Innehållsförteckning för October 2024 från Toronto Life

Congrats on your induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame with your creative partner, Greg Keelor. Take us back to the moment you guys met. It was 1971 and we were in high school. Greg had just moved from Montreal to Toronto. He walked into math class with this big afro. He dressed differently—sort of a Montreal style—so my friends and I started passing around notes about him. Greg stayed after class, found the papers and realized what we were up to. He wanted to identify his adversaries right away. You started as foes? We ended up running in the same crowds. Eventually, Greg and I and some friends bought a bus and went on an odyssey to see the Rockies. We got really close on that trip. So…

$50 New fine for parking without paying at a parking meter, an increase of $20. $75,000 Total rewards earned by Summer McIntosh for her historic showing at Paris 2024, as doled out by the Canadian Olympic Committee. The Etobicoke swimmer was given $20,000 for each of her three gold medals and $15,000 for her silver. $1,000,000 Value of construction equipment stolen from a Vaughan warehouse in July. York Regional Police say that theft targeting wholesalers is on the rise. $12,000,000 Amount sought in a lawsuit filed by Conrad Black against his friend Harold Peerenboom over the sale of the media baron’s former Bridle Path mansion. Peerenboom purchased the house for $14 million in 2016 and sold it last year for $36.5 million. Black alleges that they had entered into a…

Where: Demorestville, Prince Edward County Year built: 1870 TWO WEEKS after Conor and Tracey met in Toronto, in November of 2014, Conor moved to Ottawa for work. The couple would meet up in Prince Edward County, halfway between the two cities. In 2020, Conor moved back to Toronto and into Tracey’s west-end condo. Soon afterward, Conor began looking for an investment property to revitalize. Back in his home country of Ireland, he had worked on restoring historic houses in Dublin. When his realtor showed him a run-down schoolhouse near Picton, he immediately saw its potential. The two-level structure had been converted into a home with two bedrooms and beige carpeting in the loft. The main floor was broken up by ad hoc walls that didn’t let in much light. “I…

THE RENTER: Tracy Pham, 26, a vocal teacher and project manager. THE STORY: In April of 2023, Tracy, who had recently earned her degree in health sciences at Western University, was living with her parents at Bayview and Eglinton. After working at a software company for a year, she had the financial confidence to live on her own for the first time. The goal was to score a studio or one-bedroom big enough to store her keyboard, electric drum kit and other music equipment. Tracy also wanted a quick commute to her office at King and Bay and easy access to concert venues downtown. She set a budget of $2,200 a month and started her search. OPTION 1 KING STREET EAST near Jarvis Listed at $2,100 Rented for $1,995 Tracy spotted…

CREATED FOR MAYBE YOUR HARDWORKING DRYER has finally burned out after a dozen years or you’ve completely gutted your kitchen and need all new appliances. Whatever the case, when it comes to replacing or refreshing the appliances in your home, working with a seasoned expert makes all the difference in selecting the best appliances for your needs. To learn how to buy smarter and with less stress, Tasco Appliances expert Tianna shares her tips on what to do before you shop, what to avoid and the best approach to get exactly what you want. Know your measurements “Specs first. Appliances last,” says Tianna. You need to know exactly what measurements you have to work with before you fall in love with a beautiful range you spotted in the display window.…

Inside the Desperate Search for a Doctor The ballparks of Cactus League baseball are spread out across the Arizona desert, and Uber is the most efficient way to get around. I was there last March with two friends, and our conversations with those drivers made it apparent that, aside from Drake and politeness, Canada is best known for its “free” health care. “Must be nice,” I heard more than once. I’d nod and change the subject, unwilling to burst their shimmering bubble. The truth would have taken too long to explain. But here’s how I would have started: in Toronto, a city of three million people, 516,000 of us are without a primary care doctor. That’s one in six, an outrageous statistic that would have Tommy Douglas spinning in his…

A motorist jumps the curb at Pearson and crashes his Ford F-150 into Terminal 3, causing traffic chaos. Transit riders film a raccoon hopping on a northbound train at Eglinton during rush hour. The videos go viral, further cementing Toronto’s reputation as the trash panda capital of the world. Umbrella Academy star Elliot Page shares his love of High Park, the Toronto Islands and the Beaches as the hit Netflix show releases its series finale. Nobu, the snazzy restaurant brand from Robert DeNiro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa, finally opens a Toronto location—just in time for TIFF. An American study reveals that 600 Torontonians die prematurely every year due to ultrafine particles inhaled from traffic-related air pollution. The Supreme Court strikes down Jordan Peterson’s appeal, forcing him to undergo social media training for…

DAVID SCHWARTZ slowly drives through Kensington Market to a parking garage a few blocks away from his house. “I do this once or twice a week,” he says, guiding his Audi Q3 on a steady spiral to the lot’s lowest level. From the din of the sunny street, there is suddenly quiet—just a few cars scattered among the dusty spaces. Schwartz puts his phone to his ear. “Sometimes they answer right away, sometimes I wait,” he tells me. Then, into the phone: “I’m here.” A minute later, a door opens and two Chinese women in aprons approach, pushing a cart loaded with cardboard boxes. “Oh, business is good—new car!” one of them says. Schwartz laughs and puts the boxes in the back seat. Together, they cost $580, and inside is…

THE RECENT WIN in Toronto–St Paul’s and provincial Tory strength in Etobicoke and Scarborough signal that Toronto could be well represented in a Poilievre government. But being well represented isn’t the same as being well regarded. The question of how the city will fare comes down to which Pierre Poilievre becomes PM: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? Do we get a back-to-basics government that is focused on front line services and boosting productivity or a red-meat Republican set on waging culture wars? If we get the former, Toronto could do quite well. A renewed focus on productivity under the Conservatives could bolster Toronto’s role as an anchor for economic growth, talent attraction, research and industry-driven development. It could signal that Canada is a strong partner in a newfound continental economy—one…

WHEN CHRYSTIA FREELAND was appointed federal finance minister in August of 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was effusive in his praise. “I absolutely love Chrystia Freeland,” Ford told reporters. “She’s amazing. I’ll have her back. I’ll help her any way we can.” The two had become close over the previous months, working together during the earliest stages of the pandemic. Outside of the occasional squabble, the relationship has continued to pay dividends. This has included $3.1 billion in federal funding earmarked for health care in Ontario this past February as well as $1.6 billion for an EV battery plant not far from Toronto, which was announced in May. The success of any future federal Conservative government in terms of Toronto will depend on its ability to work effectively with other…

“CANADA IS BROKEN.” Pierre Poilievre has been saying it for years, and polls now suggest that Canadians agree. A record number of people are voting with their feet and emigrating from Toronto. Among those still here, many are telling pollsters that they like what Conservatives are offering and want newly elected Toronto–St. Paul’s MP Don Stewart to have more Conservative colleagues from the 416 in the House of Commons. A Conservative government would likely take inspiration from Mike Harris’s common sense revolution. Expect to see a fastmoving government enacting reforms to boost the economy. Tax policy, paired with reforms of government regulatory processes and service delivery, will be key to Poilievre’s ability to deliver. His combative tone has shown that he welcomes the political fights necessary to advance those reforms.…

Where: Township of Centre Wellington Year built: 1902 ANNIE TOBIAS has always loved historic homes. She’s lived in a 17thcentury monastery in Switzerland and a circa-1895 house in Old Montreal. In 2016, she returned to Toronto. But, during Covid, she was itching to get out of the city. “Anything within an hour and a half of Toronto was fine with me,” she says. In May of 2020, Annie scooped up a converted one-room schoolhouse nestled among cornfields in Wellington County. Last in operation in the 1950s, it was also previously a dance hall. The owners were horticulturists who had won awards for the gardens on the property. The only downsides: small windows blocked the view and sunlight, and the loft was accessed by a wonky spiral staircase. Annie enlisted Tony Round…

CREATED FOR The city’s vibrant blend of diverse communities fuels its thriving culinary scene, from spectacular fine-dining experiences to family-run restaurants and everything in between. “Even before coming to Toronto, I heard a lot about the city’s awesome food scene,” says Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. But there’s so much more to discover than just food. Countless local shops and small businesses are ready to deliver you almost anything you need, whether it’s essentials, treats for a four-legged friend or something to satisfy that late-night craving. Ordering from local retailers not only supports the lively spirit of the city, but also saves time and offers the opportunity to discover hidden gems. “Uber Eats was amazing for browsing around and exploring new restaurants,” says Matthews. “Now I’m doing the…

BOOK An unflinching look at the lives of women What She Said by Elizabeth Renzetti Out Oct. 1 FOR TWO DECADES, journalist and author Elizabeth Renzetti wrote a column on women’s rights for the Globe and Mail. There was plenty to talk about, from the everyday indignities faced by women to the dire issues of the #MeToo movement. Renzetti stepped away from the paper in 2022, but she didn’t stop writing: she released a mystery novel, Bury the Lead, this past March, followed by a new non-fiction book drawing on her years of reporting. What She Said: Conversations About Equality dives into the many ways women continue to be plagued by bigotry. We spoke to Renzetti about the long road to equality: the progress, the pushback and why it’s crucial…

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“I don’t listen to Kid Rock because I think he’s an asshole based on his politics”—Jim Cuddy, p. 22 In architectural terms, 1154 Wilson is as ordinary as they come. Built in the 1960s, it’s a humdrum 15-storey structure on an unadorned North York stretch just south of Downsview Park. Yet the building is remarkable in one simple, breathtaking way: embedded in its balcony glass are designer photovoltaics, essentially solar panels that hide within everyday building materials. Together, when operating at peak capacity, the roughly 350 panels generate enough power to run 90 AC units at once. These ingenious, Jetsonian doohickeys can also be built into cladding and banisters, making both old and new buildings more efficient, attractive and green. It’s the rare kind of development where everyone wins.…

CREATED FOR LIMITED TIME OFFER: ONE MONTH FREE AND FIVE-PLUS YEARS OF COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI PARKER BY FITZROVIA is redefining the rental experience. Located at Yonge and Eglinton, this all-inclusive rental community is in the heart of one of the most exciting and dynamic neighbourhoods in Toronto. Hosting a world of best-in-class amenities and award-winning suites, Parker is anything but ordinary. This premium rental community is more than just a place to live; it’s a full-fledged lifestyle destination. Welcome to the suite life Inspired by the world’s most stylish hotels and resorts, Parker’s suites are the epitome of thoughtful design and careful craftsmanship. Its superior floor plans have earned acclaim from the Building Industry and Land Development Association, winning Best Suite Design for its Holland layout and Best Model Suite for…

THE LAST TIME a federal riding in downtown Toronto went Conservative was in 1988—back when acid rain and free trade dominated the news and there was a wild new TV dance party called Electric Circus. Tories Barbara McDougall and David MacDonald were the candidates, and they both lost five years later. Toronto’s Liberal leaning has, in other words, been as predictable as the summer construction on Lake Shore. So it was surprising when, this past June, the Conservatives clinched the downtown riding of Toronto–St. Paul’s, aloft on a turgid wave of ennui, fatigue and rage toward Justin Trudeau. Current polling suggests that the sentiment is widespread: Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been out in front for months, often by a lot and in some surprising demographics. While polls aren’t perfect…

LET ME SUMMARIZE the complex state of Toronto’s affairs in one word: money. By the city’s own accounting, Toronto faces a $46.5-billion shortfall over the next decade. Not exactly a rosy outlook. It’s made even worse by what is clear to every single Torontonian: the city requires massive structural investments to modernize and improve livability. “CALL IT A RISKY, ALL-OR-NOTHING APPROACH OR CALL IT COMMON SENSE, BUT THE TRUTH—AS POILIEVRE IS KEENLY AWARE—IS THIS: TORONTO SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS ITS HOUSING TARGETS” No single newly elected politician or government can easily solve a problem like this. What they can do is precisely what Pierre Poilievre has promised to do: shake things up with a new approach that gets the government focused on the priorities that matter most to everyday…

Under a conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre, expect the following: on climate, we will again become an international pariah, as we were in 2009 at COP15 in Denmark, where Canada earned multiple Fossil of the Day awards. This implies we’ll have more common ground with countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia and Azerbaijan than with European countries, the US (assuming the Democrats win) and China. There will be predictable consequences, including the worsening of extreme weather events; billions in damages caused by wildfires, flooding and drought; and serious national security and environmental implications as the Northwest Passage becomes open to Russian and Chinese shipping. In Toronto, where we can expect to see more severe instances of flooding, significant decisions will need to be made with respect to investment in infrastructure—including…

Where: Thornbury Year built: 1873 IN 2018, Bret Williams and her husband, Julian Lo, bought a loft in Mimico. But Bret never felt entirely at home there—it was too sleek, too white. She favoured moody homes with eclectic yet traditional vibes. Her dream was to live in a converted church or schoolhouse, maybe in her hometown of Thornbury. When Bret couldn’t find suitable flush-mount lights for the condo, she designed her own, and her business, Huey Lightshop, was born. She handmakes lighting in fanciful shapes like scallops, pleats and hourglasses. By 2021, with business picking up, the condo felt smaller than ever. So the couple sold it and rented a cottage in Thornbury while planning their next move. In 2022, Bret viewed a converted schoolhouse with 20-foot ceilings and hefty…

Every month, TL Insiders enjoy terrific experiences and events across the city. More than 1,000 Torontonians have already signed up, and you can too! Members get front-of-the-line access to cultural events and private dining experiences plus exclusive invitations to Toronto Life’s salon-like discussion series. Membership is only $75 a year—so sign up today and rediscover the city as a member. Don’t miss out. Sign up at: members.torontolife.com Dinner with Daphne: Daphne, the award-winning new modern American restaurant and one of Toronto Life’s Best New Restaurants of 2024, hosted TL Insiders for a night of indulgence led by chef de cuisine Ivan Kuuts and presented in partnership with Perrier-Jouët Champagne. The evening began with champagne and canapés in the enchanting Garden Terrace, followed by a decadent three-course dinner with expert wine pairings, focusing…

BOTH TEA AND ALCOHOL have accidental roots. According to legend, the Chinese emperor Shennong was sipping hot water under a tree when some camellia leaves fell in his cup. Turns out it was delicious, and green tea was born. The Bible credits Noah with “inventing” alcohol after he disembarked from his ark, planted a vineyard and realized that the grapes could be turned into wine. Liquor and tea have been bedfellows for eons: 18th-century bartenders would make milk punch from tea, botanicals and dairy, and 19th-century drinkers would add black tea to punches made with fruit, rum and champagne to temper the booziness. Simpl Things owner Evelyn Chick takes a more contemporary approach. Life’s Simpl—as the name suggests—goes down easy. There’s genmaicha (a blend made from green tea and toasted…