth group she discovers the world around her is not as it seems. Vierge follows four Congolese Canadian teenage girls as they journey to navigate between the pressures of Christianity, virginity and teenage hormones in this new work about faith, community and sex.

L-R: Drag queen extraordinaire Violet Chachki, Canadian Opera Company set to premiere new production of ‘Macbeth’

by Ron Johnson

STAYING ON POINTE THIS SPRING

MEGA METAL

Holt Renfrew, $1,420, 3401 Dufferin St.

©ssense.com

THE BLACK SWAN

Alchemy via Farfetch, $975, farfetch.com/ca

"This looks like a dance in itself! It's so fun, it's a real fantasy piece. It makes an incredible statement and is really dramatic with these ruffled shoulders."

THAT'S A WRAP

Maisie Wilen via Ssense, $198, ssense.com

"I like that it's so open; there's a real sexiness to it. The ultra-tight long sleeve and tie at the side for extra style points, it's both simple and feminine."

The perfect spring trend has arrived — balletcore. From wrap tops to tulle concoctions and ballet dancer-inspired footwear, these are Jeanne Beker's top fashion picks to get you ready for the bar and the barre this season.

©kotn.com

©fredas.com

MESH TO IMPRESS

Freda's, $480, 45 Elm St.

"I love the drama of this, and it's a seasonless piece. The big, sheer sleeves are so flattering, and the fact that it's a bodysuit really speaks to the trend."

UPGRADE YOUR MARY-JANES Frock, $350, 97 Roncesvalles Ave.

LEATHER LACE-UP Ssense, $1,180, ssense.com @TSC

Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, now watch her on TSC or tune in to her new podcast Beyond Style Matters.

©shop.lululemon.com

PIROUETTE-PERFECT

Kotn, $118, 754 Queen St. W.

"This is a great dress to work as a blank slate; you could dress it up and down. I love the simplicity; this really is an example of less is more."

WORKOUT-READY

Lululemon, $54, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.

"The double layer makes it a little flirty and feminine; it's great workout wear. It has a bit of a drop waist and very nice lines; it's so nicely fitted."

TWIRL IN TULLE

Ease, $297, 1446 Dundas St. W.

©everythingisease.com

"This is a great 'go anywhere' skirt. It's got the sheerness factor with the tulle, an elasticized waist; you could run around all season in that and be comfy."

SNEAKER STYLE

Gravitypope, $345, 1010 Queen St. W.

CAKE WALK

Simone Rocha via Farfetch, $2,267, farfetch.com/ca

SPRING IN YOUR STEP Maguire Shoes, $170, 1514 Dundas St. W.

Haute has a new home

ANDREWS’ new store marks a fresh chapter in our brand's storied history as a Yorkville arbiter of style. The new location, steps from Hazelton Avenue, features the latest in modern luxury. From a highly curated collection of timeless fashion to accessories sourced from around the globe, the store is a shining example of our signature sophistication.

“We’re delighted with our new location in Yorkville Village,” says Darren Mason, President, ANDREWS. “The Yorkville neighbourhood has long been the epicentre for fashion and lifestyle retailers, we are very proud to have been a part of this dynamic community for more than 30 years. The store is uniquely situated amongst a bustling array of lifestyle retailers including art galleries, health and wellness studios, restaurants, and floral designers.”

In keeping with Yorkville’s polished perspective, no detail was spared when it came to designing the 4,000 square foot store. In fact, effortless elegance radiates from every rack, finish and fixture.

Drawing from the Japandi style of interiors, the naturalistic environment is punctuated by striking modern elements. An abundance of natural light streams softly through arched statement windows, an intimate seating spot invites restful moments, and a chic closet-like space entices you to try on clothing.

“In the initial planning phases, we envisioned a warm, bright space and are thrilled to have executed a layout which highlights important architectural details which are historic to the Yorkville Village building,” says Darren Mason, President, ANDREWS.

The experiential layout of the store allows our customers to explore collections that speak to their individual styles, as well as the freedom to discover unexpected delights. Together with our approachable, personalized service, we offer a shopping experience that is unparalleled.

Additionally, a tailored approach to the tastes of our Yorkville clientele was a focus when choosing the labels to carry. This is evident in the el-

evated casual pairings of fashion favourites along with contemporary looks from Eleventy, Fabiana Filippi, Frank & Eileen, and Max Mara.

Denim remains a staple with coveted brands such as AG Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, Frame, and Mother delivering statement-making styles. New fashion-forward brands this season include Danish fashion-house, Munthe, NY ecoaccessories darling, Naghedi, and LA-based celebrity favourite fashion brand, Rhode, all of which complement each other in this expertly curated environment.

As we continue to celebrate our Yorkville community, we look forward to the partnerships, collaborations, and events to come. We can’t wait to welcome you to the new ANDREWS Yorkville.

NYC designer opens new outpost in Yorkville

American ready-to-wear brand

Veronica Beard has opened its first-ever Canadian retail store in Toronto, bringing the brand’s vibrant style to Yorkville.

Since founding their eponymous brand in 2010, co-designers and sisters-in-law, Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard have evolved the label into a go-to for modern wardrobe staples that has been touted by stars such as Gwenyth Paltrow.

All Veronica Beard collections are created in New York by the two Veronicas.

drapery as well as the trapezium shell-shaped chairs.

STAR POWER

Meghan Markle sported the brand’s shirtdress on a royal tour in 2019.

“Toronto happens to be one of our favourite cities, with an energy unlike any other. We wanted VB Toronto to capture the distinct spirit of Veronica Beard as well the spirit of Toronto — warm, lived-in and inviting,” says Veronica Miele Beard.

Miele Beard says that, although Toronto is the primary focus, expansion throughout other major Canadian cities isn’t out of the question. Designed in partnership with interior designer Carolina de Neufville, the store’s decor includes bold leopard prints on the ottomans and

As far as clothing goes, the Yorkville location will offer the brand’s full ready-to-wear collection and iconic staples. The brand is most well known for their dickey jacket, which offers a womenswear alternative to the dickey — a sleeveless, armless shirt that originated in the 1880s for men to layer under suits and tuxedos. Veronica Beard’s version of the dickey offers turtleneck, hoodie and even leather moto-style dickeys that zip into the sides of their staple dickey jacket, allowing for some stylish layering without all the bulk.

“We believe in meeting our woman where she is … with a full wardrobe that addresses her multifaceted life,” says the duo. “The Veronica Beard collection is designed ‘for women who make it happen.’ The Yorkville neighbourhood has always been a vibrant hub for women to shop, eat and feel the energy and pulse of the city, so it's a natural fit.”

Veronica Beard is located at 111 Yorkville Ave., Suite 101.

—Christine Hogg

Veronica Beard is bringing the iconic dickey jacket to Toronto

Vintage shoppers in Toronto are in for an unsettling discovery when they check the tags of concert shirts from local shops. During the pandemic, prices rose to astronomical heights. And while the pandemic boom has since calmed down, prices show no signs of a return to affordability.

With fashion sustainability a hot topic on people’s social media feeds, the explosion of vintage shopping was imminent.

Josh Roter is the co-owner of In Vintage We Trust, a store located on Queen Street West which benefited from the pandemic price increase. While Roter gives credit to the pandemic for its most recent rise, he believes that its real increase predates it by a few years.

“The T-shirt boom really started in 2017; everything was still fresh and new to the customer base and the concert Tshirt became very popular by 2020. I think books that highlighted the wave really had something to do with that, like Ross One’s Rap Tees,” he says. “If people didn’t know about hip hop concert Ts before, they certainly did afterwards. That and the sheer amount of eyes on platforms like Instagram everyday, just digesting it.”

For the casual vintage shopper, this price increase was detrimental to their bank accounts or aspiring collection. But for those who saw themselves as collectors, the price increase meant being forced to ask themselves — to collect or not to collect?

Roter recalls a specific Nirvana T-shirt which blew him away. In 1993, Nirvana recorded and released In Utero, an album that included “Heart-Shaped Box.” The band’s T-shirt featured an all over black and red print with an acid wash finish, finished with a graphic from the band’s famous song.

“I can remember when they maxed out at 110 bucks. And now that all over print costs as much as a used car,” Roter says.

Nick Marian from Expo Vintage Clothing saw an increase just as exponential, saying, “I saw a huge jump in 2020. It seems like overnight they went from $80-$100 to $1,500-$2,000 and in some cases even higher.”

Ebay’s long list of sold vintage shows that these prices increased during the pandemic, a time in which Fruit Market’s Taylor Abela calls a bubble in the market.

“The price of vintage shirts hiked during COVID, which

was also the time when the Instagram live and virtual flea era started,” says Abela.

However, Abela was swift to dispute the claim that vintage T-shirt prices are still high. “The price hike was during COVID, you’re late,” he said.

Marian believes the same to be true. “They’ve come down quite a bit since mid-pandemic.”

But a quick search on Ebay would elicit a gasp or two as authentic shirts are still priced anywhere from $1,500 to upwards of $5,500 — not exactly a steal.

While spending a small fortune on an old T-shirt might seem bizarre, there’s certainly still demand. “The super rare ones are for true enthusiasts looking for something special. Maybe a show they went to back in the day or an artist they love,” Abela says.

Today, lovers of vintage clothing are shopping with prices at a premium. It might not be as bad as it was a few years ago, but it looks like we’re never going back to the old days. Music lovers, beware. And concert-goers from the ’80s and ’90s, you’re in luck — the T-shirt sitting at the back of your closet might be sending you on vacation this year! —Marcus Mitropoulos

That old Tragically Hip T-shirt in your closet is worth more than you think

Josh Roter, co-owner of In Vintage We Trust on Queen Street West

This Earth Day, let’s look at how we got here

Earth Day began on April 22, 1970 — 53 years ago. Since then, the human population has more than doubled, from 3.7 billion to almost eight billion. Our drive toward endless population and economic growth has led to the destruction of massive swathes of pristine forest through clear-cutting, burning and flooding for agriculture and industry, and millions of species have been pushed to extinction.

Political and business leaders would do well to take time to consider how we got here. The rise of the Industrial Revolution gave science and its servant, technology, the power to move mountains. Linear, analytic “left-brain” thinking became dominant over the collaborative, holistic thinking associated with the brain’s right hemisphere. Economics became the dominant “science.”

The First World War positioned the U.S. as the world’s leading economy, but trouble in the agriculture sector and stock markets brought it crashing down, sparking the Great Depression.

Production and mobilization during the Second World War brought the U.S. and other countries out of that calamity. After the war, manufacturing, especially in America, turned from tanks,

boats, guns and planes to cars, refrigerators, TVs and toasters — many designed to have limited lifespans.

In the 1950s, consumerism and credit kept the postwar economy burning. But to maintain it, we had to get hooked on growth, to feed our debt.

Then the ’60s hit — “rightbrain” thinking rose against the “left-brain” creep of the preceding decades. It was an age of rebellion from those who rejected injustice and lifted up noble ideals.

It gave birth to an explosion of music and the civil rights, feminist and peace movements and to the environmental movement, sparked by Rachel Carson’s influential book Silent Spring in 1962. They rose in part from a transformative shift to balance the “left-brain” dominance of western thinking.

More than 50 years after the first Earth Day, let’s rededicate ourselves to the power that harmonizes “left-” and “right-brain” thinking. Let’s not fall into the trap of trying to solve the great problems of this world with only half a brain. That’s what got us into trouble in the first place.

The Right Protection at the Right Premium from the helpful Professionals at Guthrie Insurance Brokers. Helping Canadians find the best home, auto, business, life and leisure insurance needs for over 50 years. Friendly, dedicated people on your side to provide great rates, serious protection and sound advice at your fingertips.

‘Right-brain’ thinking inspired an age of protests like this one

DAVID SUZUKI and Tara Cullis

eral multi-day excursions with Helen E Grose Photography. Offering immersive small-group experiences in places like Algonquin, Muskoka and further afoot, these guided adventures will give you a hands-on opportunity to learn and share outdoor photography tips and tricks. While some getaways include camping, other excursions invite you to book your own accommodations. helengrose.ca

Escape to the country for a writer’s retreat

5 Ontario getaways

for laid-back learning

Take the time this spring to discover a new hobby! Check out these five Ontario getaways ideal for you to pursue a unique learning experience or improve a skill you’re passionate about.

Learn the art of cooking in a Regency-era maison

Savour a French-inspired getaway right on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Maitland. During your visit, hone your inner Julia Child with one of several culinary experiences such as full-day, private or group classes. Join acclaimed chef Cynthia Peters in the Maison Maitland kitchen and learn several international recipes to elevate your next dinner party. On the full-day adventure, start the morning on a guided excursion to collect fresh ingredients from nearby farms and shops. Upon return, enjoy a hands-on cooking class, lunch, wine tasting and more learning in Cynthia’s kitchen garden. Overnight at the historical Georgian-era manor in one of two reimagined carriage house villas. Each accommodation provides private chef’s kitchens, river-view patios and pampering goodies such as handmade soaps, fresh croissants and a welcome basket. maisonmaitland.com

Uncover the secrets of beekeeping in Grey County

Perhaps you’ve heard some buzz about beekeeping in recent years — from urban apiaries to hobby hives, promoting healthy bee populations is in everyone’s best interest. If you’ve ever been curious about how beekeeping works, you’ll want to take a road trip to Freija for an unforgettable experience. Located in the heart of Kinghurst Forest, a 100-acre nature sanctuary, Freija specializes in nature and science-based learning opportunities. Spend an afternoon learning about the fascinating life of bees, gain an introductory understanding of beekeeping, and enjoy honey tasting while there. To extend your visit, rent one of several unique accommodations on the grounds. Opt to camp amongst the Cedars, sleep in a fun-filled 1,6000 ft. forest loft, or spend a night in a charming meadow cabin. freija.ca

Fine tune your outdoor photography skills

From coast to coast, Canada is known for having spectacular outdoor scenery — and for those interested in nature photography, there’s plenty of inspiration to spot through the lens. For shutterbugs looking to sharpen their skills, consider joining one of sev-

For those with a zeal for literar y life and who seek creative connection, quality writing time or gentle guidance from other wordsmiths, a writer’s retreat might be the perfect antidote to fill your creative cup. Explore joining an intimate group getaway like the Spring Thaw Retreat hosted by Firefly Creative Writing. Spend three days in a rustic Northumberland Farmhouse with eight other guests of varying writing experience and two writing coaches. Connect over meal prepping, enjoy a balance of quiet reflection and writing time, and dive into group workshops where idea sharing and feedback are encouraged. Sleeping accommodations range from private farmhouse rooms to cabins and camping fireflycreativewriting.com

Finesse your golf game with a PGA instructor

Those passionate about golf know that perfecting your game is a labour of love involving plenty of time on the course — and with spring on the horizon, it's the perfect time to start planning your next golf getaway. Offering one of the best golf courses in Canada, consider visiting the iconic Deerhurst Resort. With 18-hole and 9-hole courses nestled amid the scenic Muskoka landscape, a few days here will satisfy any golf enthusiast. Practise your swing at the professional-grade driving range or book a private PGA-certified instructor to help improve your skills. Stay in one of the luxurious rooms, book a lodge or rent a resort home. deerhurstresort.com

—Rebecca Hesse

A nature sanctuary in Grey County offers a beekeeping retreat

REPORT CARD

STUDENT: Anthony

Q. Farrell

GRADUATED: Brebeuf College School

BEST SUBJECT: Math

WORST SUBJECT: Geography

CURRENT JOB: TV writer

The Office writer brings new comedy to T.O.

Anthony Q. Farrell’s TV writing career started out with a bang — writing on one of the most popular shows of all time, the U.S. version of The Office. Now, 10 years after the show ended, Farrell is bringing the workplace comedy back with CTV’s Shelved, with a distinctly Toronto twist. When he moved back to Canada from L.A., he spent a lot of time in Parkdale. There, the idea for Shelved was born.

“I feel like it’s a very Toronto show, very specific to this place, and I think that separates it from other shows,” he says. Based on the real life Parkdale Library, the show follows an eclectic cast of librarians and patrons, where everything from the set to the hyperlocal references is recognizable to a Toronto audience.

“I’ve developed a few workplace comedies in my day, and one of the things I was looking for is a place where the characters who work there and the characters who move through the space are interesting,” Farrell says.

Though Farrell worked on the show that is often considered the blueprint for workplace comedies today, he doesn’t feel any pressure from it. “I’ve learned that I can’t please everybody. There is no universal joke, but if it makes you laugh, it’ll make someone else

laugh,” he shares.

Making people laugh was the genesis of Farrell’s career. He realized in elementary school during speeches that he loved standing in front of his class and making them laugh. That transformed into a love of theatre at Brebeuf College School. But it was another high school experience that the showrunner says helped him along in his career.

“When you become a showrunner, it's not just about the writing, it's about managing people. And so a lot of those skills I learned from being the president of my student council.”

Farrell — who has flexed his showrunning muscles on shows such as Secret Life of Boys and recently the second season of Run the Burbs — says he has been the only person of colour in writers’ rooms before, so he makes it clear to his writers that they don’t have to represent everyone.

“I try to remove as much fear as possible,” he says. “Having as many voices as possible makes the show authentic and also funnier.”

Although Shelved is just on season one, Farrell sees a long future for the show. “Why not go Simpsons with it? You’re never going to run out of stories in a library. It really is limitless.”

— Julia Mastroianni

Anthony Q. Farrell’s new comedy is based on a Toronto library

Navigating the runway & a relationship in style

Despite being one of the world’s most fashionable cities, Toronto has a rocky relationship with Fashion Week. But from all the commotion around the fall of the original Toronto Fashion Week over the loss of sponsor IMG, a scrappier, more forward-thinking Fashion Week emerged — Fashion Art Toronto (also known as FAT).

Founded by Vanja Vasic in 2005, it has filled a gap in Toronto’s fashion scene, offering an opportunity for Canadian designers to showcase their work within a hybrid arts event. And in an industry that is notoriously exclusive, FAT is a true celebration of designers and models with diverse body types, gender identities and backgrounds.

Ahead of FAT’s spring 2023 event in April, we caught up with Vanja to hear how she met her partner, Angel Vilela Gonzalez, and how fashion plays a big role in their relationship.

How they met

Angel: We met at Toronto club El Convento Rico. I saw her dancing from across the room when I first walked in, and I was instantly drawn to her.

Vanja: He offered me his hand to dance, and I was hypnotized by his eyes and his charm. We

judges and ended up walking in a few shows that year. When the pandemic hit and Fashion Ar t Toronto had to go virtual, we would location scout together in some incredible places. We got to go on private tours of the ROM, the Science Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium and Union Station when they were completely empty of people and tourists. It was a very bonding experience.

The kids

Vanja: I have a daughter from my previous relationship.

Balancing careers and a relationship

spent the night dancing and flirting.

The first date

We spent a lot of time texting and getting to know each other before our first date. We went on a date two weeks after we first met. He took me to Barrio Coreano for dinner and drinks. I remember the butterflies I had

We have a great schedule where we set aside time each week to be with each other and we always make our dates intentional. The rest of our time is spent on our work, his schooling and our families.

Shared hobbies and interests

We both love fashion and dressing up. He loves the big fashion brands, and I’m into local Canadian designers. We love exploring and going on road trips, discovering restaurants and wineries together, dancing and listening to music and, of course, shopping.

Fashion as a couple

when I first saw him waiting for me outside of the restaurant before I arrived. He was such a gentleman and very gorgeous. We could hardly eat our food, we were so consumed in each other.

The courtship

We’ve had a very strong chemistry with each other since the beginning, and we’ve had lots of memorable moments since then. In the first months that we met we were doing in-person model castings for Fashion Art Toronto, and I made him try out as a model. He impressed the

We’ll check in with each other about our outfits, especially for big events. Just to get the, “Looks good” or “Maybe try it with this necklace.” But we have our own individual and very distinct style, which is one of the reasons we work so well together. We appreciate that about each other. He’s definitely more sporty in his approach to fashion and I’m more sleek. Sometimes we’ll co-ordinate our outfits to match just for an extra bit of fun and playfulness when we go out.

The secret to success

We have great chemistry and passion, which keeps the romance alive. We support each other in our daily life with work and family. We make time for lots of cuddles and laughter.

“I saw her dancing across the room and was instantly drawn to her.”

Angel Vilela Gonzalez and Vanja Vasic

L-R: Michael Kane, David Victor, Corrine Spiegel, David Chaim, Michael Ruby

Bayview Glen Camp

Since 1962, we have created unforgettable Summer memories for thousands of children as one of Toronto’s longest-running day camps. Bayview Glen offers enriched age-appropriate programs for campers 4-6, specialty camps for campers 7-12, and a Leadership program for campers 14 & 15. We also offer an inclusion program for campers requiring additional support. 1-Week or Multi-Week registration packages are available to join us on the centrally located, secure, leafy, and air-conditioned campus of Bayview Glen School. Campers will enjoy sports fields, a theatre, tech/robotics labs, art studios, gymnasiums, outdoor space, and more. Specialty camps include art, basketball, soccer, musical theatre, dance, magic, coding, and robotics. We even offer off-site specialty camps like sailing and lake days! Convenient bus depot pick-up & drop-off points throughout the GTA! Join us and make unforgettable Summer memories!

Toronto Mandarin School

Toronto Mandarin School, the leading Mandarin language school in the GTA was founded in 2001. We offer a wide variety of Mandarin language programs for children, teens, adults & businesses. For more than 20 years, we have been committed to providing a fun and practical learning experience while helping students to learn Mandarin easily and quickly. Happy Mandarin Summer Camp is one of our most popular programs for children aged 2.5-14 years old. We emphasize a full immersive learning experience to maximize the language exposure for our students. The camp includes Mandarin classes and is packed with lots of fun STEAM project-based activities such as art and science, music and drama, olympic math and outdoor sports. Field trips are held once a month. Lunch, before and after-school care are available on site. Camps are available at 6 locations: Downtown and Midtown Toronto, North York, Mississauga, Scarborough and Richmond Hill.

CAMP TYPE: Day Camp

AGE RANGE: 4-13

TOTAL ENROLMENT: N/A

CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 4:1 (average)

SESSION LENGTH: Weekly & Multi-Week

SESSION COST: Varies

CAMP DIRECTOR: Daniel Garfinkel

CONTACT: 416-449-7746

www.bayviewglencamp.ca

CAMP TYPE: Day Camp

AGE RANGE: 2.5-14 years old

TOTAL ENROLMENT: 250

CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 8:1/20:1

SESSION LENGTH: July-August

SESSION COST: $350-$380 per week

CAMP DIRECTOR: Jennifer Chang

CONTACT: 416-304-0260

www.torontomandarinschool.com

Summer countdown: Parents share their tips for first-timers

A typical summer in Ontario sees about 500,000 kids attending over 400 accredited camps. And 2020 was a devastating year for Ontario youth for many reasons, including the mandated closure of overnight camps due to COVID-19. In 2021, camps were allowed to open again, but with significant restrictions, and the uncertainty prevented many new families from registering.

In 2022, camp numbers were close to normal again, but the mark of the pandemic still shows: first-time campers are now older, there’s a demand for shorter sessions and overall higher anxiety levels for parents and campers.

I recently spoke to new camper parents about their mounting worries around sending their kids away, why they’re challenging their fears, and what they’re doing to prepare for it.

Gone are the days when parents would send their kids into the woods with a bunch of teenagers for a month or two and hope for a letter every couple weeks. Every single parent I talked to asked some variation of “How will I know how my kid is doing?” and “What if they really need to tell me something?” Several told me: “I know ‘no news is good news’ but I really just want to know, especially at the begin-

ning, that they’re doing OK.” They told me that knowing when to expect updates and reassurance that they’d be contacted in an emergency or if their kid was really unhappy helped them relax.

Another thing they said helped was learning about how kids can communicate with them. Many camps offer an expedited online mail service, which strikes a balance between insta-news and snail

assuring (one parent with a negative past camp experience advised, “Don’t believe a camp that says, ‘All the kids here are nice’”).

Great ideas I heard for how parents are combating social stresses: they are talking with their kids about how to put themselves out there in new social situations and finding opportunities to practice those skills at home. Parents who know their kids have trouble making or keeping friends at school are setting their kids up for camp success by seeking professional social skills support for their kids and sharing strategies with camp. Parents whose kids don’t know anyone feel better when their kids can meet some other new campers before camp.

And finally: health and hygiene. Parents talked about kids’ quirks that might go unnoticed by 17-year-old camp staff, ranging from dry skin that cracks and bleeds without daily moisturizing to lying about toothbrushing and more than one kid who becomes painfully constipated when they don’t eat enough fibre. Most parents said they are practicing independence in these areas at home (great plan) and asking camp to assist and keep an eye on these things.

Experienced camp parents advise finding out what’s realistic to expect. I tell parents that toothbrush policing is not a service we provide, so they need to either train their kid to comply with reminders or be OK with a dirty mouth. For the other two, I’d suggest daily visits to the camp Med Centre for moisturizer/Restoralax as preventative measures because I know it’s not realistic for counsellors to remember minutia like these for all the kids in their cabin.

When we think of summer camp, we typically think of kids marching through fields, gathering bugs and butterflies or running across the grass in pursuit of a soccer ball. But what do you do if your wee day camper is not enthused about embracing Mother Nature?

Fear not, there are many day camps that focus on learning and having fun in the great indoors, with a smattering of earth and outdoor science appreciation, which might just trick your kids into enjoying getting outdoors a little bit more. Have a sporty kid who prefers gym floors over grass fields? Check out a multi-activity camp that offers a range of new indoor sports every day. If your goal is to get your child kicking a ball outside, focus on sports camps that have an outdoor option.

Do you have a budding young Picasso in the house? Find an art camp that will give your child the opportunity to try out different mediums and encourage him or her to eventually move the easel outside to paint some landscapes.

Bill Nye (the Science Guy) — a name you hear often around the dinner table? My son loved engineering camp where they built rockets, learned about how everyday household items work and probably received more education about science than in actual science class

mail. A parent sending their second kid to camp advised newbies to “Make sure your kid knows how to use whatever mail method you’re using — when my first kid returned from camp, I found a bunch of letters to me in her duffel bag!”

The second most common concern parents voiced was about their kids’ social well-being: “What if they don’t know anyone?” and “I just want to know they’ll make friends” and “What do you do if kids are mean?” They told me that hearing how camp handles these things is re-

When I asked parents what else they do to set their new campers up for summer success, I was glad to hear that many are talking to their kids about the challenges they will likely encounter at camp and how they can get through them, instead of just promising them everything will be great. Some were reading books like Homesick and Happy, by Michael Thompson, and teaching their kids how to not let the hard parts outweigh the good stuff at camp.

Despite their fears, the parents I talked to were unwavering in their belief in the importance of the camp experience for fostering independence, social skills and a break from the all-encompassing reach of technology.

MARA KATES has an MSW in child, youth and family services and is director of Camp Arowhon.

But above all, you know your own kids and what they ’re interested in. Pick a camp that aligns with what they are excited about, and it will guarantee summer fun, indoors or out.

—Kathy Buckworth

Art camp for the budding Picasso

“I really just want to know, especially at the beginning, that they’re doing OK.”

Parents say knowing when to expect updates helped them relax

Choosing a day camp for your indoor-loving kid

Wanless Park

Listed $2,998,000

Yonge/Lawrence

John Wanless PS District. 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom. Large openconcept. 2-storey addition. Private drive plus Laneway house potential.

Yonge/Lawrence

Minutes walk to Subway 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom

Minutes to The Beaches 3+1 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Listed $1,749,000

*Represented the Buyer

Mary

Sales

PORSCHIA THOMAS, FRENCH TOAST VINTAGE

Wearing a vintage velvet blazer, dress from H&M and chunky platform boots, accessorized with gold jewelry.

KEZ GARBER, PAPA LOVE VINTAGE

Wearing Y2K vintage camo pants and a ’70s thrifted T-shirt. Accessorized with a chain belt bought at the Hippie Market, a leather belt with real silver and a handmade harness.

DANIEL, DESIGNER, RABEK

Wearing thrifted purple pants with a 2011 Golf Wang shirt. Accessorized with a self-made hat from Rabek and Marni x Veja sneakers.

LUNA LINDSAY, CREATOR, MOONWIX

Wearing a duster jacket from Toronto vintage shop Nouveau Riche Vintage, a vintage cami and jeans from H&M. Accessorized with a beret from Heirloom Hats and L’Intervalle boots.

DON’T JUST SELL VINTAGE, LIVE IT!

Some of the hottest looks in town are being purchased at Toronto’s vintage markets. Meet eight vintage vendors and designers who are dressed for success and get some outfit inspiration. by

Emma Johnston-Wheeler

BOBBY RAFFIN, THREE PIECES SHOP

Wearing original reworked snake embroidered pants and a scarf reworked into a tank top. Accessorized with measuring tape, gold hand earrings and a Christian Dior ring.

CECILIA, REGAL FLARE

Wearing a self-thrifted outfit intended to be comfortable for the market. She chose the purple blouse because it’s one of her favourite colours, and flowy overalls for easy movement.

TAHRIK RODRIQUES, DESIGNER, LOOK

Wearing an original Look bucket hat with chunky yarn sewn into the brim, Look chunky yarn tie-dye T, a Zara blazer and JW Anderson x Uniqlo sherpa trap pants.

GENEVIÈVE SMITH, GIFTS OF THRIFT

Wearing a cashmere sweater and pants from a Paris flea. Accessorized with sunglasses, custom El General cowboy boots, a Big Top Shop custom bag and 60-year-old vintage socks.

FOOD

Raising a glass to the most avant-garde bars to check out this spring

When it comes to grabbing a drink in Toronto, atmosphere can be almost as important as a well-made craft cocktail. Thankfully, an exciting crop of bars has taken over the city to set the tone, offering reinvented classics and playful vibes. At BarChef, cutting-edge mixology is kicked into high gear à la immersive cocktails like the Coffee & Sesame Kaiseki (left). At sci-fi-themed cocktail

bar Offworld (top), you’ll find showy cocktails and screens that transport guests through a fictional solar system. Over at Prequel & Co. Apothecary (bottom), owner Frankie Solarik has created an experience that recalls the art nouveau era of Paris. The decor features custom woodwork and authentic vintage apothecary bottles, and a “méthode classique'' approach is used to build cocktails.

Mesmerizing Japanese mashups

Chefs are combining Japanese cuisine with everything from Argentinian to Italian and Peruvian to create a new brand of fusion fare all their own

By Jennifer Schembri

Toronto’s Japanese food scene is on fire. If you don’t believe us, just take a peek at Toronto’s recent Michelin Guide selections and you’ll see not one but five restaurants specializing in Japanese cuisine that made the list. Not to be outdone, an impressive crop of Japanese restaurants are combining a mish-mash of cuisines to tantalize us with bountiful flavour combinations that fit surprisingly beautifully together.

Late last year, celebrated Montreal chef and television personality Antonio Park treated Toronto to the opening of his namesake restaurant AP. Housed atop the Manulife Centre with breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline, the restaurant delves into the underexplored realms of Latin-influenced Japanese and pan-Asian cuisine, with some Canadian flavours sprinkled in too. Park, who was born in Argentina to Korean parents and moved to Paraguay and Brazil before settling in Canada, has taken the lead in spearheading the menu and sourcing many of

the high-quality ingredients showcased in each dish, including much of the fish, which comes from Canada’s east coast. Park’s menu has been refined to give it a Toronto sensibility. “I wanted to do something that speaks my heart, and my heart said to respect the Japanese technique and culture and history of the country. For example, we use fresh wasabi, brew our own soya sauce and rice vinegar,” he says. “Everything is done by the book, and then I twist it to my world, which is Argentinian, Paraguayan and Brazilian.”

The South American influence is in full effect from the cold start, which sees dishes like the Park ’Slaw moulding the bold flavours of mango and papaya with the subtleness of Japanese daikon and plum dressing. Typically served with chicken, the spicy and tangy green sauce aji verde has made its way onto many dishes, including the shrimp tempura and crab croquette. Even the cocktails have been remixed: check out the Kanzen martini made with the addition of Toki whisky. 51st Floor, 55 Bloor St. W.

AP

Chotto Matte

At Chotto Matte, a busy and bustling restaurant in the Financial District, Nikkei cuisine is on offer. Simply put, nikkei is a combination of Peruvian ingredients and Japanese techniques that revolutionized the South American country more than 100 years ago. According to chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, a Peruvian chef and a pioneer of nikkei cuisine, Japanese immigrants showed Peruvians how to

appreciation of fresh produce and intense flavours, where guests can taste the smoky magic of the dishes cooked on the robata grill.

Standout dishes include the chuleta de cordero ahumada, a marinated and smoked lamb chop in a Peruvian chili miso, and the wagyu strip loin in a truffle teriyaki sauce. Priced at $185 per person, the à la carte nikkei deluxe menu includes sashimi and maki, black cod aji

ceived an update via a Japaneseinspired twist: the addition of tart yuzu adds an aromatic fragrance and brings a zesty flavour to the dish, while traditional Italian ingredients, like bocconcini cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes, still play a central role.

Popular izakaya dish mentaiko udon combines the delicious seafood flavours of Japan with the decadent creaminess of Italian pasta dishes. Made with udon, cream sauce broth, seaweed cream and spicy mentai, it’s then topped with roasted seaweed for a savory almost bacon-like flavour (carbonara, anyone?).

drizzle lime juice on top of raw fish before serving it, and voila! Ceviche was born. Another notable trailblazer in the nikkei movement is Nobu Matsuhisa, who began using elements of the fusion cuisine in the 1980s and created one of the most recognized Japanese restaurants in the world.

Back at Chotto Matte, executive chef Jordan Sclare — a purveyor of Asian cuisine — showcases a menu with a deep

miso, grilled octopus and, to end the feast, a dessert platter that can only be described as deliciously decadent. 161 Bay St.

Azabu

At hip Markham eatery Azabu, guests will experience an inventive riff on elevated Japanese cuisine that features an abundance of Korean, French and Italian flavours.

Menu items, like the yuzu tomato caprese salad, have re-

Also on the menu is the French classic steak tartare alongside oven-baked welk — a snail commonly found in seafood platters at brasseries in France (where it’s known as bourgot).

Executive chef and owner Tae-Shik Kim brings the best of eastern and western flavours to Azabu, thanks to his stints working in top restaurants in Japan, Korea and Canada.

5 Glen Cameron Rd., Markham

“Everything is done by the book, and then I twist it to my world, which is Argentinian, Paraguayan and Brazilian.”

Clockwise from left: Dishes at AP, sakura-inspired sushi at Chotto Matte, Azavlax platter at Azabu

FIN-TASTIC FISH & CHIPS

Taste Test judge Anthony Rose samples the city’s most bountiful catch — fish and chips — the perfect dish to ring in spring.

WINNER

TRADITIONAL

“This is light and crispy, and I love the addition of the pickerel. I never order pickerel or halibut. I usually go for cod or haddock because I want two pieces, and it’s very expensive, but this is amazing. The fries are really good too. Everything tastes fresh and homemade.”

Sea Witch Fish & Chips, 636 St. Clair Ave. W., $19

Prizedpickerel

WINNER

NEW TAKE ON FISH AND CHIPS

“This is a good-looking sandwich. I like it quite a bit. It’s so great. It’s very well done, simple, delicious, totally different from anything else. I like their take on the chips with the addition of the fingerling potatoes, and the branzino is a nice change from the usual fish options.”

Miznon, 1235 Bay St., $18

COMFORT FOOD CLASSIC

“This tastes very old school. The batter is quite good, crispy, delicious and thin. The halibut is meaty and much richer and healthier than the other options, which I appreciate. I like these fries; they’re kind of on the sweet side.”

HAKE IT EASY

“This tastes like it might be frozen — which isn’t a bad thing. I'm not against frozen in general. The hake is firm and flaky and an unconventional choice. The batter is a little on the soggy side, but it still holds together really well. The tartar sauce is heavy on the mayonnaise, which I enjoy, and the fries are just OK.” High Street Fish and Chips, 55 Underhill Dr., $30

Olde Yorke Fish & Chips, 96 Laird Dr., $21.50

ANTHONY ROSE

This Michelinrecognized chef is the creative force behind Fat Pasha, Schmaltz and Fet Zun.

FISHLESS FILET

“Well this is certainly different! I’ve never had a vegan take on fish and chips. The banana blossom is a really cool idea and tastes unlike anything I’ve had before. The onion rings and fries are nice and crispy, and the tartar sauce, which is vegan as well, has a nice acidity to it.”

Off the Hook Fishbar, 749 Broadview Ave., $18

FRESH AND DELICIOUS

“Very crunchy, and the haddock tastes fresh. The batter is very aromatic, and there’s not too much of it — it’s nice and thin. The fries are really good too — crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Nothing here is overly greasy, which I appreciate.”

Smash Kitchen & Bar, 4261 Hwy. 7 E., Unionville, $20.50

On point chips

A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

“This is pretty! The Miss Vickie’s batter is crispy, super crunchy and very delicious. I love the coleslaw and the creaminess of it. Overall this is a solid dish. It’s really flavourful and hearty, and the halibut is perfectly cooked.”

Fresco’s Fish & Chips, 201 Augusta Ave., $25

Not yourfather ’ s fish+chip s

If you have furniture and home accessories that you would like to sell on consignment, Of Things Past offers a Home Consultation Service. Items of interest include well-crafted, brand-name and designer furniture, art, sterling silver, mirrors, lighting, rugs, crystal and fine china. To be considered, items must be in perfect or near-perfect condition. For inquiries please email: homevisit@ofthingspast.com

Black+Blue makes its exciting T.O. debut

A celebrated, upscale steak house is coming to Toronto later this month by way of Vancouver, with plans to “bring excitement” to the downtown core.

Black+Blue is a hip and bustling restaurant on Alberni Street, considered to be the Rodeo Drive of Vancouver, and is owned by the Glowbal Restaurant Group. Known for its modern takes on the classic steak house, chic carnivores have continued to descend upon the three-level space since it first opened more than a decade ago.

Nursery School

The incoming Toronto location is in prime steak land — First Canadian Place in the city’s bustling Financial District.

Black+Blue will fill that void.

Offering diners the golden age of steak — “the magic of the 1950s, the charm and dazzle of ladies and gentlemen with big cocktails and cigars in hand” — Yacoub says the restaurant’s design is old meets new.

TORONTO BEGINNINGS

CEO Emad Yacoub was once the chef de cuisine at the King Edward Hotel.

For Emad Yacoub, CEO and founder of Glowbal Restaurant Group, the opening is a homecoming of sorts.

“A few things most people may not know about Glowbal Group’s early beginnings is that my first venture was actually in Toronto,” he says. “I opened a café on Yonge Street — Brownstone Bistro in 1999.”

He believes that although Toronto has always been the mecca of food, the downtown core is lacking in steak houses. He hopes

“Everything from the music and style of service will make you feel as if you are in a classic restaurant, however it is modernized,” he says. “Being able to seamlessly do both is a difficult and delicate balance, and we’re proud we can accomplish this magic.”

The 9,000square-foot twostorey space will also include a 2,000square-foot patio.

The menu will feature the crème de la crème of meats including A5 and Miyazaki wagyu, certified Kobe beef, as well as a premium selection of steaks that are aged in Black+Blue’s salt cooler — the only restaurant in Canada that treats its meat in this style.

Chef curated seafood options are also in abundance including selections of sushi.

Black+Blue is located at 130 King St. W. and is set to open mid-April. —Jennifer Schembri

The steak house’s favourites include prime rib and caesar salad

Since 1996

Top Chef star opens namesake resto

After much success with some of the city’s most beloved eateries, including Gusto 101, Gusto 501, Trattoria Nervosa and Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, the Gusto 54 Restaurant Group has added yet another Italian eatery to its lineup.

Zuzu, located in Toronto’s Regent Park community, was born as a nod to Gusto’s humble beginnings and Top Chef star Janet Zuccarini's father, Giacomo, who brought the first Italian espresso machine to Canada.

Along with providing a welcoming addition to the restaurants in the area, Zuzu’s business model also has a charitable com-

Come

Community Centre!

SUMMER DAY CAMP

Offering 2 destinations per week

Such as Ripley’s Aquarium, AGO, ROM and High Park Zoo!

Other fun activities include games, sports, swimming/water play

Please contact Lenard at 416-392-0511 ext 225 Space is limited.

ponent and offers various community programs to support the local area. For example, the Mini Chefs program, which is part of Gusto 54's charitable arm called Gusto Gives Back, provides students with a unique and fun foodbased learning experience to understand the fundamentals of nutrition.

An esthetic that’s a nod to 1950s Italy is reflected in Zuzu’s interior design, and it exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that channels the convivial spirit of Italian cafés. The restaurant seats 100, with an additional 60 seats on the outdoor patio.

On the menu, diners can ex-

pect to find classic Italian cuisine but with a modern twist. Much like in Italy, it’s characterized by antipasti, salate, primi, pasta, secondi and dolci. Some of the musttry dishes include the cacio e pepe arancini; baked ziti; and chicken Milanese. To top it all off, Zuzu’s rum-soaked baba pastry is a sweet and boozy dessert that’s perfect for sharing.

Over at the bar, Zuzu’s wine and beverage director, Matteo Floris, and his team have crafted a beverage menu that echoes Zuzu’s approach to food, offering modern takes on Italian classics.

Zuzu is located at 555 Dundas St. E. —Christine Hogg

Little Italy gets astounding new bakery

"For me, food and cuisine is all about memories. And my best memory is the smell of naan from my grandmother’s kitchen, where I was born and raised," says Martine Bauer, who along with Maxime Hoerth and Jonathan Bauer recently opened Bakery Pompette in Little Italy. "It’s very important to me to share this memory with my kids, so my favourite thing to bake is everything that reminds me of where I come from."

Bauer hails from Mauritius, then found herself in Paris before settling in Toronto. She has since made a name for herself as the chef and co-owner of Bar Pompette and Pompette, one of the most popular French restaurants in the city. Now, with Bauer at the kitchen’s helm, the brand has expanded.

Bakery Pompette is the only eatery the group

has opened after dealing with pandemic-related closures and regulations, and all their establishments are tucked mere steps from each other at College and Bathurst Street.

"The restaurant and the bar were successful at the very beginning," she says. "We did not want to expand nor to do a f ranchise, but we always wanted to do something else that relates to our background, so we decided to open a bakery close to the restaurant and the bar."

Bauer says visitors can expect freshly baked sourdough bread and baguettes, alongside savoury danishes, such as the tarte flambée, a sort of flatbread originally from Bauer’s and Hoerth’s French hometown. She also notes that seasonal specials will occasionally make an appearance.

655 College St.

—Erica Commisso

An array of Italian dishes from Zuzu, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group’s Janet Zuccarini

Lao Lao Bar is the city’s buzziest new eatery

A new restaurant celebrating the food, drink and culture of Laos has moved in to fill the cuisine gap left behind when Sabai Sabai Kitchen and Bar closed months ago. In February, the same owners opened Lao Lao Bar, and if the initial demand is anything to judge by, it’s sure to be just as famed as their previous venture.

According to co-owners Seng Luong and Jason Jiang, the transition from the notable Thai hot spot was easy because of the customer base they've already developed. “We built a really good trust with our guests,” says Luong. “The timing was just perfect for us to jump on this project and show Toronto what Laos food is.”

by Megan Gallant

The 110-seat restaurant includes a lounge with a “speakeasy vibe,” a 20-seat patio, private dining and wheelchair access to the main upstairs dining area.

FRENCH INFLUENCE

“The design of the restaurant was really inspired by our love for Luang Prabang,” Luong says, acknowledging the “beautiful architecture” and French influence of the heritage city. Walnut hues and an installation of handmade jute lamps represent the owners' travels and create an intimate dining atmosphere.

The restaurant’s design was inspired by the ancient city of Luang Prabang.

Though they spent most of their lives raised in Canada, Jiang and Luong were both born in Laos. The restaurant was inspired by the traditional dishes the owners were raised on.

“We’ve always maintained very strong ties to our heritage, to our culture, and food specifically,” says Luong. “Having a deep connection to the food and the culture, we’ve always felt that Laos food was very underrepresented outside of Laos in general.”

Ridesharing and Personal Injury Law

While some of us might prefer Uber and others prefer Lyft, there’s no denying that ridesharing services have become an integral mode of transportation for many Canadians. Many of us think of Uber as a quick, easy, and generally safe way to get from point A to B. But motor vehicle accidents happen daily, and Uber drivers are not exempt from this risk. What happens when you’re injured as a passenger and customer of a ridesharing service? Diamond & Diamond Partner, Joshua Himel, shares some insight into how personal injury law applies when using ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft.

Are you eligible for compensation if you’re injured in a rideshare accident?

Although these services have grown to be a regular transportation option for many Canadians, far surpassing taxis in popularity, it wasn’t always like this. Uber was only introduced to Canada in 2012,

and it took a while for the law to adapt and catch up to the new service as it grew in popularity.

“It was like the Wild Wild West when Uber first came to Canada. No one knew how the law applied in rideshare accidents - not passengers, not drivers, not Uber, and not lawyers. We were making up rules as we went until the law finally caught up,” says Joshua Himel, Personal Injury Lawyer at Diamond & Diamond.

At first, there was a lot of confusion around liability for accidents that occurred during rideshare trips, but in 2016, Ontario’s insurance regulator cleared up some of the confusion by approving a blanket fleet policy for private vehicles transporting customers for payment through a ridesharing platform. This change ensured that Uber drivers were covered under the company’s policy for any accidents that might occur while they were actively using the app. If the driver was not using the app, then

Even the family-style serving follows tradition. Guests are encouraged to share everything, putting the focus on connecting with others, say the co-owners. One specialty, the nam khao, is a crispy deepfried coconut rice that’s tossed with cured pork, lime juice, fish sauce and herbs. On the plant-based menu, a favourite is the tapioca dumpling — but with a twist! Lao Lao Bar has substituted the ground pork with shiitake mushrooms, eaten inside a lettuce wrap.

Lao Lao Bar is open seven days a week at 5 St. Joseph St.

their own insurance policy would cover any accident.

“If you’ve been driving for Uber all night, but you turned off the app for 5 minutes to grab a coffee and happened to get into an accident during that time, then Uber’s insurance wouldn’t cover you — your own insurance policy would,” says Joshua Himel.

As a passenger, can you sue your Uber driver if they’re responsible for an accident? Can you sue Uber as a company?

If you’re in an Uber and the car gets rear-ended through no fault of the driver, you would not be able to sue the driver or Uber. In this case, you would sue the other driver who was at fault, like you would in any other motor vehicle accident where you were behind the wheel. However, if the accident is the fault of your driver, then you would file a lawsuit against them.

There are some situations where you might sue both the driver and

Uber. In most accidents that take place during rideshare trips, both the driver and Uber will be named in the lawsuit.

The policy coverage limit is the same regardless of how many passengers are in the vehicle when the accident takes place, meaning that if it is a serious accident, this coverage can be spread thin. In this situation, the injured parties might go after both Uber and the driver to seek full compensation for their injuries.

If you’ve been injured while using a rideshare service and would like to learn what options are available to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond & Diamond today at 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation.

Ping Gai (BBQ chicken) and rice is the epitome of Laos comfort food

POST CITY X DIAMOND & DIAMOND

Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation.

JEREMY DIAMOND

Tips from Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond Lawyers

North of Brooklyn opens old school pizzeria in North York

North of Brooklyn, the hugely popular Toronto pizza spot has headed even further north than its name suggests, recently opening a flagship location in North York.

Located on Avenue Road, just north of Lawrence Avenue West, the new spot just happens to be close to another highly acclaimed ‘za spot: Maker Pizza, by celebrity chef and personality Matty Matheson.

The North York location exudes a community feel with a bright and airy interior, complete with large front windows that look out onto the busy, business-lined street. The inti-

mate 22-person space was designed by architectural firm MRDK and features a mix of long wooden tables, chairs and old school-inspired red leather booth seating with oak wood details and low hanging, industrial lamps, striking the perfect balance between homey and hip.

Patrons can expect the same delicious pies, salads and appetizers including fan-favourite the Killer Bee, topped with calabrese sausage, jalapenos, pickled red onions, oregano and honey, in addition to a selection of craft beers and wines that pair well with pizza. It’s also rumoured that oven-baked

chicken wings might make an appearance in the near future, so stay tuned!

People might remember North of Brooklyn’s rise to global acclaim after Dave Portnoy, of Barstool Sports, visited the city last spring for a Toronto edition of “Barstool Pizza Review” and gave North of Brooklyn’s slice a stellar score of 8.4. Of the new locale, owner Josh Spatz says, “We were looking for a location in midtown and loved the community feel on this particular stretch of Avenue.”

North of Brooklyn is located at 1728 Avenue Rd.

—Raquel Farrington

Late night spot comes to Vaughan

If you’re looking for some good homemade food after a late night out, a new restaurant just outside the city is offering an upscale take on African fare. It’s gaining social media popularity for being one of the few places open until the early hours of the morning.

Located in Vaughan, Monarch serves up popular Nigerian dishes but in an atmosphere that’s hard to find in the city. “We have a lot of African restaurants [in the GTA] but not a lot of upscale, fine dining restaurants with good food,” says the owner, Ibrahim Adekale.

With years of hospitality and entertainment experience and the closure of his previous nightclub due to COVID-19, Adekale already had plans for his next project when the opportunity to acquire a

CUSTOM BUILT BEAUTY At York Mills and Bayview

space in central Vaughan came around. Inside, Monarch offers two storeys, with the fine dining area downstairs and a lively shisha lounge upstairs.

On the menu, customers can find homemade traditional food like jollof rice, alongside signature dishes like the Designer Stew, one of Monarch’s most popular and hearty dishes, at an affordable price point.

But it’s not just the dishes that are being praised on the social channels, as customers appreciate Monarch’s late night hours, offering food until 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — making it a new hot spot for a quick bite after a night at the club.

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This beautiful 5 + 2 bedroom home is situated on a large lot with a lush, landscaped garden. The home features marble floors and hardwood throughout, giving it a luxurious and elegant feel. The living spaces are open and airy, with plenty of natural light pouring in. The kitchen is a chef's dream. The grounds provide privacy and seclusion, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Featuring a gorgeous pool ideal for entertaining.

North of Brooklyn’s new dining space, one of the many pizzas on offer

Midnight Cookie takes a bite out of midtown

Beloved Toronto bakery Midnight Cookie has opened its first brick-andmortar shop, much to the delight of its legions of fans who could previously only order the fresh baked cookies online

Beginning as a pandemic hobby, founders Emily Banks and Alon S teinbach say the idea for the bakery was fuelled by something most of us can relate to: boredom and hunger.

The pair spent months perfecting the recipes and growing a small but dedicated Instagram following. Orders would roll in between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., giving customers the opportunity to enjoy warm and gooey freshly baked cookies whenever

a craving hits.

Rather rapidly, the business grew. Orders began overflowing the couples’ home kitchen, which forced the pair to start working out of a ghost kitchen.

After years of producing cookies the city loved, Midnight Cookie finally moved into its very own storefront at Yonge and Eglinton in February.

“When you walk into our store, it’s tiny. It’s under 400-square-feet and everything’s open. So basically, you get to see the entire process, from where we make the dough to where we bake,” says Banks, who also notes that the location is dear to her heart — she grew up in the area, and

her mom lives just five minutes away.

Open until the wee hours of the morning daily, Banks says two of Midnight Cookie’s most popular flavours are the Kinder and Just the Dough. “We’re very dough first, chocolate second,” she says.

Other mouthwatering flavours include white chocolate fudge mixed with Belgian white chocolate, red velvet and for chocolate fans, double chocolate chunk.

“Cookies are baked fresh at all times of the night. It only takes 10 minutes,” says Banks.

Midnight Cookie is located at 3 Manor Rd.

Marcus Mitropoulos

Three brothers open Summerhill eatery

Taline is a new restaurant that’s focused on bringing the cuisine and experience of Armenia and Lebanon to Toronto. But Taline isn’t just a celebration of these countries; it’s an ode to one special woman.

The restaurant is named after the late mother of the three brothers who conceptualized the space. “We’re just going to be replicating basically her legacy through our restaurant,” says owner Seb Yacoubian. To do this, everything about Taline will represent who she was, by serving the wine and spirits that she liked to offering the music and ambience that she enjoyed. “We’ll be refining the flavours and the tastes that she would put into a Sunday dinner.”

Though Yacoubian and his younger brothers, Saro and Serouj, are from Toronto, their mother was Armenian by descent and born and raised in a village in Lebanon. As a result, the boys

grew up eating the food that she was raised on. Yacoubian says that throughout their childhood, the brothers spent e very summer break visiting Armenia.

With a focus on Armenian dishes of the diaspora, Taline utilizes the produce, herbs and spices of the Middle East, mainly Lebanon. As for the extensive drink menu, the cocktails are formulated by Yacoubian’s brother Saro and spearheaded by Tao Zrafi, a Montreal-based mixologist who was a fan-favourite finalist on Netflix’s Drink Masters.

The 80-seat restaurant covers two stories, with room available for private dining. The space itself is white and airy, whereas tones of olive, maroons and dark wood subtly replicate the colours of the region.

Calling it its “most requested” location to open ever, uber-popular American burger joint Shake Shack has announced it’s finally coming to Canada.

Set to open its flagship location in Toronto in 2024, the announcement comes five years after the launch of the 2017 Shake Shack pop-up — a collaboration with Momofuko Daishō — that saw Torontonians lining up in droves for the first-ever taste of Shack in Canada.

As for the Canadian expansion, Shake Shack’s chief global licensing officer, Michael Park, says they had been “eyeing this opportunity for quite some time.”

Shake Shack will partner with two Toronto-based investment firms — Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc., whose other investments include Planta, Parc Ave and Sunnys Chinese — with plans to open up to 35 locations across Canada by 2035.

And when it comes to the menu, burgers — the undisputed star of the Shake Shack menu — will reign supreme: Expect the fast-food joint's signature items, including those famous crinkle-cut f ries, Chicken Shack, Shack Burger and delicious hand-spun shakes.

Making its debut in New York’s Madison Square Park as a humble hot dog cart more than 20 years ago, Shake Shack now has 440 locations around the world, including Hong Kong, London and Dubai.

—Jennifer Schembri

Taline is located at 1276 Yonge St and is slated to open on April 6.

—Megan Gallant

The brand grew a dedicated Instagram following for their fresh-baked cookies

The team behind Sunnys Chinese is bringing Shake Shack to the city

Crinkle-cut fries and Shack Burger

HOMES

The perfect affordable knickknacks and statement pieces

Vintage housewares are the perfect way to give your home the upgrade of the century — or maybe the century before this one. Here are five great markets happening this April! The Heritage Antique Market, hosting its first show of the year on April 9, is home to antique furniture, art, jewelry and more. For the more hardcore, head to Lee’s Palace on April 2 for Punk Rock Flea Market,

featuring antique toys, handmade ceramics and other gnarly finds. Art collectors shouldn’t miss A. H. Wilkens’ modern art auction on April 25, featuring traditional, vintage and mid-century modern pieces. And although the Sunday Antique Market has moved, you can head to its new Mississauga location on April 2 and May 14 for a dose of nostalgia (and antique goods). Happy hunting!

© Andy Warhol via ahwilken.com

© @_thehiddenpath

© @erickapark.ceramics

© @melodys_vintage

© Heritage Antique Market

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T.O.’s hottest new restos inspired

When Matty Matheson opened Prime Seafood Palace in Toronto, he didn’t seek out the top restaurant interior designers in the city. Instead, he turned to renowned Canadian home architect, Omar Ghandi. The result was a monochromatic, wood-all-over, cathedral-like design that feels less like a restaurant and more like a modern home. Does home design have a leg up on restaurants?

“Bringing a homey feel into a restaurant space really allows it to be a place where people want to go and feel comfortable and feel welcome,” Dyonne Fashina, principal designer at Toronto-based studio Denizens of Design, says.

The studio recently designed Queen West’s Florette, and Fashina says the team modelled Florette after the idea of having a person in your life who’s space you always feel at home in, with the layout of the restaurant following that of a house.

“The dining area is based on a living room space. And the banquette, which is a big long piece in the space, is modelled after a traditional sofa. The bar is meant to look like a dining table with dining table legs, and the back bar is sort of like a curio cabinet,” she explains.

The decor also picks up on a

key piece of home design — mixed styles and influences.

“When you decorate your home, you often have modern furniture mixed with heirloom pieces from your grandmother. So we don't often design to one style,” Fashina says. “Restaurants will often say, ‘I’ll do a mid-century modern design, or I'm going to do art deco

design,’ to align with current trends, but that’s why spaces live and die within months — they don't have authenticity.”

Fashina notes that this is something that is changing, as restaurants are trying to create spaces that welcome people in. “In both restaurants and just commercial design in general, the home is becoming more of an influence on these spaces,” she says.

However, Jude Kamal, founder of Sansa Interiors, sees that influence go in the opposite direction as well. Her studio has designed both residential homes and restaurants in Toronto, including Tabule and Miznon.

“People like having areas in their home that feel like a restaurant,” she says.

Kamal says trends such as colourful spaces, artwork in multiple rooms and bathrooms or powder rooms with colourful walls all came from restaurant design but

are now having their moment in residential spaces. Layered lighting — having lighting in the ceiling but also on walls, coffee tables, under shelving — is popular now in homes, but that originated in restaurants,” she says.

Since the pandemic, Kamal has also noticed another home design trend influenced by restaurants — double islands. “People are asking us for two islands in their kitchens, which is very restaurantlike, because they want more prep surfaces, and maybe they’re spending more time at home to entertain,” she says.

Kamal believes that the relationship between home and restaurant design is more reciprocal, with both taking elements from each other.

“Restaurants used to be very dark, but now many feel more like you’re sitting in your living room, very casual,” she says.

— Julia Mastroianni

Prime Seafood Palace was designed with the home in mind

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LOOKING BACK

Before you go... take a gander at some of the city’s historical April moments! Follow along on Post City’s Instagram @streetsoftoronto this month for more.

APRIL

The Great Fire of Toronto of 1904 destroyed more than 100 buildings in downtown Toronto on April 19 of that year. It was the second such fire for the city in its history and remains the largest fire ever to have occurred in Toronto.

On April 4, 1990, Toronto-born singer-songwriter Alannah Myles’ hit song “Black Velvet” hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The breakout song won Myles both a Grammy and three Juno Awards.

The first baseball game in the newly opened Maple Leaf Stadium at the foot of Bathurst Street was held on April 29, 1926. The Maple Leafs would rally to defeat the Reading Keystones in extra innings before a rain-soaked crowd of 12,781.

On April 18, 1942, the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Detroit Red Wings in a seven-game series. It’s been 55 years since the last time they brought home the Holy Grail. Could it finally happen again? Only time will tell!

On April 3, 1947, the Silver Rail at Yonge and Shuter became the first Toronto bar with an LCBO liquor licence. Although beer had been served in taverns since the 1930s, liquor and mixed drinks weren't readily available downtown.

Late actor and comedian, John Candy married Rosemary Margaret Hobor at St. Basil's Church in Toronto on April 28, 1979. Until his death in 1994, the couple enjoyed over 15 years of love and shared two children.

© Instagram @hellorose