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.
Rewarding absolute failure
By failing to get rid of head coach Randy Carlyle after the team’s epic tank in the second half of the NHL season, the fine folks at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment have sent a clear message to the Toronto Maple Leafs and fans of the team: failure is just fine, thank you very much. We welcome and reward it.
Take a trip back in time… to the mid-2000s
The new Google Maps now has a feature to unlock a city’s history — kind of. They’re boasting a new clock icon in the top-left corner of the street-view feature where you can sift through older images of a particular view. Of course, most of the images around Toronto only date back to 2007, but even nostalgia from seven years ago can be nice — like remember that time when there wasn’t construction on Eglinton?
Rob Ford is in rehab… because he says so
It wouldn’t be a day that ends in Y if Rob Ford wasn’t causing some sort of controversy. And he’s managed to do so, even from rehab — or, “rehab.” We still don't know. On Wednesday, Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington’s phone chat with Rob Ford from rehab grabbed headlines, with many pointing out that a serious rehabilitation program would limit phone use (or even confiscate the patient’s phone).
Toronto shows prophylactic pride
Just in time for World Pride, Toronto Public Health has revealed plans to introduce a Toronto branded condom named “condomTO.” Toronto is following in the footsteps of New York City and Los Angeles, which have their own branded condoms as well. The condoms will be available at various gyms, health clinics, hotels and bars across Toronto.
Hogtown now a million-dollar market
Recently, it became official. The average home price in Toronto has passed the $1 million mark. What’s behind this increase? There’s an undeniable shortage in supply, which has also resulted in some pretty fierce bidding wars.
Bike lanes possible for Richmond & Adelaide
Toronto’s city staff have asked the city’s public works and infrastructure committee to approve a plan for temporary bike lanes on Richmond and Adelaide over the summer. The lanes would look from Richmond to Bathurst, to Adelaide and over to Simcoe. They would also construct a “contra-flow” lane on Richmond west of Bathurst, so cyclists could ride against traffic up to Niagara. After the summer project, council will consider making the lanes permanent. Ford’s gone for a week and this happens?
Giant insect orgy underway
Apparently, the city is overrun with millions of little flying bugs swarming downtown streets as they mate. The good news is that once the frisky little terrors are finished getting busy with absolutely no sense of propriety, they’ll be gone—likely in a couple weeks.
Tributes pour in for iconic GTA author
By now the news has reached many Canadians that author Farley Mowat died on May 6 at the age of 92 at his home in Port Hope, about an hour east of Toronto. Though Mowat sung the praises of Canada’s north, he was raised in Richmond Hill and attended the University of Toronto. Mowat is remembered for his passion for the environment and his rabble-rousing spirit.
Can you feel the love at Casa Loma?
Despite Toronto’s mayor recently being recorded making anti-gay remarks, the city is attempting to send a clear message to the world that Toronto is a pro-LGBTQ place. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly recently teamed up with Casa Loma and Liberty Entertainment to announce the Toronto Celebration of Love, a grand pride wedding at Toronto's iconic castle on June 26. All LGBTQ and two-spirit couples are invited to get married on the grounds of Casa Loma. The facilities, flowers, music and decor are free. Up to 200 couples may register at prideweddingtoronto.com.
Raps Delight
The Toronto Raptors may have lost in game seven versus the Brooklyn Nets, but they won a lot of respect and more than a few new fans thanks to the team’s gritty and inspiring effort on the court. Next year, we’ll expect more. But for now, it’s just good to be back.
