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SWISH CHALETS THREE VERY MERRY MOUNTAIN HOMES HIT THE MARKET!
Fleece on Earth JEANNE BEKER ON THE CITY’S COSIEST CASHMERE
T.O.’S 21 MOST INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN OF 2021
DECEMBER 2021 · VOLUME 2 · ISSUE 10
Y-DEC-2021-IFC_IFC 2021-11-17 4:51 PM Page 1
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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2021
Welcome to this month’s Post. Sit back & enjoy. SWISH CHALETS Three very merry mountain homes hit the market
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A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN TV host Meredith Shaw and chef Rodney Bowers on their epic proposal
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HOLIDAY TAKEOUT STAKEOUT Two of T.O.’s best chefs sample a pair of delicious Chinese favourites
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FLEECE ON EARTH Jeanne Beker's guide to the cosiest cashmere in town
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T.O.’S MOST INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN The city’s 21 most inspiring women of 2021
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CITYSCAPE
THE POST INTERVIEW
Mayor Tory’s message of hope for Toronto
NEWS
BY THE NUMBERS
At the end of a very trying year, Mayor John Tory sits down for a chat about the pandemic, whether or not he plans to run in the 2022 municipal election and his message to local residents during the holiday season by Ron Johnson
38 The number of outdoor skating rinks in Toronto that are now open to the public, without last year’s booking requirements.
30 The age of Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Robbie Ray, who just won the American League Cy Young Award for best pitcher.
Mayor John Tory has made homelessness a priority since the last election
What have you learned from the pandemic?
What I've seen in the face of something like this, which is absolutely unprecedented and that affected everybody in some way or other, whether it's health or otherwise, was how people reacted to it. And I saw a tremendous reaction, which I've often commented on, in facing an attack where people stepped up to help others.
When you see something happen like the flooding in B.C., what goes through your head as mayor?
You know, thank goodness we haven't experienced anything like that. But the real kind of reasoning behind our declaring a climate emergency here was because of things like that, that could happen here. One city councillor has already decided not to run in the next election. Do you think more will follow suit? Is there burnout?
Nobody has said so to me. It's been a trying period of time, but at the same time, it also reminds you of the fact that some other things were put a bit onto the side burner, because you just couldn't deal with it during an emergency, and you might want to proceed forward with it. I mean, notwithstanding the pandemic, we continue to make immense progress on affordable and supportive housing. And I'm happy about that. So I think a lot of people are thinking like I am, which is, well, there were things that just got put a bit
to the side because of the pandemic, and that, you know, if you really believe those things need to get done and that you believe that you can get behind them in a way that perhaps others couldn't, that might cause people to stay. I should ask then, if you are planning to run again?
I would have to sit down and have discussions. The first discussion is with your family and whether they will, you know, put up with you doing this on a continuing basis, because there's no doubt it affects your family life. Second is yourself and whether you want to continue to do this kind of work, which you understand enough about it to know it's unusual in the context of some of the demands that it makes on you. And then the third is that discussion that says, well can you be of benefit to people by your remaining in office. Our issue is dedicated to the city’s most inspirational women. Who inspires you?
I just think that this is the time when the reflection that naturally comes your way as to what inspires you or who inspires you is, you know, the example, after example, after example of these community organizations that have always existed but really came to the fore during the pandemic. And the executive directors of some of these organizations that are relatively anonymous, you know, but played extraordinary roles.
14 The estimated size of a pack of wild boars said to be roaming the countryside northeast of Toronto.
9 The age at which Matrix Resurrections—which hits theatres this month—star Keanu Reeves made his stage acting debut in T.O.
7 The deadline date in December for commenting on the new name for the former Ryerson University.
DECEMBER 2021
Take hope from what we just went through, you know, because it shows that the fundamental foundations, the fundamental values and the fundamental approach of Torontonians, to supporting each other in tough times, it's all still there. And that as the pandemic recedes, it's going to come to the fore again. It's already started to happen. People should be incredibly optimistic about the future this city has. And you know, I'm not bullish just because I'm a cheerleader. Of course, I'm a cheerleader, because I want to try and make people inspired and confident about the future. But I'm bullish because I believe all the fundamentals are there to have us bounce back stronger than ever. And I just believe that is going to happen. It just requires a bit more patience and a bit more time. But all the fundamentals are there. So people should have hope. And they should give each other hope and make sure they don't show their frustration because I know it's been frustrating, to say the least, but be hopeful, be inspired and inspire others.
What has surprised you?
The notion that we, as a city, are approaching 90 per cent of people fully vaccinated is extraordinary. And I don't think people who have been part of that, I mean, we provided the infrastructure, but I don't think they realize, in global terms, how extraordinary an accomplishment this is and how it is helping us today, to be in better shape in terms of the pandemic.
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A rendering of the new development proposed for 110-116 Avenue Rd.
Yannex residents don’t want new development Yorkville/Annex heritage street not the place for looming building
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by Ron Johnson
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A condominium development proposed on the site of two heritage buildings on Avenue Road in the Annex is causing concern amongst local residents of the adjacent residential street. The site is 110–116 Avenue Rd., running between Tranby Avenue and Bernard Avenue. For those keeping an eye on the news, part of the address was the location of a large fire that occurred seven years ago and destroyed the historic building at 116 Avenue Rd. and permanently damaged 114 Avenue Rd. But with the new development application comes news that the developer has pledged to fully restore the existing heritage homes as part of the redevelopment process. “Yes, they are totally restoring 110 and 112 Avenue Rd.,” said Sandra Shaul, of the Annex Residents’ Association. “One hundred ten has had a sort of a modern storefront added to the front of it. That’s going, and so you’ll have the original house front restored. So that's the good news. The bad news is we lost two houses.” Some residents, especially those on neighbouring Tranby Avenue, think the plan is a bad one: too big, with an ingress to the new development on the very narrow Tranby. “Tranby Avenue is one of the most charming, most historic and
quite possibly the narrowest street in the city,” said Tranby resident Jennifer Jolley. “The city requires all homeowners on Tranby to preserve the heritage of their homes when renovating, and yet this proposed building is not at all in keeping with the ‘look and feel’ of the street. It is inappropriate to allow a nine-storey project to loom over the three-storey Victorian and Edwardian houses with ingress and egress from and onto these narrow heritage streets.” Jolley said that more than 70 per cent of Tranby residents have sent letters and emails to local city councillor Mike Layton in an attempt to thwart the proposed development. “There have been over 50 wellwritten, impassioned letters sent by residents, some of whom have lived on this street for 50 years and some who have lived on this street for one year or less,” said Jolley. “They are in complete agreement in their opposition to the proposed development and have offered constructive suggestions.” Jolley said, if a development were to proceed on the site, she would like to see the ingress/egress moved to Avenue Road and away from the narrow side street, that it be a building that complements the unique character of the area and that both heritage homes are maintained.
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City councillor Josh Matlow hopes to preserve the local character of the area
Mt. Pleasant facing condo overload? originally called for nine storeys, when submitted in 2018, but was changed to 27 storeys after the province eased restrictions on tower height for the area, according to local councillor Josh Matlow. This development is one of three highrise condominium applications adding significant growth to Mount Pleasant that arrived at last month’s Toronto City Council meeting for decisions of some sort. The other developments are slated for 808 Mount Pleasant Rd., along with
“The community isn’t just left with just another soulless generic glass facade.”
700–730 Mount Pleasant Rd. that is parcelled with 214–226 Soudan Ave. and 19–21 Brownlow Ave. And that’s just one meeting. There isn’t much the City of Toronto can do about it, said Josh Matlow. He explained that the current policies set by the Province of Ontario favour developers over community building. One tool at the city’s disposal, though, is “heritage listing.” Back in 2017, Matlow helped lead a push to have 258
properties listed in the city’s Heritage Register — 86 of which are along Mount Pleasant Road. City council approved all of the listings for Mount Pleasant, which means that the owners of the properties must give 60 days' warning before demolition to allow heritage staff to assess the property and see if it should be “designated heritage,” which would provide further protections to the property. Matlow said there is often a misunderstanding about heritage listing: that it slows down development. It doesn’t (but it is an opportunity to help preserve the building’s character). He said there is often room for compromise between heritage listing and designation that allows developments to continue while still preserving elements of a building’s facade. For example, plans for the Capitol Theatre will preserve elements of the theatre’s face that date back to 1914 while building a 14-storey condo in the back. Think of it like the mullet of developments. That kind of compromise may allow Mount Pleasant to retain some of its character while expanding vertically, according to Matlow. “[So] the community isn’t just left with just another soulless generic glass facade,” he said. “If a new building is able to incorporate materiality and the character that the community really appreciates… why wouldn’t you try?”
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DECEMBER 2021
Residents near Mount Pleasant Road and Eglinton Avenue East can expect big changes coming to the neighbourhood over the next decade as development of midrises and highrises picks up. There are currently approximately 45 towers and mid-rises in the works for the midtown area, according to South Eglinton Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (SERRA) president Andy Gort. He said that the population near Soudan Avenue, just south of Eglinton, will increase from around 6,600 people to up to 20,000 people. “It’s a huge population increase,” he said. “And I haven’t seen a sidewalk being widened yet.” Gort is concerned that the onslaught of developments may change the area’s character — defined by small, quaint storefronts — forever as the decidedly low-rise street will gain a number of 20- to 30storey buildings. The developments are even targeting beloved neighbourhood staples, such as the Mabel's Fables bookstore and the art deco Capitol Theatre, leaving the question of what the neighbourhood will be like in a decade. “I’ve seen renderings of when it’s all built out, and you’re going to get a bit of a ‘canyon effect,’ ” Gort said. “It feels a little bit like the soul is disappearing out of the area.” A development application for 733 Mount Pleasant Rd.
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The effects of climate change are being felt across the nation and across the globe. The Cop26 Summit is not the only place where action on climate change is being discussed. In 2019, Toronto City Council unanimously passed a motion declaring a climate emergency. The motion set the framework for the actions that will be required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so that the global temperature rise stays below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The action plan arrives for the December city council meeting and will outline what the city, and each of us, will need to undertake to reach the stated goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Since 57 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the City come from homes using natural gas, the plan will need to address its widespread use in most of the buildings and homes. The current goal is to phase out natural gas by 2030 and ensure all new buildings are constructed to produce near zero greenhouse gas emissions. The enormity of phasing out natural gas cannot be understated and could result in significant increases to the average home’s electricity bill and rolling brown-outs. While the City cannot control when natural gas is phased out, there are things that can be done at the local level to help promote sustainable development using clean power and the City is in position to advance sustainable development, especially along the waterfront.
Waterfront Toronto had a vision to build a modern city and partnered with Google on a plan to build the city of the future. Sidewalk Labs, the subsidiary of Google, was hired to build the plan but got mired in controversy and closed up shop. But one of those ideas, which was largely overlooked, was the plan to build a thermal power grid that would rely on clean energy and had the potential to power an area much larger than the development site. The waterfront still needs to be developed and there are current plans underway. This is the time for the City to figure out how to power those developments in a sustainable way that could lead the way forward to net-zero emissions. There are many actions that we will all need to take over the next decade to reduce global emissions. Designing and building zeroemissions homes is something that the City can contribute to since Toronto is the fastest growing city in North America. Hopefully the City’s report will include some boldness and pragmatism alongside the platitudes.
KAREN STINTZ
Karen Stintz is a former city councillor, elected in 2003, and was a chair of the TTC. She lives in Ward 8.
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City councillor Joe Cressy announced he wouldn’t run in the next election
Loss of Cressy a blow to the city a political purpose and gets them to see a more reasonable and progressive position. He did that when he got Mayor John Tory to visit centres that supported those addicted to drugs and convinced him to advocate for safe drug injections sites and see five or six such sites established in the city. He worked with people at city hall, in other cities in the province and at Queen’s Park to reverse the cuts to provincial public health funding and then to ensure that cities could
“It is a way of not making decisions, of not providing leadership.” respond more quickly and more reasonably to the COVID pandemic than the province showed any inclination to do. Cressy’s view is clearly that if you talk to people openly and with conviction and appeal to their best instincts they will step up. His announcement about not running again concerned the personal: he wants to spend more time with his wife and his twoyear-old son. One understands that, and good for him. But if we had a more active council, one that took responsibility for doing the things that Joe Cressy has been
doing, that would make more time for everyone to devote to family matters. Losing Joe Cressy is a real blow to local politics. We need a rejuvenation that Queen’s Park, which controls the mechanisms of city elections, refuses to grant. It won’t allow the number of wards to increase to bring in new blood, new ideas. It won’t allow cities to reduce the voting age. It won’t allow residents who are not yet citizens to vote, even though they pay property taxes and, as newcomers, have many useful ideas that could be implemented. Looking forward to the municipal election a year from now does not engender much enthusiasm. No new voices seem to be on the horizon, and too many councillors seem to think their main job is to ensure their re-election. Well, maybe these dark thoughts are nothing more than a reaction to the coming of the dark winter days. Perhaps as the solstice turns and the days brighten up hope in a better political future for the city will return as well.
JOHN SEWELL
Post City Magazines’ columnist John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto and the author of a number of urban planning books, including The Shape of the Suburbs.
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DECEMBER 2021
Maybe four years is too long a term for city councillors. They seem a tired bunch, but maybe some of us city residents are more exhausted than they are. One thing that caught my tired eye was the city manager’s report that said he had a backlog of some 393 requests for reports on various issues from the city council and its committees. That’s a vast number of items requiring a vast amount of time. One way of looking at this is to say that the city manager needs a lot more staff just to respond to all that civic activism. But a different perspective is to say that this great number of requests for reports is nothing more than councillors offloading issues onto the city staff rather than addressing them directly. It is a way of not making decisions, of not providing leadership, of avoiding taking a firm position with constituents and instead saying, “That’s an important issue and we have asked staff to report on it.” Maybe the situation would be different if elections were held every two or three years, as happened three decades ago before the province imposed the four-year term limit. All of which might help to explain the discouraging decision by councillor Joe Cressy that he will not run in the municipal election a year from now. Cressy has been one of the most active members of council. He works well with people who disagree with him on the fundamentals of
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A Yorkville department store that looks like a boutique hotel Plus a local outerwear brand’s first pop-up, North York gets a haute couture coffee shop and more With Yorkville’s lineup of luxury boutiques, it’s no surprise that multi-brand retailer The Webster chose the neighbourhood as the location of its first international store. The Miami-based store offers men’s and women’s wear from more than 100 leading brands from Balenciaga to Celine, Chanel, Dior, Gucci and plenty more. The new location, at 121 Scollard St., resembles a boutique hotel with a door attendant greeting customers — it’s called luxury for a reason! Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre is home to a new pop-up for Canadian retailer Quartz Co. This is the brand’s first time opening a pop-up and its first storefront location to open in Toronto. Since 1997, Quartz Co. has been making quality jackets that are inspired by and designed for Canadian winters. The boutique is minimalistic with proudly Canadian pine wood furniture. The pop-up features some of Quartz Co.’s latest outerwear designs, including a debut of the New Horizons fall/winter 2021–2022 collection.
The Webster’s first Canadian outpost lands in Yorkville
Don’t Let Pain Get In Your Way
Since 2013, Dineen Coffee Co. has been a favourite goto boutique for espresso drinks and delicious pastries. Now, the sophisticated shop has opened its fourth location, the first in North York, at 311 York Mills Rd. Alongside coffee, Dineen serves up savoury pastries, including chocolate brownies, fresh-baked croissants and a rotating menu of sandwiches.
In the past few years, several sport shoe and athleisure boutiques have opened around the city, and now JD Sports joins the roster. The U.K.-based brand, with stores across Europe, has just opened its first Canadian location situated in CF Fairview Mall. JD Sports has the top styles in footwear, apparel and accessories, offering the most in-demand and stylish brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, the North Face, Vans and more. You may recognize women’s lifestyle brand Lafayette from the racks at Saks Fifth Avenue and Northstrom, but now the boutique has opened its first stand-alone location in Canada. Sharing the building with a lineup of luxury brands, including Dior, Prada and Moncler, the New York City–based brand’s new storefront is situated in the heart of the strip at 130 Bloor St. W. The modern and dynamic brand features a range of upscale women’s products, including footwear, bags, jewelry and accessories. 148
Last month, Children’s Garden School (CGS), a Leaside private school at 670 Eglinton Ave. E., surpassed its goal by raising $16,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. CGS has been holding the fundraiser with the annual Terry Fox Walk for 23 years now, with kindergarten teacher Sara Adamson taking the lead on fundraising. The students were all supporting the cancer research cause in blue Terry Fox T-shirts.
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From art to augmented reality store windows Now that we are nearly two years in, it’s fair to say that small businesses have borne the brunt of the pandemic. Recent findings by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business show that one in seven independent retailers are at risk of closing. Toronto City Council recently voted in favour of a 15 per cent reduction in property taxes for small businesses that will begin next year. And although that will help, more could be done, and that includes main streets rebranding as community destinations. “Small businesses are the backbone of our main streets and our neighbourhoods. If they don’t come back strong, we can’t either,” said Mayor John Tory. Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) around the city have stepped in to help. “At the Cabbagetown BIA, this has been done through events that encourage people to shop local and disseminating information to our businesses about City of Toronto funding available to them," said Emma McInerney, events coordinator at Cabbagetown BIA. Here is a look at what some BIAs are doing. Get out there and support our main streets this holiday season.
food from 11 local restaurants, which were then delivered to one of 20 picnic tables via a QR code. That’s just one of many activations this BIA utilized to draw people to this growing midtown nabe. There are also street murals aplenty, including the new WaterfallYSC art installation featuring flowing metal bands fashioned to resemble water. The Eglinton Way
Always a very active BIA with an interest in public art as a way to draw shoppers to this stretch of Eglinton in midtown Toronto, this
“Small businesses are the backbone of our main streets and our neighbourhoods.” holiday season the Eglinton Way is launching a Window Wonderland installation. The BIA is partnering with Steps, a community art organization to animate approximately 20 store windows with custom original holiday art created by local artists for all of the community to enjoy.
Yonge & St. Clair
The folks at the Yonge & St. Clair BIA were among the first to rethink how storefronts could broaden their services to attract more customers. During the peak summer months, Patio, located at 1503 Yonge St., offered indecisive diners the opportunity to order
The Junction
This year, the Junction BIA is bringing back its popular holiday art experience first introduced in 2021. This year’s event runs until Jan. 2 and promises to be even more spectacular as 30 to 40 artists are set to create winter-inspired
by Jennifer Schembri
artwork that will be brought to life with augmented reality (AR). The first large-scale AR display of its kind to hit the streets of Toronto, it’s a new way for visitors to explore the Junction and a great reason for families to get outside this winter. Little Italy
Nestled in the heart of College Street, Little Italy brought back its popular 12 Days of Giveaways, but this year, it’s with a little help from social media. This active BIA also launched a 10-day ice sculpture hunt that saw the Little Italy BIA “hiding” sculptures around the neighbourhood that visitors could then snap a pic of and share on Instagram. Riverside and Queen Street West
Earlier this year, the Riverside BIA (Queen East) teamed up with the Queen Street West BIA to offer virtual walking tours that allowed visitors to peruse local public art from Canadian artists while learning the stories behind them. Queen and Riverside have joined forces again with #HolidaysOnQueen, a monthlong extravaganza that began on Nov. 14. Leslieville
Leslieville’s annual holiday shopping experience, Wanderlust, is back for 2021. The month-long event includes a Santa scavenger hunt and three weeks of deals and giveaways. It culminates with a holiday competition Dec. 1 to 13 that will see storefronts sporting festive window displays.
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Holiday Hours Christmas Eve - December 24th, 2021 – 8am to 6pm Christmas Day - December 25th, 2021 – Closed Boxing Day – December 26th, 2021 – 10am to 6pm New Year’s Eve – December 31st 2021 – 8am to 6pm New Year’s Day – January 1st, 2022 – Closed Regular Hours Monday – Saturday – 8am to 9pm Sunday – 9am – 8pm 416.923.8831 At Maisie’s Independent City Market, we strive to provide specialized customer service, and practice social responsibility in all we do!
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DECEMBER 2021
Main street BIAs rebrand post-COVID
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L-R: Holiday windows in the Junction, and Instagram photo contests in Little Italy
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NEWS
BLUE MOUNTAIN LODGE OF LEISURE
This four bedroom, three bathroom chalet at 175 Timmons St. has received a full, top to bottom renovation, which brought in some stunning upgrades, including a hot tub and a stylish outdoor sauna. Nestled right in the middle of a treefilled lot, this mountain home will give you a sense of privacy while also being just minutes away from all the fun that Blue Mountain village and Georgian Bay have to offer. It’s listed for $1.699 million with Century 21 Millennium Inc.
SWISH CHALETS These ski chalets are all about location — but the hardwood finishes, modern amenities and stunning layouts don’t hurt! Just steps away from some of the best ski resorts in Ontario, residents of these coveted properties can hit the slopes in the afternoon and warm their toes by the fireplace with hot cocoa in hand by the evening.
MOUNTAIN OASIS
With views of the Mount St. Louis ski hills from your doorstep and forest-filled surroundings, 151 Mount St. Louis Rd. E. is the ideal ski chalet for those looking for a little more privacy. It’s listed for $2.639 million with eXp Realty.
Thirty-two Trails End offers gorgeous outdoor living with an extensive deck, hot tub and wood-fired sauna, plus gorgeous log cabin–style interior design that’s modern but cosy. It’s listed for $2.5 million with RE/MAX By The Bay Brokerage.
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LUXURY LOG CABIN
DECEMBER 2021
COLLINGWOOD
MOUNT ST. LOUIS
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CATHERINE O’HARA
The Comedian
The Advocate
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If I’m ever in trouble, and I often am, I would want Pam Palmater by my side. Her sharp intellect, steadfast ethics and caring heart place her at the centre of many colonial storms. From land rights to child rights, Pam draws on the multi-generational strength handed down to her from her ancestors to stand in the winds of injustice that continue to pile up on the hopes and dreams of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and weigh the country down. Colonial governments intentionally dehumanize Indigenous peoples and weave false historical narratives to hide egregious human and land rights violations. Recently this all came into stark relief when Canadians learned that thousands of Indigenous children died in government-run residential By Cindy schools and were buried in Blackstock unmarked graves. EXECUTIVE A natural communicator, DIRECTOR, Pam knows public awareness FNCFCS is the antidote to government abuses and excuses for ongoing injustices like not getting clean drinking water to First Nations, fighting residential school survivors in court and fumbling the implementation of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry. A prolific author and media educator, Pam also hosts her Warrior Life podcast showcasing the rich diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and thought-provoking conversations on decolonization. And then there is my favourite — her fabulous Warrior Kids podcast showing how young people are making meaningful reconciliation a reality. Some call her an activist. I call her a truth and justice hero. 16
© Rebecca Wood
PAM PALMATER
You’d be hard-pressed to find another actress more lauded than Catherine O’Hara. Emmys, Golden Globe, SAGs and CSAs, this Order of Canada and Governor General’s Award recipient has made her mark on our screens and imprinted into pop culture’s psyche for over four decades. Catherine’s commitment to her craft results in incredibly memorable performances where she somehow is both instantly recognizable and simultaneously disappears completely behind her carefully inhabited characters. What actor out there doesn’t wish they could emulate the incredible technical prowess and comedic agility required to produce Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek, Mickey Crabbe from A Mighty Wind or even By Lara Jean Chorostecki Kate McCallister’s infaACTOR mous, “Kevin!” from Home Alone? Catherine is a pioneer in creating characters that make our stomachs hurt from laughter while our hearts feel deeply. Over a remarkable 40-plus year career, her influence can be felt in entertainment around the globe. It’s not easy at the best of times to be an actress in film and television, and Catherine’s endurance is a testament to her incredible artistic spirit and deep well of talent, which she draws from time and time again. Catherine’s playful spirit keeps us guessing what she could possibly do next, holding our breath with eager anticipation, knowing we are bound to be delighted. Catherine’s oeuvre is one that never tires on a rewatch, always ages impeccably and will continue to inspire for generations to come.
JILL ANDREW
The Politician I first met Jill Andrew shortly after we won our races in June 2018. We were immediately thrust into the all-consuming role of opposition MPPs during the chaotic reign of the Doug Ford government. This is what I most appreciate about Jill. Jill is a passionate advocate for her residents, always with her eye on equity and fairness. About 60 per cent of the constituents in her district of Toronto–St Paul’s are renters, and many struggled with the threat of eviction because they lost their job during the pandemic. Jill stands up for them — just like she advocates for affordable housing and government aid for the struggling small businesses along Little Jamaica and midtown. I’ll let you in on a secret: sometimes when the By Jessica Bell camera isn’t on us, we MPP, UNIVERSITY-ROSEDALE work on our laptops in the legislature. When Jill gets up to speak, however, I always stop and listen. Her speeches are well researched yet personal, and her delivery is captivating. My favourite speech of Jill’s was on her bill to recognize the first week of February as Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The bill’s purpose is to help the estimated three million and counting Canadians who live with eating disorders, one of the most serious and deadly of mental health issues, social stigma and body shame. Jill spoke about her own experience with body image and the support she received from the organization Sheena’s Place. The bill passed unanimously. I keep a copy of Jill’s speech in my office.
T.O.’S 21 MOST INSPIRING WOMEN OF 2021 Our annual showcase of the city’s most inspiring women features artists, activists, athletes and more who have led by example, achieved against all odds and made this city and this year special.
The Designer
The Entrepreneur
From early on, Aurora James’s goal has always been to promote traditional African design practices and techniques. Later, she started working in other countries within Africa and beyond. You see, Aurora’s vision and mindset for amplifying people of colour has always been deeply rooted, an unbreakable foundation of sorts. This is what makes Aurora Aurora. More than the countless awards she’s received in fashion — including the Council of Fashion Designers of America Founder’s Award this year — along her journey, Aurora is simply a beacon for change. True change. In June 2020 Aurora created what the world would come to know as the 15 Percent Pledge, one of the most recognized By George Sully and important contriDESIGNER, SULLY & SON CO. butions to come from last year’s protests that saw injustices and police brutality unfold before our eyes. This was only the beginning. What Aurora helped create not only shook the foundation on which the fashion industry stands but also had an equal and profound impact on BIPOC designers across North America, including myself as a Black designer. I have always admired Aurora’s work in fashion, but little did I know she would be pivotal in the way the world admired mine. For that, I will always be indebted to her including those that have gotten a little more shelf space because of her courage.
When I think of Noura, I think of brilliance, community, innovation and inspiration. I had the privilege of meeting her while serving as the president of the Black Business and Professional Association. She came to us with a full heart, and her company generously donated to the BBPA National Scholarship Fund. I admired how much Noura gave of herself to support the work and dreams of the students. She spent hours sifting through the applications and getting to know each student. Noura wanted to give opportunities to students who demonstrated purpose and the self-motivation to face down challenges and create their own stories. By Her support also included Nadine unique scholarships so that Spencer the students didn’t have to CEO, dehumanize themselves to BrandEQ get funding. It was clear to Group me that she is deeply in touch with her humanity. Noura also showed up to present an inspiring talk to the 108 students who graduated that year. She later attended the BBPA's Boss Women entrepreneurship training, where she shared her own story. She held nothing back, telling about the challenges, trials and, ultimately, the rewards she encountered on her path to becoming a woman in power. Ultimately, I see Noura as the ideal example of what a professional woman should be — empathetic, generous, inspired and inspiring, a team player and a natural leader and, most importantly, passionate about all that she does.
I still remember the day.… It was Sept. 7, 2019. I was an intern at TSN, working an 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift in the newsroom when Bianca Andreescu became the first Canadian tennis player to win a grand slam singles title. Personally, I thought it was nearly impossible. A Canadian? Defeating the legendary Serena Williams in her own country? There was just no way. But while I had doubts in my mind, the then 19-year-old phenom already had the victory visualized in hers. And with the win, she inspired a generation of young tennis players and athletes across Canada. But Andreescu’s on-court success isn’t the only thing that’s made her such an inspiration. At the young age of 21, she’s By Peter Ash already managed to build a MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST brand with multiple major sponsors such as Nike, BMW and Rolex. And although she’s tasted some of the luxuries of being a pro athlete, Andreescu hasn’t forgotten where she came from. She’s donated thousands of dollars to Tennis Canada and even auctioned a special racquet of hers to help out the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy’s COVID-19 response fund during the peak of the pandemic last year. Maybe it’s her incredible mindset or maybe it’s her solid poise. Either way, she’s made professional life look easy. From rising Canadian talents in Leylah Fernandez to Katherine Sebov, tennis fans across the country now have a lot to look forward to. And thanks to the inspiration that Andreescu has become, I think the names will continue to grow in the foreseeable future.
DECEMBER 2021
The Athlete
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© Noam Galai - Getty Images
BIANCA ANDREESCU
© CNW Group Indigo Books Music Inc.
NOURA SAKKIJHA
© Yung Yemi
AURORA JAMES
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TORONTO’S 21 MOST INSPIRING WOMEN © Kiruthiha Kulendiren
MAITREYI RAMAKRISHNAN
The Actor
FARRA N HYTE
The Performer
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I first met Farra N Hyte (Chantelle Carr) when I was 19 years old. She was the headliner at Crews & Tangos, and I was captivated from the first moment I saw her. A few years later, I was lucky enough to be adopted into her drag family [when an established drag performer takes a younger one under her wing and mentors her, essentially choosing their own family] and even to be given my drag name by her! Simply put, there is no one like Farra. She is a star, but she is also a kind and By generous human being. She Brooke has set a standard of excelLynn Hytes lence in Canadian drag CANADIAN that we all aspire to. She DRAG QUEEN has worked so hard through her career, and it makes me so happy to see her get the success and recognition she so justly deserves. Watching her as a judge and choreographer on Call Me Mother, running and guiding her own drag house, has shown just how revered and beloved she is and what an inspiration she continues to be to drag queens everywhere. A forever icon in the Toronto drag scene, it’s a joy to call her my friend and an honor to call her Mother.
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The inspiration goes on and on... A few more of the city’s most inspiring women
As someone who takes great joy in seeing South Asian representation across a myriad of platforms, watching Maitreyi Ramakrishnan star in Never Have I Ever would have done wonders for me as a teen, given how impactful it was for me as an adult. What made the show what it was was the standout performance by Ramakrishnan, who is both authentic and refreshing on and off screen. Despite being six years her senior, I look up to the 19-yearold superstar for how she carries herself and speaks about what matters to her and how she is clear on her principles. Earlier this year, Ramakrishnan requested that people learn to pronounce her name correctly, after constantly having to By Rumneek Johal correct others. She disEDITOR-IN-CHIEF, 5X PRESS cussed how integral names are to one’s identity and, in doing so, invited so many people, including myself, to do the same. Setting a boundary and choosing to affirm her connection to her culture and identity over other people’s temporary discomfort was admirable. So many of us are conditioned to dilute or hide the parts of us that make us different to make it easier for other people, even if it makes things harder for us. “I’m asking for basic respect when I want people to say my name right,” she said on Twitter. At such a young age, the Mississauga native speaks with so much conviction and confidence about what is important to her, with the unintended result of inspiring other brown girls to be fearless about what matters to them too.
HAYLEY WICKENHEISER
The Triple Threat Growing up as a girl in sports, Canadian professional hockey player and four-time Olympic gold medallist Hayley Wickenheiser meant so much to me. I would marvel at her, starry-eyed as I watched her on TV, a show of brilliance every time she took to the ice. When she led the country to the gold medal after every Olympic Games, I asked my dad to teach me to play hockey despite my lifelong dedication to sports like ballet and cheerleading. When she walked into the Sochi opening ceremonies with the Canadian flag on her back in 2014, I got my hands on the Bay’s Team Canada Olympic mittens the very next day. I wasn’t the only girl who looked up to Hayley back then, and I’m not the only woman who still reads about her in awe today. By Christina Flores-Chan Yes, she is one of the most JOURNALIST powerful and accomplished women in sport of all time, as the country’s all-time leader in several international hockey categories and the first woman to score a goal in a men’s professional league. Yes, she is now a resident emergency doctor at a hospital in Toronto by day and senior director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs by night. Yes, she just released a nationally bestselling novel to add to her copious titles of accomplishment. But she is also, and perhaps most importantly, a woman who unapologetically dove into a male-dominated industry and proved that she, along with other young girls watching with their Team Canada mittens on, deserve to be there.
Kerin John
Allie Rougeot
Eleanor London
Iman Vellani
Kerin John started Instagram page Black Owned Toronto back in 2020 to give Black-owned businesses in the city a well-deserved chance in the spotlight. She’s since opened two retail locations in Toronto.
One of the loudest voices behind the climate strikes that filled the streets of Toronto is Aliénor (Allie) Rougeot. She founded Fridays for Future Toronto, a chapter of the youth-led movement raising awareness through rallies.
Eleanor June London is a past president of Reena Foundation, which started as a grassroots group fighting to create community homes for people with developmental disabilities and now supports more than 1,000 individuals.
Iman Vellani is set to make her Hollywood debut as Kamala Khan, otherwise known as Ms. Marvel. She’s breaking barriers playing the first onscreen Muslim superhero and Marvel's first Muslim character to star in her own title.
The Artist
The People’s Doctor
I have no idea where to start in describing how inspiring Tanya Tagaq is as a person, so I'll just start by saying how metal she is. Tanya is a pure face-melting stage destroyer, an unstoppable force of sonic combustion. I could spend this entire space trying to describe how many ways her fearless performances can strike you like a bolt of lightning to the soul. But there are so many facets of her that I am just constantly inspired by. She is a multi-hyphenated talent who excels at absolutely everything she does. We can talk about Tanya the unparalleled musical talent, the bold voice speaking truth to power, the painter, the poet and philosopher or By Chelsea McMullan how fiercely she loves her family and how relentlessly FILMMAKER she fights injustice. I am just astounded by her. Her creative energy blazes like a million-watt spotlight visible from space. I feel incredibly lucky to have her as a friend because she loves with that same intensity. She wants to know how you're doing at the very heart of your being and will accept no polite deflection. She teases me endlessly but knows exactly how much I can take. Nobody can be more tender. The only way I can describe it is that life feels more exciting and joyous whenever she's around. Tanya makes you feel like you can reach up and graze the cosmos with your fingertips.
The past two years have tested our city like never before. Thankfully, we had a public health leader who was more than up to the challenge. Throughout the pandemic, Toronto's medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, has guided us every step of the way — from making tough calls to reduce COVID-19 transmission to spearheading the most expansive vaccination program in our city's history. She has truly been “the people's doctor.” As the head of the largest public health unit in Canada, Dr. de Villa has worked day and night — literally — to serve the people of Toronto. In those terrifying first few months of the pandemic, she spoke to the public each day, clearly explaining what was happening in our city and By how to take precautions. Joe Cressy With her trademark scarves, COUNCILLOR, professionalism and compoWARD 10 sure, she helped keep us safe. Throughout her career, Dr. de Villa — who always insists I call her Eileen — has been committed to caring for our most vulnerable. Whether it's advocating for paid sick leave, supporting supervised consumption sites or dispatching mobile vaccination clinics to hard-hit neighbourhoods, Eileen's approach is always one that's equally rooted in scientific evidence and empathy. I'm proud to have been able to work with her and honoured to call her a friend. Eileen has often said that she thinks of the entire city of Toronto as her patient. At a time when we needed it most, we couldn't have asked for a more compassionate or committed doctor.
© Noam Galai - Getty Images
JEN AGG
The Restaurateur As usual, when there's a hard job to do, it falls on a woman to get it done. When the food industry’s dirty laundry began to be aired — the lousy pay, nightmarish hours and harassment at the hands of bosses — it was Jen Agg, co-founder of the Black Hoof and author of I Heard She's a Real Bitch, who used her platform to call out the city's boorish offenders. The Black Lives Matter banner on her front door at the Rhum Corner leaves nothing to doubt. Agg speaks her mind. Fighting words, especially on Twitter, is her verbiage of choice, and yet she's also quick to point out trends and people she loves. (She was one of the first to bring attention to the deliBy Ben Kaplan ciousness of MIMI JOURNALIST Chinese). A scenester, fashionista and wordsmith, she brought Dundas West some of the Ossington vibe and opened upscale cuisine in Kensington Market, and yet her real gift to the city has been an ethos that more restaurateurs should get behind. An outspoken kingmaker whose taste reigns supreme, Agg can open a restaurant, pen a bestseller, rip apart a Globe and Mail editorial and still make it to Scaramouche in time to cop a great glass of wine. Whether talking about race or pay in the kitchen, staffing or Toronto's next dining trends, when Jenn Agg talks, we all need to listen. It's something, most often, no one else has the courage to say.
Paige Hennekam
Ali Haberstroh
Sarah Nurse
Kiley May
Roberta Timothy
With 2.6 million TikTok followers, Paige Hennekam certainly has influence, and she’s using it to share her experiences as a woman with autism to change the conversation around autism diagnoses in girls.
Ali Haberstroh’s directory of local shops, conveniently named Not Amazon, exploded in December of 2020. Her website got thousands of visits and brought business to local companies when they needed it most.
Hockey star Sarah Nurse is set to represent Team Canada in the 2022 winter Olympics. She’s been outspoken about representation for women of colour within the sports industry and aims to be a role model for the next generation.
Exploring themes of representation and diversity for transgender and Indigenous women, two-spirit trans actress and artist Kiley May’s most recent trilogy on trans desire featured in the ImagineNative film festival.
The first Black health lead at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Roberta Timothy organized the first countrywide forum on COVID-19’s impact on African/Black communities in Canada.
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EILEEN DE VILLA
© Jenna Marie wakani
TANYA TAGAQ
DECEMBER 2021
TORONTO’S 21 MOST INSPIRING WOMEN
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GIVE THE GIFT OF COMFORT
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FASHION
CURRENTS
THE G.O.A.T. Jeanne Beker's guide to the cosiest cashmere in town, dedicated to making you feel like you're wrapped up in a blanket, all day long. These sweaters are softer than a warm hug on a cold winter day. Perfect for that special person in your life.
@net-a-porter.com
@TSC
“You're going to get a lot of wear out of a sweater like this for a long time to come. It’ll be your best friend all winter long.”
WINNER
JEANNE’S TOP PICKS Lemonwood:
@lemonwood_luxury
"This is a beautiful teal blue colour, and the fringe detail on the shoulders is really fun. This is exactly the kind of sweater that you probably want to wear for a zoom call on a cold cozy day because it’s going to look interesting.” Lemonwood.ca, $490
Hudson’s Bay:
WINNER
FRINGE DETAILS
STRIPED AND STYLISH
WINTER-READY
CROPPED COWL
Lemonwood.ca, $490
Blackgoatcashmere.com, $425
Aritzia.com, $198
Thecashmereshop.com, $425
Nordstrom.ca, $795
“I love the generosity of the turtleneck, and the open sleeves are so luxurious.”
“I think the bold stripes are fantastic, and the colouration of the camel is so clever.”
You’d want to live in a turtleneck like this all season. Orange is a fashion classic.”
"This saturated jewel tone is so rich and vibrant and great for the winter."
“This artful, artisanal detailing makes this such a special, forever piece.”
PUFFED UP POMPOMS
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Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, Jeanne has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her new podcast Beyond Style Matters
DECEMBER 2021
@aritzia.com
“It would look very chic with a little pencil skirt or with a pair of leather pants, but of course you can also dress it down with a great pair of jeans,” Jeanne says. @farfetch.com
"If money is no object, this black one is pretty fabulous to me. It's hard for me to resist a great big black sweater, and this one has all the fringing along the arm and the beautiful texture all throughout it. I love the generosity of the body and also of the sleeves. It's such a dramatic, cosy look; it's just gorgeous." Thebay.com, $1,445
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Canadian Bicycle Recycling
CURRENTS
GREAT ESCAPES
Donate Your Used Bicycles We’ll pick them up for free!
canadianbicyclerecycling.com Be sure to let us know which magazine you saw our ad in! Knowing which neighbourhoods respond, helps us help others!
Niagara offers a winterized version of their classic wine tours
Great getaways from hobbit holes to fishing holes Adventures worth wearing long johns for As the brittle chill of the colder months sets in, it can be tempting to never leave the comfort of your space heaters. But there’s still plenty to do this winter in Ontario. Whether you’re looking for a family Christmas getaway or just an escape from the city, get yourself your own winter wonderland. The Hobbit Hole
77 Charles St W #804, Toronto ON – For Sale $2,980,000 Toronto's premier boutique condo address, a short walk from chic Yorkville, overlooking the serenity and calm of the university campus. Expansive and elegant foyer welcomes you to southwest exposure from all rooms with stunning views of the city skyline, Queen's Park, & Vic College historic architecture. Professionally designed feat. 100 foot private balcony w/gas line, ten-foot detailed ceilings, Viking Appliances, Downsview Kitchen, elegant and contemporary millwork, closets, fixtures, extensive concierge services w/24 hour valet by Forest Hill Group. Gym & boardroom amenities. 2 car parking w/adjacent 8×8 1/2' appointed storage room with electrical. | POST | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1
View full video tour and all colour photos at www.77CharlesWest804.info
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That’s right, you can rent out a Hobbit Hole. Located on a working farm near Indian Point and Emily Provincial Park, this hillside residence is a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto. It’s not the most luxurious experience, and you’ll need to BYO everything (including the one ring to rule them all). But it’s a nice warm spot for lovers of the outdoors. A winter Shire experience is something any hobbit can appreciate. Hillsidestables.ca Lake Scugog Ice Fishing
Grab some brews and some buds and get yourself a spot in one of the most popular ice fishing locations in Ontario. Located in Port Perry, Scugog has a very healthy population of perch and crappie that are available to catch through an ice hole in the lake. You’ll need a fishing licence to partake, as per Ontario regulations, but this charming port town in Durham is an easy escape from Toronto. Scugoglakestewards.com
DANNY TAGLIERI | Broker Red Diamond Award, Top 2% Royal LePage Canada Royal LePage Real Estate Professionals 416.526.9000 | info@dannytags.com We have homes for sale in all areas of Toronto
Golden Lake Cabin
The height of glamping, this lakeside cabin a little over four hours outside of Toronto is a
perfect spot for couples looking for a romantic retreat. From the allwood interior to the kitschy kitchen appliances, this cabin has the perfect esthetic for bundling up with some cocoa by the fire. If you’re keen to explore, the Ottawa Valley has some stunning scenery that’s worth braving the cold to see. Airbnb.ca/CanadianLakefrontCa bin The Torrance Barrens
Getting access to some beautiful skies in Toronto can be tough with all the light pollution. The Torrance Barrens was designed as a Dark Sky Reserve, so you can get a glimpse of those beautiful stars closer to home. It’s two and a half hours away, making it the closest place in southern Ontario to catch a glimpse of those stars just north of Gravenhurst. Be sure to check out the space weather website and the Torrance Barrens clear sky chart so you can get the clearest possible sky. Torrancebarrens.com Niagara Icewine Festival
No one said wine had to stop just because it’s getting colder. Take a trip to down to Niagara in January for that vineyard experience you missed during the summer. Experience the 29 wineries taking part in this wine lover’s winter wonderland. There are also plenty of things to do in the Niagara area in between sips of wine, like the Winter Festival of Lights or even a wintery trip behind the falls. Designate a driver and get to drinkin’! Niagarawinefestival.com
Getting Alberta off of the fossil fuel train Toronto can lead the way to a future free of coal, oil and gas For years, Alberta’s government has been spending millions of its citizens’ dollars to defend and promote the most profitable industry in human history, despite dire warnings of how that industry is fuelling a global climate crisis that threatens human health and survival. It also leaves the province on the hook for everything from “stranded assets” as the fossil fuel market winds down to cleaning up thousands of abandoned and orphaned oil and gas sites. At least Alberta’s government makes no secret of its support for fossil fuels, especially the tarry bitumen it wants to export to the world. Other governments talk about the need to address what they agree is a climate emergency, and develop plans and targets, all while paying for pipelines with tax dollars, subsidizing oil and gas and promoting rampant methane fracking for liquefied “natural” gas. The twisted premise appears to be that the human-created economy and its jobs take precedence over environmental concerns, regardless of how critical they are. But support for coal, oil and gas fails even on that flimsy argument. It’s important that working people from sunset industries get support and retraining if they want it, whether their jobs are threatened by growing
automation or declining markets and the urgent global energy transition. In rethinking our economic priorities, we must also rethink the ways we work. But even under current systems, better economic and employment opportunities exist in the expanding clean tech sector. But this only shows that an energy transition needn’t bring the economic catastrophe fossil fuel supporters predict. The truly overwhelming economic fact is that the accelerating impacts of global heating — from floods, droughts and wildfires to disease spread, pollution and refugee crises — are extremely costly and will get even more so if we fail to confront climate disruption. Evidence continues to mount on the catastrophic consequences of failing to address the climate emergency, with reports from international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Energy Agency, World Bank, World Health Organization and more, spelling out the increasing urgency. With governments continuing to promote and subsidize fossil fuels even as they meet for conferences like COP26 in Glasgow to hammer out solutions and agreements, it’s no surprise the world isn’t on track to avoiding the worst climate impacts.
A recent study by the UN Environment Programme and others found that current plans and policies will keep global oil and gas production rising for the next two decades, with coal production falling only slightly. According to the Guardian, “Detailed analysis of 15 major fossil fuel–producing nations found that the US, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China all project increases in oil and gas, while India and Russia intend to increase coal production. Only two of the countries expect oil and gas production to decline: the UK and Indonesia.” It also found the world has directed more than US$300 billion of new public financing to fossil fuel activities since the COVID-19 pandemic began — outpacing public investment in renewable energy. The Guardian also notes that the world’s 60 biggest banks have provided US$3.8 trillion in financing for fossil fuel companies since the Paris Agreement in 2015. Those who have been pleading for decades about the need to curtail fossil fuels have repeatedly been told that a transition “can’t happen overnight.” But that’s been an excuse to keep it from happening at all, as we clearly see now. And despite growing evidence, we’re still being treated as enemies by governments like Alberta’s. It’s not just environmental advocates that are calling for fossil fuels to be left in the ground, for subsidies to end and for carbon sinks like wetlands, grasslands and forests to be protected and restored. It’s a massive majority of scientists, world leaders, thinkers and international agencies. We’ve heard a lot of promising talk from world representatives in Glasgow. Let’s hope it’s not more “blah blah blah,” as Greta Thunberg says. Our jobs, health and lives depend on ambitious action to get off fossil fuels. Governments must lead, and politicians must remember they’re elected to serve the people, not a single, declining, destructive industry. DAVID SUZUKI
David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology (with files from Ian Hanington).
c 416.402.0787 | t 416.960.9995 edavis@sothebysrealty.ca | ellidavis.com N
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Yonge & St. Clair! Full service luxury bldg. Rarely Offered, app. 4100 sq.ft., unobstructed south city views, 3 bdrms+den, formal living/dining, Juliette and open balconies. 3 pkg (valet).
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111 Bathurst St. #1112 King West! Stunning 2-Sty Designer Loft w/App. 1,341 S.F.+2 balconies & terraces. 2+1 Bdrms/2 Baths Open Concept, Soaring 20ft Ceilings, 2 Parking + Locker.
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DECEMBER 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (middle) spoke at COP26
CURRENTS
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DAILY PLANET
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The BEEZ KNEEZ Nursery School FOR CHILDREN 18 MONTHS - 4 YEARS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022
CURRENTS
LOCAL GRADUATES
On a mission to go pro From engineering school to Ontario motorsport champion by Megan Gallant
Morning, afternoon, full day or extended programs available from 7:45 am - 5:00 pm
REPORT CARD STUDENT:
Toka Murphy GRADUATED: Northern Secondary School
Visit www.Beezkneez.ca or call 416 487 8847 for a tour.
BEST SUBJECT:
Calculus WORST SUBJECT:
English CURRENT JOB:
Race car driver
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Toka Murphy left university intent on saving up for a racing licence
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On semi-professional race car driver Toka Murphy’s website, six red words scroll across the bottom of the page, on repeat: “On a mission to go pro.” That’s been Murphy’s goal since he graduated from high school at Northern Secondary School in 2015. Growing up, Murphy was a “car enthusiast,” able to point out and talk about any car. This “obsession” naturally led to a passion for race car driving. But for Murphy, who grew up moving from house to house and often resided in community housing, it seemed unrealistic to consider a sport that he says would be lucky to cost him under $100,000 in a season. “When I started working during high school and earning money for myself, I was inspired to keep working to make enough money to race,” Murphy says. He saved up enough to get his racing licence after graduating, despite knowing very little about the industry. Then, in 2018, Murphy competed in his first race in the Super Production Challenge (SPC) series in the compact class. The SPC series offers a more accessible motorsports option for drivers of different experience levels and is one of the most competitive series within the Canadian racing market. “I was so bad that they wanted to kick me off the track,” Murphy says, stating he was a hazard to other drivers since he was unpredictable and didn’t know what he was doing. But under the wing of Kunick Auto Sport race team, Murphy learned the ins and outs of the
sport, and by the end of that same year, he pulled off the championship. And his passion only grew. “There’s nothing you think about except racing. You’re in the moment. Time doesn’t exist,” he says. “And then when you get into the zone, the feeling is so euphoric.” After that first season, Murphy knew he had enough talent to start racing more seriously and to actually succeed. He’s been funding his own career ever since. Since his 2018 win, Murphy was crowned the 2019 SPC Compact Vice Champion. In 2020, he moved up to the production class, a faster category, and won the entire competition. As someone who faced challenges getting to the level he’s at now, Murphy just hopes he can be a model to inspire others to go for their goals, even if they seem unattainable. He says that it was a risk dropping out of an engineering program at York University to put all his finances into racing and find work to pay for the sport, but it was one he knew he had to take. “I don’t know which way is the right way, but I know I can take a step forward, and the more steps I take, I can start to learn which direction is better.” He says following his dream is like walking through a maze: the path isn’t always laid out for you, but you’ll find your way. Following the completion of the 2021 season, Murphy is on the search for a new team for next season. He is always welcoming sponsors to help budget his racing so he can do it full time.
HOW THEY MET
CURRENTS
then all of a sudden, there were candles everywhere. Rod had nothing to do with this power outage. It just so happened that the universe was kind of on our side. So we’re suddenly in this twinkly greenhouse. At the end of the meal, I said, “OK, we should go, because the chef is probably stressed.” But he said, “No, let’s wait,” and he was waiting for the other people to leave, so we did. At this point, we’re in darkness, and I remember he got down on the ground. I was thinking, “What are you doing down there?” I could feel him lunging toward me, and I still had no idea what was going on, and then he asked me and I said yes. I was emotional. And then one of the most magical things happened. Rod said, “I wish I could just see your face, because there's so much joy.” And then in that minute, the lights came back on, and it was just beautiful.
TV host Meredith Shaw and chef Rodney Bowers on their miniseries-worthy proposal If you don’t recognize Meredith Shaw from her countless TV appearances on The Social, The Marilyn Denis Show and more, you’ll definitely recognize her voice. She’s probably the first thing you hear once you get in the car on the way home from work as a radio host for CHUM 104.5. Her fiancé, Rodney Bowers, also frequents your TV screen, in between his role as head of food media at Centennial College. The couple share the details of their steamy first date, unbelievable proposal and how they juggle their careers. How they met
MS: I think we were both kind of aware of each other because of what we do for a living. But we met at an event that I was emceeing for CHUM-FM. And he was there with a brand he was working with. We always say that Marilyn Denis was kind of our matchmaker. The first date
RB: It took months and months of awkward courting. Our first
date, we went for lunch in Little India. MS: Rod just felt like home to me; he always had the minute I saw him. There was something about him that was familiar. It was that feeling that I've heard other people talk about but I hadn’t felt yet. And then when I met him, I did. The first date was nothing like what I would imagine a great first date to be, but it was a great first date. He makes me laugh all the time. RB: Little did she know, on the date, I actually had one of the hottest peppers I had ever put into my mouth. I was trying to hold it back, sweating profusely, trying to quench my thirst with water. The proposal
MS: It was his birthday and we went to this beautiful farm just outside Montreal. It was incredible. He knew the chef and everything we ate there was grown there and picked that day. It was a beautiful glass greenhouse in the middle of the field. About halfway through the meal, the power went out. And
RB: It’s a lot of work. When we do what we do, we need to be patient. I think it works because we're not too needy. We're giving, we're respectful of boundaries and things that the other person has to do. Meredith has 87 jobs, basically: she’s on the radio, she models and she's a stylist, she's an expert and she runs all things. I'm a professor, I'm on TV and I’m a chef. The media world is very different on the inside than it is on the outside looking in, and so I think we both have that understanding of what it is, what it takes and what it requires.
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Working together
MS: It was really cool for us to come together and shoot a television show called Double Your Dish, which we did last year during quarantine. That was really exciting, because we were able to really work together, which we hadn't done as intensely before. I hope to do more things like that. It was really fun to bring our different passions together. The secret to success
MS: Humour! I think things are so hard, and relationships are hard, and we're not exempt from that. But we have a deep, deep love and respect for each other. And I think we also just crack each other up.
THANK YOU... for supporting your local Canadian brand. We wish you a wonderful holiday season and a fulfilling New Year complete with many happy memories.
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DECEMBER 2021
A match made in television heaven
Balancing career and marriage
With Safe Options to Serve You
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Meredith Shaw and Rodney Bowers got engaged in July
– WE RE OPEN –
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THE BIG TICKETS
CURRENTS
FESTIVE WINTER FESTIVAL FUN Holiday Hills All you really need to know about Holiday Hills at the stackt market is that it marks the return of Crokicurl. But if that’s not enough, the six-week holiday festival also features weekend vendor markets and 26 resident stores for holiday shopping, live music showcases, local art, holiday-themed workshops and DIYs, comedy shows, a drag brunch and unique dining experiences. Phew. It runs until Dec. 31.
From hip basement soirees to booming big-budget Broadway musicals Mirvish is back this month with the first production of its 2021–2022 season. The 50th anniversary production of Jesus Christ Superstar that follows a critically acclaimed run in the United Kingdom. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Aaron LaVigne leads the show as Jesus, joined by James T. Justis as Judas and Jenna Rubaii as Mary. The tour also features Alvin Crawford as Caiphas, Tommy Sherlock as Pilate and Tyce Green as Annas. The production runs until Jan. 2, 2022, at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The National Ballet of Canada is back with its revered holiday classic The Nutcracker. The holiday favourite will return to the stage for live performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto this holiday season, December 10–31. The Nutcracker is a long-standing tradition in the city, and the National Ballet’s version, by James Kudelka, is renowned for its beauty and brilliance.
For 2021, The Basement Revue returns to The Paradise on Bloor, every Thursday in December beginning on the second and running until the 30th. Each night will also be broadcast via Side Door. Toronto’s Art of Time Ensemble will be performing its first live concert in 22 months when it takes the stage at Koerner Hall for To All A Good Night 6 on Dec. 9. The self-proclaimed “different holiday concert” is back with a new edition for these strange times, featuring the music of Stevie Wonder, John Prine, Stephen Colbert & Elvis Costello and Duke Ellington and with performances by Jackie Richardson, Jessica Mitchell, Liam Russell, David Wall and Tom Wilson. Fancy a trip to charming Niagara-on-the-Lake this holiday season? Now you have two more reasons to make the short drive, as the Shaw Festival is presenting two Christmas classics. The musical Holiday Inn, of “White Christmas” fame, directed by Kate Henning. The Shaw is also presenting a production of A Christmas Carol. Both productions run until Dec. 23.
The popular Basement Revue, the brainchild of musician Jason Collett (Broken Social Scene), is set The Andy Kim Christmas show checks into the newly renovated Massey Hall on Dec. 8 for what is sure to return to Paradise on Bloor for a series of halfto be a magical concert. literary, half-music variety shows every Thursday night. Jully Black “I have long wanted to do the Christmas show at Toronto’s The Basement Revue has been offering its unique take on a late night cultural soiree for 13 years since Collett and company first hit the historic Massey Hall, and with the support of Live Nation Canada, I am excited to be one of the first to perform after their revitalization and stage at the Dakota Tavern in 2007. The concept is simple in that it pairs a musician with an author who bring the Andy Kim Christmas back in front of a live audience,” Kim hit the stage together to perform, well, something. The idea has resulted says. Special guests for this year’s show include Billy Talent, the in some epic happenings such as when Leslie Feist backed up Michael Ondaatje or Margaret Atwood stepped up to the mic in front of one of Sheepdogs, Ron Sexsmith, Alex Lifeson, Jully Black, Tyler Shaw, Sloan, Toronto’s most celebrated bands, saying, with her characteristic deadpan William Prince, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Jake Clemons, Men Without Hats, Pursuit of Happiness, Theo Tams, Beverly Mahood, Georgia wit, “Hit it, Sadies.” As is tradition, each evening’s pairings will remain a secret until Harmer and Choir! Choir! Choir!. All the proceeds from the show are going to CAMH Gifts of Light. showtime, and that includes the performers.
Winter Village The Historic Distillery Market has always been one of the most picturesque places in Toronto to get a serious helping of the holiday spirit. The Winter Village will feature eight new vendor cabins, 12 food vendor cabins, buskers, carollers and live entertainment, amongst the Distillery District’s existing local merchants. Tickets for the market are $8 per person.
DECEMBER 2021
The best holiday shows in T.O.
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L-R: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ coming to the Princess of Wales Theatre and the National Ballet of Canada’s classic ‘The Nutcracker’
WinterFest Beginning Nov. 13 and running until Dec. 31, Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest returns bigger than before with more live entertainment, millions of holiday lights, festive treats, themed areas and artisan markets. New this year, the immersive event will include the Northern Starlight in the themed North Pole area. Guests can visit a magical land worthy of a Hallmark movie with a tunnel covered in 100 feet of colourful LED lights.
Crokicurl at stackt market
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
JEWELLERY
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Secrett Jewel Salon
Our collection of fine jewellery ranges from the latest designs to the most classic with an amazing choice of gemstones and pearls. Season's Greeting to all our clients and friends! Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 to 5pm. Mask required. 18k yellow gold red tourmaline Ring, one of a kind. Please call for price information. 162 Cumberland Street, Toronto 416 967 7500 www.Secrett.ca
DECOR HOME
Zestspot
Give the gift of culinary mastery or simply level up your cooking & baking game with 1 of 4 stunning, professional tool kits from de Buyer, available from Canada's newest one-stop-shop for premium kitchenware products, and the best place for gift giving inspiration for food lovers. de Buyer Tarts & Cakes Baking Set, gift sets from from $110-189
Squall by Rosenthal, Porcelain Vase $410 131 Bloor Street West - 416 964 2900 www.WilliamAshley.com
zestspot.com
FASHION
William Ashley
For the perfect gift, William Ashley carries the finest selection of world renowned brands. Designed by Cedric Ragot, the Squall Porcelain Vase by Rosenthal is part of the innovative Studio-line of home decor. Available in white or gold, the sculpture vase captures the natural force of a whirlwind/twister.
Linea Intima
Everybody wants to look good (shopping for yourself or for gifts). Foundations make a building stand! Undergarment foundations, even when you think nobody will see, will make the difference between okay to amazing! The right fitting bra will improve your posture, your confidence and of course your looks! Linea Intima will take care of all your lingerie needs! Improving women’s lives one bra at a time! Emprente Allure collection Bra - $239 & full brief $109 416 913 7991 www.lineaintima.ca for all locations and online shopping
JEWELLERY
Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques FASHION
From our authentic Art Deco Collection... A stunning Art Deco 18kt yellow gold with silver top mill grain ring that features 1 old European cut diamond, est. 0.55ct (VS1 clarity & I-J colour); 28 French single cut diamonds, est 0.57 ct (SI-I1 clarity & I-J colour) and 14 square and straight baguette deep green emeralds, est 0.67 ct. It is currently size 7.25 (7 1/4). Product Code JRD86578. Call for details.
relevé clothing
The most comfortable hoodie you'll ever own. All Aviator Nation products go through an intense breaking-down process that gives them a vintage feel you'll love because it's broken in from day one of wearing it. Hand sewn in the heart of Los Angeles. You're going to live in this hoodie! Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Zip Hoodie Price: $255
416 260 9057 Shop online at www.cynthiafindlay.com
1727 Bayview Ave., East York 416 546 8346 - releveclothing.com
HOME DECOR
Artemide
The iconic Eclisse table lamp available in limited edition PVD metallic finishes for the 100th anniversary of the designer Vico Magistretti. Originally released in 1967 it has become an icon of Italian industrial design, Eclisse can provide direct or diffuse light. Inspired by a miner’s lamp used by the hero Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, the lamp is composed of a fixed outer shell and a moveable inner shell. Promo price of $352 (regular $440) for a limited time
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5 Mill Street - 416 628 6718 torontoshowroom@artemide.net - artemide.net
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JEWELLERY JEWELLERY
Joie Jewelry
Next level jewelry from Spain. Strong lines, clean volumetry, structural presence. The new signature chain is the unexpected match between grace and industriality, a fresh and genuine design statement that frames our era. Finished in 18k Gold plating. Chain length adjustable up to 52.5 cm. $525 220 Bloor St. W., Toronto - 416 927 8181 - www.joiejewelry.ca
Van Rijk Jewellers
Diamond studs are a timeless expression of love and beauty, and are the perfect gift to show that special someone that you care. Available in many sizes and price ranges, diamond stud earrings are the perfect accessory that will go with everything. Diamond Stud Earrings. Price available on request. 90 Eglinton Ave. E. 416 440 0123 vanrijk.com
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
162 Cumberland Street 416.967.7500
Cynthia Findlay
Est. 1978
Fine Jewellery & Antiques
Shop early... there is only one! SHOP OUR ONLINE STORE www.cynthiafindlay.com • 416-260-9057 Open by Appointment Only. 416.260.9057
DECEMBER 2021
Toronto, Canada
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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Rolex • Patek • Cartier • Omega • Breitling • Audemars Piguet • IWC
Since 1985 90 Eglinton Avenue East
416-440-0123
Visit us online: www.vanrijk.com
BUY • SELL • TRADE
Estate Jewellery and Watches
DECEMBER 2021
Tues. Wed. Fri. 10:30am–5:30pm Thurs. 10:30am–6:30pm Sat. 11:00am–5:00pm Sun. Mon. Closed
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
TASTE TEST
FOOD
HOLIDAY TAKEOUT STAKEOUT Chef Craig Wong (General Tao’s chicken)
Ordering in Chinese food has become a holiday tradition. We asked two of T.O.’s best chefs to sample General Tao’s chicken and yeung chow fried rice from some of the city’s best restaurants.
Chef Anna Chen (Yeung chow fried rice)
WINNER
KWAN
DYNASTY
C’EST BON
YU SEAFOOD
CYNTHIA’S
kwan-dimsum.com, $15.95
dynastyyorkville.com, $21.95
cestbonrestaurant.com, $17.50
yuseafood.com, $24
cynthiaschinese.com, $12.75
“This one was a bit dry, but there were a lot of really tasty veggies in this dish.”
“There’s a lot of wok hei, and there are more vegetables than I’ve seen with the others.”
“Lots of char sui pork, and they didn’t skimp out on any of the vegetables or chicken either.”
“This is very tasty, and there are nice chunky shrimp in there. Overall, it’s a balanced dish.”
“There’s lots of shrimp in here, and the colour is very bright from the egg. It’s very balanced.”
DYNASTY
C’EST BON
YU SEAFOOD
CYNTHIA’S
dynastyyorkville.com, $20.95
cestbonrestaurant.com, $16.95
yuseafood.com, $24
cynthiaschinese.com, $17.95
“This was really tasty. This is the style and texture I like to see when eating General Tao.”
“It has that sweet chili sauce, almost more of a spicy sweet and sour sauce.”
“There’s some heat present, but this dish reminds me more of a sweet and sour sauce.”
“It had all the flavour profiles I was looking for and it had a nice texture.”
“This is less saucy and more stir-fried. I can smell some sort of fermented chili in here. It has some funk to it!”
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KWAN kwan-dimsum.com, $15.95
DECEMBER 2021
WINNER
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PROFILE
FOOD
Chef Adrian Niman brings the heat T.O.’s hottest restaurateur on opening MIMI Chinese and expanding his culinary empire south of the border by Ben Kaplan
Pantry location in Rosedale. “With all of these amazing local ingredients in Miami and fresh produce available year-round, my mind began spinning. We think about Canada as this huge country, but the truth is that Florida has the same population as Canada. I felt like Food Dudes South could only do well.” Food Dudes South, which begins serving yachts, weddings and bar mitzvahs in January 2022, will incorporate the beloved accents of the Food Dudes empire — tomato toast, truffle sliders, pastrami salmon and Israeli skewers — all with Miami flare. Niman plans to incorporate sustainable grouper, snapper and snow crab into his menus, and his partner in Miami has experience working at the Florida outpost of Nobu. Both men know fresh fish. “It’s so exciting to have that Miami access to seafood and also incredible farms and produce, like citrus and tomatoes — all the warm-weather flavours that I can work with year-round,” says Niman. The way he sees it, Miami is perfect for all of his brands. “We’ll have Food Dudes North and Food Dudes South, and we’re bringing Blondies Pizza to Miami and looking into potentially a Mimis or Rasa or Pantry or Sara,” he says, a big smile on his face. “There’s just an energy when you arrive in
Miami and get off the plane — the food is delicious and nobody judges anybody, which is how it should be.” As the numbers behind his business get bigger, the pressures mount on the chef. Niman says he’s only too familiar with the dangers of cooking, and he’s seen first-hand the fallout from food groups who mismanage their money. One group in particular with a reputation for stiffing their suppliers and racked up a hefty debt, were almost his partners. Niman almost worked with that
people, it only leads one way.” Niman’s philosophy amongst all his locations, whether he’s an owner or investor, flies in the face of conventional wisdom — it’s not about customer first. “I think the employee comes first and that spills over to how the customer is treated,” he says. “If you come into Pantry and grab a combo number one and the staff isn’t happy, you won’t have a positive experience. Staff being happy, I think, always comes first.” To establish himself, Niman grew from a chef into a builder of
“My dream is becoming a reality in which everyone grows.” team (who he wishes not to name) back in 2018, but he trusted his instincts and learned an important lesson in being a restaurateur: the owner of the business gets paid last. “As I was negotiating the deal, I realized the inner workings, and it became apparent that they stretched themselves too thin,” says Niman. “If you treat people with respect and don’t burn suppliers — not one supplier in Toronto could ever say, ‘Food Dudes burned us on a bill.’ We have the mentality that everyone gets paid first — if you stiff
empires and the first big lesson was stepping back from day-today operations. The second was to empower his people and let them lead the way. He takes pains to credit the success of Mimi to his longtime partner David Schawrtz and Blondies Pizza, the brainchild of Matt Blondin, which now has eight locations. Both men have spent years prior to their successes working by Niman’s side. “I started to see after year five or six that I had to change my leadership style and stop being so micro and worrying about the chopped salad being exactly how I
want it,” says Niman, who points to cooking for 500,000 people at the Honda Indy or six NHL teams at Hotel X during the pandemic bubble as good examples of him trusting and leaning on his team. “I never thought Food Dudes would grow to what it has and I would expand to south Florida, but I never stopped investing in my people and I wasn’t scared to take risks.” The risks these days are exhaustion and his own mental health, something he’s spoken openly about. In addition to the restaurants, he’s an owner in Olli, a line of premium edibles that makes white label gummies for Ace Valley (owned by cannabis company Canopy Growth) and recently came out with a product that’s sugar-free. “My two passions,” he says, “are food and cannabis,” he says. And, even though he’s clearly having a moment, he says he works hard to maintain a worklife balance. “Sundays are my day with my children, and everyone knows to never schedule anything for me on that day,” he says. “It grounds me and makes me think I can live a normal life of being a parent and a family man because I want to keep going. I want to see everyone flourish. My dream is becoming a reality in which everyone grows.”
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It was after a long, brutal bout of COVID-19 that Adrian Niman found himself in Tulum, Mexico, dreaming about Miami. A longtime denizen of the city, Niman was with his family on an extended recoup mission when he began to get an idea: sure, Miami is amongst the culinary destinations of the world. And no one could doubt that Miami competes anywhere with anyone when it comes to food. But do they have anything like Food Dudes? Niman was 22 when he started the city’s premier event catering company at his parents' condo at Yonge and St. Clair, and since then, he’s turned it into a multimillion dollar business. He’s also opened Sara and its sister restaurant, Rasa, and helped steer Blondies Pizza, gourmet grab and go; Pantry; and, very recently, the hottest new open of 2021, Mimi Chinese. All in all, he’s built a culinary empire not recently seen locally since Mark McEwan became a fixture on TV. For Niman, Miami was the perfect breeding ground for Food Dudes South. “There’s just such a growing multi-cultural feeling in the city, and it’s not just Cuban food, but this incredible mixture of Japanese, French, modernAmerican and Chinese,” says Niman, 37, over coffee at his
DECEMBER 2021
Chef Adrian Niman has a host of ventures going, even a cannabis edibles business
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hello ide!! leas Now open what we do Infant exams Cleanings and checkups Minimally invasive dentistry Emergency dental care Tongue/lip tie assessment Co2 laser tongue/ lip tie releases +0 , Braces + Invisalign® for kids and teens
The Experience Friendly specialized squad + / / / Toothpaste menu Prize centre + ! + Free parking + Leaside (Longos plaza) $& * - $"#. %#'/(()/#(#( Leaside@smilesquad.ca
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smilesquad.ca
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Bathurst + St. Clair #%%" %#'/($&/#(#( Hello@smilesquad.ca
@smilesquadkids
FEATURE
FOOD
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A BEEF WELLINGTON REVIVAL A classic holiday dish, beef Wellington is having a moment. So skip the prep work this Christmas and complete your feast with an order from one of these four local Wellington purveyors. by Christine Hogg
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STOCK-IN-TRADE
BLUEBLOOD STEAKHOUSE
OLLIFFE BUTCHER SHOP
HY’S STEAKHOUSE
Stock-in-Trade’s beef Wellingtons are made from pasture raised, hormonefree beef, which is painted with Dijon mustard, then wrapped in mushroom duxelle. The puff pastry is also made and folded in-house by hand and brushed with butter to give the crust a golden, flaky glow. All of the beef Wellingtons are decorated with a slightly different design each time. Stock-in-Trade’s beef Wellingtons come in various sizes and can feed anywhere between two and six people. They can be purchased via the restaurant’s online retail shop or for pickup at the store, 1324-A Gerrard St. E. $50–$125, stockintradeto.com
BlueBlood Steakhouse is notorious for serving only the finest cuts of meat, with steaks ranging in price anywhere from $55 to $220. The Short Rib Wellington, BlueBlood’s take on the classic beef Wellington, features braised beef short ribs done in a mix of veal stock and Shiraz. Once the meat has been saturated in juices, it is coated in mushroom duxelles and rolled into a flaky puff pastry. BlueBlood Steakhouse’s Short Rib Wellington is available in eight or 10 ounces, and serves two people. It can be enjoyed at the restaurant, 1 Austin Terr., or ordered for takeout. $58, bluebloodsteakhouse.com
Olliffe Butcher Shop has been serving up fine cuts of meat to customers and chefs in Toronto since 1975. Along with selling cuts “from nose to tail,” the butcher shop also sells gourmet meals to go. Olliffe’s beef Wellington uses a centre cut of beef tenderloin that is sourced locally at a farm in Norfolk County in southern Ontario. The tenderloin is then wrapped in a savoury green onion crepe with duck foie gras and mushroom duxelle. Olliffe’s beef Wellington sells for $63 per pound and can be ordered online or picked up at the store, 1097A Yonge St. From $63, olliffe.ca 5607 Yonge St.
Beef Wellington is a staple on Hy’s menu. Hy’s beef Wellington features a filet of beef tenderloin, with foie gras and oyster mushroom duxelle, baked in a buttery puff pastry. Hy’s beef Wellington is served with a red wine reduction, which offers an intense, complementary flavour to tie together the delicacy of the pastry, the earthiness of the mushrooms and richness of the foie gras and prime filet. Hy’s beef is sourced from farms in High River, Alta. The filets are aged a minimum of 28 days and are hand butchered at the restaurant, 365 Bay St. $67.95, hyssteakhouse.com
DECEMBER 2021
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RESTAURANT DELIVERY GUIDE
www.kathmandurestaurant.ca
www.khoraksupermarket.com
416 483 0922
12 CUMBERLAND ST. • 647 345 4214 + 416 924 5787
6125 YONGE STREET • 416 221 7558 EXT. 311
1580 BAYVIEW AVENUE, TORONTO
OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY
OPEN EVERY DAY 8AM-10:30PM
LET US CATER YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT
Pictured: Tandoori Tikka
FEATURING THE EVEREST FEAST FOR TWO $46.99 A royal banquet spread includes: Soup of the day, tandoori chicken, seekh kebob, chicken tikka, king tandoori prawns, choice of meat curry, choice of vegetable curry Rice, Naan and Dessert OTHER SAMPLE MENU ITEMS INCLUDE: Starters: Chicken/Vegetable Momos - Nepali style chicken/veg dumplings Shrimp Butterfly - Large king prawns are deliciously spiced and deep-fried Lamb & Goat: Lamb/Goat/Nilgiri - Authentic lamb dish from the mountains of Nilgiri Lamb/Goat/Kadai - Cooked with ginger, green pepper, tomatoes and hot spice in a deep iron wok
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Seafood: Shrimp Vindaloo - Cooked in a fiery red-hot curry sauce. A specialty of Goa, south of Bombay Seafood Vindaloo - A famous fiery red-hot assorted seafood curry sauce
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Located in the heart of Yorkville our restaurant brings you our signature dishes that we’ve perfected over the last 20 years! From our famous Everest Feast that features mouth-watering Tandoori dishes to our popular Curry options, our staff is committed to providing the best that Nepalese and Indian cuisine has to offer. We have aspired to assemble a menu to reflects its unique Nepalese culture and culinary specialties. Enjoy a 10% discount for all pick-up orders so that you can bring the flavours of the Himalayas to your home! Order online at: www.kathmandurestaurant.ca
Pictured: Holiday Turkey Special
Pictured: lorem ispsum
HOLIDAY FEASTS
MENU HIGHLIGHTS
Option 1 - Christmas Turkey Special: A Baked & Garnished 14-16 lb Fresh AAA Stuffed Turkey (option to get it unstuffed) Tray of delicious mashed potatoes and gravy Tray of mixed sautéed vegetables with a special rainbow rice and stuffing on the side Feeds at least 10 guests $139.99
Mante Dumplings House-made dumplings filled with seasoned ground beef, baked, dressed with garlic yogurt, dry mint, sumac and extra virgin olive oil
Option 2 - Christmas Whole Chicken Special: One Stuffed Whole Chicken With Rainbow Rice, Mashed Potato & Gravy, Sauteed veggies Feeds at least 4 guests $39.99 Option 3 - Christmas 2 Whole Chickens Special: Two Stuffed Whole Chickens Tray of Rainbow Rice, Mashed Potato & Gravy, Sauteed veggies Feeds at least 8 guests $59.99 PICK-UP ONLY
Khorak Supermarket originally started in 1989 as a 1500 square feet convenience store and has evolved to a 14,000 square feet Supermarket serving over 20,000 families weekly! Today, Khorak Supermarket has become Canada's #1 choice when it comes to Persian / Middle Eastern Supermarkets. We specialize in: Bakery, Produce, Grocery, Butchery, Catering, Prepared Foods, Specialty Nuts, Organic Products & MORE! Shop ONLINE: KhorakSupermarket.com *Order by Dec.20th & Receive A $10 Voucher for your next purchase. USE PROMO CODE: PostCityXmas *All orders need at least 48 hrs to prepare. Pick up only. Offer not valid with any other promo or offer. While quantities last.
Order Online at www.Khoraksupermarket.com
Sarma House-made vine leaves(vegan), stuffed with rice and vegetables, served warm Cauliflower Double roasted, dressed with tahini, aioli, grated akawi cheese, chimichurri, pine nuts and pomegranates Lamb Chops Mennonite Lamb, grilled; shishito peppers, olive oil to finish Mediterranean Sea Bad Whole white fish grilled, deboned
Mayrik is the most endearing way to say "Mother" in Armenian. A celebration of mom and the kitchen we grew up in. Highlighting a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. #DiveintotheMediterranean @MayrikTO
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One of the city’s coolest bakeries just opened in midtown
L-R: A Cuban mojito at Ergys Coffee Till Cocktail; owner Ergys Tafilica
Forest Hill shop is a secret speakeasy by night On weekends, Ergys switches from coffee to cocktails by Raquel Farrington A popular hair salon, Ergys Studio, used the COVID-19 closures to transform its waiting area into a coffee shop and cocktail bar. Clients and passersby alike can come into Ergys Coffee Till Cocktail for a latte and a croissant or an Espresso Martini — Ergys’s specialty — at this new location nestled in behind the popular salon, a mainstay in the area for the past six years. In true speakeasy fashion, Ergys Coffee Till Cocktail has a discreet alleyway entrance, and the owner, Ergys Tafilica, has done minimal promotion, preferring to keep things on a “if you know, you know” basis. Originally from Albania, Tafilica had dreamt of adding a European-inspired coffee shop and cocktail bar to the back of his salon for years but struggled to find the time to bring these dreams to life as salon owner and master stylist. “COVID-19 forced me to slow down. Suddenly, I had all this time and I decided to go for it. Many businesses
downsized during this time, but I expanded and it’s worked out so far,” he says. During what felt like never-ending closures for personal care businesses, Ergys says he began renovating the space formerly used as a waiting room for hair clients, securing a liquor licence and transforming the spot into a place people can come to slow down, sip their drinks and connect with one another. Decked out with red and black leather furniture and a fully stocked bar emanating neon blue light, the space gives off a warm, mid-century modern vibe with neutral wooden accents. A couple nights a week a Spanish guitarist comes and sets up shop, creating a true European escape right in the heart of Toronto’s upper village. Pop in on your morning walk for the usual coffee shop offerings, like cappuccinos, matcha and cortados. There are also freshly made pastries, like croissants and biscotti, up for grabs, homemade by Tafilica’s sister-in-
law daily. Ergys also offers a menu of freshly blended smoothies for a healthy morning jolt, with protein and nut butter add-ons to fuel you through the day. At night, you can settle in with friends for the usual cocktail menu haunts like an old-fashioned or a margarita, or try something new like the French martini. Although Tafilica is considering expanding the evening menu in the future, for now you can still snack as you sip with small plates like charcuterie boards and chips and guacamole. “My goal with this space was to make something intimate and warm. As a European man, coffee is something you sip slowly in a mug, no takeaway cups. It’s a time to catch up with friends and connect, and that’s exactly the environment I wanted to create here,” he says. Ergys is open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Prairie Boy Bread recently opened at Yonge and St. Clair, signalling the completion of a project that was two years in the making. First announced back in January of this year, owner Grant MacPherson had originally hoped to open the new shop by April 2021. “This location has been a long time coming and we know you were in it with us every step of the way,” reads a recent post on Prairie Boy’s Instagram page. Having officially opened on Sept. 24, the new Prairie Boy still offers all of the classics, like the Sammy Bread in white or multi-grain, as well as a few new feature loaves. Available for sale now until December, Prairie Boy has partnered with Blood Brothers Brewing Company to create a beer bread. The loaf uses just five simple ingredients (organic bread flour, water, Blood Brothers beer, sourdough starter and spent grains) and runs for $8 a loaf. Prairie Boy Bread is an organic and artisan sourdough bread bakery that sells its products through three retail locations as well as through a wholesale program, which includes carefully chosen restaurants and business partners. The bread itself is made through the method of working with high hydration levels, long ferments and using 100 per cent organic flour locally sourced primarily in Ontario but also Canadawide. Many of Prairie Boy’s flour partners are suppliers from Mennonite communities across Ontario. Prairie Boy’s newest storefront is located at 1 St. Clair Ave. E. Pop by for a loaf or a treat from Monday to Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. —Christine Hogg
Euro-Korean fusion spot comes to Yorkville who has been running the restaurant since October with help from his wife, Jennifer, a health-care professional who took a leave to focus on this new venture. Chef Jeong has always had a vested interest in food. He grew up in Yeosu, a small ocean town in the southernmost part of Korea, well known for its food culture. Learning to cook from his mother and grandmother, he went on to pursue a career in the food industry, working all over Korea before coming to Toronto. All along, he knew he wanted to combine his love for traditional European dishes with the tastes of his home country in a place he could call his own. Chef Jeong plans to rotate the menu seasonally and will eventually offer patio seating for the warmer months of the year. Swing by 156 Cumberland for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, from 5 to 10 p.m. —RF
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© Lindsay Rosset
A new restaurant offering European dishes with a Korean spin is moving into 156 Cumberland St., the site of former French restaurant Chabrol, which temporarily shut its doors earlier this year. The new spot, named after its street address, is an intimate space with indoor seating that fits up to 40 people. Patrons can cosy up for dinner, selecting from a refined list of appetizers, mains and desserts — all made in-house using fresh, seasonal ingredients. A selection of wine, beer and cocktails is available, too, with half-priced wine on Wednesdays. Owned by MJ Jeong, former chef at now-closed Queen West restaurant Canis, opening 156 Cumberland has been a lifelong dream, though not without its risks. “It’s scary seeing so many restaurants close down the past few years...but when we were given the opportunity, we took it without a second thought,” says Jeong,
DECEMBER 2021
156 Cumberland has replaced French restaurant Chabrol
156 Cumberland uses seasonal ingredients
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FOOD STED JUIST L
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Pinsa is a lighter, fluffier version of pizza
Amano uses an ancient Roman pizza recipe Grab a slice of pinsa at Amano Trattoria by Jessica Huras
WHO WE ARE We are the GTA’s most trusted move managers. We’ll coordinate and oversee all your move related logistics...so you don’t have to! Our all-female team of packers is discreet, dependable and will pack your home so you remain organized during this big transition.
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L U X U RY M O V E M A N A G E M E N T. C O M
Amano Trattoria is a new Italian “Essentially, it’s bread with restaurant from Open Concept toppings on it,” he says. Amano Hospitality, the team behind Trattoria’s dough is made inAmano Italian Kitchen. Set in house from a natural sourdough Old Toronto, Amano Trattoria starter and fermented for two feels like a sophisticated older days. The result is a light, airy sibling to its sister restaurant, base that doesn’t leave you feeling which has locations in Union as weighed down as a traditional slice of pizza. Desserts are a mix Station and Newmarket. In contrast to Amano Italian of classics and others that branch Kitchen’s bright, fast-casual out from the Italian theme, such atmosphere, Amano Trattoria’s as this pavlova with lemon curd, blueberry compote and vibe is moodier and more chantilly cream. intimate — more suited to lingering over a ON THE MENU few glasses of wine, The drinks Crispy arancini, rather than gobbling The cocktail menu is handmade pastas, up a plate of pasta anchored by several classic Italian desserts, before hopping on a variations on the and much more. train at Union. staple Italian cocktail, the negroni. The Cynar The food Negroni, for example, Co-owner and chef Michael features Ungava gin, Cynar, Angeloni says the loose slogan for vermouth and gentian liqueur. both concepts is “inspired by our There are also good-sized lists of heritage but not defined by it.” sparkling, white, red and rose He says the restaurant aims to wines, with a focus highlight classic Italian fare but (unsurprisingly) on Italian with a playful, modern approach bottles. The drinks menu is that draws on local Ontario rounded out by a handful of local ingredients. and Italian beers, including The assaggini section of the Moretti and Peroni on tap. menu includes small bites perfect Amano Trattoria is located at 9 for sharing, and all of the pasta is Church St. You can stop by made in-house. The menu also Amano Trattoria Tuesday to includes a variety of pinsa, which Thursday, from 4 to 10 p.m., and Angeloni describes as an ancient Friday and Saturday from 4 to Roman style of pizza. 11 p.m.
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REGISTER FOR VIP ACCESS The GTA condo market is hotter than ever. If you are looking for your next home or real estate investment, you need a trusted Broker with access. At Harvey Kalles Real Estate, we have been working with the best builders and brokers in the New Homes & Condos sector for decades, and have your key to the city. The Pemberton
The CaféTO program will make sidewalk cafés a permanent reality for restaurants across the city
Yorkville’s Signature Address
City votes to keep CaféTO program by city council by a vote of 23 to two with only councillors Stephen Holyday and Michael Ford voting against it. Approximately 500 restaurants citywide have permanent permits for sidewalk cafés. This year, 429 more were added through CaféTO. Making the program permanent gives city restaurants and cafés clarity going forward with expanding outdoor dining options, something that the industry was asking for, including Eataly Canada’s managing director Nico Dagnino, who wrote a letter to the city and proposed making CaféTO a more permanent fixture in the city by extending the program for five years and expanding locations. He wrote that the benefit to the city is a blooming café culture found in some of the best cities
around the world, such as Rome, London, Paris and New York City. “As citizens and visitors to these cities cannot imagine life without an outdoor café experience, Toronto is setting expectations that daily life must include high-quality outdoor hospitality experiences,” Dagnino wrote. According to the city, CaféTO curb lane (on-street) cafés will return in 2022, under similar guidelines and requirements of the 2021 program. And all application, transfer and — with the recent city council vote — all permit fees for curb lane, sidewalk cafés and public parklets will be waived next year. Registration will open early in the new year, and installation will start as soon as May.
Family builds Kensington condiment empire When Andrew Menceles’s family emigrated from Hungary to Canada in the late 1950s, his parents opened Fortune Housewares, Canada’s first dedicated kitchenware store that imported one-ofa-kind products. Located on Spadina, the store was just a street away from Kensington Market. “Kensington Market is kind of in my DNA,” Menceles says. His company Jam Brands, sister to PB Brand Inc., owns various trademarks, and one day he realized the market would make a great food brand. “The market has a really great history of ethnicity. So many different types of ethnic groups have circulated through Kensington as they arrive in Toronto,” Menceles says. Unlike most food brands, Kensington Market Street Food includes a whole range of products. The company began with condiments and
dressings and then evolved to produce soup products. Later this year, Menceles expects to market salty snacks and coffee roasted right here in Toronto. Kensington Market Street Food can be found at roughly 100 independent stores, mostly in Toronto and the GTA. Menceles plans to expand further beyond the city, though feels it is important to first establish that the brand is doing things properly and customers are responding well to their current products, flavours and prices. “It’s just a brand that people understand immediately. They know where it should be and that it’s the kind of food that should be kept in markets and just a lot of other cultural things that go together with it: colour, music, art, languages — all the various cultural things that the brand brings.” —Megan Gallant
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DECEMBER 2021
The CaféTO initiative has helped many restaurants survive through a very dismal period. Now, Toronto City Council has just voted to approve a plan that will see the program become a permanent fixture. “The CaféTO program has helped more than 1,200 restaurants and main streets across the city and provided millions of dollars in support for the restaurant industry throughout the pandemic,” said Mayor John Tory, in a statement. “This successful program supports operators, protects jobs and creates vibrancy … and I know it will help Toronto come back from the pandemic stronger than ever, while also providing much-needed support to local businesses for years to come.” The CaféTO 2022 and Beyond staff report was adopted
by Ron Johnson
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A five-year plan is in the works
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Our T.O. Naughty List Shining a light on the city’s most caring, giving and wonderful people (and pets) of 2021
SCOTTIE BARNES The Toronto Raptors rookie is the real deal and loves his new city. He has become an instant fan favourite with his infectious energy.
SANDY HUDSON One of the founders of Black Lives Matter Canada, Hudson and BLM Canada bought a building to transform into an office and community arts hub.
MATTY MATHESON Toronto’s fun-loving, tattooed and talented chef has become a global sensation, but he is true to the 6ix, bringing top-quality fare to his hometown.
GARRY HURVITZ This Toronto entrepreneur gave SickKids an early holiday gift when he donated an incredible $50 million to the children’s hospital.
DR. ISAAC BOGOCH The COVID-19 pandemic is a battle against a deadly virus and a misinformation campaign. Luckily we have the good doctor who keeps it real.
DRAKE Yes, Toronto’s own music icon likes attention, but when he tweeted about wanting to bring a WNBA team to town, we noticed. Let’s make it happen.
DR. JANET SMYLIE This leader in the field of Indigenous health, and one of Canada's first Métis physicians, is working hard to get vaccines to the city’s First Nations people.
MACY THE YORKIE When a large coyote chased a 10-year-old on a suburban street, Macy risked life and limb to defend her person. Don’t worry, she’s OK.
Photo credits: Scottie Barnes: Instagram @ya.boy.scottie, Sandy Hudson by Melissa Renwick, Garry Hurvitz: Twitter @SickKids, Macy the Yorkie: Dorothy Kwan (owner), Dr. Isaac Bogoch: Twitter, Janet Smylie
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s arne tie B t o c S dson y Hu S and eson Ma th y t t Ma r vit z y Hu r r a G goch c Bo a a s Dr. I e D ra k e myli net S a J . i Dr rk e e Yo h T y Ma c
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625 AVENUE ROAD #1903 The Lonsdale – Prestigious Deer Park condo. Lower PH 3,563 sf (corner suite 1/2 floor). Spectacular unobstructed N, E & S views. Grand principal rms. Family rm. Separate entrance to self-contained guest suite. Great location. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291
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HOLIDAY TIME
Bloor-Yorkville is your holiday destination to explore luxury shops, unique restaurants, galleries and the best salons and spas Toronto has to offer. #BYTIME