Here is a look at the winning design of Toronto’s spectacular new theatre

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11:55 am

Toronto is getting a stunning new theatre in the St. Lawrence Market district as the City of Toronto through its real estate agency CreateTO is announcing Hariri Pontarini Architects as the winning design of the new St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (STLC) Design Competition.

The winning design team includes Hariri Pontarini Architects, LMN Architects, Tawaw Architecture Collective, Smoke Architecture, and SLA.

The competition was to reimagine the STLC. The Pontarini design is called Transparence and features a high-performance transparent façade that wraps the existing structure, a landmark performing arts theatre in the heart of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. The design also incorporates several Indigenous design elements, including the exterior which was inspired by the role of Wampum belts in storytelling, artistry and craft and the inclusion of a circular ceremonial fire at Front and Scott streets.

“Reimagining the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts is an incredibly important civic and cultural initiative for the St. Lawrence neighbourhood and broader Toronto community. The winning submission from the team led by Hariri Pontarini Architects honours the building’s legacy while creating an accessible, uniquely flexible cultural centre with plenty of public spaces that will serve the broad cultural sector, the St. Lawrence community and people from across Toronto, all while strengthening the diverse neighbourhood,” said Chris Noise, city councillor for Toronto Centre.

The St. Lawrence Centre is currently home to two theatres including the larger Bluma Appel Theatre and the Jane Mallett Theatre that host touring shows as well as many productions from the Canadian Stage Company. The theatre is known for having some of the worst leg-room game in the city. It is across the street from Meridian Hall.

In addition to the main stage performance space and an acoustic hall, the new centre is set to create a cultural hub with rehearsal/multi-purpose rooms, artist-in- residence studios, media studios, child minding space, front of house public spaces, front of house support, back of house, outdoor spaces and significant improvements to the public realm.

The first stage of the two-stage design competition was launched with the release of a Request for Supplier Qualifications in October. Five teams were shortlisted to advance to the second stage, which was launched in November with the release of a Request for Proposals.

“The new STLC is an opportunity to reclaim public space in the dense urban core of the city while renewing the ongoing commitment to the artists of Toronto,” said Clyde Wagner, president & CEO of TO Live.

“It is an iconic project, setting the stage to define the 21st century performing arts centre through its ability to offer a welcoming space for all people while fulfilling the need for permanent artist studios and creation spaces in order to uplift the rich creative economy of the city. The centre will be a destination for future visitors to the city for generations and a space that artists and the community will be proud to call their creative home.”

The winning submission will be presented to Executive Committee and Toronto City Council in Q3, 2023.

You can dine with your dog at this pet-friendly GTA café

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Jennifer Schembri

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11:45 am

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288941013_761065495234141_5579036531496585653_n — Chanice, Victoria & Koda ⁣of The Bernese Barista

The Bernese Barista is a coffee shop located in Markham that gives dog owners the chance to enjoy a cup of java with friends, while accompanied by their four-legged pals too.

Co-owners and friends Victoria Chan and Chanice Dryden decided they wanted more than just an average nine-to-five. And so the pair quit their jobs (at the same employer) and opened up the pet-friendly café last year.

“We have dogs and so do our friends, and during the pandemic we used to joke around and say, ‘Oh, if only there was a dog-friendly place where we could go, hang out and bring our dogs,’” Dryden says. “We decided to take our joke to the next level.”

Once Ontario’s Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, which Dryden says has “a soft spot for dogs,” was passed and loosened the rules on dogs on patios, the duo wanted to implement a café menu that both stood out and catered to local customers.

“Victoria really loves her coffee, so she took charge in terms of making sure we have great options to serve,” says Dryden

Dryden and Chan have an auto industry background, an environment that Dryden says revolves around starting your day with a coffee run.

The Bernese Barista offers café staples alongside some classic Asian treats. Dryden says that the most popular order is “a pup cup
for the dog, a pineapple bun for the human and usually a latte or cappuccino.”

The Bernese Barista is located at 6 Nipigon Ave. and is open Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The coffee shop welcomes all pooches — regardless of their size!

Fans will be able to get $20 tickets for every Toronto Blue Jays game but there’s a catch

By

Ron Johnson

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9:13 am

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The Toronto Blue Jays are announcing a new “outfield district” where fans can get $20 tickets.But you might not be able to find an actual seat.

It’s part of a redesign of the SkyDome, err, Rogers Centre, with many new features including five “distinct neighbourhoods” that make up the so-called Outfield District as well as other social spaces, each available to anyone with a game ticket.

“Blue Jays fans will immediately notice a dramatically different Rogers Centre when they enter for the 2023 season, and those changes will only become more pronounced as they enjoy live music, curated food and drink menus, and get up-close to game action,” said Anuk Karunaratne, executive VP, business Operations for the Toronto Blue Jays. “The new Outfield District Ticket is perfect for fans who want more than a baseball game, with the opportunity to try out every new ballpark experience.”

The trick is, the new Blue Jays seats don’t seem to come with an actual, you know, seat. It is a ticket for fans “looking to explore the new Rogers Centre experiences throughout the game, and do not include a reserved seat or space.” But there are lots of places to sit, apparently, including bar rails and high top tables.

Here is a look at what’s in the new outfield district:

Corona Rooftop Patio (500L right field) – this rooftop patio oasis is the new place to be, bringing extra sunshine into the ballpark; nestled in Toronto’s iconic skyline, fans can gather with friends while enjoying live music and a summer patio menu
Park Social (500L left field) – a park within the park for fans of all ages, featuring games, food truck-style bites, and comfortable places to hang out while watching the game
The Stop (100L center field behind the batter’s eye) – your neighbourhood bar to grab a quick drink and bite with friends before first pitch, or on your way to your next Outfield District destination
The Catch (100L right field above the visitors’ bullpen) – the place to see and be seen; grab a cocktail and perch above the visitors’ bullpen with unprecedented views to catch all the action up close
WestJet Flight Deck (200L center field) – the place fans know (and love!) has a refresh with retro arcade games, brewery-style menu, and the same great vibe

Social spaces include the following:

New Social Spaces

Schneiders Porch (200L right field corner) – this open-air porch has epic views of right field as well as one-of-a-kind hot dog culinary creations and direct bar access, so you don’t miss a minute of the action

Group tickets available for front row; remaining space is general admission

Rogers Landing (*new name* right field corner beside the visitors’ bullpen) – bring your glove to this open-air home run landing pad, with uninterrupted front-row views of the outfield and visitors’ bullpen

Group tickets available for front row; remaining space is general admission

Bleacher Seating (100L bowl behind the visitors’ bullpen) – calling all hardcore fans… watch opposing pitchers in these retro-style bleachers directly behind the visitors’ bullpen
Left and Right Field Balconies (100L concourse outfield corners overlooking the home and visitors’ bullpens respectively) – prime bullpen views await to watch pitchers warm up while taking in the action over left and right field
Drink Rails (throughout ballpark) – grab a drink and post-up at a new spot every inning, with countless options around the concourse

While the team is still soaking up the Florida sunshine at spring training, the Blue Jays unveil the new digs on April 11, before visiting the St. Louis Cardinals for MLB Opening Day on March 30.

Toronto filmmaker Sarah Polley just won her first Academy Award

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lindsaylow

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8:02 am

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Toronto director Sarah Polley on an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for her brilliant film Women Talking.

The All-Canadian film was also up for Best Picture, which was won by Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Also of note for those cheering on the local side at the Academy Awards last night, Brendan Fraser, who spent time growing up in Toronto and attending Upper Canada College, won Best Actor for his role in The Whale.

Director Daniel Rohar won Best Documentary Oscar for Navalny — a film aboutRussian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Women Talking is a work that is leaving audiences and critics alike praising the film for its bold take on real-life events from an isolated Mennonite community as well as the film’s jaw-dropping talent.

StreetsofToronto spoke with Polley about the groundbreaking film prior to its release across Canada earlier this year.

What was your gut reaction to the story?

It just kind of went through me like a bullet, like I just had such a profound experience reading it.

women talking — L-R: Actors Rooney Mara, Judith Ivey, Claire Foy and director Sarah Polley on the set of their film ‘Women Talking.’ An Orion Pictures Release. Photo credit: Michael Gibson © 2022 Orion Releasing LLC. All Rights Reserved.

What was it?

Something about it just felt like it was getting to some kind of essential material that we’d all been kind of worrying around and wearing these, like, scabs and suddenly just, like, ripping them off and showing us the essential roots of a lot of the conversations we’ve been having.

Is it about creating new stories in an attempt to break these cycles?

I think there’s just this sort of urgency that these women have because they’re in such a heightened moment, and they need to make this decision so quickly. They’re having to focus on what it is they want to build. That’s a question that gets lost.

This idea of coming together to create something entirely new feels very different.

I think that there are a lot of conversations about changing the world. Often, I think we picture that as what if different people had a seat at the table? And I think often there’s not enough conversation about what if we made a new table because this table sucks.

It’s a shift that could apply to other issues.

I mean, democracy is complicated and messy, and sometimes what’s required is to be in a room of people with very different beliefs than yours and hammer something else out together and find a way forward.

How did the film change you?

It was really powerful. And it left me far more optimistic as a person. And I have faith in people. I feel like it was just an incredible group of human beings to work with and to get to watch work and to see how much people were able to put themselves aside and sort of do things for the collective.

I was happy to see Sheila McCarthy in the film.

She is someone I’ve always admired. And I loved getting to see her play this part.

Your kids were background characters. How did that go?

I mean, I felt pretty neurotic about that experience because, you know, I didn’t have the best time on sets as a kid. And I’m not sure how I feel ethically about kids being on set. But you know, that was par for the course and they were very understanding.

Did any of your kids pick up the acting bug?

One of them was very interested but was interested from before, and this was sort of the reason they were able to negotiate their way on set.

What’s your daily ritual?

A daily ritual? I meditate and exercise every morning.

What was your first job?

Oh my god. I was, like, I was four years old acting in a movie called One Magic Christmas.

Director Sarah Polley on the set of her film ‘Women Talking.’ An Orion Pictures Release. Photo credit: Michael Gibson © 2022 Orion Releasing LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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

The worst piece of career advice I’ve ever received was just anything that was in the mode of ‘Do this even though you don’t want to do it because it’ll open doors.’

What’s your favourite Toronto restaurant?

I really like Grey Gardens.

Where’s the first place you send visitors?

I take them for walks in the ravines or Kensington Market.

Where’s your favourite view in the city?

Probably from the islands looking back at the skyline.

What’s your prized possession?

I have, like, an UPPABaby Vista stroller that I’ve been rolling around for 11 years and that has, like, cracked apart and hardly works, and I am very nostalgic about it.

Where do you go to get away from it all?

I go up north a lot.

Who in Toronto would you most like to hang out with?

Miriam Toews.

What one thing do you have multiple versions of?

Probably sneakers.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I’m reading with my kids under blankets with a cup of milky sugary English breakfast tea.

Get ready to root for this Toronto basketball player during March Madness this month

By

Julia Mastroianni

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2:55 pm

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Family is important to Marcus Carr. When the University of Texas at Austin basketball player and March Madness star is asked what he misses most about Toronto, his reflex is to ask, “Other than my family?” This instinct has been with him from the beginning of his basketball career, going to his brother’s games. “I ended up picking up a ball and was always shooting around on the side, and I really just wanted to be like [him].”

Carr played extensively in Toronto and eventually went to St. Michael’s College for high school, following in his brother’s footsteps. “He would always be going to his games when I was younger, and they were super lit. I didn’t really understand that it was an all-boys private Catholic high school. My mom was happy when she found out I wanted to go there,” he says. “Because, obviously, it’s a great school, great education, networking connections for life.”

“I was fortunate enough to have good influences growing up, whether it was basketball or just life.” He names his high school coach, Vidal Massiah, as having a significant impact on him. “[He] helped me develop my game and become the person that I am.”

Carr also cites his trainer who he’s been working with for 10 years as another person who has played a massive role in his career. He excelled for his first two years in high school, gaining the attention of Montverde Academy, a high-profile prep school in Florida whose alumni include Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa and Joel Embiid.

“I was already in a good school, but I wanted to take the next steps to ensure that I had the best possible chance to go to the next level.”

Once he transferred to Montverde, Carr saw an immediate difference in the infrastructure. “We were playing games on ESPN,” he says, with massive audience turnouts for the top teams in the country facing off.

While playing in Montverde, Carr made a name for himself and landed a spot on the University of Pittsburgh roster. He eventually transferred to the University of Minnesota before finding his place at UT Austin.

Ahead of the March Madness Selection Sunday on March 12, the 23-year-old has been added to multiple watch lists for national awards in the U.S. this year, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy and the John R. Wooden Award for Player of the Year.

This month offers him another opportunity to shine — March Madness. With high hopes for the Longhorns and reports labeling Carr one of the team’s “three-point threats,” it would be understandable to feel pressure to perform on such a big stage.

“I don’t really look at it in terms of pressure. It’s basketball. It’s fun to me,” he says. “It’s what you dream about as a kid when you’re playing in your driveway. Whenever the moment comes, it’s definitely surreal, but I like to just be in the moment.”

Along with his college career, Carr has played for Team Canada twice, in 2015 for the U16 championship and again last year for the U23 team.

“Even if you get a chance to play for Team Canada, it’s not usually on Canadian soil, much less in Toronto, giving my family and friends a chance to see me play when they haven’t seen me play in a while,” Carr says. “Whenever you get to represent your country, it’s an honour. I’m definitely blessed to have been able to do it a couple of times.”

Where Toronto’s Michelin-recognized chefs eat cheap: Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo of Fonda Balam

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Jennifer Schembri

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1:45 pm

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309108587_5454892664631769_3052803664527861211_n — Photo: Daniel Neuhaus

Although inflation has caused the cost of dining out to soar, there are many standout restaurants in the city with quality food at reasonable prices. And when it comes to restaurant recommendations, who better to trust than a chef — and a Michelin chef to boot!

Chefs Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo recently awarded a Bib Gourmand for Fonda Balam — an easy-going Mexican joint serving up some of the best birria in the city — recently shared their favourite affordable restaurant in Toronto where two can dine with wine for under $100. Read on to find out which spot they selected.

Chefs Chomyshyn and Guajardo want to eat at: Imanishi Japanese Kitchen

“The vibe is always fun but relaxed, and the food is all delicious and simple,” said the duo who in recent years have been behind some of the best Mexican restaurants in Toronto. As for menu favourites, the couple’s go-to include the anchovy potato salad and for dessert, the taro root ice cream on Tokyo toast which they describe as “amazing.”

Imanishi Japanese Kitchen

Founded on the concept of Tokyo homestyle cooking, little Portugal mainstay Imanishi Japanese Kitchen is a favourite amongst trendy west end locals for its unique offerings and unconventional dishes. And when it comes to the menu, there really are no wrong choices. Working with fresh, umami-sensitive ingredients, each plate is designed to pair with beer, wine and an extensive selection of sake, which is available by the bottle or glass. Case in point: the cold served agedashi eggplant is marinated in a flavourful ginger dashi broth and is a firework for the senses, and the miso braised pork belly joins some of the most tender in the city. Although you may want to sample a bit of everything, do make sure you leave some room for dessert: the taro root ice cream topped with soba is truly out of this world. 1330 Dundas St. W.

If you want to know where celebrity chef Ryusuke Nakagawa of Aburi Hana eats cheap, click here, for Rob Rossi of Osteria Guilia click here. And to find out where chef Jackie Lyn of Shoushin gets an affordable meal, click here.

Janet Zuccarini opens an Italian restaurant in Regent Park and it’s just like eating at your cool Nonna’s house

By

Jennifer Schembri

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11:57 am

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After much success with some of the city’s most beloved eateries, including Gusto 101, Gusto 501, Trattoria Nervosa and Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, the Gusto 54 Restaurant Group has added yet another Italian eatery to its lineup.

Officially open to the public as of March 11, Zuzu, located in Toronto’s Regent Park community, was born as a nod to Gusto’s humble beginnings and Janet Zuccarini’s father, Giacomo, who brought the first Italian espresso machine to Canada.

“Regent Park is a wonderful space filled with neighbours who care about the community and how businesses and organizations interact with their goals,” says Tyler Rutherford, director of business operations at Gusto 54 Restaurant Group.

Along with providing a welcoming addition to the restaurants in the area, Zuzu’s business model also has a charitable component, and offers various community programs to support the local area. For example, the Mini Chefs program, which is part of Gusto 54’s charitable arm called Gusto Gives Back, provides students with a unique and fun food-based learning experience to understand the fundamentals of nutrition. In addition, the Regent Park Community Program offers a free space for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations to gather and achieve their goals while supporting initiatives that help the Regent Park community.

“We also collaborate with local organizations to advocate healthy eating and to eliminate hunger and poverty,” Rutherford says. “Every Monday, we donate $1 from every macchiato sold to Fred Victor, a social service charitable organization dedicated to creating lasting positive change in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, and low-income individuals across Toronto.”

An overarching aesthetic that’s a nod to 1950’s Italy is reflected in Zuzu’s interior design and exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that channels the convivial spirit of Italian cafés.

“Our hospitality is soulful and attentive and our dishes are approachable and thoughtful, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients,” Rutherford says. “We strive to create a nostalgic and contemporary experience where guests can relax and enjoy a taste of la dolce vita.”

The restaurant seats 100, with an additional 60 seats on the outdoor patio.

On the menu, diners can expect to find classic Italian cuisine but with a modern twist. Much like in Italy, it’s characterized by antipasti, salate, primi, pasta, secondi, and dolci.

“We offer a range of dishes that are comforting, soulful and craveable, just like the meals you might enjoy at your cool Nonna’s house,” Rutherford says. “We take truly iconic and classic dishes and find a modern take on how we eat and share food today with our loved ones. You can’t go wrong when making these dishes with high-quality ingredients and thoughtful plating.”

Some of the must-try dishes include the cacio e pepe arrancini; the roasted acorn squash served with agro dolce, caramelized onions, sage, pepita, and pecans; the brussel Caesar salad, which features grana padano, pine nuts, candied pumpkin seeds, crispy shallots, and dill; and the rigatoni with spicy vodka, pomodoro, cream, and parmigiano. Baked ziti and chicken Milanese are additional favourites. To top it all off, Zuzu’s rum-soaked baba pastry is a sweet and boozy dessert that’s perfect for sharing.

Over at the bar, Zuzu’s wine and beverage director, Matteo Floris, and his team have crafted a beverage menu that echoes Zuzu’s approach to food, offering modern takes on Italian classics. The wine list features a range of options, including low-intervention wines that pair perfectly with the dishes. As for cocktails, some must-try drinks include the Café Negroni with gin, campari, red vermouth on a cold brew cube, or the Nitro Espresso Martini made with vodka, coffee liqueur and nitrogen.

Zuzu is located at 555 Dundas St. E. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. The cafe is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The duo behind Sabai Sabai open Toronto’s buzziest new restaurant

By

Megan Gallant

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2:15 pm

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A new restaurant celebrating the food, drink and culture of Laos has moved in to fill the cuisine gap left behind when Sabai Sabai Kitchen and Bar closed months ago. Last Wednesday, the same owners opened Lao Lao Bar, and if the demand of the first week is anything to judge, it’s sure to be just as famed as their previous venture.

According to co-owners Seng Luong and Jason Jiang, the transition from the notable Thai hotspot was easy because of the customer base they’ve already developed. “We built a really good trust with our guests,” says Luong. “The timing was just perfect for us to jump on this project and show Toronto what Laos food is.”

Though they spent most of their lives raised in Canada, Jiang and Luong were both born in Laos. The restaurant was inspired by the traditional dishes the owners were raised on.

“We’ve always maintained very strong ties to our heritage, to our culture, and food specifically,” says Luong. “Having a deep connection to the food and the culture, we’ve always felt that Laos food was very underrepresented outside of Laos in general.”

The 110-seat restaurant includes a lounge with a “speakeasy vibe,” a 20-seat patio, private dining, and wheelchair access to the main upstairs dining area.

“The design of the restaurant was really inspired by our love for Luong Prabang,” Luong says, acknowledging the “beautiful architecture” and French influence of the heritage city. Walnut hues and an installation of hand-made jute lamps represent the owners’ travels and create an intimate sining atmosphere.

“When people come in, we want them to be transported not just by the food, but by the space itself,” says Luong. “It’s a fully immersive experience.

Even the family-style serving follows tradition. Guests are encouraged to share everything, putting the focus on connecting with others, say the co-owners. “Everything comes out pretty much all at once,” says Luong. “Everything’s set in the middle of the table, and you just go at it with your hands.”

With both small and large plate available, the menu offers unique dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in the city.

One specialty, the Nam Khao, is a crispy deep-fried coconut rice that’s tossed with cured pork, lime juice, fish sauce, and herbs. On the plant-based menu, a favourite is the tapioca dumpling—but with a twist! Lao Lao Bar has substituted the ground pork with shiitake mushrooms, eaten inside a lettuce wrap.

To pair with the dishes, Lao Lao Bar’s cocktails show off the tropical flavours of Laos, like the Lost in Lao (Pilla Select Aperitivo, vodka, orange curacao, calamansi and lemon juice. A wine list “covers a little bit of everything from all over the world,” says Luong, who suggests he and his co-owner are both “very passionate” wine drinkers.

Lao Lao Bar is now open seven days a week at 5 St. Joseph St. near Yonge and Wellesley.

This Ontario town was just named the best city for students in Canada

By

Julia Mastroianni

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10:56 am

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Picking a university or college is hard enough as it is, and that can be even more difficult when you have to consider the pros and cons of the city you’ll be living in for the next four or more years. According to a new ranking by HelloSafe, you might want to move a certain Ontario town higher up on your list. Kingston just received the top honour of being the best city for students across Canada — and Toronto is not far behind.

HelloSafe looked at 47 cities across the country and assessed each one based on a set of 18 criteria combining academic excellence, student life, quality of life and attractiveness. Their 2023 ranking saw Kingston move from number three in 2021 to the top spot on the list. Hamilton and Toronto were the only other Ontario cities to earn a top 10 ranking, at number nine and 10, respectively. Though for Toronto, that’s five spots down from its 2021 ranking. Ottawa and Guelph ranked at 11 and 12, respectively, Waterloo at 14 and London at 16. Sault Ste Marie earned the lowest Ontario spot on the list, at number 44 out of 47.

While HelloSafe editor-in-chief Alexandre Desoutter acknowledged Kingston’s ranking came as a “surprise,” he said a look at the numbers shows the city deserves the top spot. “If the city does not particularly shine in one or another category, it presents an overall balance that allows it to rank well everywhere, whether in terms of academic excellence, student life, living environment or attractiveness,” he said in a statement.

Despite Toronto’s lower ranking this year, the city still earned top marks for other categories, ranking number two for student life and number five for “excellence.”

Ontarians might be surprised to learn that Ottawa earned the top spot for the “attractiveness” category, but don’t be alarmed — the category doesn’t refer to the relative prettiness of the city. It instead aims to measure the economic opportunities that a city can offer to a population of students who will find themselves on the job market tomorrow, looking at factors such as the city’s proximity to large urban areas, accessibility and transportation network and economic indicators such as the city’s unemployment rate and average household income.

Unfortunately for Ontarians, Kingston was the only city to place in the top 10 for the “quality of life” category, which assesses housing accessibility, air quality, climate and environmental conditions, access to nature and the size of the city — to no one’s surprise, cities in Québec took the top two spots.

For the full ranking and more insight into where Ontario cities place, click here.

The top 20 best cities for students in Canada

Kingston
Montreal
Vancouver
Sherbrooke
Calgary
Edmonton
Quebec City
St. John’s
Hamilton
Toronto
Ottawa
Guelph
Winnipeg
Waterloo
Burnaby
London
Surrey
Trois-Rivières
St. Catharines
Victoria

6 of the best Oscars watch parties to attend in Toronto this weekend

By

Julia Mastroianni

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2:35 pm

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The biggest night in Hollywood is back this weekend, and Toronto has plenty to root for! Brendan Fraser, who went to school in Toronto, earned a Best Actor nomination for his role in The Whale, while director and writer Sarah Polley’s Women Talking is in the running for both Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. Everyone’s favourite animator, Domee Shi, received a Best Animated Feature nomination for the Toronto-centric Turning Red, and director Daniel Roher is up for Best Documentary Feature thanks to his film Navalny, which follows Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Why not cheer them on with the rest of the city at an Oscars watch party this weekend?

Live Oscars broadcast with Hot Docs

Is the red carpet your favourite part of watching the Oscars? Walk your own this weekend thanks to Hot Docs’ free screening of the award show! You’re welcome to come in your best evening wear or your best evening sweatpants to stroll the carpet (beginning at 6:30 p.m.) before enjoying the show at 8 p.m. Before it begins, place bets on who you think will be winning and then get ready to root for Toronto!

A GLB Brewpub Oscar night

GLB Brewpub is cooking up a pretty great Oscars night this Sunday for those who like to treat watching the Oscars like watching a movie. The pub will be showing the award show with the sound on and offering free popcorn so that you can really get your movie on. There will also be “Guess the Winners” ballots with some fun prizes for those who guess right, and some drinks and burger specials to really sweeten the deal. Entry is free and while there will be walk-ins, reserving a table in advance might be a good idea!

Messy’s Oscar party at C.C.’s Bar and Grill

If you love gambling and love drag, Messy’s Oscar party at C.C.’s Bar and Grill is the place for you! Hosted by Messy Margaret, there will be a winners pool going for those who get their bets in before the first award. Once you’ve gambled all your money away, sit back and enjoy some drag performances throughout the night, plus trivia and even door prizes.

Oscars viewing party at Firkin on Yonge

The Toronto Movies and Outings group is back with their first Oscars party since 2019, and it’s the place to be if you’re looking to make some new friends by bonding over your love (or hatred) of some of the movies up for big awards! Head over to the Firkin on Yonge’s top floor and grab drinks and snacks from the menu while you cheer on your favourite actors.

Watch the Oscars with TIFF

TIFF’s Oscars watch party is popular for a reason — if it’s your thing, it’s pretty fun to be surrounded by cinephiles while watching (OK, more like critiquing) the biggest Hollywood award show. Journalist and pop culture critic Anthony Oliveira and film programmer Sarah Tai-Black will be hosting the night, filled with trivia and drinks if you so desire!

Oscars viewing party with Comedy Bar

If you like your Oscars with a side of comedy (and comedy that’s a little better than what the Oscars host often subjects us to), head to Comedy Bar Danforth on Sunday and get ready to laugh. The event is hosted by Paul Beers and Viza DeCline and will include special guests throughout the night, including Mark Little, Chris Sandiford, Roger Bainbridge and more. Not only that, but you can play Oscars bingo and fill out your predictions ballot in the hopes of winning a few prizes!

Yorkville’s favourite ice cream shop is getting a makeover

By

Jennifer Schembri

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1:31 pm

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Summer’s has been scooping up the most incredible natural ice cream in Yorkville since 1991, and now, the iconic parlour is getting a makeover.

Plans are underway for public washrooms (the current ones are located in the back parking area), as well as a new customer service area.

“We’re also freshening up the space, repainting the entire store, adding new tables and redoing the sign boards,” says shop owner Ron Tolkey, who added that Summer’s had just renewed its five-year lease, hence the renovations.

Founded by Len and Helka Tolkey in 1984, Summer’s started as a small storefront on Cumberland Street — a tradition in Helka’s family that began in Czechoslovakia in the late 1930s. The couple’s eldest son, Ron, eventually took over the business and over the last 25 years he’s seen the family business expand from one location to four — including a retail and production hub in the west end. The shops eventually amalgamated to a single storefront on Yorkville Avenue.

Tolkey also says he hopes to expand with a new store either in Oakville or at King and Portland.

“There’s a row of restaurants there where I think we’d do well,” he says. The shop closes each year during the winter season, and Tolkey says customers are already asking when they’ll be able to get their mitts on a delicious cone.

“There’s always a lot of hype in the springtime for us,” Tolkey says, adding that new flavours are in the works, including pina colada and pineapple as well as more smoothie offerings.

Summer’s is located at 101 Yorkville Ave.

Important documentation in a personal injury case

By

Jarrod Daley

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9:33 am

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Immediately following an accident, it can be difficult to think clearly, and a potential personal injury claim is probably not on your radar. The first piece of advice you’ll hear from a lawyer about what to do following an accident is to document everything you can. But what exactly does that mean? Diamond and Diamond Personal Injury Lawyer, Joshua Himel, breaks down the documentation you’ll need in a personal injury case.

What Documentation Is Useful in a Personal Injury Case?

In short, any documentation or evidence that sheds light on how the accident happened is a very important first step. However, it’s equally as important to document your injuries and the progression of your injuries after the accident takes place. This will vary depending on the type of accident, and the nature of your injuries. If you think information or documentation might be useful for your case, hold onto it and your lawyer can determine whether it’s needed when they assess your personal injury case.

“It never hurts to hold onto a document that doesn’t end up being relevant to the case, but it might hurt to dispose of something that could have been very helpful. Bring all of your documentation to your lawyer, and let them decide what is needed for your case,” says Joshua Himel.

What Documents Do I Need to Obtain?

It’s important to document as much as you can at the scene of your accident. Take photographs, videos, or notes of the event, how it happened, and the extent of your injuries. Beyond this, it can also be very helpful to obtain contact information of any witnesses at an accident because it’s often not possible to do it after the fact. In the event of a motor vehicle accident, it’s ideal to obtain the contact and insurance information of all parties involved.

“Some of my clients find it easier to record a voice note at the scene of the accident detailing what happened, rather than writing it down. This can be really helpful to jog their memory down the road. Whichever method is easiest for you at the moment, use that to document as much as you can,” says Joshua Himel.

Do I Need to Keep Track of My Medical Records?

Your lawyer will work with you to gather the documents that you need, many of which they will gain access to on your behalf. Your lawyer will be able to obtain your medical records, so it isn’t necessary for you to keep detailed records of your medical visits. As long as you know which hospitals, clinics, or medical professionals you visited, your lawyer can coordinate from there.

It is, however, important that you keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur due to your injury. “Your lawyer won’t be able to get a record from Shoppers Drug Mart for over-the-counter medication or anything you purchased out of pocket. We give our clients an out-of-pocket tracking chart for them to make note of these expenses,” says Joshua Himel.

Any services that you pay for, like snow shoveling or housekeeping, that you wouldn’t have had to hire assistance for if not for your injury, might also be recoverable under special damages. If the service provider doesn’t give you an invoice, it’s still important to keep track of who they are, what services they provided, when they provided them, and how much they charged.

What if My Documentation Isn’t Good Enough?

Even blurry pictures are better than no pictures. A panicked voice recording explaining the accident is better than nothing. A witness’s phone number with no name is better than no witness information at all. Gather what you’re able to without further injuring yourself, and your lawyer will work with what is available.

If you’ve been injured and would like to learn what options are available to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond and Diamond today at 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.