38 h. ago This Toronto street is turning into a giant jazz party and it's totally free

Get ready to groove, Toronto — one of the city's most beloved street jazz parties is making its return next week!The Beaches Jazz Street Festival StreetFest is back from July 25–27, 2025, bringing live music, local vendors, and major street closures to Queen Street East.The festival is free to attend and marks the grand finale of the month-long Beaches International Jazz Festival, which has been filling Toronto's streets with soulful sounds all July long.Queen Street East turns into a pedestrian paradiseFrom Woodbine Avenue to Beech Avenue, Queen Street East will be closed to vehicle traffic from Friday, July 25 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, July 27 at midnight, transforming the bustling strip into an open-air stage and pedestrian-only promenade.Over 40 bands and hundreds of musicians will line the sidewalks performing everything from funk, soul, and big band to Afro-Cuban jazz and blues. Expect multiple pop-up stages, roaming brass bands, and plenty of surprise performan...

Culture

62 h. ago This $1 million Toronto house has been owned by the same family since 1949

A home at 71 Eighth St. in Etobicoke hasn't been on the market in 75 years, and I have to say, there's something incredibly special about a Toronto house that hasn't changed hands for the better part of a century.Built in 1949 and owned by the same family ever since, this two-storey mid-century gem is packed with old-school charm, original details, and just enough quirks to get your renovation gears turning without the daunting fear of a total gut-job.Tucked on a quiet corner lot in the lakeside neighbourhood of New Toronto, the house is surrounded by mature trees, including a magnolia that gives it serious storybook vibes.An aerial view of the house. The 125-foot-deep lot is a rare find in the city, and with a detached garage and private double-wide drive, you've got room for up to four vehicles (or a workshop, studio, or even a backyard sports court).The upstairs landing. Inside, the home is surprisingly spacious.The living room. The main floor ...

Economics

2 d. ago Historic $1 million Ontario home with its own name was once a bed and breakfast

The phrase "they don’t make 'em like they used to" applies to many things, but is especially true for houses. That being said, a historic home doesn't have to mean a dated state of living. The Cavana House in Orillia, Ontario, proves that you can have the best of both worlds.Built in 1889, the 2.5-storey Cavana House boasts six bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. The newly renovated open-concept kitchen features a generous island, quartz countertops and backsplash, modern appliances, and ample storage space.This kitchen is truly the heart of the home.While the Cavana House may be old, it by no means requires any renovations. That's already been taken care of!A series of enhancements made in 2021 include upgraded flooring, forced-air gas heating with central air, professionally landscaped gardens, a beautiful Juliet balcony, and new shingles. As weather becomes more unpredictable, you'll be glad for those sleek new shingles.What makes th...

Economics

4 d. ago Bloor Street is shutting down this weekend for a major Toronto street festival

Bloor Street West in Toronto is about to shut down for a beautifully bizarre weekend.From July 19 to 20, the Bloordale neighbourhood will transform into a whimsical wonderland of outdoor murals, interactive installations, and community art as the BIG on Bloor Festival returns to Toronto! Bloor Street West will be closed for all vehicle traffic from Dufferin Street to Lansdowne Avenue on both days from noon to midnight. Centred around the theme of "BIZARRE," the 2025 edition of the annual festival promises to highlight the quirky, creative heart of the city through bold programming led by local BIPOC artists.Expect public art displays, intimate workshops, concerts, and an ongoing community art piece: a collaborative tapestry built by festivalgoers that will be displayed publicly after the event.    View this post on Instagram           A post shared by BIG on Bloor Festival (@bigonbloorfest)It's...

Politics

5 d. ago Toronto is getting a massive Filipino street food festival next month

Filipino food fans will get the chance to dine to their heart's delight this summer as Toronto's biggest Filipino food festival returns.It's been well established that Toronto is having quite the love affair with Filipino cuisine. From droolworthy pop-ups putting unique spins on classic dishes to new restaurants paying homage to the flavours of the Philippines, the city can't seem to get enough.If you, like many, are in that same boat, you're in luck: Taste of Manila, billed in past years as the biggest Filipino street festival outside of the Philippines, is coming back this August for its 11th epic year.Last year, the festival drew in a record-breaking attendance of over 500,000 people over two days, and this year, they're setting their sights on hosting the biggest and best iteration of the festival yet.Naturally, it all starts with the food.Curated around this year's theme of "celebrating resiliency and diversity," the festival is set ...

Culture

8 d. ago Crumbling $2 million Toronto multiplex looks like the set of a horror movie

If you've ever strolled the leafy streets of Toronto's Little Italy neighbourhood and wondered what the insides of those grand old homes-turned-too-many-apartments actually look like, well, wonder no more.Anyone who has ever rented as a student in this city probably already knows the answer: many of them look like haunted houses that have given up trying.And none of them haunt harder than 43 Dewson St.A vacant unit. Perched on a quiet corner just a stone's throw from the buzz of College Street, this "majestic" six-unit multiplex just hit the market for $1,945,000—after a not-so-subtle price drop from $2.2 million.The living area of the vacant unit. Why the discount? Because this place is rough. Like, a bathtub falling through the floor-level rough.Another vacant unit with a fireplace. Sure, if you squint through the cobwebs, crumbling plaster, and general aura of despair, you can catch glimpses of the home's former glory and character-filled past....

Economics

1 week ago The Conservative party raised a record amount in 2024 — and spent even more

The Tories brought in $42M in donations and another $5M in membership fees last year, with total revenues of just over $48.5M

Sport

1 week ago Number of Toronto homeless more than doubled between 2021, 2024: Report

A newly released survey shows the number of homeless people in Toronto more than doubled between the spring of 2021 and last fall. Toronto’s Street Needs Assessment survey estimates that 15,400 people were homeless in Toronto last October, up from about 7,300 in April 2021. The report says the spike is a result of several […]

Other

1 week ago Stunning restored Ontario house built in 1850s hits the market for $4 million

If you've spent any time in Milton, Ontario, you've probably heard of The Judge's House. And if the name doesn't ring a bell, the sight of it almost definitely will.Perched on over half an acre at 57 Victoria St., this historic Victorian manor has long been one of the town's most recognizable homes.Originally built in 1856, it was first owned by Dr. William Hume and later purchased by Judge Thomas Miller in 1868 — hence the nickname.The living room. Over the years, locals have referred to it as Felsgarth Manor, The Judge's House, or The Doctor's House, depending on who you ask.The front porch. The home's striking Georgian-inspired architecture — symmetrical, formal, and built from handmade Flemish bond brick with buff-coloured accents — has always stood out.The family room. But by the time it was bought in 2022, it was, well… a little rough around the edges.Custom arched doorways tie in the Victorian theme with ...

Economics

2 w. ago This Toronto home for sale hasn't changed hands for half a century

The last time 13 Cliff St. was up for sale, it was 1975.Canada had just switched to the metric system. Wearing a seatbelt had only recently become law in Ontario. And the CN Tower? Freshly finished and not yet surrounded by condos.A lot has changed in the last 50 years — but step inside this three-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow, and it feels like time hit pause somewhere around the era of disco and Tang.The dining room. There's muted linoleum flooring in nearly every room, honey oak trim throughout, and original millwork galore.The foyer. Miraculously, no popcorn ceilings — so, you win some, you lose some.The kitchen. In short, this place is going to need some updating.The family room with exposed brick walls. But if you can look past the aggressively '70s aesthetic, 13 Cliff St. has a lot going for it.The basement kitchen. For starters, it sits on a rare double lot and boasts a finished basement with a separate entrance, second...

Other

2 w. ago Salsa on St. Clair and more festivals to swing into this weekend in GTA

July is here, the weather is co-operating and if you’re looking for something to go with the sunshine and smiles on your face, look no further. Here’s what you need to know to make the necessary plans. Salsa on St. Clair Street Celebrate Toronto’s diverse Latin community through music, art and dancing at Canada’s largest […]

Culture

2 w. ago Toronto neighbourhood throwing a surprise street festival this weekend

Toronto's Baldwin Village is about to come alive this Saturday, July 5, as local merchants band together for an impromptu street party that promises to bring big energy to one of the city's most underrated neighbourhoods.The one-day celebration will feature a dynamic mix of music, food, art, and dance, plus at least a couple of artisan markets; there's the potential for a surprise fashion show, too! Each business along Baldwin is curating its own lineup of talent, and so far, the street is shaping up to host a mix of live bands, DJs, visual artists, and performers.It's a grassroots event in every sense. There's no formal street closure (yet), no major sponsors, or flashy branding; it’s just a collective effort by independent business owners who want to breathe new life into this little tucked-away village. Despite being home to some of the most charming patios and low-key restaurants in the city, it still flies under the radar for many Torontonians. But thi...

Culture

2 w. ago Huge condo tower a step closer to replacing LCBO and Dollarama in Toronto

A massive condo proposal could soon replace an LCBO and Dollarama location on Toronto's Yonge Street — a plan that has undergone several changes over the past year.A proposal to redevelop 543 through 549 Yonge Street landed with Toronto city planners in March 2024 that would spell the end of an existing four-storey office building housing an LCBO location at street level and a Dollarama in its basement retail unit.After 15 months and much back and forth between City staff and developers CentreCourt, Fitzrovia and Choice Properties REIT, the plan resurfaced with an updated submission filed in June.GoogleThe planned 68-storey condo tower's designed by architects Arcadis has undergone several changes since first proposed, addressing comments and concerns raised by planning staff.ArcadisIn a letter included in the submission, the project team explains that "Following initial comments from Staff, we have had multiple meetings with Planning, Urban Design and other comme...

Other

3 w. ago Timeless $4.5 million Toronto home hides stunning modern interiors

If you've been house hunting and feel like you've seen one too many soulless, millenial grey boxes with "open concept" stamped on it like a buzzword, let me introduce you to a house that is none of those things.9 Lynwood Ave. is timeless red brick house located on a quiet, leafy street in Toronto's South Hill neighbourhood just steps from top-rated schools, green space, and the citys best amenities. Already off to a great start. But the biggest selling point of this home, in my opinion and realtor Gillian Oxley's, is the fact that this house retains much of its delightful original Arts and Crafts roots while still being a practical modern day family home. The foyer. You're welcomed into 9 Lynwood Ave. with a light-drenched foyer with heated floors, a gas fireplace, and a built-in bench that's original to the house. Chefs kiss. The living room. The home, boasting 4,4...

Economics

3 w. ago Toronto slaps down plans for massive tower to replace strip club

Plans to redevelop a landmark Toronto strip club with an enormous 64-storey condo tower have hit a bit of a snag following a refusal report issued by city planners in June.A proposed redevelopment of the Brass Rail and surrounding properties just south of Yonge and Bloor has been in the works since September 2022, with a plan from Vancouver-based developer Concord emerging the following year, featuring a design from architects Dialog.However, just months later — in December 2023 — City Council moved forward with a bid seeking heritage designation for properties at 699 Yonge Street and 707 Yonge Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. In February 2024, the designation passed, granting new heritage protections for the properties and foreshadowing the resistance that the redevelopment plans are now facing.On June 19, the Director of Community Planning for Toronto and East York District issued a refusal report directing community council ...

Other

3 w. ago Massive Latin party is taking over a major Toronto street next month

Toronto is heating up for the summer — and what better way to embrace the sizzle than at the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival? The event shuts down a stretch of St. Clair Avenue West in midtown Toronto's Hillcrest Village area, from Winona to Christie, electrifying the street with a two-day party-filled weekend running from July 5 to 6. Get ready for what is well-known as Canada's largest Latin street party, which means thousands will show up to dance it up all weekend long for this giant fiesta where you won't stop moving your feet. With over 35 vendors, you'll be sure to find tons of Latin food like tacos al pastor, paella, empanadas, churros and more. It's a culinary experience like you've never had before, with food representing more than 15 Hispanic countries from around the world. Plus, enjoy lots of entertainment in the form of live performances from over 350 artists, including performers like L...

Politics

3 w. ago Toronto business around since 1970 is throwing a street festival for Canada Day

One Toronto business is getting extra cheesy this Canada Day by transforming its entire street into a huge festival in honour of the holiday.We all knew that Toronto, and the rest of the country, for that matter, would be taking Canada Day celebrations to new heights for 2025, as national pride soars in the face of tariff-related tensions with our neighbours to the south.It's not just friend groups getting together for backyard barbecues or heading up north for an extra-long cottage weekend, though; Toronto's businesses also seem to be doubling down on Canada Day celebrations this year, and Etobicoke's Cheese Boutique is one of them.On Tuesday, July 1, the stalwart local cheese shop is shutting down the entirety of Ripley Avenue for an evening of celebrations in the style of a good old-fashioned carnival. Think of it as a warm-up for the CNE later this summer.The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, as the street comes to life with ...

Economics

3 w. ago Toronto Hydro outage map shows thousands without power amid brutal heat wave

Toronto Hydro's outage map shows thousands of homes and businesses without power on Monday afternoon amid a brutal heat wave suffocating the city.The energy provider's online outage tracking tool shows a broad swath of Toronto, stretching from Bloor Street West and Avenue Road to north of Bayview and Finch.At least 2,960 customers are affected as of 2 p.m.. However, based on the dense population of the area shown on the map, that number could be much higher.Provincial provider HydroOne posted to X after 1 p.m. reporting of "an outage at our Bridgeman Transmission Station affecting the supply of power to Toronto Hydro and their customers.""Our teams are working safely and quickly with Toronto Hydro to restore power," the post continued.We’re currently working with @HydroOne to respond to a loss of supply outage. Customers in and around the following boundaries may be affected: Eglinton Ave. south to Davenport Rd. and Bathurst St. east to Mt Pleasant ...

Events

4 w. ago Toronto house featuring the famous 'Rodney the Tree' for sale at almost $3 million

When Massey last sold in 2016, it was a garbage-filled shell of a home. But designer and builder Jamie Beurklian clearly saw potential in the early 1900s house. Since 2016, the home has been painstakingly transformed by Beurklian into a minimalist architectural marvel that's as practical as it is beautiful.And yes, it comes with its own local celebrity — Rodney the Tree.The front entrance. Let's start with the house. From the outside, it blends seamlessly into the historic neighbourhood, but with a modern extension, it draws the eye ever upward. The upstairs unit. Inside, the home features soaring ceilings and a light-filled interior with oversized windows, biophilic design elements, and meticulous attention to detail that eliminates things like baseboards and bulkheads entirely.The lower unit kitchen. Beurklian, who owns and designed the home, told blogTO he used computer modelling and green building practices to maximize space and e...

Economics