Swirled, sugared and ready for their close-up — cinnamon buns are the unofficial pastry of cottage
season. Our resident tasting chefs Anthony Rose and Nuit Regular ate their way through the city’s best rolls, from Toronto’s trendiest trays to two Muskokasweeties that buttered their way into the lineup.
Breadhead
“The top is beautiful, and it’s a little more vanilla-y. The flavour is slightly tangy and soft and totally different from the other buns,” says Anthony. 346 Westmoreland Ave. N., $5.25
Café Cuervo y Marquis and Bakerbots
“This is the perfect size — more of a small, European style,” says Anthony of Café Cuervo y Marquis’ buns. “I’m tasting cardamom — maybe even more than cinnamon!” 132 Ossington Ave., $5 “This one looked a bit like a muffin — but it’s beautiful. It’s soft and pillowy, the icing is good and the spices are interesting,” says Nuit about Bakerbots’ cinnamon buns. 1242 Bloor St. W., $5.25
Phipps Bakery
“The bun is a little dry, but the amount of cinnamon they added really hits you — it brings that cinnamon flavour straight to the front,” says Nuit. 420 Eglinton Ave. W., $4.89
Cinnabon
“I like the cream cheese icing quite a bit,” says Anthony. “But the buns seem almost overworked — like they didn’t get enough time to proof.” 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Concord, $7.99
Mabel’s Bakery
“This is a good looking bun and I love the icing,” says Anthony. “I just wish there was a little bit
more junk in the middle of it.” 1156 Queen St. W., $7.50
Don’s Bakery VS Windmill Bakery
“I like the size of these buns; they are perfect,” Nuit notes of Don’s Bakery’s cinnamon buns. “The icing is a little too sweet for my taste but the bun is nice and fluffy.” 3119 Muskoka District Road 169 #2, Bala, $12.95/six “Love the glaze on this — it’s sweet but not too sweet,” says Nuit of Windmill Bakery’s buns. “The dough is fluffy and it’s spiced just right.” 99 Hanes Rd., Huntsville, $12/six
A new study suggests Toronto Blue Jays fans can enjoy a full ballpark experience for less than most other Major League Baseball (MLB) cities. According to new research from The Action Network, Toronto is one of the most budget-friendly cities for MLB baseball fans travelling to catch a game in 2025, ranking second only to Cleveland in overall affordability.
Of course, the very sizeable flaw in the ranking is that the costs are in American dollars, meaning there is a generous 30% savings for fans south of the border who come up to Toronto to watch their team lose against the Blue Jays.
Currently, the Blue Jays are on a 10-game winning streak and are leading the American League East division. It has local fans excited about the team for the first time in years.
For the study, researchers from the analytics company analyzed the average cost of a full MLB away trip across 30 major cities, looking at factors such as accommodations, tickets, food, drinks, parking and transportation.
They found that the average cost of a two-night Airbnb stay in the city (for a weekend in July, Aug or Sept for two guests) comes in at just $339 ($247.78USD), while game day tickets average about $119 ($87USD). Depending on where you eat, an inexpensive meal will set you back by about $25 ($18.34USD). Down a beer at the game for about $7.97 ($5.83USD), well below booze prices seen in major U.S. markets like LA ($11.63 or about $8.50USD) and Boston ($10.94 or $8USD).
Getting around the city is also cheaper compared to other MLB cities. A one-way ride on the TTC is about $3.35 ($2.44USD), and parking near the Rogers Centre can range anywhere between $15 and $35, but starts as low as $10 during off-peak times, making it one of the least expensive options for drivers in the league!
Still, Cleveland snagged the top spot for overall affordability. Fans visiting Progressive Field can enjoy $123 ($90USD) game tickets, $5.47 ($4USD) beers (the cheapest in the league), and $20 ($15USD) parking.
In comparison, LA was named the most expensive MLB city to visit in 2025. A two-night stay there will set you back $466 ($341USD), with game day tickets nearing $242 ($177USD), and parking can cost up to $47 ($35USD). Even a basic meal will set fans back about $34 ($25USD).
Anyone attending Atlanta’s MLB All-Star Game on July 15 will pay about 478% more compared to a regular game! For a two-night stay from July 14 to 16, fans can expect to pay an additional $65.66 ($48USD), while game day tickets will surge by $589.61 ($431USD).
In reality, using real dollars, attending a Blue Jays game is actually one of the most expensive for those who live in the immediate area. And, a simple Google search suggests the cheapest beer at the Rogers Centre for games is actually $12.99.
Still, the team is winning, and the seats on the resale market are actually still cheap, so that helps.
Jesse Eisenberg is visiting Toronto this week, and he and his family made a pit stop at one of Toronto’s tastiest contemporary Indian cuisine spots. The actor, who’s most known for starring as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 film The Social Network, made a surprise visit to Curryish Tavern.
“Thank you for dining with us Jesse Eisenberg,” owner Miheer Shete wrote in his Insta story on Tuesday.
Shete told blogTO that he received a reservation from the concierge at Eisenberg’s hotel as the actor and his group were apparently in the mood for some Indian food.
Eisenberg later showed up with his wife, daughter, and a friend, and they were super friendly with the restaurant staff and other diners (they even stopped for a few photos!)
The group ordered the restaurant’s house-made cheese curd samosa, asparagus salad, green tomato butter chicken, coconut-stuffed branzino, dosa and coconut cardamom pudding for dessert.
We don’t know why Eisenberg is in town (perhaps shooting extra scenes for Now You See Me: Now You Don’t 3?), but apparently, the food was so good that the group promised to visit again the next time they’re in town!
“They were so amazing, gracious, and down-to-earth people,” Miheer told the publication.
Curryish Tavern is nestled at 783 Queen St. W. Now’s the perfect time to check the restaurant out as it’s part of Summerlicious 2025!
From July 4 to July 20, more than 220 local restaurants are participating in Summerlicious, so foodies can enjoy three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at a range of reasonable price points.
If you head to Curryish Tavern, for an appetizer, perhaps try the spiced watermelon pani puri, with chicken biryani as the main dish and peach tender coconut pudding for dessert!
Click here for the restaurant’s full Summerlicious menu.
From one-party consent and workplace recordings to privacy expectations in public and the ethics of pressing “record,” here’s what Torontonians need to know about the legality of recording conversations.
The One-Party Consent Rule: Can You Legally Hit Record?
Imagine you’re feeling threatened during an argument or you witness a potential crime – is it legal to start recording? In Ontario (and all of Canada), the law generally says yes, as long as you are one of the participants in the conversation. This principle is known as the “one-party consent” rule. It means that any person who is a party to a conversation can legally record it without asking the other people involved. Jeremy Diamond, a Toronto personal injury lawyer at Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, notes that the “short answer is yes” – you usually can record for your protection – “but it’s essential to consider the potential outcomes”. In other words, just because it’s legal doesn’t always make it the best choice in the moment (more on that later).
Under Section 184 of Canada’s Criminal Code, secretly intercepting or bugging a private conversation that you’re not involved in is a criminal offence – it’s prohibited to record others without at least one person’s consent. In fact, doing so (for example, hiding a recorder to eavesdrop on two other people) can lead to serious penalties, including up to five years in prison. But if you are one of the people in the discussion, the law views you as having given consent to your own recording, and therefore no additional permission is required. This applies to in-person talks, phone calls, video chats – any communication where you’re a participant. So, if you’re on a phone call or meeting and hit the record button, you’re not breaking any Ontario law by doing so as long as you’re part of that conversation.
It’s worth noting that while you don’t have to tell someone you’re recording in these situations, the context matters. Conversations in which people expect privacy (for example, a private office meeting or personal call at home) are protected by this one-party consent rule only for participants – any outsider recording them is clearly illegal. The bottom line is that in Ontario you have the right to record your own interactions for your safety or evidence. The law is on your side in that regard, but using that recording later (in court, for instance) may raise other legal questions about admissibility – each case is unique. Jeremy Diamond emphasizes that while such recordings can become powerful evidence, “each case’s specifics determine their admissibility and impact”, so it’s wise to consult a lawyer if you plan to use a recording in a legal dispute.
Recording at Work: Big Benefits, Big Risks
The workplace is one area where many people consider recording conversations – think of an employee gathering evidence of harassment, or a worker recording a disciplinary meeting with HR. Legally speaking, the same one-party consent rule applies. If you’re in a meeting or phone call at work, you are allowed to record it without informing your boss or colleagues, so long as you yourself are a participant. There is no specific Ontario law banning employees from secretly recording conversations that they are part of. In fact, these recordings sometimes become crucial evidence in cases of workplace disputes or wrongful dismissal.
However, just because it’s lawful doesn’t mean it’s consequence-free. Many employers consider secret recordings a breach of trust. Canadian courts have found that making surreptitious recordings at work can be valid grounds for dismissal in certain circumstances. For example, if an employer discovers an employee has been routinely recording co-workers or management without consent, that act could “undermine the relationship of trust” and possibly amount to just cause for termination. In one recent case, a B.C. company successfully argued that an employee’s secret recordings of colleagues violated the company’s code of conduct and integrity policies – the court agreed it was serious misconduct. The lesson for workers is that while you won’t be charged with a crime for recording a meeting you’re in, you could lose your job over it if your employer sees it as deceptive or harmful to workplace morale.
It’s a bit of a tightrope. If you’re experiencing harassment or discrimination, recording interactions might be the only way to prove it happened. There have been cases where such recordings helped an employee substantiate claims of abuse or improper behavior. On the flip side, if an employer has a clear policy against recordings or you record confidential information, it could backfire on you. Jeremy Diamond advises employees to weigh their options carefully and, if possible, seek legal advice before hitting record in a workplace context. “In sensitive workplace situations, you have to balance protecting yourself with maintaining trust,” Diamond says. The safest route, if you feel the need to record a work conversation, is to understand why you’re doing it and be prepared to defend that decision. And remember, employers themselves should generally not secretly record employees’ private conversations either – they’re bound by the same Criminal Code rules. (Open surveillance cameras in public-facing areas are a different matter, but an employer cannot bug your office or record audio of your private chats at work if they’re not part of it, without violating the law.)
Public Spaces vs. Private Places: Expectation of Privacy
What about recording people in public – say, on the street or the TTC? In public settings, the law gives more leeway. Canadian law recognizes that people have a lower “reasonable expectation of privacy” in public spaces. That means if you’re out and about in Toronto – walking in a park, at Yonge-Dundas Square, in a restaurant – generally you can be photographed or recorded by others. Recording in public places is lawful in most cases, as long as you’re not violating someone’s intimate privacy. For instance, if you witness a dramatic incident or an act of harassment on a downtown sidewalk, you are within your rights to film or record it. In fact, many viral videos of public altercations or wrongdoing have been recorded by bystanders, and this is perfectly legal.
Even at public meetings of government bodies, recording is usually allowed – and can be important for transparency. A recent example comes from Waterloo Region: the Catholic school board there tried to ban the public from recording its open meetings, sparking public and legal scrutiny. The pushback was immediate, as community members and media argued that video evidence is vital for keeping public institutions accountable. (Faced with criticism, the board reconsidered that stance.) This shows that in open, public scenarios, attempts to curtail recordings generally don’t sit well, and the law tends to favor the public’s right to document events.
On the other hand, there are clear lines you cannot cross. Everyone has a strong expectation of privacy in places like their home, a private office, a bathroom, or any space assumed to be secluded. Secretly recording someone in such a private setting – especially if it involves personal or sensitive matters – is likely illegal and can even be a criminal offence. A notorious case in Montreal highlighted this darker side: an individual was criminally charged for voyeurism after surreptitiously recording people in a situation where they expected privacy. (In that case, the recordings were not for self-protection at all, but an invasion of privacy.) This kind of misuse of recording devices “violates privacy” and underscores the need for balance between safety and privacy rights. Simply put, you can film the public space around you, but you can’t intrude on someone’s private sanctuary with a hidden camera.
If you’re recording in public, also be mindful of civil repercussions. While it’s not a crime, using someone’s image or voice publicly (say, posting a video of a stranger online) could lead to civil lawsuits in some cases – for instance, if the recording is defamatory or portrays them in a false light. But as a general rule, anything visible or audible in a public place can be recorded. Just remember that how you record matters too: sticking a phone camera inches from someone’s face could lead to confrontation or even a harassment complaint against you. It’s always best to keep a respectful distance.
The Ethics of Recording: Just Because You Can, Should You?
Legal or not, pulling out a recording device in an interpersonal encounter raises ethical questions. Jeremy Diamond cautions that hitting “record” can sometimes escalate an already tense situation if the other person notices. For example, if you’re in a heated argument and suddenly hold up your phone, the person angering you might feel provoked or threatened by being recorded. “Recording someone can sometimes exacerbate a situation,” Diamond explains – an agitated person may become even more aggressive when a camera is pointed at them. Your safety should come first. No piece of evidence is worth endangering yourself, so use discretion. If possible, record discreetly (e.g. audio on your phone in a pocket) rather than overtly, or wait until you are at a safe distance to start filming. Canadian law doesn’t require you to announce that you’re recording, and from an ethical standpoint, secrecy might actually keep a volatile situation calmer in the moment.
There’s also the matter of trust. In personal relationships – between friends, family members, or partners – secretly recording conversations can be seen as a betrayal. You might be legally within your rights to tape a difficult conversation with a loved one, but if they discover you did so, the relationship could be irreparably damaged. Ethically, people expect a level of privacy and honesty in personal interactions. Constantly recording those around you can erode social trust, making others feel they must “watch what they say” at all times. So, consider whether hitting record is truly necessary. Is there a pattern of abusive or dangerous behavior that justifies it, or are you merely trying to catch someone in a minor lie? The ethical rule of thumb: reserve recordings for when you genuinely need proof to protect yourself or others – not for trivial disagreements.
Another consideration is privacy laws beyond the Criminal Code. While one-party consent covers criminal legality, privacy legislation could come into play in certain scenarios. For instance, businesses often announce “this call may be recorded for quality purposes” – not because they must get your consent to record (as a party to the call they technically don’t), but as a courtesy and a best practice under privacy guidelines. Similarly, if you plan to share or publish a recording of someone, privacy laws like the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) may impose obligations if it’s in a commercial context. The ethics and etiquette in these situations suggest you should inform people or blur identities if appropriate. In short, use your judgment: just because you have the legal right to record doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.
Using Recordings Wisely and Knowing Your Rights
In the era of smartphones, recording audio or video has become a common way to protect oneself and gather evidence. In Toronto and across Ontario, the law is relatively friendly to those who record their own conversations – thanks to one-party consent, you can legally do so without the other person’s knowledge in most cases. These recordings can prove invaluable, whether you’re documenting harassment on the street or a critical interaction at work. However, the power to record comes with responsibility. Always consider the context and possible fallout. Ask yourself: Am I doing this for the right reasons? Is there a safer or more straightforward way to handle this situation? If you decide to record, try to keep it as safe and unobtrusive as possible (for example, Diamond and Diamond’s legal team recommends recording from a safe distance when circumstances allow). And once you have that recording, handle it carefully – it’s not something to flaunt or misuse.
Remember that every situation is unique. The legality might be clear-cut, but the wisdom of recording is a case-by-case call. Jeremy Diamond stresses that if you’re unsure about your rights or how to use a recording, getting professional legal advice is never a bad idea. “Each case’s specifics determine their impact,” he notes, and a lawyer can help you understand if your secret recording will help or hurt your cause. In some scenarios, there may be better solutions or additional steps to take alongside (or instead of) recording.
For those looking to be prepared, it’s also useful to know your rights in general. Resources like Diamond and Diamond’s guides (for example, a recent Know Your Rights guide on handling a car accident report ) show how evidence – including recordings – can be a powerful tool in protecting yourself. The key is to use that tool wisely. A recording can provide clarity and proof when it’s most needed, but always measure the situation’s dynamics first. By understanding when and how recording is legal in Ontario, and by approaching it with caution and ethics in mind, you can protect yourself while still respecting the rights and privacy of others. In the end, it’s about finding the right balance – staying safe, staying within the law, and doing what’s justifiable and fair in each circumstance.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
Wellington Market’s swanky food hall at The Well opened just over a year ago, and now the final 20,000 sq. ft. of dining and experiential space has recently been unveiled! The market now spans 70,000 sq. ft., and with over 50 merchants to choose from, visitors can unwind after work, meet up with friends, and, of course, sample all the delicious food and drink options.
This summer, nine new vendors will make the space complete! Here’s what to look out for in July:
This is Canada’s largest cannabis retailer, and will be the outlet’s third retail store in Ontario. Shop for edibles, accessories and more. (Now open).
Savour classic English roast meals, rolls, fresh-toasted sandwiches and seasonal salads. The spot originated from New Zealand, so you know the food will be delicious. (Now open).
Perfect spot for delicious Southern comfort food! The chicken is certified halal from Ontario’s Sargent Farms and is available to order in five different heat levels. Or try their fixins’ and shareables, like mac n’ cheese, creamy potato salad and sweet chilli cauliflower. (Now open).
This Southern Thai restaurant was launched by the team behind the Michelin Guide-recognized Kao Kang! This location serves bold and vibrant Thai dishes, from stir-fried favourites to flavorful curries and Southern Thai specialties. (Now open).
Gather the fam and head over for breakfast! Panda serves small, fluffy pancakes that have a light and spongy texture. Try both their savoury and sweet varieties. (Now open).
Though details remain under wraps, we do know this new project from the Yacoubian brothers — the owners and chefs behind Michelin-recognized Armenian restaurant Taline— will be delicious and worth a try.
Come here for some of the cheesiest comfort food in the city! They have 12 signature sandwiches, everything from grilled cheese to a Southbase chicken sandwich, topped with ancho chipotle.
This chef-driven kitchen serves sustainably sourced proteins and signature bowls. Try their popular Harvest Bowl, filled with roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms and more!
Nothing says summer in Torontolike chasing a little sugar rush. This season, the city’s full of new ways to cool off — from soft serve spun with Swiss chocolate to tea-infused gelatos and banana splits that look straight out of a vintage diner. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or just after the next viral treat, these 11 new (or newly buzzed-about) spots prove Toronto knows exactly how to keep things chill.
The 2000’s seem to be making a comeback and with it, self-serve frozen yogurt. Haydn’s at Stackt Market puts the power in your hands (or ladle) with açai that’s 100 per cent organic and vegan, alongside froyo that’s anything but basic. The toppings are downright unmatched: raspberry chia seed jam, peach fruit pearls, biscoff cookie crumbles, mochi, pistachio butter, diced dates — here the line between a healthy sweet treat and a decadent dessert is dangerously blurred. Either way, it’s an edible work of art. If your summer mood board is a collage of coastal Californians and hot girl walks, this is your post-stroll destination. 28 Bathurst St. (Stackt Market)
2. Gelateria Dolce Mia
Who needs Sicily when you’ve got Howard Park? At Gelateria Dolce Mia, gelato dreams swirl daily, but it’s Sundays that steal the show. That’s when they serve granita the traditional Sicilian way — icy, crystalline, in sun-soaked flavours like lemon, almond, coffee and pistachio, all piled into a plush brioche bun (brioche col tuppo). It’s the kind of indulgence you’d wait in line for at Bam Bar in Taormina, now steps from Roncesvalles. Run by a family that’s been doing this back home for 30 years, Dolce Mia makes Toronto’s summer feel like an old-world holiday. 36 Howard Park Ave.
Can’t swing a weekend up north? Kawartha Dairy — Ontario’s crown jewel of cottage country ice cream — recently opened its first-ever Toronto scoop shop in a heritage building on the Danforth. Founded in 1937, Kawartha is synonymous with dock days, Muskoka chairs, and sneaky second cones. Now, you can grab a heaping scoop of Salty Caramel Truffle or Moose Tracks right here, minus the four-hour drive. It’s like cottaging without the gas bill — just pure, unfiltered Ontario nostalgia, on a cone. 888 Danforth Ave.
Your mall spree just got decadent. Yorkdale’s Lindt shop is now swirling soft serve all summer long in classic white chocolate, milk chocolate, or the ultimate twist (literally). This is no generic swirl — it’s crafted with their iconic Swiss chocolate, so expect that rich, velvety melt on your tongue deliciousness. It’s the poshest post-shopping pick-me-up. Warning: might ruin all other mall treats forever. 3401 Dufferin St.
Matcha lattes are practically a Toronto currency, so of course we’ve evolved: welcome tealato. This viral new counter at the front of Rolltation does Malaysian-inspired tea gelatos — matcha, hojicha, jasmine green tea, chrysanthemum lychee, Thai milk tea, plus brand-new oolong. Made in-house, it’s as creamy as it is aromatic. Think of it as the lovechild of your bubble tea obsession and your gelato dreams. If you’re tired of “just” coffee-flavoured everything, here’s your delicate, floral fix. 960 Bay St. (inside Rolltation)
This charming Christie Pits spotchannels old-world Italian kitchens — Rosina and Luigi’s grandparents’ to be exact. New this summer are their playful espresso freezies: espresso martini, dirty chai, vanilla oat, salted caramel oat, and more to come with the inventive minds behind this willy wonka style spot. It’s a grown-up popsicle party, no pool required. 228 Christie St.
Gateau Ghost was already your favourite moody café for a latte date, but this summer they dropped a slushie that basically broke Toronto. Inspired by Bellwoods Brewery’s iconic beer slushies, owner Jayden swapped brews for matcha, creating a bittersweet, frosty green drink that’s as Instagrammable as it is refreshing. It’s a little adult, a little childlike and entirely necessary to survive patio season. 974 College St.
Toronto’s first New Zealand-style ice cream bar just landed in North York. Enzi does it like the Kiwis do: they take hard vanilla ice cream and fold in fresh frozen fruit — strawberries, raspberries, mango, banana, blueberries — right in front of you. The result? A not-too-sweet, ultra-creamy swirl that tastes like summer on a hiking trail. Co-founder Chris fell in love with this style abroad, and now it’s tucked away in a bustling food court, making every cone a mini vacation. 5317 Yonge St Unit E. (Upper East Food Club)
For July only, Rosie’s Burgers(the city’s retro diner darling) is teaming up with Good Behaviour, the small-batch ice cream heroes, to serve banana pudding ice cream. Born from banana cream pie dreams and sweet diner nostalgia, every pint sold also sends $1 to SickKids — so yes, you absolutely deserve to take one home. Find it at any Good Behaviour scoop shop all through July. Blink and you’ll miss it. Pro tip: double it up with a burger for a fully unhinged, blissed-out cheat day. Multiple Locations
Matty Matheson’s Bar Clams is already a local legend for its clam chowder and grilled cheese, but new on the menu is a banana split that’s pure technicolour Americana. Think: caramelized bananas sliced down the middle, crowned with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, drenched in chocolate sauce, sprinkled with peanuts and rainbow confetti, finished with whipped cream and bright red cherries. It’s messy, nostalgic, and if summer was a dessert, this would be it. 802 Dundas St W.
Who says you can’t accessorize your summer brain freeze? Up & Armed — the cult-fave jewelry shop known for its customizable charm necklaces and bracelets — just dropped something delightfully unexpected: Diet Coke slushies, served straight from the can (very chic). Available since July 3, these frosty sips are free when you build a customizable bracelet, letting you cool down while you stack up your arm candy. 903 Dundas St W.
Lorne Courtney and the cast of & Juliet. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy
Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy is having a bit of a moment this year — there are more ways than ever to enjoy this story of star-crossed lovers in Toronto! From a musical retelling of Juliet’s story to a dramatic and operatic version of the classic tale, take your pick of the city’s top artistic interpretations of the famous Romeo and Juliet.
This month, Shakespeare returns to the city’s most picturesque outdoor stage. Dream in High Park has been entertaining Torontonians for 42 years, and the magical stage set deep in the trees of the park will be lit up with an exciting production of Romeo & Juliet. Directed by Marie Farsi, who recently was behind Mirvish’s production of Fifteen Dogs, bring a blanket and plenty of snacks for this dramatic tale of love and loss.
Lorne Courtney and the cast of & Juliet. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy
When: Dec. 3, 2025–March 22, 2026
What if Juliet didn’t throw it all away for Romeo? Created by the Emmy Award–winning writer behind Schitt’s Creek, David West Read, & Juliet is a rollicking jukebox musical that flips the script on the world’s most famous love story. Get ready to follow Juliet as she ditches Romeo and gets a second chance at life and love, featuring hits including “Since U Been Gone,” “…Baby One More Time,” “I Want It That Way,” and “That’s The Way It Is.” The show is returning to Toronto at the end of this year with a brand new Canadian production after finding plenty of success on Broadway.
Shakespeare has inspired countless interpretations of Romeo and Juliet, including the iconic ballet written by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev in the 1930s — which he originally wrote with a controversial happy ending. This fall, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra will be performing this incredible composition, and along with being swept up in the love and tragedy of the ballet, you’ll also enjoy Matthew-John Knights’s Lines, Layers, Ligaments (exploring the intricate connections between the human body and the natural world) and another composition by Prokofiev, Symphony No. 3.
Roméo et Juliette at Malmö Opera, 2023. Photo: Jonas Persson
When: Sept. 27–Oct. 18
Check out an operatic version of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy this fall with Roméo & Juliette, Gounod’s musical interpretation of the classic tale. Returning to the Canadian Opera Company stage for the first time in more than three decades, expect dramatic love duets and a story that relocates the feuding families from Renaissance Verona to Gilded Age New York under the direction of Amy Lane.
Still of Claire Danes in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet
When: July 24
Leonardo DiCaprio fans, run, don’t walk to Soulpepper Theatre’s free film screening of Baz Luhrmann’s contemporary take on the Shakespeare classic. Romeo + Juliet, starring Leo himself as Romeo and an incredible Claire Danes as Juliet, is a modern version of the story that stays true to the Shakespearean English of the original. Set in Verona Beach, the teenagers are part of rival business empires, and the now-revered meet-cute between the two occurs at a costume party in which Juliet is dressed as an angel and Romeo as a literal knight in shining armour. This film also features perhaps the most iconic take on Mercutio in any Shakespeare adaptation in history, played by the incredible Harold Perrineau. Register in advance and grab a seat on the comfy couches in the back for the best view! Snacks and drinks will be available on-site.
If you’re willing to take a little day trip this summer, head to Stratford Festival for a 100 per cent Shakespearean performance of Romeo and Juliet. Watch as the star-crossed lovers try and fail to navigate the blood feud between the Capulets and the Montagues and prepare to gasp and cry at the tragic conclusion. Featuring what promises to be lavish period sets and costumes, this production is recommended for those looking for an introduction to Shakespeare.
King Street West is not scarce of Italian eateries, but that hasn’t stopped one with roots in Miami from setting up home on the block. But where others are grandeur and cater to the neighbourhood’s young professional demographic, Donna Fernanda introduces a family diner to the street.
Family is front and centre at Donna Fernanda, named after owner Francesco Bisignano’s daughter. It’s not his first tribute — his other daughter inspired the award-winning Gemma Gelateria, which debuted in Yorkville in 2021 and has since grown to two more locations across Toronto.
Born in the Italian city of Cosenza, Bisignano is also the owner of Via Mercanti in Woodbridge and the new L’angolo Lane in the Market Lane Shopping Centre in Woodbridge.
As Bisignano has been spreading his authentic Italian influence across Toronto, he has been doing the same in Miami where the original Donna Fernanda is located. At King and Bathurst, Donna Fernanda offers diners a cozy, familiar feel in a dining room where the stories of Italy come to life with geometrically tiled walls and hanging mirrors. Toronto may have weather more fickle than Miami but a sheltered patio still lets diners enjoy the sun without the burns.
While Donna Fernanda may not have the glitter and glam of other trendy King Street newcomers, it does not miss the mark on authenticity. Diners can start their meal with Italian staple antipasti from traditional Sicilian arancini to fried shrimp, calamari and Caprese salads.
For the main showcase, homemade lasagnes, gnocchi and penne vodka stand out from the crowd, using age-old recipes and ingredients sourced from across Italy. Including Atlantic salmon and grilled calamari, the main cut staples will transport you from King Street to the Mediterranean while the wood-fired pizzas are the showstoppers that will transport you to the streets of Rome.
There’s no rush to leave, so take your time sipping everything from affordable pours to pricier vintages, all sourced straight from Italy for a truly immersive experience — just be sure to save room for the homemade tiramisu.
To round out the full Italian experience, every diner at Donna Fernanda is offered a specialty amaro — an herbal liqueur chilled to a frosty -120°C and served as a digestive. Now that’s the best way to end a trip to Italy.
Thousands of fans crammed into Toronto’s new Rogers Stadium on Monday night as Coldplay kicked off its first of four shows as part of the band’s Music of the Spheres world tour. And while concert-goers seemed to enjoy the music, the venue’s logistics appeared somewhat less enchanting.
One TikTok user complained that she bought a swanky VIP lounge package, and drove all the way from New Jersey to Toronto, only to experience “the worst experience at the venue!”
“all the staff knew nothing. LITERALLY. just wasted my $2500 on the tix. venue is such a mess” the user said.
“Apparently the stadium poles were swaying slightly. Hell naw” another user commented.
X users joined in on the complaints, noting everything from the poor sound to exit strategies.
“The sound at @Rogers_Stadium was not good for @coldplay. Not sure why it cannot be at the dome if the sound is gonna suck,” one X user stated.
“I can’t be the only one catching a glimpse of the ramshackle, hastily-assembled, dystopian bleakness of ‘Rogers Stadium,’ with its long walks and choke points in a barren sea of sweltering concrete, and wondering when the first public safety incident hits, and hits hard,” another said.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin took a playful jab or two at the situation (one TiKTok user even captioned the video, “even Chris Martin knows the new rogers stadium is a mess”).
“We’d like to say thank you so much for coming through all the bullsh*t you have to come through to this weird stadium in the middle of nowhere,” Chris Martin cheekily told the crowd, to a bevy of cheers.
“So, thank you for coming through the traffic and the travel and the trains and the waiting and the lines and all the nonsense, and I hope you’re okay.”
“We’re pretty…so grateful to see you. We’re so lucky to be here in general, but also in Toronto on this beautiful Monday night. And so far it seems to be the best Monday I[‘ve] ever experienced in my life,” Martin said, receiving more cheers from the crowd.
Earlier this month, Live Nation Canada announced changes to the 50,000-capacity stadium following complaints about poor crowd management and long exit times at the venue’s inaugural show. In a statement to the Canadian Press, Live Nation Canada said it was incorporating fan and community feedback and working closely with city officials, transit operators and emergency services.
On Monday night, as crowds left the stadium following Coldplay, staff reportedly held up red and green lights to help guide concert-goers on whether they could proceed to transit areas. While some felt like they were being herded like cattle, the manoeuvring seemed to work! Reports suggest that the number of crowds flowing through Downsview Park Station were controlled.
I am home. It was one of the best concerts I have seen. The staff was fantastic! All of them so helpful and kind. A lot of walking but we did get on the subway much faster than I expected. Was home by 1:15. Not too bad considering! TY @coldplay for incredible evening!
“I am home. It was one of the best concerts I have seen. The staff was fantastic! All of them so helpful and kind. A lot of walking but we did get on the subway much faster than I expected. Was home by 1:15. Not too bad considering! TY @coldplay for incredible evening!” one X user said.
Therme Canada is releasing a design update for its waterpark and wellness facility on the West Island of Ontario Place.
The plans, developed by Toronto architecture firm Diamond Schmitt in collaboration with Therme ARC, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), STUDIO tla, and Trophic Design, outline a combination of indoor recreational facilities and outdoor public space.
Rendering of the grounds of proposed Therme spa
The design includes a large indoor facility featuring waterslides, thermal bathing areas, saunas, pools, and spaces described as being influenced by international spa traditions. In addition to the enclosed building, the project includes 16 acres of publicly accessible land. Features of the outdoor space include walking trails, beaches, nature play areas, and designated cultural gathering spots. According to Therme Canada, these areas will remain open to the public year-round at no cost.
A portion of the facility will focus on family-oriented amenities, including wave pools, slides, and dining areas, set within landscaped botanical gardens.
Rendering of water park in proposed Therme spa
The updated plan continues to incorporate elements developed in consultation with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and includes references to Indigenous knowledge and land stewardship principles.
“Ontario Place has always been a place of connection — to land, to water, and to each other. This project is about honouring those connections through design that reflects Indigenous teachings, ecological stewardship, and community use,” said Chief Claire Sault, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
The Ontario Place redevelopment project has been the subject of ongoing public debate and review. Construction timelines for the Therme Canada facility have not yet been finalized.
Leaving the scene of a car accident in Ontario isn’t just illegal – it can lead to criminal charges, lawsuits, sky-high insurance rates and a tarnished reputation. Toronto personal injury Jeremy Diamond warns that a moment of panic can spiral into a life-altering ordeal.
A split-second decision with lasting consequences
It’s a nightmare scenario on the streets of Toronto – you’re involved in a car accident, adrenaline surges, and panic tells you to drive away. Some drivers make this impulsive choice, hoping to evade responsibility. But fleeing the scene of an accident (commonly known as a hit-and-run) is one of the worst decisions you can make. Not only is it against the law, but it sets off a chain reaction of legal, personal and financial consequences that can effectively ruin your life.
“In that moment, you might think you’re avoiding trouble, but you’re really compounding it,” says Jeremy Diamond, a prominent Toronto personal injury lawyer. Leaving an accident scene is a criminal offence in Canada, no matter how minor the collision. Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, failing to remain at the scene can bring immediate penalties: fines ranging from $400 up to $2,000, seven demerit points on your licence, and even up to six months in jail, plus a potential licence suspension for as long as two years. And if someone is injured or killed, the stakes rise sharply – authorities can charge the driver under the Criminal Code, which means a permanent criminal record and possibly years in prison. In the most tragic cases (when a hit-and-run results in a death), sentences can even extend to life imprisonment.
Toronto police and Ontario Provincial Police regularly underscore how serious hit-and-run incidents are. It’s not unusual to see public appeals for witnesses after a driver flees a crash – a clear sign that authorities will devote significant resources to track down offenders. In today’s city, with surveillance cameras on street corners and almost everyone carrying a smartphone, getting caught is only a matter of time. Footage from traffic cameras or bystander videos can quickly identify a fleeing vehicle. In short, you might leave the scene, but you likely won’t escape the consequences.
Criminal charges and legal fallout
The legal consequences of a hit-and-run go far beyond an ordinary traffic ticket. Failing to remain is treated as a serious offence. If police catch up with you (and chances are they will), you could be arrested and face charges that come with heavy burdens. For a first offence without injuries, a court can still impose the maximum $2,000 fine, a lengthy licence suspension and even jail time. And remember, that’s for a simple fender-bender where no one was hurt. If another person was injured, prosecutors may proceed with criminal charges. Canada’s Criminal Code sets harsh penalties for hit-and-run drivers: up to 10 years imprisonment for collisions causing bodily harm, and up to life in prison for those causing death. Even in less severe cases, a conviction under the Criminal Code means you’ll carry a criminal record for life, which can restrict your travel (for example, making it difficult to enter other countries) and limit career opportunities.
Legal experts stress that panicking and fleeing is the worst choice a driver can make. “We’re talking about something that can haunt you for years,” Jeremy Diamond explains. Beyond the immediate punishment, you’ll likely need to hire a lawyer to defend against charges, which is a financial and emotional strain of its own. A hit-and-run case will wind its way through the courts, subjecting you to months (or even years) of legal battles. And judges have little sympathy for drivers who abandon accident victims. In Ontario courts, leaving the scene is often seen as an aggravating factor – it shows a disregard for the safety and rights of others.
There’s also a moral and ethical side to consider. By law, drivers involved in a collision must stop and offer assistance to anyone who’s injured. If you drive off, you’re not just breaking a rule – you’re potentially leaving someone hurt without help. This reality can weigh heavily on your conscience. Many hit-and-run drivers later say they felt intense guilt and anxiety, even before they were caught. The reputational damage is significant too: being known as the perpetrator of a hit-and-run can make you a pariah among friends, coworkers and the community. News of such incidents often spreads quickly, especially if it’s a serious crash. It’s not the kind of notoriety anyone wants.
Civil liability and financial devastation
Escaping the scene doesn’t mean you escape responsibility. In fact, you may open yourself up to even greater civil liability. Under Ontario law, the at-fault driver (or their insurance) must cover the damages from an accident – and fleeing doesn’t change that. If you are identified as the hit-and-run driver, expect to be sued by the victims for injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses. Those civil lawsuits can seek significant sums, especially if someone was badly hurt. You could be on the hook for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, courts might award punitive damages – extra money to punish especially egregious conduct, like leaving an injured person at the scene.
Winning a civil case against a hit-and-run driver is often easier for the victim, because fleeing can be seen as evidence of fault or at least of irresponsible behaviour. All of this means you might face a hefty judgment. If you don’t have assets to pay it, courts can pursue your wages or property. Wage garnishment, property liens, and even bankruptcy are not off the table if the financial fallout is severe. In essence, a few seconds of bad judgment can lead to years of financial hardship.
It’s worth noting that Ontario has protections in place for innocent victims of hit-and-runs. If a driver isn’t identified, victims can still file an insurance claim – either through their own insurance policy or through the province’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund (a fund of last resort for when an at-fault driver is uninsured or unknown). Insurance companies will cover the loss for an innocent party in a hit-and-run, up to the policy limits, and the provincial fund can step in if needed. However, once the hit-and-run driver is found, those insurers will likely turn their sights on them to recover the payouts. In other words, if you flee and later get caught, your insurance (or the Fund) might pay the victim, but then come after you for reimbursement.
Insurance consequences: higher premiums and dropped coverage
One of the most immediate financial blows from a hit-and-run comes from your own auto insurance. Insurance complications after fleeing an accident can be severe and long-lasting. For starters, failing to remain at the scene is categorized as a major conviction by insurers – similar to a DUI or dangerous driving. If you’re convicted, you can expect your insurance premiums to skyrocket. According to legal professionals, a hit-and-run conviction can spike premiums for at least three years (insurers typically surchage serious violations for 3-6 years). You’ll likely be deemed a “high-risk driver,” which means many mainstream insurance companies may refuse to insure you at all. You could be forced to seek coverage through high-risk insurance providers at astronomical rates.
In some cases, an insurance company might even cancel your policy upon learning you committed a hit-and-run, especially if you failed to report the accident. (In Ontario, drivers are required to report collisions to the police and to their insurance within 24 hours if there are injuries or significant damages. Not reporting is itself an offence, and for insurance purposes, not reporting a hit-and-run you caused could be considered misrepresentation or a breach of your policy.) If your policy is cancelled for a serious reason like this, finding a new insurer will be extremely difficult and costly.
Even many years down the line, a hit-and-run can haunt your driving record. Lawyer Jeremy Diamond points out that the financial strain isn’t just the initial fine or legal fees – it’s the long-term cost of lost insurance coverage and inflated premiums that can total tens of thousands of dollars over time. And without insurance, you won’t legally be able to drive at all, compounding the disruption to your life.
Personal toll and reputational damage
Beyond the legal and financial repercussions, fleeing an accident has a profound personal cost. Imagine trying to explain to family, friends or employers that you were involved in a hit-and-run. The stigma of being a hit-and-run driver can follow you for years. Your relationships might suffer as people grapple with the fact that you left someone potentially hurt on the road. If the incident was covered in the media – which often happens in notable cases, especially if someone was seriously injured – your name could appear in news headlines associated with the crime. In the age of Google, that’s a reputational hit that’s hard to erase.
There’s also the psychological impact. Many drivers who have fled an accident live in constant fear and stress until they are caught (or until they turn themselves in). The worry about that knock on the door from police can be debilitating. Guilt is another huge factor. If someone was injured or killed and you didn’t stop to help, that knowledge can weigh heavily. No one wants to be responsible for another person’s suffering, and knowing that you violated basic ethics and laws can lead to anxiety, depression, or sleepless nights. In fact, studies show a significant number of hit-and-run drivers eventually do surrender to police, driven by guilt and the mental toll of hiding.
From a community perspective, hit-and-run drivers face public outrage. Toronto has a strong culture of pedestrian and cyclist safety advocacy, and a driver who leaves the scene is often vilified in public opinion. Around one in 12 pedestrian fatalities in Canada involves a driver fleeing the scene, a disturbing statistic that fuels calls for greater accountability. Each such case is a painful reminder of the importance of responsibility on the road. As a result, courts and communities alike are pushing for tougher penalties and little leniency in hit-and-run cases.
Doing the right thing and getting help
All of these consequences underscore a simple point: it’s never worth it to flee an accident scene. If you’re in a collision, no matter how scared you feel, stay put, check on others’ safety, call 911, and exchange information. Not only is this the legal obligation, but it’s also the moral one. As Jeremy Diamond notes, remaining at the scene and taking responsibility can significantly improve the outcome – legally and personally. “At the end of the day, accidents happen,” Diamond says. “It’s how you respond that can define what happens next.” If you make the right choice by staying, you’ll likely face far more lenient consequences (maybe just a ticket if you were at fault, which insurance will handle) compared to the firestorm that comes with a hit-and-run.
For those who have made the mistake of fleeing in a moment of panic, legal support is crucial. Diamond and Diamond Personal Injury Lawyers and other personal injury law firms often deal with the fallout of traffic collisions from all sides. That means helping injured victims file hit-and-run claims to get compensation, but also guiding drivers through the legal quagmire they find themselves in. Consulting an experienced lawyer immediately can at least ensure you know your rights and options. In some cases, a lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors or help mitigate the damage, especially if you come forward early. Every situation is different, but having professional advice is invaluable when your licence, livelihood and liberty are on the line.
Jeremy Diamond and his team of personal injury lawyers across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia (Halifax) have seen firsthand how devastating a hit-and-run can be – for victims and drivers alike. Their advice is universal: obey the law and stay at the scene. The few moments saved by driving off can lead to a lifetime of regret. By facing the consequences upfront and seeking proper legal help, drivers can often resolve accident matters in a much more manageable way. And importantly, staying ensures anyone injured gets timely assistance, which could save a life. In a city as busy as ours, accidents are a fact of life – but compounding an accident with a hit-and-run is a choice, and it’s one that will ruin lives, including your own.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
Sangita Patel is Streets of Toronto’s advice columnist and was previously an entertainment reporter with ET Canada. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.
Dear Sangita: I’ve been single for a while and have been asking my friends to set me up on some blind dates. The problem is that they keep setting me up with the absolute worst picks, men who are frankly ugly and boring. Do my friends really think these people are my physical and intellectual matches? I’m considering nicely asking them to stop, please… or being up front with them and asking them why their matches are such duds. — Doomed dating diaries
Dear Doomed: It’s a new dating world. I’m sure your friends think highly of you; there just aren’t a ton of options out there! You should appreciate that they’re trying to help; they’re not just picking a random guy from a crowd for the blind dates, they likely just don’t have that many friends that they have an abundance of choice when it comes to looks or personality. They’re not suggesting these men are the perfect match for you; they’re just trying to help. I think, as you get older, you have higher expectations — you want a certain look or a certain quality, and you’re not willing to try other things. Sure, a guy might be ugly, but he also might be the nicest guy in the world! Loosen up a bit on your standards, because you might meet someone who isn’t what you were expecting but is the right match for you.
Dear Sangita: I love my boyfriend, but I hate his couple friends. If we get married, I know we’re only going to spend even more time with this one pair, and I don’t think I can stand it. My boyfriend seems to have no issues with them at all, and I don’t want to hurt his feelings by insulting his friends. What do I do? — Fourth wheel
Dear Fourth: I’ve been in this scenario too. If you do get married or end up having kids, relationships often evolve, so don’t panic about having them in your life forever just yet. I do think your boyfriend should be noticing that you’re not having the best time with these people and not force the relationship on you. You can say to him, “I think they’re great people, but I don’t want to spend all our time with them.” When you marry someone, you have a life together, and then you have your own life. In this situation, you can figure out how to deal with them once in a while and do the occasional couple things that you don’t want to do, but the rest of the time focus on your own friends.
Dear Sangita: I snooped through my partner’s phone and I found something concerning. The question is: Do I go back into his phone to see if he’s still talking to people? Or do I admit to my boyfriend that I snooped and ask him straight out if he’s still using it?
Dear Sangita: I’m engaged to a married man. He was supposed to have mailed in the paperwork before he proposed to me, but I found out after that some documents were missing when he did. Was I wrong for calling off the wedding?
Dear Sangita: My New Year’s resolution is to break up with my awful boyfriend and start dating his best friend! His best friend is just a much better fit for me. Neither of us have acted on it, but I want to. How do I do this without breaking up their friendship?
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about 
