10 staycation ideas to enjoy in Toronto this winter

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The holiday season can fly by in a daze, with many people off from work and school. Make the most of your time in the city with these staycation ideas. Whether you need some budget-friendly activities to keep the family busy or are looking to kick things up a notch with a bougie hotel stay, we’ve handpicked something for everyone. The snow makes travel difficult, so don’t! Lots of fun can be had right here in your own backyard.

Toronto Brewery Tours

Brewery tours aren’t just for the summer, and you don’t need to travel far to enjoy one! Toronto Brewery Tours will take you to three of Toronto’s best craft breweries on their public tours and up to 10 on a private tour, and you’ll get a flight of beer at each stop. Warm up from the cold weather with the city’s best brews!

Rouge National Urban Park

Move over Scarborough Bluffs, there’s a new spot in the neighbourhood you have to see to believe. Rouge National Urban Park is the largest urban park in North America, conveniently located in Scarborough. Take the whole family out for some fresh air and explore all the forests, creeks, farms and trails as well as marshland and a beach. Dress warm!

St. Lawrence Market

Do a self-guided food tour through one of the oldest markets in Canada. St Lawrence Market dates back to 1803 and has grown to house over 120 vendors. Bring some friends and sample some of the finest cuisine spanning the globe, from French-inspired baked goods to fresh produce, meat and cheeses and other international eats.

W Hotel

Slip into modern luxury in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood and book a staycation at the brand new W Hotel. Right on Bloor Street, heading into The W is like walking into another world, filled with art, beautifully designed spaces and carefully chosen music. The Living Room, W’s version of a hotel lobby space, specializes in sparkling beverages so it’s the go-to spot for prosecco, champagne and pét-nat. They even have a Moet vending machine for bubbly-on-the-go; does it get any swankier? From the state-of-the-art gym to the beautifully designed rooms and stunning open concept bar, The W is a terrific choice for a trip that doesn’t require any travel time.

Tobogganing

Bundle up and hit the hills on your toboggans. This ageless wintertime activity will be a hit with anyone in your circle. Many popular Toronto parks have hills perfect for flying down. Some go-to spots are Christie Pitts, Trinity Bellwoods, Bickford Park and L’Amoreaux Park.

A DIY art tour

So you’ve seen the AGO and now you’re looking for somewhere else to get your art fill. Luckily, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy some amazing culture and creativity! Spend the day doing your own art tour with some of Toronto’s most unique and underrated art galleries. Located in an actual power plant, The Power Plant on the Harbourfront is renowned in Canada for its contemporary art collection. For lovers of photography, stop by the Stephen Bulger Gallery to enjoy whichever surely spectacular exhibition is currently on offer (and trust that this gallery will be a big help if you’re looking to buy!). Then book an appointment to visit the Bay of Spirits Gallery located across from the AGO — it’s been specializing in Indigenous art for over 25 years. Next, stop by the Taglialatella Gallery — with a gallery in New York, Paris and Palm Beach as well as Toronto, you’ll get a truly international art experience.

Polar Bear Skate & Winter Clothing Drive

The Bentway, a 220-metre figure-eight skate trail located under the Gardiner Expressway, is hosting its annual Polar Bear Skate that returns on Dec. 31 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Both a clothing drive and a cool (literally) way to close out the year, brave Torontonians are invited to strip down and skate the trail for a good cause. Click here to register for the Polar Bear Skate. Donations of warm winter clothing will be collected onsite by New Circles Community Services and distributed to newcomer and refugee families experiencing winter in Toronto for the first time. Items in need include new and gently-worn winter coats and boots.

Ode Toronto

Change your scenery and explore one of Toronto’s hippest neighbourhoods with a stay at family owned, boutique hotel in Little Portgual on Dundas West. Surrounded by cool restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, the space itself boasts modern rooms each with their own individual personality brought to life by local Toronto based artists, designers and manufacturers. And if you need more convincing, book a staycation for New Year’s Eve and you’ll get a free bottle of prosecco. Pop, fizz, clink!

Rock Climbing at Basecamp

With two locations either on Bloor Street West or Queen West, Basecamp climbing makes indoor climbing accessible to anyone. Boasting 7,000 square feet of climbing walls with over 100 different climbing routes available for you to try, you can bring the whole family for a couple hours of vertical exercise in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Book a hotel spa stay

If you don’t want to book an overnight staycation but still want to enjoy the luxury of a hotel, visit a spa in one of the city’s top hotels for a bit of relaxation! The Stillwater Spa at the Park Hyatt offers everything from aromatherapy to facials to massages and is open from Thursday to Monday. Or, try the St. Regis Spa, Canada’s highest luxury spa located 31 floors high, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city while indulging in a hot stone massage or a rosy full body scrub.

Our top five food stories of 2022

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Jennifer Schembri

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1:02 pm

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dan-gold-E6HjQaB7UEA-unsplash — Dan Gold/Unsplash

In 2022, the word started to return to a new normal and going out to eat topped many people’s to-do lists. From omakase dining to where to nab the best pizza in the city, Streets of Toronto had you covered. In case you missed them, here are the top five food stories of 2022.

5. One of Toronto’s best Japanese restaurants has permanently closed

Skippa, a restaurant known for its seasonal Japanese specialties, permanently closed this year. Located at 379 Harbor St., Skippa was run by chef Ian Robinson, who worked for four years under the esteemed Mitsuhiro Kaji at Sushi Kaji before going solo with Skippa back in 2016. The word “skippa” is a play on the term skipper, which is a person in charge of a boat, or ship, and was a nod to the fresh seafood Skippa quickly became known for.

4. Toronto’s top Japanese restaurants for omakase dining

Fancy, multi-course Japanese menus are having a moment in Toronto. Between buzzed-about openings such as Sushi Masaki Saito and Hana Yorkville and long-running favourites that have been pleasing our palates for years, Toronto can’t seem to get enough of Japan’s surprise-me styles of dining.

3. This Toronto baker is hitting the big screen on The Food Network’s Chocolate Showdown

Toronto’s very own Gavan Knox added Canadian television star to his resume this March. The award-winning baker, writer and food collaborator appeared as a contestant on the Food Network’s new show, Great Chocolate Showdown, to flex his creativity in the kitchen for the chance at $50,000.

2. These are Toronto’s best restaurants of 2022 as chosen by their peers

Streets of Toronto surveyed over 50 of the best chefs in Toronto and asked them to share their two favourite restaurants in the city for food, service and ambiance. The result is a definitive guide to the 75 best restaurants in Toronto for 2022, ranked. Read about the top 10 below, and check out the full list to see if your favourite restaurant made the cut!

1. Here is a ranking of all of Dave Portnoy’s one-bite pizza reviews in Toronto

Dave Portnoy, also known as Stool Presidente, recently visited Toronto to promote his partnership with The Score’s sports betting app. But, would El Prez really be himself if he didn’t try some pizza on his visit? Portnoy sampled slices at pizzerias from Etobicoke to Leslieville, offering his cult-followed “one bite, everybody knows the rules” takes on some of Toronto’s most beloved pizza places, from Blondies to Maker Pizza.

Toronto’s seven most anticipated restaurant openings of 2023

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Jennifer Schembri

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While 2022 was a stellar year for restaurant openings — Matty Mathesons’s Prime Seafood Palace, Alder from Patrick Kriss and Kensington Market’s Sunnys Chinese immediately come to mind — it’s the restaurants that are headed our way in the new year that we are most excited about.

Here are Toronto’s most anticipated restaurant openings of 2023.

Miznon

Estimated opening date: “imminently”

Location: 1235 Bay St.

New York, Paris, London, Tel Aviv, Singpore and now Toronto. Opening “imminently” in Yorkville, Miznon is the brainchild of chef Eyal Shani, considered to be one of the leading figures in the Israeli culinary scene who is currently the lead chef of 25 successful eateries worldwide. The Toronto location of Miznon, will be the restaurants eighth location and is set to feature a new kind of Mediterranean street food with the vision to take the flavour of the city and translate it into a pita.

Nobu

Estimated opening date: late 2023

Location: 30 Mercer St.

Nobu Toronto is a dynamic project featuring Nobu’s first high-rise residences as well as Canada’s first-ever Nobu Hotel and Nobu Restaurant. Founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, the property will be located in the heart of the entertainment district and will rise 45 storeys above the historic Pilkington Glass Factory with two dramatic residential towers, featuring 660 sold out residential units with enviable views of Toronto. It will house approximately 15,000 square feet of space and will be a two-level restaurant, complete with a signature bar lounge, outdoor seating and chic private dining rooms. If the Toronto outpost will be as exclusive as the other 40-plus locations, only time will tell, but one can bet the Toronto’s celebrity set (we’re looking at you Drake) will soon be flocking to the eatery.

Black+Blue

Estimated opening date: spring

Location: 130 King St. W.

Toronto’s financial district will soon be the home to award-winning Vancouver-based restaurant group Glowbal’s first Ontario restaurant. Black+Blue is set to open in the spring in two-storey space that will span a massive 9,000 square feet and include 2,000 square feet of outdoor space. Classic steakhouse offerings with an added twist are on the menu including the world’s most premium cuts of meat, plus seasonal seafood, a raw bar and caviar. Overseen by executive chef, Morgan Bellis (of Bisha and Lavelle) the restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner with plans to introduce weekend brunch shortly after opening in the spring 2023.

Chantecler

Estimated opening date: January

Location: 795 Bloor St. W.

It was a sad day when much-loved Parkdale bistro Chantecler closed its doors after being destroyed by a three-alarm fire in 2019. Open since 2012, the neighborhood haunt was a haven for French classics, where dishes like tartare a l’Americaine, St. Simon Oysters and tuna niçoise reigned supreme. But in just a few short weeks, the restaurant will reopen in Bloorcourt Village, and according to owner, Jacob Wharton-Shukster the new digs will be a place for “unapologetically French” food helmed by Chantecler’s former chef, Diego Reyes. “If you ever went to Chantecler before, the new room will feel very familiar, but with a more grownup build standard, a lot more seating and a better resourced kitchen,” says Wharton-Shykster.

Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House

Estimated opening date: summer

Location: Union Station

Promising to be a riff on the classic steakhouse, Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House is a highly anticipated fine-dining spot from the folks at Liberty Entertainment Group ( Don Alfonso 1890, Cibo Wine Bar). Quality cuts of meat, fresh daily seafood selections and premium-grade sushi will be served in a sleek modern space and will occupy the northwest corner of Union Station complete with expansive windows where patrons can gaze out on the bustling downtown core.

Unnamed sister space of Sorrel restaurant

Estimated Opening Date: March

Location: 1158 Yonge St.

Rosedale icon Sorrrel restaurant is opening a space next door. Although few details have been finalized at this point, Sarah Pearson, Sorrel partner, general manager and sommelier, has confirmed that the new space will work with the same team currently backing Sorrel, including executive chef/owner Faro Chiniforoush and chef du cuisine Jacob Chowdhury. lthough the new restaurant’s menu is still being finalized, the plan is to offer up a variety of small plates. “We do have a sense that we would like the space to be more casual: no reservations, a place to start or finish an evening,” says Pearson. With room for just 28 guests, the spot will most likely be an intimate, cosy space perfect for small group outings or a romantic date night.

Mott 32

Estimated Opening Date: Spring

Location: 190 University Ave.

When word got around that David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar was officially checking out of the Shangri-La hotel later this year, fans and past patrons wondered what would move into the space in its place If you loved the Asian-inspired eats of Momofuku, you’ll be in good company with Mott 32, the award-winning Chinese restaurant chain that’s slated to move into the 190 University Ave. space in the spring. The fine dining spot already has locations in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Las Vegas and Vancouver, with Cebu and Dubai listed as “coming soon” online. The restaurant has an elegant, fine dining feel with the interior exuding an industrial-meets-luxe look, reflecting both its Chinese roots and global reach. The Vancouver spot has even earned accolades for its food as well as the design of its physical space, so expectations are high for the new restaurant.

Our top five fashion stories of 2022

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Julia Mastroianni

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12:30 pm

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@getfreshcompany/Instagram

From TikTok fashion trends to style moments on the runway, it’s been an incredible year for fashion in the city. With everyone venturing back out to socialize, people wanted to know how to walk the streets of Toronto with style this year! Here are the top five style stories that caught your eye in 2022.

5. The Blokecore fashion trend

At the height of popularity for this unique and timely fashion trend thanks to the World Cup, we wrote a guide to the trend and spoke to some Torontonians on why they love it. Recognized by some combination of a (ideally vintage) football (soccer) jersey with baggy or straight-cut denim and some type of classic Adidas sneaker, the fad blew up and was aptly named “Blokecore” as a playful mockery of British football fans.

4. A guide to streetwear culture in Toronto

Streetwear style has been a staple in Toronto for years, and nowhere is that more clear than the abundance of incredibly innovative and successful streetwear brands coming out of the city. This comprehensive history of the style in Toronto and beyond coupled with a guide to many of the Toronto-based streetwear brands for eager shoppers was an indication that the demand for street-savvy clothing isn’t going anywhere.

3. A Q&A with Toronto designer Ellie Mae

For the second year in a row, Ellie Mae has made the cut for Streets of Toronto’s most popular fashion stories. This time, it was a Q&A with the popular Toronto designer that delved into everything from her fashion influences from L.A. to London, the value of sustainability in her brand to the inspiration for the company’s new vintage line.

2. Jeanne Beker’s guide to fashion-forward trenches

Jeanne Beker’s monthly fashion columns sharing the best of fashion Toronto has to offer are always popular, but this story on trench coats with a twist really made its mark with the spring fashion crowd. From a sleeveless iteration of the classic trench from Toronto designer Hilary MacMillan to a stunning scalloped Chloé coat with an equally stunning price tag, these funky trench coats offer something for everyone.

1. Saks Fifth Avenue’s major transformation

At the beginning of 2022, we reported that Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton would be exiting luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue on Queen Street, readers were curious to know what had convinced these brands to move out of one of Toronto’s most popular luxury shops. Our November update shared some more details about the changes happening at Saks, including Christian Dior and Burberry also departing, and the four brands being replaced by Alexander McQueen, Moncler, Ralph Lauren and an expanded Balenciaga shop. This game of luxury musical chairs earned the top spot on our list.

7 of the fanciest New Year’s Eve restaurants in Toronto to ring in 2023

By

Christine Hogg

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11:31 am

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320043103_965224731118183_2017807263208773122_n — The Drake on Instagram

Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, or a night out with friends, make it a night to remember and bid adieu to 2022 at one of these Toronto restaurants that are serving up lavish New Year’s Eve dinners.

Auberge du Pommier

Modern French dining meets rustic charm at North Toronto’s Auberge du Pommier. For New Year’s Eve, Chef Doug Penfold has created an indulgent tasting menu ($195 per person), which includes bluefin tuna, beef fillet with wild mushroom and truffle and ravioli with charred kale sauce. For dessert, there’s mousse and petit fours. 4150 Yonge St.

To book a table between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. click here.

Canoe

For one of the most stunning views of the city and the Toronto Islands, head to Canoe restaurant on New Year’s Eve for a $275 eight-course menu from chef Chef Ron McKinlay. Spotlighting uniquely Canadian ingredients, enjoy dishes like roasted scallop tartare, Atlantic halibut and aged beef filet.. 66 Wellington St. W.

Go to Opentable for a reservation.

Café Boulud

This French Brasserie located inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville is pulling out all the stops with a three-course or five-course dinner priced at $165/$225 per person. Opulent menu items included oysters, Wagyu beef and truffle, Chilean sea bass and rack of lamb. For dessert, Cafe Boulud’s le chocolat 70% is the perfect balance of sweet and bitter. 60 Yorkville Ave.

Seating for dinner is from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made here.

Pink Sky

If elevated seafood dishes are your thing, King St. West’s resto, Pink Sky, is offering a four-course prix-fixe menu with offerings like lobster bisque and beef tartare to start. A choice of shrimp cocktail or zucchini and eggplant is next, while mains include truffle lobster mac and cheese or a 10 oz tenderloin steak. Dessert is also included. The price is $125 with an optional $50 wine pairing. 480 King St. W.

There are still a few spots available here.

The Chase

The Chase is an upscale, rooftop restaurant located on the fifth floor of the Dineen Building that boasts spectacular views and features contemporary Canadian cuisine with a focus on seafood. To ring in the new year, the restaurant is offering two seatings options; The first priced at $150 per person inlcludes a curated five course menu with salmon crudo, soy glazed octopus, east coast halibut or Tuscan-spiced lamb. The second seating is six courses and is priced at $160. Make sure to save room for a decadent dessert: dulce de leche banoffee pie. 10 Temperance St.

Place your order here.

The Drake

Always a good time, New Year’s will be no exception at The Drake as Executive Chef, Laura Maxwell, takes it up a notch with a three-course tasting menu complete with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. To start, appetizer options include charred octopus or venison carpaccio, followed by beef short rib, or heirloom squash ristotto. As a sweet ending, choose from chocolate espresso cake, pavlova or blood orange tart. 1150 Queen St. W.

Priced at $125 per person, reservations can be made via Open Table.

Kōst

Celebrate the New Year “under the stars” from the 44th floor of The Bisha Hotel with a two-person, four-course sharing menu at Kōst. Along with a bubbly toast, dishes on the elaborate menu include salmon crudo, truffle risotto, baked sea bass and marinade ribeye along with a decadent dessert platter with super rocher, key lime and a rainbow of plate de fruits. 80 Blue Jays Way.

Reservations are still available and can be made here.

A glamorous by appointment-only lounge opens in Yorkville featuring delicious dishes by a Michelin chef

By

Jennifer Schembri

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11:49 am

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271799219_917895138924045_9220881534158569987_n-1 — Sushi Masaki Saito on Instagram

Walking through the doors of Yorkville’s newest bespoke cocktail lounge, C Suite, you’ll notice that the space has been designed to resemble a train car, perhaps reminiscent of the luxurious coaches of the Orient Express. Soft jazz music trickles over the speakers, and warm ambient lighting sets the atmosphere for a cosy night of watching the comings and goings of the neighbourhood.

“We want to transport you, away from the outside world, to a timeless place where you can relax, sit back, enjoy the conversation of your guests in our beautiful lounge or sit at the bar and get the bespoke cocktail experience,” says mixologist Albert Han, who has been working in the bar scene since the early 2000s, and has competed internationally in Seoul and Beijing.

Open by reservation only, C Suite takes over the former family-owned restaurant Jacques Bistro du Parc, which closed in April of this year after 43 years in business. In soft opening mode since mid-November, C Suite is gearing up for its grand debut in January 2023.

“The guiding philosophy behind C Suite is to create a venue where you can get not only the best cocktails in the city, but bespoke cocktails that are tailored to the guest and crafted to match,” says Han, who works closely with C Suite’s owner, who prefers not to be named. “It is our hope that we create a niche in Toronto where we are able to build a clientele who feels like, in the best sense, this is their home away from home. A safe, comfortable, private respite within the city. We want C Suite to be a concept that not only elevates the art of cocktail making but the art of hospitality.”

C Suite currently offers six signature cocktails, but as Han likes to say, “When you sit at my bar, there is no menu. I am the menu.” For those looking for something different,

C Suite also offers whisky and bourbon tastings.

The presentation of the cocktails is just as eloquent as the drinks themselves—the Smokey Old Fashioned, for example, is served on a bed of crushed ice inside the black and gold jaws of a ceramic snake, and features a cinnamon stick that is burned so that the smoke fills the glass and infuses the cocktail and sits in the glass as the guest sips.

“I like them [my guests] to start with the Herbal Diamond Fizz, my twist on the classic gin fizz,” Han says. “I feel that this cocktail is the best way for me to get to know my guests. Just the first time, they have to start with this cocktail because I can tell everything about their tastes through this cocktail. And then, from there, for the second drink, we will work together.”

Other cocktails that Han prides himself on mastering include the Shiso Daiquiri. “Whenever I go somewhere new, I order a daiquiri, Han says. “Why? Because it’s a simple drink but in the simplicity, therein derives the complexity and what separates a cocktail from art.” C Suite’s daiquiri features Japanese shiso that is infused into house-blended white rum.

C Suite also offers a small food menu, which revolves around relationships with some of the finest chefs in Toronto who have designed signature dishes. From Masaki Saito, for example, guests can order the signature ankimo (monkfish liver pate) topped with caviar. From French Masterchef Didier Leroy, C Suite offers a dish called Roulade au fois gras et truffle, (fois gras and black truffle encased within organic chicken).

The bulk of the menu has been designed by Zen Japanese Restaurant owner and head sushi chef, Seiichi Kashiwabara, with offerings ranging from duck carpaccio served with sancho pepper to miso black cod to Japanese hirame sashimi served with ponzu and wasabi. All of the menu items are designed to be tapas or appetizer-style meant to compliment the dishes. But at the end of the day, bespoke cocktails are the star of the show at C Suite.

“We aren’t in a position or interested in filling every seat and just pumping out drinks for the sake of volume. Right now, we are most concerned with being the best, and giving each guest 100 per cent,” Han says. “But likely in the new year, once we have established our rhythm and we know ourselves well, we will likely move to a more open door policy. But guests will still have to ring the buzzer to get in!”

C Suite is located at 126A Cumberland St. and is currently open by reservation only, or select walk-ins dependent upon availability.

Here is what’s open on Christmas day in Toronto

By

Ron Johnson

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2:34 pm

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If the thought of staying home on Christmas day makes you say, ‘Bah Humbug’ there are still plenty of spots in the city that plan to stay open to help keep your spirits bright.

Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, and most businesses and government offices will be closed. And with a mega-storm of some sort bearing down on poor Toronto, planning ahead is essential to minimize any time spent on roads no matter how you plan on travelling.

Here’s a look at what will be open on December 25.

Transportation

TTC and GO Transit will operate on a holiday service schedule.

Entertainment

Movie Theatres remain open. Check local listings for showtimes.

Outdoor Skating Rinks: to search by location, visit the city’s website to learn more.

Tourist Attractions

Allen Garden and Centennial Park Conservatory 160 Gerrard St. — 151 Elmcrest Rd. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
High Park Zoo (in High Park) 1873 Bloor St. W. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada 288 Bremner Blvd. 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Riverdale Farm 201 Winchester St. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Toronto Zoo 2000 Meadowvale Rd. 10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Shopping

Pacific Mall 4300 Steeles Ave. E., Markham 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Rexall (select locations)
Shoppers Drugmart (select locations)

Grocery Retailers

Galleria Supermarket 351 Bloor St. W. 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Galleria Supermarket 7040 Yonge St. open 24 hours
Galleria Supermarket 558 Yonge St. 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Galleria Supermarket 865 York Mills Rd. 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
The Food Depot 150 Dupont St. open 24 hours
The Kitchen Table 705 King St. W. 6:00 am – 2:00 am
The Kitchen Table 10 Queen’s Quay W. 6:00 am – 12:00 am
The Kitchen Table 389 Spadina Rd. 7:00 am – 12:00 am
Summerhill Market (select locations) 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Rabba Fine Foods (all locations) open 24 hours

Fast Food

Many fast-food establishments will remain open on Christmas Day for take-out, although most will be operating at reduced hours.

Starbucks (select locations).
Tim Hortons (select locations).
Pizza Pizza online & phone ordering is closed on Christmas day. Select locations will be open for walk-in.

Restaurants (Dine-in)

Plenty of restaurants will be open to dine in on Christmas day and there are still a bunch of reservations available.
Most restaurants in Chinatown remain open as well.

Dog bites & personal injury: what you need to know

By

Jarrod Daley

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9:00 am

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See all posts by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

Have you ever been out for a walk and encountered an aggressive dog? While we never like to think of it, the reality is that a dog can and, in some cases, may bite. This can be especially true when a dog feels threatened. No stranger to the realities of dog bite injuries, Diamond and Diamond’s own Zev Bergman offers the answers to some of the most common questions you may have regarding dog bites in Canada.

How Common Are Dog Bites in Canada?

While there’s no denying that our four-legged canine friends are adorable, it can be easy to forget that they’re still animals with sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Even the smallest ones can inflict serious injury. Most dog bites occur in the park, on the sidewalk, or in a public place, so it’s important always to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar dogs.

According to the most recent Canadian study on dog bites, three-quarters of all dog bites happen to children under the age of 10. This demographic also sees the highest percentage of dog bite-related emergency treatment.

“I’ve been a lawyer for 20 years and a dad for 12. I’ve seen a lot of severe, life-altering dog bites happen to beautiful, happy children. When my daughter was little, there was no way I would let her face near a dog. Now that she’s older, we spend time around dogs, but safety is always a priority,” shares Bergman, partner at Diamond and Diamond.

What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog

After a dog has bitten you or a loved one, the shock of the injury might kick in and cloud your judgment. These encounters can be hectic and scary, particularly if the injury is severe, but it’s important to keep a level head and immediately do the following:

The first thing you should do is collect the identity and personal address of the dog owner. This information can be very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain after the fact, so it’s crucial to get it at the moment. If the dog owner is refusing to give you this information, we recommend calling the police at the scene of the injury. It’s crucial to obtain this information from the get-go because without identifying information, you would not be able to pursue legal action against the owner and receive compensation for your injury.
Document the event and your injury – either write a note or record a voice note outlining the sequence of events. Take pictures of your injury immediately.
Seek medical care.

After your injury has been seen by a medical professional, be sure to take the following actions:

Call a personal injury lawyer to see what your options are.
Continue to document the progression of your injury with pictures, and notes on pain, mobility, etc.

Can the Injured Party Be Held Liable for Provoking a Dog?

In Ontario, liability around dog bites is set out in the Dog Owners’ Liability Act. The Act states that dog bites fall under the standard of strict liability, meaning that the owner of the dog (or if the dog is in the possession of a minor, the guardian of the said minor) is liable for any injuries resulting from the dog, regardless of whether the owner was aware that the dog had the propensity to bite.

“A person’s dog is their responsibility – always. Even if their dog has never hurt a fly – if the dog snaps and injures someone, the owner is to be held liable,” says Bergman of Diamond and Diamond.

While the owner of the dog is liable in all situations, the damages awarded might be reduced if the injured party is found to have caused or contributed to the damages. For instance, if the injured party hurts a dog, taunts a dog, or takes an action that could reasonably be assumed to provoke a dog, this might result in a reduction in damages.

Parting Remarks

Dog bites can be serious, and safety around dogs should never be taken lightly. Respecting dogs’ boundaries, paying attention to body language, and always asking a dog’s owner before touching them are important. Teaching children how to play safely and respectfully with dogs is of the utmost importance. A quick warning bite that would be minor for an adult could cause a lifelong injury to a small child.

If a dog has injured you or someone you know, don’t hesitate to contact 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.

Celebrity chef Antonio Park brings sensational food and sky-high views to Yorkville

By

Jessica Huras

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11:45 am

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Toronto’s newest restaurant is taking things to the next level – 51 floors up, to be exact. AP is a collaboration between noteworthy Montreal chef Antonio Park and Scale Hospitality, the team behind local restaurants like Lapinou and Miss Likklemore’s. Ted Corrado, corporate executive chef for Scale Hospitality, says the partnership had been a longtime dream for Park and Scale CEO, Hanif Harji.

“Hanif Harji and Antonio have been friends for years and they’ve been talking about doing this project for quite a while,” explains Corrado. “It was more about just finding the right space and it feeling like the right time.”

The right space turned out to be the former home of the now-shuttered One Eighty restaurant. Set on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, the new AP restaurant offers jaw-dropping views of the Toronto skyline via two sets of windows bookending the dining area.

“It’s a pretty unique, beautiful view of the city,” says Corrado. “When Hanif got this opportunity, he called up Antonio and said ‘I think we found the place.’”

The Food

Those familiar with Park’s eponymous Montreal restaurant, Park, will recognize the chef’s signature Latin-influenced approach to pan-Asian fare. “The restaurant is called ‘AP.’ It’s Antonio’s spot,” says Corrado, adding that Park took the lead in spearheading the menu and sourcing the high-quality ingredients showcased in each dish.

Corrado’s role was to add what he describes as a “Toronto sensibility,” refining Park’s creations to suit the tastes of Yorkville diners. “I’m a Toronto boy, born and raised, so it was a little easier for me to massage the menu,” he says, “but the spirit is 100 per cent Antonio.

Beginning with the “cold start” section of the menu, this Hokkaido scallop ceviche gets a little kick from a green chili and yuzu dressing, which is balanced by creamy avocado, along with refreshing cucumber and radish.

Other “cold start” options include this tender bluefin tuna tataki dolloped with aji verde and a ginger emulsion.

“Hot starts” include this wonderfully-crispy jumbo shrimp tempura drizzled with teriyaki sauce.

Corrado describes the sushi section of the menu as “Antonio’s baby,” adding that sourcing the best-possible ingredients is at the heart of their approach. “We’re tapping into premium Japanese suppliers in the city to ensure that we’re doing it right,” he says.

These scallops, which get savoury depth from a rich tom yum sauce, are among the larger mains available.

Desserts include this brownie stuffed with pecans and almonds, which is finished with a creamy duo of chocolate mousse and chocolate sorbet.

The Drinks

The drinks menu leans into AP’s pan-Asian influences with a line-up that focuses on sake by the glass and Japanese whisky.

Many of the lighter cocktails, such as this Raichi Sour, also use sake as a base. For this easy-drinking sipper, junmai ginjo sake teams up with lychee, egg white and bitters.

In the Wasaga Swizzle, apricot and watermelon lend a deliciously fruity element to an earthy rum and chai syrup base.

One of the more spirit-forward cocktails on the menu, the Yoichi Old Fashioned showcases the restaurant’s excellent selection of Japanese whisky. Nikka From The Barrel whisky makes for a bold riff on the classic cocktail.

Beer and wine drinkers will also find a few thoughtfully-curated options, including a distinctive red rice ale from Kiuchi Brewery in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture.

The Space

City views are the natural focal point at AP, but an eye-catching ceiling installation and a stunning, wood-accented bar give the Toronto skyline a run for its money. “It’s dark, it’s cozy and it’s really beautiful,” says Corrado of the space.

Soft lighting, intimate corners and colourful rugs give the restaurant a vibe that’s appropriately upscale for its Yorkville setting while also retaining a sense of warmth.

Corrado recommends visiting in the early evening in order to enjoy peak golden hour views as the space transitions from day to night. “The food is clean and it’s pretty and I think it matches the space really well,” he says.

Toronto’s own Fashion Santa is back in town and bigger than ever

By

Julia Mastroianni

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11:21 am

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He’s got a big white beard, wears red suits — especially around Christmas time — and brings joy and happiness to . . . adults? This is not your average Santa Claus.

Paul Mason, better known as Fashion Santa, what some may consider the new and improved Santa is bigger than ever. He looks expensive, dresses expensive, has a gravelly voice and has the kind of tall and suave stature that commands a presence. But Mason is careful to point out that he’s not trying to replace the O.G. Santa. “I’m not trying to compete with the old Santa. My Santa is just a more fashion-savvy, adult version,” he says.

Fashion Santa exploded onto the scene in 2015 with an ad campaign for Yorkdale mall that went viral, hitting three billion impressions, according to Mason. It was enough to draw the attention of Justin Beiber, who stopped by the mall to take a selfie with Mason, adding to the media frenzy.

But the story of how Mason got there is a sad one. Before all this, he was modelling in New York, landing campaigns with big names like Macy’s and Dolce & Gabbana and signed to Ford Models. But in 2008, his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Mason moved back home to become a full-time caregiver for her, and she passed away five years later.

“In the grieving period that I had, I stopped working and stopped shaving altogether,” he explains. As time went on, he let it grow into a beard. “In fashion, it’s nice to have different looks, and I was liking what I was seeing. I didn’t even know how to grow a beard, but I just let it happen.”

Mason put his fashion background together with his new look, creating Fashion Santa and pitching it to a few retailers. If you’ve ever seen a photo of Mason, you’d see why — the resemblance is certainly uncanny.

After the campaign went viral, Mason says he was getting stopped on the streets for selfies constantly. It was important to him to figure out a philanthropic tie-in for the work he was doing — perhaps in the spirit of Old Saint Nick himself – so Yorkdale vowed to donate one dollar to SickKids for every selfie people took with Fashion Santa if they used the #FashionSanta and #Yorkdale hashtags. His relationship with Yorkdale was severed after they both applied for the Fashion Santa trademark, which Mason eventually won in a legal agreement that he had exclusive rights to the name.

Mason believes the visibility of that social media campaign is what launched him into what appears to be permanent stardom.

He’s certainly not the first chiseled man to grow a white beard, but Mason says there might be something slightly sacreligious about an icon as famous as Santa that scares people off from doing what he’s done.

“I don’t think people want to mess with such a thing,” he says. “But I’m not trying to replace him. I’m just adding another component to the already established iconic figure of Santa.”

“Maybe if I was just out there doing advertising after advertising, it could look like a little bit of a gimmick, but a key component of what I do is charity driven,” Mason says. “So I think maybe that’s why I get a pass for trying to mess with the idea of Santa.”

Mason says Fashion Santa exists in part to bring a bit of Christmas joy back to adults who have long grown out of believing in Santa and waiting impatiently for Christmas morning.

“Doing all those selfies, it was cross-cultural. It wasn’t defined by any religion or any kind of stance. It was just a really fun idea for adults to have 10, 20 seconds of joy,” he says.

“I can remember when whole offices were coming down because they were competing with other offices to see who got the photo with Fashion Santa first,” he says. “When that kind of moment happens, it’s quite special.”

And in another, perhaps more predictable way, Fashion Santa is ripe for adult memeing opportunities.

“It’s my favourite thing to look forward to, the Fashion Santa memes that come out,” he says. “Some of them are too raunchy. I can’t even mention them. Is that success, when you become a meme? I have no idea.”

Mason says that, at this point, he’s close to being able to work as Fashion Santa 12 months a year. For him, that’s just what he wants.

“I find now that, when I do something outside of Fashion Santa, it’s a bit confusing to the public and to my followers. I’d rather keep going with this. I’m really happy with it.”

As the resident Fashion Santa, he’s not just the expert on all things Christmas, but all things fashion too. He says holiday fashion is really fun because it can be so short-lived.

“You pull out all this stuff that you wouldn’t normally wear the other 10 months of the year,” he explains. “You’ve got all these incredible fabrics and silks and satins and patents and all these shiny, baubly things that you would never wear otherwise. And I think that’s what is kind of fun about the season.”

But ugly Christmas sweaters are where he draws the line.

“Oh no, I would never wear one,” he says.

Spoken like a true Fashion Santa.

6 amazing ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in and around Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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2:22 pm

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New Year’s Eve can be one of the most exciting days of the year — if you know where to go to celebrate! Luckily, Ontario is home to all kinds of traditions and events to make the last night of 2022 a great one. With 2023 fast approaching, we’re rounding up some of our favourite New Year’s celebrations around the province.

Try a historic Canadian tradition

A little piece of Canadian history trivia for us all: ice fishing is one of the country’s oldest New Year’s traditions! New Year’s Day marks the official opener of the ice fishing season in northern Ontario. The region sees an influx of anglers each year, making their Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 trek to ring in the new year and new ice fishing season. Although ice fishing used to entail absolutely freezing your extremities off as you wait for fish to bite, Ontario has had some major updates in that department over the past few years. Now, you can rent heated ice huts, cosy yurts for an upgraded private experience or even book a stay at a lakeside resort that comes fully equipped. Spring for an all-inclusive ice fishing package, such as the one at Buttermilk Falls Resort in Haliburton, which includes accommodations, a heated ice hut and bait. buttermilkfallsresort.com

A very merry Hogman-eh celebration

“Hogmanay” is a Scottish word for the last day of the year and is the word most commonly used for all kinds of New Year’s Eve celebrations that happen in Scotland. Lucky for us Canadians, the Scottish Society of Ottawa takes its Hogmanay very seriously, and for over a decade, it has hosted its trademarked “Hogman-eh!” celebration. The largest New Year’s Eve celebration in eastern Ontario and the largest Hogmanay celebration outside of Scotland, Hogman-eh! features live music, fireworks, skating and more at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, along with some great Scottish food and drink. Ring in the new year the Hogman-eh! way — twice! The party celebrates midnight in Scotland at 7 p.m. our time and then again at our official midnight. ottscot.ca

Make it a New Year’s to remember in Muskoka

Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration for resort guests that is filled to the brim with activities fit for kids, families and couples! Every year, the resort transforms into a holiday haven for New Year’s celebrations. There are two special dinners available by reservation at the resort: the Eclipse New Year’s Eve Dinner Experience, ideal for adults, and the Family New Year’s Eve Buffet and Celebration. The Eclipse dinner features live food stations of bison, lamb, duck, fish, pasta, desserts and more served by Deerhurst’s chefs. The family buffet features roving entertainers, magic tricks and children’s stations full of all the best child-friendly eats. Both dinners are followed by the Great Canadian Dueling Pianos show and celebration until it’s time to ring in the new year. deerhurstresort.com

Countdown at one of Ontario’s largest New Year’s Eve events

This year, it might be worth booking a trip to Barrie, not just for a ski adventure at Horseshoe Resort, but for the city’s Downtown Countdown. One of Ontario’s biggest annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, the event has been around since 1998 and features family activities, skating, live music, fireworks and more under the lit-up arch of city hall. Bundle up, grab a warm drink and enjoy one of Ontario’s longest-standing New Year’s Eve traditions this season! barrie.ca

Skate the night away in Niagara

Sure, you could head to Niagara for the Niagara Falls annual New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a fireworks display and live music series. But why not try something new this year just 20 minutes down the road in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Wayne Gretzky Estates rings in the New Year in the most Canadian way: hockey, skating and food. The hockey game is played on an inflatable screen that overlooks the rink and patio so guests can cheer on as they drink, eat and skate. With twinkle lights shining bright over the rink, skate the night away — or at least until you need to warm up! The Whisky Bar Patio will provide this warm escape, in addition to delicious food and drinks. gretzkyestateswine.com

Plunge into the new year

Whether you’ve spent New Year’s Eve falling asleep on the couch or took the trip to enjoy one of these Ontario events, there’s no better way to kick off the new year with a refresh — literally! The Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision sees hundreds of people gathering in Oakville to plunge into the icy cold waters of Lake Ontario on New Year’s Day — all in support of a good cause. The funds raised from the dip support World Vision’s fight to provide clean water in developing nations. The tradition has been around for 37 years. Since then, over $2 million has been raised to support clean water projects around the world. Participants willing to brave the cold can register online at polarbeardip.ca.

A sweet new indoor roller skating rink just opened at this mall complete with disco balls and hot pink benches

By

Ron Johnson

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1:49 pm

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A new indoor roller skating rink from the team behind similar Retro Rolla under the Bentway has officially opened in a former H&M location at Promenade Mall.

Now known as SUSO Skate Co. or Summer Solstice Skate Company, the new facility features a bright, retro aesthetic complete with vividly coloured benches, a white rink and vibrant pastel colours throughout. Expect disco balls, faux plants, neon signs, a vinyl record album wall, and more photo-worthy skate moments.

“We chose Thornhill, as it’s a diverse community in close proximity to Vaughn and Markham,” said co-founder Janine Bartels. “When the specific location in Promenade Shopping Centre was presented to us, we walked into the space and just knew it was a fit — we couldn’t pass it up for a pop-up”

According to Bartels, she and Henry O’Brien started dating at the onset of Covid, March 2020 and then founded Retro Rolla Skate Club Inc. in the summer of 2021 at The Bentway. Suso evolved from Retro Rolla, which this past summer had a rooftop roller skating pop-up at the Shops at Don Mills.

“We had a very successful first summer at The Bentway, and decided to rebrand to Summer Solstice Skate Club (playing up our unique offering of outdoor rentals) for summer 2022,” Bartels explains. “We never expected to have four pop-ups in a year, but it’s exciting to be able to bring such a vibrant activity to new communities.”

Promenade Mall is located in Thornhill just north of Toronto at the corner of Centre Street and Bathurst Street.

The floor of the rink features large smooth tiles such as one would find in most malls. As a result, SUSO recommends using outdoor/soft wheels on the tiled surface adding that “there is a slight groove between the tiles and it can be slippy with hard wheels.”

“It had been a former H&M store, which meant the tiles were smooth enough to skate on, the existing lighting could be tweaked slightly, and we could utilize their old shelving for our rental skates,” Bartels says. “When we’re only popping up somewhere and have under a month to activate the space, we need to try to be resourceful and utilize what’s currently there. The space is also in the most ideal location in the mall, it’s close to the entrance and right across from the food court so we have a constant flow of spectators watching everyone having fun rolling around.

The rink is a temporary pop-up and at some point, the mall will undergo a massive redevelopment that includes a number of condominium towers and much more.

“We’re currently open until the end of March, and hopefully, we can extend until May,” Bartels says. “We just launched unlimited skate memberships, and plan to host themed events like Disco Nights.”

This is the company’s first indoor location, and for the occasion chose to work with Toronto-based illustrator and muralist Elise Conlin.

“Working with local artists, we reimagine how space is used, hosting visually impactful and high energy skate experiences — creating good vibes and memorable moments for the communities we pop up in,” said co-founder Henry O’Brien.

There will be a lesson schedule posted in January for those who are making resolutions to get more active.