Our weekly recap of the week’s news nuggets in Toronto will bring you up to date and add some fuel to your small-talk tank heading into the weekend.
Cineplex to launch “premium seating” pilot project in Toronto
Cineplex is currently exploring new methods of revenue, and one of them has generated quite a bit of buzz — payment for “premium seats.” You know, those seats where you’re not quite craning your neck at the front nor are you stuck behind some beanpole at the back? You’ll be able to gain access to those for a few dollars more. The project is launching at Toronto’s Odeon Varsity cinema, located at the Manulife Centre. No word on whether or not Cineplex plans on literally handing over money to Netflix. We’ll have to wait and see.
Stouffville home was housing two alligators
Two five-foot American alligators were recently found locked in a shed at a GTA home. Reportedly kept as family pets, the Ontario SPCA was called to the home following complaints from neighbours. The unusual pets will be shipped to Hamilton for housing at a reptile zoo. York Region does have a bylaw banning the ownership of alligators, in case you were wondering.
Timmy’s Yonge Dundas
In celebration of its 50th anniversary this week, a Tim Hortons pop-up at Yonge-Dundas square recreated the appearance of its original 1964 store. The store was located in Hamilton, but that didn’t seem to stop Timmy’s from going all-out with the decor, style of cups and costumed actors. The pop-up location gave out free coffee, but it might have been a nice touch for all area Timmy’s to offer coffee at its original price for part of the day. Fun fact: The term “double-double” was added to the Canadian Oxford Dictionary in 2004, and did in fact originate from Timmy’s coffee shops.
A not-so-smart crime hits downtown
For those longing for a simpler time before iPads and Instagram when kids actually got outside, there is hope… sort of. Smart Car tipping has cropped up in Toronto. Inspired by the wacky antics of Californians, several cars downtown were found damaged in botched attempts to flip the cars, with one successfully on its side.
Beloved dancing crossing guard forced to quit, gains rock star creed
This isn’t the first time crossing guard Kathleen Byers, a former aerobics instructor and dancing enthusiast, has been told to cut it out with her dancing as she crosses kids in Toronto’s west end. Now, after her second suspension, Byers has decided to quit the profession. This suspension was a response to her appearing in a new Born Ruffians music video, dancing in her regulation vest. Toronto Police Services told Byers that she can dance if she wants to, but she should leave her vest behind. Apparently, if they don’t dance, they’re no friends of hers.
Good-bye to a Toronto landmark (or a feminist’s worst nightmare, depending on who you ask)
One of Toronto’s most infamous strip bars will be closing its doors in less than 60 days. The historic Queen and Broadview site of the Broadview Hotel has been purchased by Streetcar Developments, and housed businesses including Jilly’s. Streetcar has said that they do not plan on creating a condo at the former site, but what exactly will go in is still unclear. The tenants of the building will also be asked to vacate.
Godzilla doesn’t believe the “Subways, subways, subways!” message
In anticipation of tonight’s premiere of the new Godzilla remake, a promotion at Yonge and Elm turned a few heads. Ad company Juxta Productions helped to erect a phoney subway which appeared to have been lifted partially out from underground. The promo can also perform double-duty after Godzilla’s opening and serve as a promotion for a Downtown Relief Line!
Hudak’s feelings on transit not that warm either
PC candidate Tim Hudak didn’t smash up any subway lines, but he did smash the dreams of a few transit advocates. Outlining his platform, Hudak said that he would cancel planned LRT lines on Sheppard and Finch as well as several other lines in the GTA if elected. He doesn’t plan on touching the Eglinton LRT, which is currently under construction. He also plans to merge the TTC, GO Transit and other regional transit agencies into one GTHA-wide transit authority.
Food truck permits prove unpopular
On the first day to receive the city’s new food truck permits, only six were handed out. The $5,000 permits have proven to be quite unpopular among local restauranteurs, largely due to the vast limitations and restrictions placed on owners, who cannot park less than 50 metres from a bricks-and-mortar restaurant. Many are protesting the process and its red tape.
Wishing a “happy” crack-iversary
It’s hard to imagine that it’s only been one year since former Toronto Star reporter Robyn Doolittle published the first allegations that Mayor Rob Ford was filmed smoking crack cocaine. Probably because in that year we’ve seen Ford deny the “crack-usations,” then admit to them some five months later, lose a great deal of his powers, profess coming to a “Jesus moment,” only to be caught once again. Ford is celebrating the anniversary at an alleged rehab facility — or, it is alleged, hanging out by a BMO in Muskoka.
