Village Post July 2024

YOU BUTTER BELIEVE IT CHEF ANTHONY ROSE ON THE BEST BUTTER TARTS FROM THE 416 TO THE 705

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CONTENTS

An insider’s guide to Muskoka, where celebs and cottage-goers eat, paddle and play like pros 20

Jeanne Beker picks her favourite swimsuits and hats to make a splash this summer whether you’re lounging poolside in T.O. or lakeside 31

The Reklaws’ Jenna Walker shares the story of her cottage country summer romance that was 20 years in the making 37

Chef Anthony Rose samples the city's and cottage country's most delicious and homespun butter tarts 45

Meet Raccoon Lager, the Post's

Post City Magazines and our social media sister Streets Of Toronto, with almost 1 million social media followers, have long prided ourselves on being about community. We are proud Torontonians and wanting the city to be all it can be is built into our collective DNA.

Now, this comes in many shapes, sizes and directives. The latest being our own beer: Raccoon Lager. But this isn’t just any beer. It’s a charitable initiative to raise money for the Daily Bread Food Bank.

In our city a shocking one in 10 people use a food bank to make ends meet. This winter, there were a record 300,000 visits in one month. Toronto is an economic powerhouse. So there is really no reason why so many people are getting left behind.

But, given that it is happening on our watch, we decided to do something about it. We teamed

up with the fine folks of Brew Aid to craft a tasty summer beer. We even created a series of lovable raccoon characters named after different Toronto neighbourhoods to make it a bit more personal.

Our raccoon lager is available at select LCBO stores as well as a selection of our favourite restaurants in the city, such as Seven Numbers, Fet Zun, Madame Bouef and a number of Gabby’s locations. Our team will also be out at a few fun summer events offering samples of our tasty suds, such as at Woofstock. So if you’re looking for a refreshing adult beverage perfect for a BBQ on the back deck, consider the Streets of Toronto Raccoon Lager. Or, even better, remember to make a donation to your local food bank.

RON JOHNSON, editorial director of Post City Magazines.

The Amazing Race Canada is back with another season premiering on July 2. We spoke with host Jon Montgomery, who won a gold medal in men’s skeleton at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, about the new season and this month’s Paris Olympics.

How does it feel to be back for another season, the 10th season? Good gravy. Could you imagine this would be going on for 10 years? It’s awesome. You know what? It’s maybe sad to say for me, but honestly, I can’t wait to get back out there with what I consider to be my second family.

What makes you most excited about the new season?

Well, it’s a milestone — season 10. The teams are awesome, great group of racers and challenges. And we’re landing in my hometown of Russell, Manitoba. Can you believe it? I can’t wait to show off my hometown.

What do you think makes this show click with audiences?

I think it resonates on a few different levels, but I think the primary resonance is that people can see themselves on the show. And you know, a guy like me who is a fan of it, I can’t see myself on other programs. I’ll never be on So You Think You Can Dance Canada with two left feet, and I couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.

You try all the challenges as well. What have you found most difficult?

I didn’t really love heights to begin with, and so having to approach that fear [is difficult]. And you know you’re going to have to approach your fear of heights if you have one. Every single season on The Amazing Race, we’re always jumping off of something.

What keeps you coming back?

They ask me. I will do this until the cows come home, to steal a prairie euphemism, as long as CTV wants me at the helm. And even after that, I’m gonna show up anyway.

I’m like athlete’s foot — I keep coming back year after year.

You provided this country with a very memorable Olympic moment yourself. What’s your fondest memory from that time?

Well, I would have to say being at my own event was very memorable. Once that’s done, you kind of switch gears into a bit more of a celebratory type of a mindset, and so sharing incredible moments with my brothers and sisters, celebrating our other athletes was profound.

What advice would you offer those athletes heading over to Paris?

Have some fun and get it done. The work that has got you to this point and is going to be required for you to be at your best on the day that matters most has already been done. You can’t will a tory. You just have to trust in the work that you’ve done, be present and in the moment.

—Ron Johnson

Protestors are calling on the government to reign in private health care

Creeping privatization threatens family medicine

In a move that is becoming all too familiar, it came to light earlier this year that 1,600 patients were without a family doctor seemingly overnight when a practice decided to charge a $4,995 annual fee. And it is likely to continue to happen unless something is done.

It is estimated that 20 per cent of Ontario residents cannot access a family doctor for primary care. It’s a crisis, and it is also exposing what some call a loophole in the system that allows private and forprofit clinics to offer said services as part of an annual fee. No long waits, no emergency room visits just to see a doctor.

And it’s starting to hurt more as this trend that is seeing current family doctors start to deregister large swaths of patients and move to a private clinic model picks up speed, which translates to thousands of patients per family doctor joining the four million others in a similar situation. This shortage has caused significant strain on the health-care system, with more patients turning to emergency rooms for non-urgent care, leading to overcrowded hospitals and

increased wait times. Adding to the complexity of the situation is the rise of private health services.

Many doctors are streamlining their practices, catering to a smaller (some suggest wealthier) and healthier patient base willing to pay large fees for more personalized care. Many others can’t find young doctors to take over their practices so they can retire.

Private clinic clients pay an annual fee and get complementary health-care services including such things as a health assessment, physiotherapy and chiropractics. Supplementary to that, the services of a family doctor are available with such bonuses as a day or two wait time for an appointment and on-call services.

The primary care services of the family doctor are still billed to OHIP and paid by taxpayers.

Some suggest this trend, often referred to as "boutique" or "concierge" medicine, is creating a two-tiered health-care system that is accessible only to those who can afford it. A report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) indicates that

private health-care spending in Canada is growing at a faster rate than public health-care spending, a trend that is evident in Ontario.

It’s something Dr. David Barber, chair of general and family practice of the Ontario Medical Association, is against.

“I don’t like the private healthcare stuff like clinics. The government, they need to intervene and quickly because we are going to see more and more and more, and it's just not going to solve anything,” he said. “It will definitely make the health of Ontarians worse, undoubtedly, because the people who need care aren't the wealthy ones who can afford these profit-oriented clinics. So it's really quite sad in my opinion.”

Historically, the provincial governments including Ontario’s, have two areas of concern above all else: education and health care. But this situation has developed since the provincial government opened the door to it decades ago with clinices from south of the border setting up executive clinics.

It’s not just that private health clinics from the United States are

opening here in the name of executive health. It’s that current family doctors are severely truncating their practices and moving into these “private” settings leaving longtime patients without any continuity of care. The Ontario NDP brought it to light earlier this year when hundreds of patients were abandoned.

“About 1,600 patients had to go out on their own, at a time when Ontario has a massive family doctor and primary care provider shortage,” said Toronto member of provincial parliament Jessica Bell. “Ontarians should be using their OHIP card to see their family doctor, not their credit card.”

Family doctors are facing a system that has become increasingly complex and continue to be devalued compared to other areas of medicine, said Dr. David White, professor emeritus, department of family and community medicine, University of Toronto.

“I think it's happening in Canada, despite not being what the population wants, and I think governments are, in some cases,

by Ron Johnson

allowing it if they're oriented more toward private sector solutions,” said White, of the private clinics. “And in other cases, they are certainly not prepared to shut it down because it would look like they were just making life more difficult. So it really is a problem of how we appropriately fund, particularly the primary care aspect.”

Barber, who is in the faculty of medicine at Queen's University, said the system is making it unattractive for young doctors to move into family medicine.

“There's nobody that wants to take on a cradle-to-grave practice anymore,” he said. “It's just not joyful, it's not any fun, it's stressful, it's a failing business model.”

The increasing trend to private clinics has sparked a renewed debate over universal health care. But it is also exposing a provincial government that has long underfunded and deprioritized family medicine. And the results are dire.

Next month: In part two, we look at why family doctors don’t want to be family doctors any longer and what the health-care system’ needs now.

Parking in Toronto is a billion-dollar business

Over the past few months, the Toronto Parking Authority has been getting more attention than usual. Known as the Green P, the agency manages parking lots, electric charging stations, on-street parking, the city’s bike sharing program and some real estate.

The TPA is a unique city agency because of the amount of money it brings into the city’s coffers. According to the agency, the TPA has contributed $1.4 billion in dividends since 2002. Under the city’s bylaws, the agency is required to provide a minimum of 35 million dollars or 85 per cent of its profits to the city. In return, the city has historically ignored the agency, so it has operated with a certain degree of autonomy.

That may be changing.

The TPA is now in the crosshairs of the city because it wants to keep a little more of the money it is raising. Even though city hall agreed to raise the park-

ing rates, the parking authority is claiming that it needs even more money to fix the parking lots and to manage the capital expenses of the electric vehicle–charging infrastructure and bike-sharing program.

Since city hall has an operating deficit to close, the pleas of the authority are not being well

received by some city councillors. In response, the TPA is threatening to end some of the programs that are not core to its mandate — such as the bikesharing program. At the same time that city hall is making it difficult for the authority to keep more of the funds raised, the community is

also making it difficult for the authority to raise rents to market rates for a small business called Dipped Donuts that leases space from its Baldwin Street location.

The five-year lease for the doughnut shop is up for renewal, and the TPA is required by law to raise rents to market rates.

This means that the doughnut shop will have to pay almost double to stay in that location and claims it can’t sell enough doughnuts to pay the new rent.

The TPA is not used to so much attention and is now in the unenviable position of defending itself against city hall to keep more of its money; Cycle Toronto for holding the bikeshare program “hostage”; and the Kensington Market Community Land Trust for being mean to small business.

As if that isn’t enough, Housing NowTO claims that the Toronto Parking Authority is

resisting supporting the ultimate city goal of converting the parking lots to housing. The longterm goal is to sell or develop 130 parking lots for housing because the property tax alone will generate more income that parking levies. It makes no sense to reinvest in these properties since they will no longer be part of the parking authority portfolio in a few years.

The problems at the TPA are symptomatic of what is happening at city hall. City hall is out of money and out of ideas. As a result, it is looking to its revenue-generating agencies to finance its hopes and dreams.

The TPA played along for a while until it ran into its own financial challenges. It might be a lesson in making some hard choices all around.

Toronto Parking Authority has earned the city more than $1 billion

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

Toronto is world-class ... in traffic

In June, the city passed an important milestone. Toronto’s anxiety about whether it was a worldclass city was displaced by its anxiety about traffic congestion and the fact that you could not travel around the city. Period.

The world-class anxiety flowered when Art Eggleton was mayor in the 1980s, and for several decades it lurked behind most major decisions. Mayor Rob Ford pushed it out of focus by dint of his personal activities. I remember in Berlin when we told the cabby where we were from, and he said with a cruel laugh, `You have that mayor who seems to have some problems, eh?’

The anxiety roared back with Mayor John Tory who couldn’t resist the opportunity for Toronto to make its mark by hosting a few FIFA World Cup games. Now that he is gone, and we learn that the cost of those games is something in the range of $7 million a minute, world-class status somehow doesn’t seem to mean so much. Instead, we have traffic congestion anxiety.

The month began with the possibility of a transit strike and the psychosis set in: we would all be stranded at the curb. The city would grind to a halt. Not everyone could work from home — we need clerks in shops, shoppers in stores, servers in restaurants, and for many the idea of doing business locally was simply not a rea-

sonable option. The city was doomed until the TTC union and management settled, and we sighed our relief.

Then came the announcement that the Spadina streetcar would be replaced by buses running on the street to confound the traffic. Craziness. People began looking more closely at the TTC finances service levels were not being maintained, money was not there for the needed capital repairs let alone for expanding service, and the TTC cars kept breaking down to remind us that the anxiety had not gone away.

The stress level was so high that no one thought to mention that Metrolinx refused to say whether the Eglinton subway line would be operational in our lifetime. Roadway concerns loomed into view. With the Gardiner Expressway undergoing repairs, travel times there were up 250 per cent. One driver complained it would have been faster for her to get out of her car and walk — imagine that. Maybe we should just forget about the repairs and drive until the Gardiner falls into the ground where it belongs.

I made the mistake of trying to drive along Bloor. The west bound part of the street at Avenue Road had been dug up, and we were restricted to one lane eastbound. Horrors again, and, in an unmoving vehicle, I thought of the construction everywhere, all

to accommodate the demolition of rental buildings and their replacement with condo towers and the new wires and pipes they need. Everywhere you turn, I thought, with no room to consider world-class status.

And don’t forget the cyclists and the war they wage with the cars. Bike lanes have been expanded and are well used, but those cyclists keep asking for more room to move safely, as though they should have some travel status in the city — even asking for bike lanes on Avenue north of Bloor. If you know that stretch, you are aware you can speed up and move quickly on those six lanes, providing there aren’t more drivers who want to do the same, cyclist safety be damned. Speed softens anxiety.

I am not sure where all of this leads — maybe it circles back to world-class status. I was in England recently and, as we sat unmoving in traffic, the cabby said, `London is number one in the world survey of traffic congestion, and it’s all because our mayor wants more bike lanes.’ Which reminded me that that survey said Toronto was number three on the congestion index.

If we work a bit harder we can have world-class status on traffic congestion.

Toronto has some of the worst gridlock in North America

JOHN SEWELL is a former mayor of Toronto.

Virtue and Rielly can’t paint Rosedale home

An application for Tessa Virtue and Morgan Rielly to paint their Rosedale Heritage home was considered by Toronto and East York Community Council, but council members decided to forward the item to Toronto City Council.

Rielly, who plays defence for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Virtue, a former Olympic ice dancer, have been in headlines after requesting to use a limewash white paint on the masonry along both sides of their two-storey Edwardian-era house on Roxborough Drive, in an effort to “address the unsightly discoloration” variations in the colour, texture and conditions resulting from mismatched bricks, repairs and patches.

The six-bedroom home, built in 1912 and purchased for $6.4 million in 2022, is in the North Rosedale Heritage Conservation District. Changes to the house would require heritage permits.

In May 2023, a building permit was issued to allow alterations to the property, which included the construction of a single-storey rear addition and a detached garage in the rear yard. However, in September 2023, a revised building permit was issued that showed new windows the proposed front elevation included a note stating that the

brick was to be painted.

According to an April 2024 report by City of Toronto’s acting senior manager of Heritage Planning, the painting of the masonry was only noted on the front elevation — staff said they weren’t aware of this note when they cleared the building permit.

“The Building Permit drawings did not include any references to the painting of masonry on the side elevations,” the report reads, in part. “Following a site visit Heritage Planning staff noticed that the painting of the west façade of the house…had commenced. The owners were advised to cease this work and seek the required approvals.”

According to reports, Rodney Gill, Virtue and Rielly’s lawyer, noted that “the intention throughout was to paint the entirety of the home,” but as a gesture of good faith, Virtue and Rielly decided not to paint further so that they could go through this process.

During the community council meeting, a city staff member admitted that they mistakenly approved painting of the home and that staff did not have “delegated authority” to clear that.

The item was forwarded to city council and was scheduled for a June 26 meeting.

— Nisean Lorde

The partially painted home of Tessa Virtue and Morgan Rielly

City councillor makes daring arrest

Jon Burnside helped perform a citizen’s arrest outside the Leaside Home Depot on Wednesday morning after witnessing two men trying to steal items from the retailer.

Burnside, who represents Ward 16 Don Valley East, explained that he stopped by the Home Depot near Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East shortly before 9 a.m. and soon found himself in the midst of a dramatic confrontation.

What started as a routine morning errand for a thermostat quickly escalated into a scene straight out of an action film.

"It was about closing in on 9 a.m.," Burnside said. "I was heading toward the exit doors when suddenly, alarms went off. Two individuals rushed out, their carts overflowing with DeWalt tools, still sporting security tags."

As Burnside approached, he couldn't ignore the suspicious circumstances.

"I called out to them, asking what they were doing," he said. "That's when a friend coincidentally yelled that they were stealing. Things escalated quickly, when the thieves turned aggressive, threatening me for recording them. I said, ‘You stole those’ and he [hurled] some expletives,” Burnside said, noting that he

also smelled alcohol on the suspect’s breath.

The councillor said that he then grabbed the cart. This led to a sort of tug back and forth for the cart before the suspect uttered a death threat.

“I will say this: that definitely wasn’t one of my smartest decisions.”

“It was sort of past the point of no return where I felt I had to protect myself and make the attempt to make the arrest, which I did,” Burnside, who is a former Toronto police officer, said. He added that there was “a little bit of a confrontation.”

“He comes around toward me, obviously in a very aggressive manner, and now it was more about him and me, as opposed to the property,” Burnside explained. “And then a physical altercation broke out.”

Two other customers — Rob Hughes and an unnamed offduty Toronto firefighter stepped in to help Burnside subdue the suspect. One was an old high school friend of Burnside’s who happened to be shopping at the Home Depot at the time and called 911.

Toronto Police Service officers arrived about 15 minutes

later and arrested the suspect, although police don’t have any information about the other suspect, who fled the scene. Reflecting on the aftermath, Burnside expressed surprise at the overwhelming support he received from the community.

"The thing that really shocked me was the outpouring of support, even from people I hadn't talked to in maybe 20 or 30 years,” Burnside said. “I think that really goes to the fact that people are kind of upset about what's going on in the city: the quality of life issues, the feeling that nothing's being done. And I guess they just appreciated someone trying to do something.”

Indeed, the incident at Home Depot highlights broader issues.

"It's not just about stolen merchandise," Burnside said. "It's about the disrespect for others' property and the safety of our communities."

Despite the risks involved, Burnside remains resolute about taking action when necessary.

“I will say this: that definitely wasn’t one of my smartest decisions,” he said. “People said it’s because you're a cop. Maybe. I don’t know. It's just, as I say, you just kind of go, ‘enough of this stuff,’ right?

— Nisean Lorde

L-R: City councillor Jon Burnside, Home Depot near Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East

Mizrahi 905 & Yorkville condos in receivership

Following another Yorkville condo, The One, moving into receivership, two additional condominium projects by Mizrahi Developments suffered a similar fate: a condo at 128 Hazelton Ave. in Yorkville and a project at 180 Steeles Ave. W. in Thornhill.

On June 4, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice agreed to the receivership orders for both sites. Since then, KSV Advisory — the appointed receiver — has been asking the court to issue a sales process order so that they could officially start selling these projects.

The nine-storey, 20-unit boutique development on Hazelton Ave., near the intersection of Avenue Road and Davenport Road., is almost complete. It has suites ranging from 891 to 3,046 square feet, with a variety of exposures and layouts. KSV’s June

14 report for this site stated that it had hired CBRE Limited to handle the sale of the retail part of the Hazelton Avenue project through a "stalking horse" agreement between the receiver and Constantine Enterprises Inc. (CEI), which is a strategy used to set a minimum acceptable bid on a property to prevent low-ball offers. Pending court approval, CBRE is scheduled to put the retail component on the market by June 24. For the residential portion, i.e., the four units that are unfinished and unsold, KSV will bring in Gillam Communities LP to complete the remaining work.

CEI, which has a 50 per cent stake in the condo project at 128 Hazelton Ave., first made a plea for receivership back in February, citing that CEI had “lost confidence in Mizrahi and the Mizrahi Group’s ability to fulfill their financial obligations, past and

ongoing.”

CEI claimed that Mizrahi owes them $47 million after Duca Financial Services Credit Union Ltd., which was the primary lender on the project, transferred Mizrahi’s rights, benefits and interests related to the loan and associated securities to CEI through a debt purchase agreement, resulting in Duca dismissing its previous legal action against Mizrahi (a receivership application it had filed in January).

According to CEI’s April 26 affidavit, the cost of the Hazelton project will exceed Mizrahi’s budget by more than $50 million.

Mizrahi Developments made headlines in February when it was announced that the company was ousted from the development of the Yonge and Bloor skyscraper The One a few months after the building was put into receivership. — Nisean Lorde

Former chief planner lands midtown site

According to a new city report, the company behind a potential collaboration that would see a city property transferred to a private developer is headed up by Jennifer Keesmaat, the former chief planner for Toronto.

The Toronto planning and housing committee is set to review the strategic development proposal for 267 and 275 Merton St. on June 13. Toronto City Council was scheduled to consider the proposal on June 26, pending the committee’s recommendations.

The proposal involves negotiating and executing an agreement of purchase and sale with Markee Missing Middle (Merton) GP Inc. and Markee Missing Middle (Merton) Limited Partnership. This includes a lease agreement for the properties at 267 and 275 Merton St.

The city-owned property at 275 Merton St. is home to City of Toronto offices that would need to be relocated to another city office building as a result of the deal.

The development aims to construct affordable rental housing units on these sites, with a minimum target of 30 per cent of the units designated as affordable.

Josh Matlow, the city councillor in whose ward the development is located, supports the plan.

“In the midst of a housing crisis, it’s refreshing to see a proposal that includes such a large number of affordable units. That’s what we need more of,” he said.

The financial details of the proposed transaction are currently confidential.

The Annex's most dangerous street

After years of waiting, the initial steps to create a safer Avenue Road for the residents of the Annex neighbourhood and other areas that line the arterial road are finally underway. But not everyone is thrilled with the results.

City of Toronto, Transportation Services unveiled an interim update on the Avenue Road study at a recent meeting, proposing immediate safety improvements for the stretch between Davenport Road and Dupont Street. The interim report was forwarded to city council for final approval without recommendations from Toronto and East York Community Council.

Key recommendations in the plan include installing a median between between Dupont and Macpherson Avenue, creating a southbound right-turn-only lane for buses and bicycles near Dupont and a pedestrian signal at 215 Avenue Rd.

The Avenue Road Safety Coalition suggested that the slated improvements as proposed would “not provide adequate infrastructure for the vulnerable road users” nor would it meet provincial requirements specified in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the city’s guidelines.

Councillor Dianne Saxe has clarified that pedestrian and cyclist improvements along Avenue between Davenport and Bloor have already received approval.

— Ron Johnson

L-R: Mizrahi Development projects at 180 Steeles Ave. W. and 128 Hazelton Ave.

Councillor Dianne Saxe

Midtown gets a Persian grocer, Yorkville's new Parisian café & more

Super Unique, a Persian supermarket, is opening soon in midtown. The independent grocery store will offer a new, locally owned option for grocery shopping at Yonge and Eglinton. According to storefront signage, the shop at 2085 Yonge St. will also offer takeout food options and bakery and pastry items, bringing delicious Iranian dishes to the area.

YumYum Chicken has come to Yonge and Lawrence, and now this already popular spot has a Korean fried chicken flavour for everyone there’s sweet n’ sour, soy garlic, golden curry, snowing cheese and even spicy cheeto. The eatery at 3238 Yonge St. also offers fried chicken sandwiches and wraps and sides, including cheese balls and f ries.

Shop Makers has brought its artisan shopping experience to Vaughan Mills at 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr. The organization, which began in

Vancouver, has been popping up across the country with shops that feature local artisans and entrepreneurs. Visitors can shop everything from stationery to ceramics to apparel and home decor, knowing they’re supporting artists in their community.

Haida Sandwich has opened a new location at Yonge and Eglinton. This popular sandwich and pizza shop is known for its delicious oven-roasted, cold cut and even pizza sandwich options, along with a core selection of pizzas that include the signature Haida Pizza, topped with beef and chicken deli meats and beef sausage. The new location is at 2409 Yonge St.

Bayview Shawarma Turkish Cuisine has put up signage in the Bayview neighbourhood, taking over 1549 Bayview Ave., formerly occupied by Maurya East Indian Roti. Not much is known about the new establishment, but it’s

likely there will be a delicious new option for shawarma in Leaside.

Paris Baguette will be bringing a new café concept to the “Mink Mile” this summer. This Parisianinspired take on a neighbourhood café focuses on handcrafted breads, pastries and cakes, as well as sandwiches and salads. The new 2,500square-foot location at 110 Bloor St. W. is at street level.

Mamilla Cafe has opened at 1 Promenade Cir., and the new eatery offers an extensive menu for Thornhill residents to try. There's an all-day brunch, with mouth-watering dishes such as challah French toast and a croissant Benedict, three different shakshukas and Jerusalem bagel toasts. There’s also a lunch and dinner menu. Mallwalkers will be able to stop by for a drink, thanks to Mamilla’s coffee, smoothie, iced tea and freshly squeezed juice options.

An afternoon in Bordeaux

July 19 • 2:00 - 4:00pm

Paris Baguette is bringing pastries to Bloor West

CRIME NEWS

TORONTO BREAK-INS

RACCOON LAGER

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NEW THISSUMMER

available at SELECT LCBO LOCATIONS AND PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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Find Streets of Toronto Raccoon Lager at participating LCBO’s and select restaurants including Seven Numbers Danforth, Madame Boeuf, Fetzun, Fat Pasha, select locations of Gabby's Roadhouse and NBA Courtside Restaurant. Learn more by joining our community of nearly one million social media followers!

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Brad Lamb on the recovering condo market

What’s happened in the condo market since the rate cut?

May this year was really bad — 7,000 trades versus 7,100 in April, and May is always far better than April. People were clearly very aware of the noise around interest rates, so they were sitting on their hands, waiting. In June, people started showing property again, so you're now seeing some life in the market.

When do you anticipate the market will finally recover?

It’s not going to be quick, but by September, October, November there could be enough momentum where it could happen. I’d say things will be quite strong next spring, and it will take two years before we get back to where we were in early 2021, assuming that the rate is going to fall a couple of points between now and next June.

When should buyers and investors start jumping back in?

Now's the time — prices are probably going to rise faster than in-

terest rates are going to fall. In most of the city, if I were to sell a new building, and I needed X, you can buy the same product right now for 75 per cent of X. And I think that's not going to last — there's probably 2,000 to 3,000 units that could be picked up for a song. Do you want to pay $1,500 a foot or do you want to pay $1,200 a foot? We've seen an increase in prices of about five or six per cent since last fall, and I think that will continue.

What about the new condo market?

It’s still not there. By the fall, it'll be bubbling a little bit. And by the spring, I think you're going to see a lot of developers launching stuff again. There has been some success selling new product, but it's not going to be shooting fish in a barrel. I don't think it'll be like that for the new condo market for a couple of years. But I think it'll be decent, where you’ll see maybe 20,000 to 30,000 starts. So in 2025–2026, you’re going to see cranes popping up again.

Rate cut not enough to entice T.O. buyers back

The day after the Bank of Canada cut its overnight rate for the first time in four years, Toronto realtor Mark Savel saw a flurry of interest from potential homebuyers.

“I had three listings up — they all saw a spike the next day of showings,” he said.

Since then, though, it’s been stagnant. “After that, I’d say it’s actually gotten a hell of a lot quieter than it has in recent months,” said Savel, who works in the Dufferin and Eglinton area for Sage Real Estate Ltd.

Realtors on the ground say the central bank’s decision to trim the overnight rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 per cent hasn’t jumpstarted the market just yet.

“It’s not a flip of a switch, it’s a process and a cycle,” Karen Yolevski, CEO of Royal LePage, said.

Similar to Savel’s experience, realtor Laurin Jeffrey saw an immediate spike from Toronto homebuyers in the days following the rate cut, and then it was radio silence.

“I don’t know what everyone’s waiting on at this point. Is it just too damn expensive, so nobody’s buying?” he wondered. “Once the first-time buyers are shut out, the whole thing grinds to a halt,” he said.

A nationwide poll conducted by Ipsos in the immediate wake of the rate cut found that among respondents who don’t own a home, 45 per cent said that no amount of rate cuts would make ownership affordable.

The poll also supports the idea that would-be homebuyers are holding out for even lower rates. Some 63 per cent of all respondents say they’re still standing on the

sidelines because of high interest rates.

However, Savel warned, these homebuyers may get burned later when they get caught in bidding wars as droves of homebuying holdouts enter the market at the same time. “The prices will be $100,000 more than they are today,” he said.

Savel suggested buyers sign on for a short-term, fixed-rate mortgage and capitalize on today’s more favourable conditions.

Yolevski says it’s a “distinct possibility” that multiple interest rate cuts could heat up the housing market to the point where runaway home prices could erase any relief from lower monthly mortgage-carrying costs.

“We’ll have to watch that carefully to see what unfolds,” she said.

—Josh Sherman

Variable rate mortgage holders in the GTA are already feeling the effects of the Bank of Canada’s 25 basis point rate cut.

$5,747

Average monthly mortgage payment on a five-year variable mortgage term in the GTA before the rate cut — at a 5 per cent overnight rate.

$5,614

Average monthly mortgage payment on a five-year variable mortgage term in the GTA after the rate cut — at a 4.75 per cent overnight rate.

$133

Monthly savings on the average mortgage payments in the GTA after the rate cut.

$1,596

Yearly savings on the average mortgage payments in the GTA after the rate cut.

$902,480

Average total mortgage amount in the GTA.

$4,970

Average monthly mortgage payment on a five-year variable mortgage term in the GTA at 3.5 per cent overnight rate — the rate some experts predict the Bank of Canada will bottom out at.

L-R: Developer Brad Lamb; May was an unusually low month for condo sales

Everybody lves in Muskoka!

Food trus

THAI HUT

This gem in Huntsville has garnered a seriously loyal following thanks to its fresh Thai Cuisine, such as pad Thai with a mango side, alongside comfort food classics like burgers and sammies.

THE OAR

Muskoka restaurants come and go, but this gem has managed to stay on top of its game for so long. It’s a beauty, chock full of cottage charm, and the recent bright and cosy addition means there is even more to love.

THE PEARL

This beloved Bala restaurant and gourmet food shop opened to much acclaim last year. The best spot in Muskoka for gourmet take-away with a selection of incredible salads, such as soba noodles, fattoush and Shanghai slaw. The chicken ricotta meatball sammie? OMG.

ANTLER STEAKHOUSE

There are not a lot of places in Muskoka to have an incredible steak dinner, but the Antler Steakhouse in Deerhurst is the best of the best. Dining in a gorgeous old-timey log house surrounded by fields of green just makes it that much better.

CROSSROADS

For many years, Crossroads has held court as the top dining destination in Muskoka. From its idyllic Rosseau perch overlooking the lake, this restaurant has continued to evolve, adding a gorgeous garden patio and moving toward a finer dining experience while managing to maintain the magic.

HENRY'S SANS SOUCI

OK, this could be the quintessential experience, charter a helicopter flight and soar into Henry’s for some of the best fish and chips on Frying Pan Island in Georgian Bay. No, we are not kidding.

EL GRINGOS CANTINA

Parked at the delish Clear Lake Brewing Co.’s backyard patio, this food truck offers tasty Mexican street food — well, mostly tacos — including a sweet veggie option with smoked cauliflower as well as ceviche, grilled corn and more.

CRANBERRY MARSH

There is so much to love about Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh, not the least of which is the delish offerings from the winery that can be taken home or enjoyed on the charming patio overlooking the cranberry marshes. And chocolate-covered cranberries and blueberries? No joke.

GELATO BARGE

Spotting the elusive Gelato Barge from Affogato Café is like coming across a loon while paddling on a quiet morning. It just makes life that much better. The barge can be on Penn Lake, Lake Vernon or Fairy Lake, and customers can track its location via GPS. So fun.

THE SMOKIN' BIRDS

In addition to adding a delicious aroma to the streets of Bala, this food truck serves up the best BBQ in Muskoka. All the classics are here, such as brisket, pulled pork and smoked turkey, as well as a killer burger and some delish sides.

The Pearl

Antler Steakhouse

Gelato Barge

El Gringos

The Smokin’ Birds

Everybody lves in Muskoka!

Music

TALL PINES

This music and arts festival is offering up some great bands from its location in Gravenhurst’s Gull Park. Headliners this year include July Talk, on July 19, and City and Colour on the 20th.

MUSIC ON THE BARGE

MUSKOKA ZEN

DO YOU KNOW WHO THAT WAS?

Om is where the heart is, and in Muskoka that means yoga, which can be had in a boathouse at, well, Boathouse Yoga, on the banks of Lake Muskoka, with Muskoka Mind & Body, or book a private class for the family and downward dog to your heart’s content on your own dock.

CHASING WATERFALLS

Hiking to a gorgeous waterfall is a favourite Muskoka pastime. Heading to Bracebridge affords hikers and strollers the opportunity to hit a batch of watery beauties including three — High Falls, Bracebridge Falls and Wilson Falls — within five minutes of downtown. Ragged Falls in Algonquin, though, is the best of the best.

SKI SHOW

Traditions are essential in Muskoka, and the SWS Muskoka water ski shows are cherished. It’s no wonder hundreds flock to the shore to watch these campy yet highly skilled ski demonstrations every Tuesday night in the summer on the shore of Lake Muskoka in Bala’s Windsor Park.

NIGHT SKY PRESERVE

STEAMSHIPS

Yes, these massive hulks were essential to the formation of Muskoka. And, today, tourists love to take a spin around the lakes on RMS Segwun, which first churned the Muskoka waters in 1866, or the modern Wenonah II

LOOKOUT BELOW

Celeb spotting is a favourite pastime for Muskokans. Tour Lake Joseph. It’s probably a safe bet as Tom Hanks, the Beckhams, Cindy Crawford and others have been seen frolicking along Millionaire’s Row the past few years.

This tradition is too good to miss. Every Sunday, there are concerts from a barge moored in Gull Lake while crowds spread out blankets and lawn chairs on the shore of Gull Lake Park. Bring along a picnic or grab some sweet treats from The Bakery, up the street.

THE KEE

Looking for a unique Muskoka view? Be sure to get a headlamp and a generous slathering of bug spray and head to the Torrance Barrens for the best display of stars — the first bona fide dark sky preserve in Canada. Nothing like it.

The legend is real. The Kee has stepped up its concert game this season booking big-name acts, like Smashing Pumpkins, Metric and Sheepdogs, to play the historic Dunn’s Pavilion in Bala. Essential Muskoka.

There is no better view in Muskoka than from atop the Dorset Lookout Tower. The original tower is over 100 years old and was used by forest rangers to spot fires. The current tower was built in 1967 and stands 30 metres above ground.

Boathouse Yoga

Bracebridge Falls

Tall Pines

Music on the Barge

Everybody lves

CURATO

We love this cute-as-a-button boutique run by two sisters in Mactier. Great beach vibe, fun clothing and household items to give your cottage a hit of the sun this season. The Calacatta marble trays are stunning.

SHIPYARD STYLE

JACK & STELLA

FARMERS MARKETS

L'EAU

in Muskoka!

Just steps from Lake Muskoka, the Shipyards Muskoka Marketplace has a large and scenic space right at the waterfront, dedicated to Muskoka life and style. Be sure to visit the Upper Deck on the second floor with more than 30 popup vendors showcasing original art, handcrafted gifts and essential cottage items.

ON A MUSKOKA BOAT

Yes, this shop has drawn raves since it opened in Bala. We love the coffee shop and gorgeous dock for relaxing, but the clothing boutique is where the real fun can be had. The shop is even hosting a fashion show on the dock, July 3! Always something happening here.

There is a farmers market somewhere in Muskoka on most days. The best is in Rosseau every Friday, where one can find some great food products but also an incredible array of arts and crafts and more. Because it’s right on the water, shoppers can also arrive by boat or float plane.

Wooden boats, especially of the Ditchburn variety, have a long history in Muskoka, dating back over a century. They offer that perfect sense of sophistication and charm. It’s not a lost art, just check out Allman Boatworks in Huntsville. A fatherand-son team of wood artisans blend traditional boat building skills with modern techniques.

THE ONE AND ONLY

Dive into Muskoka's essence at the Muskoka Store, where a delightful array of local treasures awaits — from handcrafted artisanal goods to whimsical souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Muskoka through the store’s carefully curated selections and soulful charm, ensuring a truly memorable experience.

Discover L'eau in Port Carling, Muskoka, where cottage-style jewelry, clothing and home goods capture the essence of lakeside living. This boutique offers unique, sustainably crafted pieces by local artisans, blending rustic charm with timeless style.

ROBINSON'S GENERAL STORE

The century-old general store in Dorset is a fantastic Muskoka landmark, and considered one of the top general stores in the country. Serving the community year-round, it provides a variety of cottage comforts as well as produce, some seriously good ice cream and more.

ANTIQUING

Antiquing in Muskoka offers a variety of unique experiences from the quirky and cool Currie's Music and Antiques in Gravenhurst to the sprawling Antiques on 11 North in Severn, TNTree Antiques in Port Sydney, and Flying Star Antiques in Bracebridge, with its curated selection of antiques and rare finds for the cottage.

AUGUSTINA

Located by the Port Sandfield Marina, Augustina Boutique offers a stylish mix of highend designers and local brands, making it the perfect spot to pick up chic and relaxed summer wear. Among its highlights is Loveli Fine Jewelry, a female-owned Toronto brand.

The Muskoka Store

Allman Boatworks

Rosseau Farmers Market

Curato

L’eau

Everybody lves

Old school resrts

SEVERN LODGE

This family-friendly gem is a luxurious lakeside resort that feels like Muskoka. It has it all: pristine waterfront, forested trails, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddling, even hot tubbing, plus some luxurious touches for Mom and Dad. Oh, and supervised kids’ activities. Score.

WINDERMERE HOUSE

in Muskoka!

One of the Muskoka OGs at more than 150 years of age, Windermere continues to impress its Lake Rousseau faithful with its timeless elegance and charm. Golf the day away, enjoy the legendary cuisine, and enjoy an immersive Muskoka experience.

BALA BAY

CAMP

WATER'S EDGE TREEHOUSE

This cosy off-grid retreat offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, featuring a wood-burning stove, a loft sleeping area and a unique elevated design to immerse yourself in the surrounding pine trees and embrace the beauty of nature.

Buy an island

BASS ISLAND

FAWN ISLAND

The Bala Bay Inn has a long and storied history, but most recently it has not looked the part of a historic and charming Muskoka rooming house. Thankfully, it has been transformed and is back on the scene, completely renovated, spa, a new oyster bar, music. Oh, it is the scene in 2024.

Escape to Muskoka's picturesque Six Mile Lake Provincial Park, where the stunning landscapes have inspired countless artists. Unwind on three sandy beaches, swim in the clear waters, and explore the scenic hiking trails. With six campgrounds nestled in a natural setting, this park is the perfect weekend getaway for camping enthusiasts.

This gorgeous hunk of Muskoka rock is one of the largest private islands in the area and is on the market for $14.95 million. The listing features a beautiful six-bedroom contemporary home with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private helipad and a boathouse.

BEER SPA

Now, there is a spa that appeals to everyone. A spa and craft brewery, in one beautiful Muskoka package, Muskoka Beer Spa is located in Torrance, across the street from Clear Lake Brewing, with gorgeous lakeside cabins, a pool and, yes, a spa.

DEERHURST RESORT

Deerhurst has been drawing weary Toronto travellers for generations. Ideal for active families, thanks to the absolute smorgasbord of tantalizing fun on tap, from tennis and golf to water-based activities and everything in between. Once the kids are tuckered out, enjoy a stellar dining experience.

Looking for more than a little privacy? A stunning family compound that comes with its own Fawn Island is on the market for a cool $28 million and change, complete with main lodge, “glass house” for those extra scenic days and a gorgeous boathouse.

GOLF

If hitting the links is your reason for living, it doesn’t get any better than a round on Bigwin Island. One of the top courses anywhere, this gem on rugged Muskoka terrain will test your golf mettle. Follow it up with dinner at the Marine Dining Room, and even stay the night.

Water’s Edge Treehouse

Bigwin Island

Severn Lodge

Deerhurst Resort

Find Your Quintessential Muskoka

Meet John and Mark, the Aben Team, with

The tranquil beauty of Muskoka offers unparalleled relaxation, serenity and a long tradition of memory making with family and friends. Whether your quintessential Muskoka means summers spent on the water enjoying all the toys and exclusive social life, or a private retreat to unplug and restore, we

At Harvey Kalles, we specialize in curating exceptional real estate experiences for discerning clientele. Brothers and business partners, we grew up having all of Muskoka as our front yard, and we have intimate knowledge of the region that and personalized attention are important to you and to us. We work as partners and trusted advisors with you to ensure your real estate experience is meticulously tailored. Join us to discover your perfect Muskoka retreat.

$5,400,000

MARK ABEN Broker

JOHN ABEN Broker

Best shows in T.O. from Alanis Morissette to the Dream

1. Go to Toronto Fringe

The Toronto Fringe Festival is set for its 36th annual event, taking place from July 3 to 14 with 77 shows across 16 venues. This year's festival includes a diverse array of performances: dance productions, eight KidsFest and Teen shows, multiple musicals, seven shows in unconventional venues and a variety of dramatic and comedic plays, featuring star-studded casts, puppets, magic, clowns and music. The festival also includes a launch party and parade on July 2, the Artisan Market, the TENT (Theatre Entrepreneurs' Network & Training) Program and the New Young Reviewers Program. Free entertainment is available at the Fringe Patio and KidsFest Club throughout the festival. For more information: fringetoronto.com

2. See Alanis Morissette

Iconic Canadian musician Alanis Morissette hits Budweiser Stage on July 13 and 14, as part of her Triple Moon Tour. Renowned for her powerful vocals and introspective lyrics, Morissette rose to international fame with her breakout album Jagged Little Pill, in 1995, which

remains a cultural touchstone and earned her multiple Grammy Awards. Joining Morissette on the tour are rock legends Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and rising country music star Morgan Wade. For more information: livenation.com

3. Go to Beaches Jazz Festival

The month of music festivals under the Beaches International Jazz Festival umbrella is set to begin July 5. The festivals will take place in Toronto's Jimmie Simpson and Woodbine Parks, running throughout the month. The festivities begin with the Sounds of Leslieville and Riverside from July 5 to 7 at Jimmie Simpson Park. From July 12 to 14, Woodbine Park will be the place to be for Salsa on the Beach, featuring Latin rhythms and dance. The TD Weekend at Woodbine Park, from July 18 to 21, will feature a mix of reggae, ’90s hip hop and more, including Get on Up hosted by former MuchMusic VJ Master T. Groovin’ in The Park is a two-day celebration of soul, funk and house music at Woodbine Park on July 26 to 28. Streetfest will take place from July 25 to 27, from 7 to 11 p.m., along Queen Street East between Woodbine and Beech ave-

nues. For more information: beachesjazz.com

4. Go to Dream in High Park

Canadian Stage returns with a cherished Toronto summer tradition, Dream in High Park. This year, the event will feature a new production of Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet, directed by Jessica Carmichael and starring Qasim Kham as the Prince of Denmark. The production runs from July 21 to Sept. 1 at the High Park Amphitheatre. “Hamlet is one of the most loved and iconic titles in Shakespeare’s canon and also one of the most thrilling psychological dramas in the theatre,” says Canadian Stage artistic director Brendan Healy. “We are incredibly excited to be able to offer Toronto audiences the opportunity to experience a new production of the original text in the park this summer.” For more information: canadianstage.com

5. Visit Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair returns to Nathan Phillips Square from July 12 to 14. This event highlights more than 350 artists under its distinctive white

tents. New this year, TOAF collaborates with the Government of Northwest Territories, showcasing seven artists from the region alongside a special section supported by Bureau du Québec á Toronto, featuring 20 artists from Québec at the fair and eight online exclusives. The fair caters to all ages, providing a free opportunity to immerse oneself in art. For more information: toaf.ca

6. See Wilco

Renowned rock band Wilco is set to perform at Massey Hall on July 2 and 3. Wilco is playing in support of their latest album, Cousin, produced by the Welsh artist Cate Le Bon. This is Wilco's first album with an outside producer since the 2002 release Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. The collaboration began when the band and Le Bon connected at Wilco's Solid Sound Festival.The result is a deeply evocative album that charts new territory for Wilco, one of the best live bands performing today and known for their ability to continually reinvent themselves over the past three decades. For more information: masseyhall.ca

L-R: Alanis Morissette plays two shows at Budweiser Stage, and Dream in High Park returns with ‘Hamlet’

SHELL-EBRATING BEACHWEAR

Before you drive by Webers and unearth those boat shoes, dive into style with Jeanne Beker's favourite swimsuits and hats for cottage season — perfect for lounging poolside in T.O. or lakeside.

LAKE ROSSEAU

Sandpipers, $377, 2580 Yonge St.

"I love this high neck; sometimes you really need to cover up more in the sun. It's so elegant and sexy in a very understated way."

LAKE JOSEPH

Visual Mood, $175, visualmood.com

"I really like the retro vibe of this; a high-waisted bottom gives it that pin-up style. And what a beautiful, fun pattern."

©melmira.com

LAKE OF BAYS Melmira, $336, 3319 Yonge St.

"I love the colour blocking. This bathing suit is very artsy; it's such an interesting take on colour and looks very modern."

GEORGIAN BAY

Loversland, $179, 215 Ossington Ave.

"I like the asymmetry, and it's got ruching which is always quite flattering around the waist. And what a nice bold colour; it's really elegant and classic."

PENINSULA LAKE

Muskoka Bay Clothing, $169.99, 165 Muskoka Rd. S., Gravenhurst

©muskokabayclothing.com

DENIM BUCKET Good Neighbour, $150, 1212 Yonge St.

CROCHET COWBOY Snapdragon, $225, 99 Maple St., Port Carling

"That's such a cool botanical motif. I like the zipper up the front, and I love the clean modern lines."

Shan, Top: $225, Bottom: $170, 7540 Weston Rd.

"This one has got a beautiful, artful floral motif. And it's the perfect little itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikini; the styling is classic."

WESTERN TWEED Thursdays, $165, 1130 Yonge St.

BRING THE DRAMA Archives, SALE $89.10, archivestoronto.com

Frock, $55, 97 Roncesvalles Ave.

KEW–BALMY BEACH

RAFFIA VISOR

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

RESOLVE DIVORCE DISPUTES IN ONE DAY WITH RAPID RESOLUTION T.O.’S LEADING PROFESSIONALS

BIO

Cheryl Goldhart, an accredited mediator and arbitrator with nearly 40 years of family law experience and a Masters Degree in Counselling, helps families navigate separation and divorce. Through mediation and Rapid Resolution, she provides solutions that minimize cost, acrimony, and emotional pain. Cheryl’s unique perspective enables her to resolve seemingly irresolvable differences.

Facing a divorce can be overwhelming. What if you could resolve all disputes in just one day?

That’s where Rapid Resolution - the One Day Solution comes in. This innovative dispute resolution process offers a unique one-day solution to resolve family law disputes, allowing all parties to move forward. Why Rapid Resolution?

• Time-Efficient: Settle all family law issues (including support, property division and parenting rights) in just one day, unlike traditional divorce proceedings that can take years, draining both time and resources.

• Cost-Effective: This streamlined process significantly reduces costs, compared to lengthy legal battles.

• Voluntary and Safe: Parties voluntarily engage in this process, ensuring a commitment to a safe and fair resolution.

• Full Disclosure: Full and frank financial disclosure is required, ensuring all parties are well informed about financial issues.

• Customized Approach: Each case is unique,

CONTACT

and Rapid Resolution can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the parties and their particular issues.

How Does It Work?

• Preparation: Parties submit briefs outlining their positions before the scheduled day.

• Mediation/Arbitration: The process begins with mediation, followed by arbitration (if necessary) for unresolved issues, all within the same day.

• Decision and Award: If arbitration is necessary, a decision is made by the end of the day, with a concise award and reasons provided, ensuring closure and clarity. Ready for peace and closure? Contact Cheryl today to discover how Rapid Resolution can swiftly settle all your family law issues.

PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE: TRUSTING YOUR MEDICAL & WELLNESS TEAM

A woman’s health journey is optimized through coordinated and personalized medical and wellness care. Each phase of a woman’s life, whether it be managing heavy menstruation, painful intercourse, fertility concerns, or Perimenopause and Menopause, all present differently and with its own unique challenges. There are a variety of evidence-based treatments to address concerns that women face during each of these phases. For this reason, discussing and understanding each phase with a medical and wellness team that specializes in women’s care and that you trust is vital.

Menopause and the Perimenopause transition years affect each woman differently. Most commonly, symptoms begin at age 41, but can begin earlier or later depending on various personal factors. Symptoms can begin up to 10 years prior to the onset of Menopause (which is 1 year after your final period).

Symptoms can include mood changes, sleep disturbances, frequent UTIs, metabolic concerns such as weight gain, hot flashes and night

sweats, vaginal dryness and sexual health concerns. A personalized combination of treatments should be used depending on your experience: Medical Hormone Replacement Therapy, non-hormonal medications, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, vaginal and clitoral topical and hormone agents.

Treating symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause is purely based on the management of your individual symptoms. Given the personal experience women face in each phase of life, it is imperative to have an integrative medical and wellness team that you feel comfortable to communicate with so that symptoms can be properly addressed and your quality of life optimized. Ensure you have a team that you trust, makes you feel heard, understands your specific needs and works to empower you.

The Team at Femme Women’s Wellness

Femme is Toronto's first

team, our goal is for patients to feel empowered and beautiful. Femme’s female-focused Executive Medical Healthcare program integrates with all disciplines in the clinic including Cosmetic Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Chiropractic Care, Physiotherapy & more. BIO

Cheryl Goldhart – Expert Family Law Lawyer, Mediator and Arbitrator

Ossington & Muskoka get a swimwear pop-up

Left On Friday, a Vancouver-based swimwear brand, is making waves in Toronto this summer with the launch of its pop-up store. The pop-up store, open until mid-September at 46 Ossington Ave., offers a hands-on shopping experience where customers can try on the brand’s new swimwear collections and most popular styles. Along with the Toronto location, the swimwear brand is popping up in one of Ontario’s top cottage destinations — Muskoka. Located at 2 James Bartleman Way, Port Carling, it will be open until Labour Day weekend.

Founders Shannon Savage and Laura Low Ah Kee both come from an apparel background, particularly as designers and marketers at activewear powerhouse lulule-

mon. Left On Friday emerged from a desire to create swimwear that is both stylish and functional — all suits are made out of a “smoothing” fabric from Italy that is compressive while both wet and dry and made for athletic and casual wear. Collections include one pieces, bikinis and brightly coloured mix-and-match separates, all made from fabrics that are resistant to fading and durable in every type of water condition.

It’s clear the brand takes its commitment to athleticism seriously — for the third year in a row, Left On Friday is sponsoring the Canadian Beach Volleyball team at the Olympics.

“This [sponsorship] is a really big moment for us,” said Low Ah Kee in a statement. “It brings together form and function

— beautiful designs that let you move in the most badass way.”

Keeping with their mix of fashion and function, this partnership has brought about some innovative designs, like custom one-shoulder tops based on the players’ feedback.

The two Ontario pop-ups each cultivate different vibes, with the Toronto location focusing on wood elements and natural tones suited to the trendy Ossington strip, and the Muskoka location featuring an allwhite interior with cottage vibes and a small patio. The brand also hopes to run community activations in Muskoka, including Pilates and water ski clubs.

—Jemicah Colleen Marasigan

Hot T.O. brand picks Queen Street for flagship

A trendy new Toronto-based fashion brand has opened its flagship store on Queen. The designer at Ahiri, Michael Jafine, has a finger on the pulse of Toronto street fashion — literally, because his design studio is in the back of the store and has his eyes on Queen Street passersby.

Ahiri was co-founded by Ahnaf Ali, Sheetu Latif and manufacturer Naimul Chowdhury in 2021 as a locally designed women’s clothing brand that offers high-quality items at an affordable price point — an alternative to the likes of Zara.

“We felt there was a gap in the market,” says Latif. “By creating well-designed pieces, we ensure that our customers don’t have to pay a huge amount of money or resort to fast fashion.”

The trio found their designer in Jafine, who had worked with brands such as the Row and Proenza Schouler.

He says he was drawn in by Ahiri’s womenswear focus. “So much of my creative mind lives in the realm of women. I’ve grown up with

a very strong family of women who are fashion-oriented,” he says.

His idea was to create wearable, yet timeless statement pieces.

“As a designer, I seek to create ethereal creations that tell stories, but at the same time, when we think about the consumer and Toronto itself, there’s a certain reservation that I find exists here,” Jafine says, noting his effort to balance those realities.

Before finding a permanent home at 797 Queen St. W., the brand hosted two pop-ups, showcasing seasonal collections amid hors d’oeuvres, champagne and a DJ.

As for the reaction: “People were surprised by the quality of the products and thought that we would be charging much, much more. So those responses were very encouraging,” says Latif.

Although the plan is to focus on the success of the flagship for now, “and make it a happening destination for buyers,” says Latif, the brand has aspirations to expand into Montreal, L.A. and New York.

—Emma Johnston-Wheeler

Shorts and sweet

Micro shorts

Where to buy:

Style Artist, 112 Avenue Rd.

Also known as mini shorts, short shorts or booty shorts, micro shorts are everywhere this season. The 2024 version is more lacy bloomers, sporty three stripes and pleated trouser style rather than the 2013era tight denim variety. It’s all about contrast, so try pairing your mini shorts with tall boots, voluminous linen blouses or long vests for some interesting shapes.

Bermuda shorts

Where to buy:

Kotn, 148 Ossington Ave.

It really is all about contrast — because while super short shorts are reigning so are super long ones! The bermuda short is arguably more wearable than its micro cousin, and it comes in all varieties: long jorts, or denim shorts, are particularly popular especially with a wider fit, but there’s also khaki, cargo, pinstripe and more.

Capris

Where to buy:

Alo Yoga, 3401 Dufferin St.

This spring trend has soared into summer, and it’s an ideal transitional weather choice for evening barbecues, bonfires or boat parties. Choose ’90s-inspired cropped leggings (a Kendall Jenner fave) for versatility — pair with a longline vest or draped tank for an elegant twist or a striped button-up for a casual look.

L-R: Left on Friday’s swimwear, the new Muskoka store

Save the bees — also moths and butterflies

For many people “bees” means “honeybees” — the prolific insects that flit from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen to take back to their hives. Their utility to people has heightened fears about “colony collapse disorder,” in which various suspected causes have killed off unusually high numbers of colonies.

Still, honeybees have proliferated, thanks in part to the growing popularity of urban beekeeping. That may sound good, but it poses problems. Honeybees, Apis mellifera, haven’t always lived in North America. They’re native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia and were brought here by Europeans starting in the early 17th century.

As the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation points out, “They became increasingly important with the advent of larger monocultures and the use of broad-spectrum insecticides. To fulfill the demand for crop pollination, millions of hives are managed in and trucked all over North America.”

Despite colony collapse, there are likely more honeybees on the planet now than ever before. But many of the estimated 3,600 native wild bee species in North America — including about 800 in Canada — aren’t faring so

well. Most bees are solitary, nesting alone in crevices, hollow stems or underground burrows. None of the native species in Canada make honey. Unlike honeybees, solitary bees and bumblebees are vulnerable to habitat loss.

From shiny sweat bees to industrious mason bees, these native pollinators are quietly vanishing. From 2013 to 2020, as honeybee hives skyrocketed from 250 to nearly 3,000, native bee populations nosedived. Each hive can house up to 50,000 honeybees, leading to significant competition with solitary wild bees.

It’s not just native bees that are declining, but also butterflies, moths and other key pollinators. In Canada, many butterfly and moth species are at serious risk, highlighting the urgent need to rethink our practices. We need to shift toward more inclusive urban pollinator strategies. Instead of adding more honeybee hives, let’s turn our cities into pollinator paradises by planting native wildflowers, creating habitat corridors and conducting citywide pollinator health assessments.

Honeybees are thriving, but other species aren’t so lucky

DAVID SUZUKI with files from Jode Roberts.

Dear Sangita: My wife’s work husband is making me jealous

Dear Sangita: My wife has a "work husband," and he's making me rage with jealousy. He once offered to help with pickups for our daughter's birthday party because she was telling him how I was too busy to get the cake. I feel like my wife tells me about these things because she feels like I'm not doing enough at home. What should I do?

—Really raging

Dear Raging: It seems that you feel like your wife is having an emotional affair with her coworker. If she really is trying to make you jealous because you’re not paying enough attention to her or if this is another way of showing that she's not happy, I would say this is the wrong way to go about it. The two of you need to sit down and talk about it. She should be able to ask you for help picking up a cake for your daughter’s birthday. You can be angry — but at the same

time, the two of you need to fix it. It’s not great that you’re directing your anger toward your wife instead of redirecting it to do something about the problem and maybe helping out more, if that is the concern.

Dear Sangita: My friend has stopped speaking to me because I wore the bridesmaid dress for her wedding to another wedding

first. She just gave us a general colour and let us pick anything we wanted, but she saw photos of the other wedding and now she's furious with me. Did I really do something wrong?

—Bridesmaid blues

Dear Blues: First of all, dresses are expensive. You knew that the audience would be different at this other wedding and felt

comfortable wearing it there. I get that the bride wanted to make the day special, but she didn’t provide the dress — she can’t dictate where you wear it. If you’re good friends, I would definitely try to resolve this. You need to be candid. Tell her that you’ve been friends for a long time, and if it’s about the dress, let’s talk about it! If she doesn’t respond, that’s an answer in itself. But if someone’s going to cut you out, you deserve an explanation. She should give you at least that little bit of respect.

Dear Sangita: My whole extended family hates my cousin’s boyfriend. I think my cousin sees this, but she still loves him and seems to just be hoping we’ll change our minds. If he makes family gatherings so unpleasant for all of us, don’t we have the right to uninvite him?

—Cousin closing ranks

Dear Closing: What I’ve learned from experience is when someone comes into a family in a new setting, they try to do what they think will make them look good. So he may look like a jerk, but to him, he feels like he's being his best.

If your cousin loves this guy and you love your cousin, you have to try to make it work. And if you're really uncomfortable with this person, and he's really rude, tell him, “Listen, dude, you can't say that to me. We don't do that in our family.” But uninviting him is not an option, unless you want to not invite your cousin.

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.

HILLCREST HOME HARDWARE

FAST FACTS

NAME: Scarlett Finn

HIGH SCHOOL: Havergal College

TOP T.O. MEMORY: Going to the CNE

Havergal grad goes for gold at Paris Olympics

At the end of the month, Scarlett Finn will be in Paris, swimming in an Olympic pool, ready to compete for gold with her team. But the 22-year-old’s path to her first Olympics started in a very different pool — one in her home city of Toronto, where her mom held her at three months old while she kicked.

“I started to really love swimming underwater when I was about two years old. My mom said I never really used floaties,” she says. “And she would have to pull me out of the water because I wasn't coming up for air enough.”

So it’s perhaps no surprise that, at nine years old, Finn made the jump from racing to artistic swimming, a synchronized form of swimming that requires athletes to put together complex figures almost entirely underwater. “I've always felt that working toward something and achieving it as a group is always more rewarding than doing something alone,” Finn says of the team aspect of the sport.

Now, she and the rest of the team, a group of seven women, including fellow Ontarian Claire Scheffel, will work toward the ultimate reward — a potential Olympic medal. They’ve had plenty of success so far this year, snagging one gold, five silver and one bronze medal at the Markham World Cup

and a silver and two bronze medals at the Paris World Cup.

But it’s not been without its challenges. Finn shares that the place they’ve been centralized at for training the past few years, the Montreal Olympic Stadium, had to close due to a fire, forcing the team to adapt to new training environments.

“But we’re a very united team. We're still taking big steps every day at practice and every competition leading up to the games. We actually just recently achieved the highest difficulty score on all three team routines for the Olympics,” she says.

Finn says it was watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics at eight years old that inspired her to really pursue this path. “It was this incredible feeling all over the country when we were hosting, and I just knew I wanted to go to the Olympics,” she says.

It’s been with support all around her that she’s been able to get there, especially during her time at Havergal College: “I was always missing exams at the end of the year for national competitions, and they always let me write my exams whenever I got back,” she says.

“It’s so important to have a good support system around you,” Finn says of getting this far in the sport. “It’ll help keep everything balanced in life.”

— Julia Mastroianni

Scarlett Finn is part of Canada’s artistic swimming team

Top country artist on her cottage summer romance

Siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker are two halves of Canada’s moststreamed country artist — the Reklaws. With eight Juno nominations, eight CCMA awards and a record-breaking and TikTokviral hit, the duo is bringing their music magic to Muskoka this summer from July 5 to 6. Here, Jenna shares her own cottage summer romance story that began more than two decades ago with her now husband, Ryan Watson.

How they met

I have known Ryan for over 20 years! We are family friends, and his younger sisters were my best friends growing up. Our families would spend time up in Southampton, Ontario, in the summertime, and I remember a young boy [Ryan] walking up to my friend [Ryan’s sister Emily] and telling her that “mom wanted her home.” I asked, “Who is that?” and she replied, “My brother.” I remember being blown away that she had a brother, but more blown away by

the innocent crush I developed for him.

The relationship

Changing from a family friend to something more was risky, because it would make for very awkward family gatherings if things didn’t work out. But it was a risk we were willing to take. There were many years where he was playing hockey in the U.S. and I was in Nashville, and the long dis-

tance was hard. But whenever we were home, we ran back to each other. We dated for nine years prior to getting married, and with each year, we grew closer and closer together. We moved in together and it just felt right.

The proposal

Stuart and I were booked to play the Calgary Stampede in 2021, and Ryan and I both agreed it would be awesome to go out a bit

early and go to Banff. We decided to stay at Fairmont Lake Louise. We would hike and have some good food and then end our trip with the stampede! So we arrived, checked into the hotel and got dressed for a long hike. I told Ryan I would meet him down by the lake while he “did something.” He took forever to come down to the lake. Little did I know he was calling my family to ask my parents for permission.

So we hiked 17 kilometres — uphill! We took one last turn to the tallest viewpoint and he said, “We should make a video for our friends.” So I set up my camera and then he got on one knee! I was shaking, not just from the hike but from all the emotions! I screamed yes, and we had the best evening of celebrating and drinking champagne.

The wedding

Balancing careers and a relationship

I think because Ryan has known me for as long as he has, his understanding for what I do is easy. He loves when I am busy and reaching for goals. I do the same for him. We know these are the years to grind and support each other through it.

The future together

Our future together looks like “FUN” (I asked Ryan this, and that was his response)! And I don’t disagree! I know for a fact we would love to have a couple of kids, a garden and a backyard with a pool and friends over. This looks like a good life, and I’m so glad I get to dream it and do it with him.

We got married on June 24, 2022, on the same beach where I met Ryan, in Southampton, at our family cottage! We’d both spent every summer there as a kid, and we fell in love over and over there! We hope to always celebrate our anniversaries on the same beach each year.

Jenna Walker and Ryan Watson had their wedding at her family cottage

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FOOD

Legendary Pancer’s

Lorne Pancer moved to Costa Rica to retire from delis and ended up opening a deli.

Pancer, third generation sandwich man — son of Stan, grandson of Moe — left North York a year and a half ago to look at iguanas and soak up the sun and retire from the deli game. Fast forward two years and he has opened up a Costa Rican location of Toronto’s oldest deli.

“I feel like I’m in a Seinfeld episode,” Pancer, 63, recently said, sitting in his small delicatessen courtyard, nestled on the beach, a 40-minute drive from an active volcano. “I came down here to retire. I have pastrami coursing through my veins.”

Costa Rica is the latest and least likely location of Pancer’s, Toronto’s iconic Jewish delicatessen staple that was opened in 1957 and remains a family business, with even the Latin American branch family-owned.

Playas del Coco, the Costa Rican town now serving Pancer’s knishes, is a popular retirement destination for people from the

Deli takes Costa Rica by storm

Northeast, and Pancer says that, as folks realized his profession, they put the squeeze on him to serve rye bread and tongue.

At first, Pancer resisted the pressure. But then he began to think that there just might be something to the novelty of bringing latkes to the tropics.

“I heard from enough people that I thought, ‘OK, let’s try it,’” Pancer says. “I know our food is good — I’ve grown up with it — but I had no clue it would take off like it has down here in Costa Rica. At the end of the day, there’s not one piece of meat [left]!”

The meat at Pancer’s is more than iconic; it’s part of the family. Generations of locals have grown up on the trademarked secret recipes for blintzes and chopped liver, with the comfort food being a staple for Torontonians in their times of need.

Julian Pancer, Michael Pancer’s son and Lorne’s brother, represents the fourth generation of Pancer chefs. Recently, he cooked for three generations of the London family — owners of Post

City Magazine — and recounted his favourite Pancer’s story.

“My grandfather could be tough, this is well-known,” began Julian, over plates of coleslaw and corned beef, tuna salad and baby beef. “He had a customer, though, who had completely stopped eating — he was battling cancer, and the daughter asked him for some food. My grandfather left the restaurant and brought this man his pastrami. They sat together and ate.”

“I feel like I’m in a ‘Seinfeld’ episode”

Lorne Pancer says the customers are different down south than on Bathurst Street, less demanding, less loud.

“There’s an expression down here, ‘pura vida,’ which means true life,” Lorne says. “It roughly translates to: if I’m running short of brisket, I’ll have the pastrami. Nobody’s in a hurry. The vibe is very relaxed.”

But don’t let that fool you —

the locals are raving about Pancer's like it’s the best thing since, well, sliced bread. They’re going through fifty to seventy loaves of rye a day.

The most popular item? The pastrami sandwich. It’s a hit, and at $12.75 plus tax, it’s a steal. The Costa Ricans have never had anything like it before, and it’s clear they can’t get enough Touring Pancer’s on Bathurst with Julian Pancer and 88-yearold Mrs. London offering colourful commentary, you truly grasp the cultural significance of the place. Mrs. London says she used to eat at Pancer’s twice a week — “I didn’t want to cook” — and that on the Jewish holidays Stan Pancer sliced her brisket.

“Do you know your greatgrandmother used to make baked carp? I used to drive her home after work,” Mrs. London tells Julian, who looks on with a huge smile, filling everyone’s plate.

“Your name means so much to people. It was just, ‘We have to go there.’ The question was if we could get in,” she says.

Julian Pancer isn’t resting on nostalgia. As a classically trained chef, he has reignited Pancer’s delivery business, which soared during COVID. “It’s not about changing things, it’s about making little things better, running smoother,” he says. His culinary skills exceed Mrs. London’s expectations.

“This liver is unbelievable,” she declares.

Meanwhile in Playas del Coco, Lorne Pancer assures Post City that business is good and it’s worth disrupting his retirement. There are no immediate plans, says his brother Michael, to open a Pancer’s in, say, Venezuela, but the Costa Ricans love his pastrami, and the Jewish delicatessen could work on the moon.

“I’d open anywhere, but the problem is you need an operator like Lorne, who lives and breathes deli,” Michael Pancer says. “You can’t franchise something like Pancer’s. Everyone loves our deli, but to make it the right way it really has to be in your blood.”

—Ben Kaplan

Clockwise from left: Julian Pancer, Mrs. London and Ben Kaplan enjoying a meal at Pancer’s; the Playas del Coco location; the famous pastrami sandwich

Eglin venue West fro ton A t f nve

venue om Elmsthorpe A ad to Russell Hill Ro d , ON . TORONTO

YOU BUTTER BELIEVE IT

Nothing says "cottage" like butter tarts, beloved for their nostalgic, homey vibes and simple, rustic ingredients. Chef Anthony Rose took on the challenge of blind tasting seven from around Toronto and two from Muskoka to find the best of the bunch. Read on to find out which tarts really buttered him up.

1st

BEST FROM START TO FINISH

Circles & Squares Bakery Café

“I like everything about this tart — the crust is perfect, and visually it’s beautiful. This is a solid butter tart. Just wow.”

187 Bartley Dr., North York, $4/each

BEST FILLING

Charmaine Sweets Studio

“I dig the shape of the pastry. This is really good — ooey gooey, and I like the pastry quite a bit. This is a quality tart.”

GOLDEN GOODNESS

Don’s Bakery

“I’m liking this old school tart. It’s a little under baked, but the nostalgia on this one makes up for it.”

2nd

BEST CRUST

Larry’s Folly

“Really great flavour on this crust, and I love the layers on the tart. It has a nice slow drip, and the filling is both light and rich. It's really interesting!”

1462 Queen St. W., $3.57/each

TART’S DESIRE

Rosseau Bakery & Variety

“I’m really enjoying the filling. It’s a classic butter tart, but the crust is not my favourite; it's a little heavy.

5 Victoria St. E., Rosseau, $3.75/each

3119 Muskoka District Road 169, #2, Bala $11.95/six

PECAN PIZZAZZ

Carla’s Cookie Box

“There are a lot of pecans in this tart! The crust is flavourful and the filling is spot on.”

31 Chicory Gate, Woodbridge, $20/six

3rd

FOR PECAN LOVERS

The Pie Commission

“Wow. It's a really awesome looking butter tart! The crust is rich and flavourful and really flaky, and the filling is really delicious.”

927 The Queensway, $4.95/each

SWEET SATISFACTION

Bà Nội

“I like the flaky crust, and it’s got that caramelly goodness that I like, but it kind of lies flat with the flavour.”

806 Bloor St. W., $3.10/each

CARAMEL SURPRISE

Phipps Bakery Cafe

“This tart is nice and heavy. I like that it has girth to it. The caramel gives it a nice chew.”

420 Eglinton Ave. W., $3.49/each

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L.A.’s swankiest steak house coming to T.O.

A famous Beverly Hills steak house, The Grill on the Alley, is set to make its grand entrance into Toronto, and the city's food scene is buzzing. Known for its hidden entrance north of Wilshire Boulevard, this classic American restaurant has been a haunt for Hollywood’s elite since it opened in 1984.

Now, rumor has it that The Grill on the Alley is preparing to open beside Toronto’s French institution, Le Sélect Bistro, on Wellington Street West. This new venture is owned by restaurateur David Aisenstat, formerly of The Keg. Aisenstat is also one of the owners of Hy’s Steakhouse chain, which boasts a gilded 18,000square-foot flagship in Toronto’s Financial District.

square-foot spot is a daily magnet for stars such as Anthony Hopkins and Jennifer Lawrence. The restaurant has a unique phenomenon known as "the hush," where certain celebrities like Bruce Springsteen and Mikhail Baryshnikov command such respect that the room quiets upon their entry.

HISTORY BUFF

At the Grill on the Alley, waiters in vintage uniforms echo America's glory days.

One of the steak house's most popular dishes is their renowned chicken pot pie. It arrives at your table like a giant, golden-crusted marvel, packed with savoury goodness and draped in puff pastry. It's a dish that challenges the notion of what comfort food can be.

The Grill on the Alley is renowned for its prime beef and seafood, luring in celebrities and power brokers alike.

Founded by Bob Spivak, who turned his life around after a rocky start, this LA icon channels the grill vibes of '30s and '40s New York and San Francisco. Just half a block from Rodeo Drive, the 4,600-

For Torontonians, the arrival of The Grill on the Alley is more than just an addition to the city’s exciting restaurant scene; it's a culinary event. The Grill’s famous truffle cheese fries, alongside its steaks and seafood, is expected to draw crowds, just as it did in Beverly Hills.

Meanwhile, Le Sélect’s patrons will continue to enjoy their duck confit and tarte tatin, perhaps peeking next door to see what the fuss is all about. —Jennifer Schembri

The Grill’s steak and seafood dishes are expected to draw crowds

Upscale Greek restaurant lands in midtown

Enjoy Your Summer Worry Free

With summer here we tend to get more active and spend more time outdoors. This can be a challenge if you need to use the bathroom frequently, have overpowering urgency, or struggle with annoying bladder leaks. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in the middle of a golf course with no bathroom in sight, or out in nature and all you can think about is where will I go if I have to pee?

You don’t need to live like this. While these issues are common, they are not normal. They are a sign of possible dysfunction in your pelvic health, and you deserve to have this dysfunction treated.

5 things you likely didn’t know:

1) Both women and men can struggle with these challenges.

2) Over time your brain can become poorly “trained” to signal you when your bladder is not actually full. This incorrect signal can result in frequent bathroom trips and strong urgency.

3) Your brain, bladder muscle and pelvic floor muscles should be coordinated and working together like great friends. They can fall out of sync as we age, after we have babies, or even after surgeries. It is possible to “re-educate” these old friends, so they work like a team again.

4) A full bladder should take at least 8 seconds to

When the Uptown Pub near Yonge and Lawrence shut down, it left a big void in the neighbourhood. Thankfully, this beloved gathering spot has a new vibe and plenty of excitement thanks to the vibrant new restaurant Taverna Yiannis Greek Grill and Pub.

Since opening in March, Taverna Yiannis has energized the area with live music nights and Thursday karaoke. Musical acts featured include Dimitrios Bogris performing bouzouki-focused rembetika, laika and modern Greek classics, as well as top Toronto DJs. The first 60 patrons at the live music events even snag a free beer.

And let's not forget the wide array of souvlaki, including classic pork and chicken options. Taverna Yiannis also offers generous platters of meat and seafood, perfect for sharing.

EARLY

BIRD PERKS

The first 60 guests at Taverna Yiannis’s live music events get a free beer.

The menu boasts hearty, homemade Greek dishes bursting with authentic flavours. Take the avgolemono soup, for instance — it's a lemony, chicken and rice delight that'll make your taste buds dance. The selection of dips and appetizers is massive, featuring traditional choices, like taramosalata (Greek cod roe dip), lucanica (grilled sausage with sweet peppers and onions) and the famous flaming cheese, saganaki. A standout moment is when the chef himself comes out to serve the flaming fried cheese at the table, always a hit with guests and adding a dramatic flair to the dining experience.

empty. If your stream lasts just a few seconds, you received an incorrect signal.

5) A healthy bladder should empty every 2-4 hours depending on how much water you drink. A heavy hydrator would go every 2 hours. If you are more dehydrated; every 4 hours. If you are going to the washroom every hour you are getting incorrect signals. UROSPOT is a private clinic in Toronto at Yonge and Lawrence that treats common urology and pelvic health issues in a non-invasive and modern way. At UROSPOT you remain fully clothed. No one is touching you and nothing goes inside your body. UROSPOT has a team of pelvic health experts and world class non-invasive technology that combine to change your life and help you live with freedom from these issues.

The chic, stylish space boasts exposed brick, striking artwork, black-and-white tiles and a stunning mural of Greece's iconic white-washed walls and blue roofs — a postcard-like backdrop to your dining experience. With something for everyone, from meat lovers to seafood aficionados and vegetarians, Taverna Yiannis ensures no one leaves hungry. The drinks menu is just as impressive, featuring a curated selection of Greek wines and inventive cocktails that perfectly complement the robust flavours of the food. For dessert, try the baklava or loukoumades, sweet treats that provide a perfect end to your meal.

Open daily from noon, with extended hours until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Taverna Yiannis is the new neighbourhood hot spot. It’s the perfect place to unwind, enjoy great food and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Find it at 3185 Yonge St. and indulge in a slice of Greece right in the heart of Toronto.

—Erica Commisso

By sitting fully clothed on a medical chair lovingly called the “Kegel Throne”, your pelvic floor muscles are stimulated using electromagnetic energy. This energy moves through your clothes and contracts your pelvic floor muscles the equivalent of 11,000 kegels in just 28 minutes. This treatment restores and strengthens your pelvic floor but it also re- educates the connection between your brain, bladder and pelvic floor so they signal you correctly and work together again.

If you want to get out there this summer without worrying where the nearest bathroom is, if you want to go for long walks without bladder leaks, or if you want to spend a day at the beach without 5 trips to the. public restroom a complimentary consultation at UROSPOT is what you need. You will leave educated, empowered an excited about the freedom and confidence available to you.

A portion of treatment cost is eligible for coverage with extended health benefits, and you can also claim treatment as a medical expense on your income tax return.

The menu boasts hearty, homemade dishes

POST CITY X UROSPOT

Wolfie sinks teeth into Little Italy nightlife

Toronto's Little Italy is currently embracing the trend of live DJ sets, and the latest restaurant and cocktail bar in the area has been taking notes.

Wolfie, located at 614 College St., from the team behind the Commoner, was crafted with patrons in mind.

Although the original Roncesvalles gastropub has been a Dundas fixture, the team found that College Street's vibe needed a different approach.

ration from various sources. For instance, the tikka masala rolls are based on the sous chef’s family recipe, and the hand-cut fries, soaked in malt vinegar and triple fried, are deliberately crafted in British style.

Wolfie retains the Commoner's beloved staples, such as the blue cheese iceberg wedge and the signature burger — now "updated and improved," as Campione explains.

SF Garden Terrace in the Most Tranquil Boutique Condo in Yorkville-Annex: Like a Bungalow in the Sky

Poised on the 5th floor of a boutique 40-unit building in the most prime Yorkville-Annex pocket. This expansive 2,900 SF sunlit 2-bedroom 3-bathroom suite has rare and exceptional panoramic western views over century old Victorians. Relax and enjoy the sunsets on the 1,200 SF private garden terrace designed by award winning Landscape Architect Ina Elias- built with granite flooring, auto-lighting and irrigation. Retire to the wood burning fireplace or hit the town just steps to the very best restaurants and shopping the city has to offer. Many of the highly attentive building staff (valet parking, security, property management) have enjoyed working and servicing the owners for multiple decades. Live with quiet ease amongst the old Vics and steps to the city’s best. Offered at $4,450,000.

"We noticed a younger demographic seeking late night dining and cocktails," owner Paul Campione explains. "As we adapted to the area, the menu evolved until it no longer resembled the Commoner."

NEW ORDER

The specialty cocktails, however, stay true to the neighbourhood, curated by bar manager Kyle Hudson, drawing on his 15 years of experience on College Street. Inside, velvet drapes create an intimate, moody vibe as Wolfie transforms into a cocktail bar after sunset. On Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ takes the stage to spin vinyl all night long.

Rather than open another Commoner, Campione and the team have launched something perfect for College Street's youthful crowd — a late night cocktail bar that effortlessly transitions from a vibrant dinner spot to a lively lounge.

Named after Campione's daughter, Wolfie offers a rotating menu of eclectic seasonal share plates inspired by global cuisine. The menu draws inspi-

"The great thing is, you'll hear a variety of vinyl DJs — funk soul, old school hip hop, disco — all classics you wouldn't find on your usual playlist," explains Campione. "It's that nostalgic connection to rare records that adds to their passion and the vibe."

—Megan Gallant

L-R: A speciality cocktail, Wolfie’s iceberg wedge salad

Wolfie’s twist on the espresso martini features chicory root, inspired by New Orleans.

Legendary 905 patisserie arriving in Yorkville

In a move as sweet as its signature macarons, Amadeus Patisserie, a beloved European-style bakery with deep roots in Thornhill, is set to conquer a new frontier: Yorkville.

This family-owned establishment, renowned for its delicious French pastries and diverse international flavours, announced its expansion plans via Instagram, with the exact location still to be announced. The caption accompanying the announcement reflected three decades of family ownership, expressing a deep commitment and passion for its new location.

"With 30 years of the same family ownership, we’re bringing decades of love and dedication to our newest venture,” the caption reads. “Stay tuned for our opening date — we can’t wait to continue growing with you.”

all made with premium ingredients and artisanal flair.

FRENCH TOUCH

Co-owner Lior

Renowned for yearly sojourns to Parisian pastry schools, Aronovich ensures each creation reflects not just taste, but artistry. From buttery croissants to bespoke cakes adorned with chocolate swirls and art deco designs, Amadeus’s treats are akin to edible masterpieces. Their Vaughan and Newmarket locations have become local haunts for those seeking gluten-free, nut-free and dairyfree options without compromising on taste or elegance.

Aronovich ensures authentic pastries by taking steady trips to Paris for pastry schooling.

Founded by the Aronovich family, who brought their passion for pastry from Israel to Canada in 1990, Amadeus Patisserie has grown under the skilled hands of Lior Aronovich, trained by Israel’s pastry luminaries. After his parents retired, Aronovich joined forces with his brother, later partnering with Anat, his talented wife and cake-designing powerhouse. Together, they’ve crafted a patisserie empire renowned for its exquisite cakes and pastries,

Some of the bakery’s most popular offerings include picturesque art deco cakes that taste as delicious as they look, heavenly mille feuille and the Internet’s favourite viral pastry, the croissant. Renowned for staying ahead of trends, this bakery is always among the first to introduce new and exciting creations — did somebody say eclair popcorn?

Yorkville's chic allure is undeniable, with high-end boutiques, stylish cafés and the famous "Mink Mile" on Bloor Street. Amadeus Patisserie's arrival will bring Parisian charm, offering patrons a place to indulge amid picturesque gardens and Victorian architecture.

—Jennifer Schembri

SUMMER SALE

One of Amadeus’s indulgent pastries

LOOKING BACK

Before you go... take a nostalgic ride through the city's most cherished amusement parks!

JULY

2024 EDITION

More than four decades ago, in 1981, a grand amusement park finally returned to the Greater Toronto Area with the opening of Canada’s Wonderland. On hand for the opening was special guest Wayne Gretzky, as 12,000 guests took in Wonder Mountain and the rest of the $120 million amusement park in all its roller-coastering glory. The original five sections were International Street, Medieval Faire, Grande World Exposition of 1890, International Festival and Happyland of Hanna-Barbera.

In 1955, a group of local business

people decided Bracebridge was the perfect spot for Santa's Village, thanks to its location on the 45th parallel — exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. This charming holiday haven and amusement park now draws over 80,000 visitors each year.

Centreville, home of the adorable swan rides, was developed as part of a plan to transform the Toronto Islands from cottage residences to recreational spaces. It replaced the old Sunnyside Amusement Park, closed in 1955, and Hanlan's Point Amusement Park, closed in the '30s, to make way for the Toronto Island Airport.

Photo: it's 'Hanna-Barbera Land' (says Wikipedia)

HOM ES & ESTATES

TRADITIONAL LEASIDE CHARM

Offered at $1,699,000

Large principal rooms adorned w/ leaded glass windows, French doors & wood wainscotting. 3+1 bedrooms.

TRADITIONAL FOREST HILL HOME

Offered at $5,480,000

92 ROE AVENUE

Offered at $3,599,000

Resort-style living w/clean line design, grand entry & open concept main floor. Wine cellar. Heated driveway.

FOREST HILL CUSTOM ON RAVINE

Offered at $11,500,000

Approx. 8,000 sq.ft. Lorne Rose design & Danieli built masterpiece. Zen-like backyard. 62’ x 266’ lot!

If

Contemporary design at its best by RKS building group. Open concept. Finest materials throughout. 4+1 bed.

STRIKING FOREST HILL GEORGIAN

Offered at $5,995,000

PRIME LOWER VILLAGE HOME Offered at $4,500,000

4+1 bedroom, 4,200 sq.ft. home, completely renovated w/a designer palette. 3 storey. Steps to the Village.

GRAND DETACHED IN SOUTH HILL Offered at $4,580,000

Timeless finishes & modern flair. Designed for family living & grand entertaining. Picturesque city views.

5,046 sq.ft. Expansive family rm open to sun-rm w/wet bar that flows to Muskoka rm, terrace & pool.

MODERN CASA LOMA ESTATE

Offered at $12,800,000

GRAND CASA LOMA GEORGIAN

Offered at $6,995,000

Entertainer’s dream 7,000 sq.ft. custom built home offering comfort luxury & sophistication. Elevator.

Updated 6,464 sq.ft. of stately living space on 79’wide lot. Original decor & charm. Downsview kitch. Wine cellar.

COVETED DUNVEGAN ESTATE

84 GLENCAIRN AVENUE Offered at $7,650,000

Executive home in Lytton Park sold in 3 days! 6,000 sq.ft. of luxury living complete w/pool & pool house.

Offered at $14,300,000

Under construction. Designed by Richard Wengle, Wise Nadel & Marvel Homes. Approx. 9,000 sq.ft.

3/4 ACRE CASA LOMA ENCLAVE

Offered at $19,990,000

Iconic address. Build your dream home up to 28,383 sq.ft. as of right on this spectacular lot overlooking the city.

$16,500,000 - 28 POST ROAD

Prized 2-acre Bridle Path estate. 6 BRs, 10 bths. Grand 2-stry foyer.

Charming sunroom adj DR. ML study. Primary ste sitting rm, h&h ens. LL wet bar, billiards rm, gym & rec rm. Exquisite gdns. Pool. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291 Corinne Kalles *Ext. 555

$9,600,000 - 77 COLDSTREAM AVENUE, LYTTON PARK

Perfect family home on approx1-ac adjacent to ravine. 4+2 BRs, 7 bths. Wrap-around terr. Primary ste w/ fp, w/o to balc, his /hers dressing rms. LL games rm, i/d pool, spa & walk-out to sports crt. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291 Corinne Kalles *Ext. 555

$1,849,000 - 18 YORKVILLE AVENUE #2403 1,242 sf condo in the heart of Yorkville. Expansive floor-clng & wall-wall wndws afford S & W views. 2 BRs, 2 bths. Primary BR w/i closet & w/o to balcony. Hdwd floors. Spa & fitness centre. Elise Kalles** Ext.291 Zack Fenwick* 416-567-7747

$14,680,000 - 175 TEDDINGTON PARK AVENUE

Classic res, 0.54-acs. 5 BRs, 7 bths. Restored by Joe Brennan & Lori Morris ID. Sunroom & family rm w/o to terraces. Charming coach house boasts kit w/ outdoor bar, gym, loft, bdrm & 2 baths. Pool. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291 Corinne Kalles *Ext. 555

$8,980,000 - 206 BLOOR ST W #1501

Direct elevator to full flr (4,276 sf). S terrace affords extraordinary vistas. Soaring coffered ceilings. Superbly crafted cabinetry. Perfect for showcasing artwork. Master & 2nd BR access N terrace. Elise Kalles** Ext.291 Zack Fenwick* 416-567-7747

$4,380,000 - 50 YORKVILLE AVENUE #3201

Four Seasons Private Res. 1,956 sf. 2 BRs, 3 bths. Kit features Miele & Sub Zero appls. Gas fp. Electric shades. Fr drs w/o to corner terr. Spectacular N & E views. Access to hotel amens. Vibrant location. Elise Kalles** Ext.291

proven performance makes the difference! A name you can trust since 1957

$11,990,000 - 413 LYTTON BLVD 100 x133’ lot. Designer Lori Morris w/Egils Didrichsons lndscp architects. 6+1 BRs, 10 bths, 3-car gar. 2-storey foyer w/ skylight. Indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, home theatre, golf simulator, wet bar. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291 Corinne Kalles* Ext. 555

$5,860,000 - 124 KILBARRY ROAD

Charming family home in prestigious Forest Hill. 4+1 BRs, 6 bths. Primary ste w/ lrg w/i dressing rm & adjoining office. Walk to the best private/public schools, recreational facilities, local shopping. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291 Corinne Kalles* Ext. 555

$3,998,000 - 3 RIDGEWOOD ROAD

Customize/build on Forest Hill cul-de-sac ravine lot (68 x 184’). Family home lovingly maintained w/ 4 BRs, 6 bths, 3 fps, 2-car gar. Walk to UCC & BSS, shops of the Village, Cedarvale Park. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291 Corinne Kalles* Ext. 555