Thornhill Post November 2025

2025

The grandparent scam is back, preying on Toronto’s seniors. Plus eight more crooked cons to guard against right now!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20 – SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23

Finally, I get it, and I will remember CITY

I am not always the first to wear a poppy or attend a Remembrance Day ceremony, I must admit. To honour the sacrifices made and the millions of lives lost in pursuit of freedom and a safe and secure world every Nov. 11.

Remembrance Day is taking on new meaning for me, after travelling to Belgium to do some cycling.

It was in a town of Leper, on a trail called the Peace Route, that it came into focus. As I pedalled through what were once trenches and battlegrounds, toured the museum at Passchendaele — where thousands of Canadians were killed in a single day — another museum in Leper and a military cemetery and listened to how those who worked at these places who still speak of the sacrifices that Canadians and others made, it came into focus.

But more than anything, it was at the Last Post ceremony in Leper, a ceremony that has taken place at the same time in the same place for decades, where it really hit home: the tens of thousands of names, so many Canadians, etched into the walls; the wreaths that visitors still lay to commemorate family members to this day.

Now, I will never forget. And, given the amount of hate and violence and war that somehow still manages to exist despite these horrific lessons we have already learned time and time again, Remembrance Day is still incredibly important. We let things slide far too easily, shuffle them to the back of our brains where we don’t have to deal with them. It’s not helping. Do yourself a favour, go to a ceremony, thank a veteran and remember.

The city has ceremonies in a variety of locations, and it will stream one online as well. I will see you there.

FAST FACTS

NAME: RJ Barrett

LEGACY: Barrett is the son of basketball player Rowan Barrett

COLLEGE:

Duke, named USA Today player of the year

DRAFTED:

Third overall in 2019 by the NY Knicks

TEAM CANADA:

Played in the 2024 Paris Olympics

POST INTERVIEW CITY HACKS

RJ Barrett on winning, legacy and life in the 6ix

Homegrown Raptors star is back and ready to hoop

As the Toronto Raptors get a new season underway, Torontoarea native RJ Barrett says the vibe feels different — focused, confident and ready to win. After a few rebuilding years, Barrett has embraced his role as both a team leader and a proud Canadian representing his hometown team. We chat with Barrett about what’s next.

What feels different about this year compared to last season?

The past couple of years have been rebuilds, you know? This year, we’re really going for something. That’s been the mentality all summer and through training camp. We’re just ready to get it going.

How are you approaching your role this season?

I’m just here to do what I can to help the team win. I pride myself on being a player who can do a bit of everything, and I’m trying to bring that to the table every night.

What’s it been like getting to know and play alongside Brandon Ingram?

He’s a very skilled player — honestly, he makes my job a whole lot easier.

me — especially being from just 30 minutes down the road [from Toronto]. It’s an amazing feeling.

You’ve talked before about inspiring Canadian kids. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

I remember being one of those kids who watched the Raptors growing up, so I know how much it means. I want to have a legacy as a Canadian kid who made it to the NBA and played for the Raptors — someone who showed kids they can achieve what they set their minds to. And, of course, I want to be remembered as a winner. I want to win a championship here.

“I REMEMBER BEING ONE OF THOSE KIDS WHO WATCHED THE RAPTORS GROWING UP.”

After a disappointing season last year, what’s been the message in the locker room? We’re trying to get back to the playoffs and back on the right track. We want to win here in Toronto.

With Canadian player Chris Boucher gone, it feels like you’re carrying the Canadian torch now. How does that feel?

CB had been carrying the torch for a while. It means a lot to

Any favourite T.O. restaurants or hangouts? I like going to places like Demetres.

You come from a basketball family. How does your dad still influence your game today?

I talk to him every day — he’s always on me. We pick each other’s brains. I’m at the point now where I know enough about basketball to challenge him on some things, which is fun.

Who’s the funniest guy on the team?

Jamal [Shead] is definitely in there. We’ve got a lot of funny guys.

Who’s the most intense?

Scottie [Barnes] is pretty intense most of the time.

Who’s your favourite player to match up against? LeBron [James]. That’s always going to be a fun one.

—Ron Johnson

Forget Amex Platinum, the best card in town could be your Toronto Public Library card

Special collections

The Toronto Public Library’s special collections include such hidden gems as the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, immersing visitors in Sherlock Holmes’s world; the Merril Collection, Canada’s premier archive of science fiction and speculative fiction; and the Arts and Marguerite G. Bagshaw Collections, featuring materials from visual and performing arts to full puppet shows.

For budding musicians

At select branches, you can borrow instruments like ukuleles, violins or accordions for up to three weeks, though demand is high and availability is limited.

For techies

Cardholders can also use specialized computers, software and equipment — like 3-D printers, Wacom tablets, audio and video studios, Arduinos and sewing or vinyl cutters on-site.

The GTA’s own RJ Barrett grew up watching the Raptors

Arthur Conan Doyle Room

News

SECTION

We may be gaining an LRT, but what have we lost?

The Crosstown LRT is a saga fit for a tragic opera. It’s been the most maligned, most delayed, most laughed at project in recent history. The latest news of a collision involving two cars during the testing period was almost expected. But there are some who aren’t laughing, such as the small main street businesses that died a slow death while attempting to wait for the opening of a rapid transit project along Eglinton Avenue. We lost many, such as iconic deli Yitz’s, to the construction and the delays, but many have risen to take their place. The end is in sight — according to Metrolinx testing is set to resume and an opening this fall is likely. Eglinton Avenue is mostly back to normal. The Crosstown will be a huge boon to main street and to commuters, after such an epic delay.

Clockwise from left: Crosstown LRT construction saw the closing of Yitz’s Deli, Oink Oink and many other businesses, as well as the relocation of House of Chan

The real threat to Toronto: Provincial power grab, not city politics

Toronto City Council has two strategies to defend itself from provincial oversight and interference. One is to rely on the presumed friendship between Mayor Olivia Chow and Premier Doug Ford as they praise each other and exchange small gifts. The other is to pass resolutions objecting to provincial actions, often in conjunction with other municipalities.

Neither has been effective.

The province continues to barge ahead stripping Toronto (and other cities) of clear powers: prohibiting the use of speed cameras, although the data is overwhelming that they slow vehicles and save injuries and lives; ripping out bike lanes, although the data shows this will do nothing to speed traffic and bike lanes provide much protection for cyclists; abolishing democratically elected school boards and putting decision making in the hands of a provincial appointee.

The list goes on and on: making it difficult for the city to enforce green building standards to decrease the amount of carbon spewed into the air; stripping conservation authorities of many powers so the natural environment is less protected; arbitrarily cut-

ting the number of city councillors.

Perhaps it is time for city council to pull in some other resources, particularly those in civil society that rely on the many interested residents of Toronto to exert their strength. Ordinary people, when organized, can have a real influence on politicians who otherwise seem untouchable. Provincial politicians can scoff at municipal politicians, but they have a much harder time dismissing a group of citizens.

To address the serious lack of affordable housing, Toronto City Council should make a grant of $100,000 to non-profit and co-op housing groups to organize residents and create a strong group to push provincial politicians. Action is also needed to stand up for tenants facing big rent increases or renovictions to stop the demolition of 25-storey buildings providing good rental accommodation. The group that has been most effective in this area is Acorn, and council should give Acorn a good chunk of money.

Funds should also be given to community and religious organizations to organize groups to address those living rough — the homeless — which Premier Ford now wants to chase from parks into some other wilderness rather than ensuring they are well housed.

We need more action on climate

change, as well, an area where the province cancelled wind and solar power initiatives and has done little to improve things. It is spending humungous sums on new nuclear power, which produces electricity four or five times more expensive than solar power, and it continues to offer subsidies to Enbridge. Council should provide organizing money to an organization like Ontario Clear Air Alliance.

And on and on. Money to organize for more humane financial support for those on welfare and those who are disabled; to help unions fighting for better education supports at all levels; to expand the child care system so $10 a day child care is a reality.

If Toronto City Council allocated $1 or $2 million to these kinds of organizing activities, it could have powerful political impacts. What’s good about such independent organizing ventures is that they harness the imagination of all kinds of people taking actions they think are best for them to influence provincial politicians.

Democracy is about people having a say in decisions that affect them, and organizing people so they can influence decision makers is a strong move toward a more democratic society.

Safety

matters.

So does freedom. T.O. must have both.

LORNE LONDON is the founding publisher of Post City Magazines

Installing speed cameras immediately after a 10 km/h reduction on every major and minor street in Toronto feels like government overreach. It suggests a lack of concern for a city already mired in traffic that rivals the worst in the world. That was my initial reaction, and it still is.

Premier Ford and Mayor Chow seem to have risen to the highest political offices with little understanding that the way we implement things can negate the value of the thing we are implementing.

Like many Torontonians, I initially saw the cameras as a cash grab, a heavy-handed intervention that edges us toward a surveillance state. Worse, it reveals a lack of empathy for what life in this city is actually like: picking up kids from practice, or getting home to make dinner. These everyday tasks, burdened by gridlock, are now made harder by blanket speed reductions.

When I received my first ticket, my mind jumped to what might come next. In Singapore, you can be fined for spitting out gum. Will Toronto’s CCTV cameras one day ticket us for dropping a candy wrapper? The slope feels slippery, and incompatible with a free city.

I remain deeply skeptical of this kind of policing, which many dismiss as a small price to pay.

Yet I cannot deny the results. The cameras have changed behaviour. I no longer drive 50km/h on Avenue Road or Yonge Street. A recent study found a 28 per cent decrease in pedestrian-vehicle collisions where speed limits were reduced from 40 km/h to 30 km/h. Safety gains that are difficult to ignore.

Maybe the problem lies not with the goal but with the execution. The rollout has been hamfisted at best. The price we have paid in increased surveillance has not been properly considered. Mayor Chow, in particular, seems unaware of the lived frustrations of Torontonians. Premier Ford, ever the American-style politician, has already backtracked, though he helped usher in this era of robotic enforcement.

In October, Vaughan announced plans for more CCTV cameras. You can be fairly certain facial recognition and more robotic enforcement will follow. The question is how much is too much, and who will safeguard our freedom.

Speed cameras should only be used temporarily in areas with high collision rates, that may be a price worth paying. The line that must be drawn is between targeted, short-term safety interventions and an erosion of the basic freedoms that make Toronto feel like home.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow with Ontario Premier Doug Ford

JOHN SEWELL is a former mayor of Toronto.

Queen West mass timber condo a go

The City of Toronto launched the construction of its first affordable housing project built under its new Public Developer model.

Mayor Olivia Chow, Coun. Gord Perks and Karim Bardeesy MP were on site at 11 Brock Ave. along Queen West to celebrate the start of craning and assembly for the 42-unit development.

the support of PARC [Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre], this will be a place where people not only have a home but also access to the services they need for stability and well-being.”

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Already approved by Toronto City Council, the model allows Toronto to take a direct role in building affordable rental housing on city-owned land. The goal is to speed up delivery and ensure units meet local needs by streamlining approvals, setting clear housing targets and leveraging city resources to accelerate construction timelines.

The project, set for completion in fall 2026, uses mass timber and prefabricated construction to reduce build time and environmental impact, exceeding the city’s Green Standard.

“This is a first for Toronto, the city’s first-ever affordable housing project built through the Public Developer model and using mass timber construction,” said Chow. “At 11 Brock Ave., we are working to build homes faster, greener and with the supports people need to thrive. With

The building will include rent-geared-to-income and supportive housing for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Tenants will pay no more than 30 per cent of their income on rent and will have access to wraparound services such as health, housing stability and community support programs.

PARC, a longtime community organization, will lease and operate the building once complete. Each resident will have a private apartment with a kitchen and bathroom, and shared spaces, such as laundry facilities, a communal kitchen and common areas, will foster community connection.

The $21.6 million project is funded in part by the federal Rapid Housing Initiative, with additional support from the city through waived fees and property taxes. The land, purchased from the provincial government in 2019 for $3.25 million, demonstrates a collaborative effort between federal, provincial and municipal partners to expand affordable housing.

—Ron Johnson

Mayor Olivia Chow (front middle) at the Queen West site

Yonge Street North subway extension renderings released

Recently, the Ontario government and Metrolinx released the first look at renderings of five new stations that will form the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE), as the procurement process begins for one of the project’s final major contracts.

The YNSE will extend TTC Line 1 approximately eight kilometres north from Finch Station into York Region, adding new stops at Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard, Bridge and High Tech stations.

Once complete, the extension will bring subway service closer to 26,000 more residents and provide access to 22,900 additional jobs, while cutting travel times by as much as 22 minutes.

A request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued for the “stations, rail and systems” contract, covering detailed design and construction of the new stations as well as installation of tracks, signals and other support infrastructure.

The contract also includes building emergency exits, a train storage facility and modifications at Finch station to link the new line to the existing TTC system.

Interested companies can now submit their qualifications

through Infrastructure Ontario’s procurement platform MERX. A shortlist of bidders will then be invited to participate in the next stage — a full request for proposals.

Conceptual renderings reveal a mix of underground and surface-level stations designed with bright, open layouts that emphasize safety, accessibility and seamless connections to other transit modes.

“Once complete, it will be a vital link to greater opportunities.”

Steeles, Clark and Royal Orchard stations will be built underground, and Bridge and High Tech stations will be above ground. The stations will feature wide concourses, escalators, elevators and natural lighting to create efficient and welcoming spaces.

Each will be designed with access to local bus routes, pedestrian paths, cycling infrastructure and, at Bridge station, a GO Transit connection making it a key future transit hub for the region.

Metrolinx says the YNSE

will make travel faster and easier for tens of thousands of daily commuters while boosting economic activity across the Greater Toronto Area.

The project is expected to support up to 4,300 jobs annually during construction and serve as a catalyst for transitoriented development along the corridor.

Preparatory work is already underway, including utility relocations, site preparation for tunnelling and early upgrades at Finch station.

In August, North End Connectors was announced as the winning team to design and build the tunnels for the subway extension.

“I am excited that the Yonge North Subway Extension is closer to bringing mass transit from Finch station to Richmond Hill,” said the Honourable Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament for Willowdale.

“This project is part of one of the largest investments the federal government has made in public transit in the Greater Toronto Area. Once complete, it will be a vital link to greater opportunities, supporting a more affordable and connected York Region.”

—Ron Johnson

A rendering of Bridge station, which will be located between Highway 7 and Highway 407

LEARN DEVELOP GROW

Yorkville getting new film school campus

The Yorkville neighbourhood known for culture, creativity and luxury fashion — will soon welcome two major post-secondary institutions under one roof.

Toronto Film School and Yorkville University have announced they are uniting at a new downtown location at 120 Bloor St. E., a move that will redefine both schools’ presence in the city and its creative landscape.

bourhood has evolved into a lively area punctuated by highend boutiques, galleries and creative studios. With its proximity to the city’s financial core and cultural institutions, the area offers students direct access to Toronto’s business, media and arts communities — a serious advantage for those pursuing creative and professional careers.

For students, the new downtown address means easier transit access, modern facilities and a more connected campus experience.

Set to open in phases beginning in 2026, the multi-storey campus will bring together Toronto Film School, Yorkville University and their administrative teams in one central hub. Each school will occupy its own dedicated floor within the new facility, designed to foster collaboration, innovation and artistic exchange.

“Bringing our entire Ontario community together under one roof is a major milestone,” said Ian Freedman, chief executive officer. “This move reflects our success as an organization and our commitment to building a world-class space where students, faculty and staff can learn, work and grow side by side. The choice of Yorkville is no coincidence.”

Once the hippie heart of Toronto in the 1960s, the neigh-

“For students, this is a gamechanger,” said Andrew Barnsley, president of Toronto Film School. “Having everyone together in one place means easier access to services, more opportunities to connect with faculty and peers and an environment that fuels creativity and collaboration. Having our campus united in the heart of Toronto ensures our students are surrounded by the industries and cultural energy that will shape their careers.”

The move marks a new era one where Yorkville’s artistic past and dynamic present align perfectly with the creative ambitions of Toronto Film School and Yorkville University.

—Ron Johnson

Andrew Barnsley, president of Toronto Film School

First federal modular housing project set for Downsivew

Ottawa and Toronto are teaming up to invest in Toronto’s aging infrastructure, paving the way for the construction of up to 63,000 new Downsview homes.

Central to the strategy is Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will develop factory/modular-built housing, with at least 40 per cent units designated as affordable.

Federal and municipal leaders made the announcement at a press conference on Oct. 14, noting that the federal government will provide up to $283 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to expand capacity in the Black Creek trunk sewer system.

“Far too many Canadians are struggling to find an affordable place to call home, especially in our biggest cities,” François-Philippe Champagne, minister of finance and national revenue, said in a statement on Oct. 14.

“Today’s investments in Toronto's critical housing-enabling infrastructure will help deliver urgently needed homes for Canadians who need them. But this is just the beginning. Our full, ambitious plan — to be detailed in Budget 2025 —

will lower costs for builders, catalyze private capital investments and double the pace of homebuilding across Canada.”

The sewer was built in the 1960s and now serves more than 350,000 residents, but growth pressures have led to flooding and delayed approvals for new developments.

“Far too many Canadians are struggling to find an affordable place to call home, especially in our biggest cities.”

The new investment, made in partnership with the City of Toronto, will fund 17 kilometres of new sewer infrastructure. In addition to catalyzing the construction of tens of thousands of new homes, the project will reduce flood risks, protect water quality and create room for up to 130,400 additional residents and more than 65,000 jobs.

The government also confirmed Build Canada Homes’ first development, which will

see 540 new homes at Arbo Downsview using modern construction methods, like prefabrication, modular building and mass timber.

As noted, at least 40 per cent of the homes will be affordable, with a mix of studio, onebedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units.

Alongside the federal government, Toronto will invest more than $425 million toward the Black Creek Sanitary Trunk Sewer project to ensure stronger, more resilient infrastructure and enable homebuilding.

City officials say the partnership represents a new, collaborative approach to tackling Canada’s housing crisis — one that combines infrastructure renewal, faster approvals and innovation in construction.

The federal government has framed the Black Creek initiative as a model for other major cities, where outdated infrastructure continues to constrain housing supply.

Budget 2025 will be tabled in early November, and federal officials say it will include further measures to lower costs for builders and double the pace of home construction across Canada.

—Ron Johnson

Rendering of Downsview development

A pizza counter, 1920s speakeasy bar & more

Nice Slice is the latest and hottest pizza joint in town. Located at 196 Borden St., this neighbourhood pizza shop has already gotten some high-profile customers, including former The Bachelor star Matt James, who boldly declared it the best in the city. Offering a short and sweet menu of eight different pies and three dip options, it sounds like they make a real nice slice.

Kind Karma, a Toronto-based organization that employs atrisk and homeless youth to craft fine jewelry, just opened its first retail storefront at 801 Dundas St. W. Divided into a retail and workshop space, youth artisans can work in a quiet and supportive environment while customers shop the brand’s accessory offerings — which include the popular permanent jewelry experience.

Wonder Pet Cafe, a cosy new retreat for animal lovers, recently launched on Queen West. Toronto’s first interactive dog and cat café opened in partnership with local animal rescue organizations, providing a home-like environment where these animals can meet their future families.You can grab a drink and a cuddle at 333 Queen St. W.

Läderach is set to open its first stand-alone Canadian store on Bloor Street this year. The Swiss chocolatier is taking over a space that was originally set to be occupied by Parisian luxury fashion brand Anne Fontaine. Known for their premium, gourmet chocolates, shoppers will be able to enjoy chocolate slabs, truffles, pralines and more when the shop opens at 110 Bloor St. W.

Tobbi, a first-of-its-kind blind box café in Toronto, recently opened its doors at 678 Bloor St. W. Referring to a concept that originated in Japan, where “lucky bags” are filled with mystery toys, Tobbi offers a basement full of of blind boxes featuring a surprise collectible toy. From Labubus to Peach Riots to Skullpandas, prepare to leave with a cute new toy and pastries.

Bitters & Bloom is Toronto’s newest speakeasy-style bar, located on the second floor of popular Little Italy steak house J’s Steak Frites. The 1920s-inspired cocktail bar offers snacks and creative cocktails with clever names like Don’t Dream, It’s Over and Moonstruck. Step into the past at 577 A College St.

Wonder Pet Cafe is the city’s first interactive dog and cat café

BREAK-INS BY NEIGHBOURHOOD

This month the highest percentage of break-ins were from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. (40%), the day of the week with the most break-ins was Saturday (27%) and the majority of incidents occurred on weekends (40%).

NORTH YORK & THORNHILL

Reduction seduction: Price drops entice buyers

Three dream GTA homes with major discounts

A CUSTOM FOREST HILL MANSION

This four-bedroom custom-build at 505 Russell Hill Rd. was completed in 2023 and though it was listed for just under $20 million in 2024, in October it was re-listed with an almost 50 per cent price cut! $10,289,000, Forest Hill Real Estate

A HISTORIC VICTORIAN IN THE ANNEX

With a whopping five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the beautiful three-storey at 61 Brunswick Ave. has plenty of space. And there’s even been a few price reductions since it was listed in July! $2,990,000, Warwick Realty Group Inc.

A STATELY THORNHILL BUNGALOFT

An elegant four-bedroom, 30 Thornlea Rd. was custom built and features soaring 11-foot ceilings. Originally listed for $6,880,000 in 2024, there has since been a million-dollar price drop! $5,800,000, Hammond International Properties Ltd.

High end a bright spot in Toronto’s difficult condo market

There’s a heartbeat in Toronto’s condo market, even at a time when it seems to reach new lows every month. The high-end segment is showing some life, echoing a similar pattern in the city’s detached home market. Could this be a sign of a revival as interest rates drop? We asked Barry Cohen, the undeniable luxury home king, and his son Justin, who covers much of the highend market, to weigh in.

What’s the luxury condo market looking like these days?

Barry: It almost feels like highend, luxury condos are a little bit of an island. The downsizers are moving into luxury condos for reasons of youth. They want something younger. They've lived in their large, older homes, and now they want to treat themselves with something a little more luxurious, but they don't quite need the space. But the big push has more to do with security; with home invasions and carjackings, people are now looking at condos for their future.

Justin: It's baby boomers looking to downsize, or, you know, right size. They’re looking for something more tailored to their new lifestyle without having kids at home. They're still getting the same size living and dining space

and kitchen, but they don't need the big bedrooms.

Why does the luxury segment differ so much from the rest of the condo market?

147. So in a period where the market is sliding pretty good, the higher end is holding its own.

“The condo market is sliding, but the higher end is holding its own.”

Justin: The condo market is down largely because of the lack of investors. They fuel the condo market. With these pre-construction launches, people would scoop up six units at a time, and they'd either flip them for a profit or become mini landlords. And the builders needed those investors to get their projects. But with the high interest rates and foreign buyer ban and the development charges, investors aren’t interested.

But when you look at the high end — condo sales are down 12 per cent year-over-year from January to September this year versus last year, but condo sales over $2 million are up. They’re up only by a couple units. In that same time period, there have been 149 condo sales over $2 million, and last year there were

Barry: The luxury segment is homeowner occupied, so it’s a different buyer. And somebody in the lower end of condos is more affected by interest rates and the media, whereas someone looking at the high end, it’s more about lifestyle — price sensitivity isn’t top of mind.

What’s selling on the high end right now?

Barry: It almost feels like we're short inventory on good luxury condos. That's only because sellers are reading the headlines about the state of the condo market and afraid to come to the market. I would say building youth and quality are top of mind; a young unit or a renovated unit will sell generally pretty quickly. Same with a cachet address. But if you had a large, unrenovated condo, it would probably lag.

What do you predict for the next year or two?

Barry: A three to six year dig out for low-end condos, whereas luxury condos are going to hold their own and will have mild increases.

Top carriage trade realtor Barry Cohen says the high-end market will see mild increases

INSIDE T.O.’S SCAM EPIDEMIC

Toronto has a massive scam problem and according to Toronto Police Service (TPS) it’s time to buckle up because it’s not going to get any better any time soon.

So far in 2025 as of early October, Toronto Police Service has logged more than $360 million in reported fraud losses by Torontonians, a figure that Det. David Coffey of the Financial Crimes Unit calls “staggering — and climbing fast.”

“That’s almost equal to all of 2024,” Coffey says. “We’re up 25 percent yearover-year. Fraud is escalating dramatically.”

Behind the scenes, organized crime, artificial intelligence and social engineering are colliding in a perfect storm — one that’s leaving everyone, from students to seniors, vulnerable. The modern scammer doesn’t just trick you. They study you, imitate you and weaponize your own trust against you.

The Grandparent Scam

What’s happening: Toronto Police Service cautioned the public on Oct. 8 about a scam targeting elderly members of the Russian-speaking community. Scammers call victims, impersonating family members or acquaintances, and claim they are involved in an urgent incident — such as a car accident or medical emergency — requesting immediate financial help. Victims are instructed to

Hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, AI, cryptocurrency and deep fakes are only the beginning. What’s next?

gather cash and hand it over to a stranger, often while remaining on the phone with the scammer to prevent verification. Police advise anyone receiving such calls to hang up immediately and report the incident. Though impersonation scams prey on logic and fear, grandparent scams go after something far deeper — love and panic.

During the pandemic, reports of these scams exploded across Toronto. Seniors would receive frantic calls from someone claiming to be their grandchild, saying they’d been in an accident or arrested. A

supposed “lawyer” or “officer” would then get on the line, demanding thousands in bail money — usually in cash.

“Hundreds of people were scammed out of thousands of dollars,” Coffey recalls. “An investigation linked it to Quebec organized crime, and several arrests were made.”

But the scam hasn’t gone away — it has evolved.

“Right now, we’re seeing a rash of grandparent scams in the north end of the city targeting the Russian community,” Coffey says. “It’s Russian organ-

ized crime targeting Russian-speaking citizens in Toronto.”

The calls are frighteningly authentic. The fraudsters speak Russian and use personal details scraped from social media.

“They’re pretending to be ex-spouses, ex-employees or relatives,” Coffey explains. “They use personal information to make it sound real. There’s a real wave of these happening right now.”

He groups them under what police call “emergency scams” — any scenario where a victim is pressured to send money immediately to help a loved one in crisis.

“These scams work because they hijack emotion,” says Coffey. “The fraudsters create urgency and fear, and people stop thinking rationally.”

What to do: Coffey says most scams rely on the same three emotional levers: urgency, fear and greed. “Fraudsters always create a sense of urgency,” he says. “They pressure you to act now — before you can think.”

Parking Ticket Scams & Phishing What’s happening: York Regional Police have been warning residents about a text message scam involving fake speed camera tickets. Fraudsters send messages urging recipients to click a link to pay fines, but these messages are designed to steal personal and financial information.

Police stress that all legitimate traffic tickets and payment instructions are sent through the mail, and no government agency will demand payment via text.

It often starts with something small — a simple text or email.

“Those text messages and emails that come into our mobile devices — I get them every day,” says Coffey. “I know everyone else does too.”

They look legitimate: a note from Canada Post about a missed delivery, a message from the CRA asking you to verify your account or an alert from your bank saying your card has been suspended. The logos are perfect. The tone is urgent. And the link looks close enough to the real thing that people click. Sometimes they even make it seem like the bank’s actual phone number and name.

Coffey says this is one of the most common ways fraudsters harvest personal information, even if they don’t get exactly what they want the first time around. The damage isn’t always immediate — sometimes the loss comes weeks later when your data is used to open new accounts, apply for loans or access your savings.

“These aren’t random messages,” Coffey explains. “They’re generated by massive databases built from previous data breaches. The fraudsters already know your email, maybe your home address, sometimes even your bank. They just need one more detail.”

What to do: Coffey’s first piece of advice is deceptively simple: slow down. “I al-

ways tell people to slow down,” he says. “That’s the single most effective defence.”

Bank Scams

What’s happening: In early October, TPS put out yet another warning about bank scams, explaining that scammers spoof (deliberately change the information displayed on your caller ID,

SCAM EPIDEMIC

hanced methods by fraudsters using artificial intelligence.”

Victims get a phone call from someone claiming to be with “Toronto Police,” the “Crown Attorney’s Office” or a “bank fraud investigation unit.” The caller sounds professional, speaks confidently and seems to know personal details — enough to feel real.

the amount of fraud losses reported to toronto police so far in 2025 $360 million

email sender line or text message “from” field) bank phone numbers and claim victims’ accounts have been compromised, pressuring them to share passwords and PINs. Victims are often instructed to place their cards in an envelope for courier pickup, which is then intercepted by the criminals to drain accounts through e-transfers, withdrawals or purchases.

If phishing is the low-hanging fruit, impersonation scams are where things turn sophisticated — and terrifyingly convincing.

“The biggest one over the last six months has been impersonation scams,” Coffey says. “It’s a direct result of en-

“They’ll say your bank account’s been compromised or that your credit cards have been cloned,” Coffey says. “Then they’ll send someone to your house to collect your cards and PINs. That gives them immediate access to your accounts.”

In some cases, victims have even been told their money needs to be “secured in a government account” to prevent theft and have willingly transferred their savings to the fraudster’s control.

Coffey explains how convincing it can be: “The scammers use information from the internet — from data breaches or social media — and artificial intelligence to scrape and compile details. They already

know your name, address, middle name, phone number, even account types. That makes it sound legitimate.”

And thanks to caller ID spoofing, their phone number might even show up as “Scotiabank” or “Toronto Police.”

“The moment someone asks for your bank card or PIN, hang up,” Coffey warns. “No bank or police officer will ever send someone to collect your cards. Ever.”

What to do: If a call, text or email feels suspicious, hang up or delete it. If it claims to be from your bank, call the number on the back of your card — not the one that called you.

“Even if the number on your display looks the same, hang up and call it yourself,” Coffey says. “You’ll reach your real bank, and they’ll tell you it wasn’t them.”

Rental Scams

What’s happening: Recently, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was warning people to be vigilant following a rise in rental scams that have cost unsuspecting renters thousands of dollars. In one common scheme, fraudsters pose as landlords, show fake rental properties, collect deposits and rent payments — often more than $2,000.

One Torontonian told Post that they thought they had rented an apartment through an online service, which also used airbnb as a portal to view the property.

“At this time I was commuting from Hamilton to Toronto for school, and I

never had the time to actually see it in person, which I note is my fault,” the person says. “And yes, I sent the rent, then I was ghosted.”

What to do: To avoid being scammed, renters are urged to research listings, visit properties in person, verify ownership and never send money or personal information before confirming the legitimacy of the rental. Red flags include unusually low rent, landlords unwilling to meet in person and requests for deposits without a signed agreement.

“I was blinded by the fact I could have a place closer to school to ease my stress,” the person says. “I ignored the red flags and learned a valuable lesson that day.”

Romance Scams & “Pig Butchering”

What’s happening: The RCMP is warning Canadians about romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake online identities to gain victims’ trust and affection for financial gain. Scammers often research victims on social media, build a seemingly genuine relationship and then fabricate urgent scenarios — such as medical emergencies or investment opportunities — asking for money, gifts or cryptocurrency. Victims can lose thousands, and the emotional toll is often severe, including shame and heartbreak.

Among the most emotionally devastating frauds are romance scams — now supercharged by AI and cryptocurrency.

“They build relationships slowly,” Coffey says. “They talk every day, share pho-

tos, maybe even have video chats. But the person on the screen isn’t real — it’s AI generated, a deepfake.”

Once the victim’s trust is secured, the financial angle begins. “They’ll start talking about their investments, their glamorous lifestyle,” he says. “Naturally, the victim asks, ‘How are you doing that?’

That’s the hook.”

“The scammers’ goal is to take every last cent,” Coffey says. “They’ll push victims to borrow from family, take loans, even mortgage their homes. They’re ruthless.”

And it’s not rare. “Today, around 70 per cent of all fraud money flows through investment scams like this,” Coffey says.

THE AMOUNT OF LOSSES THROUGH ONLINE INVESTMENT SCAMS REPORTED IN 2024 $71 MILLION

Soon, the victim is convinced to “invest” in a crypto platform or trading app that looks legitimate — complete with real-time charts and fake customer support. The profits look amazing at first. But when they try to withdraw, the truth hits: the money’s gone.

That’s the origin of the term “pig butchering.”

“It’s a term coined by Chinese organized crime groups,” Coffey explains. “They realized they could combine romance scams and investment scams. Build a fake romantic relationship, then introduce an investment opportunity.”

Victims are “fattened up” emotionally, then “butchered” financially.

“People lose hundreds of thousands, even millions.”

What to do: The warning signs are always the same: if someone you’ve never met in person asks for money — especially for an investment — it’s a scam.

Fake Speeding Tickets

What’s happening: York Regional Police are warning residents about a new text message scam circulating across the region involving fake speed camera tickets.

Fraudsters are sending text messages that appear to be official notices, claiming the recipient must click a link to pay an outstanding fine. The messages often

look legitimate and use urgent language to trick people into revealing personal and financial information.

Police emphasize that legitimate traffic or speed camera tickets are only sent by mail, never by text or email. Residents are urged not to click links or download attachments from unexpected messages and to ignore any text demanding payment.

What to do: The advice is simple: Police remind residents to stay alert and verify any suspicious communication directly with official agencies, using trusted contact information.

Financial Fraud

What’s happening: Canadian regulators are warning of a surge in complex financial frauds that have defrauded investors of hundreds of millions of dollars.

In Muskoka, a Toronto mortgage broker is accused of running a $100 million Ponzi-style real estate scheme that promised returns from syndicated mortgages but instead funnelled funds into bogus projects. According to a court-appointed receiver, investors’ payouts were often financed using new deposits — a hallmark of Ponzi operations that collapsed when the housing market slowed.

Earlier this year, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) announced fraud allegations against a financial company that raised over $500 million from investors across Canada and the U.S. The OSC alleges at least $70 million was diverted to

unauthorized uses, including real estate ventures and repayment of earlier investors, before the firm fell into bankruptcy. The commission says the misconduct harmed investors and undermined confidence in Canada’s capital markets.

What to do: Experts say these cases highlight how overheated markets — from real estate to film financing — can become breeding grounds for deception. The OSC urges investors to verify registrations and conduct due diligence before committing funds, warning that high returns and urgency are key red flags. As housing and investment pressures persist, regulators caution that sophisticated scams exploiting investor trust are likely to continue.

Fake Celebrity Scams

What’s happening: Cybersecurity experts say fake celebrity endorsements and pop-up ad scams are on the rise, often spread through social media and deceptive websites. They advise verifying sellers, avoiding deals that seem too good to be true and not entering payment details unless you’re sure the site is legitimate.

A Toronto woman is warning others to be careful when shopping online after narrowly avoiding a scam involving a fake celebrity skin care line. She says she came across what appeared to be a pop-up ad for a new allnatural skin care brand supposedly launched by a television personality she

follows. Intrigued by a buy-one-getone-free deal, she entered her credit card details and completed the roughly $50 purchase — but immediately felt uneasy.

“I got a bad feeling the moment I hit ‘send,’” she says. “I searched ‘[celebrity] scam’ and a bunch of articles popped up. For some reason there was a phone number listed on the fake website, so I called — not expecting anyone to answer. But someone did.”

What to do: She hopes her story is a reminder to trust your instincts online and double-check before clicking — and to act quickly if you suspect a scam and contact your bank.

Seasonal

scams

What’s happening: Scams also follow the calendar. Each season brings its own wave of deception.

“In spring and fall, it’s renovation and

THE NUMBER OF FRAUD REPORTS RECEIVED BY TORONTO POLICE IN 2024

She panicked and told the person on the line she knew it was a scam and was worried about her card information. By the end of the call, the order had been cancelled and she did not experience any further problems.

The experience left her embarrassed and shaken. “I could understand an 80year-old falling for something like that, but I was young and thought I was tech savvy and smart enough to know better,” she says. “My main concern wasn’t the $50, but that they now had my credit card info and address.”

roofing scams,” Coffey says. “Tax season brings CRA scams. Around Christmas, it’s package delivery or fake Amazon messages.”

Contractor scams are particularly common during home improvement season. Victims are approached by someone offering a great deal on driveway paving, roofing or window repair. The work begins — and then the contractor vanishes, leaving the job half done and the deposit gone.

“Fraudsters time things to what people are thinking about,” says Coffey.

“It’s smart, calculated and constant.”

The same principle applies to fake delivery notifications during the holidays. Victims receive texts saying their package is delayed or requires a small customs payment. The link leads to a phishing page that collects banking details.

What to do: “It’s all about what feels normal at the moment,” Coffey says. “People let their guard down because it fits the time of year.”

What to do if scammed

Contact your bank immediately.

“ They might be able to recover your money, though not always,” Coffey says. “If you gave someone your bank card and PIN, the bank probably won’t reimburse you — that’s considered voluntary.”

Contact a credit agency to flag your account and prevent new credit being opened in your name.

Change all passwords if there’s any chance your computer or phone was compromised.

“If you’ve lost money, report it to the police,” Coffey says. “We need those reports to warn others.”

The reality is that Toronto’s fraud epidemic isn’t going anywhere. It’s global, it’s profitable, and it’s getting smarter. But with vigilance, skepticism and a little digital street smarts, residents can avoid becoming the next victim.

Multi-generation gift shop offers a bit of small town magic in the city

On Mount Pleasant Road, there’s a neighbourhood shop that feels like a little piece of small town magic right in the middle of the city — and it’s powered by three generations. Launched in 1984 by motherdaughter duo Megan and Dianne Monkman, Jacaranda Tree is a gift shop where customers come to find “some happy.” Now, Sara La Fond is taking over for her mother and Nana with her brother, Jeff Russell, bringing in a third generation to a business that has maintained the same warmth and care it’s had since the start, four decades ago.

made felt so exciting,” Sara says. “Now, when a customer visits with their child, I love inviting the kids behind the counter to help ring through their parent’s purchase.”

It’s moments like these that make Jacaranda Tree feel like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie. The shop features its original creaky floorboards, and it’s teeming with unique gifts and homewares across two floors, lovingly arranged into artful displays that rotate weekly. They even offer a vintage collection, meticulously curated by the team. Around the holidays, the shop transforms into a vibrant red, green and gold display that feels like its own walkthrough Christmas experience.

“When I was really young, I remember playing on the cash register and ringing in pretend sales — the click of the buttons and the sound it

In the days of impersonal online orders, Sara says they still call all customers directly when their orders are ready, and greet many of them by name when they walk through the door. Sara and the team (some of whom have been working there for over 30 years) know their Canada Post mailman, Mark, by name: he honks every afternoon when he pulls up at 5 p.m. sharp. One customer has come by every single Saturday for nearly a decade, always bearing a cake from a local bakery for the shop — a tradition so important to him that when he’s on vacation, he sends a driver to deliver the cake. This personal connection to their customers is due to the

fact that not only have the owners spanned generations, the customers have, too.

It’s incredibly special to witness moms and grandmothers bringing their children and grandchildren into the store — often saying, ‘This is where I used to shop with my mom or Nana.’ Moments like that remind us just how deeply Jacaranda Tree is woven into people’s lives and family traditions,” Sara says.

It’s fitting that generations play such a central role in the shop, especially since it’s named after the cherished home of Mamie Roberts, the heart of four generations: Sara’s great-grandmother, Dianne’s grandmother, and Megan’s mom.

photo by Kieran Darcy

Currents

SECTION

Grow with the flow: Movember’s comeback has everyone buzzing

The moustache is making a comeback in a big way, just in time for its month of honour: Movember. From chef-turnedTV star (and fashion icon) Matty Matheson to your favourite athletes, everyone is growing a stache. There’s no better time for a revival of Movember — the movement in support of men’s health and cancer research. On Nov. 8, get ready for the annual Movember Pub Olympics at the Dock Ellis, featuring darts, foosball, ping-pong and more. On Nov. 22, rock the Opera House as you cheer on the city’s firefighters in a Battle of the Bands — the event has previously raised $50,000 for the cause! And on Nov. 29, bare it all at the seventh annual Movember Polar Bear Dip on Woodbine Beach, where you’ll brave the cold of Lake Ontario in support of men’s health. It’s the return of the mo!

Clockwise from left: Blue Jays player Davis Schneider, Matty Matheson, Toronto Maple Leafs player Auston Matthews

ARTS PROFILE

Yellowstone’s Hugh Dillon on music, mayhem & TV hits

Hugh Dillon, actor and musician, is having a banner year on both fronts. Mayor of Kingstown, the show Dillon co-created and stars in, returns for a new season. At the same time, his band Headstones — an iconic part of Canada’s alt-rock scene dropped a new album, and they’re heading out on tour this month.

Dillon calls this moment “a super creative year.” The artist who once balanced acting auditions and rock gigs is now leading two major creative forces.“The show’s out, the tour’s coming — it’s funny that both things are coming out at the same time,” he says, a hint of bashfulness creeping up. “I’m just super proud.”

With Mayor of Kingstown, Dillon is taking stock of just how far the series and his creative journey have come. The gritty crime drama starring Jeremy Renner and which Dillon built alongside Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, is set in a fictional Michigan town where prisons dominate the economy. It has cemented itself as one of television’s most unflinching looks at power, corruption and incarceration. And for Dillon, those themes are deeply personal.

daytrpr

FACTS childhood friends Gilmour and

SCREEN ROLE: McDonald’s Dance Me Outside

OTHER LIFE: He worked as a lumberjack in northern Ontario for over a decade

Farmiga — after getting sober. “I met Taylor, and he’s like, ‘It’s easy, use all the stuff you used in your band,’” Dillon says. Sheridan became a mentor, coaching him through roles on Yellowstone, Durham County, Flashpoint and The Killing.

“Taylor was a great teacher and a great coach,” he says. “I was one of those students that stuck with him year after year, and we developed this rapport.” Dillon began writing his own stories, inspired by the specificity of his Canadian roots. “I wanted to explore where I’m from and things that happened to me that are super specific. Taylor got it. He had similar experiences growing up in Texas, so we just jelled. He trusts me, and I trust him.”

A Kingston boy, Dillon has first-hand experience growing up in a “prison town,” thanks to the looming Kingston Penitentiary. It’s what led him to pitch the show to Sheridan, who loved it.

That early fascination continues to guide the arc of the series. This season pushes further into “how people exist under traumatic circumstances.” He and

Sheridan wanted to explore not just violence or corruption, but the fragile humanity within systems that perpetuate them. “What makes people keep their darkest impulses in check?” Dillon says His creative partnership with Sheridan spans decades. Dillon first met him while struggling to break into Hollywood — via the advice of friend and actor Vera

In both music and TV, Dillon says that trust and collaboration (which includes, on his latest album, songs with Dallas Green and Metric’s Emily Haines) drives him.

“You find people who see something more in you than you may see in yourself,” he says. “They can help you fight through any kind of insecurity or questioning.”

Small-town time travel, no passport required

Enjoy an old school escape in some of Ontario’s oldest burgs with big history

Historic adventure by the bay

Inhabited in 800 AD by the Wendat people and visited by settlers in the 1610s, Penetanguishene is said to be one of Ontario’s oldest European settlements. Located along Georgian Bay, expect old stone buildings, restored ships and an easy path to nearby nature — including Awenda Provincial Park.

Small town charm steeped in heritage

Less than two hours outside Toronto is Coldwater, a town founded in the mid-1700s and considered to be the second-oldest community in Ontario. Travel back in time at the historic Coldwater Mill and the Canadiana Heritage Museum and stroll down the charming Main Street dotted with eclectic shops.

—Sadaf Ahsan

Beacon of freedom

Established as a military base in 1796, Amherstburg played an important role in the Underground Railroad due to its location across the Detroit River. It was officially incorporated as a town in 1878. And now, this waterfront community is filled with quaint buildings and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

'Mayor of Kingstown' star Hugh Dillon

The Winston Collection Brings a Modern Take on Community Living to North York

A new development in Willowdale is redefining what it means to live well — with space to grow, thoughtful design, and a strong sense of community at its core. Tucked into a quiet pocket of the Willowdale neighbourhood, just minutes from Yonge Street and the subway, The Winston Collection is rethinking what it means to build a family-focused community in the city.

Developed by INSOHO Developments, a Toronto-based firm known for design-forward infill projects, The Winston balances thoughtful architecture with practical, long-term livability. It offers something increasingly rare in urban developments: space to grow.

Modern Homes, Built for Real Life

This boutique project consists of just 40 homes — a mix of detached houses, traditional townhomes, and back-to-back townhomes. Every home in the collection is a three-bedroom layout, with flex-

ible floorplans that allow for upgrades to up to five bedrooms, giving families the option to expand as their needs evolve.

Design details matter here. Each home includes a fireplace, parking for two cars, and interiors that feature wideplank hardwood flooring, oversized kitchen islands with quartz countertops, and large pantries. Ensuite bathrooms take cues from luxury spas, while large windows and open-concept layouts keep the spaces feeling bright and airy.

Rather than relying on off-the-shelf designs, INSOHO brought in RAW Design — the team behind striking mid-rise developments like Cabin on Queen West and one of Toronto’s top interior design specialists ‘U31’, known for their highend residential work. The result is a collection of homes that feel elevated, not overdone.

A Neighbourhood With Range

Located at 68 Churchill Avenue, The Win-

ston sits in one of North York’s most sought-after areas. It’s just a 10-minute walk to North York Centre subway station, and close to everything from schools and parks to established restaurants and grocery staples.

Whether you’re grabbing lunch at Nome Izakaya, picking up groceries at H Mart, or spending a weekend afternoon in Mel Lastman Square, this stretch of North York offers the perks of urban life with the rhythm of a residential neighbourhood.

Designed to Fit In, Built to Last

INSOHO specializes in infill development — building within mature residential areas rather than on undeveloped land. This approach helps create more sustainable communities, adding density without disrupting the surrounding neighbourhood.

INSOHO’s vision is clear: homes that serve the people who live in them, with

quality materials, smart layouts, and an emphasis on long-term value.

The Winston Collection is now selling. Buyers and investors can explore the project at the showroom located at 5151

Yonge Street or speak with a representative at 416-733-3667

For more information on the collection, visit thewinstoncollection.ca and follow @insohodev on Instagram.

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NOVEMBER’S GREATEST HITS

The biggest and best concerts, events and shows this month include the return of Robert Plant,

Sabrina Carpenter, ‘The Sound of Music’, Royal Winter Fair and much more. By Ron Johnson

SABRINA CARPENTER

One of the world’s biggest pop stars, Sabrina Carpenter returns to Scotiabank Arena for back-to-back shows on Nov. 10 and 11. The Short n’ Sweet Tour will feature special guests Olivia Dean, Ravyn Lenae and Amber Mark.

ROYAL WINTER FAIR

The 103rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair returns to Exhibition Place, Nov. 7–16, with the best of Canadian agriculture, cuisine and equestrian competition to the city. Highlights include the new Holiday Market and the internationally ranked Royal Horse Show.

ROBERT PLANT

Robert Plant takes the stage with his new ensemble, Saving Grace, at Massey Hall on Nov. 10. The group, which has spent the past six years honing a diverse and evocative sound, will perform material from their upcoming album, Saving Grace

FULFILLMENT CENTRE

The Coal Mine Theatre presents Fulfillment Centre by Abe Koogler, running Nov. 16 to Dec. 7. Directed by Ted Dykstra, this raw and darkly funny drama set in the New Mexico desert follows four lonely lives whose search for meaning and connection intertwines.

KAMALA HARRIS

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris comes to Meridian Hall on Nov. 16, for a candid conversation about one of the most dramatic presidential campaigns in history. Harris will share her insights on leadership, lessons learned and her vision.

MARGARET ATWOOD

Margaret Atwood will appear for a special evening at Toronto’s Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres on Nov. 4, celebrating the launch of her memoir, The Book of Lives

Fans can experience an intimate conversation with this celebrated author.

E.T.

Experience the magic of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs E.T. in Concert, with John Williams’s iconic score live at Roy Thomson Hall, Nov. 7–8, with a full symphonic performance that’s perfect for families.

THE WINTER’S TALE

The National Ballet of Canada presents The Winter’s Tale, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, a two-hourand-forty-minute ballet in a prologue and three acts, running Nov. 14 to 21, at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The beloved musical The Sound of Music hits the stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre beginning Nov. 25. This production brings the von Trapp family’s story to life with beloved songs like “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss.”

TOM GREEN Beloved Canadian comedian and actor, Tom Green brings his irreverent, anything-goes comedy to Toronto’s Royal Theatre on Nov. 7 as part of his Stompin’ Comedy Tour, featuring hilarious stories from his career and original songs.

BAD HATS’ NARNIA

Experience the magic of C.S. Lewis’s beloved world in Bad Hats’ Narnia, a new musical adaptation running at Soulpepper Theatre from Nov. 18 to Dec. 28. Expect a heartwarming story about changing seasons, found families and goodbyes.

UNCOVERED

The Musical Stage Company’s 19th annual UNCOVERED concert returns to Koerner Hall on Nov. 11, spotlighting the music of Madonna and Cher, featuring daring new arrangements and powerhouse Canadian vocalists.

© Luis Mora/CAA

© Jeremy Daniel/Mirvish

Who Puts an Opera House in Rosedale?

We do. Because the arts shape the future.

In a city where arts spaces can vanish into thin air, Tapestry Opera opens a new venue at 877 Yonge Street, steps from two of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Tapestry Opera has opened the doors to the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre. More than a building, it’s a declaration—this is a permanent home for music, theatre, and opera, an act of optimism for the future of live performance.

For over 45 years, Tapestry Opera has carved out a singular place in Canadian culture, championing original work, lifting underrepresented voices, and making opera feel immediate, immersive, and alive. Now, for the first time in its history, it has a space worthy of its vision, minutes away from Rosedale or Yonge stations.

A space built for creation and community

Created in partnership with Nightwood Theatre, the Jackman Performance Centre features a 2,600 sq. ft. performance hall,

an impressive rehearsal studio, and several artist-first support spaces. Designed for versatility, it’s a new cultural attraction where artists and audiences of all kinds can connect, take risks, and grow.

This fall marks Tapestry Opera’s first full season in the venue, with programming that makes its ambition clear:

• Free Concerts—running from November to May, featuring local and international solo and chamber artists

• Tapestry Briefs: Under Where?—ten

short, sharp operas by six Canadian composers and librettists, having premiered in October

• Laughing Out Lonely (L.O.L)—a portrait of contemporary loneliness and the strangeness of life on the internet, brought to Canada by the Danish Opera company OPE-N; running from January 16–17, 2026

• Love Songs by Ana Sokolović—a haunting, genre-defying journey through one woman’s desperate ritual to defy loss; running from March 26–29, 2026

Extending opera beyond its walls Tapestry is no ordinary opera company. Its flagship Box Concerts series delivers classical music to long-term care homes, parks, and neighbourhoods across Toronto. Its national Women in Musical Leadership program mentors the next generation of conductors, amplifying voices that too often go unheard.

And now, a new Residency Program at the Jackman Performance Centre opens

the doors even wider. Small and midsized companies—like Opera Q and Cultureland—use the space free of charge to rehearse, record, and perform.

The legacy behind the name

The Jackman Performance Centre honours siblings Nancy Ruth and Rev. Ed Jackman, whose shared passion for the arts helped shape Toronto’s creative landscape.

Rev. Ed Jackman (1940–2021) was a Catholic priest, philanthropist, and devoted patron of opera, supporting dozens of organizations from the Canadian Opera Company to the Regent Park School of Music. His sister, Nancy Ruth—a former senator and longtime supporter of Nightwood Theatre—made the naming donation in his memory, ensuring his love of music and community continues to inspire generations to come.

On opening night, the Jackman Performance Centre was filled with applause, laughter, and anticipation. Photos from

“Launch Concert with Tapestry and Friends” captured what words can’t: the warmth of a full house and the feeling that something lasting had begun.

In a city where creative spaces too often disappear, this new space on Yonge shines a hopeful light: that live performance, and the communities the arts nurture, can find new life in Toronto.

From your doorstep to the spotlight— experience great performances, just down the street!

To stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at the Jackman Performance Centre, sign up for Tapestry Opera’s mailing list at tapestryopera.com. Tickets for all the productions listed above are available on Tapestry Opera’s website or by phone at 416-537-6606 Ext. 108

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JEANNE-IUS AT WORK

There's one pant-tastic way to upgrade any outfit: a little bit of denim. From blazers to baseball caps and shoulder bags, Jeanne Beker has picked out every wash, stitch, cuff and hem of your autumnal denim dreams, whether you're going Canadian tuxedo or western.

A. OVERALLS, Simons, $110, 3401 Dufferin St.

B. CROPPED TRENCH, Good Neighbour, $750, 1212 Yonge St. “What a great hybrid between a jean jacket and a trench coat. It's a great piece for layering.”

C. BLAZER, Freda's, $279, 45 Elm St. “This is beautifully cut and just very classy and dressy.”

D. MIDI SKIRT, 6 by Gee Beauty, SALE $100, 6 Roxborough St. W. “I love the faded denim look of this. It would look great with a big, bulky sweater and a pair of high boots.”

E. BOOTS, Steve Madden, $250, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.

F. BASEBALL CAP, Province of Canada, $54, 104 Ossington Ave.

G. BOOTCUT JEANS, TNT, SALE $352, 394 Eglinton Ave. W. “I always love a bootcut: sexy on top, a little flare on the bottom. And I love the design on the legs.”

H. TRENCH COAT, Hilary MacMillan, $325, hilarymacmillan.com

J. DOG JACKET, TNT, $75, 87 Avenue Rd.

K. VEST, Dutil Denim, $198, 704 Queen St. W.

I. OVERSHIRT, Good Neighbour, $255, 1212 Yonge St. “This is a pretty classic cowboy shirt. The yoke at the top has that western cut, and the faded dark denim has that nice worn in look.”

L WIDE LEG JEANS, Kotn, SALE $138, 148 Ossington Ave. “This dark indigo always looks so dressy, and these are beautifully cut with the pleating in the front and the high waist.”

M. SHOULDER BAG, Desigual, $249, desigual.com “This hobo bag is really fun and just so irreverent. It looks like it's made of a bunch of upcycled material — so playful and pretty roomy too.”

N. JUMPSUIT, Good Neighbour, $148, 1212 Yonge St.

O. BLOUSE, Erietta Boutique, $280, 320 Danforth Ave. “This is a very unexpected, feminine blouse. I love the volume in it. Pretty irresistible styling with that bow at the neck and big cuff.”

Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, now watch her on TSC or catch her on ‘Project Runway Canada’ beginning Nov. 14.

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Adventure Paws

Dog Walking

My mom uses ChatGPT like it’s her therapist

Dear Sangita: My mom has become addicted to using ChatGPT as her own "therapist." She uses it to validate her opinions when she's telling me or my siblings to do something or to prove what she expects of us is fair. She doesn't seem to understand that these tools are just going to give her exactly what she wants. It's not a real therapist or a real person! She doesn't know how to think for herself anymore. What do I do? Mom vs. machine

Dear Sangita: My friend just started a new business, but I have no interest in supporting it. She is constantly launching a new idea and then abandoning it when it doesn't do well. Through it all, she always expects her friends to basically fund her new venture for her. I can't do it anymore! How do I break it to her that I'm done being her personal bank? Human ATM

Dear Mom vs. machine: I think your mom needs to be more confident in her parenting decisions. You and your siblings are right. She can’t be using ChatGPT to confirm her theories or prove her points. She knows her kids best, not AI. Every kid is different, so for her to get validation from a robot on the right way to parent, it’s just not right. I think you and your siblings can have fun with it and take what she’s done back to ChatGPT. Ask it: “What’s the best way to approach this situation?” It’s going to do the same thing it does for your mom — act as an echo chamber, telling you what you want to hear. Show it to your mom; it may be the wake-up call she needs to realize: “What the hell am I doing?”

Dear ATM: It sounds like not only is your friend asking you to invest in her ventures, she’s also not paying you back. You can say to her: “I believe in you and I believe in what you’re doing, but here’s a list of all the ideas I’ve invested in, and I’ve never received anything in return — not even gratitude.” Your friend needs to realize that if you keep asking friends for money in this way, they’ll start to feel like they’re being used. Lay it all out on the table and have a transparent conversation about how this dynamic makes you feel while still showing her that you care about her and her success.

Email advice@postcity.com with your questions for Sangita.

Sangita also advises on a friend who keeps starting new businesses

From strutting the runway to walking down the aisle

Toronto-born Coco Rocha has graced the covers of countless issues of Vogue, worked with every top fashion house in the world and started her own model camp. Now she's bringing that expertise to her role as host and judge of the new Project Runway Canada — premiering Nov. 14 on Crave. Here, she shares the very glamorous details of her marriage with artist James Conran.

How they met

I first met James at a house party in New York. It was his very first night in the city, and his new roommates had brought him along. I had just come from a gala and showed up wildly overdressed in an emerald green ball gown and jewels. He later told me he was wondering who the crazy girl in the gown was. I found out he was a talented artist doing murals around the city and later asked him to paint one in my apartment. We started spending more time together, and after a few years of

friendship, we finally decided to date, which was the most natural thing in the world for us, but weird for our friends!

The first date

Our early dates were simple and sweet — dinner and long walks that often took us across the entire width of Manhattan. Later, he got more adventurous. I remember early on he took me horseback riding outside the city, and the

next weekend, we went canoeing.

The proposal

James had the weekend free and suggested we visit a friend’s castle in France. Yes, somehow his friend from New Jersey owned a real castle in the Loire Valley! We took the train out and stayed in this magnificent place where every corner looked like a painting. I was sure he had brought me there to propose, but after a full

day of perfect, romantic moments with no ring in sight, I started to think I had imagined it. Then that night, he surprised me with a candlelit dinner in the great hall, just the two of us, and that’s where he pulled out the ring and asked me to marry him. I cried so hard, I was so happy. We decided right then and there to get married in that castle, and we did just that, four months later.

The wedding and honeymoon

We were married on June 9, 2010, in France, with about 70 of our closest friends and family there to celebrate. Everyone stayed either in the castle or in the nearby village, and it turned into a wonderful multi-day wedding filled with laughter, good food, wine and time to truly enjoy each other’s company in the idyllic setting. For our honeymoon, we went to Corsica, which was actually my friend and designer Jean Paul Gaultier’s suggestion, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

The kids

We have three children: Ioni James Conran, 10; Iver Eames Conran, 7; and Iley Ryn Conran, who turns five in November. They’re the light of our lives and truly the best parts of both of us.

The secret to success

Mutual respect, shared values and creative partnership are at the heart of our relationship. We give each other space to be full individuals while continuing to grow together. We support each other’s ambitions but stay grounded in what matters most — family, faith and trust. We choose communication over ego and believe deeply in the power of compromise.

The future together

I see us older, still in love, with grey hair, travelling, collaborating on projects and watching our children find their own paths. I imagine a home full of art and laughter. I see a partnership rooted in love, faith and art.

Coco Rocha and James Conran got married in a French castle

Heather Hansen Joanna Radbord Valarie Matthews Jonathan Robinson

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Food

Every bite is a masterpiece SECTION

In Toronto, dining is no longer just about the food — it’s a feast for the senses. At Sofia in Yorkville, Charles Khabouth pairs inventive Italian fare with a rotating gallery of street and contemporary art, featuring Banksy’s sharp stencils, Basquiat’s electric scribbles, Warhol’s iconic imagery and Shepard Fairey’s striking graphics. Guests linger mid-bite, phones poised, eyes devouring every brushstroke. Just next door, Taglialatella Galleries offers more visual indulgence, letting diners wander through a curated explosion of colour and creativity. Minami transforms sushi night into performance art — Hideki Kimora’s hand-painted glass mural, a swirling collision of koi, frogs and rock ’n’ roll. Even spots like Cactus Club Café in Sherway Gardens and Barberian’s elevate the dining experience, blending fine cuisine with curated art displays, from Murakami’s vibrant canvases to the sweeping landscapes of the Group of Seven. Here, every meal is a moment designed to be savoured by both palate and eye.

Jeff Koons’ ‘Mona Lisa’ (Sofia), Daniel Mazzone’s ‘Marilyn Monroe’ (Cactus Club), Hedeki Kimura’s glass mural (Minami)

©Michael

Janet Zuccarini on fear, pasta and the art of licking the plate

Top Chef Canada returns for another season, and longtime resident judge Janet Zuccarini is back at the table. From building her restaurant group into a Torontoto-L.A. empire to spotting creations that make her want to lick the plate, Janet shares what keeps her fired up — onscreen and off.

What still surprises you about Top Chef contestants each season?

I’m reminded how much heart this industry has. The chefs come in hungry, fearless and willing to put everything on the line. I’ve seen extraordinary growth happen right in front of me, and that still moves me.

What are you secretly looking for in a winning dish?

I’ll always lean toward the food that makes me feel something. Technique without soul is forgettable. A dish that makes me want to lick the plate — that’s the one I’ll remember.

FORKCAST

What would your signature dish be?

Probably something that looks deceptively simple but hits deep — like handmade pasta with beautiful olive oil, garlic and anchovy.

FAST FACTS

NAME: Janet Zuccarini

ON SET:

Appeared as an extra in The Godfather Part III

CAFFÈ FIRSTS:

Her dad brought espresso and wood-fired pizza to Toronto in 1954

LEGENDARY LOVE:

Married to the late Robbie Robertson of the Band

something scares you, that’s often the sign you’re meant to do it.

Stella in West Hollywood has paused. What does that mean for diners?

The L.A. dining scene is still incredible, but it’s definitely shifted. After the fires, certain neighbourhoods changed. We lost part of our core audience, and people across the city started watching where they spend. Between the fires and the economic inversion we’re seeing, it just felt like the right time to take a pause. For me, that means stepping back to reassess and see if another concept might speak more directly to what’s happening in L.A. right now. I’m not done with the space. I just want the next chapter to feel truly relevant and alive.

Is there a ‘next’ for you?

What’s the boldest decision you made that paid off?

Opening Felix in Los Angeles. I knew it would either be a defining success or a very expensive lesson. It ended up putting us on the global map. It taught me that, when

Definitely. I’m interested in building not just restaurants, but legacy — mentoring the next generation, telling deeper stories through food and design and continuing to push boundaries. I’m not done evolving yet.

—Jennifer Schembri

Drink it, tour it, croissant it: Pizza’s bold new era

Pint-sized pie

Burdock Brewery just dropped something for the true pizza obsessives: Pizza Beer! It’s light, crisp and made specifically for “crushing the za,” as they put it. It’s designed to go down perfectly with one (or seven) slices. Because honestly, nothing pairs better with pizza than beer … except maybe beer made for pizza. 1184 Bloor St. W.

Dough goes wild

Pizza’s latest twist isn’t from Naples — it’s from Dubai. The “croizza,” a croissant-based pizza that went viral after Papa Johns launched its version in the UAE this summer, has landed in Toronto. Little Pebbles makes its croissant crusts in-house from scratch and serves them in a rotating lineup of flavours like margherita, lox and chicken pesto. 540 College St.

Za on wheels

If your perfect day involves gooey mozzarella and crispy-chewy crust, the Toronto Pizza Tour is for you. Hop on a decked-out party bus and sample up to nine pizzas in one afternoon, no tab required. Created by Joseph Debenedictis and chef Clay Smith, the tour rolls like a movable feast, including at least one surprise stop. Tickets on Eventbrite.

Three new ways to eat, drink and love pizza in the city

Janet Zuccarini is back on ‘Top Chef Canada’

a time t a lifetime o In . ed for o be car caring becomes a blink, of s

T.O.’S CHIC NEW FAVE ~ THE FRENCH DIP

Born by accident in L.A., the French dip sparked a century-long feud over who dunked it first.

Now, as Toronto’s obsession with nostalgic sandwiches takes hold, chefs Nuit Regular and Anthony Rose bring the battle north, to finally decide who’s got the best dip in town.

NUIT’S RUNNER-UP

SIR LOIN: The chefs loved the sweetness of the onions that complemented the beef, though Anthony said the flavour of the meat itself was subtle. The bread impressed — soft and fresh and perfectly balanced. “I could eat this for lunch right now,” Nuit said. Manita, 1164 Yonge St., French Beef Dip, $32

DIP TRIP: The classic au jus presentation scored points for simplicity, though both chefs felt the seasoning left something to be desired. The brisket was solid but a touch dry, leaving the bread to soak up most of the flavour. Dave’s Genuine Deli, 1763 Avenue Rd., Roast Beef Dip Au Jus, $22

Chef Anthony Rose runs Fat Pasha; Nuit Regular leads Pai and the new Tha Phae Tavern.

OVERALL WINNER

BEEF BRIEF: The star of the day: Generous prime rib, perfectly cooked and a bun that handled the jus beautifully. “Nice toasted flavour, good beef, solid sandwich,” said Anthony. Nuit added that the fat content gave the meat a juicy lift. Hy’s Steakhouse 365 Bay St., Beef Dip Au Jus, $31.95

PRIME TIME:

Anthony noted a “nice fresh, dry taste,” though he found the bread a little too chewy. Nuit said the meat was small, and even dunked in jus, the sandwich leaned a little too bread-heavy. Miller Tavern, 3885 Yonge St., North York, Prime Rib Dip, $38

ANTHONY’S RUNNER-UP

RARE AFFAIR: A more red, medium-rare preparation caught the chefs’ attention visually. They noted the slow-cooked beef was tender, though the jus was on the lighter side. Anthony liked the simple seasoning, and Nuit appreciated the classic execution. Chop Steakhouse, 181 University Ave., Prime Beef Dip, $28

JUS CHILL: The bread was the softest of the bunch — easy to bite, with just enough give to soak up the jus without falling apart. Nuit appreciated that the jus wasn’t too salty, and Anthony called it “well-balanced, not messy.” Elephant & Castle, 212 King St. W., French Dip, $19

FORSALE

Katie

&

Julie Rennie SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Destination Portugal is hot — Toronto is serving it piping

As the world heads to the Algarve, we’re getting the best bites at home

By Erica Commisso and Jennifer Schembri

Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve … your feed was full of it. But while the crowds are thinning in Portugal, here in Toronto, things are just heating up. Over the past year, Portuguese restaurants, bakeries and snack bars have opened across the city — and they’re not just for people craving custard tarts (though yes, there are very good custard tarts). So why now?

Some of it is timing. Portugal’s been one of Europe’s fastest-rising travel destinations. But this local boom is also about identity: second-gen chefs and entrepreneurs returning to their roots and reshaping the traditions they grew up with for a new audience. Whether or not you made the trip this summer, the Portuguese vibe has officially landed — and it’s not going anywhere.

Douro on Dundas

Long-awaited restaurant Taberna LX, from the team behind Paris Paris brings Lisbon to Dundas West, complete with hand-painted Portuguese tiles, Azorean volcanic wines and a rooftop mural of the Douro River. Even Nelly Furtado, a close friend of co-owner Kelly

Amaral, gave it her early stamp of approval.

Fifteen years in the making, the two-storey space is deeply personal for Amaral — located in the same neighbourhood where her parents opened the city’s first Portuguese grocery store in the 1960s. It’s a full-circle moment, shaped by Amaral’s own connection to both Toronto and modern-day Portugal.

“It’s really about creating a space that is not just about esthetics, and it’s not just about food — it’s all those things encompassing,” she says.

Chef Jonathan Poon’s menu goes well beyond clichés, with dishes reflecting Portugal’s global reach — from African and Indian influences to a salt cod fritter inspired by Hong Kong dim sum.

“There’s no restaurant serving this type of food in Toronto,” says Poon. 1161 Dundas St. W.

Next-gen nata

When Café Belém opened in early 2025, it quickly became a destination for anyone craving pastéis de nata done right — or looking for a hit of modern Portugal over espresso and portglazed croissants. Now, the

father-son team behind the bakery is expanding, with a second, much larger outpost opening in late October in the St. Clair West village.

“Since the place is very big, we have allocated a space to do a pop-up of a project that me and my chefs from Mercado have been very fond of,” says Carlos Oliveira. That project? Alma Lusa, which he calls “the first Portuguese snack bar in Toronto.”

Unlike Mercado, which leans more formal, Alma Lusa and Café Belém are keeping things casual — think grab-and-go bifanas, piri piri chicken sandwiches and cold beer in hand. “The vibes are hip and light, representing a new Portugal that is fun and diverse but respecting the old and the traditions,” says Oliveira. “We want people to walk in and feel that they have entered a travel loop, being transported into Europe from Portugal.” 352 Oakwood Ave.

Tradition on tap

Chef and owner Sergio Abrunho sees Taberna Nacional as more than a restaurant: it’s a celebration of Portuguese food and culture in Toronto.

“Portuguese food isn’t just something you eat, it’s something you live. It’s about gathering around the table with family, sharing stories and keeping traditions alive through recipes passed down for generations,” Abrunho says.

The restaurant’s Mediterranean menu features dishes rooted in Portugal’s rich culinary history, like piri piri tiger shrimp, Cornish hen 'Guia style' and francesinha — a hearty sandwich from Porto. The flavours “are simple but rich, rooted in the land and the ocean,” Abrunho notes, highlighting how Portuguese cuisine reflects the country’s diverse history of global influences.

Located on College Street, Taberna Nacional’s brew house, built by Abrunho and his team, adds a unique twist, showcasing traditional Portuguese flavours in their craft beers.

Portugal’s growing popularity as a travel destination also fuels interest in its cuisine. “Portugal is becoming a top travel spot because it offers a little bit of everything — beautiful beaches, charming cities, rich history and amazing food,” says Abrunho. 928 College St.

Celebrate with us at your home or ours

PORTUGUESE SNACKS

BIFANA

Portugal’s late-night hero: juicy pork marinated in white wine, garlic, then slapped into a crusty bun. Bom Dia, 389 Danforth Ave.

GRILLED SARDINES

Simple, smoky and super tasty — these little fish are grilled until perfectly charred and ready to eat right off the bone. Piri Piri, 1444 Dupont St.

RISSÓIS

Crunchy on the outside, creamy shrimp surprise on the inside, these fried pastries are the perfect bites. Caldense, 1209 Dundas St. W.

In honour of Paese’s 35th anniversary, join us for lunch and be treated to a complimentary harvest season apple dessert. Also, book a private dining room event at Paese or full service catering in your home and receive a $75 gift certificate for Paese for future enjoyment.

Paese is open for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner 7 days a week. Promotions running in November and December. Gift certificates valid for use through Dec. 2026.

leatcatering.com

paeseristorante.com

Clockwise from left: Taberna Nacional’s jaquinzinhos (fried sardines), nata from Café Beléam, arroz de pato (duck rice) from Taberna LX

Rissóis de camarão

Yorkville’s Michelin darling finds new life on Queen West

When Michelin-recommended restaurant 156 Cumberland shut down, there were a ton of questions — and now we finally have some answers.

The restaurant has rebranded to become OneFiveSix, and it has found a new home on Queen Street. It has a lot of the same concepts and values, but it also has a ton of new ideas and dishes to match the area's energy.

"We worked with the Make Nice Project, and everything you see in the restaurant is custom-made, including our chairs and tables," says Sharon Chan, one of OneFiveSix's operators. "We’ve also put in a great deal of effort to improve our food, drinks and service details — overall improving the guest experience. Our core values remain the same: delivering great service to all our guests."

away from the traditional boundaries of Korean food and something we haven’t really seen before in Toronto," Chan says. "We combine Korean flavours and ingredients with western culinary techniques, creating a new and unique interpretation of Korean style and taste."

As for the cocktail menu, Chan says it's designed to complement the food rather than compete with it for the spotlight, and it includes a selection of both signature and classic cocktails.

STAR STATUS

The only modern Korean restaurant to grace T.O.’s Michelin Guide three years in a row.

OneFiveSix is the first Korean restaurant in an area that has no shortage of culinary destinations, and popular dishes include the beef tartare tarts, the chicken wings that are deboned and stuffed with seven grain rice; sujebi (Korean-style hand-pulled noodles reimagined into a pasta dish); and a Koreanstyle meat ssam platter, which features options like 48-hour slow-cooked beef short ribs and galbi-marinated skirt steak.

"We offer contemporary Korean cuisine, stepping

A Parent’s Guide to a Safe Hockey Season

Tips from Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond Lawyers

SANDRA ZISCKIND

Hockey season is officially underway, and with that comes parents’ anxiety as they see their children head out onto the ice for the first time. As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond is no stranger to the safety concerns that can come with playing a sport, especially for the first time. The firm’s Managing Partner, Sandra Zisckind, offers some helpful tips to ensure this hockey season is memorable for all the right reasons.

The Importance of Mouthguards

Protect your teeth! Ziskcind advised, “With student picture day coming up in the fall for many families, it’s important that you reinforce the importance of wearing a mouthguard to your children while they’re on the ice.”.

Not only will mouthguards help protect your teeth, but they also can help prevent concussions - or at the very least, limit their severity. In fact, according to re-

search done at the University of Calgary, there is significant evidence to suggest that mouthguards reduce the risk of a concussion when worn during sports.

“As parents, we can do everything right by providing our children with a mouth guard and making sure that they bring it along to every game. The real challenge comes in making sure that they actually wear these protective devices rather than letting them hang halfway out of their mouth,” says Zisckind.

Always Wear a *Safe* Helmet

One of the best ways to guarantee your child has a safe hockey season is to invest in a helmet with superior safety technology. “While it can be tempting to save money when purchasing hockey equipment, it’s very important to find a helmet that will protect your child should they hit their head,” says Zisckind.

"Each drink is thoughtfully crafted with balance in mind, drawing inspiration from Korean ingredients and flavours," Chan says. "So the cocktails enhance the dining experience without overpowering the dishes."

As for the reopening, Chan says it has been a trying experience with no shortage of obstacles.

"Reopening in our new space has been a long and challenging process — definitely longer than we expected. We faced more delays and obstacles than we could have imagined, and there were moments when it really tested our patience and perseverance. But now that we’re finally open, it feels incredibly rewarding," she says.

OneFiveSix is located at 1100 Queen St. W. —Erica Commisso

“Many bumps and bruises will heal, but that is not a philosophy to embrace when it comes to your head,” she added.

In addition to finding a safe helmet, it’s also essential to communicate the importance of wearing it whenever your child is heading out on the ice. This includes outdoor rinks! For helpful information on what to look for when purchasing a helmet, see this guide to ensure that the gear you plan to buy meets regulations.

Do Your Homework on Hockey Equipment

Doing your homework when it comes time to purchase new equipment is vital. Zisckind says, “When heading out to purchase new equipment for the hockey season, it’s important to speak with an expert. Many retailers will have in-house experts that will be able to point you in the right direction whether you’re looking for

a helmet with top safety ratings or shoulder pads with additional protection.”

In reality, some hockey equipment manufacturers will be far more advanced in terms of safety technology than others. With the rising cost of living, buying the cheapest hockey equipment may be tempting. But your child’s safety is something you never want to cut corners on.

If you need the help of a personal injury law firm in Canada or Florida, USA, don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond and Diamond today. Call 1-800-567HURT to schedule a free consultation. We’re looking forward to an exciting (and safe) hockey season!

OneFiveSix blends Korean flavours with western culinary techniques

Sandra Zisckind is a lawyer who was called to the Bar in 2003 and practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation in Toronto

Tiger brings Seoul to Yonge & Shep

On a busy corner of Yonge Street in North York, Horangee Sikdang — a.k.a. Tiger Restaurant — is a retro Korean spot that’s impossible to walk past without noticing.

Housed in the spot that once held Lucky Donkatsu and, before that, the original Mot Na Son, Horangee Sikdang nods to the gisa sikdang tradition of the 1960s and 1970s — small Korean diners serving quick, hearty meals to students, office workers and night shift crews.

That spirit lives on here, but with a modern polish. Warm wood panelling and retro details — from vintage box TVs to old-

school posters — create a nostalgic yet welcoming backdrop. It could be a scene straight out of Reply 1988, the popular South Korean drama set in the ‘80s, with lace curtains, a corded wall phone and homey touches that make it feel like stepping into a Seoul apartment where meals stretch on for hours and are meant to be shared.

Inside, platters arrive from the open kitchen: steaming bowls of beef tendon soup, spicy pork or bulgogi paired with six banchan, rice and soup. The banchan here range from classic kimchi and pickled vegetables to small surprises like crispy chicken katsu

or tuna tartare, giving every meal variety and depth. Each dish is thoughtfully arranged, the colours popping against simple white ceramics and the portions generous enough to share. Mentai cream udon, truffle potato pancakes and tteokbokki keep the menu layered and engaging for newcomers and regulars alike.

Horangee Sikdang comes from the same team behind Lucky Donkatsu, already celebrated for some of the best Korean katsu in the GTA.

Horangee Sikdang is located at 5374 Yonge St. —Jennifer Schembri

Dubai luxury lands in the 905

Vaughan has a new spot for mezze, mocktails and minty shisha clouds. Trend Lounge, a sleek new restaurant and lounge on Steeles Avenue West, blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern classics with a contemporary, social dining vibe — and it’s already drawing buzz online.

The restaurant describes itself as a “modern, lounge-style setting where guests can enjoy a diverse menu of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern classics.” Think shareable plates of hummus, kebbeh and muhammara alongside hearty mains, like shish tawook, mixed grill platters and lamb chops. Families and friend groups alike can settle in for a casual dinner or a late-night lounge session over desserts like kunafah and Turkish baklava.

The space leans into the “modern” part of its name: glowing accent lighting, plush booth seat-

ing and a touch of Dubai-style luxury. On Instagram, Trend Lounge bills itself as “where the smoke meets the vibe” — a nod to its long list of shisha options, from classics like double apple and lemon mint to premium “orange head” blends such as Love 66 and Blue Mist.

Adding to the lounge’s authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere, Iraqi DJ Oka spins traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern beats every Friday night. For now, Trend Lounge seems to be carving out a new kind of hangout in Vaughan: a hybrid of restaurant and lounge where you can grab a shawarma sandwich, sip a mango smoothie and linger over shisha long after dinner ends.

Find Trend Lounge at 3850 Steeles Ave. W., Vaughan.

L-R: The diner’s retro esthetic, a delicious array of dishes

THEN NOW

Before you go... take a look back at Raptors history in the making.

The Raptors’ 2019 championship team set a high bar for the city’s basketball legacy. This season, returning stars and new faces alike are taking the court to hopefully build on that legacy, thrilling fans with every game and every play.

Position: Power forward, forward, guard

Kawhi Leonard Position: Small forward

Pascal Siakam Position: Power forward

Fred VanVleet Position: Point guard

Kyle Lowry Position: Point guard

Scottie Barnes

RJ Barrett Position: Small forward, guard, forward

Brandon Ingram Position: Small forward, forward

Immanuel Quickley Position: Point guard, guard