Thornhill Post December 2024

HOLIDAY ISSUE DECEMBER 2024

“I’ve been workIng In an Industry I’ve loved my entIre lIfe. every sIngle job I’ve ever had I have loved. ” CRUMB, ALL YE FAITHFUL CHEFS ANTHONY ROSE & NADEGE NOURIAN SAMPLE 16 SANTA-WORTHY COOKIES

the funnIest

ANDREA MARTIN LEADING THE LAUGH REVOLUTION AS ONE Of OUR 12 wOMEN Of THE yEAR

Meet our 2024 women of the year, from athletes and artists to innovators and advocates 17

Jeanne Beker has a soft spot for cashmere; here are 17 items that would make the perfect gift for friends and family this holiday season 21

Hallmark queen Brittany Bristow on finding a reel-life love that’s even better than the movies with husband Dustin Keating 27

Crumb all ye faithful: Chefs Anthony Rose & Nadège Nourian sample 16 Santa-worthy cookies 33

A season of random acts of kindness

In this edition, we highlight our women of the year. Those in the city who inspire others, who make change, who push to make the city and the world a better place in which to live.

Being inspirational or influential is not about having a fancy job title or a bucket load of money. It’s about being authentic, passionate and unafraid to take action. It's about rolling up your sleeves, speaking up when it matters and standing firm in the face of challenges. These women remind us that influence comes in many forms — from quiet resilience to advocacy.

This year's honourees are as diverse as the city they call home. They are artists who use their craft to spark conversations, educators who shape the next generation, community leaders who fight tirelessly for justice and everyday heroes.

This is also the time of year when random acts of kindness are most felt. And, let’s face it,

there are many in the city who need our help right now.

Just last month, a report from Daily Bread Food Bank stated that there were already more than a million trips to access the food bank this year. It’s already been bad, and now it’s getting worse. That’s why, this past summer, our company, Post City magazines, and our web and social channels at Streets of Toronto, decided to create our own beer as a fundraiser for Daily Bread Food Bank. We partnered with Brew Aid to create a fun raccoonthemed Streets of Toronto beer and sold 10,000 cans.

Last month, we took a trip to Daily Bread and presented them with a cheque for $10,000. Watch for the next installment in 2025. Until then, have a happy holiday season from all of us.

L-R: Pat MacDonald, Cassie Lueders, Kaitlin Narciso and Ron Johnson at Daily Bread Food Bank

RON JOHNSON editorial director of Post City Magazines.

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T.O.’s Enrico Colantoni shines in hot new shows

Toronto actor Enrico Colantoni is an instantly recognizable character actor who has appeared in countless TV and film projects from Just Shoot Me and Veronica Mars to Flashpoint, viral streaming hit English Teacher and now CBC’s new police drama Allegiance. We checked in with Colantoni to talk about the show, which is set to premiere Jan. 15.

Tell us about your character on the show ahead of the second season? [Beat cop] Vince Brambilla has become more of the Sabrina Sohal character’s champion, really just bringing light to her struggle and how the system is changing mostly because of the effort she's putting in. So he's the old establishment that is changing its ways and wanting to change the old guy.

What drew you to the character and the show originally?

It was [showrunners] Stephanie [Morgenstern] and Mark [Ellis], essentially, because we have history on Flashpoint. And I know they write very much from the heart. Initially it was about that. And then, of course, Supinder [Wraich, his co-star,] keeps me there because she's just the most delightful human being ever.

What did you find most challenging about this new role? Making it a little different from Parker [his police role in Flashpoint]. Not being seen as that guy, but that made it even more fun because I got to be a little wry and a little sar-

castic. I got to be frumpy and tired. It was like all those things that come along with being a veteran of the force. I got to play with that and not be so serious.

And, you’re also part of this surprise hit English Teacher. What is happening there?

Well, I mean, that's just a genie in the bottle. I don't know. I have no idea. But what a gem that show is to be on.

Something different for sure.

I was trained classically. I went to the Yale School of Drama. I like the words on the page. I rely very much on the words of the page. I give a lot of credit to the writing and the writers on English Teacher are exceptional. They're great. But Brian [English Teacher star Brian Jordan Alvarez] loves to riff. So from a classical sort of thing that I bring it turned into jazz. It really is exciting. I mean, they actually use my f**k ups. They don't say, “Oh no, no, no, that wasn't the way we read it.” It was just like, you use the take that I f**ked up on. “Ya, we love it.” It's like, wow, it's experimental, it's exciting, it's youthful, it's current.

Will there be another season?

I'd be surprised if we didn't go back.

What was your first job?

Oh, my God, it was the re-enactment of John Belushi’s last day on an old show called A Current Affair. Remember Maury Povich? He was like the pioneer tabloid journalist.

It was a big, big show. But I played John Belushi just in a documentary-style segment, and they paid me like 300 bucks. It was great. All my roommates ate that night.

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

The worst piece of career advice I ever received was don't do it. Don't go to New York. Don't follow your dreams. It's like, really? Yeah, that was the worst.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Letting go of the sword and really just starting with where I am and appreciating everything that is. You know? It’s got to start with what I got because I'm probably 100 per cent responsible for creating it in the first place. So why wish for more when I can appreciate what is already, so I aspire to that every day, and it keeps me pretty happy.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is that I forget it. I forget that I'm already there. That when it's over, I would have missed those moments, you know, looking back and going, f**k, I didn't appreciate that, because there were seven years on [the TV show] Just Shoot Me that I did not appreciate. I just didn't. I couldn't. And, in hindsight, I want to relive those moments because they were so perfect in every way. The people were perfect, and everything was perfect, but I just undervalued it. And so, yes, I'm afraid on my deathbed I'm going to look back and go, oh f**k.

15

Toronto’s ranking in a list of the 100 best cities in the world.

16

The height, in feet, of the Christmas tree plunked down at Nathan Phillips Square for the holidays.

6,500

The number of participants in a vote to name Toronto’s new baby red panda, now called Poppy.

The value, in billions, of the Toronto Maple Leafs, making it the most valuable team in the NHL. $4

The amount, in thousands, paid for an Emily Carr painting auctioned in Toronto, which was bought for $50. $290

L-R: Toronto actor Enrico Colantoni, a scene from ‘Allegiance’

Monopoly: Toronto Edition is ready for Festive Giving

Get ready for Monopoly: Toronto Edition — a thrilling way to experience the city while supporting a great cause! This exclusive version of the classic board game, licensed by Hasbro, is brought to you by ProAction Cops & Kids, a charity dedicated to connecting police officers with youth across the GTA. Each game sold benefits 11 charities, including United Way, Jays Care Foundation, Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, SickKids, MLSE Foundation and The Keg Spirit Foundation.

Experience Toronto:

Imagine grabbing the hottest spots like the CN Tower, Canada’s Wonderland and the legendary Fairmont Royal York Hotel. As you cruise around the board, you’ll run into everything from the bustling Nathan Phillips Square to the fun-filled

Ripley’s Aquarium. These aren’t just properties. They’re the city’s treasures, inviting you to trade, invest, and outsmart your friends — all while soaking up Toronto’s unique vibe.

How to Play:

In this electrifying take on Monopoly, players roll the dice and hit the streets of Toronto. What’s the mission? Snag properties, construct houses and hotels and outwit your rivals. Embrace the art of negotiation and shrewd decision making to dodge unexpected costs and grab golden opportunities. Will you clinch a deal on a trendy Queen Street hot spot or chase the serene vibes of High Park? You call the shots in this fast-paced game of strategy, quick moves and epic moments.

Born out of the pandemic, the Toronto Edition of Monopoly aims to celebrate our beloved city and foster a sense of togetherness.

“We believe that we could spearhead the creation of the Toronto version on a much larger scale as a way of fundraising for multiple charities across the GTA,” says Stephen Kouri, President of ProAction Cops & Kids.

So whether you're a seasoned Monopoly master or just looking for a fun way to give back this holiday season, Monopoly: Toronto Edition is a fantastic

opportunity to celebrate our city while supporting those in need.

Grab your copy before they sell out — after all, it’s not just a game; it’s a chance to make a difference!

Visit www.monopolytorontoedition.com for more information.

Why does Doug Ford want Toronto to become another bland suburb?

Doug Ford’s move to rip out bike lanes in Toronto is the latest in a trend of undermining democracy in Toronto that could set the city back decades, according to experts.

One has to wonder if the provincial leader wants to remake Toronto as a car-first suburb. The latest salvo has the province putting forward Bill 212, the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act that, if passed, will mean any bike lane in Toronto that takes away a lane for cars could be subject to removal. Already the province has indicated that bike lanes on Yonge, University and Bloor could be the first to be removed.

Bike lanes though are just the latest salvo of the Ford government toward Toronto. City councillor Josh Matlow told Post City Magazine of Ford’s history of butting into Toronto’s local affairs, beginning with cutting the number of seats in city council nearly in half in the middle of 2018’s municipal election.

“It was madness the way that

he did it,” Matlow said. “And he just keeps doing this.”

Since that election, Ford has moved to close safe consumption sites in Toronto, pushed forward a private spa on the grounds of Ontario Place, abruptly closed the current location of the Science Centre, spoken against “missing middle” housing that would increase density in the city’s neighbourhoods and has put forward a nearly 60-kilometre tunnel underneath the 401 highway — a project that has never been done before anywhere in the world.

All of these moves, though, have been completely legal, Matlow explained, due to the current makeup of Canada’s constitution, which gives provinces total authority over its cities.

“Cities don’t exist in the [Canadian] constitution at all,” Matlow said. “If Doug Ford wanted to rename Toronto ‘the Ford Nation,’ he could legally do that.”

Matlow explained that the reason it is like that is because in 1867, when Canada’s constitution

was created, the country was largely an agrarian society. Now, over 80 per cent of the population lives in urban areas, Matlow said.

So it can come as a surprise how little power cities have, but Matlow has never before seen a province utilize its power to the degree Ford has.

“[For] the province to micro-

“For the province to micromanage cities to that level is, I think, absurd.”

manage cities to that level is, I think, absurd,” Matlow said, noting his belief that Ford’s actions with Toronto are to appeal to his political base ahead of a potential spring election. “What [Ford] is doing is clearly political.”

Already the effects are being felt at Ontario Place, where 865 trees were cut down under the cover of darkness in October to prepare the site for a massive, sta-

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Matlow said that their removal will lead to many months of congestion due to the demolition work and it won’t actually solve gridlock in the city.

Michael Longfield, executive director of cycling advocacy group Cycle Toronto, said that the province’s move to remove bike lanes is a “pretty big jurisdictional overreach.” He said the bike lanes give people more transportation options, and without them there will be more cars on the road, which could be a “risk to public health.”

dium-sized indoor spa. Although the province promises that the trees will be replaced and additional ones will be planted, the province does have sweeping powers over the site, including the ability to ignore its own environmental and heritage laws, according to a case filed by advocacy group Ontario Place Protectors.

Over at Ontario Science Centre, the institution was abruptly closed at the beginning of the summer on June 21 due to “safety issues” related to its roof, causing all summer programs to be cancelled. Its new location at Ontario Place is not set to open until 2028 and will be 50 per cent smaller.

And despite pushing for more housing, Ford has come out against allowing fourplexes “as-aright” in the province, saying it would be a “massive mistake” to opt for municipalities to decide on their own.

Toronto estimates that removing bike lanes will cost up to $50 million, a figure that Ford has already dismissed as “hogwash.”

Already six people have died this year cycling, five of those deaths occurred where there aren’t bike lanes. The sixth happened when a bike lane was blocked.

Matlow says the province cherry-picked data from years ago to support its argument.

Naama Blonder, co-founder of urban planning firm Smart Density, is one citizen who will be affected by the removal of bike lanes. She told Post City she doesn’t own a car and relies on the bike lane network to get around the city with her two kids. She said Toronto doesn’t have nearly as robust a public transit system as other global cities, such as London or New York, and so it is important that the city has other transit options. On a trip to London, U.K., she said she wanted to cry after she saw the scale of its transit system compared to Toronto’s.

Without transit options and an emphasis instead placed on building more roads, more people will decide to drive and gridlock will continue, a concept called “induced demand,” she said.

So what is a city to do? Matlow said there is real frustration within city council at the Ford government, and it has already adopted an item called “Respecting Local Democracy and Cities” as a protest against Ford’s most recent move against bike lanes.

Matlow, for one, is advocating for an amendment to Canada’s constitution to give Toronto more autonomy over its future.

“Until Toronto can be a real government, we’re going to keep being in this situation,” Matlow said. “Doug Ford is hurting Toronto.”

Photo: Doug Ford X

Home builders pledge to reduce prices with tax relief

Canada’s housing crisis dominates the headlines, and for good reason — it’s one of the most pressing national issues today. As Canadians grapple with rising costs, few concerns resonate more deeply than the affordability of housing. Soaring costs have ground housing starts to a halt, and, from where I sit, the affordability crisis is teetering on a fullblown catastrophe.

In 2009, the cumulative municipal, provincial and federal taxes levied on a new condominium unit totalled roughly $36,000. Today, that figure has skyrocketed to over $240,000. These costs aren’t just abstract numbers — they’re the difference between a young family buying their first home or being trapped in an endless cycle of renting at escalating prices.

Meaningful tax reductions by all three levels of government would have an immediate and transformative impact on housing affordability. Taxes at 30 per cent

of the total cost of a new home are almost as high as construction costs.

Yet, after years of overtaxing homebuyers, governments argue they can’t cut these revenues. In Toronto, for instance, these taxes now fund regular services and supplement the city’s standard operating budget. Without exorbitant development charges the city will be even deeper in a financial crisis. But with housing starts

grinding to a halt, the city faces the same financial cliff.

Revenues they rely on are disappearing, yet budgets still forecast these phantom dollars, ignoring the mounting crisis and pushing the problem further down the road. Until governments confront this flawed approach, housing starts will stagnate, affordability will worsen and the dream of home ownership will remain out of reach for

countless Canadians. This broken system is unsustainable and demands urgent reform.

The Coalition Against NewHome Taxes (CANT) was formed to expose how excessive taxation is inflating housing costs, and CANT demands reform.

Representing a group of home builders that plans to deliver more than 100,000 units in the next decade, CANT is uniquely positioned to highlight the devastating impact of these taxes on both supply and affordability.

To illustrate the absurdity of the current system, CANT sent all levels of government a Toronto Monopoly-type game. In this version, players have their cards stacked against them with exorbitant development charges and taxes, leaving them unable to afford properties or advance in the game. It’s a stark metaphor for Canada’s housing market, a losing game for most Canadians. Just as in Monopoly, where inflated costs can bankrupt players, today’s

housing market is pricing out young families, immigrants and anyone hoping to put down roots.

The solution is clear, governments at all levels must cut these crippling taxes and incentivize construction. The City of Toronto should put in a two-year moratorium on development charges, and the provincial and federal government need to stop charging HST on housing. These two items would reduce the cost of new housing significantly.

At CANT, we’ve pledged to reduce home prices dollar for dollar for every dollar of tax relief provided. By easing the tax burden on new homes, we won’t just boost housing supply. We’ll give Canadians a fighting chance to achieve home ownership or afford their rent in a market that has left so many behind.

SHEFFER is the President and Co-Founder of Originate Developments, a firm specializing in mid-rise and high-rise residential projects.

Taxopoly game created by Toronto area development companies

ADAM

Another property tax hike coming?

Five per cent is my guess for the property tax increase in 2025.

It’s about double the current rate of inflation, but it is nothing like the nine per cent increase for 2024, which tried to make up for the under-taxing of the John Tory years. And still, even with an extra five per cent in 2025, Toronto’s property tax rate will remain among the lowest in the GTA.

Some of the new money needs are already defined. Perhaps I am an optimist, but the Eglinton Crosstown will probably open next year, and so will the Finch Avenue Light Rail Transit. The TTC thinks $44 million must be allocated for the costs of operating those two lines, and that’s in addition to the $35 million the province is contributing in the Toronto-Ontario New Deal signed with the city this year.

The TTC thinks it will generate an extra $24 million in revenue with more riders, but that will be more than eaten up by other costs. In total, the TTC is asking for $74 million more.

The Toronto Police service will, as usual, ask for more funds. In this year’s budget papers, it projected an ask in 2025 of $90 million more to fund the extra costs of the additional 200 officers hired this year. And there are three additional pressures. Police wages have been referred to an arbitrator who could possibly — read “likely” — decide Toronto

police need to be the best paid officers in the province, as though $110,000 for an officer with just five years’ experience isn’t enough.

Then the Toronto Police Service Board in mid-November unanimously approved a motion — made without notice to the public so no one had a chance to comment — to hire 90 additional officers each year from 2025 to 2029 to increase the cops-to-population ratio, something which has no impact on reducing crime. That will add at least another $5 million in 2025 and then $15 million a year thereafter.

The third pressure comes from the new president of the Toronto Police Association, Clayton Campbell, who is taking a very combative approach to city council, ready to challenge any councillor who he thinks is not respecting police.

Sorting out how much the police will get could be messy, and funds the police get will be funds denied for other services. Toronto does not face a crime problem: the issue for most of us is disorder — activities that are not criminal in nature (and don’t require someone with a gun and criminal training). And the community agencies needed to deal with disorder are simply not well enough funded. Earlier in the year, we thought that the parks department needed better funding to care for the parks and get the

fountains working, but we now know, thanks to the city auditor general, that parks staff spent more time in the parking lot of malls than doing the work they are paid to do. Assuming parks management does its job, no new funds will be needed for wellgroomed parks.

A big problem will be providing shelters for the increasing number of homeless people at a time when each year we lose more affordable housing than we gain, given the paltry sums devoted by the provincial and federal governments to new affordable housing. Currently there are just over 10,500 shelter beds, but every night more than 300 people are turned away. The city will devote more funds to this issue, but never enough: it is not a problem the city can resolve on its own.

And bicycle lanes? With the province’s decision that it knows best how to manage our bike lanes, it seems a lot of money will be spent removing lanes, and I’ll bet the city gets stuck with some of those costs, although the Bike Brigade might find ways of stopping the province’s wrecking crews in their tracks. It will be more fun watching that play out than councillors debating the $17.5 billion budget for 2025.

Mayor Olivia Chow at last year’s budget meetings

JOHN SEWELL is a former mayor of Toronto.

Knowledge Works Learning Academy

Popular Thornhill mall property up for sale

A large property at 300 John St. in the Thornhill Square neighbourhood is up for sale, offering a prime redevelopment opportunity with zoning approvals already in place.

Located just east of Bayview Avenue, on the north side of John Street, the 7.7-acre “Thornhill Square” property is being sold by Toronto-based developer Hazelview Investments through Jones Lang LaSalle Real Estate Services. The site is situated in an established residential area, within close proximity to the rapidly developing Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue corridor.

It's also located near major transportation hubs, such as the Langstaff GO station (about a six-minute drive away), and provides easy access to key roads, including Highway 407. Currently, the property features a retail plaza and office building reportedly generating a solid income stream while the buyer moves forward with the redevelopment plans.

Hazelview, in partnership with Graziani + Corazza Architects, has already secured approval for an ambitious mixed-use development at the site.

The plan includes four towers — 19, 17, 12 and 7 stories —

designed to accommodate residential condos, rental units, commercial spaces and parkland. The total gross floor area for the project is 752,290 square feet, with 615 residential units (a mix of market-rate condos and rental units). The development also proposes 1,160 parking spaces spread across three underground parking levels, with additional parking available at ground level.

A highlight of the redevelopment is the inclusion of a 0.69-hectare public park along John, which will offer green space for the community. Additionally, the existing heritage building home to popular Greek restaurant Santorini’s, will be preserved and maintained for continued use, adding to the charm and character of the area. With zoning approvals already in place, the buyer can move forward with the redevelopment plans in a desirable, affluent neighborhood. The site is also well-served by amenities, making it an appealing place for future residents.

It’s also a crucial and integral part of the Thornhill community who will have a vested interest in seeing a solid plan move forward for the property.

— Nisean Lorde

Rendering of previously proposed development at 300 John St.

Downsview transformation continues

Coldplay and Oasis are set to play the new Rogers Stadium in Toronto next summer. The stadium is part of a 30-year master plan for the Downsview Airport Lands, spearheaded by Northcrest Developments. And transformation of the site continues to make progress.

Most recently, Canada Lands Company submitted its Downsview West District Plan application to the City of Toronto, with the goal of creating one of the largest transitoriented communities in Toronto’s history.

Building on the recently approved Downsview Secondary Plan, Downsview West is set to transform the area next to the Downsview Park TTC/GO station and Downsview Park by providing diverse housing options within walking distance of transit.

“A complete community built for families, climate resilience, transportation, jobs and amenities, the Downsview West District Plan is the result of robust engagement and our deep ambition to deliver more housing with affordability and diversity in mind. We look forward to continued collaboration with residents, builders, Indigenous communities and the City of Toronto to deliver on a neighbourhood that will transform the area for genera-

tions to come,” said Stéphan Déry, president and CEO of Canada Lands Company. According to the application, submitted to the city this fall, the 30-hectare (74-acre) area will feature about 8,800 homes within walking distance of transit, providing homes to approximately 17,000 residents.

About 20 per cent of these homes will be designated for affordable housing (making it one of the largest commitments

“A neighbourhood that will transform the area for generations to come.”

from a single development application in the city’s history) and about 40 per cent of homes will be two- and three-bedroom units.

Canada Lands is also focusing on building low-carbon communities, aiming for netzero operation by 2040, to minimize carbon emissions.

Most residents will live within a five-minute walk of transit, and the goal is for 75 per cent of trips to be taken by walking, cycling or transit. Residents could expect a green infrastructure system to treat rainwater as a resource, so private lands, roadways and open

spaces will be used to manage water during extreme rain events.

Also at Downsview, Northcrest Developments recently announced the grand opening of the YZD Experience Centre and Plaza. The 16,150-squarefoot hub will feature an Art Walk, weekly events and opportunities/spaces for people to play, create and socialize.

A highlight of the centre is the Community Hall — a multi-purpose space that can accommodate a wide range of activities, like meetings and informal gatherings, as well as education and fitness classes. Subject to availability, the hall will be offered at no cost for use by community groups and nonprofits.

“We believe that if we work with the public to shape the soul of the destination before development even begins, we will collectively create a great place for generations to come,” said Mitchell Marcus, executive director of site activation & programming for YZD.

In the fall, visitors can look out for the Winter Station installations — a collection of four large-scale, interactive public art pieces, ranging from an immense floating cloud to a mesmerizing kaleidoscope, a glimmering UFO and more.

— Nisean Lorde

Rendering of proposed Downsview development

© Canada Lands Company

Wilson station parking lot razed for condo

Patrons who typically park their cars at Wilson TTC station’s main lot prior to hopping on the subway will have to find another alternative.

A city-led Housing Now development is set to transform the site. As of Monday, the TTC permanently shut down the main parking lot (the north lot) at Wilson station, located at 50 Wilson Heights Blvd. (adjacent to the building). Protective fencing was installed around the lot and the north pedestrian access point to ensure public safety.

Although the north lot is permanently closed, commuter parking is available at the Wilson Transit Road Lot (with a capacity of 72 parking spaces). Alternative TTC commuter parking is also available at Sheppard West (632 parking spaces), Pioneer Village (1,881 parking spaces), Finch

West (347 parking spaces) and Highway 407 (550 parking spaces) stations.

Existing north and east pedestrian access sites (between Wilson Heights Boulevard and the station) will be closed during construction. Upon completion, new pedestrian access from Wilson Heights Boulevard will be open. In the meantime, pedestrians can access the station using the entrance from Wilson Avenue or other access points.

According to the TTC, the closure is to help facilitate a new housing development on the eight-acre lot. It will literally be transformed from a surface parking lot into a complete community.

The mixed-use redevelopment, located at Wilson and Allen Road, will deliver 1,484 new homes (including 35 per cent affordable rentals), as well as parkland, of-

fice, retail and community spaces, shared parking, a child care centre and improvements to the public realm.

“With more than 1,400 residential homes, the Housing Now site at 50 Wilson Heights Blvd. is one of the largest projects in the portfolio,” said local city councillor James Pasternak, when the project was announced. “I’m proud that more than 500 affordable homes are going to be built as part of this development, which will also benefit the broader community, thanks to the inclusion of new parkland, commuter parking, a new child care facility and retail and office uses.”

In 2019, CreateTO held community consultations about the future of this site being a Housing Now development, and approvals were received in 2020.

— Nisean Lorde

New councillor Chernos Lin’s big new goals

Rachel Chernos Lin has been elected as the new city councillor for Toronto’s Ward 15 and has a number of priorities going forward. Chernos Lin, who had previously served as a trustee with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), triumphed over former mayoral candidate Anthony Furey in a highly contested byelection. Several candidates dropped out to support Chernos Lin.

Traffic and development were the two primary concerns voiced by residents during Chernos Lin’s campaign. Traffic congestion has long been a major issue in Ward 15, and Chernos Lin found that bike lanes were one of the most debated topics on the doorsteps. Although some of her opponents, including Furey, called for the removal of bike lanes as a solution to traffic, Chernos Lin disagreed with that approach.

“Removing bike lanes doesn’t solve the traffic problem; it just puts more cars on the road,” she said. Instead, Chernos Lin focused on offering more comprehensive solutions to the city’s traffic challenges, such as improved traffic flow management, smarter traffic signal technology and enhanced infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike. She emphasized that the city needs balanced transportation policies that cater to the diverse needs of all road users.

Development also emerged as a central issue during the campaign, particularly the rapid pace of change in established neighbourhoods, such as Leaside, Lawrence Park and Davisville village.

“We need to work collaboratively with the city, developers and the community to ensure that development doesn’t outpace the infrastructure needed to support it,” she said. — Ron Johnson

Pedestrian scramble for Yonge & Eg?

Toronto’s bustling Yonge-Eglinton intersection might one day get a pedestrian scramble — a crosswalk where the traffic signal stops all vehicle traffic and allows pedestrians to cross in all directions, including northsouth and east-west directions, as well as diagonally (similar to the ones at the busy YongeBloor and Yonge-Dundas intersections).

Councillor Josh Matlow, with support from councillor Mike Colle, introduced a notice of motion for the City of Toronto’s Transportation Services to explore the feasibility of implementing this scramble.

The motion suggests that a feasibility report be completed by mid-2025 — after the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is (hopefully) operating.

Advocacy group Walk Toronto supports the move.

“Yonge and Eglinton is one of the intersections with the heaviest pedestrian traffic in Toronto,” said Walk Toronto, in a statement. “The number of pedestrians using this intersection far exceeds the number of drivers and passengers in motor vehicles. Once the Eglinton Crosstown is active, it will no longer be a major intersection for surface transit, so pedestrians will be even more dominant as the intersection’s primary users. — NL

Photo: Google Maps

Photo:

City councillor James Pasternak, parking lot at Wilson Station

The pedestrian scramble currently operating at Yonge and Dundas

Yorkville’s new gym, Little Italy gets a Portuguese café & more

Loro Piana has launched an eye-catching new location on Bloor West, one of two openings in Toronto that mark the Italian luxury brand’s first expansion into Canada. Spanning two levels and 10,000 square feet of space, the entire exterior of the store is covered in the brand’s signature red Tuscan tiles. Visitors to the 111 Bloor St. W. location can expect women’s ready-to-wear, footwear, leather goods and more.

Province of Canada is setting up to open on the Ossington strip. The apparel brand is known for their made-in-Canada, cosy loungewear emblazoned with neighbourhood and city names so you can show some local pride. The brand also runs a one-for-one sock program — for every purchase of their socks, a pair is donated to a homeless shelter in Canada. The new location should be open in time for the holiday season at a yet-to-be-announced location on Ossington Avenue.

Yorkville Box Fit is the latest fitness studio to hit the neighbourhood. Offering authentic boxing training, the gym at 120 Cumberland St. includes group classes,

kids and youth boxing, private training and a membership program. Gym-goers can also take advantage of fitness classes outside of boxing — yin yoga, flow yoga and TRX classes, involving suspension training, are all offered.

Presse Internationale, home to one of the best national and international selec-

tions of magazines in the city, has closed its doors after 30 years. The Annex institution at 537 Bloor St. W. was forced to close in November after the owners faced a rent increase they couldn’t afford. Customers travelled from around the city and beyond to peruse the shop’s expansive shelves. It will be sorely missed in Toronto.

“I am living with cancer – not dying from it.”–

Five years ago, Darlene’s world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It was advanced, having spread to her ovaries, abdomen, lymph nodes, and bone. The bone cancer was found everywhere: in her femur, pelvis, spine, rib cage, chest, and skull.

Darlene was overwhelmed and struggled to accept her new reality – she had cancer. However, after starting treatment, she found comfort through Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation’s (Wellspring) Oasis Advanced Cancer Support Group. “I was welcomed with unconditional support, encouragement and compassion,” she says.

Facilitated by a social worker, the Oasis Support Group provides a safe space for people with metastatic or advanced

cancer to support each other. “Looking at me, you probably would not have guessed I have cancer, let alone stage 4 cancer. While I am thriving, make no mistake—cancer is hard. In the Oasis Support Group we can be completely raw because we are all feeling the same thing and walking in the same footsteps on the same journey. It’s my safe space where I can let it all out. I can’t tell you how much I need this,” says Darlene.

This past October marked Darlene’s fifth year of being diagnosed with metastatic cancer, which statistically defies the odds. “I plan to meet my grandchildren one day and die of old age. I am living with cancer – not dying from it,” she says.

Wellspring is a charity that, through a series of professionally led online and in-person programs, helps people living with

No Vacancy and Fallen Feather are two cocktail bars new to Ossington. No Vacancy recently launched in the former Ghost Chicken space at 74 Ossington Ave. and is run by the same team, with an extensive drinks menu and elevated shareable dishes. Fallen Feather is making Asian fusion even more delicious with a menu that combines French technique and Japanese fermentation, and the restaurant and cocktail bar stays true to its name with feathers all over the golden gilded interior at 217 Ossington Ave.

Café Belém is new to Little Italy, and though it’s only been open a few weeks, residents in the neighbourhood have flocked to this new coffee shop thanks to its vintage-inspired design and eyecatching pastries. With a case full of traditional Portuguese pastries — from pão de Deus to pastéis de nata — head baker William Oliveira trained in Portugal for years under several bread masters, so you can trust that you’re in for a treat at Café Belém. The cosy new café is open at 546 College St.

—Julia Mastroianni

HOW TO GIVE Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation 105 Wellness Way, Toronto, ON M4N 0B1 • 416-480-4440

cancer improve their quality of life and health outcomes. Wellspring receives no core government or hospital funding, and its programs are available to members free of charge and without medical referral.

This holiday season, you can help more people like Darlene by donating to Wellspring at – give.wellspring.ca/holiday

“Everything that Wellspring does would not be possible without the kindness and generosity of our donors. I can tell you firsthand that your donations make a direct and immediate impact on the lives of people when they need it most,” says Darlene.

To learn more about Wellspring, head to www.wellspring.ca/gta

In addition to boxing, Yorkville Box Fit offers a range of fitness classes

@yorkvilleboxfit/@revportraits

TORONTO BREAK-INS

Looking for a Full-Time Caregiver: Do you Hire Privately or Use a Specialist Firm?

A full-time caregiver or PSW is costly, and there is no question that hiring privately and managing the caregiver’s schedule yourself, will save money.

Hiring an experienced PSW or caregiver privately costs about $25-$30 per hour. If you employ them properly (pay their taxes, vacation and holiday pay, CPP, EI, WSIB etc.), add about 20% to the cost for a total of $30-$36. The good news is that they are unlikely to charge you HST.

If you work with an experienced caregiving firm, you will pay between $35-$40 per hour (all in) and they will pay all the source deductions as well as insure and bond them. There is also HST unless you are getting Home Community Care and then there is no HST on the care from the firm.

Hiring privately can be a smart option if you need a single caregiver, know them well, or they come highly recommended by someone they’ve previously cared for. This approach works particularly well when your loved one’s

needs are straightforward and unlikely to change anytime soon. You may already have someone assisting your family with household or grandkids' needs. As long as any new caregiving needs do not exceed their skills and training, it makes perfect sense to keep working with them. Familiarity and trust make this transition period much easier.

Some care situations, however, are too complicated to manage yourself. When dementia or serious mobility or health challenges exist, managing multiple staff and the changing needs of your loved one 24 hours a day makes having a specialist firm of great value. Dementia can lead to exit seeking, aggressive behaviour, and other manifestations that can be very risky and challenging for the untrained, and if not handled well, may exacerbate the situation.

Firms who specialize in full time care bring very important value to help your family navigate these difficult circumstances:

1. In most cases, the firm has worked with the caregivers for

years and have a good sense of whether they will fit with your loved one. Firms fully vet and reference check each caregiver and manage all payroll needs and deductions. Staff will be fully insured and bonded. If there is an issue or conflict with the staff, the firm will handle it, keeping you out of it.

2. A daily journal can be designed for your unique situation, which the staff complete and is reviewed daily so any concerns can be rapidly assessed, shared, and managed.

3. When there is a team of caregivers involved (7 day a week or 24 hour care requires multiple staff), ensuring they share information with each other, the firm, and family is critical.

4. If there is ever a concern about a caregiver, or your loved one’s needs change, or the caregiver gets sick, or your loved one doesn’t respond well to the caregiver, they can be replaced and the transition managed to minimize stress and confusion.

5. Good firms understand the impact of UTIs, emergency room delirium, sundowning, reversing

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day and night, and how to identify & resolve these risks early.

6. During COVID and Flu season, if the client or caregiver is exposed or has symptoms, it may mean a temporary and immediate change of staff. A good firm can handle this quickly.

7. Care may also include the need for Occupational or Physical Therapists, Geriatric Psychiatrists or other specialists. An experienced firm can help source and organize these elements of care.

8. Twenty-four hour awake care requires a team of 4-5 staff, and involves significant scheduling. Staff are late, sick, take vacation, have car trouble and the like. Let the firm get that 6am or 10pm call. This is very time consuming work which a good firm handles seamlessly.

Knowing your loved one is well cared for provides great peace of mind. Knowing your care provider can adjust fast and professionally as circumstances change, keep your loved one safe, and help maintain a high quality of life for them, makes all the difference.

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Highly sought-after Cedarvale residence. 4+ Bedrooms, family room finished lower level. Sports court. Wonderful Family Neighbourhood.

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WOMEN OF THE YEAR

fOR OUR 2024 ShO  CASE Of TORONTO ’ S mOST INSPIRING,  E ’ RE hIGhlIGhTING

ThE AThlETES, INNO ATORS & ARTISTS hO mAkE US PROUD

THE FASTEST

BY PENNY OlEkSIAk

ONE Of CANADA’S mOST

DECORATED OlYmPIANS

When I was 16, I met Summer McIntosh. In all honesty, I didn’t remember that first encounter — Summer was only 10 at the moment, but she already had her sights set on the Olympics. Fast-forward to 2019 and 2020, Summer and I grew closer as we both trained at the High Performance Centre in Toronto. During that time, I got to see first-hand how she carried herself: her diligence, focus and incredible work ethic and the training that she eventually displayed at the 2024 Olympics. Summer is an absolute force in the pool, but what’s even more impressive is how she carries herself when she isn’t swimming. For someone who has so much outside pressure, Summer is able to hold herself to a high professional standard while staying laid-back and truly enjoying the ride. A lot of people like to compare our experiences, but for me it has been so admirable to watch how she navigated the talk around her as she entered the Games. Seeing Summer succeed has truly been so inspiring, and I know she has so much of her career left ahead of her. I can’t wait to watch what she achieves next.

THE BOLDEST

AYEShA CURRY sines as ounder o

iestye brand Sweet Juy and as a piantropist, autor and ce

BY AURORA JAmES fOUNDER, BROThER EllIES

Ayesha Curry constantly inspires me with her commitment to community, sustainability and inclusion. She is a true multi-hyphenate, having found huge success as a chef, author of three bestselling cookbooks and advocate in her work with the Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation and business owner and founder of Sweet July. I admire the way she decides what she wants and barrels toward it with her full dedication. Why should we, especially as women and women of colour, be boxed into one career path? Ayesha understands that we can follow our dreams without sacrificing quality, consistency and commitment. As mixed-race Canadian women with Jamaican roots, living in the U.S. and running our own businesses, Ayesha and I have connected over so many shared experiences. Beyond everything else she has going on, she always makes time to be a reliable friend — and she never overlooks an opportunity to bring other women of colour along in her wins. I am so grateful for her friendship and her allyship, and no one is more deserving of this recognition.

THE SHARPEST

DR. GElAREh ZADEh is speareading groundbreaing researc on brain tuours and cancer

BY DR. JAmES RUTkA NEUROSURGEON, SICkkIDS

I have known Dr. Zadeh for over 20 years. I clearly remember the great work she accomplished in our Brain Tumour Research Centre when she was a PhD student with Dr. Ab Guha. Since then, she has been most successful as an academic neurosurgeon at the University of Toronto, performing the most technically challenging neurosurgical operations, writing papers published in the highest-impact scientific journals and receiving recognition worldwide across numerous neurosurgical organizations. She is an inspiration for all but especially for career-aspiring women, as she has achieved the highest level of accomplishments in neurosurgery while being a devoted and incredibly caring mother of her two daughters. She is fully deserving of this recognition as she has reached the top of her field in neurosurgery and is soon to head up the prestigious Mayo Clinic Department of Neurosurgery in Rochester, Minnesota.

THE SAVVIEST

cHeSee-marie

THE FUNNIEST

By JeSSica mckenZie miSS indigenOUS canada

By marTin SHOrT acTOr, cOmedian

Andrea and I started working together in 1972, and I found her to be the funniest human being I’ve ever met. To this day — and she’s my sister-in-law now — she remains the funniest human being I’ve ever met. Her humour was just that immediate and that original from day one. I had never seen anyone do or say things like she did. All of us working together in Toronto at the time felt that; we all felt she was an utter original. If anything, what we were trying to do was copy her — her energy, her style. What I find most inspiring about Andrea is her honesty. Andrea is endlessly honest in her opinion of you, in her opinion of people, in her comments. It's very hard for her to be false, and that's an amazing trait in a friend. She’s been nominated for more Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Musical than any actress in the history of the Tonys — you can’t pick just one performance that stands out. But I think that if people just view her as this brilliant comedic actress and dramatic actress, then they would have to also know she's one of the kindest, sweetest, loveliest human beings you could ever meet.

My partnership with Chelsee Pettit began when I became a vendor in her first store in Toronto. One particularly special initiative was the creation of a beaded red toque dedicated to honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples. Together, we donated a portion of the proceeds to NWRCT [Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto], turning our shared vision into action. Chelsee’s journey as a business owner is a testament to her resilience and dedication. She has faced the challenges of entrepreneurship with strength, especially as an Indigenous woman navigating the complexities of the business world. Her ability to balance the pressures of leadership with her commitment to uplifting her community is so inspiring. I am immensely proud of Chelsee’s accomplishments and the legacy she is building through Aaniin. Her work is creating opportunities for Indigenous artisans and fostering spaces where culture is celebrated and amplified. As her friend, I have had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering dedication first-hand, and I am excited to see her dreams continue to unfold.

THE COOLEST

SOOk-yin ee bouht  Tooto lss to lf wth h fl tto of Paying For It tht

By rick campanei mUcH mUSic VJ, TV HOST

I met Sook-Yin Lee in the summer of 1994 after I had won the Much Music Temp Contest, and she welcomed me with open arms into the Much Music family. Music was the focus — it’s what we were all there for — and SYL brought such a unique approach to telling the music stories. I loved the time she interviewed Thom Yorke, lead singer of Radiohead, literally facing back to back. There was no eye contact made during the whole interview; the words spoken were powerful enough. It was so brilliant. I had never seen that done ever, but it worked so perfectly and it was all SYL’s vision. Being different and doing things differently — I really admired that! Seeing SYL succeed over the years with her movies and music has been a real treat for me.… I am so proud of all her accomplishments not just because they are all so well deserved (she’s a super talent), but because she has stuck with her passion since day one and always had integrity to do things her way. And she isn’t slowing down in her one-of-a-kind approach to projects and to life! I am blessed to know this sweet, inspiring soul.

THE TRUEST

By erika caSUpanan

SUrViVOr TV SHO

Taylor and I first met when I interviewed her for my podcast, Happy to See Me. I’d long admired her TikTok account, Access by Tay, which offers an insightful look at accessibility, particularly in the Toronto restaurant scene. Seeing her accessibility advocacy grow both online and offline has been nothing short of inspiring. Taylor’s work blends vulnerability and education, influencing businesses to rethink their practices and creating a more inclusive world. Her entrepreneurial achievements through her tea company Cup of Té — featured in Grammy and Oscars gift bags and twice on Oprah’s Favorite Things — are groundbreaking. Taylor turns everything she does into an opportunity for connection. One of my favorite memories is a girls’ night she hosted at her condo, complete with a private chef. For many with disabilities, winter can be isolating due to reduced visibility and snow, but Taylor showed us how to create joy and novelty at home. Everyone benefits from a more accessible world, and we’re so lucky that Taylor is out there leading the way.

THE GREATEST

HELL has made a cmeback t

remember with the

ni Jam, a Grammy perf

rmance and award

BY BERNIE FIEDLER

FoUNDER, B.. FIEDLER MANAGEMENT

My friendship with Joni Mitchell began in the mid 1960s. Her first performance at the Riverboat, my club in Yorkville, was in November 1966, as her songs came to the attention of the music-loving public. After her career took off, she always made a point of visiting me in Toronto, and I was a frequent visitor to her home in L.A. and her place of escape in Sechelt, B.C. Joni always knew where she was going. Her lyrics and melodies come straight from her heart and touch the hearts of others. Artists may be great singers or songwriters or musicians or fine artists/painters. Very few have all of these qualities together with the drive to bring their artistry into the public realm. Her professional accomplishments are even more impressive in light of her triumph over serious illnesses and challenges. Joni continues to perform to enraptured audiences, such as at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. Recently her 1971 album, Blue, became widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Joni has truly seen life from both sides now, and I am honoured to consider her my good friend.

THE BRIGHTEST

THE WISEST

GILLIAN HADFIELD is influencing research and gvernment p

und resp

nsible use

f artificial intelligence (AI)

BY BETH oLEMAN

AI

& SoIETY RESEARH LEAD,

S

HWARTZ REISMAN INSTITUTE

Gillian Hadfield wants to make the world better by advancing AI technologies that improve productivity and transformative insights without destroying life as we know it. Yes, it’s a bit hyperbolic, but that is the moment we are in in terms of the radically disruptive impact of generative AI and the new forms to come. As a legal scholar and economist, Gillian holds an unusual and important place in the discussion around safe and trustworthy AI — she is making a difference. Gillian has been in the room for the most important global engagements on AI safety. As a Canada CIFAR AI Chair, she collaborates with leading global AI scientists, including Canadians Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, tackling the complex challenges of AI governance in the face of rapidly advancing technologies being deployed at societal scale. Her research as a Schmidt Futures AI2050 Senior Fellow focuses, in short, on AI that aligns with human values. Her work serves as a beacon, inspiring the next generation of leaders to strive for a future where emerging technologies contribute to a better world.

TINA SINGH used her ccupatinal therapist backgrund t design a helmet that wuld prtect Sikh children

BY MANJIT MINHAS DRAGoN oN DRAGoNS’ DEN

When Tina Singh appeared on Dragons’ Den, her energy was immediately captivating. As a mother and entrepreneur, she saw a gap in the market that no one else was addressing: helmets designed specifically for children from diverse backgrounds who wear turbans and patkas. With nearly a million Sikhs in Canada and some 28 million worldwide, Bold Helmets wasn’t just another product — it was a solution that many parents had been waiting for. Tina's journey and commitment struck a deep chord with me, as my grandfather passed away due to a head injury caused by a motorcycle accident while wearing a turban and not having a helmet option. Investing in Bold Helmets wasn’t just about the financial potential; it was about supporting a vision that could change lives. Her company represents more than just a product on a shelf — it stands for representation, safety and respect for all communities. Tina’s tenacity to build a business that addresses a real need in society truly inspired me, and I’m proud to stand beside her on this journey.

THE BRAVEST

Zoë KEARY-MATZNER is taking

climate change

BY SoPHIA MATHUR

FELLoW oURT

HALLENGER

Zoë has been a powerful climate advocate since before she was even a teen, and what inspires me most is her long-term commitment. Despite the challenges, she’s stayed in the fight and has only grown more effective over time. Going through this process of challenging the provincial government in court with Zoë, I’ve seen that she is so calm under pressure and always brings her best to everything she does. We’re in an existential crisis that threatens the future of civilization, with countless lives at stake. Despite the haters, deniers and blatant lies from the fossil fuel industry, Zoë has shown incredible courage and skill in this fight.

THE STRONGEST

Zoë DoDD is advcating against safe cnsumptin site clsures

BY DIANA HAN

MNALLY

oMMUNITY

RISIS WoRKER

No one has been more passionate, more vocal and more caring than Zoë Dodd is as an advocate for unhoused people and people who use drugs. Zoë’s bravery in pushing against anyone who encroaches on the right to life for people who are constantly maligned should be inspiring to all. She is a human rights defender of the truest kind and not because it’s always popular, but because it’s just. She changed my life almost a decade ago, when I saw her speak about the fight to establish lifesaving supervised consumption sites. We’re in this fight again, and Zoë is once again at the forefront to save lives. It shouldn’t have to be her fight, but I know she won’t quit.

XMAS CHEER WRAPPED IN CASHMERE

Jeanne Beker has a soft spot for cashmere, so she searched the city for the best of the best of this ultra-cosy, luxurious knit. From socks to dog sweaters, this holiday season, you can give the gift of staying snug and stylish.

A. DOG SWEATER, Ralph Lauren, $308.25, 3401 Dufferin St. “If you really want to spoil your dog, a red cashmere dog sweater is just the thing!” B GLOVES, The Cashmere Shop, $155, 24 Bellair St. C. ARM WARMERS, The Cashmere Shop, $95, 24 Bellair St. D. PONCHO, Banana Republic, $320, 2901 Bayview Ave. E. TURTLENECK, Holt Renfrew, $469, 50 Bloor St. W. F. DRESS, Holt Renfrew, $589, 50 Bloor St. W. “It's dramatic, it's sexy, it's cosy. I love the little fringe.” G. SLIPPERS, Lemonwood, SALE $72.50, 1224A Yonge St. H. SWEATER, Andrews, $569, 55 Avenue Rd. I. SCARF, Lemonwood, $195, 1224A Yonge St.

J. CARDIGAN, Over the Rainbow, $309, 55 Bloor St. W. K. SCRUNCHIES, Econica, SALE $25, econica.ca L. SLEEVELESS TURTLENECK, Veronica Beard, $428, 111 Yorkville Ave. M. SKIRT, Club Monaco, $358, 1 Promenade Cir. N. TOQUE, Snapdragon Designs, $95, 622 Mt. Pleasant Rd. “I like the versatility of it with the detachable pompom.” O. KIDS' BALACLAVA, Moda Kids, $94.99, 2901 Bayview Ave. “That is absolutely adorable and would look so cute on anybody's little bear.” P. LEGGINGS, Econica, SALE $165, econica.ca

Q. SOCKS, The Cashmere Shop, $95, 24 Bellair St.

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

THORNHILL DENTAL

Dentistry for Adults and Children

and veneers in the office which can be placed in the mouth on the same

Our technology removes the need for impressions, temporaries and the second appointment. It can be used in most cases.

The hippest and most magical holiday shows this month

1. Go to Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday-themed show, 'Twas the Night Before…, will make its Canadian debut at Toronto’s Meridian Hall from Dec. 12 to Jan. 3. This limited engagement features 30 performances of acrobatics, festive cheer and stunning visuals. Based on Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” the show follows a young girl rediscovering her holiday spirit. With a cast of 26 international performers, 'Twas the Night Before… blends thrilling stunts with reimagined festive songs. Known for its breathtaking circus arts and storytelling, Cirque du Soleil brings its magic to the holiday season.

2. See Yippee Ki Yay

This December, Yippee Ki Yay, a comedic parody of the 1988 action film Die Hard, hits the Lighthouse ArtSpace. Running from Dec. 31 to Jan. 12, the show is written and performed by Richard Marsh and directed by Hal Chambers. Yippee Ki Yay offers a humorous, irreverent twist on the iconic movie about cop John McClane rescuing hostages from

terrorists in an L.A. skyscraper. The parody has been well-received for its playful take on the film, while still honouring its cultural legacy. Even Die Hard screenwriter Steven E. de Souza praised it, calling it “delightful and astonishing." With its holiday timing, it taps into the ongoing debate about Die Hard being a holiday movie (it is), offering a fun, festive experience for adult audiences this winter.

3. See The Basement Revue

The Basement Revue returns to the Paradise on Bloor for its 16th season, featuring five nights of live music and literary performances. The eclectic variety show, hosted by singer-songwriter Jason Collett and writer Emma Healey, will run on Dec. 5, 12, 19, 21 and 28. Celebrated journalist and activist Desmond Cole will guest curate the Dec. 12 show. The Basement Revue has a rich history of mixing music, storytelling and poetry in an unpredictable, improv-driven format. Past participants include Feist, Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Broken Social Scene and many more. Expect surprise collaborations, with each night’s

lineup kept secret until the performers hit the stage. Don’t miss this one-of-akind event celebrating Canada’s top talent in music, literature and beyond.

4. Go to Andy Kim Christmas

The Andy Kim Christmas concert returns to Toronto’s iconic Massey Hall on Dec. 4, marking its 20th year. Hosted by Andy Kim, the event will feature performances from top Canadian artists celebrating the season and supporting CAMH. Since its inception, Andy Kim Christmas has brought together legendary musicians to spread holiday cheer, with past performers including Sarah McLachlan, Feist, Ron Sexsmith, Metric and many more.

5. See Wizard of Oz

The fine folks at Canadian Stage are reviving the holiday panto made famous by the one-and-only Ross Petty. This festive, family-friendly production, running Dec. 6 to 11, puts a hilarious twist on the classic Wizard of Oz story, set in the whimsical world of TorOZto. Expect over-the-top parodies of popular songs,

amazing costumes and thrilling sets, as Dorothy and her friends — Plumbum the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow — battle the Wicked Witch of the West End. It features a talented cast, including Dan Chameroy, Eddie Glen, Vanessa Sears and Julio Pulo.

6. Go to Krampus Ball

The legendary Krampus Ball is back on Dec. 7 at the Opera House. This annual alternative holiday costume party celebrates the darker side of the holiday season with a night of music, aerial performances, flow arts, burlesque and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress in festive costumes, whether as Krampus, a demon or other holiday characters like a Nutcracker or Sugarplum Fairy. The night will feature a wide range of music as well as performances by Squid Lid Ft. A.P.E., Projekt F, Bass Witch Ft. Me Time and Trick Casket. The Krampus Ball is an inclusive and wild celebration, promoting Toronto's artistic talent while offering an alternative to the typical holiday festivities.

—Ron Johnson

L-R: Andy Kim Christmas is back at Massey Hall; plus Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before’ opens Dec. 12 at Meridian Hall

THEATRE MUSIC

THEATRE

COSTUME

© Kyle Flubacker, MSG Entertainment

Conveniently located in Yorkville 416-922-6660

Nature heals: Why T.O. needs far more green

For too long we’ve clung to the western concept of nature as something outside cities — far away and disconnected from most people’s daily lives.

Yet people need to spend time in nature for physical and mental health. Without nature in their daily lives, people suffer more from depression and disease, reduced productivity and shorter lives. Children face the cognitive and behavioural consequences of living apart from natural surroundings. Without ecosystems to disperse, store and clean water, cities are saddled with crumbling pipes and sewers that municipal governments can’t afford to maintain and repair. Urbanites removed from nature’s distress signals are slow to notice a planet in crisis. So how do we invite nature into a city without pushing people out of the way?

It starts with the premise that both nature and people belong in cities, as intertwined co-creators of the urban landscape. From that premise flows an invitation that enhances cities, restores our connection with nature and rebuilds our relationships with each other.

As an alternative to activities such as clearcut logging, naturedirected stewardship focuses on what to protect: ecological integrity, biological diversity, healthy

watershed ecosystems, community employment and diverse, stable communities — not on what to use (timber). It shows that by prioritizing ecosystem protection, long-term economic and natural stability follow. Restoration is neither a quick fix nor a primarily human endeavour. Returning ecological integrity to degraded ecosystems in urban areas, or anywhere, is a slow process. Humans can help to reactivate natural processes and sometimes catalyze positive change, but recovery is up to nature. Of course, the more ubiquitous the urban development, the fewer the opportunities for restoration. New developments offer more ecological restoration options, whereas older, established cities impose constraints on restoration of their more thoroughly degraded ecological conditions. In either case, naturedirected stewardship can help. Nature belongs in cities. For this reason, we need to redesign cities so they include biodiversity and intact ecosystems. More importantly, we need a fundamental shift in our relationship with urban green spaces, one that recognizes we are part of nature.

DAVID SUZUKI

with files from senior editor Ian Hanington.

Toronto Nature Stewards promote ecosystem restoration in the city

Dear Sangita: My new relationship is haunted by my divorce

Dear Sangita: I am a single mom, divorced and was super labelled for that back in India. I moved to Canada and found a guy, and he gave me all the hope that this could work out. After a while, I really thought I needed to give him a chance. Now his mom is not accepting me because I am divorced. It’s become a big trauma in my life — the word “divorce” is haunting me. I loved him but all of a sudden he is too gutless to talk to his mom and thinks it will not work out. What do I do?

—Haunted by divorce

Dear Haunted: Listen, Mom: it’s 2024. Women have the right to get divorced.

First of all, this guy needs to step up — he needs to fight for you and make this work. And if he doesn’t, do you really want to be in this relationship? I know you’re in love with him, but if he doesn’t stand up for you, there’s something troubling there. If he knows you’re right for him, he should be

doing everything he can to help you, especially when it has to do with his own mother. And if he doesn’t, frankly, he’s not deserving of you! If you do want to make it work, give him a chance to explain to his mom. If she really wants to understand you, she should be sitting down with you and asking you about the divorce, instead of passing judgment.

As for the word “divorce” haunting you — you need to take

ownership of it. I know in India, and a lot of other cultures, divorce is seen as a taboo. But you’ve moved to Canada. You’re here to live a good life, so you need to let go of that term and not label yourself. It’s overshadowing you and who you are as a person. When you’re meeting new people, they’re not going to immediately know you’re divorced. It doesn’t have to define you!

Dear Sangita: We own a row home in Toronto and have lovely neighbours with a small dog. We’ve been facing a challenge: the dog barks continuously throughout the day and often in the early hours of the morning, waking us as early as 5:30 a.m., and our walls are quite thin. We’ve sort of learned to live with it, but lately it’s gotten significantly worse, and the frequent disturbances have become a serious issue for us. We’re unsure how to address this situation without straining our relationship. Any advice would be appreciated!

— Barking up the right tree

Dear Barking: I think you can approach them in a very friendly way — maybe going there with a basket of dog toys might be a nice idea. I would do it in a very calming way, rather than telling them off and presenting it as a problem. You can say, “Listen, we love your dog and we love your family, but

Cutting Down A Tree By Yourself? Think Twice

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

JEREMY DIAMOND

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

When it comes to tackling tasks around your property, some may seem simple enough at first glance. However, some jobs carry significant risks, particularly when they involve large, heavy objects like trees. At Diamond & Diamond, we've seen firsthand the devastating consequences of accidents resulting from individuals attempting to do dangerous tasks around the house.

Isaac Zisckind, a Founding Partner at the firm, discusses everything you should consider before making the decision to cut down a tree.

Safety First

“Cutting down a tree may appear straightforward, but it carries inherent dangers, particularly without the necessary expertise,” warns Isaac Zisckind. Tackling this task without proper knowledge and tools poses significant risks despite its seemingly simple nature. It's crucial to seek advice from an expert before proceeding. Professional guidance ensures not only the safe

removal of the tree but also minimizes potential hazards to yourself and your surroundings.

Risk of Property Damage

Without proper planning and execution, a falling tree can cause significant damage to your property, neighboring properties, or utility lines. “The cost of repairing such damages can far exceed the savings of not hiring a professional,” adds Zisckind. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

“If you do decide to proceed with tree removal, it's imperative to prioritize your safety,” advises Zisckind. Consider wearing the following personal protective equipment:

● A helmet with face protection

● Safety glasses

● Ear protection

● Sturdy gloves to minimize the risk of injury

● Chainsaw pants or chaps

we’re wondering if there’s anything that can help because the barking is waking us up at five in the morning.”

Many people see their dogs as their kids, so going for a gentler approach might help prevent them from being on the defensive right away. But just know that, even if they do acknowledge that their dog is being too loud, addressing the barking may be difficult. I assume their dog isn’t trained, and they may not know what to do to stop it.

If it were me, I think I probably wouldn’t do anything — I would just put in earplugs. But you need sleep, you have thin walls, and you’re living there, and you deserve to be comfortable too.

Have a relationship or life question for Sangita? Send it to advice@postcity.com.

SANGITA PATEL is our advice columnist and was previously a host on ET Canada.

Consider The Help of an Expert

“While every job is different, we strongly recommend consulting a professional before deciding to cut anything,” stresses Zisckind. An experienced arborist or tree removal service will have the necessary knowledge and insurance to safely complete the job. Not only will they have the necessary expertise, but they will also have the equipment and insurance necessary to do the job safely. Moreover, relying on professionals provides peace of mind knowing that the job will be conducted in accordance with local regulations and environmental laws.

Environmental Considerations

In addition to safety and property concerns, professionals understand the environmental impactof tree removal. They can advise on the appropriate measures to minimize disruption to surrounding ecosystems, replanting strategies, and adherence to local laws protecting certain species.

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run

While attempting to save money by handling tree removal yourself may seem appealing, the risks involved far outweigh any potential savings. Prioritizing safety is paramount in such tasks. Seeking the assistance of trained professionals ensures not only the efficient completion of the job, but also minimizes the likelihood of accidents or property damage. Professional tree removal services have the expertise, specialized equipment, and knowledge of safety protocols necessary to handle tree removal safely, especially in hazardous or complex situations such as near power lines or overhanging structures.

There’s a new way to tune in for Monday night hockey — and Toronto’s own Andi Petrillo is leading the charge. The National Hockey League (NHL) is making its foray into the world of streaming with Prime Monday Night Hockey. Petrillo, co-host of the livestreaming show and host of another Prime Video venture, NHL Coast to Coast, says she’s been “over the moon” about the new gig.

“What’s great about this format is that we’re on location for all the games — so we can get these former players or team executives to join us on set, and all they have to do is come downstairs from their office,” she says.

Since the first livestream aired in October, the broadcast desk has been visited by guests that include Toronto Maple Leafs legend Mats Sundin and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, and P. K. Subban, Sidney Crosby and current Leafs player Chris Tanev have all stopped by Petrillo’s NHL Coast to Coast. The new shows stand out among a sea of cable TV hockey shows, but Petrillo is no stranger to “firsts.” She was the first fulltime female member with the Hockey Night in Canada studio team and the first woman in Canada to have her own daily sports talk radio show with TSN’s Leafs Lunch

But Petrillo notes that she’s happy not to be the “only” anymore. “When I first started covering the NHL in 2006, I was the only woman in that room on a daily basis,” she says. “Now I see more female reporters, and they’re not just doing rinkside [reporting], they’re doing panels, they’re doing play-by-play.”

It’s a big shift from where she started, at a time when she says women were never encouraged to pursue sports journalism. “I played sports my whole life, but I never really considered sports reporting. I thought I was going to get into war correspondence or something like 60 Minutes.” But a radio college professor changed that. “He said, ‘Your entire demeanour changes when you're talking sports.’”

Petrillo gained experience at her local York Region news station before landing a role on Leafs TV. Eventually, she was tapped to join Hockey Night in Canada, and soon enough, she had her own show, Road to the Olympic Games. Now, as someone who loves the “storytelling” of sports, Petrillo has been enjoying getting to know the players in her new hosting gig. “If we can expose more people to the sport, bring a little human element, this is a broadcast that could potentially stick around for years to come.”

— Julia Mastroianni

Andi Petrillo hosts ‘Prime Monday Night Hockey’

CURRENTS HOW THEY MET

cottage where we always watch at least one sunset over the water. Dustin enlisted his parents for help. His mom and dad, Susie and Patrick, put on Oscar-worthy performances. Susie staged a “doctor’s call,” and they both insisted they couldn’t leave Halifax. They urged us to go ahead [to the cottage] without them.

On the drive, I realized we’d be at the cottage for the two-year anniversary of our first date! I suggested we grab champagne to toast the occasion, unknowingly helping Dustin set the scene. He later confessed that he had no plan for disguising the impromptu champagne detour.

Hallmark movie queen finds reel-life romance

Lovers of holiday TV movies will recognize Brittany Bristow as the leading lady in their favourite films, including this season’s ohso-festive My Sweet Austrian Holiday and The Christmas Chocolatier. But before she became Hallmark queen, she was Hallmark princess — daughter to Lief Bristow, director and producer of many of the channel’s top-rated Christmas movies. Now, the actor shares how she found her leading man for life, Dustin Keating.

How they met

It’s painfully cliché, but we met at the gym. For over two years, we would see each other there and talk, but it took us a while before we finally went on our first date. We call it the “long con.”

The first date

Our first date was at the nowshuttered Superfly (RIP) on Aug. 15, 2019. Months earlier, we had a tentative date scheduled. But I fell down a flight of stairs and bruised most of the bones in my foot. I sent a somewhat vague, “I’m sorry, I have to cancel — I hurt my foot” text. Not my best work. Understandably, Dustin thought I was bailing and didn’t push any further. Months later, Dustin mentioned the failed date at a dinner, to which someone at the table confirmed seeing me

hobbling around that day, and that I had not blown him off. Dustin texted me first thing the next morning to ask if I was free that night. Spoiler alert, I was.

The relationship

Shortly after our first date, I was scheduled to leave for North Bay to work on a TV series, so we packed in eight days together. Back to back to back we had dinner, walked around the city, hit balls at the driving range — all before I had to leave. The first

“When he pulled out the ring, I screamed, ‘YES!’ before he even got the words out.”

weekend, I came back to town, and the next weekend we rented a cottage near production. When the shoot finally wrapped, we had just six days before I flew to Vancouver for a Hallmark movie. We spent every minute together. From the start, we decided not to overthink anything and go all in.

The proposal

It was perfect. We were visiting Dustin’s family in Nova Scotia, and he wanted to propose at their

That evening, we cooked a beautiful dinner and walked down to the water at sunset. We popped a bottle of champagne, I said, “I love you” and that’s when Dustin began his speech. When he pulled out the ring, I screamed, “YES!” before he even got the words out. Turns out, he’d nailed the timing — it was exactly two years to the day since our first date.

The wedding

We got married on Sept. 16, 2022 — one year, one month and one day after the proposal — at The Toronto Hunt.

The secret to success

We’re a team. We support each other. We show up for each other and prioritize what matters to us, and on top of that, we genuinely enjoy being together. We’re lucky in that way, and while we prefer to be together, we’re just as committed to seeing each other succeed both individually and as a team.

Balancing careers and a relationship

It’s all about support. Dustin’s design and fabrication company, the Make Nice Project, has been a huge success in just two years, and I love seeing him thrive. For my part, this industry can be a roller coaster, but Dustin is my biggest cheerleader. He celebrates every opportunity that comes my way and keeps me grounded. When I’m travelling, we make time to connect daily, even if it’s just to say good morning and good night.

Dustin Keating and Brittany Bristow got engaged at sunset

Secrett Jewel Salon

Choose from our collection of fine jewellery from the latest designs to the most classic. Select from our amazing choice of gemstones and pearls to create your own distinctive piece and let us transform your ideas into reality. Visit Secrett for all your holiday shopping!Diamond Dangle Hoops, 13mm,12 rbc Diamonds 0.48cts f,si $3395.00 162 Cumberland Street, Toronto - 416 967 7500 - www.Secrett.ca

FOOD

Centre St. Deli Express

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Act II Fine Jewellery JEWELLERY

Don't miss out on a holiday visit to Act 2— your perfect festive shopping destination. 50 Years of Celebrating the Holiday Season!

Limited Time Holiday Special! 2 X 1/2 CT = 1CT Total Lab Grown Diamond Studs in 14KT White or Yellow Gold.1 CT total lab diamond studs - $599

33 Steeles Ave. W., Thornhill 905 695 3737 - www.act2finejewellery.com

Van Rijk Jewellers

Dr Flea’s Hwy 27 & Albion Flea Market

Get into the holiday spirit at Dr. Flea’s Farmers Market! Open every Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM year round. Shop indoors in a huge, fully heated venue and stock up on the freshest fruits and vegetables to make your family gatherings extra special this holiday. season. Pricing varies

8 Westmore Drive - 416 745 3532 (FLEA) www.drfleas.com

Diamond studs are a timeless expression of love and beauty, and are the perfect gift to show that special someone that you care. Available in many sizes and price ranges, diamond stud earrings are the perfect accessory that will go with everything.Diamond Stud Earrings. Price available on request.

90 Eglinton Ave. E. 416 440 0123 vanrijk.com

Make your holiday celebrations stress-free with Centre Street Deli! Whether it's a festive party or a cozy family gathering, let them handle the delicious details. From their famous Authentic Old Fashioned Montreal Smoked Meat to party trays, appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts, they've got everything you need to feed your loved ones this season. Call for Details.

995 Bay St. Toronto - 1136 Centre St. Thornhill 905 731 8037

Hwy 404 & Steeles Flea Market

Perfect for any occasion, these timeless hypoallergenic, nickel-free, pearl stud earrings strike a balance between understated charm and high-impact glamour. Their oversized design adds a touch of drama while remaining effortlessly chic. Luxury style, humble pricing. Oversized Pearl Studs $55.00

2900 Steeles Ave. E., Markham 905 709 0004 - www.404steelesfleamarket.com

StretchLab Gift Card

Give the Gift of Flexibility! StretchLab gift cards are the perfect way to show you care. Our personalized stretch sessions are tailored to every age and fitness level. Choose between instant eGift cards or traditional physical cards with flexible shipping options. Customize your thoughtful gift today!StretchLab Gift Card, options from $20 to $200 or custom 1250 Yonge St. - 416 533 4700 - rosedale@stretchlab.com 754 Bathurst St. - 416 641 2759 - mirvishvillage@stretchlab.com

Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques

This beautiful vintage 14kt. yellow gold ring that features 1 round green cabochon emerald, weighing approximately 0.98ct. It is surrounded by a two tiered circular melee of 28 round brilliant cut diamonds, est. 0.56cts. (clarity VS-SI1 & I-J colour). Call store for details. Product number 88676

416 260 9057

Shop online at www.cynthiafindlay.com

Baskits

The Canterbury XL Gift Basket blends luxury and festive charm, filled with gourmet treats perfect for holiday gifting. It includes a buffalo check heritage mug, truffle hot chocolate, Dutch chocolate cookies, buttery popcorn and more, all elegantly arranged in a keepsake metal base. Ideal for family, friends, or clients, it brings warmth and joy. Canterbury XL Gift Basket $150

JEWELLERY

JEWELLERY

JEWELLERY

FOOD

JEWELLERY

HEALTH

FOOD

CRUMB, ALL YE FAITHFUL

Santa loves cookies, so who better to find Toronto’s best than chefs Anthony Rose and Nadège Nourian? They sample 16 of the city’s top cookies — from classic chocolate chip to creative twists — to crown the ultimate holiday treat.

ANTHONY ROSE

The visionary behind Fat Pasha, Schmaltz and Fet Zun.

NADÈGE NOURIAN

Owner of Nadège Patisserie, has been delighting Torontonians with modern dessert creations since 2009.

BKOOKIES CAFE

Nadège: “This cookie looks so good before you even try it. The texture is perfect, but I don’t love the taste of the chocolate.”

579 College St., Chocolate Chunk

$21.50/half dozen

RUNNER-UP

ANDREA’S COOKIES

Nadège: "This cookie is nice and chewy with a great texture, and the edges are perfectly crisp too."

166 Ossington Ave., Chocolate Chunk $26/half dozen

WINNER

MIDNIGHT COOKIE

Nadège: “This looks so good, and the chocolate is still warm. They are using very high-quality ingredients.”

3 Manor Rd. E., Classic Dark Chocolate Sea Salt $22/half dozen

BUTTER BAKER

Nadège: “It's slightly overcooked. I would like it to be a little more chewy. But this is a very good recipe.”

140 Amber St., Markham, Classic Chocolate Chip $3.60/each

CHOCO BLISS

THE NIGHT BAKER

Nadège: “Texture is perfect, nice and chewy. It’s one of those things you might overlook at first, but once you try it, you realize it’s actually really tasty."

5361 Yonge St., North York, Classic Chocolate Chip

$21/half dozen

CRUMBL

Anthony: “I love how big and thick it is, but it’s a little gummy. There’s nothing that really stands out.”

22 Front St. W., Semi Sweet Chocolate Chunk, $5.99/each

BODACIOUS BISCUITS

Chefs Anthony and Nadège pick

Toronto’s most inventive and festive cookie creations

WINNER

Apple Pie Cookie

PERFECT BITE

BOCADOS BAKE SHOP

Anthony: “This is a perfect-looking chocolate chip cookie, and the texture is great. It's baked perfectly.”

923 Queen St. W., Classic Chocolate Chip, $3.80/each

CRAIG’S COOKIES

Anthony:“I love the flavour, but the cookie is slightly overcooked. This is a classic chocolate chip cookie.”

1581 Bayview Ave., Chocolate Chip $18/half dozen

RUNNER-UP (Anthony)

Lemon Meringue BKookies Cafe

RUNNER-UP (Nadège)

Grand Snickerdoodle

Dulce de Leche

Churro Cookie

Bocados Bake Shop

Salted Caramel

Midnight Cookie

Cookie Butter

Andrea’s Cookies

Cherry Cheesecake Crumbl

Ooh Bae

The Night Baker

Banana Caramel

Butter Baker

A DOZEN HOLIDAY GLOW UPS

Toronto’s holiday pop-up bars are here, turning festive cocktails and over-the-top kitsch into a seasonal spectacle — one spiked hot chocolate at a time by Jennifer Schembri

MIRACLE TORONTO

This holiday pop-up is bringing a festive fiesta with cocktails such as the Christmapolitan and Jingle Balls Nog. Expect Santa visits, drag shows and a cause worth toasting to — $1 from every drink goes to support Nellie’s. 875 Bloor St. W.

CHRISTMAS CAROL

Frankie Solarik’s Compton Ave. is serving up a Londoninspired holiday pop-up until Dec. 31. Enjoy festive cocktails like the Rudolf negroni, cosy tunes and decor that screams Christmas cheer.

1282 Dundas St. W.

GINGER’S

Ginger’s Cocktail Bar transforms into a holiday hot spot with over-the-top decor, holiday cocktails and a full menu of sweet and savoury treats. Plus $5 from every reservation supports the Daily Bread Food Bank

12 Sousa Mendes St.

JAVA JINGLE

Little Sister is cranking up the holiday fun! Sip on a Mrs. Claus martini, soak in tropical vibes and get in on the ugly Christmas sweater contest (because who doesn’t love a fashion disaster?).

2031 Yonge St., 102 Portland St

MISTLETOES & MARGARITAS

Papi Chulo's holiday pop-up is a Christmas takeover. Lights, cocktails and enough sparkle to make the North Pole look dull! The tacos are spot on, and the festive drinks are overflowing with holiday cheer. 121 Ossington Ave.

CHRISTMAS ON QUEEN

Aleria’s pop-up is a Christmas wonderland! Indulge in seasonal drinks like Naughty & Spice and S’mores on the Rocks, while surrounded by twinkling lights and overthe-top decor at every turn.

1070 Queen St. W.

GIGGLY CHRISTMAS

Grab your crew (ugly Christmas sweaters? Absolutely!) and head to Project Gigglewater’s pop-up! If you thought last year was wild, just wait! This year’s bringing more sparkle, more cheer and all the festive vibes.

1369 Dundas St. W.

NORDIC BY BARCHEF

This cosy escape lets you chill in a yurt or by the firepit. Sip on holiday cocktails, such as Cedar eggnog, Snowstorm and Nordic Twist, while live music and festive vibes work their magic.

437 Wellington St. W.

HOUSE OF YORK HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

A chill wintry cabin retreat with a nostalgic twist, House of York brings all the Canadiana vibes. Until Dec. 21, unwind with seasonal cocktails in this snug space on the Main Mezzanine (formerly the Thirsty Elf). 100 Front St. W.

SPEAKEASY WHISKEY BAR

The secret’s out: Speakeasy Whiskey Bar is back at Stackt Market and it’s bringing the holiday magic. Think low-key vibes, crafted cocktails, jazzy tunes and enough cheer to make Frosty jealous.

28 Bathurst St.

MELODY

On until New Year’s Eve, Melody Bar transforms into a snow globe fever dream, packed with all the holiday sparkle you didn’t know you needed. Cosy vibes? Check. A menu that'll melt your winter heart? Double check.

1214 Queen St. W.

TINSELTOWN

Packed with elves and enough over-the-top decor to make your eyes sparkle, this pop-up at Novotel is teeming with killer cocktails and festive vibes. Plus $15 gets you a drink to start the season off right.

45 The Esplanade.

© Hector Vasquez

LEARN DEVELOP GROW

Erewhon’s L.A. vibe comes to Yorkville

If you're into wellness-driven eats, BetterBar is about to be your new go-to. The recently opened Yorkville spot promises clean, flavour-packed dishes that prove healthy food doesn’t have to be bland.

The space is minimalist and sleek, with soft earthy tones and playful pops of pink. The 80-seat layout feels cosy and modern — think U.S. upscale supermarket chain Erewhon meets Danish juice bar/coffee shop chain Joe & the Juice, but with a Toronto twist.

The menu has got all the wellness staples: plant-based wraps, fresh salads, sushi rolls and protein-packed bowls, all made with organic, local ingredients. No seed oils here — just clean, straight-up good food. And BetterBar has partnered with Vision Greens to source pesticide-free, locally grown produce from a hydroponic farm, ensuring fresh, sustainable ingredients.

with pasture-raised egg, sliced avocado, wheat grass pesto, raw cheddar and micro broccoli. Or for something fresh and light, the umami salad is a spicy salad blend with carrots, bok choy, red pepper and miso dressing, with options to add protein, such as smoked salmon or grilled chicken breast.

CLEAN EATS

BetterBar skips seed oils, preservatives and serves grass-fed beef and butter.

For something heartier, the chicken caesar truffle wrap delivers with roasted chicken, smoked bacon, alfalfa sprouts and truffle caesar dressing. Or try the veggie bowl, with basil basmati rice, seasonal roasted veggies and watermelon radish. Plus there’s a rotating Hot Bar menu that changes daily, so you’ll always have something new to try.

The menu at BetterBar definitely caters to the wellness crowd, but it’s also got the kind of dishes you’ll actually want to eat.

There’s the Better sandwich — an English muffin stacked

Though Yorkville is known for its high-end dining, Betterbar is hitting the scene with a more approachable vibe, offering a wellness-focused menu that feels open to a wider crowd. Is it changing Toronto’s dining scene? Probably not. But if you're in Yorkville and want a spot that balances health and taste, it’s definitely worth checking out.

BetterBar is located at 55 Avenue Rd. —Jennifer Schembri

The menu at BetterBar caters to the wellness crowd

Beef Wellington is this holiday’s trending dish

Beef Wellington is the holiday showstopper that brings drama to any table. With its tender beef, earthy mushrooms, rich pâté and flaky puff pastry, it has become a festive favourite. Though its origins are debated, with some attributing it to the Duke of Wellington, others claiming a murkier history, this dish has been adored by chefs like Gordon Ramsay and even the former Queen. Here’s where to experience this indulgent classic in Toronto this season.

A classic serving old-school elegance

For over 65 years, Hy’s Steakhouse has been a Toronto institution, revered for its prime grade steaks and timeless martinis. Hy’s beef Wellington ($75.95) is a signature indulgence, featuring a perfectly cooked filet of beef paired with foie gras and mushroom duxelle. All of this is en-

cased in buttery puff pastry and finished with a red wine reduction. This dish reimagines the traditional holiday favourite, offering a luxurious bite that matches the restaurant’s old school charm. 365 Bay St.

A modern take redefining tradition Black+Blue redefines beef Wellington with a modern twist. The Wellington for two ($165) pairs a perfectly seared filet with foie gras and rich mushroom duxelles but with a unique step: the beef is first layered in a delicate crepe, adding extra texture before being enveloped in buttery puff pastry. Finished with a decadent truffle jus and served with baby heirloom carrots and creamy pommes purée, this Wellington pushes the boundaries of the classic dish while keeping the flavours indulgent and refined. 130 King St. W.

French twist on a

At Lucie, the Le Pithivier for two offers a refined, French-inspired twist on beef Wellington. This version combines tender beef with foie gras and chanterelle mushrooms, all swaddled in a crisp, golden puff pastry. The dish is finished with a luxurious beef and truffle reduction, and the name “Pithivier” nods to classic French pastry, elevating the Wellington as part of Lucie’s Table d’Hôte menu ($140 per person), with an additional $15 supplement for this beautifully executed take on a wellloved dish, with French culinary artistry at its core. 100 Yonge St.

These Toronto spots have taken the classic dish to new heights. Just don’t blame us if your family expects it every year from now on!

—Jennifer Schembri

A yummy parfait-only spot hits Queen west

Ever dreamed of stepping into Tokyo’s retro streets? Queen West’s Lost in Tokyo makes it happen. Hidden inside a vintage clothing store, it’s Toronto’s first parfait-only shop, blending intricate desserts with a heavy dose of anime nostalgia.

The menu at Lost in Tokyo is a dessert lover’s dream, with each layer illustrated and explained. Tropical Love stacks yogurt snow ice, caramel-roasted pineapple, brown sugar boba and Singapore sling sorbet, topped with caramel almond brittle. Other highlights include Matcha Mystery, Peach Bliss and Sailor Melon. For fall, the chestnut parfait layers coffee jelly, sesame ice cream and cookie crumbs — a perfectly cosy indulgence.

Parfaits have long been a dessert staple in Japan, where they’re treated as high art. Rooted in French culinary traditions, the Ja-

panese parfait took off in the Showa era (1926–1989), becoming a symbol of indulgence and cuteness. Lost in Tokyo pays homage to this legacy, bringing a slice of that culture to Toronto.

The shop itself is a vibe—a cosy, ’90s Japan esthetic dripping with charm. Posters from your favourite anime line the walls, and statues of iconic characters add to the nostalgia. There’s even a “fish tank table” for Instagram-worthy shots.

Owner Zoe Yu called the first month “the happiest and busiest of my life” in an Instagram post, sharing how the shop’s popularity exceeded expectations.

Parfaits start at $13.90 and are worth every penny for the meticulous artisanship.

Lost in Tokyo is located at 511 Queen St. W.

Michelin love in the 905 you may not know

Toronto’s Michelin-starred spots get all the attention, but two places in the 905 are quietly flying under the radar, and they’re not to be overlooked.

Mama Fatma Turkish Cuisine

Mama Fatma offers a Turkish dining experience that doesn’t stray far from the formula, but it doesn’t need to. Dishes like the slow-braised lamb shank are rich and comforting, and the spiced beef manti with garlic yogurt hits the mark. The baklava, sticky and syrup soaked, delivers exactly what you'd expect — and that’s not a complaint. With nearly 5,000 Google reviews, it offers a rare sense of home even if home happens to be across the globe. 10385 Weston Rd., Vaughan

Zen

Zen is the kind of place you’ll drive by a dozen times before realizing it’s exceptional. Tucked in a strip mall, this no-frills spot delivers solid omakase. The A5 wagyu, grilled on magnolia leaves, is a standout, as is the rich hida gyu suki-nabe — A5 beef in a hot pot. Fish direct from Japan includes delicate sea perch and impeccably fresh bonito. Rooted in Japanese tradition with a modern twist, Zen hits the spot — no pretension required. 7634 Woodbine Ave., Markham

L-R: Hy’s showstopper is all about luxury; Black+Blue’s Wellington is a modern take

A

timeless favourite

Zen delivers solid sushi

Our Naughty & Nice List

The human highlight reel put Toronto basketball on the map and was honoured for it as the first Raptors player to have his jersey retired.

The coolest band to come out of the city in years, the Beaches made 2024 their own and celebrated in style with a massive hometown show.

ELLIOT PAGE

Elliot Page has always been a dynamic force for good, and this year is no different with his ‘Close To You’ project, a new ‘Umbrella Academy’ and more.

She inherited a city deeply in debt and somehow scored major wins for housing and roads while ready to fight to save city bike lanes.

Forget Drake, Matty Matheson could be T.O.’s new global ambassador: Opening restaurants, creating awesome TV shows, winning awards.

This guy. When MLSE turned its back on the WNBA, Tanenbaum said well, have it your way, and brought a team to the city himself. Amazing.

VINCE CARTER

Gold medal-winning hockey star Sarah Nurse and her Toronto Sceptres teammates are ready to take the fledgling PWHL to new heights in the city.

SARAH NURSE

MATTY MATHESON

LARRY TANENBAUM

THE BEACHES

OLIVIA CHOW

The Toronto Argos are Grey Cup champs, overcoming the loss of their quarterback,

This 14-year-old

FAY DE FAZIO EBERT

Sometimes, we all just need a moment when we all just get along to remind us we are all in this together. Swift gave the city that moment.

TAYLOR SWIFT

Photo credits: Vince Carter: Otto Greule Jr, Getty; The Beaches: Instagram; Elliot Page: Instagram; Olivia Chow: Instagram; Nick Arbuckle: @torontoargos Instagram; Fay De Fazio Ebert: Instagram; Taylor Swift: Instagram ; Larry Tanenbaum: wnba Instagram; Matty Matheson: Instagram; Sarah Nurse: Duane Cole.

250 LAWRENCE AVENUE W #212 Offered at $740,000

Spacious, open concept sun-filled suites available in boutique building.

PRIME LAWRENCE PARK SOUTH Offered at $3,320,000

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bright & spacious. Chef’s eat-in kitchen.

Well-maintained home on quiet corner. Elegance & comfort on 3 storeys.

LAWRENCE PARK CUSTOM

Offered at $5,950,000

100 SNOWDON AVENUE Represented the buyer

Gorgeous transitional 5 bedroom home in the heart of Lawrence Park.

Built by J.T.F & designed by Richard Wengle. Fabulous 5 bedroom plan.

TEDDINGTON PARK LOT Offered at $7,500,000

Build up to 6,050 sq.ft. above grade. 97’frontage. Backs onto Rosedale Golf.

NEWLY BUILT IN LYTTON PARK Offered at $7,595,000

DISTINGUISHED LYTTON PARK RES Offered at $5,498,000

Designer’s own. 6454 sq.ft. blending historical charm with modern allure.

Rare 60’ x 246’ wooded lot. 6 bedrm home offering historical elegance.