A three-storey condo inside 40 Oaklands Ave., just south of De La Salle College on Avenue Road, has hit the market in Toronto.
Unit 332 comes with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and has been extensively renovated to include upscale finishes throughout. Two of its three levels are dedicated to indoor living space, while the third is a private rooftop terrace that’s made for entertaining. Its designer touches and prime midtown location has earned it a listing price of $1.849 million.
White oak hardwood flooring and pot lighting can be found throughout the open-concept living space.
The oversized family room has large windows with west facing views.
A partial wall separates the dining and lounge area, allowing plenty of space to fit a table with seating for eight.
Tucked in the corner is the modern chef’s kitchen, designed with a matching marble backsplash and breakfast bar countertop, stainless steel appliances and white cabinets.
A two-piece powder room is located close to the kitchen.
A window bench adds a cosy touch to the spacious master bedroom.
There’s an open hallway with floor-to-ceiling closet space leading to the ensuite bathroom.
This five piece bathroom has a glass walk-in shower and soaker bathtub.
The two other bedrooms on the floor provide ample storage space. They’re currently being used as a home office and second family room.
Subway tile adds some charm to this three-piece bathroom.
There’s a wet bar on the third floor landing, which leads to the terrace.
The terrace is designed with ipe wood and limestone flooring. It’s bordered with decorative fencing and lush greenery.
Locals looking for fresh fruits and veggies now have another place to shop, as businesses across the city continue to reopen after the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Stop’s Farmers’ Market, which will continue to be held at Artscape Wychwood Barns, has joined the growing list of markets that have reopened in Toronto. While the Evergreen Brick Works and St. Lawrence farmers’ markets rolled out operations in June, others like the Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market opted to stick with online delivery and pickup instead.
The Stop has implemented a number of safety measures to help curb the spread of the virus and keep patrons safe. Only 50 customers will be allowed into the farmers’ market at a time, and properly-worn masks will be mandatory. Shopping at the market will no longer be a family affair as visitors will be limited to two per group, and only service animals will be allowed in. Physical distancing (staying at least six feet away from other customers) is also very much encouraged.
There will be arrows placed on the ground to direct traffic and stop pedestrian congestion, and shoppers will be asked to wash their hands upon entering the market. Patrons also will be asked not to touch any of the merchandise. Additionally, the market is asking all customers to do their shopping as fast as possible, ideally taking 20 minutes or less for their trip.
Anyone experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 has been asked to refrain from visiting the market. Also, those who have left the country in the last two weeks, who may have had contact with someone who may have COVID-19, or who are waiting for results from a COVID-19 test, have also been asked to stay home.
While it’s exciting that many places are reopening, it’s still important to stay vigilant and follow public safety measures, so make sure that you familiarize yourself with the guidelines before heading over to Artscape Wychwood Barns or any other farmers’ market.
The Stop runs every Saturday, between 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 76 Wychwood Ave.
Much-loved Thai restaurant Pai has reopened for patio service and takeout following a temporary closure related to a COVID-19 case.
Last week, Pai announced via Instagram that they had closed their doors after a kitchen employee tested positive for COVID-19. The restaurant has now begun gradually resuming service, starting with takeout and delivery yesterday and progressing to patio dining today.
Pai has made several social media posts outlining the health and safety measures they are implementing as they reopen.
“Since we closed the restaurant on August 5, we have disinfected the entire restaurant, including all rooms, surfaces, furniture, and products, three-times over,” reads one post.
Pai has also reported that their entire team is being tested for COVID-19. This morning, the restaurant posted that “as of today, over 90 per cent of the test results have come back from our staff and all have tested negative,” adding that only employees who have tested negative are part of the reopening team.
“We are very encouraged by these results and believe this was an isolated case,” reads one post. Pai also provided an update on the employee who tested positive for COVID-19, writing that they are “in good spirits and working towards a speedy recovery.” The post added that the team member will be in quarantine for at least 14 days and will only return to work after testing negative for COVID-19.
Pai had been preparing to reopen for indoor dining before the positive case occurred, and the restaurant has yet to share when this might resume. For now, they are continuing to offer takeout and patio service.
“We take the health and safety of our guests and staff very seriously here at Pai and have been working with Toronto Public Health and reviewing our already rigorous sanitation and safety protocols to safely reopen our doors,” wrote the restaurant.
As many restaurants across the city learn to navigate the new reality of modified indoor dining, announcements of permanent closures continue to roll in. Here are five restaurants that have recently bid farewell to Toronto and joined the long list of post-COVID closures:
Ama
AMA, the go-to spot on Queen West for delicious Argentinian fare, has announced that they are closing permanently as of Aug. 16. The restaurant was known for their $1 empanada nights every Wednesday, where patrons could order carne or vegetarian empanadas at a fraction of the cost, as well as their inimitable community vibe. At AMA, patrons were always welcomed in like family, tables got free perks on the (frequent) whims of friendly staff, and local produce and baked goods were sourced (often daily) by the chefs themselves.
Executive chef and partner Sebastian Galluci also wrote a short heartfelt goodbye on his Instagram, and while all dine-in options are currently sold out, you can still indulge one last time via takeout until they close.
Canada’s only location of Taiyaki NYC, a Japanese ice cream shop known for their beautiful and intricate cone creations, officially closed on Aug. 6. The spot had been open since 2018, but according to their official statement, the outpost joins the long, heartbreaking list of COVID-related closures.
“It has been an incredible journey serving the community. While the retail and food industry is navigating challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it comes with deep regret and sadness to announce that our Toronto shop will be closing its doors.”
The Dundas West locale served up flavours like black sesame and matcha swirled into waffle cones shaped like a fish (the company’s name, emblem, and a Japanese symbol of prosperity and happiness). Patrons could also embellish their cones with skewers of mini mochi cakes, wafer sticks, and red bean or custard fillings in their cones.
The White Brick Kitchen, opened by brothers Stephen and Mathew Howell in 2012, announced that they’ll be closing permanently on Aug 1. The Bloor West locale was known for fried chicken and waffles that always hit the spot, especially during their popular Sunday brunches.
This closure stands apart from other COVID-induced goodbyes, however, as the Instagram announcement hints that the reason might not be all bad.
“After eight years we at the white brick kitchen have decided to move on. Being off during quarantine and getting to spend so much time with our families has helped us to see what is really important in life.”
And before you get too upset about losing out on their fried chicken, you can still order it at Chica’s on Dundas West or at the Stockyards Smokehouse on St. Clair West.
Elvy and Flo — a beautiful and cheery café that centered around sustainability, accessibility, and plant-based goods — has permanently closed. While only open for about a year, the café quickly became a Riverdale meeting spot, especially for parents and young children who were welcomed with highchairs and a side door big enough for double strollers to roll in comfortably.
The announcement was made via social media at the end of July, and in it, owners Ann Peel and Perry Caicco explain how their successful creation of a unique type of “community hub” is precisely why their business can’t function through COVID.
“We loved the flow and energy of people and conversation, music afternoons on the patio, children running around and sidling up to the bar for miniccinos. Unfortunately, the very important public health measures required to protect us all from coronavirus, have fundamentally altered the nature of a business such as ours.”
DeKefir, a popular little spot on Bay Street that’s been serving up kefir (think yogurt but a little runnier) in customizable cups, smoothies and waffles, announced they’ll be permanently closing their doors after a decade in business. The announcement was made on their social media pages on the very same day that many Toronto restaurants opened for the first time since mid-March as a part of the province’s transition into Phase 3.
Owners Teresa Chang and Valerie Choy-Remark penned a heartfelt message to explain the closure, recount memories and even offer a little hope for owners and patrons alike who are watching Toronto’s culinary landscape change rapidly from day to day.
“If there’s anything we’ve learned the past 10 years, it’s that collectively, we’re creative and resilient. The industry will bounce back and will thrive again one day, and while none of us can predict what that’ll look like, we have no doubt that if we all do our part now in curbing the spread of COVID-19, small businesses will thrive again in Toronto.”
One bright spot, at least, is that you still have a month to get your final fix. While deKefir’s Bay Street location is already closed, the Liberty Village outpost won’t shut down until August 31.
This summer, spend your time to the fullest by improving the way in which you balance your work life with your personal life. Diamond and Diamond Lawyers is Canada’s leading personal injury law firm and its founders, husband and wife team, Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Ziskind, value work-life balance – especially throughout the summer months. Here, they share their tips that help their team of 40+ lawyers and dozens of support staff prioritize family time. This is especially important now, while the majority of their employees continue to work from home:
Jeremy Diamond suggests that “with travel being limited in this current environment, take some extra time and investment in your outdoor space so it can be enjoyed to the fullest this summer!” Whether this means new patio furniture or even a BBQ, spend a little money and you’ll get the most out of your outdoor spaces while the weather is warm. If you invest in a BBQ, take the time to make cooking on it a family activity.
Instead of working out by yourself, why not trade it for an active family activity? A family hike or a bike ride is a great alternative to heading to the gym by yourself. Sandra Ziskind says, “my husband and I find that we’re more determined when we work out together and it turns into a bit of healthy competition.”
Changing the way you work is an essential part of summer. Finding ways to work outside can help you enjoy the weather and get work done. A mesh screen covering paired with an umbrella can provide you with the perfect means of using your laptop out in the sun. Working summer hours when working from home can help you to retain structure in your working day but also give you the time you need to enjoy the summer weather. Respect your time off and structure your day in a way that won’t impede on the time you have dedicated to spending with your family.
Dogs can change the way you live your life! “Ruby has been a great addition to our family this year and has been an incredible catalyst for getting us all outside together” shares Sandra Ziskind. “Dogs can provide hours of exercise and entertainment for the whole family; do your research and think long-term – get a breed that suits your family’s lifestyle and plans; fostering a dog is a great way to enjoy a pet without a long-term commitment.”
Jeremy Diamond also advises taking a staycation. “With the current state of travel and uncertainty in Canada, vacation time can be used to really enjoy uninterrupted quality time at home as a family” he shares. Staycations are a great way to tackle long-neglected home projects like setting up the garden or building that porch.”
However you decide to spend your summer, make sure that you don’t blur the lines between work and family and that you assign each of these areas of your life with the time and respect that they deserve.
About Sandra Zisckind
Sandra Zisckind is a lawyer who was called to the Bar in 2003 and practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation in Toronto.
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.
Post City Magazines’ columnist Brad Lamb is the CEO of Brad J. Lamb Realty Inc. and Lamb Development Corp. He has more than 30 years of industry experience.
Is buying a Toronto condo from floor plans, closing on those units and then renting them a good business?
Yes. It’s been an incredibly good business. I’ve been selling real estate since 1988, and even today we’ve been able to gain double-digit annual returns for investors who buy these units. If you can buy condos that carry or come close to carrying all costs year one in a city like Toronto, that is the holy grail. Significant wealth is created when investors hold real estate long term.
So how does it work?
Generally speaking, whether you buy it in a downturn, an upturn or flat market, hold the property for at least 25 years. The returns on invested capital will be 15 to 25 per cent a year.
For example, I’m delivering a finished building in November this year. People who bought a one-bedroom four years ago for $265,000 can now sell for $625,000. These people have made almost $360,000 on their purchase. They invested $40,000. That’s a return on investment of nine times in four to five years. There’s no business that can deliver this kind of return and also protect you very well from the downside. I still suggest that buyers keep it for 25 years or more.
But that must just be for the best locations, right?
It doesn’t really matter where you buy in the GTA or areas around the GTA. Whether you buy in Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo or Scarborough, all these areas are appreciating. This entirety of southwestern Ontario is experiencing tremendous economic growth. So it doesn’t matter where you buy. You still have to do some homework in evaluating the builder and the building. This is where one of my real estate agents can come in handy to guide you.
What about the idea of parents buying a condo for their kids as a long-term hedge against inflation?
That is one thing that I strongly advocate for parents to do. We have had many parents make this kind of investment. If you have children or are planning to have children, this is the best financial move you can make for them. If the parents keep the investment for 25 years, by the time the child is 25, the property will be owned 100 per cent because mortgages are paid off over 25 years. In effect, your tenant has paid off your mortgage.A $500,000 property in 25 years will be a $2,000,000 asset debt-free. What a start for your 25-year-old child.
That’s a great idea. We all know how tough it is on young adults trying to find housing in the city and start their careers off on the right foot.
Exactly. So when your child comes out of university or is two or three years out of the first job, you can gift them a fully paid off condominium that will set them up for life. They will never have to worry about money again. Imagine if you were 25 today and your parents gave you a $750,000, 550-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment. Imagine what that would mean for your child’s future. It will even protect your grandchildren. They could live there and enjoy living in an apartment as a single person, which is always better when you own rather than rent. You get to decorate, buy nice furniture. It is yours to work with. They can then sell it and move up the property ladder. They get married or they move in with someone, they can start a family with a fantastic financial foundation. It’s not hard to do. We’ve done it with many, many people. And I highly recommend it. If there’s one thing a parent should do if they can for their kid, this is it. I’ve done this for my daughter. For me, it just feels amazing to know that, at a minimum, no matter how badly I mess up, my daughter is going to have a home when she turns 20 or 25.
For the second time at the Toronto Zoo, the corpse plant — amorphophallus titanum — has hit peak bloom. The plant is known for its two unique features: it only blooms for eight to 36 hours, and when it does it gives off a particularly unpleasant smell (hence its nickname).
The Toronto Zoo took to Twitter on Sunday to notify fans of the plant that it was beginning to open. Spectators were invited to see — and smell — the plant on Sunday evening. Tickets were being sold online for $5 to enter the corpse flower special exhibit, and did not include access to the zoo itself.
Sessions began at 7 p.m. on Sunday night and ran until 11 p.m. Zoo staff posted an updated to Twitter last night saying the plant was expected to hit peak bloom between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. More sessions are available Monday morning from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Zoo staff also posted an update to Twitter Monday morning saying, “Our corpse plant is still standing and still pretty smelly.”
Vincent Van Gross Presents: Stinky Night ? Join us tonight from 7:00pm-11:00pm as our corpse plant begins to bloom and take in that signature scent ?
This plant has been named Vincent Van Gross. Its predecessor, Pablo “Pe-ew” caso, bloomed two years ago in September 2018. The amorphophallus titanium plant can take anywhere from six to 10 years before it produces a flower, and then it can take a number of years after that before the flower blooms. Hence the fanfare surrounding the flower’s bloom as it’s not a common occurrence.
The zoo created a “Stink-o-meter” to chronicle the progressing smell of the flower as it bloomed. Throughout the day on Sunday it progressed from funky to foul to disgusting, and as it reached peak bloom it hit rancid and then downright offensive. For those hoping to catch a whiff, head to the zoo as soon as possible as the bloom is not expected to last much longer.
Ticket sales for the flower exhibit will go towards the zoo’s outdoor orangutan habitat project. Also, the exhibit is indoors and all visitors are asked to wear face masks as part of the City of Toronto bylaw.
Last fall, Morgan Clamp, a singer and songwriter, opened up the Tonight Bar in Parkdale, what he calls a micro performance space for up-and-coming artists. It’s tiny with a high-end sound system for live music and a quality stage.
“As a singer-songwriter myself, I’ve seen and experienced the reaction to live music over the last 20 years, and thought it was time for a little step back,” he says. “So I created this venue specifically for singer-songwriters, the burgeoning talent who have a better shot at filling the floor here.”
Everything was going very well with quality live music, including a few Juno Award winners gracing the small stage as well as record comedy nights, and then six months deep, COVID-19 hit and everything changed.
It’s been a long wait, and unlike most every other live music venue in the city, Tonight Bar has finally reopened. And Clamp has reopened in a very unique way.
“We knew we had to make it safe for anyone willing to come back,” Clamp says. “So last Thursday, we reopened with a unique two-way monitoring system.”
Morgan Clamp at Tonight Bar in Parkdale
Patrons can sit on the cosy backyard patio, with a capacity of 16, and watch live music and comedy on the TV screens being broadcast from the stage inside. And, the artists can also see the crowd on the patio and hear the applause.
Inside, the stage has been decked out with protective plexiglass so artists and patrons stay safe while moving around the venue.
Clamp decided not to open up indoors yet, as under new COVID-19 rules the capacity would be just 10 people.
Is it perfect? No. Is it a return of live music to Queen West. Yes, it is.
“The reaction has been great from those who’d seen it. Over the next couple of weeks, we just need to let people know what it is we are doing. We are adapting to the situation rather waiting for the world to resume.”
Recently, all Toronto has heard regarding live music is the closure of one venue after the next including places such as Alleycatz, and the Orbit Room, as well as the Rivoli being put up for sale.
Clamp hasn’t heard of another venue here or anywhere trying to do what he’s doing, but he thinks clubs need to look for a creative solution in the same way as artists.
“There’s already been great innovations with music in parks, at the end of driveways. Artists have been fantastic about being their own advocates and keeping art going. But venues have been more cautious for a variety of reasons,” he says. “I hope the thirst to see shows live comes back, and that we play a part.”
While the pandemic may have put a moratorium on street festivals in Toronto, locals are finding new ways to celebrate certain time-honoured traditions like the ever-popular Taste of the Danforth.
Every year, the event welcomes nearly 1.6 million people over the span of three days, making it the largest street food festival in Canada. Attendees come from all over to fill up on tasty Greek fare, learn about the culture, and enjoy music from participating vendors on the strip. The festival, organized by the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, dates back to 1994 and this weekend would’ve marked its 27th year in Toronto.
Unable to ensure safe social distancing, this year’s event has been cancelled, but that shouldn’t stop residents from hosting their own celebrations and showing support for local restaurants.
Lovers of Greek cuisine can dine in at any one of these spots under stage three of the province’s reopening plan, or opt for takeout or delivery.
Christina’s on the Danforth — best known for its authentic Greek and Mediterranean fare, belly dancing and live music — reopened its patio to the public in late June. The popular spot has also recently welcomed diners back inside with plates of kontosouvli (roasted pork on a skewer), grilled octopus, and flaming saganaki cheese. Delish! (Christina’s on the Danforth, 492 Danforth Ave., 416-463-4418)
Mezes (which is Greek for small plates) has been open for takeout throughout the lockdown and is also serving diners inside and on its patio. Like its name suggests, the restaurant serves an assortment of authentic Greek appetizers such as dips (think tzatziki, hummus and saganaki cheese), spanakopita, olives, souvlaki on a stick and more. The delivery menu is available through Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes. (Mezes Restaurant, 456 Danforth Ave., 416-778-5150)
If you’re looking for a quick bite, Athens Pastries is a popular go-to spot on the Danforth. Their loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) are a common fave, but they also do amazing Greek spirals (filled with spinach or cheese) that you can pair with their freshly brewed coffee or a latte. (Athens Pastries, 509 Danforth Ave., 416-463-5144)
No Danforth roundup could be complete without mention of the Pantheon Restaurant. This local institution has been a staple on the strip for more than 20 years. You’ll find hand-painted frescoes and an airy vibe inside, plus fish and wine imported from Greece. Staff are super friendly at this family establishment and always eager to greet patrons with a familiar “Opa!” or sing a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to all who welcome it. The restaurant is open for business, but by reservation only. (Pantheon Restaurant, 407 Danforth Ave., 416-778-1929)
This local Greek tavern specializes in the art of the Greek shish kebab. Patrons come for the chicken souvlaki, but the restaurant actually serves a variety of other grilled meats, seafood and desserts on site as well. Their baklava, for example, is a popular fave. The restaurant is officially open to diners, but they also continue to offer takeout and delivery as well. Plus, their patio is open and waiting. (Astoria Shish Kebab House, 390 Danforth Ave., 416-463-2838)
Waterfalls are some of the most stunning natural wonders to explore. If you’re enjoying some R&R in Muskoka, you may want to check out some of the several cascading waterfalls in the area. Muskoka’s trail network covers close to 4,000 square kilometres of rugged terrain and while some of these hikes are easy, others are a little more on the adventurous side. But, they all — sooner or later — lead to some of the most beautiful waterfalls that are sure worth your time and effort. They are also just a couple of hours outside Toronto.
Located along the north branch of Muskoka River, this 50-foot high and tremendously steep falls is easily one of the most magnificent in the region. The trail leading to High Falls follows an old road through a red pine plantation and points to a breathtaking view of the rapids. The trail is quite rocky, so proper footwear might be a wise idea. A day permit comes at $12 per vehicle, and can be purchased at the Pine Grove Point. Fun fact: The trail system leading to High Falls is actually part of the Trans-Canada Trail (The Great Trail).
Just north of Huntsville, this beautifully cascading waterfall comes with a 3.9 km loop trail. Located within Arrowhead Provincial Park, this year-round attraction is your one-stop answer to enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you are hiking or biking, its winding trails – cutting through maple forests, past the waterfalls onto the beaver ponds across homesteaders’ farms – will leave you yearning for more. The meandering Little and Big East Rivers leading to the falls will also take care of your paddling, fishing, and swimming needs, should you opt for more relaxing activities. The cherry on top? Your furry friends can also enjoy this trail!
If anything, this is Muskoka’s focal point of civic pride. Here, the north branch of the Muskoka River empties itself into Bracebridge Bay. Surrounded by parkland on both sides, the view of Bracebridge Falls from the top is pretty impressive, especially when lit up at night with coloured floodlights. For the gallant and fearless, Bracebridge also offers one of the region’s only treetop trekking adventures, allowing you to shriek through the air almost 15 metres above the ground. For the rest, located 10 minutes west of Bracebridge is Santa’s Village, where you can enjoy a tête-à-tête with the big guy even in summer.
The Bala region is most famously known for the Kee to Bala and the Bala cranberry marshes. You can begin by marvelling at the gorgeous waterfalls pouring over the rocky shoal into Bala Bay, which is part of the Muskoka Lakes and then stop over for a quick lunch at the Bala Falls pub. If you’ve had a rough week, you might also want to consider checking into the Active Turtle Retreat and go on an inspiring journey of self discovery to restore your body and spirit.
Situated at the bottom of a deep gorge by the Skeleton River, this quaint and beautiful waterfall has somewhat of a lore surrounding its name. Apparently, it gets its name from all the skeletons that mosquitoes leave behind once they are done ravishing on unsuspecting hikers. That aside, this one is a treat for sore eyes. With its white-barked trees contrasted against the most unnaturally green moss and the darkest of rocks, the view is a riot of colours that will most certainly unleash the artiste lurking within you.
One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker.
The days have been hot, hot, hot, so it has never been more important to shield your skin from that summer sun. We asked Jeanne Beker to pick her favourite wide-brim summer hats and parasols to ensure we can all stay stylish and safe in the shade.
SUMMER HATS
A) STRAW SENSATION
IntermixOnline.com, $419.53, “I really like this straw plaid fedora. It’s unusual to see plaid in a straw hat, and I love it.”
B) FUN AND FEMININE
MaryamKeyhani.com, $475, “I love the combination of light pink with black and the red cap, so it’s got a bit of an edge to it.”
C) MODERN EDGE
SportingLife.ca, $66, “This white hat is a classic with the black band, which gives it an edge: the perfect hat for the beach.”
D) THREE-TIER TOP
LilliputHats.com, $195, “This is definitely something Audrey Hepburn would’ve worn. It gives you great height too.”
E) POP OF ORANGE
HoltRenfrew.com, $279, “This hat is an incredible style statement. It looks really chic, and this colour is wonderful.”
F) FANTASTIC FRINGE
ArchivesToronto.com, $287, “This fringe has a wild, almost jungle vibe to it with the funky fedora styling at the top and this huge brim.”
G) VISOR VIBES
ShopFrock.ca, $35, “This visor is so chic, you can dress it up or down, and it would be perfect for a day of golf or tennis.”
H) DRAMATIC BLACK
TheBay.com, $34.99, “I really like this one. It’s very dramatic, and for those of us who swear by black, this is a great hat.”
I) ULTIMATE SHADE
ArchivesToronto.com, $575, “It looks like it drags down your back and covers your shoulders. This yellow hat is sensational.”
PARASOLS
A) DOTS AND DARTS
Shopbop.com, $47.91, “This is summery with the stripes and polka dots and this adorable little duck on the handle. It’s a cute accessory.”
B) STARRY NIGHT
LaBella-Umbrella.com, $45, “I really love this Van Gogh umbrella. Why confine art to your home when you can wear it out and about.”
C) PRETTY PETALS
Simons.ca, $45, “This one is pretty vibrant and optimistic but classy with that nice brown background.”
School will look a little different in the coming years for students across Ontario, due to some major curriculum changes in response to COVID-19 and international action addressing systemic racism within institutions and beyond.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, school boards have been trying to adapt to online teaching. Now, with the knowledge that the threat of coronavirus will still be present come September, the Ministry of Education said it has advised boards to plan for multiple scenarios.
“Conventional delivery with enhanced safety protocols, adapted delivery that may include blended models of in-person and remote learning and full remote learning, the implementation of these scenarios are dependent on health advice at any point in the school year,” wrote Ingrid Anderson, senior media relations coordinator for the Ministry of Education, in an email.
Kristen Clarke, dean of teaching and learning at Bishop Strachan School, says that BSS will be switching its high school students to a semestered schedule rather than full-year courses. Most courses will be semestered, with the exception of math in Grades 9 and 10, activity-based health and physical education courses, and a few others that are better suited for full-year learning.
“It’s about manageability. Usually students in our school have eight courses… That’s a lot to carry as a full load throughout the course of the year, so this way we can make sure they have fewer topics to focus on,” she says. Clarke notes that Grade 9 and 10 students carry eight courses a year, and most Grade 11 students also have eight courses, whereas most Grade 12 students have seven courses.
Clarke also says the school learned from student responses to online teaching in the spring of this year.
“We’re moving into a blended environment where kids will be learning online and face to face, and we noticed that prioritizing positive, descriptive feedback, versus a whole bunch of evaluative grades, was really helpful,” she explains. “It sustained many students when they were experiencing stressors and kept them above water in many cases.”
For those with students in elementary school, be prepared for a revamped math curriculum that will now include coding and financial literacy.
“Our government is modernizing our schools, our curriculum, and the delivery of learning, to ensure students are set up to succeed in an increasingly changing world,” Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said according to a press release on July 23.
The curriculum changes also mean that students in Grade 3 and 6 will not be taking the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessment in the 2020–2021 school year, as the ministry works on adjusting the math component of the test to align with the new curriculum.
At TFS-Canada’s International School, there will be a large focus on the use of technology as both a medium and a tool for effective teaching and learning, says Khalid El-Metaal, the deputy head of teaching and learning.
“The educators will lever the use of Google Classroom as a teaching and learning platform in order to deliver curriculum content whether students are taking part in-person, online or through a hybrid class,” he says.
Students at TFS will have the option to remain at home and learn through a distance learning model, and other students will take part in in-person sessions with teachers with small class sizes and hybrid classes that take place in online learning spaces on campus.
“While the school is focused on delivering the curriculum effectively, we are also focusing on student wellness, and our first priority for the first few weeks will be forging strong teacher-student relationships, embedding routines and practices that are important in this new learning context, and helping students make sense of the changes, and what is happening around them,” says El-Metaal.
Karen Murray, the centrally assigned principal of equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression on the TDSB
There has also been a push for curriculum changes that better address issues of systemic racism within the school system and more broadly throughout the country.
Since international protests and discussions about racism were sparked after George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police, advocates have been calling for better and earlier education around race and racism within the classroom.
In response, the Ontario government has looked at some common practices within the current school system that contribute to racism.
“The government recently announced plans to end academic streaming [grouping students by ability] in Grade 9 in response to concerns that the practice has disproportionately affected educational outcomes for Black, Indigenous and low-income students. The government has also proposed a ban on suspending younger, elementary-school students, a practice that also disproportionately affects Black students,” wrote Anderson.
They’ve also promised to strengthen sanctions for teachers who make racist remarks or perform racist actions.
Although that is a start, Karen Murray, the centrally assigned principal of equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression on the Toronto District School Board, says that the board is still working to do more in terms of the curriculum and the school environment for racialized students.
“The intentional work has to happen within the classroom and not in just one specific subject,” she says. “If you’re going to be culturally relevant and responsive, it embeds in all subjects.”
She notes that, in her experience, students are more comfortable talking about racism than teachers, and that’s something Murray says the board will have to work on.
“What [kids] do is they bring their life into the classroom; they talk about what they see, what they lived through. So it’s the adults that have to push against our own hesitation.”
Carl James, a York University professor whose research has focused on the experiences of racialized students in the education system, says bringing those lived experiences of students into the classroom is a necessary step to address some holes in the curriculum.
“It [the education system] is very centered on the European experience,” he says. “Teachers must pay attention to the backgrounds of their students, whether that’s race or gender or where the students come from, in order to prepare and effectively reach their students.”
Murray says she’s seen a positive response from many teachers so far.
“More educators are willing to really begin to have those conversations in their classrooms. Before the year ended, you could see that, heightened requests to help support teaching and talking about race and racism as a result of the things kids are seeing in the news.”
But the curriculum is provincially mandated, meaning Murray has to work within the “wiggle room” to incorporate more diverse content. The provincial government has yet to make any changes to the curriculum to directly add anti-racist requirements, though the Ministry of Education has said it’s proposing anti-racism and anti-discrimination training by the end of 2020.
Sandra Zisckind is a lawyer who was called to the Bar in 2003 and practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation in Toronto.
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 
Post City Magazines’ columnist Brad Lamb is the CEO of Brad J. Lamb Realty Inc. and Lamb Development Corp. He has more than 30 years of industry experience.
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