Only in Toronto

Rod Cohen has been the Executive Director of the Blake Boultbee Youth Outreach Service on Blake Street for over 30 years. The small, hidden street played a big part in the development of Toronto, and has a mysterious charm. However, there are some unique challenges faced by the community of state-of-the-art public housing, as it is sandwiched between more affluent neighbourhoods like Leslieville and Riverdale, who according to Cohen, have refused to asknowledge its existence.

Adam Bunch is the host of the Canadiana web series, and the author of both the Toronto Book of the Dead, and the forthcoming Toronto Book of Love. We explore a few different stories of love, jealousy, divorce, scandal, and dedication, like that time Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton got engaged at the King Edward hotel, or when Sandford Fleming broke up with his girlfriend over a sunset.

Julian Ganton has found himself back living on the Toronto Islands where he and his family grew up. He also runs Toronto Island SUP, and is passionate about preserving and documenting the unique wetlands. As a full-time Islander, Julian talks about what it was like having to swim home after missing the last ferry, the cool wildlife, the trash problem, and the healing power of connecting with nature.

Sook-Yin Lee recalls her time at MuchMusic in the 90s and early 2000s, including the unexpected job offer from Moses Znaimer that started it all. She talks about the move to Toronto, her memorable first day, celebrities, Speaker's Corner, and having the freedom to be experimental on television. Lee also touches on her current project, a feature film called Death and Sickness, made entirely at home during lockdown.

Nina Keogh talks about working in children's television in the 70s, 80s and 90s, on shows like The Friendly Giant, Polka Dot Door, and Today's Special, where she took on the role of the rhyming mouse, Muffy. She also discusses growing up with a family of puppeteers, the logistics behind operating one for TV, and getting freaked out by mannequins while filming after-hours at the old Simpsons department store.

Former Percy Street resident of 23 years, Cynthia Wilkey talks about what it was like to live on a private laneway in Toronto's Corktown neighbourhood. Plus, Wilkey touches on the mysterious wad of cash that was found in her rafters during renovations in 1988, and the unprecedented court case that followed.  

Russell Oliver has been in the gold and jewellery business for the past 50 years, so as you can imagine, he's got some interesting stories about his iconic commercials, celebrity encounters, legal issues, and interacting with fans. In what could be his last interview as the "Cashman," Oliver discusses the secrets to his success, including where he got the inspiration for his "oh yeah" tagline.

Sasha Ortega and her family own Tinuno, a Filipino restaurant on Howard Street in one of Toronto's most densely populated communities. Sasha talks about growing up in St. James Town, how the area has changed over the years, and what the future holds with the addition of two luxury condos. We also discuss the challenges the restaurant industry is facing these days, and finding creative ways to continue supporting local businesses.

When Michael Wekerle bought the historic El Mocambo in 2014 on an impulse for $3.8 million, he had no idea how expensive and long the process would be. When it was finally time to open, the pandemic hit. Wekerle talks about growing up near Yonge and Finch in Toronto, working on Bay Street, and future plans for the El Mo. Plus, they found some cool stuff while digging out the basement, and somehow, we end up talking about Ronnie Hawkin's old deck chairs.

Jane Fairburn recalls her traumatic experience slipping down Killer Hill at the Scarborough Bluffs, and how that inspired her to write Along the Shore. She also discusses the history of the cliffs, and their connection to the rest of the city, as well as Scarborough's epic waterfront.

If you've ever been curious about naturism, which is slightly different than nudism, Greg Snow, the president of the Federation of Canadian Naturists and resident of Bare Oaks talks about the misconceptions and benefits of being nude in public, and why as a first-timer he wouldn’t go to Hanlan’s Point to de-robe. Just don't forget your towel, and mask!

Canadian rapper Cadence Weapon moved to Toronto about five years ago, he wrote a song called High Rise. The tune is about the lack of affordable housing, and the negative effects of gentrification, especially when it comes to racialized neighbourhoods, like Little Jamaica. We discuss what can be done to help protect the cultural and musical history along the stretch of Eglinton West, as well as the people who have lived and worked there for decades.

As the first winner of the first season of Canada's Drag Race, Priyanka discusses going through a once-in-a-lifetime experience during a pandemic, balancing drag with a day job, and coming to terms with being gay. Plus, which Toronto queens should be on season two of the show (if there is one), and prior to all those Emmy wins, had Priyanka, or anyone, heard from Rupaul?

We love Toronto, and we want to shout it from the mountaintops! Of course, we know the city isn't perfect (it's far from it), but we want to tell the stories, and talk to the people who make it weird and wonderful. Hosted by Dani Stover, regular episodes will shine a light on the corners of Toronto you never knew existed and the ones you've always wanted to know more about.  

Toronto police are warning the public of a string of incidents involving a creepy man harassing women in a white SUV. A bar and music venue that has been around for 74 years is closing because of a dispute with their landlord. Plus, Ten Restaurant at 1132 College Street is reopening next week with safety measures in place and 18 per cent added to the bill to abolish tipping. While not the first to do this, the move was met with a lot of hate online.

A Toronto restaurant group is implementing a 15% tip on all takeout orders. Out-of-towners tested positive for COVID-19 after visiting a Muskoka resort over the August long weekend. The city just introduced a new online reservation system for gyms and swimming pools. Plus, what it's like to be a working graffiti artist in the city, and how the community feels about people vandalizing their work.

Premier Doug Ford is happy for Russia, but is a little skeptical of the country's new coronavirus vaccine. Ontario reported just 33 new cases of COVID-19. Weather radar near Lake Erie captured hundreds of thousands of birds. Plus, Toronto's iconic gentlemen's club, Filmores Hotel, has reopened in Stage 3, and they still have no plans to close, despite the building being sold to developers.

Toronto police responded to a strange incident on Cherry Beach where two bloodied men were brandishing chainsaws. Ontario announced a $6 million grant program to help police buy more surveillance cameras. A customer lashed out at employees at a nail salon on Queen West, and made an anti-Asian racist remark. Plus, Superfan Nav Bhatia has been keeping busy, even without Raptors basketball, but now that it's back, he's forced to watch most of the games at home.

Doug Ford called Donald Trump a "backstabber" after the US president slapped tariffs on all aluminum imports. Canada plans to fight back with their own tariffs, to the tune of $3.6 billion. A popular French restaurant in Little India that was set to take off in 2020 announced they will close permanently at the end of the month. Plus, Man Dem Cycling Club started as a bit of a joke, but has quickly transformed into an inclusive collective of Toronto bike enthusiasts.

Another crane collapsed into an intersection in Regent Park today, causing a power outage, and thankfully, no major injuries. A massive service disruption affected Bell and Telus customers in parts of Ontario. Plus, the site of a demolished high school in Bloordale Village has been reclaimed by the neighbourhood, and turned into a beach with no water.

Toronto's Medical Officer of Health says that the first weekend of Stage 3 in the city was a success. A server at a North York restaurant was fired for putting a racial slur on a customer's receipt. Neighbours of Dutch Dreams keep calling health inspectors because of overcrowding and littering, but these problems are not COVID-specific. Plus, as fitness centres reopen across the province, two frontline physicians have created simulations of common workout situations to address safety at gyms.

The NBA is back, and the Toronto Raptors are off to a good re-start, even though they're playing in front of virtual fans only. Doug Ford says the pandemic could last until 2021 without a vaccine, and that 10-person bubbles will not be expanding anytime soon. Plus, a popular restaurant known for its Belgian-style fries, and creative poutines, has had to close due to a massive drop in tourism and foot traffic in Kensington Market.

A customer at a downtown Pizza Pizza completely lost it over someone not wearing a face mask. A restaurant in the Financial District has decided to ban tipping, and will raise prices by an average of 18 per cent. Plus, the PC's released their back-to-school plan, and according to Ontario's Liberal Leader, it lacks empathy, and may actually have a negative impact on the province's economic recovery.

The Ontario government announced that kids will go back to school in September, and unveiled a plan that includes face masks and screening measures for staff and students. Cineplex will open 25 movie theatres across the province on Friday. Plus, the newly-opened Paradise on Bloor, which houses restaurant Osteria Rialto and Bar Biltmore, was hugely impacted by the lockdown. What does the future hold for spaces like these as Toronto moves into Stage 3?

Doug Ford announced that Toronto and Peel Region will be permitted to move into Stage 3 starting Friday. This means gathering limits will increase, and more businesses can reopen, however there are some specific rules for the GTA. Ontario reported fewer than 100 new COVID-19 cases for the first time since March. Plus, local artist and designer Nadia Lloyd is the woman behind the city's most popular face masks spotted on Mayor John Tory and Raptors head coach Nick Nurse.

A racist claiming to be a teacher, told a woman who was reading in a Toronto park to, "go back to China," among other things. A popular Queen West restaurant known for its tasting menus announced it would be closing. Fewer than 10 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the GTA today. Plus, BLM's Ravyn Wngz talks about her powerful viral video, ongoing protests to abolish the police and put an end to anti-Black racism, and the first annual march for Regis Korchinski-Paquet.

Premier Doug Ford had lots to say about a 200-person party that Peel Region police broke up in Brampton on Saturday. Hanlan's Point Beach on the Toronto Islands was packed this weekend, and people under 40 make up over half of today's new COVID-19 cases in Ontario. Plus, after Metrolinx went back on their word to build a community hub for the Jane-Finch neighbourhood, resident Tiffany Ford talks about why this type of space would be essential for the community, and what happens next.

A raccoon was caught doing a few laps in a backyard pool. As more regions in Ontario moved into Stage 3 today, people were lining up outside of gyms in Markham and Vaughan. The Blue Jays will officially be playing home games out of Buffalo this year. Plus, as teams start to arrive in Toronto for the restart of the NHL season, what can be expected in regards to safety protocols, amenities and TV broadcasts.

The Weeknd just debuted a new video for his single Snowchild that features some animated scenes of the city. Protesters interrupted Mayor John Tory's press conference to demand a moratorium on evictions after Bill 184 was passed into law. A CityPlace condo installed efficient, new toilets that require a communal, industrial plunger. Plus, if you're comfortable venturing out for a meal, Knockout Chicken in Kensington Market has a patio and daily combo deals.

A disturbing video shows a rude TTC passenger pushing a bus driver past her breaking point. A Pizza Hut in Scarborough is taking action after unsanitary food handling was caught on camera. A new BiWay concept store is officially opening this fall near Yorkdale Mall. Plus, Nav Sangha on the development, and future of his Ambassador app, and the resilience of Toronto's restaurant industry.

Chair girl, Marcella Zoia was finally sentenced, and faces two years of probation. Doug Ford told young people to not go to parties after Ontario saw a spike in new cases, with over half showing up in people 39 years of age or younger. The Eaton Centre is undergoing a deep clean after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Plus, Louis March, the man behind the Zero Gun Violence Movement talks about how to change the political landscape in Toronto, and actually create safer communities for everyone.

DJ Khaled released two new songs today featuring Drake rapping in French. A new video is circulating of a woman being racist on the TTC, and a server at a restaurant in Scarborough was fired for writing "CHINA" on an Asian's couple's bill. The SIU says they will release the results of the investigation into Regis Korchinski-Paquet's death after a second post-mortem to be completed in August.

The guy who was caught on video screaming at staff at a Mississauga T&T Supermarket over having to wear a mask finally surrendered to police. A crane collapsed at a downtown construction site, and Toronto's most famous crepe restaurant has closed after almost 20 years in business. Plus, delving into the three bills that will likely pass at Queen's Park that deal with emergency orders, reopening the province, economic recovery and evictions.

Flights with confirmed cases of COVID-19 keep landing in Toronto's Pearson Airport, and the federal government is keeping track. An award-winning wine bar and restaurant in Yorkville is closing permanently. Plus, Lynn MacNeil and Will Munro opened The Beaver in 2006, and operated as a safe space that celebrated queer identities for 14 years. Now, the beloved Queen West bar, restaurant, gallery and club is shutting down.

Toronto's first location of SoulCycle on King West has shut down suddenly, leaving members and staff in the dark. Scientists and U of T confirm effectiveness of a new mask that deactivates the coronavirus. Plus, True True Diner has closed permanently, but co-owner and chef, Suzanne Barr says it wasn't just because of the pandemic, and speaks to the injustices that BIPOC-owned businesses are facing.

Premier Doug Ford announced that 24 of Ontario's 34 public health regions will be permitted to reopen in Stage 3 this Friday. This also means there will be an increase in social gathering limits, which doesn't include the GTA. The NHL officially announced that Toronto will be a hub city for the resumption of the 2019-2020 season. Plus, local influencer Feraud Porcelain talks about the importance of representation in the makeup and beauty scene.

Someone was attacked from behind for capturing a video of busy patios on King West that leave little space for pedestrians. Peel police have identified the man who went on a racist tirade at T&T Supermarket in Mississauga this week, and an afternoon shooting at Scarborough Town Centre has left at least one person injured. Plus, the new mask bylaw in Toronto is proving to be very divisive, so how can individuals and businesses better manage conflict when it arises?

A man has been charged following an incident caught on video showing a TTC operator in an altercation with a passenger who allegedly spat on him. Someone is raising money for the T&T Supermarket employees targetted by a racist anti-mask rant. The city will start restricting parking at popular beaches to prevent parties and crowding. Plus, the guy behind One Night Only Pizza, a small venture operating out of a home in Riverdale, has plans for a post-pandemic pop-up.

A man went on a racist rant at a T&T Supermarket in Mississauga because he was asked to wear a mask. A popular family-owned toy store chain has filed for bankruptcy, and will be selling off all their inventory. Plus, this Toronto-based online platform that connects you with certified professionals for in-home beauty treatments may be the "new normal" for the industry.

Things got intense as hundreds in opposition of Bill 184 rallied outside of Mayor John Tory's Yorkville condo yesterday. Doug Ford plans to extend Ontario's state of emergency at least one more time. People took to the streets and subways to protest the new mandatory mask bylaw that went into effect in Toronto today. Plus, CBC’s Ty Harper talks about his new limited series podcast that explores the hip hop scene in Canada, and anti-black racism within the music industry, through a Drake lens.

A woman was asked to leave the emergency department at St. Joseph's Health Centre because she refused to wear a mask. Speaking of which, Toronto's mandatory mask bylaw comes into effect tomorrow, and there are some things you should know. A photographer had his gear stolen at a protest at Nathan Phillips Square this weekend, and it was caught on video. Plus, what to expect at the new Immersive Van Gogh art exhibit that is now open to the public.

A chef and restaurant owner in Toronto effectively banned a customer after a one-star review. Toronto will soon make it mandatory to wear a mask or face-covering where physical distancing is difficult, or impossible. Syrus Marcus Ware and Rajean Hoilett from the Toronto Prisoners' Rights Project discuss the city council's vote against the motion to defund the police. Plus, who profits off the jail and prison systems, and what are some alternatives to incarceration?

The Weeknd just announced a huge donation to the Scarborough Health Network Foundation. A restaurant on King West had to change its rules after a busy weekend and large crowds. Ontario saw a spike in new COVID-19 cases, and someone stole an 800-pound photo radar camera from a Parkdale intersection. Plus, what you can and can’t do as a protester from the Black Legal Action Centre in Toronto.

Mayor John Tory announced that transportation services will start issuing tickets using speed enforcement cameras in the city. Kingston is blaming people from the GTA for a new COVID-19 outbreak. Plus, documenting a pandemic, and the importance of history for folks who live in the margins, from Canada's largest independent LGBTQ2+ archive in Toronto's Church Wellesley Village.

Chuck E. Cheese officially filed for bankruptcy protection, and a popular buffet restaurant is shutting down all of its Canadian locations. A six-day sit-in has been taking place outside of City Hall, and Nathan Philip's Square almost completely covered in tents. Plus, what does the future of nightclubs look like? Toronto's "King of Clubs" Charles Khabouth talks about the perils of the pandemic, his plans to build a drive-in, the Guvernment (RIP), and what you can expect at the new Cabana Waterfront Patio.

Toronto enters Stage 2 today, which means many patios, malls and salons opened, while the province officially extended its state of emergency for the sixth time. Toronto Islands are reopening to the public this weekend as ferry service resumes. Plus, a discussion about police versus policing, and why Ryerson students, past and present are fighting to permanently remove cops from the campus.

Ontario is updating its math curriculum for the first time in 15 years, and will now include personal finance and coding skills. Sauble Beach is closing down to residents and tourists alike because of wreckless day-trippers from Toronto. Plus, what it's like to open a successful restaurant during a pandemic, and what the future holds for the new Aunty Lucy's in Parkdale.

Doug Ford announced that Toronto and Peel regions will be allowed to enter Stage 2 this Wednesday, which means salons, patios, malls and more can reopen with safety protocols in place. Summer weather brought hundreds of people, and their garbage, to two local beaches this weekend. Plus, the first season of Drag Race Canada debuts on July 2, and it features lots of Toronto talent. Hosts Brooke Lynn Hytes, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman and Stacey McKenzie talk about what they're looking for in the next drag superstar.

Ontario released a few scenarios for how schools can reopen in September, with a plan for moving forward. Doug Ford rejected the plan to eliminate six statutory holidays for frontline retail workers. For the sixth day in a row, the province's new COVID-19 case numbers have come in below 200. Plus, as another brazen shooting took the life of at least one person near St. Clair West and Lansdowne today, Director X talks about the program he wants to bring to Toronto to tackle gun violence in the city.

Public health officials reported under 200 new COVID-19 cases in Ontario for the fifth consecutive day. Doug Ford plans to extend the state of emergency yet again, and police just made the largest fentanyl bust in the history of the province. Plus, Toronto designer Mic Carter of L'uomo Strano has created a fashion line called Strange Fruit, inspired by Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, that will make its debut at a virtual runway show in a secret location.

It was one year ago today that the Raptors celebrated their NBA championship win with a parade through downtown Toronto, and a rally at Nathan Phillips Square. A city lawyer predicts a spike in divorces when courts reopen. Masks are now mandatory on the TTC, and new COVID-19 cases in Ontario are under 200 for the fourth day in a row. Plus, a student who spoke out against systemic racism at U of T's Trinity College talks about her experience, and what can be done to promote diversity and inclusivity.