Colourful murals depicting messages of love and support are popping up on local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across Toronto. Toronto-based artists have partnered with a local marketing firm Kadence to help raise people’s spirits across the city. Some of the murals feature motivational messages like “Hang In There” and “In This
More than three dozen Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus employees are reportedly back at work today after walking off the job on Wednesday due to COVID-19 safety concerns, particularly due to the lack of personal protective equipment. Thirty-three bus operators from the Queensway division and five from the Wilson division reported for their shift on
The France-based organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is headed to Toronto to assist the Inner City Health Associates (ICHA) organization with a new 400-bed homeless shelter expected to open this week. At least 30 people across Toronto’s overcrowded homeless shelters have tested positive for COVID-19, including 11 residents and 12 staff members at
It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for the economic well-being of millions of Canadians. Musicians, who rely heavily on revenue from touring to make ends meet, and other artists are in trouble. It’s not a lucrative career for most at the best of times. With news of entire tours being
If you’ve been upping your delivery orders since the COVID-19 outbreak, you’ve probably been discovering that not all takeout food is created equal and some meals survive the transport better than others. Many of the city’s high-end restaurants have had a steep learning curve as they adjust their menus and create delivery meals worthy of
In recent weeks, the federal government has rolled out a string of measures to help Canadian businesses and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But some small businesses say it’s not enough. They either don’t qualify for federal loans or aren’t in the position to go further in debt, according to a new survey by the
Toronto Maple Leafs player Mitch Marner has been doing his part to give back to frontline workers and vulnerable citizens during the COVID-19 health crisis. Through his Marner Assist Fund, he teamed up with Hayley Wickenheiser to encourage PPE donations for healthcare workers. He joined his teammates’ efforts to support local hospitals and is now
Real estate market activity in Toronto is off by 60-65 per cent, according to realtor Barry Cohen, of Barry Cohen Homes. But that doesn’t mean things have fallen off a cliff. Most buyers and sellers have pulled back to wait it out, but others cannot or will not. And those people are looking for creative
Business owners across Toronto are petitioning the federal government for a commercial rent freeze during the COVID-19 lockdown. If they aren’t thrown a much-needed lifeline soon, they say the city risks losing its mom-and-pop shops and family-run establishments. According to a recent survey by Save Small Business (SSB), 70 per cent of small business owners
Thornhill-based toy company Spin Master is taking a piece of equipment from one of its most popular games and repurposing it as personal protective equipment (PPE) face shields for healthcare workers. The prototype uses headbands from the guessing-game Hedbanz, along with plastic inserts to create a usable shield. The company produced 5,000 units that have
In recent weeks, pedestrian advocate groups in Toronto have asked the city to either shut down major roads to car traffic or reduce the number of lanes to help make more room for social distancing pedestrians and cyclists, as well as emergency vehicles. The notion is that pedestrians can spread out while practicing proper social
Up until recently, I relished shopping for groceries. I’m the type of person who has a favourite cheesemonger, butcher, green grocer, and bakery. I plan weekend trips around having breakfast at a farmer’s market before adventuring to specialty shops in the distant burbs. Come COVID-19, my peripatetic grocery ways needed to be amended. No longer
While Terroni and the Rosedale Diner were open for takeout only due to COVID-19, Harvest Wagon known fondly as one of the Five Thieves, was very busy.
Due to COVID-19 many of Yorkville’s designer boutiques had boarding erected in front of them. Only Pusateri’s and Whole Foods seemed to be doing some brisk business.
The usually bustling streets of the market were empty most days due to COVID-19, only Blackbird Baking and a few shops and restaurants remained open.
Many in Toronto will be celebrating Passover and Easter this long weekend confined to their homes. While the city remains on near total lockdown, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to mark the first long weekend of spring. If holidays are all about reconnecting and spending quality time with friends and family, then a little
Toronto Raptors star Serge Ibaka has been entertaining fans on social media amidst the NBA coronavirus shutdown, and now the star is hosting a live talent show on Instagram called “How Talented Are You?” Not only are fans able to display their talent to the world, but proceeds from the show will be donated to
Parenting columnist Joanne Kates is an expert educator in the areas of conflict mediation, self-esteem and anti-bullying, and she is the director of Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park. There are silver linings. We’re cooking more. Baking bread even. Lots of kids love not having school. For once we get enough sleep. We have respite from
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected numerous industries across the country, and one we are hearing a lot about is the restaurant industry. “There has never been a time like this, never been a bigger challenge for the restaurant industry,” says Mark McEwan, resident Taste Test chef at TRNTO. That is why McEwan and other
On April 7, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was present at The Woodbridge Group’s manufacturing facility in Vaughan to help receive the first 1,000 ASTM Level 3 respirator masks — the first batch of personal protective equipment (PPE) produced in Ontario. “Woodbridge, together with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, has been working at an unprecedented pace
A Toronto city councillor is questioning the provincial government’s rules regarding construction amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Josh Matlow, who in March voluntarily self-quarantined himself for two weeks after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, took issue with the priorities of the Ford government regarding what is and isn’t essential construction
North York charity Chai Lifeline Canada launched its toy tank this week with the goal of bringing some happiness to the doorsteps of children who are bored at home due to school closures and physical distancing. The toy tank hit the road for the first time on Sunday, April 5 when it visited homes within
The Toronto Fringe performing arts festival is cancelling this year’s event due to COVID-19. The 32-year-old festival issued a statement this morning. “It seems unbelievable that this staple of the Toronto arts community will not happen this summer,” says Lucy Eveleigh, executive director of the Toronto Fringe. “The Fringe is a platform for so many,
If small businesses want to hold on and make it through the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is no option but to embrace the digital. Yes, it might not be enough, but it is something. And, one midtown Toronto BIA is taking an active role in helping its own members to create a digital strategy. The
Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser sent out a tweet on Sunday, April 5 saying she will personally gather donations of N95 masks, surgical masks, gloves and chemo gowns for Toronto’s frontline healthcare workers. Wickenheiser, who is currently in medical school, said she has received many desperate pleas from her friends who work on the front lines. Then,
