Toronto Life June 2023

Manoah’s Arc There was a lot of love for Alek Manoah, the Blue Jays’ big-hearted, potty-mouthed pitcher. In response to our profile of him in the April issue, we found only one cynic in a crowded field of fans. “Not a fan of the swagger. Win something first.”—scottbullock58, Instagram “Loved this article from Toronto Life. Thanks for sharing, Alek Manoah. Your Canadian family is so thrilled to have you here. Maybe we’ll see you around the city! Definitely see you on the mound this season!”—akitapup0617, Instagram “Love this story. He has overcome so much.”—ibemomam, Instagram “This story is so good. It’ll make you love Alek Manoah even more.”—@deadpull_hitter, Twitter “A wonderful read. Alek Manoah deserves all the kudos he gets. He works hard and had to overcome a lot of…

The Insatiable Matty Matheson We published a profile of this issue’s cover star, Matty Matheson, back in 2016, and it remains one of my favourite Toronto Life features. The man we encountered back then was 34 years old, a heart attack survivor, recently sober and trying to figure out who he was without alcohol or drugs. He had a mere 101,000 followers on Instagram at the time, a new TV show, an infant son to raise and a head full of big ideas. His health scare had rattled him, but he had a second chance at life and was generally optimistic. The writer, Courtney Shea, asked him what he wanted to achieve. “Everything,” he replied, before getting specific. Among his goals: start a fashion line, make more television and “open…

“We were on trains 100 years ago, and we’ll be on them 100 years from now” —Robert Prichard, p. 24 Office Space Why are so many people running for mayor? The gig comes with far more upside than down Long hours, combative colleagues and mean tweets for days: running Toronto is brutal work. The last two to occupy the office left in ignominy. Why, then, is the slate of contenders longer than the line to eat at Alo? The candidates know that the city is on the verge of delivering huge legacy-entrenching projects: thousands of affordable new homes, a revitalized Port Lands, several new transit lines and the 2026 World Cup to cap it off. If all goes to plan, Toronto’s next mayor will get credit for lifting the city…

Mr. Fix-It Robert Prichard has led a bank, a newspaper and a university. His latest mission: to launch a high-frequency train from Toronto to Quebec City. And it just might happen World-class rail between Ontario and Quebec has always felt out of reach. As chair of the new VIA high-frequency service, how will you make it happen? The time has come for this project. We have strong support from the federal government, we have population growth, and roads are only getting more congested. The concern around climate is also paramount, and rail travel is a great alternative to cars and planes—especially when it’s efficient. On a scale from The Little Engine That Could to Bullet Train, how fast are we talking? To be clear, we’re moving forward with high-frequency rail…

A who’s who of Canadian screen talent joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos to celebrate the streaming giant’s new Canadian headquarters. Located in the upper reaches of The Well—the sparkling megalith at Front and Spadina housing media brands, tech start-ups, chic offices, restaurants, bars, retail outlets and some 1,700 residential units—the new space represents Netflix’s first physical foothold north of the border. Given that the company has shot in eight of Canada’s 10 provinces, it was long overdue.…

“His income goes to savings, mine to everyday spending” MARION RANA, 31, AND JARELLE GABISON, 34 WHAT HE DOES Apprentice electrician WHAT SHE DOES Marketing manager at a tech company WHAT THEY MAKE $157,000, combined WHERE THEY LIVE A one-bedroom condo near Bloor and Islington REGULAR EXPENSES RENT $2,200 a month. “We recently moved from Mississauga to shorten our commutes,” says Marion. “Jarelle’s office is now a 10-minute bus ride away, and we’re close to the Gardiner and the 427, so for me, getting to work is a breeze.” INTERNET $54 a month. “We were paying over $100, but we recently got a deal with Fido,” Marion says. PHONE $124 a month, combined. “Jarelle’s phone is mostly covered by her work, so the majority of the bill is my plan,”…