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Quarantine reads: Navigating conflict resolution in a time of flux

By
Marlene Mendonca
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Family law lawyer and mediator, Meysa Maleki, has recently launched The Conflict Resolution Grail: Awareness, Compassion and a Negotiator’s Toolbox, where she draws on her extensive experience as a family law lawyer and accredited mediator to introduce the everyday person to the elements of conflict, the sub-conversations and the skills that are required to resolve conflict effectively.

Maleki’s solution to addressing human conflict goes beyond just the latest conflict resolution theory, negotiation techniques, and the interpersonal skills of a mediator. She draws on the strengths of human beings, their capacity for compassion and their immense potential to change their subconscious programming through awareness.

Maleki’s book weaves together research from human genetics, evolution, communications theory, neuroscience, world history, psychology and sociology to reframe our understanding of conflict. It provides the everyday person as well as the professionals who devote their careers to working with conflict situations with an integrated approach to conflict resolution, one that draws from eastern wisdom and western conflict resolution and negotiation theory.

Everyone is faced with negotiation, persuasion, and conflict resolution on a daily basis, whether with our children, our spouse, friend, co-worker, boss, children’s school teacher, the store clerk or the berating stranger who subjects us to his wrath, without having the requisite authority to do so for what he perceives to be our reckless driving. Conflict is everyone. Adopting what Maleki calls “high leverage” conflict resolution behaviours is essential to our sense of power, well-being, and success in the world.

Beyond that, conflict resolution is now imperative to humanity’s fate as a species. It is Maleki‘s aspiration to raise awareness about our own role in conflict and to create a cultural shift and a new framework for understanding and responding to conflict.

In these unprecedented times, conflict resolution skills are more important than ever.

Meysa Maleki practices as a family law lawyer and mediator at Maleki Barristers, in Toronto, Canada. Her strong interest in the complexities of interpersonal relationships and human dynamics led to a career of fighting for justice in the area of family law. She is a regular contributor to Thrive Global. 

Sarah Gadon on her new film American Woman and how she’s spending her time at home in Toronto

By
Erin Neilly
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American Woman
Sarah Gadon and Hong Chau in a scene from 'American Woman'

In a world of protests and pandemics, the question of how far people are willing to go in pursuit of the right outcome has never been more relevant. Is an action, no matter how immoral, justified if the desired result is achieved? And what parts of the story are we losing as time marches on? These questions are central to the movie American Woman, starring Toronto actor Sarah Gadon.

The film, which was just released across all digital and on-demand platforms today (June 30), reimagines the story of the headline-dominating kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst in 1974. It is told from the perspective of a political activist named Jenny, portrayed wonderfully by actor Hong Chau, who is assigned to protect Hearst.

“What I value about the potential of mediums like books and film is that they allow us to look back at the stories that were never told,” Gadon says. “I want the audience to immerse themselves in the dream of what might have happened to these women. I want the audience to think about how misguided and messed up movements can get when people hijack them for their narcissistic pursuits.”

As the world speaks up about the systemic racism in our society, it of course is demonstrated in this film where Jenny is a forgotten character in a story that dominated the news. She’s forgotten because she wasn’t what some thought an American looked like.

“In this famous story at the heart of those sensational events, was the story of another woman, Jenny or in real life, Wendy Yoshimura. Her story was marginalized because she wasn’t the prototypical ‘American woman,’ ” explains Gadon.

It’s the relationship between Jenny and the Patty Hearst–inspired character Pauline, played by Sarah Gadon, that is so central to the film and provides audiences with some very special moments.

“Pauline and Jenny are naturally drawn to each other,” Gadon says. “They are two women who otherwise never would have crossed paths if it weren’t for the radical intervention of the SLA [Symbionese Liberation Army]. Part of the journey of the film is to watch these two women discover one another and get lost in each other along the way.”

The film also stars Ellen Burstyn, David Cubbit and John Gallagher Jr. and is directed by Semi Challas. But Gadon says she had a natural curiosity in Chau from the moment they met.

“She’s a very compelling woman,” Gadon says. “Often when you are acting in a close relationship with an actor, you spend a significant amount of time getting to know them. Since we basically had no prep time together before we started shooting, I brought that curiosity into the process of shooting the film.

Sarah Gadon began acting at a young age in Toronto appearing in TV shows such as CBC’s Being Erica. She made the transition to film thanks to filmmaker David Cronenberg, who cast the young actor in a series of films such as A Dangerous Method and Cosmopolis, which put her on the proverbial map. In 2018, Gadon won a Best Lead Actress Canadian Screen Award for her work in the CBC mini-series Alias Grace. But, it has always been movies that she’s loved. And it’s movies that have given her some solace while quarantining at her Toronto home during the pandemic.

“Since the pandemic started, they seem to be the only real constant in my life,” she says. “I’ve revisited some films like old friends. I’ve spent time watching a lot of films from the ’60s and ’70s, their slow pace grounding me during a time of total uncertainty. Films make me feel like I’ve travelled to distant cities, make me feel like I’ve fallen in love. They challenge me. It makes me happy that I can put something out into the landscape of cinema that is both out of the box and completely relevant to the current movement that we are all witnessing.”

Gadon was at the premiere of American Woman at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall before the pandemic hit.

“I feel lucky to have been able to premiere the film at a festival in my hometown before we all dispersed into our individual bubbles,” Gadon says. “But it’s bittersweet because I also miss making movies. It’s summer, and I’m usually lucky enough to be working, waking with the sun in the early hours of the day, collaborating with a bunch of different people from different walks of life to make something we all collectively believe in. I miss that a lot.”

Currently, Sarah Gadon is doing voice work and working on other projects she has in development but makes time for a weekly movie screening with fellow Toronto film types Jacob Tierney and Matt Hannam.

“We rotate between who chooses the film each week and FaceTime each other before and after the movie with our thoughts and reviews,” she says. “It’s been fun because I’m an actor, Jacob is a writer and director, and Matt’s an editor, so we each approach things from our individual backgrounds.”

As a busy actor, Gadon rarely spends extended periods at home. Her quarantine has been the longest stretch in years, she says. And it does have its silver linings, as many have found.

“At first, it was hard to be home and not see my friends and catch up with loved ones, but I have been spending a lot of time with my parents,” she says. “I’ll go up to their house once a week after I’ve done their grocery shopping and have tea with them in the garden. I love my parents. It has been nice to be a part of their weekly routine and to luxuriate in conversation. In that way, this time is unique and precious.”

How an Instagram account highlighting Black-owned businesses in Toronto has grown to massive popularity

By
Erin Neilly
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black-owned businesses
Kerin John

Kerin John used her expertise in graphic design to launch the incredibly popular Instagram account @blackowned.to. The account is meant to help Torontonians find Black-owned businesses that they can support in their local community, and within two months it has grown to more than 50,000 followers.

John fell in love with graphic design back in high school at Central Technical School where a multi-year graphic design program was offered for high school students.

“My first intention was to go to college for it, which I did for a little bit, but I realized it was kind of a waste of time because I studied it in high school for so long,” John says. “After that, I just decided I would freelance and do this myself.”

At first, John was mostly doing work for people she knew, and that led to other work through word of mouth. Now, she is living a full-time freelance career with her main focus being @blackowned.to.

“Organization is probably the number one thing to just keep your head on straight,” John explains. “Also, try to prioritize a little bit and not take on too many things at once, or else you’re going to burn yourself out.”She has faced this challenge since starting @blackowned.to.

“The idea came to me because I was having a very difficult time finding Black-owned businesses in the city. With my design background and everything, I knew that I could create a page that was just easy to use because I’ve always been pretty good with social media.”

Kerin John started the account at the beginning of May and was mostly finding businesses to post on her own. However, by the beginning of June, she says things “really exploded.” She was getting upwards of 1,000 likes on each post and started getting so many direct messages that she couldn’t keep track.

“I had to turn them off and find a different solution. And that’s how I decided to get a website for the business submissions,” she says.

John says running the Instagram account and posting new businesses from the submissions has now become almost all she does at this point.

“It’s all I think about. I don’t even sleep. It’s almost like an addiction. I’m always checking my emails, always checking the page.”

She has a backlog of hundreds of businesses to post now, and so she thinks she likely will create a directory of them all and post it to the website.

“I want people to still have the resources without having to wait for me to post because it’s going to take me forever to get through all of the businesses.”

She attributes the growth of the account to the community.

“Up until the past couple of weeks, supporting Black-owned businesses hasn’t been a trend. Now, it’s kind of, I don’t want to say trendy, but people are just trying to find ways to be a good ally,” Kerin John says. “But I don’t want it to be temporary. I want it to be continued support for the Black community because, overall, we just haven’t had the same amount of customers, and starting a business for us has always been a little bit more challenging.”

Popular Toronto bakery says goodbye to its west-end location

By
Jessica Huras
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Roselle Desserts

Widely-acclaimed pastry shop Roselle Desserts has announced it’s closing one of its two locations. Known for its beautiful French-inspired pastries, Roselle’s Corktown shop opened in 2015 and was followed by a West Queen West outpost, which launched last summer.

Owners Stephanie Duong and Bruce Lee shared the news on Instagram on Friday, saying they plan to focus on their original location going forward. “It wasn’t easy to come to this decision,” reads the post. “With the uncertainty facing our industry, we have decided that it is best to return to our roots and operate out of a single location on King Street East.⁣”

 

 

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We’re saying goodbye to Roselle West. ⁣ ⁣ It wasn’t easy to come to this decision. We’re blessed to have gone on this journey of building out a beautiful space and watching our business grow in another part of the city. It’s been exhilarating and exhausting. We have no regrets.⁣ ⁣ Since lockdown began in March, we’ve had a lot of time to reflect and decide how to navigate our new reality. With the uncertainty facing our industry, we have decided that it is best to return to our roots and operate out of a single location on King Street East.⁣ ⁣ We’re going to miss the space and community we’ve created at Dovercourt but we still have so much to be thankful for. We’re going back to the shop that started it all with so much support, love and gratitude. ⁣ ⁣ We’re going to be okay.⁣ ⁣ We have a lot of fun things planned for the summer and happier announcements are coming soon.⁣ ⁣ Stay healthy. Stay strong. Thank you all and see you on the other side. ⁣ ⁣ All our love,⁣ Steph & Bruce ⁣

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Although the news comes as a disappointment for fans of the west-end pastry shop, Duong and Lee express hope for the future in their announcement, writing “We’re going back to the shop that started it all with so much support, love and gratitude…We have a lot of fun things planned for the summer and happier announcements are coming soon.⁣”

Roselle Desserts isn’t the only bakery that has reduced locations in the wake of the pandemic, with Dufflet Pastries permanently closing its Yonge and Eglinton outpost last month.

 

 

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Both of Roselle Desserts’s locations have been closed for normal service over the past few months amid COVID, but they’ve been hosting regular pop-up events since May. Roselle also announced yesterday that they’re bringing back their popular soft serve for pick-up on Tuesdays each week.

Roselle Desserts, 108 Dovercourt Rd. 

Toronto’s new outdoor dining rules explained

By
Jessica Huras
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Toronto moved into phase two of reopening on June 24, allowing restaurants and bars to begin serving dine-in customers on patios. As restaurants adapt their service and design to comply with the safety guidelines laid out by Toronto Public Health, however, patio season won’t look like the summers we remember from years past.

Over the last few months, we’ve been flooded with an often overwhelming array of new rules and guidelines related to the pandemic. As the city begins to reopen, it can be tough to know exactly what to expect and how we should behave as we return to our favourite restaurants.

So, we’re answering a few key questions and outlining some simple best practices to keep in mind to help you safely make the most of patio season.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is recommending that restaurants take reservations to minimize line-ups and crowding. That means you’ll be able to make reservations at restaurants where you might have typically walked-in in the past. It’s best to check the restaurant’s website before you head over.

Reservations are a recommendation, but not a requirement, so some restaurants are still taking walk-ins. King West’s Oretta, for example, is accepting both reservations and walk-ins. Owner Salvatore Mele says they’ve placed markers on the sidewalk outside to maintain physical distancing for queuing walk-in diners.

Will my server be wearing a mask?

Wearing masks is another guideline that’s recommended, but not required. Regardless, most restaurants are asking staff to wear face masks or shields to ensure both staff and diners feel comfortable and safe.

Why do I have to fill out a form?

Restaurants are required to take logs with your name and contact information, so the public health unit can notify everyone if an outbreak occurs. While some of us might feel less than enthused about sharing our contact details, it’s a requirement that restaurants have to enforce.

Charles Khabouth, CEO of INK Entertainment (Sofia, Cabana Waterfront Patio), says his teams have already had to turn away customers who refused to provide their contact details. “It’s more than a requirement; it’s what’s right,” says Khabouth. “I think it’s only right to be able to maintain everybody’s safety.”

Can I use the washroom?

Although you can’t dine inside a restaurant, you can go inside to use the washroom when you’re eating out on the patio. Restaurants are marking the direction of travel to washrooms (as well as entrances, exits, and pick-up areas), so keep an eye out for guiding signage when you’re making your way inside for a bathroom break.

Kinka Family (Kinton Ramen, JaBistro) has introduced “hygiene ambassadors” to help manage the flow of traffic in their restaurants.

“Anybody who goes into the restaurant has to check in with the ambassador first,” says Stella Yu, marketing director for the Kinka Family, adding that ambassadors will direct diners to washrooms as well as separate the movement of takeout and patio customers.

Can I eat inside if it rains?

Indoor dining is not permitted as part of stage two so, if it rains unexpectedly, be prepared to dine in the drizzle under an umbrella or pack up your meal to-go.

Many restaurants are still figuring out the best solution for rainy days. At Love Chix, for example, owner Paul Marshall, says he’s adding extra umbrellas in the hopes of sheltering guests from light rains.

“[We’re] just praying that Mother Nature helps us out a bit here,” says Marshall. “We’ll have to be on our weather apps all the time.”

What else should I keep in mind?

  • Restaurants need to maintain at least a two-metre distance between tables, which means seating will be more limited on your favourite patios than usual.
  • You won’t be able to order at the bar because customers must be seated for serving.
  • Tables are capped at six people and co-mingling between tables is discouraged, so try to keep your group limited to less than six.

The bottom line? Come in a small group, stay at your table as much as possible, follow instructions provided by staff and signs, and, hey, maybe even have some fun, too.

This downtown restaurant is bringing live music back with a balcony concert series

By
Nikki Gill
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senator restaurant

Toronto’s historic Senator restaurant on Victoria Street is embracing Stage 2 of the province’s reopening plan just like most other restaurants in the city, but they’re also kicking it up a notch.

With their small patio space out front offering freshly squeezed juices, pastries, sweets, coffee and tea for passersby to purchase and munch on, they’ve transformed their upper level balcony into a stage.

“It’s a Senator serenade from the balcony,” says Sybil Walker, the operations manager at the restaurant. “In the spirit of making lemonade out of lemons, we are hoping to raise our community’s spirit with this balcony concert series.”

Things kick off tonight at 4 p.m. with award-winning Toronto vocalist Ori Dagan performing six feet apart from guitarist Nathan Hiltz and saxophonist Alison Young. The concert series will run every Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to bring live music back to the streets of Toronto.

Of course live music was banned from Toronto restaurant patios with diners seated for meals and drinks, so this was a creative and safe workaround by the Senator team to satisfy Toronto live music lovers in the time of COVID-19.

 

 

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When it comes to food and drink service, the Senator has launched a grab-and-go service for breakfast and lunch that is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday to Friday. A selection of muffins, sandwiches, sweets and non-alcoholic drinks are available.

For those who are deciding to stay home for the time being before they feel comfortable venturing out in the city, the concerts will also be live-streamed on the Senator’s Facebook page for at-home audiences. There is even an option to tip the performers virtually. The Facebook page will also announce upcoming performers for the concert series that will continue throughout the summer.

For the month of July, performers are Ori Dagan, Nathan Hiltz and Alison Young on July 10, Laura Hubert, Nathan Hiltz and Shawn Nykwist on July 17, Ori Dagan, Michal Shand and Alexander Brown on July 24 and Natasha Buckeridge and Steve John Dale on July 31.

For a list of the best patios in the city that are open this weekend, click here.

To the graduating class of 2020

By
Marlene Mendonca
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It’s been an unusual year for graduating classes of 2020, who have been home schooling since March. As student’s graduate and prepare for their future, Jaymie Heller, Valedictorian from Toronto Prep School leaves an encouraging message to the graduates of 2020.

“I would like to wish a huge congratulations to my fellow graduates. I am truly grateful to have had the chance to share my final two years of high school with such an exceptional group of individuals. Every one of you should be so proud of all that you have accomplished at TPS, no matter how long you have been here. I want to thank all the teachers for always providing me with the utmost support, whether it be academically or personally. I would also like to give a huge thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Tsimikalis for creating such an incredible place where I was fortunate enough to build relationships that will last me a lifetime.

Whether you took part in a sports team, a club, or the annual trips to Wahanowin, I hope that when you look back on these memories that they will make you smile. The circumstances under which our senior year is ending are less than ideal; however, through it all, our continued hard work shapes and reflects the TPS spirit. The perseverance we have demonstrated under these unforeseen circumstances shapes our character. And I can say with steadfast confidence, that through the valuable lessons we have learned at TPS, we will all do extraordinary things in the future. I cannot wait to see you all at our, to be scheduled, graduation ceremony where we will be able to celebrate our accomplishments the right way. Until that time, I wish you all continued health and safety.

Congrats! We did it!”

The best fashion boutiques now open in Toronto

By
Marlene Mendonca
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0
Image: Andrews

The best fashion boutiques cover a range of styles and designer brands, from local labels to unique finds from across the world. Whether you’re looking for trendsetting items or for classic staples, these are the places to have on your list of stylish shopping destinations. With Toronto having just moved to stage 2 of reopening, here are 10 boutiques  to spruce up your summer wardrobe for those long-awaited patio nights.

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Helene Clarkson offers unique designs for women on the go designed by Clarkson herself. Each item is beautifully  designed with a focus on versatility and multi-functionality. Her summer clothing is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. 565 Mount Pleasant Rd.

 

Want Boutique’s new summer line can be purchased now in store or online for free delivery. They carry something for every event from cosy loungewear to trendy evening wear to intimates and footwear. 1788 Avenue Rd.

 

 

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Parpar‘s chic and trendy summer collection is perfect for a casual evening out.  Whether you’re hanging out at home or going out to dinner, their cute rompers and summer dresses are perfect for a warm day. 649 St. Clair Ave. W. and 1766 Avenue Rd.

 

Andrews describes itself as “desk-to-dinner wardrobing.” With three locations across Toronto, it’s easy to stop by to check out their regularly updated collections, which include local and Canadian brands as well as a beautiful selection of labels from around the world like Frank & Eileen, Frame and Fabiana. CF Sherway Gardens, Bayview Village, and Yorkville Village.

 

 

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Canopy Blue carries Young Fabulous & Broke’s signature tie-dye wear from L.A. They also carry brands like Veronica Beard, Equipment, and other contemporary fashions. 2582 Yonge St.

 

Tzatz, the size-inclusive womenswear boutique, is offering private in-store shopping (one customer at a time) from Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon; and they are open to all Tuesday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tzatz has everything from shoes to pyjamas to chic loungewear and dresses. 2476 Yonge St. and 1609 Bayview Ave.

 

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Coal Miner’s Daughter specializes in Canadian clothing (much of which comes from local designers), jewellery, and accessories. The boutiques are by run Janine Haller and Krysten Cadd, who also sell their own line of clothing and jewellery. Hours vary by location. 1360A Queen St. E., 87 Roncesvalles Ave., 744 Queen St. W. and 3023 Dundas St. W. 

 

The Narwhal Boutique, nestled in Summerhill, carries a diverse collection of effortless and trendy pieces from up-and-coming North American brands like Ulla Johnson, Ganni and Isabel Marant. They also carry comfortable footwear including their newest handmade leather sandals made in Positano, Italy. 8 Price St.

 

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Freda’s, run by a mother-daughter duo, carries a selection of casual and evening wear in sizes from four to 20. They have a private collection that’s designed and produced in-house, and they also carry high-end imported designer labels from Europe including  Save the Queen, Taifun, and Luisa Cerano. It’s also worth noting that they do custom designs and on-site alterations. 86 Bathurst St.

 

Entering Gaspard on Queen West is like stepping onto the runway during Paris fashion week. Each item is elegant and refined with brands like Christian Wijnants and Véronique Leroy. They also carry jewellery and accessories. 886 Queen St. W. 

 

 

Ten Toronto patios reopening this week by neighbourhood

By
Jessica Huras
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0

After over three months of dine-in service closure, Toronto restaurants are taking the first steps toward reopening this week. Premier Ford announced on Monday that restaurants can begin serving customers on patios starting today.

While many restaurants are taking a few more days or weeks to gear up (and adjust their spaces to comply with the new COVID-conscious guidelines outlined by the city), these ten restaurants are ready to go and welcoming diners back today.

 

Uptown – Cibo Winebar

The wine bar mini-chain from Liberty Entertainment Group is opening all three of its Toronto locations, including their outpost at Yonge & Eglinton.

 

 

Bistro Grande

This casual restaurant specializing in kosher Mediterranean fare is opening its patio beginning today on a reservation-only basis.

 

 

Midtown – Hemingways

Hemingways’ large rooftop patio in Yorkville kicked things off at the first possible moment, opening at 12:01 a.m. this morning for midnight drinks. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. going forward.

 

 

Kasa Moto

The Chase Hospitality Group’s ritzy rooftop patio is now open and taking reservations.

 

 

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the words you’ve been waiting to hear: we’re opening noon on wednesday

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Downtown – Oretta

Italian restaurant Oretta is opening its lovely King West patio, with reservations available through OpenTable.

 

 

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Fairmont Royal York

The landmark hotel is debuting its new outdoor dining space, the Clockwork Terrace. An extension of the Clockwork Lobby Lounge, the terrace is open from noon until 8 p.m. daily and takes reservations.

 

 

West End – Her Father’s Cider Bar and Kitchen

The pretty patio at Her Father’s Cider is open as of noon today.

 

 

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Hello everyone! We’re very excited to announce that after 101 days (it’s been that long!!!!) our patio will be reopening on Wednesday 12pm!!!! We’re so looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces ❣ We will of course be adhering to the safety protocols implemented by the government which means lesser seating capacity, so please give us a call at 647 347 7747, or drop us an email at herfathers.ca to grab your spot!! Much love, Team HFCB+K . . . #patioseasonisback #summer #summerfeels #phase2 #newnormal #eatlocal #drinklocal #supportlocal #restaurants #ontariorestaurants #localrestaurants #food #instafood #instafoodies #drinkcider #drinkmorecider #localciders #internationalciders #ciderjunkies #TOrestaurants #TOeats #TOfoodies #forkyeah #foodiesofinstagram #comfortfood #foodisintheair #freshproduce #localproduce #hfciderbar #harbordvillage

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The Caledonian

The Scottish pub is opening its leafy back patio, with tables available by reservation only.

 

 

East End – F’Amelia

The family-owned Cabbagetown restaurant is opening its pleasant patio, with reservations bookable through their website.

 

 

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Toronto has entered phase 2!! Our patio will be open on Wednesday and reservations can be booked through our website starting tomorrow! Our take out window will still be open. We soo look forward to seeing the sun shine on all of your faces! With that said, please be patient. Not just with us but with all the small businesses that are scambling to provide you with a modicum of normalcy. Dining will be different, businesses may be understaffed?‍?, seating times will be shorter ???‍♀️ We may run out of things??‍♀️, There will be inconvenient rules and most importantly we are human and mistakes will be made ??‍♀️(its been a while ?). Just know that we have missed you, we appreciate your support and we will do our absolute best to provide a safe space for people to gather and dine again. ????? Xo #FAmelia #FAmelia #cabbagetown #stickingaround #stilldelicious #missedyou

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Dundas and Carlaw

The hip Leslieville wine and coffee bar is opening its large patio. Reservations are available, but walk-ins are also welcome.

 

The Toronto Islands will be reopening this weekend, but Mayor Tory warns caution

By
Samantha Peksa
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toronto islands

Mayor John Tory announced on Wednesday that ferry service to the Toronto Islands will begin on Saturday, June 27, signalling the long-awaited reopening of the island for non-residents.

The resumption of summer ferry service hours to the Toronto Islands is an important yearly marker that many Torontonians look forward to each summer. But, given the COVID-19 pandemic, the wait has been a little longer than the norm this summer. Water taxis to the island have also been restricted. The beginning of the second phase of reopening in Toronto helped set the stage for this accomplishment.

However, it won’t be a free-for-all if you plan to rush out for a visit.

 

 

Ferry capacity will be limited, and the schedule will be reduced. Each ferry will be limited to 50 per cent of the maximum capacity, and only 5,000 people will be allowed to purchase ferry tickets each day. Some facilities on the island will remain closed, including park playgrounds, while others such as washrooms and Franklin Gardens will be opened to the public.

In addition, all passengers aboard the ferry will be required to wear facial coverings. The city is recommending that prospective travellers book their tickets online in advance of their planned visit. Visitors are also encouraged to book their visit for non-peak hours, to reduce congestion and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Wednesday’s announcement also stressed the importance of caution and social distancing when visiting the Toronto Islands. The city is recommending that all visitors self-screen for COVID-19, and asks that they refrain from visiting the island if exhibiting any symptoms.

Mayor Tory made the announcement at the Jack Layton Terminal.

“We have worked really hard over the last few months to stop the spread of the virus and we have all done things we would have rather not done, including not being able to visit the islands,” Tory said. “[We did that] so we could reach a day like this where we are sort of starting the process of making sure we can get back to the things that we enjoy so much, especially in the warmer weather.”

If you plan on traveling out to the islands, make sure you properly maintain social distancing, wear a facial covering, and follow any and all other safety procedures.

St. Clair sports bar Scallywags is permanently closing

By
Jessica Huras
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0
scallywags
Image via Scallywags

Midtown sports bar Scallywags has announced it’s closing its doors for good. Open since 1997, the Yonge and St. Clair mainstay was a popular place for Toronto’s official Liverpool F.C. Supporters Club to watch soccer games.

Owner Jeff May shared the news via Scallywags’ Facebook page yesterday, writing “we would like to thank all of our many loyal patrons and staff for their friendship and support throughout the years. We will always be grateful.”

The post has received over 200 comments from saddened customers, as well as former Scallywags staff who shared fond memories of their time working at the much-loved local. “I’m so happy that I got to share this absolute treasure of an establishment with friends and family!” wrote one commenter.

City councillor Josh Matlow posted the news on Twitter, where more commenters shared happy memories of Scallywags and expressed how much the bar will be missed.

 

 

Scallywags is the latest in a string of long-running restaurants that have closed since the pandemic began, including Trattoria Giancarlo, Southern Accent, and Vesuvio Pizzeria.

The closure comes on the heels of Toronto restaurants getting the green light to reopen their patios to sit-down diners today.

Scallywags’ massive rooftop patio was a neighbourhood favourite and many commenters noted their disappointment that it won’t get a chance to see another summer.

How Toronto museums and galleries are planning to reopen in Stage 2

By
Nikki Gill
-
0
Image: Flickr/Malika Ladak

Toronto museums can now move into Stage 2 of the province’s reopening plan. Along with museums, galleries and other popular attractions in the city are part of this stage, and many are ready to welcome visitors with new protocols in place and special exhibits ready to roll.

Here’s a closer look at what visitors can expect to see at some of the city’s most popular attractions when they reopen.

 

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) opens its doors to members and annual pass holders exclusively on July 2 in an effort to thank their loyal patrons. Members will have the opportunity to book timed-entry tickets on June 25, and pass holders will have the same option on June 26. Single ticket visitors can begin purchasing tickets on July 16. All tickets, regardless of status, must be purchased online and in advance to ensure social distancing and prevent long lineups. Visitors will be required to wear a mask and keep two metres apart at all times. AGO staff will be disinfecting high-touch areas multiple times per day. The gallery will be open Thursday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Further details are on the gallery’s website.

 

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum has not yet released its plan for reopening but has posted an announcement to its social media pages, saying, “We’re super excited to hear the Premier’s announcement today! Everyone is busy getting ready to look our best and welcome you back safely — our announcement is just around the corner.” Keep your eyes peeled for an official reopening announcement soon and check for updates on the website or on Instagram at @romtoronto.

 

Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum will reopen this weekend on June 27 and all visitors are welcome. Tickets and parking passes must be purchased online and shown via mobile device at the door. They have asked visitors to leave big bags and coats at home since the museum’s coat check will remain closed, and no large items are permitted. Front-facing baby carriers and strollers will be allowed. All visitors over the age of two must wear a face mask. The museum will not be providing face masks, so make sure to bring yours from home. Visitors have a one-hour block to arrive at the museum and may need to wait for the next available time if they arrive after the allotted time. The museum will continue to offer guidance and information about exhibits while observing social distancing and increased cleaning requirements. Additional details are available on the museum’s reopening page.

 

Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium is wasting no time in reopening. The aquarium is inviting visitors back on Friday, June 26. Timed tickets can be purchased online, and visitors are required to arrive during the time listed on the digital ticket. Shows, programs, and other aquarium events are currently on hold, but visitors will be able to view exhibits per usual. The museum has placed graphics on the floor to distinguish directions and help visitors remain two metres apart. All staff will be wearing face masks, and the museum strongly suggests that visitors over the age of three also wear masks. Amenities such as coat checks, playgrounds and food services will be unavailable. Check out the complete list of guidelines from the aquarium here.

 

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) will open on July 9. The first four days of the reopening (July 9 to 12) are reserved for the arts community, donors, members, and frontline workers. MOCA opens its doors to the general public Thursdays to Sundays starting July 16. The museum has not yet listed visitor requirements, but you can expect to see online ticket sales and timed-tickets as well as hand sanitizer stations and mask requirements. Check MOCA’s Facebook page for updates.

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