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.
Defoe hits the field with Toronto FC
The long-awaited arrival of footballer Jermain Defoe has finally come. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker joined Toronto FC for practice for the first time on Monday, March 10. It’s unclear whether or not Defoe will play in this season’s opening game in Seattle tomorrow, so you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled.
When to book a flight, according to science
A travel company called Cheap Air has put together some data on when the best time is to book a flight. Their analysts have determined what they call a “Prime Booking Window,” which is anywhere from 29 to 104 days prior to a flight. March Break may be over, but keep this bookmark handy for Easter, Victoria Day weekend and more. If this weather doesn't clear up in 29 to 104 days, this may be a useful thing to know.
Lawrence Park North is Toronto’s top ’hood
Toronto is often known as a “city of neighbourhoods.” A recent ranking by the city, based on criteria such as education and health, has named Lawrence Park North — which you may also know as Bedford Park — the number one in Toronto. There were other Midtown neighbourhoods in the top five, including Yonge-Eglinton. The lowest-ranked in Toronto? Black Creek.
Everything you need to know about Toronto’s new food truck laws
Following a city council report recommending changes to the city’s food truck policy, Toronto should be more food-truck friendly in the near future. However, there are a few stipulations to the laws that you might not get just from skimming the headlines. It’s not all sunshine and roses in food truck land. One of the trickiest provisions? Local business improvement areas can choose to reject a food truck’s application.
Justin Bieber’s lawyer? He’s so hot right now
Embattled pop star Justin Bieber’s fans gathered outside Old City Hall on March 10 in a frenzy, though many knew that the 20-year-old heartthrob wouldn’t be showing up. Instead, his lawyer, Brian Greenspan, appeared in his place to make a court appearance regarding the singer’s assault charges. Amid cries of “Tell Justin I love him!” Greenspan played it cool in front of the cameras. What will his legion of fans be called? Gree-liebers?
Can an 18-year-old be Hogtown’s mayor?
Every mayoral election has its fringe candidates, but one to keep your eye on is high school student Morgan Baskin. This well-spoken 18-year-old from Toronto’s Corktown neighbourhood registered to join the mayoral race on March 10. She describes herself as progressive and has a strong focus on social justice. She’s in favour of a downtown relief line, too. It’s not outside the realm of possibility either — in 2005, 18-year-old Michael Sessions became the mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan. (Plus, there is Mayor Stubbs the Cat in Talkeetna, Alaska.)
Was Ervin Santana set to join the Jays?
Free agent Ervin Santana may have just signed with the Atlanta Braves, but multiple reports have suggested that he was offered a $14.1 million deal by the Blue Jays last weekend. Santana signed with Atlanta for the same amount on Wednesday, and Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos was mum on the details when asked specifically if such a deal existed between Santana and the Jays.
Anti-Ford billboard project underway
A new crowdfunding site based out of Toronto, Rabble.org, has begun an effort to finance a $5,000 billboard to mock mayor Rob Ford’s claims that he is an “average family man.” Ford, who grew up in a wealthy household thanks to his father’s successful company, DECO Labels and Tags as well as his position as an MPP, has touted himself as an average man with sympathy for the working class, though he has never claimed to be working-class himself. The board would read: “Inherits $50 million — ‘I’m just your average family man.’” Rabble, however, has been challenged on their claim of a $50 million inheritance, and is currently working to tweak the total.
Grabbing a piece of Toronto’s thrifty history
As the iconic discount store Honest Ed’s prepares to close, Torontonians will surely be lining up around the block for their last chance to grab some of the low-priced merchandise. However, last Monday, Honest Ed’s attracted a sizeable crowd for a different reason — its hand-printed sale signs. Hoping to hang the quirky catch-phrases on their walls, hundreds lined up down Bloor Street to pay between 50 cents and $5.00 for a sign. Of course, some were more interested in profit — a set of three signs has appeared on Kijiji for $600.
New Kickstarter campaign could be a game-changer for joggers and cyclists
Sometimes reflective gear isn’t enough. Toronto-based inventor Cameron Couch is seeking $11,000 to manufacture the Poplight, a portable light that you can snap on to anywhere — a sleeve, a strap, a hat — and go. As of March 14, $2,128 has been raised with 27 days to go. This small but powerful LED light could mean big things for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and joggers — if Toronto can shovel off its bike lanes sometime soon.
