YouTuber MrBeast (aka Jimmy Donaldson) just dropped a trailer for his controversial new reality competition series “Beast Games”.
The 10-episode competition series (part of which was filmed in Toronto) will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on December 19th and is set to become the largest reality competition series ever. Over 1000 contestants competed for a $5 million prize — reportedly the largest single prize in the history of television/streaming networks.
“Here’s a little teaser for Beast Games! I spent over a year creating this 10 episode competition series, breaking 40 world records, building the craziest sets in entertainment history, featuring 1,000 players, and a $5,000,000 grand prize! I poured everything I have into this show, I’ll see you December 19th on @PrimeVideo!” The star posted on X Monday afternoon.
Here’s a little teaser for Beast Games! I spent over a year creating this 10 episode competition series, breaking 40 world records, building the craziest sets in entertainment history, featuring 1,000 players, and a $5,000,000 grand prize! I poured everything I have into this… pic.twitter.com/cjStGESIcn
The 36-second trailer shows contestants decked out in blue-and-white tracksuits, each imprinted with a Squid Games-like style number. Large piles of cash, giant trucks, contestants cheering, and participants jumping out of a helicopter can be seen in flashing clips interspersed throughout the trailer.
“This is gonna be CRAZY!” one user posted under the teaser, to which MrBeast responded, “NOLAN I DON’T THINK PEOPLE UNDERSTAND HOW ALL OUT WE WENT ON THIS”. The star added that he can’t wait until the show is finally released as he’s been working on it “forever” — even his recent YouTube videos suffered a bit from filming this series.
My recent YouTube videos def suffered a bit from me filming this show/spending a bajillion hours on it, whoops
About 2000 participants showed up in Vegas at Allegiant Stadium in July to begin shooting for “Beast Games”, but multiple participants told the New York Times and other outlets about some contestants experiencing seizures, diabetic shock, and physical injuries from the physical challenges; there were also complaints of inadequate food and medical care. In September, the reality star and Amazon were reportedly sued by five unnamed participants of “Beast Games”, with allegations of chronic mistreatment of and neglect suffered by participants.
By the time the crew filmed in Toronto in late August, more mistreatment allegations surfaced across social media, with at least one crew member complaining about “a shortage of food for crew and inadequate heating and cooling”, among other issues, such as late payments.
Working on @MrBeast reality show and wondering why crew either hasn’t been paid or has been shorted on paychecks for 2 months and counting in Toronto. Also why is there a shortage of food for crew and inadequate heating and cooling?
That was in August. It still hasn’t been fixed last Friday for some reason NO ONE got paid and they ate still trying to use this program instead of standing up and just going through Entertainment Partners who are the premiere film payroll people in Ontario
Toronto footage details have been kept quiet, but drone pics taken by the CBC in late August revealed an elaborate set-up for the series near the abandoned Downsview Airport — the set featured a cement tower and single-storey houses trailed along a road dotted with circular gardens.
MrBeast is considered the world’s biggest YouTuber, with over 309 million subs on his main channel. “Beast Games” will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories across the globe.
The latest ranking of the world’s best cities is out, and some may be surprised by where Toronto landed on the list. World’sBestCities.com did what it does best and ranked the world’s top urban destinations. Although no Canadian city made the top 10, Toronto ranked an impressive 15th out of 100 cities globally.
The 2024 report marks Toronto’s second-highest ranking on the list since its inception a decade ago — in the past two years, the city even dropped out of the top 20, placing in spot 23 in 2023 and spot 24 in 2022, compared to its 18th place ranking in 2021 and record high of 13th place in 2020.
The report said that Toronto is “Canada’s gateway for skilled immigrants,” and noted how half the population was born outside the country.
“Toronto’s skyline is buzzing with development—221 cranes tower above the city, more than four times that of second-place L.A,” the report stated, adding how the construction boom has reshaped the downtown core, everything from revitalized cultural landmarks like Massey Hall to the new Renzo Piano-designed Ontario Court of Justice. (Nobody tell them that all those cranes haven’t exactly made a dent in the city’s housing crisis yet!)
The report noted that the addition of Love Park (with its heart-shaped pond) adds greenery to the city’s core. Notably, the city ranked third in the world in terms of “tree cover,” which measures the share of a city’s land that is covered in vegetation (at least 16 feet in height, with a canopy cover greater than 50 per cent).
The city is also being praised for its infrastructure, with the report referencing the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts’ $400-million transformation to become Canada’s first carbon-neutral theater when it reopens in 2028. And as we previously reported, next June, Live Nation is set to debut Rogers Stadium at the site of the former Downsview Airport — it’ll be a massive, open-air venue sprawled across a 370-acre site that will hold up to 50,000 attendees! Although the stadium is intended as a temporary solution to meet the rising demand for live entertainment, it’ll operate for five years before undergoing a $30-billion redevelopment into 15 new transit-oriented communities.
The report also highlights the city’s waterfront.
“[T]he $1.3-billion Port Lands Flood Protection Project and the new Villiers Island, formed by the reimagined Don River mouth, is poised to be the crown jewel of the development. The reclamation of the city’s neglected lakefront was long overdue,” the report adds.
The report, conducted by consultancy firm Resonance, evaluated global cities using a detailed methodology — researchers analyzed cities with populations of over 1 million based on both hard data and user-generated data from online sources, like Google, Tripadvisor and Instagram. Scores were based on three main categories: liability (the quality of both natural and built environments), lovability (the vibrancy and cultural richness of a city) and prosperity (economic strength). The results were also based on survey data from over 22,000 respondents worldwide.
It may come as no surprise that London, England, took the top spot, followed by New York, U.S., Paris, France and Tokyo, Japan, with Singapore in Southeast Asia rounding out the top 5.
Other Canadian cities to make the list include Vancouver (no. 22), Montreal (no. 35), Ottawa (no. 52), Calgary (no. 54) and Edmonton (no. 65).
Toronto’s Queen West has a new plot twist: The Food Alley, a once-empty lot that’s now your go-to for global eats and vibey street food. It’s part pop-up, part permanent hangout and all about keeping your stomach entertained.
With plans to eventually host more than a dozen vendors, Food Alley’s starting lineup is lean but loaded. Right now, five spots are serving up everything from delicious tacos to barbecue that plays with fire. Here’s what’s cooking.
Love tacos? Electric Cactus takes taco craft to a higher plane. With all-natural ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, these tacos are less grab-and-go and more “sit and savour.” Expect a fiesta for your senses, with fresh, punchy flavours that hit just right.
A family-owned spot serving pizza with soul. Burning Pizza is about more than melted cheese and crispy crust — it’s about bringing people together. Made with fresh, premium ingredients, each slice is a love letter to Toronto’s pizza scene.
Asian fusion BBQ gets a street-food twist at Kani. Think smoky, charred meats and innovative marinades that blend tradition and modern vibes. This is BBQ that tells a story, and you’ll want a front-row seat (and a full plate).
Say hello to your next burger obsession. Happy Patty is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavours and burgers crafted with care. Each bite promises a hit of happiness — no gimmicks, just really good food.
For the sweet tooths (or anyone who needs to cool off after all that spice), Creamland delivers creamy desserts featuring fruity flavours like strawberry, mango and pineapple. Perfect for a post-meal indulgence or a stand-alone treat, it’s dessert designed for pure joy.
Beginning in January 2025, students can be schooled in the art of Taylor Swift — specifically the singer’s impact on pop culture.
“Icons of Popular Music” will be made available for the first time via the University of Guelph (U of G) in Winter 2025. The OpenEd, online, general course is co-designed by Dr. Alyssa Woods, professor of popular music at the School of Fine Art and Music, and Dr. Robert Edwards, scholar of religion and popular culture.
Although other schools might focus on one aspect of Swift, like her literary legacy or her use of symbolism, this course will dive deep into the variety of ways that popular music and popular culture intersect with art, literature, gender, sexuality, race, religion, politics, feminism, celebrity, fandom, business acumen, the economy and the law — and look at how Swift is an “invisible string” that bridges all these factors together.
“Taylor Swift is not just a singer or a pop star,” Edwards said in a U of G blog post. “Popular music is such a pervasive element of our culture and so really any artist that rises to this level of popularity and success becomes a pervasive element of our culture.”
The 12-week-long four-credit course has a projected class enrollment of 600 and is super accessible to anyone — students can take it regardless of their major; there are no prerequisites required, and it’s open to the public. It’s a distance education course (so entirely online) and asynchronous, meaning students can take the course at their own pace, with no scheduled class times.
According to Woods, the critical thinking and analysis skills that are foundational to the course offer a different way to approach critical engagement, so the course extends to education of any discipline.
“That’s the core,” Woods explained in a blog post. “Taylor Swift is like a case study, or a lens to look at this through. It really speaks to the interdisciplinary nature of popular music studies.”
The course will cover it all — students can expect to dissect Swift’s lyrics while looking for symbolism in her work, explore the singer’s decision to re-record her first six albums so they remain in her ownership, explore the way she brings people of all ages and races together (hello friendship bracelets), and observe how her brand brings millions of dollars to local economies on her tour stops. (Her recent “Eras Tour” shows at the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto this November contributed to an estimated $282 million in economic impact and over $152 million in direct spending.)
“The fact that we’re seeing this with a female artist is not insignificant,” Woods stated. “She writes her own music and controls a lot of the elements of her identity, her business and her brand. This is a mass cultural impact we are witnessing.”
The course, MUSC*1150, is available as an elective to students of any major through OpenEd.
There’s no better way to celebrate the magic and nostalgia of the holiday season than by making a fun-filled excursion to a Christmas market, and The Elora Christmas Market is the perfect place to start!
Elora, Ontario, considered “Ontario’s prettiest town,” is a charming riverside village nestled in Wellington County. It’s only about a 90-minute drive from Toronto, and this season, the town has transformed into the ultimate winter wonderland, offering visitors a picturesque and festive retreat known for its old-world European feel.
The Elora Christmas Market stretches across 12,000 feet — stroll along the European-like cobblestoned streets lined with designer cedar wood chalets and handmade, real-wood Muskoka chairs, and stay toasty around the open-air fire tables.
The market is filled with charming artisan goods sold by local vendors, including gourmet foods, fashion, boutique home accessories, local art pieces and tons of stocking stuffers, so rest assured that you’ll find the most perfect gifts for your loved ones. On weekends, the market will be filled with live holiday singing with performances by the living Christmas tree and in the main chalet shopping area. Of course, the chalet market will also offer tons of festive food pop-ups, tasty hot chocolates and other unique drinks, so bring your appetite!
For a more refined holiday foodie experience, check out The Wild Tart for European-style patisserie and their signature afternoon tea events. Or visit the Elora Mill and The Evelyn for a taste of fine dining. If you fancy a late-night drink, check out The Badley! For unique holiday-inspired beverages, visit the Elora Brewing Company, which is known for its delicious craft beers brewed on-site, or the Elora Distilling Company, which offers handcrafted spirits like gin, vodka, whiskey and more!
The holidays won’t be festive without the lights — the market is lit with over 88,000 dazzling LED lights that culminate at the town’s gorgeous 35-foot sparkling Christmas tree! There will also be 150 other decorated trees adorned with lights and ornaments lining the streets, adding to the town’s magical ambiance.
After you’re done eating and shopping, head over to The Gorge Cinema for a bit of holiday movie magic. This is Canada’s oldest active rectory cinema and it will screen classic Christmas faves, including Elf, Home Alone, The Polar Express and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, every Saturday and Sunday during the market season at 2 p.m.
With free entry seven days a week, all season long, and tons of daytime and nighttime winter activities, this is a charming winter getaway that won’t break the bank, and is the perfect place for a day trip or a week day escape for families, couples and solo travelers alike!
The Elora Christmas Market runs day and night, Nov. 21 – Dec. 29. The chalet and fire table areas are open Nov. 21 and Nov. 28, as well as all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 21 to Dec. 29, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Local womenswear brand T.Line, born of a mission to create the perfect women’s shirts, has opened its first brick-and-mortar retail experience on the second floor of a popular Rosedale shop.
The partnership with Vert, a contemporary multi-brand shop selling first to market brands in Canada, only recently came to be, but T.Line founders Britt Barkwell and Alia Bissett say it’s the perfect place to launch their first shop experience.
“It’s amazing to partner with Vert on this because they’re such an incredible store, and they have amazing relationships with their customers so it feels very symbiotic,” says Bissett.
Both founders live in the neighbourhood and note that a lot of their community already wears and supports T.Line, so they’re excited to bring that in-person brand experience to them. “We always said, if we were ever to open a store, it would be on Yonge between Rosedale station and Summerhill station,” says Bissett. “It’s exactly where we want to be located for this first step.”
Having grown up in Winnipeg together, Barkwell and Bissett got their retail fashion start out west, and spent several years working together at Holt Renfrew — Barkwell as a creative and marketing lead and Bissett as director of strategy. Feeling there was a lack of options for classic shirts for women in the market, they put their heads together and embarked on a mutual mission to create the perfect shirt.
T.Line founders Alia Bissett (left) and Britt Barkwell. Courtesy @shop_tline/Instagram
“Throughout our working lives, both of us were avid shirt wearers,” says Barkwell. “We wore shirts on rotation in our wardrobes all the time and we really felt the market was missing that perfect womenswear shirt — one inspired by menswear shirts, but with really elevated quality and thoughtful details.”
They landed on the concept for T.Line and launched directly to consumers in March of 2022. In response to growing demand, they began to pursue retail expansion in the fall of 2023, with select retail partners in Canada including TNT and Andrews in Toronto. They even collaborated with Holt Renfrew to host pop-ups in Edmonton and Calgary this past year.
“It was an amazing full circle experience going back to the store. A lot of the people that we worked with and keep in touch with, are still there,” says Barkwell.
“Holts was such a great jumping off point for the both of us,” adds Bissett. “The customers really responded to it, and the staff really responded to it, which was nice. It’s also nice to see that we have moved on within the industry, but in our own way.”
The response to T.Line’s Canadian retail expansion proved so successful that they have since partnered with 26 retailers in the U.S. as well, and are planning imminent holiday pop-ups with popular wellness brand Goop, in California.
Back in Toronto, Bissett says the Vert partnership is really just a natural extension of their retail growth strategy; one that allows them to show the entire assortment of the T.Line collection in person.
Though the T.Line product line has expanded to include complimentary pieces like jackets and bottoms, their shirt design remains the epitome of the brand.
“The shirt is an iconic piece of clothing that really stands the test of time,” says Barkwell. “From Princess Diana, to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, everyone wears shirts, and if you look at those images now, they’re still just as relevant.”
“Over and over again, our shirting is by far our best seller. So it’s just been really nice to see that the gap that we thought we could fill is proving out,” she adds.
To bring the T.Line ethos to life in physical form, the women partnered with Toronto interior design firm Kessler Levitan Design to create a space that Barkwell compares to a French apartment. Featuring plenty of natural light and thoughtful details like herringbone floors, crown moulding, panelled walls and a brick fireplace, the atmosphere is both minimalist and chic.
Courtesy @shop_tline/Instagram
Floating hanging racks allow the clothes to take centre stage, and a wall display features all of T.Line’s core shirting silhouettes, each identified by a brass plaque.
“The customer can really see the different blueprints of our shirts — which are all displayed in white. You can see the different styles, the different lengths and the different cuffs. And you know it’s not just a shirt, because there’s so many different varieties,” says Barkwell.
They also opted to reupholster a pair of lounge chairs with their signature shirt fabric so customers can experience how comfy it is. “It’s a really nice way to tie our shirting-first philosophy into the space,” explains Bissett.
While customers can now book private shopping appointments at the shop, Barkwell and Bissett also intend to open the space up for events. “We’re excited to bring everyone together. We have a bunch of ideas about how we can make this a great space for our community,” says Bissett.
T.Line is located the second floor of Vert at 1062 Yonge St.
Toronto Maple Leafs right-winger star William Nylander is known for his puck-handling skills, but the 28-year-old recently ventured out of the rink to try something seemingly completely out of his comfort zone.
The star is featured modeling a variety of looks, including a Toronto hoodie, a graphic Leafs goalie tee with a trucker’s cap, and a Starter pullover jacket — all part of a campaign collab between the NHL and Drake’s October’s Very Own (OVO) brand.
“October’s Very Own X NHL Winter ’24 “All-Canadian”—Featuring William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2024 capsule collection,” a recent Insta post states alongside the 6-foot-tall hockey star.
The full collection includes OVO x NHL Starter® breakaway pullover jackets ($368, the Toronto breakaways are currently sold out on OVO as per publication date), 47’ brand trucker hats ($68), 90s graphic tees ($68), microfleece coach’s full zip jackets ($168), and training hoodies ($198) from all seven Canadian NHL franchises.
Still, fans couldn’t seem to get enough of Nylander’s modeling skills.
“He’s Elite, he’s the Man of the People and he’s Stylish. Triple Threat!!!” One user gushed. “Omg some one sign Willie to the top modeling agency I have seen enough” another said.
This isn’t OVO’s first collab with the NHL. Last year, the two franchises presented “The Original Six” collection, featuring former Leafs player Tie Domi, 55, and his son Max Domi, 29. Max is a forward for the Leafs but was placed on injured reserve last week due to a lower-body injury.
It’s no secret that Toronto has restaurants openings aplenty, but when a personal chef to none other than Drake opens a restaurant, it’s impossible to ignore. Occhiolino, the new Italian spot on the corner of Bathurst and College, brings together the best of traditional Italian cooking with an uber modern vibe — all courtesy of Luke Donato and Nick Manzone, the duo behind the now defunct spots, Bacchanal and Campagnolo.
The name Occhiolino (Italian for “wink”) sets the tone: playful, inclusive and effortlessly cool. In a space that once housed a century-old carriage house, Donato and Manzone have created a vibe that’s as warm and welcoming as it is stylish. If you look closely, you might even spot a horseshoe unearthed during the build, a nod to the space’s past. The arched entryway — inspired by the loggia of Bologna — invites in the breeze and the sun, but it’s the inside that’s stealing all the attention.
The minimal, slick design by Guido Constantino projects inc. (think Osteria Guilia and Forno Cultura) lets the food shine — and that’s exactly what Occhiolino does. Chef Manzone’s pasta — fresh, handmade and made onsite — is the star of the show. With nearly two decades of culinary experience, he’s known for his wholesale pasta brand, Pastificio Double Zero, which already supplies Toronto’s best restaurants. Now, he’s bringing those same skills straight to the plate at Occhiolino.
“Opening this restaurant has been a dream of mine for years,” says Manzone. “I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my craft and handmade pasta, and I can’t wait to finally share it with the public in this way.”
The menu is a celebration of simple, beautiful flavours, rooted in Italy’s philosophy of Cucina Povera.Expect dishes like Spiedini di Mortadella and Carne Cruda Al’Albese, showcasing Italy’s regional flavours—no frills, just pure, unadulterated taste.
And the fun doesn’t stop there — it’s all about the vibe, too.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at the bar or spending the night with friends over wine and pasta, Occhiolino is designed to cater to all. The menu is accessible, no matter your budget or your schedule. And if you can’t stay for a meal? Don’t worry — their retail shop is stocked with fresh pasta, sauces and exclusive merch (perfect for bringing a bit of Occhiolino home).
Of course, what would an Italian restaurant be without its music? At Occhiolino, it’s Italian Disco on repeat, so expect to catch yourself swaying along with your pasta. And who knows? Maybe you’ll spot Drake himself one day, enjoying the fruits of the partnership that started years ago, when Donato was his personal chef.
Occhiolino is set to open at the end of November and will be serving up mouthwatering Italian fare at 499 Bathurst Street.
Navigating legal matters can be daunting, but finding the right law firm can make all the difference. To shed light on what clients can expect, nine ofToronto’s top lawyersshare insights into their approach to building successful attorney-client relationships. From tailored strategies and clear communication to collaborative teamwork and compassion, these firms explain how they prioritize their clients’ needs.
Aminder Kaur Mangat is a recognized leader in Canadian immigration law, known for her precedent-setting victories at the Federal Court of Canada. She handles complex cases, including inadmissibility and Federal Court appeals, while guiding her team to success. Aminder has held leadership roles within the immigration bar and is renowned for her dedication to fairness and justice.
What can clients expect if they retain your firm?
When you retain AKM Law for your immigration matter, you can expect exceptional, personalized legal representation that is deeply committed to achieving the best outcome for your case. We understand that immigration matters can be complex and overwhelming, so we make it a priority to ensure you are fully informed and supported throughout the entire process. Our firm consistently earns 5-star Google reviews, with clients praising us for going above and beyond in handling challenging cases such as spousal spon- sorships, criminal inadmissibility, and Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) applications. One client expressed their gratitude for a successful H&C decision, noting how we were “ahead of things” and made the process seamless. Clear and consistent communication is one of our core principles. We ensure you are kept informed at every stage of your case, providing timely responses via email, virtual consultations, or in-person meetings. Clients highlight our responsiveness and accessibility, which fosters a supportive environment and eases the stress commonly associated with immigration proceedings. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we are dedicated to making your experience as smooth as possible. Whether you are dealing with complex immigration issues, seeking guidance on temporary visas, or addressing inadmissibility concerns, such as criminality or misrepresentation, our experienced team is relentless in advocating for your rights. You will benefit from our innovative use of technology, streamlined processes, and our commitment to delivering successful outcomes—all while ensuring a stress-free and efficient experience that exceeds your expectations.
Gelman & Associates is an award-winning, client-focused family law firm, with five offices throughout the GTA. Founded in 2002, we have grown to over 20 lawyers. We treat clients with compassion and understanding, while aggressively protecting their legal rights. We offer 30 minute free consultations. We practice all areas of Family Law including Divorce, Separation, Pre-nups, and Adoptions.
How do clients describe you and your firm?
We are compassionate professionals who treat each client as an individual. We take the time to listen to our clients and work hard to protect their rights. Although we are strong and passionate, and fight when needed, we are not unreasonably aggressive. Clients feel that we “have their backs”.
How do clients benefit from working with your firm?
We are team focused, which means each client receives a uniquely tailored strategy/plan for their case. We have over 20 lawyers of varied backgrounds and experiences all practising only Family Law. We often work in teams, pairing a senior lawyer and junior lawyers together to keep costs down while getting the benefit of many eyes and numerous years of experience. Our lawyers across the city all collaborate to provide stellar exceptional service. And most of all, we truly care about our clients.
Kenneth Fishman, Sarah Boulby and Oren Weinberg
PARTNERS, Sarah Boulby, Oren Weinberg, Kenneth Fishman
Boulby Weinberg LLP is an elite boutique family law firm providing customized dispute resolution strategies for an array of family disputes. We advise and represent our clients in simple, amicable separations as well as highly contentious divorces. While offering clients an approachable and relaxed atmosphere, our family lawyers provide a comprehensive understanding of the most complex family law issues at local, national, and international levels.
What types of matters does your firm handle?
Our team handles the full spectrum of family, support, and divorce issues, including parenting concerns (decision-making responsibility/custody and parenting time/access), child and spousal support, property and financial division, and domestic agreements (including marriage/cohabitation contracts and separation agreements). We are also uniquely experienced in complicated international matters, such as multi-jurisdictional families and child abduction cases, as well as issues impacting high-net-worth families, including business valuation and division, inheritance and wealth protection, and family trusts.
Why should someone retain Boulby Weinberg LLP?
Our knowledgeable team has a complete toolbox of dispute resolution options at its disposal to resolve issues and minimize conflict as efficiently as possible. Our firm members have extensive experience resolving complex family and divorce cases through a variety of dispute resolution processes, including mediation,arbitration, and litigation. No matter how difficult the case, we are able to create legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and concerns.
Meysa and Jen are the founders of Maleki Liew LLP. They have extensive experience in all aspects of separation and high conflict divorce, including complex financial matters and parenting litigation. They have advocated for clients at all levels of court in Ontario including the Court of Appeal for Ontario. For more information about Meysa & Jen and their law firm, you may visit, www.malekiliew.com.
What qualities make the most successful attorney-client relationships and why?
Separated couples come to you at one of the most difficult times of their life. A good client-lawyer relationship requires that a lawyer be available to his or her client; advise the client of the strategy to move the case towards a resolution at every step; and provide sound advice that brings about a great outcome for the client. Excellent written and oral advocacy and the way a case is conducted from beginning to end make a difference in terms of the outcome of a case. At the same time, a good client-lawyer relationship requires that a client is forthright with his or her counsel and follows the lawyer’s advice.
Steve Benmor, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M. is the founder and principal lawyer of Benmor Family Law Group, a boutique matrimonial law firm in downtown Toronto. He is a Certified Specialist in Family Law and was admitted as a Fellow to the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers. Steve is regularly retained as a Divorce Mediator, Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator.
What can clients expect when they retain you/your firm?
As a Divorce Mediator, Steve uses his 30 years of in-depth knowledge of family law, courtroom experience, and expert problem-solving skills in Divorce Mediation to help spouses reach fair, fast, and cooperative divorce settlements without the financial losses, emotional costs, and lengthy delays from divorce court.
Steve is dedicated to facilitating amicable, cooperative and swift divorce settlements. He is committed to helping families heal and move forward. By working with Steve, clients can expect real results – fair resolutions that empower them to embrace a more secure and positive future.
Lawyers refer their clients to Steve for Divorce Mediation because they trust that he can settle their toughest cases.
Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre released its 50th-anniversary winter programming schedule, and it won’t be long for Torontonians to lace up their skates again! The Centre just announced the return of ice rink skating — with complimentary skate rentals on Saturdays — beginning Sat. Dec. 21 and continuing through March (at West Lawn, in partnership with the Waterfront BIA). Visitors can enjoy picturesque lakefront skating, which will include large warm fire pits and DJ Skate Nights, making it a perfect backdrop for quality time with the family, on date night, or a night out with friends.
“There’s nothing more magical than carving memories into the ice, surrounded by the iconic skyline that makes Torontonians proud to call this city home. We are delighted that ice skating has returned to Harbourfront Centre as it evokes a sense of nostalgia while providing a foundation for fresh festive programming,” Cathy Loblaw, CEO of Harbourfront Centre, said in a statement.
From drawings shared by Harbourfront Centre (below), the rink appears to have a smaller than the original rink (shown above).
Harbourfront Centre rendering of skating rink
The Centre’s winter season festivities will officially kick off with the inaugural tree-lighting ceremony at the Harbourfront Centre Public Square on Friday, Nov. 29, starting at 6 pm (with the tree lighting up at 7 pm).
The opening evening will also feature an immersive performance by FreePlay— Toronto-born musicians Suba Sankaran and Dylan will bring their rich, multicultural storytelling to classic holiday tunes for attendees to enjoy!
The 30-foot masterpiece will be the centrepiece of Winterfest Toronto, a free holiday market in partnership with Street Eats running on weekends from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5. (open Fridays from 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Head over to the Uller House with the fam and buy some hot chocolate for the kids and gløgg (mulled wine) for the adults! Visit the urban tree lot to purchase the most perfect Christmas tree to adorn your home this season.
Check outthe train rides, admire the sparkling lights, and stroll through the holiday food marketandmarketplace for cool gift ideas. Don’t forget to drop off your Christmas lists at Santa’s mailbox!
As part of the programming, Harbourfront Centre will welcome the Ontario Science Centre’s popular KidSpark, a dynamic learn-through-play space for kids ages 10 and under (running Dec. 4 to May 4). KidSparkwill offer science-packed, family-friendly hands-on activities that will get your kids thinking. Families can also shop in a “pretend” supermarket, take a simulated fishing trip with Ontario wildlife, and get their stuffed animals X-rayed in an imaginary office!
“We are proud to partner with Toronto’s premiere science museum to bring fan favourites to Harbourfront Centre,” Loblaw said. “There is real chemistry with this partnership, and our campus is an ideal gathering place for the community to experience the richness of arts, culture and now, science. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the heart of the waterfront.”
End the year on New Year’s Eve by attending the brilliant fireworks display! The 10-minute show will be synchronized to music for a high-altitude light fest all along the waterfront.
Heading into 2025 — February marks the 30th anniversary of Harbourfront Centre’s legacy program, KUUMBA and KUUMBA 365, Toronto’s largest (and longest-running) Black Futures festival. Expect everything from live dance, storytelling, and musical performances to engaging panel discussions and wellness workshops. KUUMBA30(February 1-28) will spark dialogue honouring the richness and diversity of Black culture in Canada!
On Ossington, where Ghost Chicken once stood, a new space has emerged as an ode to the neighbourhood, a place where people are welcome to start their night, finish their night or spend their night. No Vacancy is a tribute to global cuisine and cocktails, offering a laid-back spot to gather with friends and a gift to the neighbourhood that supported Ghost Chicken (still thriving via delivery) and beyond.
“Seeing what has happened with Ossington, especially over the last five years or so, and the trajectory that it’s on, we knew we wanted to do something unique,” says the No Vacancy team. “We wanted to bring something to the strip where you could come for a drink, you could come for a couple snacks and a couple cocktails or you could eat dinner there and stay the night.”
No Vacancy
The result is a menu that blends global flavours, mouthwatering vegetarian dishes and thoughtfully crafted cocktails — both classic and creative.
Chef John Carlo Zabala’s open-flame dishes spotlight bold flavours and local ingredients. Highlights include uni toast, bucatini with egg, pork belly, and pecorino, and a maitake-leek creation with walnuts and charred onion aioli. A weekly special, featuring seasonal produce sourced within 100 km, reflects Zabala’s Filipino heritage and global culinary training.
“We didn’t want to box ourselves in,” says the team. “It’s about experimenting, mixing things up, and showcasing Zabala’s background and the places that inspire him.”
No Vacancy
The team at No Vacancy describes the vibe as moody, romantic and nostalgic and the space incorporates installations from local artists, sleek bar seating and neutral colours. The design team was limited in terms of structural changes — the space is housed inside a heritage building — but the exposed brick detailing adds to the homey feel of the space.
“We wanted to create a space that we would want to go to. The colour palette, the warm light, how it all comes together, it creates a space that’s all so comfortable. You can have a range of experiences on any given night there. It’s a feeling.”
After more than 6,500 votes, the Toronto Zoo’s red panda cub now has a new name: Poppy. The name “Poppy” was chosen from five floral-themed options in honour of the young cub’s late mom, “Sakura”, a geriatric 10-year-old red panda who died at the zoo in August after experiencing health issues.
Sakura arrived at the zoo earlier this year. Although she was past typical breeding age and was coming to the zoo to retire, in early June, zoo officials were surprised to discover that she had arrived in Toronto pregnant! She gave birth to two cubs — Poppy’s brother, the smaller of the two cubs, passed away in August, just shy of six weeks old. According to zoo staff, Poppy had much better fat reserves, which helped her through a short period of caloric deficit due to reduced milk production from her elderly mother.
After Sakura’s passing, the zoo team continued to focus on Poppy, and thankfully, she seems to be doing well. This is pretty remarkable considering the low survival rates of red pandas offspring (both in the wild and with human care). According to the zoo, recent studies have shown that as few as 40% of cubs reach their first birthday.
“Poppy will start exploring smaller areas of her outdoor habitat over the coming weeks, though please note that many of these areas are not visible to the public. She’ll have the choice and control to spend time indoors or outdoors as she becomes more comfortable in her new surroundings,” zoo staff stated in a recent news release.
Poppy’s health will closely be monitored. In 2015, the conservation status of red pandas was elevated to “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation and Nature. Their population is rapidly declining (by as much as 50% in the past 20 years). Experts believe that there are now anywhere between 2,500 and 10,000 red pandas globally.
Click here for more information or to donate toward research work in support of red pandas.
