Toronto named one of the most sexually liberated cities worldwide

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2:07 pm

Wider acceptance of sexuality and sexual liberation is linked to a higher quality of life and better overall mental health. So you’ll be happy to learn that Toronto was ranked high on a list of the most sexually liberated cities of 2023 this week, according to online sexual health publication Lust Magazine.

Toronto took spot number 12, trailing two spots behind Vancouver and three behind Montreal, and just one spot behind New York City. The magazine looked at factors including the number of gay bars in a city, whether gay marriage is allowed, gender-affirming surgery laws, the number of annual LGBTQI+ events such as gay pride parades, access to contraceptives and PrEP medication, anti-discrimination and sex worker protection laws and whether sex work is legalized.

Toronto had more gay bars than Montreal and Vancouver at 10, and more sex shops at 57. There were nine LGBTQ+ events counted in the city, more than Vancouver’s five and Montreal’s eight. The report also noted that gender-affirming surgery is legal in Toronto, as is same-sex marriage, though the city fell behind in terms of its laws around sex work — the laws were labelled “neo-abolitionist,” in reference to a Nordic model approach to sex work where sex buyers are criminalized but sex workers are decriminalized. In some of the cities higher on the list, sex work has been legalized.

“In general, Toronto is considered a very liberal and open city, which is certainly correct, the only exception is the prostitution laws that, similarly to Sweden and a number of other countries who have adopted the Swedish model, ban the purchase of sex,” the report reads.

Toronto was ranked two spots higher compared to the magazine’s 2021 list — however, a notable difference is the number of gay bars in the city. In 2021, Toronto was listed as having 16, in comparison to this year’s 10. The pandemic was especially hard on the city’s gay bars, so it’s no surprise that the number has gone down over the years from an already low number — just take a look at New York City’s 82 bars!

Interestingly, the number of sex shops in Toronto has more than doubled since 2021, from 28 to 57 — perhaps partially due to their ability to stay open during the pandemic thanks to their categorization as a “safe supply store,” which were allowed to remain open under provincial guidelines.

However, there’s still plenty to fight for when it comes to liberation and acceptance around sexuality in Toronto — just a few months ago, police were called to a York Catholic District School Board meeting after a fight broke out over whether to fly the Pride flag during Pride Month. And just outside Toronto this month, anti-gay protestors attempted to block the entrance to a library where a family-friendly drag queen story time was taking place (and were rightfully put in their place by a women’s motorbike group, who barred the protestors from entering the premises).

15 questions with actor Paul Gross starring as King Lear at Stratford

By

Ron Johnson

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11:19 am

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Paul Gross as King Lear — Paul Gross, King Lear. Stratford Festival. Photography by David Hou.

About 23 years ago, acclaimed Toronto actor and director Paul Gross made his first stage appearance at the Stratford Festival production of Hamlet in the lead role as the Prince of Denmark. Now, decades later, he’s back and now he’s the King of England. Gross is set to star in the iconic Shakespeare tragedy King Lear, which opens May 30 and runs until Oct. 29.

What is it like to be back on the Stratford Festival stage to perform?

Oh God, you can’t imagine how beautiful that feels. There is something so magical about that stage. It’s epic.

How was the first day of King Lear previews?

It was really good. The funny thing, though, when you do a preview, it was actually exceptionally good, but you’re also in the middle of it thinking, “OK, that didn’t work. That’s got to change. This has to do that.” But by and large, I thought it was amazing.

How does King Lear rank in terms of your storied career?

This will be the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life, outside of Hamlet. Everything else you do it’s fun. It’s great. You’re committed to it. I mean, I’ve made movies that I’m committed to, but nothing will touch this.

It’s a pretty good group you’re working with on this.

Yes, this extraordinarily cohesive unit is just driving toward something. I was really impressed by that last, “Oh, my God, that’s actually there.” You know, it’s happening. Right? Something which is a fairly elusive in most productions, I think. It was great. I thought we’d write a lot to do, you know, a lot to figure out.

What is your approach when taking on a monumental role like Lear?

I don’t really have an approach to acting at all. Whatever happens happens. And I took that into the broader base to approach Lear, which is just to start reading the play, read it a hundred times, and start talking it out loud to yourself, to your dogs. And then eventually it will pull out of you what you need to do that part.

Any similarity between Lear and your last role at Stratford, Hamlet?

No, I mean, the only similarity I suppose is the level of pressure you might feel playing a part like this.

Paul Gross (front) as King Lear with Anthony Santiago (left) as Earl of Gloucester and John Kirkpatrick as Curan in King Lear. Stratford Festival 2023. Photo by David Hou.

You feel the pressure of the moment?

The weird thing is I don’t feel any pressure up there. I get out on the stage, and I ramble my head off, and I scream my brains out, and I just really don’t care what anyone thinks. And I mean that kind of seriously, because they’re going to take it wherever they take it. And by the end of the play, all of them will be wounded. Because that’s what Lear does. They will cry.

What was your first job?

In the parking authority of Toronto. There’s a parking garage in Toronto that was built purely on my whim.

What is the worst piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Well, I think it was probably when I auditioned for theatre school. I think it was the National Theatre School, that audition. They said you will never be a good actor, so quit.

What is your favourite Toronto view?

Cherry Beach.

Who in Toronto would Paul Gross most like to hang out with?

Doug Ford.

Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?

Selfishness.

What is your greatest fear?

To reach a point where I could no longer work. I like work.

Which living person do you most admire?

Martha Burns.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Doing King Lear at Stratford and then meeting my wife [Martha Burns], having a good meal, and going to bed.

A massive gourmet grocer opens in midtown after months of delays

By

Megan Gallant

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10:30 am

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One of the city’s best gourmet and natural food grocer, the Sweet Potato has finally opened its doors at 1678 Bayview Ave.

After months of major delays from shelving deliveries to fridge installations, the organic grocer has finally opened its doors at 1678 Bayview Avenue. The natural grocer’s first location on Vine Avenue has now become the new flagship location.

What’s sure to become the neighbourhood’s go-to spot for natural foods, the Sweet Potato caters to all dietary restrictions by supplying dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free products, but its prices don’t reflect the astronomical costs usually associated with organic health foods.

The Junction first welcomed The Sweet Potato back in 2007, when it quickly became the neighbourhood’s go-to spot for natural and local food products.

Though CEO Digs Dorfman explains that while the 102-year old building of the original store is his “first love,” he explains that restrictions from the original construction prevented them from doing as they wanted. The new location, which has been in the works since 2020, offered more growth.

“The space on Bayview was brand new. We had the opportunity to really do things exactly as we would have wanted to right from scratch,” he explains. “In a lot of ways the stores have a similar vibes, but we’ve grown up a little bit into this new space. It’s definitely a little bit more polished while still being really funky and kitchy, which is our trademark. It’s a really wonderful space.”

Tonica Kombucha, Live on Chocolate, and the Greenbelt Organic Greens are just a few of the many local brands taking up shelf space. Like the flagship location, the massive 16,ooo square foot Leaside store will also be encouraging the elimination of single-use plastics with a reusable container program.

Since The Sweet Potato believes it’s not only important to know how the food your consuming grows, but where it grows as well, the storefront includes a mural of a map that locates the grocer’s “growing community of local farmers.” It allows shoppers to pin-point exactly where their food is coming from.

“One of the reasons I started this store originally is that I kind of feel like people have become a bit disconnected from the food chain and how local sourcing operates,” the CEO explains. “So, one intention behind the mural was to give people full transparency and to allow people to think a little bit more about the farmers and artisans that craft the foods that will eventually end up on their tables.”

As for the location itself, Dorfman says the Leaside area is very personal to him. Having gone to high school right around the corner from where the building stands, Dorfman spent a “good amount of years” walking the streets of the area.

“We really wanted to find for our second location, something that had a really strong community feeling similar to the Junction,” he explains, stating that he’s already felt such a warm welcoming in the last few days since the grocer’s opening.

“We’ve had contact with a lot of other really supportive local businesses and local organizations. Like schools and things like that, because that’s sort of what we do right? We really, really try to build community wherever we go, and the reception has been incredible. It’s honestly been beyond my wildest expectations.”

Michelin chefs pick T.O.’s best new restaurants: Jeff Bovis, Wynona

By

Jennifer Schembri

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11:38 am

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The last year was a a busy and exciting one for the Toronto food scene, in which we saw electric openings that ranged from highbrow to low, including modest local joints and grand, attention-grabbing eateries.

To highlight the standout newcomers, we asked Michelin-recognized chef Jeffrey Bovis, recently awarded a Bib Gourmand for Wynona— a lovely and unpretentious bistro serving delicious homemade pasta and excellent meat dishes — to tell us what he thought was the best new addition to the city’s dining scene. Read on to find out which exciting spot he selected.

Chef Bovis’ pick: New Century Restaurant

“We eat out a lot in Markham and I really like dim sum, like a lot,” chef Bovis recently told us. “New Century Restaurant is a solid addition to the dim sum scene this year. My favourite dishes are the usual suspects when it comes to dim sum — har gow shrimp dumplings, Cheung fung as well as rice rolls with shrimp and other fillings.”

New Century Restaurant

An expert in Chiuchow cuisine, which proudly blends the dishes of Southern Min (derived from the cooking style of China’s Fujian province with an emphasis on umami taste) and Cantonese cuisine, New Century is garnering rave reviews for its blend of fresh ingredients and balanced flavours. Although the restaurant first opened in 2021, it recently came under new management and the renovated space is an elegant upgrade from the original. The menu boasts a litany of delightful dim sum, like steamed baby octopus with curry sauce and fried beef ribs in honey sauce. Classics — like Peking duck — are prepared with exacting technique and are a culinary highlight. Regulars also come for the roasted suckling pig, stir-fried king crab and rice noodle rolls. Sweeten the deal with a rich fried sesame ball filled with bitter melon filling. You’ve got the best seat in the house, whether you’re seated in the private room, or in the buzzy well-appointed dining space with an interior design that retains a casual, vibrant vibe, with its lofty ceilings, delicate chandeliers and hues of gold and light blue that dominate the space. 398 Ferrier St., Markham

To find out which spot Michelin chef Eric Chong selected, click here, and if you’re curious about what new restaurant Tobey Nemeth and Michael Cabello of Edulis chose, click here.

There’s a new orange wine social club in Toronto

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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11:00 am

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Orange wine — Tanya Schmitt, Owner, Croatia Unpacked & Donna Bulika, the host of the event

Donna Bulika wanted to use her passion to bring people together. She’s a real estate broker by trade but, on a trip to Croatia, discovered something she loved. Upon her first sip of orange wine in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Dubrovnik, she knew she needed to bring its tradition, and the light, full-bodied flavour of the different brands and varietals, back to Toronto.

So, two years later, Donna officially turned her dream into a reality. Inside the Library room (which is, appropriately, painted orange) at The Verity Club, she gathered a group of open-minded wine lovers to sample three orange wines, each made in Croatia, and enjoy light bites crafted by executive chef Lorenzo Loseto and the team at George Restaurant. Donna, dressed in a crisp white suit and fitting orange heels, was at the centre of the space, introducing orange wine to the intimate gathering and fostering a sense of community by encouraging conversations amongst the guests. The importer and owner of “Croatia Unpacked,” Tanya Schmitt, presented each wine by explaining and telling us stories that came with the wine.

Orange wines have been made for over 5,000 years. They are made using green grapes, but follow the traditional red wine making principles of macerating the grape juice on the skins prior to and during fermentation. This process creates wines of greater structure and complexity than your typical white wine, and with unique flavour profiles. These wines can open up the palate, and invite a broad array of food pairings. They can complement everything from red meats, to spicy curries, pasta and fish, bringing a crispness and lightness that you don’t always find in a red wine. As a result, Donna notes, “orange wine bridges the gap between red and white wine and can be enjoyed in all seasons.”

Donna hopes that The Orange Wine Social Club will host three to four events a year, and each will feature a unique angle centered around orange wine. The most recent event, held on May 11, offered three varietals from Croatia, specifically a peninsula called Istria (shared with Slovenia and Italy) and a historic region called Dalmatia. Two of the three offerings came from Clai, an organic certified winery in Istria, called Baracija Malvazija and Ottocento Bijeli. The third, courtesy of a small, family-owned wine in Dalmatia called Ante Sladic, is called Debit Oya Noya and, while the vineyard is not organically certified, it operates with all organic practices.

The event, Donna hopes, will attract open-minded people, those who appreciate new connections and crave a sense of social bonding that they may have felt was cast away during the pandemic. “I want to bring people together again,” she says, noting that events like these typically attract those who are open to learning new things, are curious by nature and excited to undertake new lessons and explore something different from the usual routine.

Tanya Schmitt, Owner, Croatia Unpacked & Donna Bulika, the host of the event

Tickets for the Orange Wine Social Club’s events are tiered, beginning at $100 for a general admission ticket. They can be purchased online through Donna’s website.

If you’d like to be invited to the next event, please ask Donna to add your email to the VIP list and be invited to the next event here.

Toronto singer-songwriter Hayden set to hit Massey Hall this weekend

By

Ron Johnson

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10:44 am

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With his soulful melodies, introspective lyrics, and captivating stage presence, Hayden promises an unforgettable evening of music on May 27 when legendary singer takes the Massey Hall stage.

As far as sad and forlorn singer-songwriters go, Hayden is surely one of the OGs of the genre.

Hayden started strumming beautifully mopey ditties in the bedroom of his Thornhill family home back in the early ’90s when the music landscape was decidedly different. He released his first EP In September back in the day on, wait for it, cassette, followed by his debut album Everything I Long For, recorded at his family home on a four track. It’s been eight years since his last album, but he’s back with Are We Good.

Known for his deliberate approach to songwriting, Hayden’s discography reflects a meticulous dedication to capturing inspiration at its peak. The artist has been known to patiently nurturing his craft, almost to a fault, allowing his creative process to unfold when it is ready.

“Maybe because I’m not a member of a band and things aren’t as scheduled as they would be with three or four or five people in a group, where everyone has to get in line for a certain time period,” says Hayden, regarding his extended period between albums. “I enjoy the process of writing songs when I’m inspired and going up in the studio when I’m inspired so much, that those periods end up lasting a long time because I’m not in a rush for it to stop.”

What helped Hayden get to this particular wonderful finish line that is his latest album, was his friend and fellow singer-songwriter Leslie Feist, who brought the musician into a rarefied songwriting club of sorts during the pandemic.

Hayden’s involvement in the club during the hiatus proved instrumental in shaping his latest album. Amidst the challenges of lockdown and the responsibilities of caring for his children, the club provided a supportive and challenging environment that encouraged him to dedicate focused time to songwriting. This effort resulted in the birth of several new tracks, five of which made it onto the album.

We won’t name drop who was involved in this club, but Hayden says he was the least well-known member, and we know one of the names was Beck. So there’s that. The big names perhaps spurred the songwriter to reach a little deeper.

“I was going through, you know, what a lot of people went through during that period, which was being at home a lot. Being with my kids a tonne, one of whom has special needs. So it was extra intense,” he explains. “So this activity just forced me to spend several hours a day just super focused on writing songs, knowing that these contemporaries are going to be hearing them every morning and so it just lit a little fire for me. So in the end of the seven songs, and seven days that I wrote, five of them went on my album, and I threw out five that I was certain were going to be on the record. So it was extremely helpful.”

One of the songs he wrote ended up being the first single released off of the new album, a duet with Feist called “On A Beach.” Although it took a long time for Hayden to get together the new collection of music, that song came to him almost fully formed.

“I continued tinkering with the song and recording in the following weeks, adding a bridge, tracking several synth lines to try to create what I thought hypnosis may sound like,” he continued. “A few weeks later, Leslie was in town and I invited her to sing on a newer verse I’d written to make the song more of a conversation. Who better than the best, and the one who basically made the song happen in the first place.”

Hayden’s upcoming concert at Massey Hall holds a special significance for both the artist and his fans. Known as a Toronto landmark and revered for its exceptional acoustics, Massey Hall has witnessed countless legendary performances throughout its storied history. For Hayden, this venue represents a homecoming of sorts—a chance to share his music with the city that has played a significant role in shaping his artistic identity.

“It’s incredible, of course. It’s kind of all the more special to be on that stage. It sounds incredible in the audience. As far as a performance it sounds so beautiful and balanced up on the stage as well. It’s my favourite place I’ve ever played.”

As Hayden navigates the ever-evolving music industry, he embraces authenticity and refuses to compromise his artistic vision. With an abundance of music readily available to listeners, standing out and capturing attention can be a daunting task. Yet, Hayden remains steadfast in his commitment to creating music that resonates on a deep and personal level, believing that true talent and beauty can transcend the noise and leave an indelible mark.

Perhaps that’s why the album has been received so well by listeners, which Hayden says he appreciates but is also a bit strange at times, but he gets its. It’s a great album.

“It’s nice. I mean, it’s also strange because some of the songs I recorded, you know, when Barack Obama was still president and so hearing people talk about a song that’s so old as like, a brand new thing, is odd, you know,” he says. “I remember, for a lot of them, how excited I was when I, say, came up with the baseline, or came up with the middle eight or whatever. Those are the moments that kind of keep you going. I remember being excited. So, it’s not crazy for me to hear that people are happy about some parts.”

Hayden’s upcoming concert at Massey Hall is a testament to his artistic prowess, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and the enduring power of music to touch hearts and souls. Don’t miss this special Toronto talent. It might be another eight years before we get new music.

Zantac (Ranitidine) Mass Tort

By

Jarrod Daley

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9:00 am

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See all posts by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

For those of us who suffer from acid reflux or ‘heartburn,’ we know that relieving that sensation is a top priority. Zantac, also known as ranitidine, is a medication used to decrease stomach acid production and curb heartburn and other digestive issues.

After regular users of Zantac started experiencing similar health complications, it was determined that Zantac (and other ranitidine products) contained an unacceptable level of NDNA, which is alleged to increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Mathura Santhirasegram, a Personal Injury Lawyer with Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, discusses everything you need to know about the ongoing mass tort lawsuit against Zantac.

What health complications is Zantac linked to?

The FDA found that the levels of NDNA (a probable carcinogen) in some ranitidine products like Zantac increased to unacceptable levels over time due to exposure to higher temperatures. It was found that regular, long-term use of these products was linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colorectal, esophageal, liver, intestinal, and bladder.

Because ranitidine is linked to several different types of cancer, the symptoms will vary from person to person. If you are experiencing symptoms of a certain type of cancer, or just feeling generally unwell without a reason as to why, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor.

What should you do if you’re experiencing issues after using Zantac or other ranitidine products?

“Make an appointment with your doctor right away if you have any health concerns, especially if you’ve used Zantac regularly in the past. Early detection is key for a lot of cancers, so it’s important to determine what the issue at hand is,” says Santhirasegram.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are concerned that it may be linked to past use of Zantac or other ranitidine products, contact a lawyer right away. There aren’t any tests that can directly link the onset of cancer to Zantac use, but there are a number of factors that your lawyer will look at to determine the likelihood that Zantac was an associated cause. Your lawyer will consider the type of cancer you’ve been diagnosed with, how long and how frequently you were using Zantac or ranitidine, and when your cancer diagnosis happened in relation to your use of Zantac.

Why is this a mass tort and not a class action lawsuit against Zantac?

The legal action against Zantac on behalf of individuals who suffered complications from the drug began as a class action lawsuit, but Diamond and Diamond pursued a mass tort claim in order to best help each individual and ensure their voices are heard.

“While class action lawsuits can be an effective way to pursue compensation for large groups of people, sometimes they’re not the best option. In a class action, all of the plaintiffs are grouped together and represented by a single law firm, which can make it difficult for each individual to have their unique story heard and their specific needs addressed,” says Santhirasegram. On the other hand, with a mass tort, each individual has their own case and their own lawyer who is working to represent their interests and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

If you have experienced any health complications after taking Zantac (ie. ranitidine), don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond and Diamond. Call 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation.

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.

5 out-of-the-ordinary wedding venues in Toronto you have to see

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:29 pm

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hockeyhall — @hhof_venuerentals/Instagram

Planning a wedding is a big deal — cue Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner. From the flowers and colours, to the food and cake, it feels like the decision-making will never end. And let’s not forget the most important one you’ll have to make: the venue. Whether you’re a traditional couple looking for a modern twist or a couple who wants to break all the rules and go completely off the beaten path, Toronto has a plethora of extraordinary wedding venues to choose from.

From stunning estates to charming historic districts, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the top five most out-of-the-box wedding venues that are worth considering for your special day.

High Park Brewery

While trends come and go, the rustic wedding is probably one that is here to stay. If you’re looking for one that embodies comfort and charm, High Park Brewery offers a unique and memorable wedding experience for couples looking for a welcoming atmosphere. The space’s open-concept design — with its expansive windows and string lighting— is sure to create a magical ambiance for up to 150 guests. And with a selection of craft beers brewed in-house, your guests are sure to enjoy a one-of-a-kind, local wedding celebration.

The Guild Inn Estate

Get ready to be transported into a fairy tale at The Guild Inn Estate. Set on 88 acres of land in Scarborough, the estate features a variety of event spaces, including a beautiful outdoor chapel, a grand ballroom and a charming garden terrace. Whether you’re planning a small and intimate ceremony or a grand reception, the Guild Inn Estate can accommodate weddings of all sizes. And with so many photographic spots on-site, you’re sure to capture any and every “happily ever after” moment.

The Hockey Hall of Fame

Now that the Leafs have broken the round one playoff curse, why not make your wedding day a real game-changer and celebrate at the Hockey Hall of Fame? Imagine saying “I do” surrounded by the Stanley Cup and historic hockey memorabilia. The venue features a variety of spaces to host weddings of all sizes, including a stunning ballroom and a historic bank vault. If you’re looking to score big with a one-of-a-kind wedding celebration, the Hockey Hall of Fame is the perfect place to make your dreams come true.

Storm Crow Manor

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s as quirky and unique as you are, look no further than Storm Crow Manor. This venue is a haven for all things bold, with eccentric themes —like a mad scientist bar or a nautical-themed room — and an abundance of spooky decor, making it the perfect place to host a fun and unforgettable wedding reception. Depending on the room you book, the venue can accommodate up to 100 guests, with a variety of menu options to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.

The Stirling Room

Transport yourself to the 19th century Victorian era with this historic venue choice. With its exposed bricks and dark lighting, you’ll find yourself enjoying this bespoke lounge that merges contemporary design and antique architecture. It’s a wedding experience your guest won’t forget. Located in one of Toronto’s most iconic neighbourhoods — the Distillery District — the Stirling Room also offers ample opportunity for exploration before and after the wedding.

Toronto showrunner is behind this powerful new Indigenous-led series

By

Julia Mastroianni

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1:07 pm

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This month, showrunner and producer Jennifer Podemski’s groundbreaking new series Little Bird is set to premiere on Crave. The actor, producer, director and writer is telling a story that has rarely received attention from Canada’s film and TV industry — the “Sixties Scoop,” which refers to the removal of thousands of Indigenous children out of their homes and their subsequent adoption into predominantly non-Indigenous families in the ’60s in North America.

“Everything I’ve done as a producer has intersected with historical trauma and colonial violence,” says Podemski, who also produced the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s (APTN) Moccasin Flats and Future History. “There is also a lot of joy, love, rich culture and teaching, but there are so many urgent stories that need to be told as a way to move forward and heal.”

Podemski’s professional acting career began in high school — at Claude Watson School for the Arts, casting directors visited to audition people to be extras in movies, landing her a background role in Prom Night 3. “I was hooked,” she says.

With over 30 years of experience in this industry, she’s seen it grow — but she’s also seen its shortcomings. “It was very clear to me that there was a big problem when it came to Indigenous stories and representation on TV,” she says. By the time she was 25, she said she had to do something about it. So she opened her own production company, Redcloud Studios Inc.

Now, with Little Bird, the series boasts an Indigenous cast and two Indigenous directors — but, Podemski notes, not a majority Indigenous crew, despite the showrunner implementing a training program on set for entry level Indigenous crew. “That’s the sad reality: there is a lot of training but not enough meaningful employment,” she says.

Podemski credits APTN for “legitimizing” Indigenous producers and creators such as herself, but says we’re still far behind when it comes to representation on screen and behind the camera. “Access to opportunity is the biggest barrier, not lack of experienced talent,” she says.

So once again, Podemski took matters into her own hands — she launched The Shine Network in 2020 to empower Indigenous women in film and TV.

She’s doing just that with Little Bird, which stars Cree-Saulteaux actor Darla Contois. Podemski hopes the series, which premieres on May 26, creates some awareness. “I hope it inspires audiences to see in themselves their own potential to heal and reconcile with their past no matter what community they are from.”

Discover the charm of Mount Pleasant Village this spring

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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1:00 pm

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Mural 5K2A4433 — Floral murals at Manor Rd. and Mount Pleasant Rd.

With spring finally in the air, Toronto’s many vibrant neighbourhoods, including the Mount Pleasant Village BIA, are full of life and ready for exploration. From art crawls and patios to boutique shopping and family fun, this part of midtown has a little bit of everything for everyone. Conveniently located between Davisville and Eglinton, Mount Pleasant Rd. is a delight!

See and do:

Stroll through Mount Pleasant Village on a sunny day and admire the many public art projects that dot the area, such as the two massive floral murals at the Manor Road and Mount Pleasant intersection. Painted by street artist Bacon, these large-scale blooms will win your heart.

“37 Poles, 37 Artists” initiative lines Mount Pleasant Rd.

Not to be missed are the colourful street poles that line the avenue. Part of the “I Heart Main Street” art initiative, the 37 Poles, 37 Artists project features hand-painted murals wrapped around dozens of lamp posts. Spot purple clematis, ice cream cone and more — each pole is uniquely beautiful.

Get pampered:

A great haircut can make you feel like a million bucks. With loyal customers visiting from right across the city, The Manor Salon is known for providing stellar service. From perfect updos and blowouts to colour treatments and trendy cuts — this team of exceptional stylists has you covered.

The Manor Salon and its iconic graffiti wall

Look no further than Elly & Amar Studio for indulgent beauty services that will leave you feeling glam. Enjoy a lavish facial, relaxing mani-pedi or opt for brow and lash enhancements to help you feel your best. Also, check out their professional make-up tutorials, entrepreneurial guests and pop-up events.

Keep the kids entertained:

Help your kids discover a new skill that might one day become a passion — like learning the art of cooking! From preparing international dishes to bread making and more, The Chef Upstairs offers immersive culinary experiences to kids and teens through various weekend, after-school and summer camp programs guided by a team of pro chefs.

Operated by an award-winning choreographer and professional dancer, Happy Feet specializes in top-quality dance instruction for children through play-based learning. Help grow your little one’s dance technique and confidence by exploring creative movement, hip hop fundamentals or jazz and ballet classes.

Shop:

Offering books of all sorts for young and curious minds for 35 years, Mabel’s Fables Children’s Bookstore has remained a cherished community landmark. Explore endless story titles, check out the authors’ wall of signatures, and say hi to Mabel — the bookstore cat.

If you’re searching for the perfect gift, or perhaps something special for yourself, drop by Jacaranda Tree & Co. Owned and run by a family of women entrepreneurs since 1984, this delightful shop features a curated selection of vintage curiosities, home decor items, stationary, accessories and more.

Indulge your sweet tooth:

Drop by Ambiance Chocolat and discover some of the best small-batch chocolate in Toronto. Each hand-made treat is crafted on location using the finest locally sourced and fair trade ingredients. Try their highly-rated hot chocolate, savour gorgeous singular chocolates or purchase a confection box for someone special.

Four-ounce cookies, you say? How about a s’mores cookie cake? No, you’re not dreaming — they exist, and they’re at Foxies Bakeshop. With cookie combinations of all kinds, from Skor Butter Tart to Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake, the cookie options here are nothing short of magical.

Eat:

Rated as a Michelin Star restaurant, visit Yukashi Japanese Cuisine, where celebrated Chef Daisuke Izutsu wows guests with a seasonal, hand-selected menu of Japanese dishes. Served in true kaiseki style, expect to enjoy a multi-course experience with every plate as beautiful in flavour as it is in presentation.

For a saucy, laid-back meal, check out Smokeshow BBQ and Brew. Owned and operated by two brothers, this energetic BBQ joint has quickly become a local favourite. Offering live music, plenty of beer on tap and delicious slow-smoked meats and BBQ fare, you won’t be disappointed.

Drinks and brunch:

One of the first brewpubs in Canada, Granite Brewery has remained a family-owned establishment for more than 30 years — with two generations of brewmasters at the helm. From its beginnings in Nova Scotia serving traditional English ale, to becoming a midtown mainstay, their selection of craft beers and weekend brunch isn’t to be missed.

Promising single-origin beans roasted directly in-store, you’ll be hard-pressed to find fresher coffee than At Origin Coffee. Buy some beans for home, or stay a while and try Turkish-style coffee alongside a baked treat. With local artist exhibits and on-site workshops, like mosaics making, this coffee shop is more than your run-of-the-mill cafe — it’s an experience.

To learn more about Mount Pleasant Village BIA, or plan your next visit, follow along on Instagram or check out mountpleasantvillage.ca.

Don’t fall victim to a rental scam

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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As the demand for rental properties continues to rise, so does the risk of rental scams and fraud. Unscrupulous individuals often prey on unsuspecting tenants, taking advantage of their lack of knowledge about the rental market. Royal York Property Management, a leading property management company with over 15 years of experience in the rental industry, urges tenants to exercise caution when renting from random property owners and offers professional services to help avoid scams and frauds.

In recent years, rental scams and frauds have become increasingly common. Scammers may pose as property owners, offering fake rental listings at below-market prices to lure tenants into sending deposits or signing leases. Others may misrepresent the condition of the property or fail to disclose important information about the rental terms.

To protect themselves from these risks, tenants are encouraged to work with reputable property management companies such as Royal York Property Management. With years of experience in the industry, Royal York Property Management has a deep understanding of the rental market and can help tenants find safe and affordable rental properties. Their team of professionals can also conduct thorough background checks on property owners and provide ongoing support throughout the rental process.

“Renting from a random property owner can be a risky proposition,” says Nathan Levinson, CEO and president of Royal York Property Management. “Assessing the reliability of individuals and identifying possible rental fraud can be difficult for tenants. We are committed to delivering a secure platform for tenants, creating a safe and stress-free rental experience.”

To avoid falling victim to scams and frauds, tenants should also be cautious and conduct their own research. Verify the identity of the property owner, inspect the property in person and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

The increasing demand for rental properties has led to a rise in rental scams and frauds, primarily affecting tenants. It is essential for tenants to exercise caution and vigilance in the rental process. By working with reputable property management companies and conducting thorough background checks, tenants can minimize risks and create a secure rental experience for themselves.

You can picnic, watch polo, or do yoga at this massive lavender farm

By

Ron Johnson

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The Lavender Polo Farm is welcoming visitors, wedding parties, weekend lavender enthusiasts, picnic-goers, yogis, and even polo enthusiasts seeking a unique and fragrant experience beginning next month to its massive, wonderfully scented facility north of Toronto.

The farm boasts more than 155 acres of Spanish and English lavender, refreshments, and plenty of Instagrammable spots. Originally a corn and wheat field, the current owners turned the unused farmland into a purple oasis for both floral enjoyment and polo – an unlikely combination but entirely unique.

Weekends at the farm consist of live musical events, meditation and yoga courses, farmer and vendor markets, and other soon-to-be-announced events. Day trippers can bring picnic blankets and food to the farm, enjoy the sweetly scented atmosphere, and purchase the farm’s VIP Picnic Bundle that includes lavender lemonade, water, glasses, and a private picnic table.

The farm will also host polo exhibition games. The website and social pages will announce these games throughout the season.

There are several other lavender fields throughout Ontario, though none offering polo exhibitions, which may appeal to the Lavender-savvy crowd. Other lavender farms to check out nearby include Kelso Lavender (professional photo shoot available); The Giving Place (high-tea amidst lavender lanes is a fun option at this farm); Lochland Botanicals (more than lavenders!).

While gorgeous, lavender is not for the apiphobia-minded – bees love it in bloom, and most farms welcome them. The season usually runs from mid-June to late July, weather-pending, and some places allow visitors to pick the blooms during designated times.

The facility is located at 20132 McCowan Rd. Tickets start at $15 per adult (children under 12 years old get in for free) for a three-hour visit.