Village Post October 2025

SMASHING PUMPKINS CHEFS ANTHONY ROSE & NUIT REGULAR SWAP PIE FOR PASTRIES

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POST CITY COMICS

special halloween

edition

S ME TU AILS S O T Y, C CK ND Y CO A C EP RE C &

VOL. 35 • ISSUE 3

our CHAMBER OF CHILLS issue, starring hockey’S FIRST lab-built, goalscoring superstar!

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3

Kids Post

Check out Toronto's largest private schools and extracurricular programs guide – pages 51 - 61

27

Contents

48

Welcome to the October 2025 issue of The Post. Sit back and enjoy!

39

27 Too much leather? Never!

Jeanne Beker selects the best oversized leather jackets for a cosy-meets-cool fashion statement, perfect for a trip to the pumpkin patch

31 Mary Berg’s recipe for love 39 Smashing pumpkin pastries For this Thanksgiving, chefs Anthony Rose and Nuit Regular taste-test their way through the city’s best pumpkin treats — but ditch the pie

48 Enter our chamber of chills For our special Halloween edition, get a thrill from T.O.’s top candy shops, haunted walks, creepy cocktails and more

| OCTOBER 2025

New MasterChef Canada judge Mary Berg gives us the scoop on how she met her husband, Aaron Mariash, and their annual Halloween tradition

3

4

CITY

Toronto, it’s time to get a little weird

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We love Halloween around here. Halloween has a way of loosening things up.

For one night, Toronto’s streets transform — suits and sneakers get swapped for wigs and wings, doorsteps become haunted stages, and even the most buttoned-up among us might find ourselves carving pumpkins or donning fake fangs.

Our publisher likes to put skeleton cheerleaders and the corpse of Beetlejuice cut in half in our office window.

It’s a ritual in giving ourselves permission to be playful, to try on a new character or to laugh at our own ridiculousness. And honestly, couldn’t we all use a little more of that right about now?

There’s something powerful and also surprising in stepping outside the ordinary. When we let ourselves get a little weird we’re also exercising the muscle that helps us imagine.

The same spirit that makes a neighbour turn their front yard into a haunted graveyard can help us rethink how we use public space and design our transit systems. The same boldness that makes someone dress as a traffic cone might just spark the kind of outside-the-box thinking Toronto needs to solve bigger challenges, like affordability and the climate emergency. We all know we have failed miserably so far.

So this October, let’s let our freak flags fly, as they say. Use our cover story as inspiration to embrace the silly, the spooky and the unexpected. Get weird, even if it’s just for a night. You never know what might happen.

Because if Halloween teaches us anything, it’s that fun and imagination aren’t distractions from city life — they are the fuel that makes it better.

RON JOHNSON is the editorial director of Post City Magazines.

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| OCTOBER 2025

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T.O.’S ULTIMATE CITY GUIDE

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S H R I E K S

PUNISHER Lorne London DEAD-ITORIAL DIRECTOR Ron Johnson ASSOCIATE PUNISHER-IT Jarrod Daley MANGLING DEAD-ITOR Julia Mastroianni GENERAL MANGLER Laurie McGillivray GRUB DEAD-ITOR Jennifer Schembri OUT OF CONTROLLER Tina Trevellin HEART DISSECTOR Dorothy Chudzinski OFFICE/CLASSIFIEDS Lance Garvey MANAGING HEART Lindsay Low MANGLER DISSECTOR VP OF WAILS Lisa London SENIOR GROTESQUE Erin Neilly DISSECTOR OF ADVERTISING Lynne London DESIGNER MEDIA ADVERSARIES Jo-Anne Craine GROTESQUE DESIGNER Kristine Hughes Clara Strebel ANTI-SOCIAL DEAD-ITOR Lucy Hagerup-Labrosse Emily Matesic CHAOS CREATOR Kaitlin Narciso ACCOUNT UN-CO-ORDINATOR George Redak PROOFREAPER Sarah Ives SENIOR WAILS LEAD Carly Roebuck

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5

CITY HACKS

What can I do if I think my house is haunted, for real?

© Kara O’Keefe

Ontario Paranormal Society Rick Mercer is a beloved Canadian comedian famous for his CBC-TV show

Standing up for Canada with Rick Mercer Iconic comedian goes cross-country with a full slate of awesome Canadian talent along the way With his trademark wit and sharp eye on Canadian life, Rick Mercer is hitting the road this fall for a coast-to-coast Stand-Up for Canada tour, and we caught up with him ahead of the Toronto stop on the tour on Oct. 3, at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

tour was called Rick Mercer’s Hockey Comedy Night in Canada. And there were Americans, and there were Brits on the tour, and it was a great tour. And I said — and if I do it again — it's going to be an all-Canadian lineup. Ever since then, that's what I've done.

Are you a Halloween person?

What about this lineup of young Canadian comics you have on the tour?

I would suggest that I'm almost always here [in Toronto] for Halloween. And many times I've gone out of my way to make sure I'm here for Halloween. And I have a pretty busy neighbourhood, and I actually flex my creative muscles exactly once a year and carve a pumpkin, sometimes with success, and sometimes with abject failure. But yeah, I give it a try.

What inspired you to launch this coast-to-coast comedy tour now?

Well, these comedians — this is an A-list. This is not an upand-coming cohort. I mean, they are young, certainly compared to me. But Sophie Buddle is one of the hottest in demand comedians anywhere in the United States and Canada right now — all the big comedy festivals, all the big night time talk shows. Julie Kim has been working steadily both sides of the border and in England.

Mayce Galoni is one of the funniest guys working out there. These are all great comics, and people are going to be really thrilled to see them.

“I’VE ALWAYS TAKEN THE LINE OF CELEBRATING THE COUNTRY, CELEBRATING WHAT I LOVE.”

I feel like the timing is right for a StandUp for Canada comedy tour. These are interesting times. My act hasn't changed. I've always taken the line of celebrating the country, celebrating what I love about the country, talking about the country. And it just seems like now is the time for that. It's about celebrating, not about dunking on the United States. They seem to be doing a good job of that themselves.

What does Stand-Up for Canada mean to you?

It's a play on the times we're in. And we're in a time where, for example, I spent the summer in Newfoundland, and I met so many people not just from Ontario, but from western Canada and from Quebec, that were visiting Newfoundland. We've always had those people, but there was way more. Obviously Canadians are travelling inside of Canada like they never had before. And Canadians are buying Canadian like never before.

When I first went out on a national tour many years ago, the

This society has investigators who set out to capture hard evidence of reported hauntings while also searching for logical explanations, giving homeowners answers.

The Searcher Group

This group describes itself as a “paranormal think tank” that brings together investigators from scientific backgrounds to apply structured methods to mysterious claims.

Toronto Paranormal Investigation

This team is a group of professionals who carefully assess reported hauntings, ghostly encounters and other unexplained phenomena, providing objective guidance.

Will politics play a big role in this tour?

Well, sure. I always talk about the times that we're in, and these are very interesting times. We've just come through an election that had a result that I don't think anyone expected a year previous. Obviously, the Canada-U.S. relationship is fraught with unknowns right now. Canadians are also anxious, but now is a good time for a laugh.

Where is your favourite place to send visitors when in Toronto?

Allen's on the Danforth is always a go-to for me, because it doesn't matter what you like, you will find it at Allen’s. Everything is top notch. So that's at the top of my list.

—Ron Johnson

| OCTOBER 2025

POST INTERVIEW

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STREETS OF TORONTO SECTION

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hidden Gems

Tricks and treats from every corner of the globe Douce France

A French shop that feels like a Parisian sweet escape with delicate candies, chocolates and confections for a chic Halloween. 820 Danforth Ave.

SPOTTED Sept. 2, Unionville: Pop star Dua Lipa (second from left) and her team were seen having lunch at Watercolour Restaurant while in Toronto for her concert.

Sweet Brit

A go-to for anyone who grew up on Cadbury Flakes, Wine Gums or Crunchies, this shop delivers a UK-infused Halloween. 655 Yonge St. South African Store

This store caters to cravings from Cape Town to Jo’burg, with favourites like Peppermint Crisp and other South African classics that bring a unique twist to your Halloween stash.

3889 Bathurst St.

ROBOT HEADS Adams à gogo: Adam Sandler loves Toronto and films many of his movies here. Bryan Adams grew up in Ontario and recorded his first album here. But which Adams is the ace?

Sukker Baby

nAme

Bryan Adams

New York, New York

born

Kingston, Ontario

Comedian and actor

GiG

Musician

Discovered by Dennis Miller who recommended Sandler to Lorne Michaels for a gig on Saturday Night Live.

roots

Bryan Adams broke through in 1983 with Cuts Like a Knife and its hit “Straight from the Heart.”

Filmed Billy Madison in Toronto in 1995 and has kept going, including the recent Happy Gilmore 2.

toronto

Adams recorded his self-titled debut album in Toronto in 1979.

Sandler is a diehard basketball fan and player and was seen hooping in the city in 2022.

side hustLes

Adams is a renowned photographer in the world of fashion for magazines such as Vogue.

Sandler brings his You’re My Best Friend Tour to Scotiabank Arena on Oct. 12.

next biG thinG

Adams returns to Toronto on Oct. 3 for a concert at Scotiabank Arena.

| OCTOBER 2025

Adam Sandler

This online store offers candy from around the world, but specializes in the Swedish variety such as squishies as well as delish sockerbitar.

Candy kebabs from Sukker Baby 7

8

News

TikTok @mrscurator

Safe Parkside

9

SE C TIO N

Toronto has a big issue with speed cameras, and it’s getting scary. On one particularly chilling evening last month, 16 speed enforcement cameras were damaged across the city. One camera at Lake Shore Boulevard East and Woodbine Avenue was cut down. The vandalism follows an almost comical and consistent attack on the Parkside Drive camera near High Park, which has been destroyed several times despite issuing over 68,000 tickets since its installation in 2021. Premier Doug Ford has called speed cameras a “tax grab” and wants municipalities to remove them, but Mayor Olivia Chow defended them, saying they protect residents. One thing is for sure, this is far from over.

Clockwise from left: Parkside Drive speed camera, screenshot from a satirical speed camera video, another bites the dust

| OCTOBER 2025

The Toronto speed camera massacre

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11

NEWS OPINION

Protecting the city’s indie businesses

Clock tower at Old City Hall

The clock is ticking, but Old City Hall can’t be rushed JOHN SEWELL is a former mayor of Toronto.

Respecting and acknowledging the past is always a strong foundation for good decision making, That’s particularly true for older structures. Incorporating them into new developments and rethinking their use almost always leads to a more vibrant neighbourhood. Demolishing them, clearing the deck and starting afresh often has results that are boring and an embarrassment.

A chunk of my public life has been devoted to protecting older buildings — South St. Lawrence Market, 1822 Bank of Upper Canada, Union Station, Massey Hall., Don Jail, Winter Garden Theatre, Maple Leaf Gardens.

One of the first buildings I was involved in, although in a very minor capacity, was the Old City Hall, that 1899 Victorian pile at the corner of Bay and Queen streets. Retaining that building meant the development planned for the superblock, Bay, Dundas, Yonge and Queen streets, was knocked off balance and had to be rethought — which resulted in the innovative and attractive Eaton Centre shopping mall, and the retention of Holy Trinity Church.

Although Old City Hall was used for more than four decades for provincial courts, the courts have been moved to the gigantic and often dysfunctional new court house northwest of city hall, and new uses must be found. This is sometimes an issue for older structures, and it can take time for a new vibrant use to emerge.

Now Old City Hall awaits a new use. City council has retained consultants to determine what should happen.

While one wishes them the best, one worries they might not come up with something that is viable.

A city museum has been promoted for the site, but it’s hard to imagine it filling the whole of the Old City Hall without requiring an enormous sum, which council does not have. Museums often work best when they start small and expand as the public interest and funding opportunities grow. A start would be to provide a city museum with a portion of a floor of the building and see if its proponents can make that attractive and viable.

For most of the space, I suggest some temporary and make-do activities to attract people to the building.

Use the spaces for performances of all kinds: amateur theatre groups such as the Toronto’s Workers History Project, which produces plays about important

events in the city, or singing groups such as Choir, Choir, Choir.

The goal would be to provide space at minimal cost to groups that want to put on an event. The space at Old City Hall would be excellent for this, since so much of it functioned well as court rooms which, at the end of the day, are performance spaces.

After a few years of these kinds of informal activities, many Torontonians would become familiar with the building and successful uses would become apparent. This was the strategy used for the older buildings occupying waterfront land the federal government decided in the late 1970s should be an urban park — and the area became known as Harbourfront, which built on those informal uses and for four decades has been most successful as a cultural venue, even if it now faces funding challenges.

Let’s take our time with finding new uses for Old City Hall and, in the meantime, open the building to those who can use it at minimum public cost, to attract Torontonians to the site and make it a vibrant part of the city once again.

“If we don’t honour our past, we lose our future,” wrote the German artist Friederich Huntertwasser. “If we destroy our roots, we cannot grow.”

The most popular areas in the city are Ossington Avenue, Kensington, Dundas and Queen West, and Little Italy. When I talk to well-known Toronto celebrities and others about their favourite spots in town, or where they send visitors, invariably it is these areas. Why? Because of the cool and fiercely independent shops and restaurants on the main streets.

It’s not just that these are good businesses. It’s that they are economic multipliers. They are tourist attractions on par with large-scale, well-funded institutions. They are advertisements that people talk about to their friends who don’t live in Toronto.

They sell our city. Our cool. Our brand.

But it doesn’t end there. These shops and services exist and play a lesser but still prominent role in neighbourhoods across the city. They are beacons. These indie shops support the communities and are incredibly valuable.

Here’s the thing — when smaller and affordable rental buildings are torn down to make way for larger and larger residential buildings, the city helps local residents and the rental market by replacing those units in the new building. It might not be the best program out there, but it is something.

But when it comes to small commercial storefronts used by independent businesses, there is no such safety net. Once a low-rent building with three or four quirky shops is replaced by a sleek new tower, the replacement retail space is often priced far beyond the reach of independent operators and is invariably occupied by the same franchise chains as any other city in any other Canadian town. The result is a thinning out of the very culture that made the neighbourhood desirable in the first place, that makes Toronto desirable.

This isn’t just a matter of nostalgia or esthetics.

Losing independent shops undermines the resilience of the city. Local businesses tend to hire locally, source locally and reinvest profits in their neighbourhoods. Chains, well, not so much. Over time, that shift hollows out the economic ecosystem and leaves communities more vulnerable to downturns.

Toronto has done a decent job of protecting rental housing, but if we don’t find ways to extend that same philosophy to commercial spaces, we risk creating neighbourhoods that are dense but soulless. Density is good — it’s what keeps cities alive — but density without character is just a stack of boxes.

If Toronto wants to hold on to its global reputation as a cool, creative city, it has to figure out how to make room for the little guys who make the city sing.

| OCTOBER 2025

RON JOHNSON is the editorial director of Post City Magazines

11

12

FO R

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NEWS

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Rendering of proposed St. Clair tower

Locals push back on soaring St. Clair tower

&

TORONTO’S BEST

DENTISTS

| OCTOBER 2025

2025

12

CENTRAL.DENTAL.GROUP.DR.JORDAN.SOLL

A proposed 51-storey rental tower (including a mechanical penthouse) at 135 St. Clair Ave. W. is facing opposition from residents in the local neighbourhood, who argue the development would overwhelm the area and has left them without a real voice in the planning process.

The plan, from Fitzrovia and Hariri Pontarini Architects, would replace the existing midcentury government office building with 576 apartments, ground-floor retail, public art and a child care centre. City of Toronto planners recommended the project for approval at a Sept.

18 session, a move that has only caused frustration among locals.

“It’s basically a downtown tower dropped onto a residential street,” said Michael Steinberg, a resident on Foxbar Drive immediately south of the proposed development. “You’ve got a four-storey historic retirement residence right beside it, then this — 51 storeys — taking up the entire lot.”

Residents have said their input has been sidelined throughout the process. Meetings have been criticized as perfunctory, with notices buried online and misleading signage suggesting key sessions had already passed.

“They’re going through the motions,” said Steinberg. “Anything critical is dismissed as NIMBYism. The community feels completely disenfranchised.”

Among the main concerns are the building’s scale — nearly double the height of anything nearby — along with traffic, wind and shadowing effects. Locals are especially worried about plans to route driveway access onto Foxbar Road, a small residential street already strained by congestion.

There’s also frustration over the loss of office space.

“That building has been underused since the pandemic, but in five,10 years the city will need office space again,” said Steinberg, who is also a commercial real estate broker. “Instead, we’re replacing it with luxury rentals starting at $4,000 a month. It’s not affordable housing.”

Despite community petitions, flyers and letters from local associations, city council’s approval appears almost inevitable, said Steinberg.

For residents, it feels like a done deal. “This isn’t just about height,” Steinberg said. “It’s about being silenced. We’ve had no real say in what’s happening in our own neighbourhood.”

—Ron Johnson

13

© Robert Zaichkowski

NEWS

Celebrating our 31st Anniversary

Lunch Special Sandwich & Fries + Soup or Salad $17.95+HST

Try our famous Chicken Souvlaki & Greek Salads!

Protest aims to push city to complete Eglinton bike lanes now In September, Toronto cyclists Just months ago, Cycle Toronto took to the streets along Eglin- won a legal fight to protect bike ton Avenue to demand the city lanes on Yonge, Bloor and Unistick to its own plan and install versity Avenue from Bill 212, bike lanes during road resurfac- the provincial law that gives ing. What should be a routine Queen’s Park new powers to inpart of the eglintonTOday terfere with local street design.

Complete Street project has in- But although those lanes surstead become another test of vived, Eglinton is far from guarToronto’s political will. anteed.

The ride was organized by “Biking along Eglinton is Cycle Toronto. currently difficult and dangerThe group is calling on ous,” said Marlee 4 Kids organMayor Olivia Chow and To- izers Graham Pressey and Yael ronto City Council to resist delay and follow through.

“Bike lanes are too often “Children’s safety scapegoated for traffic congestion as part of a bad-faith cul- isn’t something ture war,” said Cycle Toronto that can wait until executive director Michael Longfield. “Delaying Eglinton next summer.” is a self-inflicted mistake that will make congestion worse by forcing residents and businesses Boyd. “The bike lanes planned to endure two rounds of costly, as part of EglintonTOday unnecessary construction in- would connect communities and help children and other stead of one.”

For advocates, resurfacing people be independent, safe and now without adding bike lanes active. Children’s safety isn’t only to dig the road up again something that can wait until later isn’t just wasteful — it’s next summer.”

Polling suggests residents are unsafe.

And with the Crosstown on side.

An Ekos survey shows 74 per LRT project delayed again, cycling groups argue that the cur- cent of Torontonians blame rent construction window is still congestion on construction mismanagement — not bike lanes the best moment to act.

Toronto has been here before. — and seven in 10 want more

protected cycling routes.

According to a spokesperson for the city of Toronto, the plan is to still install bike lanes on Eglinton, just not right now.

“The planned eglintonTOday Complete Street project, which includes new bikeways and changes to car and bus lanes and parking, will be installed when the LRT opens, as buses continue to run along Eglinton Avenue in the meantime,” reads an emailed statement from the City of Toronto.

The eglintonTOday project was approved by city council on May 23, 2024, by a vote of 19– 1.

The move to pause bike lane construction on Eglinton, even though it has been approved by city council, is the result of the Government of Ontario wading into municipal decision making when it comes to roads and safety, which first came to light when Premier Doug Ford and company sought to remove three prominent Toronto bike lanes.

The move resulted in a court case, which the province lost, resulting in a reprieve for the Yonge, University and Bloor lanes. But the province has appealed the decision.

—Ron Johnson

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NEWS

Concert at Rogers Stadium

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Coldplay & Oasis rock while neighbours fume It might be that Toronto's new Rogers Stadium could have used its own “Wonderwall” as complaints keep piling up from local residents concerned about the noise from massive concerts such as the recent Oasis shows.

The new 50,000-seat openair Rogers Stadium at Downsview sparked the complaints after hosting 14 concerts, with some shows running from 5 p.m. until midnight. It is billed as a temporary music venue for concerts in the Downsview area by Live Nation Entertainment.

Residents as far as nine kilometres away reported feeling vibrations from the music.

According to a news release, those living in nearby houses and condos said the noise made it impossible to sit outside or get an early night’s sleep. Instead, they dealt with loud music, vibrating windows and doors, fireworks and traffic congestion.

One frustrated resident described the situation as “unacceptable.”

Despite the concerns, the events followed city rules.

Noise exemptions allow for levels of 85 dBA and 105 dBC until 11 p.m., limits that experts say are too high for res-

idential areas. Penalties for exceeding them are considered too small to deter violations.

“Just because it’s technically compliant that doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable to the community,” said Ward 6 city councillor James Pasternak, who signed off on the noise permits.

Noise pollution is the second-largest urban health hazard after air pollution, according to the World Health Organization. A spokesperson for citizen-led group No More Noise Toronto (NMNT) said residents reached out for help.

NMNT conducted a sound study from homes near the stadium and found that current bylaws and exemptions were not designed for venues of this size and do not adequately protect residents’ health.

“Residents’ health must be a priority over corporate profits,” said Ingrid Buday, founder of NMNT. She added that solutions exist, including sound level limiters, reducing bass frequencies and installing additional noise barriers around the stadium.

NMNT was scheduled to present its findings and proposals during an online meeting on Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.

—Ron Johnson

15

NEWS PRES SENTS

AUTUMN ART SALE FUNDRRAISER

Courtyard at Granite Brewery

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Residents of the Mount Pleas- be replaced with a two-tower, ant west neighbourhood could mixed-use development. soon see a major redevelopment The current office tower is across from the (soon-to-open) home to a number of organizaMount Pleasant Crosstown tions and businesses, most noLRT station, one that would tably World Wildlife Fund and add significant height to the Granite Brewery. northeast corner of Eglinton The project, led by Crestview Avenue East and Mount Pleas- Investment Corporation and ant Road. designed by Toronto-based firm The site’s existing building Superkül Architects, would features a mix of small-scale of- bring 65- and 60-storey towers fice tenants and independent to the site, offering 1,278 new restaurants. Although the new towers could bring about more commuter foot traffic, they “We knew it was could also lead to the loss of a matter of time local indie businesses in favour before this of chain stores or cafés.

In particular, local discussion happened.” boards have filled up with comments concerning the fate of one of the city’s oldest craft breweries, the Granite Brewery. residential units alongside new But, according to Sam Keefe, retail space at street level.

“The proposal represents an the Granite isn’t going anywhere appropriate design response to for a long time.

“Given the rapid devel- the subject site’s transit supportopment in this city, we knew it ive location while contributing was a matter of time before this to public realm improvements happened,” explained Keefe. along Mount Pleasant Road and “Our lease runs until 2031 and Eglinton Avenue East,” reads a we have every intention of ful- planning rationale report in the development application. filling this term.”

The towers would provide a According to an application submitted to the City of To- mix of one-, two- and threeronto, the existing four-storey bedroom units, with more than commercial and office building 353 units set aside as familyat 245 Eglinton Ave. E. would sized two- and three-bedroom

layouts. Residents would also be able to access large amenity spaces, including 3,727 square metres of indoor space and 1,385 square metres of outdoor space.

Elevator wait times shouldn’t be too lengthy, with 12 elevators (six per tower) proposed for the residential units (so about one elevator per 107 units). At street level, the design incorporates 2,850 square metres of retail space, so the area will likely have a strong pedestrian presence along Eglinton.

A new paved access route from Taunton Road would lead to three levels of below-grade parking, holding only 127 parking spots but 1,445 bicycle parking spaces, following the trend of other new transit-oriented, sustainable living developments in the city.

“The site is well-served by existing public transit infrastructure, including several TTC bus routes and Eglinton station on the Line 1 (Yonge–University) subway,” the application’s cover letter stated.

The application is currently under review by the city, but if approved, it would be one of the tallest developments along the Eglinton Crosstown corridor.

—Nisean Lorde

Shop original art and sculptu ure by contemporary Canadian artists. Proceeds dir d ectly support the artists and projects funded by the McMichael M Volun o teer Committee.

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| OCTOBER 2025

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15

16

NEWS MAIN STREET

JUST SOLD*

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JUST LISTED

107 BROOKDALE AVE

97 CLARINDA DR

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Caesars Pawlace Grooming Spa is new to Eglinton Avenue East

A dog pawlace, holistic fitness studio & more Caesars Pawlace, a brand new

pet grooming and spa business with an incredibly cute name, is moving in soon at 323 Eglinton Ave. E. Though not much is known about the new business yet, we spotted job postings for dog groomers online and can guess the pawlace will be opening soon.

Lagree Plus, a fitness studio

| OCTOBER 2025

that offers classes focused around the full-body Megaformer Machine, is set to open at the beginning of October in midtown. Also featuring an organic café, you can visit the new space at 1470 Yonge St.

16

Scan for the fu ull assortment

Visit us at 2638 Yo Yonge S St. across from Sporting Life!

Dum Pukht Yonge has now launched in North York, offering an authentic Indian dining experience for residents. With plenty of vegetarian options, the name of the restaurant refers to a slow oven cooking method that results in especially tender and flavourful food. Try the new spot at 35 Sheppard Ave. E. Gee Beauty is making a big

move — the beauty and lifestyle spot is leaving its iconic storefront on Roxborough Street for a brand new location in the James, at 10 Price St. A stunning new residential build-

ing currently under construction in Rosedale, Gee Beauty has stated it’ll be moving there as early as spring 2026, but for now, fans of the shop can still stop by 2 Roxborough St. W. for all their beauty needs.

The Sweet Potato, an organic gourmet food shop, sadly moved out of the Bayview neighbourhood — but grocery shoppers won’t have to travel any further, thanks to the recent opening of a No Frills in its place. With parking available, the new location at 1678 Bayview Ave. will surely be a popular spot.

Miga has been a go-to spot for

Korean barbecue in the GTA for the past decade — and now, the popular eatery has opened its doors in Thornhill. Now at 7335 Yonge St., choose from the wagyu set, short rib, galbi and more for a Korean barbecue experience to remember.

FS8 has launched in Bayview

Village, offering a holistic approach to fitness. Combining Pilates, toning and yoga, the name refers to a specific fullbody workout style. Try it out yourself at 621 Sheppard Ave. E. —Julia Mastroianni

17

CRIME NEWS

BREAK-INS BY NEIGHBOURHOOD This month 19% of break-ins were from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., 52% from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 29% from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Compared to last month there has been an increase in break-ins during the 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. time slot.

c 416.402.0787 | t 416.960.9995 edavis@sothebysrealty.ca | ellidavis.com

NORTH TORONTO

SEPT. 4

KILGOUR RD. AND BURKEBROOK PL.

12 P.M.

SEPT. 7

OTTER CRES. AND CARIBOU RD.

6 P.M.

SEPT. 12

SHAFTESBURY AVE. AND SUMMERHILL AVE.

12 A.M.

SEPT. 14

MOORE AVE. AND WELLAND AVE.

8 P.M.

SEPT. 16

ROSEWELL AVE. AND CHERITAN AVE.

2 A.M.

SEPT. 17

SUMMERHILL AVE. AND OTTAWA ST.

9 P.M.

SEPT. 17

HADDINGTON AVE. AND GREER RD.

6 A.M

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HEATH ST. W. AND BRYCE AVE.

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SEPT. 3

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2 A.M.

SEPT. 4

MACPHERSON AVE. AND HURON ST.

10 P.M.

rucauty here t for still . W.

SEPT. 6

RUSSELL HILL RD. AND ST. CLAIR AVE. W.

8 P.M.

SEPT. 6

LYNWOOD AVE. AND FOXBAR RD.

11 P.M.

SEPT. 8

HAZELTON AVE. AND WEBSTER AVE.

3 P.M.

SEPT. 8

DELISLE AVE. AND YONGE ST.

8 P.M.

SEPT. 16

POPLAR PLAINS RD. AND POPLAR PLAINS CRES.

3 A.M.

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SEPT. 18

ORIOLE RD. AND HEATH ST. W.

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SEPT. 1

TOTTENHAM RD. AND MARSHFIELD CRT.

12 A.M.

SEPT. 6

RIDLEY BLVD. AND BURNCREST DR.

8 P.M.

SEPT. 9

FIFE RD. AND BERKINDALE DR.

1 P.M.

SEPT 9

HAWKSBURY DR. AND MOREWOOD CRES.

2 P.M.

SEPT. 16

ARJAY CRES. AND BAYVIEW AVE.

1 A.M.

SEPT. 17

OLD COLONY RD. AND HARRISON RD.

2 P.M.

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SEPT. 18

KENNETH WOOD CRES AND FINCH AVE. E.

6 A.M.

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ANNEX & QUEEN WEST

SEPT. 4

MARKHAM ST. AND ANDREW ST.

4 P.M.

SEPT. 8

ROBERT ST. AND COLLEGE ST.

1 A.M.

SEPT. 10

GIVINS ST. AND REBECCA ST.

12 P.M.

SEPT. 12

CRAWFORD ST. AND LOGIE PL.

2 A.M.

SEPT. 13

SUSSEX AVE. AND MAJOR ST.

9 A.M.

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423 Avenue Rd #13 Rare full-floor suite at Avenue/Yonge & St. Clair with direct elevator, approx. 1,823 sq.ft., 2 bdrms, 2.5 baths, panoramic city views, sunroom, upgrades, & unmatched privacy. Parking and locker. Mins. to shops and TTC. 1 Deer Park Crescent #605 Yonge/St. Clair boutique living at Deer Park Residences: approx. 887 sq.ft., 1 bdrm+den, 1.5 baths, renovated suite w/9 ft ceilings, treed south views, balcony, & superb finishes. Steps from shops, dining, and TTC. Parking & locker.

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NORTH YORK & BAYVIEW

340 Riverview Drive Teddington Park prestigious estate on cul-de-sac, 130x317 ft ravine lot with pool backing on to the Rosedale Golf Club, plus rare opportunity to purchase adjacent 97x276 ft property ($3,995,000) for a grand double-lot estate.

240 Heath St. W. #1403 Village Park! North-east treed views! 2 bedrooms+solarium, 2 full bathrooms in Forest Hill. Approx 1,939 sq.ft., versatile, open living/dining w/hardwood floors, & parking. Building amenities include: 24hr security, indoor pool, party rm.

Steps to St. Clair shops and subway.

20 Scrivener Sq. #507 Thornwood I – Elegant 1 bdrm+den, 1.5 bath, approx. 865 sq. ft. with Juliette balcony & leafy Summer/Rosedale views.

Parking. 1st rate amenities include: concierge, party room, fitness room.

Steps to Summerhill, shops, dining, TTC & trails.

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THORNHILL AUG. 22

SPRINGFIELD WAY AND CLARK AVE. W.

1:30 P.M.

AUG. 23

DALMENY RD. AND DELAIR CRES.

6 P.M.

AUG. 28

HARRIS WAY AND HARPER WAY

3 P.M.

SEP. 2

NEW WESTMINSTER DR. AND N. PARK RD.

4 P.M.

1867 Yonge Street, Suite 100, Toronto ON M4S 1Y5

| OCTOBER 2025

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19

REAL ESTATE NEWS

Country’s top banker predicts two more rate cuts this year The Bank of Canada delivered its first rate cut since March this past month, lowering the overnight benchmark from 2.75 per cent to 2.5 per cent. With another announcement coming this October, we asked CIBC’s deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal where rates and the market are headed now.

What about prices in the low-rise market?

I see them rising slowly, but nothing to write home about.

Toronto is still in a buyer’s market. Will that change any time soon?

For the low-rise segment of the market, I do believe that we're going to get into a balanced market very soon. The highrise segment, especially the condo space, will take longer because we have a lot of inventory, which will take time to clear.

What are your thoughts on the September interest rate announcement?

It was no surprise whatsoever. If you look at the economy, the labour market is definitely slowing down. The housing market is in a similar situation. Youth unemployment is rising fast. Investment is in negative territory, and even the consumer is starting to show some signs of fatigue. All those forces suggest that the economy is slowing down in a very significant way, and inflation is no longer a big issue for the Bank of Canada, especially after the decision by the federal government to remove $40 billion worth of counter tariffs against the U.S. So there is a green light to cut in October.

How much time?

L–R: CIBC economist Benjamin Tal, the Bank of Canada lowered the interest rate to 2.5 per cent

How is the housing market affected by all this?

The number one issue facing the housing market at this point is uncertainty, as opposed to interest rates. Interest rates are secondary.

But clearly any cut by the Bank of Canada will help. If I’m right, the bank will continue to cut into October, even December. We might actually see some help coming to the housing market.

But that's still premature.

Why has all this uncertainty, especially around homebuyers, lasted so long?

People need some clarity when it comes to Trump — Trump uncertainty is impacting the psyche of the consumer. If you have uncertainty about your job, if you have uncertainty about tariffs and their impact, you won’t do anything. You just sit on your hands and wait for something to disappear. A few

more cuts by the Bank of Canada clearly will help. So we need a combination of lower interest rates and continued decline in prices — because people believe that prices will continue to go down, especially in the condo space — and some certainty coming from Trump.

All those factors will lead to some improvement in the market.

If we assume that we get another one or two cuts in interest rates, and if we assume that prices will go down by another five to seven per cent after falling by 20 per cent, those two factors and some stability, when it comes to Trump, I think within a year and a half that inventory will clear.

Like this? Find more reAL estAte At

streetsoFtoronto.Com

Fame and fortune fuel the foot traffic

CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTATOR EXITS T.O.

ANNEX HOME GETS THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Lapsed psychologist Jordan Peterson had been threatening to leave Canada for a while now, and this past summer, he finally fulfilled his promise. His Seaton village home sold for $2.3 million, just above asking. Good riddance! 68 Olive Ave.

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, called a three-bedroom in the Annex home for six years while filming Suits. And last year, the property (which was visited by Prince Harry himself) sold for $1,895,000 — a far cry from its 2007 sold price of $508,000! 10 Yarmouth Rd.

A HOCKEY HALL OF FAMER’S MANOR

| OCTOBER 2025

© Manor Media

© SilverHouse

© Unique VTour

The Toronto housing market may have slowed down, but these high-powered former residents are still making sales

Toronto athlete Brendan Shanahan may be a Hockey Hall of Famer, but his claim to fame here is his stint as the Toronto Maple Leafs president. His former Rosedale mansion sold this summer for $13.2 million, just shy of its $14 million listing price. 20 Elm Ave. 19

20

T.O.’S LEADING PROFESSIONALS

PROBATE OR NOT TO PROBATE

Mary Anne Shaw, B.A., LL.B.

BIO Mary Anne Shaw is an established lawyer whose law practice focuses on Wills and Estates, Residential Real Estate and Family Law. Mary Anne Shaw is very active in the community, and has served on many boards and foundations in the not-for-profit arts and health sectors. She provides personal service and practical solutions.

The word “Probate” has been heard by most of us and used generally when a person is thinking about making a Will and Powers of Attorney.

When a person dies, the Executor/Executrix/ Estate Trustee, depending upon the nature of your assets, will likely need to apply for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a Will or without a Will if you do not have the foresight to have one. This is a fancy process for saying “Probate”.

Along with the word “Probate” come the dreaded words “Probate fees” known as Estate Administration Tax. This is the tax based on the value of your assets on the day you die and collected generally at the time that your Estate Trustee applies for the Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee.

When you are talking to your Accountant or your Lawyer about Estate Planning, they may suggest such valid ways to minimize the “Probate Fees” legitimately such as the use of Dual Wills or joint tenancy. The Estate Administration Tax has nothing to do with taxes that may be paid as rendered by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), again based on the type of assets

CONTACT

Mary Anne Shaw - Barrister and Solicitor 1366 Yonge Street, Suite 308

that you have. This is a lot to think about.

If you have not made a Will already or turned your mind to Estate Planning, it would be prudent to start that process now. Estate Planning takes time. There are many factors to consider. For example: Should you at this time in your life add your spouse so that all your assets are to be held jointly. This means that if you die first your spouse will get the assets and there will be no need to apply for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a Will. This is not an automatic task and should be considered carefully taking into account all of the ramifications regarding income taxes, the state of your marriage particularly if it is rocky and whether you have children from a previous marriage or dependents you wish to leave money to.

Sounds complicated but with the right advice it should be a piece of cake. So start by making a Will. Never be shy and ask questions of your Accountant and your lawyer so that you can make educated decisions while you are still of sound mind.

maryanneshaw@shawlaw.ca Tel: 416-968-0096

PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE: TRUSTING YOUR MEDICAL & WELLNESS TEAM

The Team at Femme Women’s Wellness

BIO Femme is Toronto's first holistic healthcare clinic catering to women. With an all-female team, our goal is for patients to feel empowered and beautiful. Femme’s female-focused Executive Medical Healthcare program integrates with all disciplines in the clinic including Cosmetic Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Chiropractic Care, Physiotherapy & more.

A woman’s health journey is optimized through coordinated and personalized medical and wellness care. Each phase of a woman’s life, whether it be managing heavy menstruation, painful intercourse, fertility concerns, or Perimenopause and Menopause, all present differently and with its own unique challenges.

There are a variety of evidence-based treatments to address concerns that women face during each of these phases. For this reason, discussing and understanding each phase with a medical and wellness team that specializes in women’s care and that you trust is vital.

Menopause and the Perimenopause transition years affect each woman differently. Most commonly, symptoms begin at age 41, but can begin earlier or later depending on various personal factors. Symptoms can begin up to 10 years prior to the onset of Menopause (which is 1 year after your final period).

Symptoms can include mood changes, sleep disturbances, frequent UTIs, metabolic concerns such as weight gain, hot flashes and night

CONTACT

sweats, vaginal dryness and sexual health concerns. A personalized combination of treatments should be used depending on your experience: Medical Hormone Replacement Therapy, non-hormonal medications, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, vaginal and clitoral topical and hormone agents.

Treating symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause is purely based on the management of your individual symptoms. Given the personal experience women face in each phase of life, it is imperative to have an integrative medical and wellness team that you feel comfortable to communicate with so that symptoms can be properly addressed and your quality of life optimized. Ensure you have a team that you trust, makes you feel heard, understands your specific needs and works to empower you.

Femme Women’s Wellness, Medical and Cosmetics 371 Fairlawn Avenue • 416-785-0858 info@ExperienceFemme.com www.ExperienceFemme.com

21

Currents

SE C TION

Fright this way, Toronto: the boo screen is taking over the big screen this season with three horror film fests that will make for the perfect ghouls’ night out. Toronto Indie Horror Fest is back with a killer lineup of independent horror movies made in Canada and around the world, running until Oct. 4. Enjoy five nights of thrills, including films like Stalker Jane and a women in horror showcase. From Oct. 3 to 4, the Royal Theatre will transform into The Great Canadian Horror Film Festival — dedicated to showcasing the works of horror filmmakers from around the world — where you’ll discover emerging filmmakers and plenty of blood, guts and gore. And finally, back after a one-year hiatus is the Toronto After Dark Film Festival — running from Oct. 15 to 19 — enjoy five spooky nights of horror, sci-fi, action and cult cinema!

Clockwise from left: ‘The Gourd, The Brad and The Ghostly’ from The Great Canadian Horror Film Festival 2024; ‘Stalker Jane’ will screen at Toronto Indie Horror Fest 2025; ‘The Gnawer of Rocks,’ one of The Great Canadian Horror Film Festival’s 2025 films

| OCTOBER 2025

Get reel scared in the 6ix with these screaming good screenings

21

22

In a blink,, a final push becomes a never-end ding pull.

23

STREETS OF TORONTO CULTURE

ARTS Q&A T.O. comic’s zany sketches are coming to ‘SNL’ When NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) returns to air on Oct. 4, it will be with a new Canadian cast member in its midst. Toronto comic Veronika Slowikowska, 29, will join the sketch comedy show’s 51st season this fall.

Here’s everything you need to know about Slowikowska.

4. She worked at a T.O. cookie empire

1. She studied at a Toronto theatre school

As it turns out, her absurdist, oddball style of comedy resonates with the public. She’s amassed more than one million followers on Instagram and 700,000+ followers on TikTok.

Slowikowska originally hails from Barrie, Ont., but she graduated from Toronto’s Randolph College for the Performing Arts in 2015. The private career college near Bathurst and Bloor specializes in singing, dancing and acting, so perhaps her Toronto schooling helped with her craft!

After the pandemic hit, Slowikowska’s acting career (along with the rest of the industry) was put on hold for a bit. In 2022, Slowikowska was working at Craig’s Cookies while building her sketch comedy content online.

5. She’s gone viral … a lot

6. She won a Canadian Screen Award

Slowikowska won the 2025 Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance in a Children’s or Youth Program for her portrayal as Davey in Davey & Jonesie’s Locker. Other acting credits 2. She has a Second City connection After Randolph, Slowikowska graduated from include I Like Movies, Poker Face and Murdoch Toronto’s Second City Conservatory program Mysteries. before completing a six-month Canadian Film Centre Actors Conservatory program in North 7. She’s the first Canadian SNL cast member since Norm Macdonald York in 2019.

Slowikowska is joining an incredible lineup of former Canadian SNL cast members, including 3. She has a Drake connection (sort of) Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, Mike Meyers, Slowikowska’s career started off in a similar Norm Macdonald and Robin Duke. Other way to controversial rapper Drake — on Denew cast members this season are Tommy grassi. In 2017, she landed a small part in an Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall and episode of Degrassi: Next Class.

Kam Patterson.

—Nisean Lorde

Corn to be wild We’re all ears for these fall harvest adventures featuring Ontario’s top corn mazes

Canada’s largest corn maze

Spanning 20 acres, the maze at Hanes Farm and Corn Maze is a labyrinth of epic proportions. Plan for up to two hours of wandering and getting lost, even with the map that every visitor is handed before venturing inside. Directionally challenged? Opt for the mini maze instead! 1001 Hwy. #5 W., Dundas

Field of screams

Snyder’s five-acre corn maze is an all-ages adventure by day, featuring a spinner game to find a new path out. But by night, it transforms into The Stalking Dead — one of seven eerie Fear Farm attractions.

Tread carefully; you never know what lurks around each corner. 936685 Blenheim Rd., Bright

A-maze-ing fun with a local twist

Cooper’s CSA Farm & Maze is renowned for its corn maze as part of its annual Fall Harvest Fest — and this year, the theme is fitting. Titled Support Local, an aerial view of the 10-acre experience spells out 2025 Canada at the top and leads to a massive maple leaf in the middle. 266 Ashworth Rd., Zephyr

| OCTOBER 2025

daytrpr

Veronika Slowikowska is one of the newest ‘SNL’ cast members

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STREETS OF TORONTO CULTURE LikE this? FiNd mOrE EVENts At

strEEtsOFtOrONtO.COm

Toronto Swifties unite to celebrate ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ album release Make the whole place shimmer

When Taylor Swift’s 12th album releases on Oct. 3, Bar Cathedral will be honouring the occasion with a party — listen to the new album in full, then have a dance party to music from all eras.

Prepare to sparkle with a bracelet-making station, glittery drinks and more.

DETOUR Oct. 4–5: Nuit Blanche is back this month, transforming T.O. into a massive art exhibition for 12 hours overnight — including pieces like artist Afaf Naseem’s ‘Signals of the City’.

FAST FACTS NAME:

Peter Outerbridge FAVE T.O. MEMORY:

Sneaking in to University Theatre FAVE NEIGHBOURHOOD:

His own, the Annex,

I read for the part, but the audition with a soft spot for scenes weren’t ultimately in the show. the Junction They were particularly dark and terrible.

FIRST TV ROLE: And they don’t let you know what you’re Guest spot on the auditioning for when it’s something like original 21 Jump Street this. All I knew was I was auditioning for a very bad man. Then I got the callback Peter Outerbridge will star in ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ and later found out it was the prequel to It. I was thrilled. I’m a huge Stephen You’ve done a lot of genre work. universe, you have to believe it. King’s heKing fan, and I’d read the book.

What appeals to you in horror and roes aren’t superheroes. They’re just everyscience fiction? day people — Bob from the Circle K — What was it like filming in Toronto?

Hollywood keeps calling Toronto, and They’re analogous — horror especially ex- suddenly put into a situation where the big reason is the crews. They prob- plores our nightmares and fears through they’ve got to save the universe. lem-solve like crazy and get the job done. analogy and metaphor. It’s fun as an actor For Derry, we filmed studio scenes in To- because you’re playing in a heightened re- Fave T.O. spots? ronto and also in Port Hope — it has ality. There aren’t psychotic clowns run- The Friendly Greek on the Danforth and ning around in real life, but in this my local is Paupers Pub. —Sadaf Ahsan that perfect New England look.

© sarahmciintyre\Instagram

How did you get involved with this show?

A drag-tacular night

Drag performers plus Taylor Swift is a match made in heaven — especially when Tay BoBo, Toronto’s own TSwift drag impersonator, is around. Celebrate the release at the Drink with a listening party hosted by Swiftie sisters Tay BoBo and Sapphyre Poison, featuring live (and hilarious) reactions to the full album.

Drag impersonator Tay BoBo

| OCTOBER 2025

Toronto actor Peter Outerbridge stars as Chief Clint Bowers in HBO and Crave’s upcoming It: Welcome to Derry, a prequel to Stephen King’s legendary It. He spoke with us about stepping into King’s universe and returning to the horror genre (he’s previously acted in films like Saw VI and Haunter).

© Brooke Palmer\HBO

ONE-ON-ONE T.O. horror star joins HBO ‘It’ prequel

Dance it out

TSwift Dance Party Canada is back with another iconic event: a TS12 launch party at Dprtmnt, run by fans, for fans. This party will be more than just The Life of a Showgirl. Enjoy top hits and deep cuts from every era all night long.

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FALL SHOPPING GUIDE

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27

FASHION CURRENTS

TOO MUCH LEATHER? NEVER!

Fall's forecast is calling for dramatic outerwear — fitted is out, oversized and roomy is in. Our resident fashionista, Jeanne Beker, selects the best leather jackets gone large for a cosy-meets-cool fashion statement this season.

SUPER G LIN H S EAR

TOTALLY TAN: Reformation, SALE

$479, 87 Yorkville Ave. "I love the patch pockets and zippers on the sleeves; this jacket has so many nice details.”

'90S BLAZER: TSC, $369.99, tsc.ca

"This is a really durable, no-nonsense coat that's very timeless and will last you forever."

BELTED MOTO:

By The Namesake, $3,045, 95 Florence St. "This collar is so elegant, and it’s detachable so you get two looks."

'80S STYLE: HiSO, $1,995, hiso.ca "That espresso brown is a hot colour for fall. I love the oversized lapel and the simplicity of the two-button closure. It’s so warm and cosy."

AND SHORT ET SWE

BETTER BOMBER: Mala Boutique, $835, CROPPED BIKER: Lamarque, $675, la-

marquecollection.com "This is a great, fun, sporty little jacket. These oversized drop sleeves aren't your usual kind for a moto.”

2770 Dufferin St. "This is a fun play on the bomber jacket with its oversized sleeves. It would look great with high-waisted pants!"

BUTTERY BLAZER: Ellie Mae, SALE

$1,000, elliemaestudios.com "This is such a beautiful jacket in a rich colour, and the floral lining is really pretty.”

RACING JACKET: Throwback Vault, SALE $169, 550 Queen St. W. "If you really want to make a flashy fashion statement, this is the one for you!"

OLD SCHOOL COOL: I Miss You Man,

$425, 63-E Ossington Ave. "This is beautiful vintage Ralph Lauren, such a nice colour and simple styling."

FAUX SHERPA: Parpar Boutique, $185,

1569 Bayview Ave. "This is a great little jacket. It looks nice and cosy, and I love the styling with this faux shearling."

Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, now watch her on TSC or tune in to her podcast Beyond Style Matters.

| OCTOBER 2025

MEN’S PICKS

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CURRENTS 1

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Like this? Find more eVents At

streetsoFtoronto.Com

OCTOBER’S GREATEST HITS The hottest shows this month include the return of Ryan Reynolds, Talking Heads icon David Byrne, Icelandic-Chinese musician Laufey, Festival of Authors and much more. By Ron Johnson

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RYAN REYNOLDS

LAUFEY

JESSE WELLES

CHILD-ISH

DAVID BYRNE

TELL TALE HARBOUR

Join Ryan Reynolds and special guests for John Candy: I Like Me – An Evening with Ryan Reynolds & Friends on Monday, Oct. 6, at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto, an all-ages screening of the new John Candy documentary.

Grammy-winning IcelandicChinese multi-instrumentalist Laufey brings her A Matter of Time Tour with special guest Suki Waterhouse to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Oct. 19 and 20, in support of her upcoming album A Matter of Time.

Jesse Welles brings his Under The Powerlines Tour to Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall on Oct. 18, following the release of his fifth studio album, Devil’s Den, a cabinrecorded collection that continues his poetic folkrock storytelling.

Tarragon Theatre is set for the Toronto premiere of CHILD-ish (Oct. 21 to Nov. 16), a witty and heartfelt verbatim theatre production where four adult actors perform the exact words of forty children reflecting on love, life and the world.

David Byrne brings An Evening with David Byrne: Who Is the Sky? Tour to Massey Hall in Toronto for three nights, Oct. 21– 23, celebrating his new album Who Is the Sky? with special appearances from musical collaborators, including St. Vincent and Hayley Williams.

Alan Doyle, of Great Big Sea fame, stars in Tell Tale Harbour, a heartwarming and hilarious East Coast musical about a small town’s big scheme to save itself, running until Nov. 2, at the Royal Alexandra Theatre after a sold-out Charlottetown debut.

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FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS

NEKO CASE

HOCUS POCUS

SLAVE PLAY

ROMÉO ET JULIETTE

The Toronto International Festival of Authors runs Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 at Victoria University with more than 100 conversations, masterclasses, talks, and readings, featuring authors such as Rachel Maddow, Rebecca Solnit, Kiran Desai, and Madeleine Thien.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and New Pornographers co-founder Neko Case brings her fearless artistry and lyrical storytelling to Massey Hall on Oct. 20 in support of her new album Neon Grey Midnight Green, with opener Des Demonas.

Disney’s cult classic Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, gets the full concert treatment at Meridian Hall, Oct. 17–18, with the TO Live Orchestra performing the beloved score live to picture — just in time for Halloween.

Canadian Stage presents the Canadian premiere of Jeremy O. Harris’s Slave Play, a provocative, razorsharp satire exploring love, race and relationships, running until Oct. 26 at the Berkeley Street Theatre.

Roméo et Juliette plays at Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre until Oct. 18, reimagining Shakespeare’s tale in Gilded Age New York, featuring Gounod’s sweeping score, the COC Orchestra and Chorus and a cast of magical performers.

GoGo Penguin, the Manchester trio fusing jazz, classical and electronic influences, makes its Koerner Hall debut on Oct. 18, with music from its new album, Necessary Fictions, as part of the Royal Conservatory’s Pop & Beyond series.

29 | OCTOBER 2025

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Sangita also advises a parent who wants to move back to Toronto

Dear Sangita: My mom is obsessed with my ex

| OCTOBER 2025

Dear Sangita: My mom insists on staying in touch with my ex.

We broke up a year ago, and she regularly calls him for updates on his life and recently started going for coffee with him, presumably so he and I can get back together.

Last week, I found out that she's trying to sabotage his new relationship. She needs to let go of him. What do I do? — Mom gone rogue

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about coming back to Toronto.

Life is fine here, but I can't help but feel like it wasn't worth the sacrifice just for a bit more affordability. The kids are settled here now, and I would hate to move them again, but I don't want to do this anymore. Do I have to settle for a mediocre life forever? — Screw the suburbs Dear Suburbs: There is a period where your kids are young and you have to make that sacrifice. I had to leave Toronto for our kids, and I wasn’t happy at first either — I was a downtown child! But if your kids are getting comfortable and making friends, that’s most important. Ask yourself, “Why am I unhappy?” Is it missing your friends? The lack of nightlife? Start planning more trips to the city, whether that’s to visit friends or enjoy the lifestyle you miss about Toronto. It will take time to adjust to the place you’re in. It took me a long time to get settled! But if this is truly better for your kids, then let that be your guiding force as you navigate this new stage of life.

Dear Gone Rogue: She needs to respect your space and what you need. This is really unhealthy and will make it difficult for you to move on. You should be her priority! I don’t know why your ex is choosing to stay in touch with your mom too. Maybe they developed a close bond while you dated. Regardless, they say, when you marry someone, you marry their family — so when you break up with someone, you have to break up with the whole family too! It’s weird that they’re going out for coffee together.

You are completely in the right to ask her to cut off that relationship, at least until you’ve had time to actually process the end Email advice@postcity.com of your own relationship. with your questions for Sangita.

Dear Sangita: We decided to move our family out of the city SANGITA PATEL is our advice and was previously and into a smaller, more afford- columnist a host on ET Canada. able town. Now all I do is dream

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HOW THEY MET CURRENTS

Mary Berg shares her recipe for romance Mary Berg is coming back to the place that started it all. After winning MasterChef Canada in 2016 and kicking off a career that has led to her own talk show, The Good Stuff with Mary Berg, she’s returning to the reality cooking show — this time as a judge!

Ahead of the premiere on Oct. 2, she gave us the scoop on how she stirred up romance with her husband, Aaron Mariash.

How they met

We met in 2009 when we were students at Wilfrid Laurier University. I was in a play for the student-run Fringe Festival, and Aaron was a theatre technician with the venue on campus. During the first day of tech rehearsals, I was sitting in the hallway eating Mike & Ikes, and Aaron walked in wearing a vintage shirt with extremely wide lapels. Now, I love a good vintage look, so I was quick to strike up a conversation and share my snack. Aaron didn’t have much to do during the rehearsals,

Aaron standing there in the freezing rain. While he insists he had a whole speech prepared, he stumbled over the proposal and asked if “I want to keep doing this thing.” I think everyone on the lake heard my answer.

The Halloween routine

Aaron and I were never the biggest Halloween fans, but, unbeknownst to us, we moved onto a "Halloween street." We get about 250 kids every year, and sitting out on the front porch in our hastily thrown together costumes The wedding and honeymoon to hand out candy to the annual We got married at Le Select Bis- cute/spooky parade is one of our tro on Oct. 1, 2016. My mom and favourite nights of the year. dad had one of their first dates at the original Queen West location, The secret to success so it’s always had a special place in We just really like and respect Aaron Mariash and Mary Berg live on what they call a ‘Halloween street’ my heart. We love the restaurant each other. We try to be great lisand knew the food, drinks and teners for each other and always so he took it upon himself to con- third season of MasterChef Ca- decor would be perfect for our deal with issues as a team. We’re veniently hang out on whatever nada. After asking my mom, low-key affair. Aaron’s sister Jenna both extremely supportive of side of the stage I was exiting Myra, for the ring (my nana’s vin- provided the flowers and created each other in personal and workfrom in each scene. There was a tage setting that Aaron reset with food- and floral-themed centre- related matters. lot of downtime backstage, so we new stones), Aaron enlisted Myra pieces for tables in greens and talked a lot, which, in a complete in the plan to surprise me. The golds. My bouquet was a combi- The future together reversal of the current-day norm, weekend after I won MasterChef nation of florals, cabbages, mush- I joke that my dream is to one led to us continuing our chats on- Canada, my mom and I went up rooms and herbs, and Aaron’s day be able to just sit quietly and line after the festival wrapped. north to Muskoka to celebrate. boutonniere had acorns from my drink an entire pot of tea. If that On our way home, we swung by family cottage. A friend of Aaron’s teapot happens to be overlooking The proposal the mainland dock that leads to DJed, and the night ended with an Italian vineyard, I don’t think Aaron planned the proposal while our family cottage, and I saw a our closest friends scream-singing Aaron and I would complain.

I was away competing on the massive bouquet of balloons and “Read My Mind,” by the Killers.

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Food

S E C TIO N

A star is born — and another falls: Michelin's 2025 shakeup

On Sept. 18, Michelin released its 2025 Toronto & Region Guide — and it came with some big shakeups. Niagara’s Restaurant Pearl Morissette ascended to the prestigious two-star level, becoming the only restaurant in the region to hold that distinction.

Toronto’s aKin, helmed by chef Eric Chong, earned its first Michelin Star, while the once unshakable Sushi Masaki Saito was unexpectedly demoted from two stars to one — a dramatic twist for what had been the city’s sole two-star restaurant. The guide also introduced six new Bib Gourmand selections, highlighting great food at good value, with spots like Mhel and Ricky + Olivia joining the ranks. Meanwhile, Sundays in Uxbridge made headlines by earning both a Bib Gourmand and a Green Star for sustainability. Chef Eric Chong was also honoured with Michelin’s Young Chef Award, rounding out a standout year for the aKin kitchen.

Clockwise from left: aKin chef Eric Chong, a dish from new Bib Ricky + Olivia and one from Pearl Morissette

| OCTOBER 2025

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FOOD QUIZ

Look closely — this nose is your clue to a Toronto dining favourite

FOOD FOR THOUGHT 1. Which Italian restaurant in Toronto is famous for its giant nose on the exterior?

A. Enoteca Sociale

C. Gio Rana’s

B. Frankie’s Italian

D. TOCA

2. Who returns as the host for Top Chef Canada Season 12, premiering this month?

A. Massimo Capra

C. Susur Lee

B. Christine Cushing

D. Eden Grinshpan

3. What new show follows former Post City food editor Suresh Doss exploring Canada’s best restaurants?

A. Canada Eating

C. Foodies Unite

B. Locals Only

D. Constant Cravings

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A. John-Vincent Troiano

C. Jamie Kennedy

B. Mark McEwan

D. David Rocco

ANSWERS: 1. C 2. D 3. B 4. A

| OCTOBER 2025

4. Who closed Thornhill’s Michelin-starred Frilu in 2024 to focus on his farm?

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STREETS OF TORONTO FOOD

Bite-Sized Q&A The Frederick brings Cory Vitiello’s greatest hits (and new tricks) Cory Vitiello has been shaping Toronto’s food scene for 20 years, honing his skills at the iconic Harbord Room and even cooking for Meghan Markle before her royal days. Now he brings casual done right to the Frederick, on the ground floor of the historic Dineen Building. Roast chicken gets a fine-dining touch, his famous burger returns and playful desserts like soft-serve mascarpone gelato round out the menu.

Toronto diners get quality without the fuss, while Vitiello keeps the vibe fun— plus a little maple syrup for his son, Barlow.

Which food trend do you wish would disappear forever?

FAST FACTS

The overuse of caviar. Just keep it special.

NAME:

Who is your dream dinner guest?

Cory Vitiello LATE-NIGHT CRAVINGS:

Candy, pastries anything with sugar

CURRENT KITCHEN JAM

Foolish Pleasure

by Dragonette

Why does Toronto need the Frederick?

SECRET INGREDIENT:

Lemon

The city has lots of places where you can eat fast and lots where you can eat fancy Cory Vitiello — but very few where you can eat well without fuss. That’s the gap the Frederick fills. Casual done right is rarer than beef means the patty has that soft, yield- Which restaurant do you still sneak ing texture, and it doesn’t eat like a off to when you’re not working? you’d think. hockey puck. The bun carries as much Regular haunts are becoming fewer and weight as the beef, so the ratio is right, further between, but one we have kept The Harbord Room burger is back. and then the special sauce sneaks in and enjoying over the years is Bar Vendetta.

What makes it so addictive?

It’s the details. Fresh-ground dry-aged pushes all the nostalgia buttons.

Since it’s our Halloween issue: what’s one food experience that still haunts you?

I don’t have one food memory per se, or at least one I’m willing to share, but my true recurring nightmare is a kitchen printer that never stops spitting out orders and my complete inability to serve a single customer.

If your son, Barlow, ran the menu for a day, what would the Frederick be serving?

Buttered noodles and fancy mocktails that are 90 per cent maple syrup by volume. That’s where we’re at now.

—Jennifer Schembri

Beyond Gerrard: Toronto’s top Desi burger spots Find classics and fusion spins in unexpected neighbourhoods

Roncy’s late-night fix

You could walk past the Tummy Section without noticing its simple storefront. Inside, chicken gets a crunchy Kurkure-snack coating, Maharaja versions stack flavour and heat, and the veggie burger is one you’ll want to text about. The kitchen stays open until 4 a.m., with momos and garlic noodles ready for any midnight cravings. 2200 Dundas St. W.

Little Italy gets spicy

Upstairs at Little Italy’s Monarch Tavern, Bindi’s Burgers carves its own lane with halal lamb and beef patties seasoned with northern Indian spices. Cooked Oklahoma style, pressed with onions and finished with mint, cilantro and tomato relish, pair your burger with a creamy mango lassi and soak in the late-night bar vibes. 12 Clinton St.

Buns on Bloor

Chef Nalin grew up in New Delhi and has long been fascinated by the flavours of Indian street food. At Gully, that comes through in crispy tandoori chicken sandwiches, Mumbai Railway Vada Pav and aloo tikki patties stacked with chutneys and pickled onions. Every burger is served with masala fries, a hand-held taste of Indian streets. 521 Bloor St. W.

| OCTOBER 2025

FORKCAST

Always my son, Barlow, and my partner, Martina [Sorbara], but if Larry David pulled up, I’d make room.

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FOOD TASTE TEST

SMASHING PUMPKIN PASTRIES For this Thanksgiving, chefs Anthony Rose and Nuit Regular go all in on pumpkin — but ditch the pie. From lush custards to spiced cakes, they taste-test their way through the city’s sweetest contenders and crown one gourd-geous winner.

BUNT BELIEVABLE: Nuit called Butter Baker’s bundt cake “so cosy,” and Anthony thought it looked “stunning.” Up close, though, the icing was dry, and both agreed the cake itself could have been moister, even if the concept was solid.

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake, Butter Baker, 140 Amber St., Markham, $54

ANTHONY’S WINNER

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

NUIT’S WINNER

MILK IT: Anthony was thrilled with the tres leches, calling it “one of my favourite desserts of all time” and praising its soft, soaked texture and perfect colour. Nuit loved how well it was made and evenly soaked through. Pumpkin Spice Tres Leches, D’Amo, 2269 Kingston Rd., $14

YES, PECAN Nuit raved about the Rolling Pin’s cheesecake, calling it “everything I like — cheesecake, pumpkin, candied pecan, caramel.” Anthony said, “It’s very familiar … probably the most classic thing on the table.” Both agreed it was a definite standout. Pumpkin Candied Pecan Caramel Cheesecake, The Rolling Pin, 1970 Avenue Rd., $35

DOUGH-LISCIOUS: Anthony was impressed with Bloomers vegan doughnut, saying it had “nice flavour and was good looking,” enjoying its soft, filled centre. Nuit said the pumpkin was subtle but wellbalanced, a playful twist on a classic. Pumpkin Pie Doughnut, Bloomers, 715 Queen St., W., $17.40/four

TART ATTACK: Nuit said Paris Baguette’s tarts didn’t pack much pumpkin or spice but would probably be a hit with kids. Anthony called them “slightly overly sweet” and a bit overcooked, though he liked the mellow sweetness and soft custard.

Pumpkin Spice Custard Tart, Paris Baguette, 4841 Yonge St., North York, $8.99

MODERN CROISSANT BOMB SQUAD: Anthony called the Kream Bomb “really good, nice and crispy,” and Nuit noted the cream could use a pinch of salt. She wanted more pumpkin punch but still enjoyed the smooth, savoury finish. Pumpkin Cinnamon Kream Bomb, Kream Dessert, 526 Yonge St., $6.50

FROST BITE: Nuit felt the cupcakes had “way too much spice… like a little numbing” but loved the cream cheese frosting, calling it “perfect.”

Anthony agreed, adding, “It tastes like someone just threw a pumpkin item on the menu without much thought. Pumpkin Spice Cupcake, Sullivan & Bleeker, 142 Martin Ross Ave., $4

| OCTOBER 2025

CHIP OR TREAT: Anthony said Sweetcultura’s cookies “could have been more pumpkiny, more chocolate, salt, of course.” Nuit noted the pumpkin added a subtle savouriness, with colour and texture perfect for the season. Both agreed they were soft and wellmade. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sweetcultura, 245 Eglinton Ave. E., $4.95

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Buns, beef and big cuts Inside Toronto’s carnivore craze

By Jennifer Schembri

Clockwise from left: Bisteccheria Sammarco, Sal’s Pasta and Chops, Bobby Flay of Bobby’s Burgers

signed on for 65 locations across Canada, so this is only the beginning.

Even Leslieville’s getting in on the action. Atomic Burger, a space-themed spot that opened in May, has already developed a cult following with its dry-aged patties butchered and ground inhouse, then aged for 30 days before hitting the griddle. The understated storefront is easy to miss, but Greenwood Park is just steps away — the perfect launchpad for your burger feast.

If Bobby Flay is bringing casual burgers to the city, Rob Rossi and David Minicucci are serving steakhouse sophistication downtown. Bisteccheria Sammarco, which opened in April at Front and Yonge, brings Ontario Prime beef from Cumbrae’s straight to the table, dry-aged on-site for up to 60 days. The dining room is luxe without being stuffy, with alfresco seating out front perfect for people-watching.

The menu highlights standout cuts: 32-ounce dry-aged Ribeye ($280) dominates the table, while Bombette alla Griglia ($35) — Iberico pork wrapped in pancetta and smoked scamorza — offers a fun Italian twist. Grilled lamb ribs ($28) with toasted almonds,

quinoa and agrodolce show the team’s knack for flavour-forward meat dishes. Tableside pasta and a 700-label wine list round out the Sammarco experience.

“We’re very fortunate to be serving some of the best quality meat in the country, and what makes it even more special is that it’s exclusive to us,” says Rossi.

“We’re incredibly proud of that.”

And Toronto’s steak scene just got a little wilder. Enter Animl, the latest beast from Charles Khabouth, the mind behind Akira Back and Pink Sky. Replacing Hyde Social at 420A Wellington St. W., this new steak house takes a more intimate, less cavernous approach to indulgence — think dark woods, bold animal prints and 1970s glamour that wouldn’t look out of place at Studio 54. Executive chef Marc Cheng, who honed his culinary skills at spots that include George and Patria, leads the kitchen, joined by Michael Degrazia, a two-decade veteran including time at Alobar. Together, they’re reworking classic steak house fare, from dry-aged steaks to high-end seafood. Wagyu fans can chase Japanese A5 Miyazaki ($98) or a Wagyu Trio ($230) to taste a global flight of luxury beef.

For something a little off-menu, the signature pastrami made from Mishima Ranch Wagyu ($28) blends house-made mustard and bergamot aioli for a punch of flavour that nods to classic deli techniques.

“Animl is about redefining the concept, offering an elevated journey from the interior design to the overall experience,” says Khabouth.

Not all indulgence comes in slabs of dry-aged beef. Sal’s Pasta & Chops in Little Italy proves that chops and sausages can be just as satisfying. From the team behind Lucia and Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, Michael Sangregorio and Fabio Bondi serve homemade pastas alongside hearty, nostalgia-inspired meats.

Bone-in veal parm ($38) comes smothered in tomato sauce, garlic butter and mozzarella, while lamb chops ($34) arrive with Fabio’s mom’s caponata and mint gremolata. Named for their fathers, the walls are lined with vintage photos honouring their early days in Canada, adding a personal touch to the airy, 70-seat space.

If you love meat, consider this your permission to indulge, over and over again.

CLASSIC CUTS

Barberian’s

HOUSE OF CHAN EST. 1957/58 Forest Hill spot famed for steak and Canadian-Chinese classics, “The Chan” attracted T.O.’s elite for decades before relocating to Eglinton West in 2015.

BARBERIAN’S EST. 1959 This landmark serves charcoal-grilled steak, houses 30,000 wines and showcases Group of Seven works.

BLACK ANGUS EST. 1964 A pioneer of Angus beef in Canada, the steak house still serves its original caesar salad with curry dressing.

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Forget Kendrick, forget Drake — Toronto’s real beef is on the plate. The city’s meat scene is exploding, with new steak houses, butcher-driven concepts and flame-grilled hot spots popping up left and right. Rising meat costs haven’t slowed things down; diners are still craving indulgent, protein-packed meals and restaurants know they’ll pay for quality cuts done right. From high-end steaks at Michelin-starred chefs’ new ventures to casual spots serving burgers and dogs, carnivores finally have a sizzling playground.

Enter Bobby Flay, the chef known for his grill mastery, Iron Chef battles, and a seemingly endless run of Food Network shows. Bobby’s Burgers is set to open soon in the downtown core with smashed certified Angus beef, charred just right, tucked into a brioche bun, and yes, potato chips are snuck in for crunch.

There’s a Brunch Burger with bacon and fried egg, a Nacho Burger with queso and blue corn chips and a veggie option stacked with mushrooms, chickpeas and quinoa. Fries are customizable, shakes are spoon bending, and everything tastes like it was made with Flay’s 40 plus years of culinary know how. The chef has

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THE STORY BEHIND THE BUSINESS Aimée Finlay Business Owner Beestung Lingerie 2624 Yonge Street

416-481-4829 • beestunglingerie.com Beestung owner Aimée Finlay first opened the doors to her lingerie store in the uptown Yonge Street community back in 2006. This year she is thrilled to be celebrating her 19th year in business. Her continued success is in large part due to her incredible staff and their excellent customer service and bra fittings, as well as her partnership with the very best lingerie and swim collections. Since she first opened her doors 19 years ago, the local community has become

Diana Sideris Restaurateur Tabülè Middle Eastern Cuisine 2009 Yonge St. + 810 Queen St. E. + 234 Lakeshore Rd E.

416-483-3747 + 416 465 2500 • www.tabule.ca Diana Sideris and husband Rony Goriachy planned to open a Middle Eastern restaurant. In 2006, they opened Tabülè and rave reviews followed. They don’t aim to be edgy; instead, they take the traditional route, focusing on fresh, delicious food served by welcoming staff. They doubled the size of the original Yonge St. location and expanded services to include delivery, catering and a thriving wholesale division. Their second location at 810 Queen St. E. opened in May 2013 and be-

Rob and Geneviève Owners

Fair Catch Fishmongers 3303 Yonge Street 1543 Bayview Ave.

416-901-3474 • www.faircatch.ca Greeting you as you walk into Fair Catch Fishmongers are Rob and Geneviève, the husband and wife team and owners since 2020. Both share a passion for seafood and a great respect for the wellbeing of the oceans, lakes, and rivers.

“We try to make shopping for seafood easy and fun,” said Rob. “Our customers appreciate that we source as much of our fish from Canada as possible, to support local fishermen and reduce the environmental impact of importing from

so much more aware of the importance of shopping locally and supporting independent retailers and are now more conscious of the positive impact their choices can have on the overall well-being of their community. When asked what we can look forward to this season Aimée says “Classic nightwear silhouettes are reimagined in eco-friendly textiles made from renewable resources like beech wood and recycled fibers. In lingerie, pretty wearable neutrals dominate and wire-free bralettes are still in high-demand. We are excited to offer an excellent selection of luxury swim and lingerie from lines including SHAN, Eberjey, Simone Perele, Marie Jo and more.” Head over to Beestung at 2624 Yonge Street and get ready to find that perfect piece!

came one of the most anticipated openings of the year.

While keeping their core menu intact, they introduced more gluten-free options, vegan selections and a refined cocktail list. In July 2016, their third location launched in the Canary District, followed by a fourth in Bayview Village Mall that fall. This summer, they opened another chapter: a fifth location at 234 Lakeshore Rd E. in downtown Oakville, marking another milestone in their journey. They credit success to building strong relationships with clientele and consistently delivering high-quality food and service. “People keep coming back and telling others and that is success to me,” says Rony. Tabülè has earned numerous accolades, including Best Middle Eastern Restaurant by several magazines, Best World Cuisine, Top 100 Restaurants 2010 by Joanne Kates for Post City Magazines, Best of Toronto

by Toronto Life and a Zagat rating of Excellent.

across the globe.” They’ve even partnered with Ocean Wise to ensure all their products meet strict standards of sustainability. The shop offers premium fresh fish and shellfish, including sushi-grade tuna and organic salmon, shucked oysters, steamed lobsters, and seafood platters. They also smoke their own fish in-house, such as salmon, trout, and arctic char, and make crab cakes, chowders, and other prepared foods as well. Fair Catch Fishmongers is a local destination for customers in North Toronto to purchase highquality, sustainable seafood, safe in the knowledge that their purchase is fresh and ethically sourced. In addition to their Yonge Street store Rob and Geneviève have opened a second location on Bayview Avenue, expanding their reach and commitment to providing sustainable seafood to even more customers.

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An Armenian kebab shop opens in T.O.

L-R: Seahorse’s sleek bar, a dish on the raw seafood menu

Oyster king’s son brings new catch to Rosedale What happens when a national oyster shucking champion and the sous-chef from a Michelin-starred restaurant team up to open a brand new seafood and oyster restaurant?

Rosedale diners can find out this month when Seahorse opens on Yonge Street.

Eamon Clark — son of Toronto oyster king Rodney Clark of Rodney’s Oyster House fame — recently took home his 11th Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship.

But oysters aren’t the only thing he’s serving this autumn. Together with restaurateurs Richard Renaud (Piano Piano, Speducci, Marcato) and Simon Bower (Lucien, Mercer Street Grill, YYZ), Clark is set to open Seahorse, a new seafood-focused spot in Summerhill.

“We've had our eyes on the spot for over two years, and we thought it would be great

to make a really warm, inviting, hospitable place that features great seafood, amazing service and oysters,” says Bower. “We saw it as a really good place for the community and for those around us.”

Bower designed the 38-seat restaurant, which the team completely renovated into a fresh concept for the neighbourhood.

With its vibrant red entrance, Seahorse nods to rural France in the 1960s and ’70s, blending vintage lighting and exposed brick with modern touches.

The kitchen is led by executive chef Federico Garcia, formerly sous-chef at Michelin-starred Quetzal. His menu promises a raw seafood program, daily fish and pasta specials and vegetarian-friendly plates, plus Seahorse’s signature Ice Box, stacked with mussels, clams and oysters. For Clark, it’s more than just seafood — it’s personal.

“My dad taught me the value of hard work and the importance of treating oysters and seafood with care and respect. He showed me that hospitality is about making each guest feel like the most important person in the room.”

That same ethos is baked into Seahorse, where Clark hopes even oyster skeptics will find themselves converted.

“You have to trust me — it’s far milder, fresher and more refreshing than you’d ever expect.”

Those eats can be paired with Renaud’s expansive list of craft cocktails, as well as wines and Old World champagnes largely sourced from France.

Seahorse will be opening this month at 1226 Yonge St., from Tuesdays to Saturdays, beginning at 5 p.m., with plans to expand to six nights per week. —Megan Gallant

The team behind Toronto’s acclaimed Armenian fine-dining restaurant Taline has launched Giragi, the city’s first ArmenianLebanese kebab shop, now open in the Well.

The Yacoubian brothers — Seb, Saro and Serouj — bring their fire-grilled kebab sandwiches and bowls to the new space, and guests can also expect the same culinary ethos that earned Taline a Michelin nod, now presented in a casual format.

Building on family traditions, Taline honours the brothers’ late mother, and Giragi pays tribute to their father. “Giragi,” meaning “Sunday” in Armenian, nods to the family day when he could often be found at the grill.

“In Armenia and Lebanon, kebab sandwiches are a way of life,” executive chef and partner Seb Yacoubian says. “They’re the food you grab after work, share with friends or eat standing up on the street.”

Giragi serves kebab sandwiches on house-made flatbread, loaded with fresh herbs and bright, bold sauces. Salads and sides include citrusy fattoush, tabule, basturma croquettes with whipped feta aïoli and blistered green beans with fennel tahini and pomegranate.

And as a nod to the man who ruled the Sunday grill, the space features a playful cartoon mascot inspired by the Yacoubians’ dad.

— Nisean Lorde

A restaurant fit for royalty lands in North York Toronto has a new Turkish spot on Finch Avenue West, where fusion flavours, generous platters and a plush, vintage-inspired interior set the tone for a memorable meal.

At Ziyafet Modern Turkish Cuisine, diners are greeted by a room that feels fit for royalty — marble tabletops, unique chandeliers and golden accents gleam against a moody backdrop, creating a lavish setting for every meal.

“Ziyafet” translates to “feast” or “banquet,” and the menu lives up to the name, blending traditional dishes with inventive twists.

Standouts include a Turkish taco filled with slow-roasted doner, hummus and vegetables, and mixed grilled platters layered with buttery naan. Fresh mezes, sizzling kebabs, grilled steaks and vegetarian options round out the offerings, all designed to be shared.

True to its name, Ziyafet serves a 30-item unlimited traditional breakfast for $30 per person every day. Menemen lovers, rejoice — you can reorder as much as you like, and the platters are perfect for enjoying with friends or family on a weekend morning.

The drink menu pairs rare Turkish spirits with classic and inventive cocktails, including a fiery mix of vodka, spicy şalgam juice, lemon, hot sauce and a sumac-chili rim. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays keeps the energy lively, giving diners a reason to stay well into the night.

The combination of bold flavours, theatrical presentation and an inviting atmosphere makes Ziyafet a rare spot where the feast truly lives up to its name. It’s a destination worth seeking out even for those not in the neighbourhood.

—MG

| OCTOBER 2025

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LEARN DEVELOP GROW powersoccer.ca

416-425-6062 Vero Sandwiches offers freshly baked schiacciata

Rick Silver ranks fall's best and worst sammies Toronto’s dining scene never slows and neither does food influencer Rick Silver (@dicksworld). He’s back with his unfiltered takes on four sandwich spots — some hitting the mark, others missing it. When Rick speaks, you listen.

TD Wealth Private Investment Advice A disciplined approach to reaching your goals Devote your time to what is important to you and delegate the day-to-day management of your investments to a professional you trust.

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Start a conversation today with Zoe. Zoe Joyce Kiousis, CIM®, FCSI® Senior Portfolio Manager, Senior Investment Advisor

| OCTOBER 2025

66 Wellington St.W., 36th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5K 1A2 Tel: 416-982-2126 | zoe.kiousis@td.com | zoejoycekiousis.com

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The Q-ssis Wealth Management Group is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse

The Q-ssis Wealth Management Group is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. which is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. All trademarks are the property of their respective Canada Inc. which is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ® The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries. owners. ® The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.

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DF23-37

wrap whose girth is truly unrivaled. 2104 Hwy. 7, Concord The Rating: 9.5/10 Last Bite: Plan for a light dinner.

3. Saving Gigi

I’m curious who Gigi is and why she needs saving, but I 1. Vero Sandwiches didn’t love her breakfast Located on Queen sandwich. The egg West, this spot just didn’t fit the POP’S PICKS bakes its own bun — or maybe Dad’s features schiacciata, a the bun didn’t fit breakfast sandwiches thin Tuscan verthe egg. Either crafted by Giuseppe way, a round bission of focaccia.

Sansone, formerly of cuit supporting a Freshly sliced Pizzeria Badiali. round egg seems meats, quality crelike a basic requiremas and veggies ment. 859 Bloor St. W. come together to create some of the best sandwiches The Rating: 7.4/10 I’ve had this year. They even Last Bite: Get the bacon. sang happy birthday to my 4. Dad’s Breakfast & Coffee wife. 477 Queen St. W. The Rating: 9.4/10 Opening a spot called Dad’s on Last Bite: Try one of their Ital- Father’s Day is next-level. This ian sodas. tiny takeout joint serves just one thing: breakfast sand2. Pita Golden Pocket wiches. OK, they also do really Shawarma good coffee slushies. My son Expect a line, and expect it to took me there on opening day. move slowly. There’s only one Follow him at @hungry.corey if person behind the counter, you want to see more of our wrapping what might be the foodie adventures. 1473 Dunfattest, tastiest pita shawarma das St. W. in the GTA. Mountains of The Rating: 9/10 chicken or falafel and veggies Last Bite: Take your dad. are packed in, then wrapped impossibly tight, resulting in a

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Ossington's tiny perfect steak house comes to the Annex

Côte de Boeuf’s storefront evokes Parisian vibes

Toronto’s Côte de Boeuf has long been a standout experience and French training, the two have built on Ossington Avenue, a slice of Paris in the city, a collaboration over years that shapes everything beloved for its unpretentious yet impeccable — from the menu to the ambience, down to the smallest design details.

French fare.

A zinc-topped bar, a signature of French brasFounded by Teo Paul and managed by Eamon O’Dea, the restaurant has earned a loyal following series, will be added as the greeting point for for over a decade. Paul is also behind Ossington’s guests.

“It’s emblematic of what we want here,” O’Dea Union, Hamilton’s Le Tambour and Heart’s in says. “Guests can grab a glass of wine, soak Grey County, each known for their thoughtin the vibe and really feel welcome, ful, ingredient-driven menus and rustic whether they’re stopping in for coffee warmth.

FRENCH or a full meal.”

Now, Paul and O’Dea are partnerSTAPLE Although Brasserie Côte will exing to bring that same Côte de Guests will be pand its menu to include breakfast Boeuf magic to a new neighbourwelcomed by a sleek, and lunch, it will also feature signahood. Brasserie Côte will take over zinc-topped bar at ture Côte de Boeuf classics, includthe former By the Way Café at Brasserie Côte. ing steak frites and other hearty, Bloor and Brunswick, a local fixture timeless dishes. The head chef has not for more than 40 years, and transform yet been announced, and the team is tarit into a modern French brasserie with allgeting a December 2025 opening. day appeal.

“We’re excited to introduce this space to both “We literally got the keys three weeks ago, so we’re still in the early stages,” says O’Dea. “But the longtime fans and new diners in the Annex. It’s idea is to carry the spirit of Côte de Boeuf while about creating a welcoming, French-inspired brasmaking this a true neighbourhood spot — open serie that reflects the neighbourhood while staying for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a large patio true to Côte de Boeuf ’s DNA,” O’Dea says. Says Brasserie Côte will open at 400 Bloor St. W., that really brings energy to the space.”The partnership between Paul and O’Dea is at the heart of just in time for the holiday season.

Brasserie Côte’s vision. Drawing on their shared —Jennifer Schembri

Are you thinking of having a baby?

The Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team (SAFHT), are happy to share we are accepting pregnant patients and newborns for prenatal and family medicine care.

Access to primary care is one of the most important health issues facing Ontarians today, including here in North Toronto. At SAFHT, we are committed to meeting the needs of our community.

Why a primary care provider?

• Your first point of contact for health concerns • Preventative care and early detection of illness • Ongoing, coordinated care for you and your family We provide care across the lifespan — including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care through our Family Medicine Obstetrics team.

Pregnancy is an important opportunity to improve the health of not one but two generations, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

You can contact us at family4birth@sunnybrook.ca or scan the QR code for more information.

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contact@cmbh.ca 416.855.2624 cmbh.ca

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Borderline Personalityy Disorder 505 Eglinton n Avvee. W W..

Suite 200 Toronto, ON Epos Café Couture offers a little slice of Europe

| OCTOBER 2025

New Yorkville café channels Parisian cool

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Brunch, all-day coffee, crepes, voury crepes, the signature Epos hidden patio, local art, live Benedict and brioche French music: Epos Café Couture is toast. Dinner blends French quietly turning Yorkville into a technique with Asian and Mediterranean touches, from halibut little slice of Paris.

“Yorkville is all about art, the over potato espuma to chicken fashion industry and music, and ballotine.

To add to the European exit pretty much reminds me of Europe,” says owner Arpina perience, on Saturdays during Andreasyan. “I wanted to bring dinner service Epos will be an experience that feels like hosting live music — think jazz stepping into a Parisian salon musicians playing piano and sax where you can find fine dining — and art shows to evoke even more memories of time spent and fashion, art and music.” in Paris.

Stepping into Epos, “I want to comyou immediately bine dining and notice the YorkSECRET SOIREES entertainment so ville elegance — Epos hosts events guests can enjoy ornamental like Tales After Dusk, the cuisine while chandeliers, tiled where guests solve feeling part of the floors and sleek mysteries in an interartistic comminimalist design. active setting. munity,” says AnEuropean style dreasyan. comes alive in vibrant Andreasyan hopes to offer artwork depicting French life, extending to a hidden patio. not just exceptional food, but Surrounded by lush greenery on the attentive service and a brick floor, the patio offers a thoughtful hospitality that dequiet, European-style escape in fine her vision of true luxury.

“Yes, we’re in a luxurious the heart of the city. And Andreasyan wants you to know Yorkville space, but for me, luxury isn’t just about design, art or your dogs are invited too.

“I always make sure I have food,” she says. “It’s about caring snacks for them,” she says. for people and making them feel it. I want guests to feel at “They are our VIP guests.”

Sip coffee and savour freshly home.”

Epos Café Couture is open at baked artisan treats daily, or tackle the brunch menu — 8 90 Yorkville Ave. a.m. to 3 p.m. — with classic sa—Megan Gallant

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L-R: Lonely Diner’s caviar fish filet, the bar’s ’70s-style interior

‘Lonely’ new diner is anything but Despite its name, Lonely Diner isn’t going it alone. Behind the bar at this new College and Bathurst cocktail spot are veteran mixologists from some of Toronto’s top establishments.

The bar is the latest from Andrew and Christine Pham, the brother-sister duo behind the Midnight Market and Big Trouble.

“We’ve always wanted to create something that reflects our style through both food and drinks, and opening a cocktail bar felt like the natural next step,” says Andrew.

Joining the duo is Lonely Diner’s bar manager, Jon Kim

who worked at Big Trouble for a number of years. Behind the bar and the menu, he’s joined by veteran mixologists Kaleb Hansen — of BarChef fame — and Sasha Siegel, formerly of Bar Banane.

Lonely Diner tips its hat to the past. The “Lonely” comes from Lonely Bar, a speakeasy at Midnight Market curated by Kim that Andrew calls their “baby step” toward this new venture. The “Diner” is a nod to Mars Food, the beloved spot that stood at 432 College Street from 1951 until its closure in 2021.

Lonely Diner swerves from

standard bar bites with plates like caviar fish filet, stracciatella toast and shrimp shishitos. And despite the name, the menu is built for sharing — a move that’s already earned the spot plenty of friends.

The talented mixologists have crafted an eclectic menu that is wide-ranging and which Andrew says he hopes captures a “nostalgic” taste of Toronto.

“So far the reception has been very good, and we’re just happy to be open and have people come in and experience the space and our cocktails and our food — it’s a very wonderful experience.”

—Megan Gallant

Mister Wheel rolls into North York Mister Wheel, a new dessert spot just steps from North York Centre Station, opened earlier this month with a fresh spin on Taiwanese-style wheel cakes.

Crispy on the outside and gooey within, these pancake-like pastries — known as wheel pies or red bean cakes — are baked in round moulds that give them their signature shape. Traditionally filled with red bean paste, they now come stuffed with everything from custard and chocolate to cheese and even savoury fillings.

Each cake is made on a special iron griddle: batter is poured, filling added to the centre, then topped with more batter and sealed into a perfect wheel. Instagrammers rave about eating them hot for peak flavour, praising options like Earl Grey milk tea, Matcha with mochi, custard, pistachio, black sesame, savoury bacon with potato and even

a limited-edition Canadian maple sugar wheel.

You might wait a few minutes for your order, but customers love that “every pie is prepared fresh right in front of you,” with “fluffy pancakelike dough, a crispy exterior, and generous fillings that aren’t too sweet.”

Wheel cakes originally hail from Japan, where they’re known as imagawayaki, and date back to the Edo period. Throughout the years, they’ve become popular street foods in Japan and Taiwan, so these delicious treats will bring Torontonians a nostalgic taste from East Asia.

Mister Wheel was founded in Taiwan in 2017, and the North York branch marks the brand’s first location in North America. Visit Mister Wheel at 5317 Yonge St., North York, inside the Upper East Food Club.

—Nisean Lorde

| OCTOBER 2025

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welcome to our CHAMBER OF CHILLS

DRAKE-ULA, THE WORLD’S FIRST VAMPIRE HIP-HOP ARTIST!

ROCKY HORROR’S MAGENTA:

RETURN OF THE COSTUME PARTY

50 YEARS OF TIME WARPING FUN

Skeledance

Skeledance is Toronto’s annual skeletonthemed costume rave. Held at Revival, it mixes electronic beats, wild costumes and a spooky Halloween vibe — drawing partygoers for a bizarre (and bony) blast.

Rocky Horror Picture Show begins with a pair of lips, Patricia Quinn’s lips to be exact, singing “Science Fiction/Double Feature.”

Fifty years later, the woman who played Magenta is in Toronto as part of a special screening at Roy Thomson Hall on Oct. 28.

Halloween on Church

Halloween on Church is Canada’s biggest Halloween party, turning Church Street into an incredible, all-ages celebration of wild and unique costumes, creativity and good community spirit.

Where did Magenta come from?

She stepped into my shoes. I made her up. She didn’t exist until she came out of my imagination.

How did it all begin?

It first began onstage at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1973. It was in a 60-seat room with wooden chairs, no stage, just a flat floor — no curtain, we couldn’t afford one.

Within a week, Mick Jagger and Bowie were queuing on the stairs to get in.

And Magenta’s role was smaller onstage in the beginning?

At first, Magenta wasn’t that interesting to me. What I really loved was playing the Usherette and singing “Science Fiction/Double Feature.” [Later, the song featured in the film with those famous lips on screen.]

How did the movie end up being beloved still after 50 years?

At first, they couldn’t give it away. Nobody wanted it. Then a brilliant young man at 20th Century Fox said the only way to market it was to put it on every campus in America at midnight. That’s how it started.

Eternally Yours: The Musical

GOTH BINGO NIGHT

Goth Bingo Night at This campy horror musical Ground Control blends hits the Annex Theatre this campy fun with dark flair, Halloween, spinning a love serving up classic, goth and story of weddings, Elvis and Tim Burton–themed bingo vampires into a brand new rounds, with prizes from musical packed with rolocal makers, to support mance, dark comedy and Parkdale Community plenty of bite.

Food Bank.

HAUNTED HOUSES LEGENDS OF HORROR

Casa Loma is transformed into Legends of Horror, an immersive theatre experience where visitors walk a two-kilometre trail through the castle’s tunnels, confronting scary scenes and spaces never before open to the public.

SCREEMERS

Toronto’s oldest haunted house, Screemers returns to Assembly Park in Vaughan with seven haunted mazes, unlimited midway rides, live scare actors and the infamous Vampire Lounge.

HALLOWEEN DRAG BRUNCH

This event at Parlour promises a campy, sing-along spectacle with stars from Canada’s Drag Race and Dragula belting out hits from Wicked to Rent, while guests sip cocktails and soak up the spooky vibes.

Haunted CRUISE

The Haunted Halloween Boat Party Cruise turns the harbour into a floating nightclub, with 500 costumed revellers dancing across three decks, with DJs and live acts and the city skyline as a spooky backdrop.

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t h g i n Fright BAR

S

NIGHTMARE BEFORE BAR

Skulls, coffins and eerie-orange cocktails await at Crafty Coyote, Oct. 1 to Nov. 2. Sip spine-chilling creations like Griselda’s Revenge and Corpse Flower. Halloween never tasted so wicked.

511 Bloor St. W.

LAGOON YOU SOON: T.O.’S CREEPIEST HAUNT IS BACK

HELLBAR

This ghoulish bar returns with wicked cocktails and forbidden bites. Dare to share ghost stories, face your deadliest sins and experience chilling Halloween events all season.

739 Queen St. W.

EERIE ELIXIRS SIP THE DARK SIDE

Storm Crow Manor, always a touch macabre, presents Black Sabbath, its Halloween twist on the French 75. Gin, cassis, sparkling wine, lemon and soda make this witches’ favourite a bewitching sip. 580 Church St.

From Black Lagoon’s Toronto debut in 2021, this Halloween pop-up — co-created by (L-R) Kelsey Ramage and Erin Hayes — has spread its eerie magic across North America. Hayes shares the inspirations that keep the season dark, immersive and deliciously unforgettable.

Playful Potions Await

Halloween at the Wych gets delightfully mischievous Oct. 31. Sip Lexy, will you Marry Me? cocktails, revisit last year’s Wych’s Wart and enjoy a night of wickedly stylish drinks.

1150 Davenport Rd.

Did you know right away this spooky little idea could be huge?

A few nights into our very first year in Toronto, we suddenly had a line down the block. We were completely mind-blown.

Thirty-eight cities this year — do people party differently in T.O. vs. New Orleans or L.A.?

Definitely — and that’s part of the fun! You’ll see everything from spooky drag shows to themed DJ nights to all sorts of Halloween-friendly events that reflect each city’s personality.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever seen go down in a Black Lagoon bar?

Our very first year, we hired a fire-breather to entertain the crowd outside on Halloween night, but we didn’t expect him to come inside the bar and start breathing fire. It was amazing, but we were absolutely terrified.

What’s been your best costume ever?

I have done an amazing Edward Scissorhands, but my favourite costume was Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. I aim for at least five to 10 costumes every year.

Black Lagoon takes over The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall Oct 3 to 31. 187 Bay St.

GOTHIC NIGHTS

Keg Mansion has seen tragedy and hauntings: a devoted maid reportedly took her life, a young boy fell down the stairs and Lillian Massey’s presence is said to still linger.

515 Jarvis St.

SINFUL SWEETS Tempting Treats

Step inside Ricardo’s Kandy Korner, where 450+ imported treats twist the aisles into a candy labyrinth. Every corner lures with temptation. Can you escape without a bag full of mischief? Eaton Centre, ground floor Wicked Delights

The Candy Bar is a haven luring with imported treats, handcrafted chocolates and eerie delights — where else would you find Prawn Cocktail Crisps or a Cadbury Curly Wurly? 849 College St.

SPIRITS LINGER

The Boiler House, now El Catrin, once paired fine dining with paranormal activity — flying bottles and ghostly apparitions. Since El Catrin took over, the hauntings have (mostly) vanished.

18 Tank House Ln.

Alley of the Undone

PHANTOM FARE

Flush of the Unseen

Paddock Tavern, once the Since the mid-’90s, the Slither Club, saw gangster Frog: A Firkin Pub has been rivalries and mysterious a magnet for the unexincidents in its back rooms. plained: vanished jackets, Today, unexplained footsteps mysterious flushes and washand lingering presences hint room hauntings keep pathat the past hasn’t fully left. trons — and cleaning crews 178 Bathurst St. — on edge. 4854 Yonge St.

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R E N R O KIDS’ C EVE

NTS

HOWL IN HIGH PARK

Get ready to hike through the woodlands of High Park for Halloween Howl. Learn about creatures that emerge at night, make Halloween-themed art and enjoy a campfire — in costume, of course! Oct. 19

SEANCE RESURRECTION: 10 YEARS OF GHOSTLY CHATS

TWO-FOR-ONE FUN

Head to Sherway Gardens until Nov. 1 for Halloween Nights of Lights, an immersive light show featuring Mini Milo, a new 22-foot-tall lightup jack-o’-lantern. Then stop by the Pumpkinville fall fair (home to 15,000 pumpkins).

HAUNTED WALKS SUPERNATURAL SIGHTINGS

Trust the Haunted Walk to take you to T.O.’s most eerie spots. Hear about the supernatural phenomena and ghostly encounters at places like the Distillery District or the Village at Black Creek — one of the city’s most active sites.

Toronto’s leading mindreader Jaymes White returns for his 10th anniversary with the Beverley Street Séance. He’ll be inviting a small group to attend an authentic Victorian era séance to commune with the dead just in time for Halloween and running until Nov. 30.

T.O.’s HAUNTED PAST

Exhibition Place is teeming with secrets — if you know where to find them. After Dark Tours will take you through its haunted past and share some chilling discoveries only known to staff who worked the late shift. Dates TBA.

How did this whole seance thing start?

It’s kind of crazy. When I first started, I thought it would just be a one-time thing. That first year everything sold out so fast, and we had a 900-person waiting list. I thought, maybe I have something here.

And what is this year’s haunted location?

This is the first time we’re going back to a location — the George Brown mansion. It was a fan favourite, and during that séance we caught the most unexplained footage ever.

So for the 10th anniversary, it felt right to return. what scary stuff happened last time?

One night three chairs went flying. We caught it on camera with people in the audience watching. We released the footage, and to this day I have no idea how that makes sense. do you ever get skeptics who change their minds?

All the time. Skeptics are my favourite — they’re easier than believers. They just need a little push, and often they become believers.

T.O. DARK ARTS MARKET

The annual Hallowmas Market is back at Ground Control, and it’s the place to be if you opt for treats over tricks.

Shop over 40 vendors offering their coolest, creepiest stuff, from demonic artwork to witchy jewelry. Oct. 18

COSTUMES FOR THE WHOLE COVEN RENT FROM THE BIG SCREEN

Thunder Thighs Costumes does a lot of business with the movie and film industry, but this time of year it also rents out one-of-a-kind costumes. Here, the early trick-or-treater gets the best costume, so don't delay. 16 Busy St. FROM HILARIOUS TO HORRIFYING

A hidden gem for funky themed attire in T.O., Candy’s Costume Shop is especially known for its decade picks — think flappers and hippies — as well as some funny finds (like the “upside down dude”). 685 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

OCTOBER WITCH MARKET

For four weekends, Made for Me Marketplace transforms into the October Witch Market. This magical gathering features occult treasures, tarot readings and tinctures for your most potent potions.

BAZAAR OF THE BIZARRE

mmaacrakbertes

The name says it all — taking over Parkdale Hall this month is a marketplace for all things dark, macabre, weird, whimsical and, well, bizarre! Shop skeleton jewelry, unearthly prints & more. Oct. 18

T.O. SUNDAY MARKET’S HALLOWEEN MARKET

Head back to Parkdale Hall later this month for a spinetingling good time during Halloweekend. Toronto Sunday Market’s Halloween edition will feature shopping, treats and plenty of themed fun. Oct. 26

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Kids

SE C TION

Fourteen Toronto schools battled it out for the ultimate prize: a visit from a pro sports team mascot and, of course, those all-important bragging rights! Kudos to all the participants — every mascot is a true school spirit champ! The competition garnered more than double the number of votes than in past years; over 87,000 poured in last month. Bishop Strachan School took top prize, with St. Clement’s School in second place. To celebrate their win, the Bobcat and Bishop Strachan School were visited by the Toronto Raptor, who scored a backwards half-court shot in the gym, danced with teachers and brought the energy with handstands in the middle of class!

Clockwise from left: Carlton the Bear, the Toronto Raptor and Ace the Blue Jay at Post City’s office; Bishop Strachan’s Bobcat with the Raptor; 2022 winner, Crescent School’s Wiley Coyote

| OCTOBER 2025

13th Annual Private School Mascot Rivalry

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THE KIDS POST

Give your child validation, rather than empty reassurance

Helping kids find their school year groove Toronto’s Most Awarded A Music Scho ool

Sign up for music lessons and save $91 with fre ee registration, free first lesson,, and a Back to School Supplie es Kit!

| OCTOBER 2025

*Back To To School Kit available for new students only y.

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647-748-2787 TorontoArtsAcademy.co om 386 Eglinton Ave Wes st

A month into the school year is a good time for parents to check in. Dr. Alex Russell, a Toronto clinical psychologist and co-author of Drop the Worry Ball, has spent more than 20 years helping families navigate school stress and has spoken at private schools across the city, including Crescent School. He notes that anxiety shows up differently by age, but parents can always help by responding with understanding and validation.

“For younger children, anxiety often shows up as avoidance — a reluctance or outright refusal to go to school. Parents should believe in their child’s capacity to go to school and stay at school and trust the teacher’s ability to help them manage anxiety once they get there,” he says.

For older kids, Russell says stress often takes one of two forms. Some withdraw completely, retreating into video games or other “alternative realities.” Others throw themselves into the high-pressure, marks-driven culture, carrying so much stress they may experience panic attacks or sleepless nights.

Validation is key, not empty reassurance.

“The one thing they needed

from you when they tripped over a crack and hurt their knee was your compassionate, empathetic understanding. What always works is validation — really listening and picking up on what they’re feeling.”

Parent-teacher interviews offer another important opportunity for support. For younger children, Russell encourages both parents to attend, and for older kids it’s best to let them take the lead.

Private schools can make pressures like perfectionism and intense marks competition more visible, but Russell notes these challenges aren’t fundamentally different from public school stu.

The real problem, he says, is that students often lose connection with the joy of learning, focusing only on the next grade or the next test.

Russell offers a simple parenting mantra to keep in mind: “Never react, always respond.

Reacting is three things: it's immediate, it's emotional and it's unilateral. Responding is the opposite. You've given yourself a chance to think, it's thought through, it's delayed, and you've given yourself a chance to consult your co-parent. It's a we response as opposed to an I reaction.” —Jennifer Schembri

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THE KIDS POST

AFTER-SCHOOL RULES Balance can sometimes feel like a myth when it comes to extracurricular life after 3 p.m. We asked a few of Toronto’s celeb parents for their tips to win the after-school hustle.

SEAN JONES

Juno Award–winning R & B Artist

In a world that feels uncertain, Jewish day schools are your place of

BELON NGING.

TRACI MELCHOR

Senior correspondent, Etalk

TEACH THEM RESILIENCE

LET YOUR KIDS LEAD THE WAY

“It's our job as parents to encourage them to be adventurous and try different things. That being said, I think we also have to be careful to not let them “quit” an activity just because they find it hard. Not everything in this world is going to come easy. We have to make sure they understand that, or we are setting them up for failure and disappointment.”

“I like to ask my kids what they’re interested in and trust that they’ll lead me in the right direction. You never know where inspiration might come from — something they saw on TV or maybe a sibling, friend or cousin. Ultimately, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what is best for your household to stay fabulous!”

Find the right Jewish da ay school for your familly y!

www.jewishd dayschools.ca

Nurturing To Tomorrow’s Thinkers

OPEN HOUSE October 24, Fridayy 2 - 4 pm ANDREW PHUNG

Host, The Social

Actor, Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs

IF YOU START IT, YOU FINISH IT

TAKE CARE NOT TO OVERDO IT

“The only rule I had growing up was ‘When you start something, you have to finish it.’

That’s probably a good rule to live by. If the goal is to create a happy, healthy and grounded individual, the most important things are the support of your community and trying to foster the qualities in your child that make them unique.”

“We try not to overload our kids and are hyper conscious about the things we sign up for. It really comes down to communication with our kids. I don’t want to make them do things they don’t want to do. So sometimes they have three to four activities a week, sometimes it’s one to two. But it’s always things they want to do, which is what it’s all about!”

Grades 1-12 co-ed education On-campus boarding from Grades 7-12 Scholarships available

905.477.4999 | info@jaddisonschool.com

| OCTOBER 2025

CYNTHIA LOYST

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2025 SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE Bannockburn Independent School Visit bannockburn.ca for info on our in-person open houses: Sunday, October 26th, 2025 10am-2pm Sunday, January 25th, 2026 10am-2pm Sunday, April 26th, 2026 10am-2pm 416-789-7855 The Bishop Strachan School Visit bss.on.ca for info on our open houses: Junior School: Thursday, October 16th, 2025 5:30-7:30pm (in-person) Middle & Senior School: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 5:30-7:30pm (in-person) Boarding: Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 8-9am (virtual) 416-483-4325 ext. 1220 The Country Day School Visit cds.on.ca/openhouse for info on our in-person open houses: Middle/Senior School: Thursday, October 16th, 2025 6:30-8:30pm Junior School: Saturday, October 18th, 2025 9:30am-12:30pm Middle/Senior School: Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 6:30-8:30pm 905-833-1972 Crescent School Visit crescentschool.org/visit for info on our our in-person open houses: Middle School (Gr. 7 & 8): Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 9-11am Upper School (Gr. 9-12): Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 6-8pm Lower School (Gr.3-6): Thursday, October 16th, 2025 9-11am 416-449-2556 Crestwood School Please call to book a personal tour. 416-444-5858 Greenwood College School Visit greenwoodcollege.org/visitus to find out more about our school.

416-545-5127

| OCTOBER 2025

J. Addison School Visit jaddisonschool.com for info on our in-person open houses: Friday, October 24th, 2025 2-4pm Friday, November 21st, 2025 2-4pm 905-477-4999

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Lycée Français de Toronto Visit lft.ca/admissions for info on our in-person open houses: Saturday, October 18th, 2025 9am-12pm (all grades) Thursday, November 6th, 2025 9-11am (Grade 1 to 5) Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 9-11am (PreK - JK/SK) 416-924-1789 ext. 229

The Mabin School Visit mabin.com/fall-open-house/ for info on our in-person open houses: Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 9am Thursday, November 6th, 2025 at 9am 416-964-9594 ext. 247 Prestige School Visit prestigeprivateschool.ca for info on our in-person open houses: Richmond Hill Campus: Sunday, October 19th, 2025 11am-2pm Toronto Campus: Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 11am-2pm 416-250-0648 The Rosedale Day School Visit rds-on.com/apply/visit for info on our in-person open houses: Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 9:30-11am Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 9:30-11am Friday, November 14th, 2025 9:30-11am 416-923-4726 St. Clement's School Visit scs.on.ca for info on our in-person open houses: Friday, October 17th, 2025 9-11:15am Friday, November 14th, 2025 9-11:15am 416-483-4414 St. Michael's College School Visit stmichaelscollegeschool.com for info on our in-person open houses: Thursday, October 16th, 2025 7-9pm Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 7-9pm 416-653-3180 TanenbaumCHAT Visit tanenbaumchat.org/admissions for info on our in-person open house: Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 7pm 416-636-5984 The Toronto Heschel School Visit torontoheschel.org for info on our in-person open house: Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 9-10am 416-635-1876 Toronto Prep School Visit torontoprepschool.com for info on our in-person open houses: Saturday, October 18th, 2025 10am-12pm Saturday, November 15th, 2025 10am-12pm Saturday, February 7th, 2026 10am-12pm 416-545-1020 Toronto Waldorf School Please call to book a personal tour.

905-881-1611 ext. 314

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2025 PRIVATE EDUCATION GUIDE

Stay in her lane?

Unlikely.

Our 36th annual guide features top private schools and extracurricular programs, including student-teacher ratios and real tuition costs.

St. Clement’s School

St. Clement’s School is an independent girls’ day school in midtown Toronto. At SCS, we are evolving and redefining what it means to really learn and thrive in a world where the only certainty is change. We don't just want our students to thrive, we want them to boldly thrive - to see disruption as opportunity and possibility, to seize change with agility and imagination, to tackle the complex world of tomorrow with confidence and character. At SCS, educational journeys will be marked by academic rigour and a renewed curriculum that continually challenges and assesses the act of learning in an inclusive and safe environment.

Students will value learning as an outcome in itself, understanding it's about the success of the journey, not just the destination.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1901 GRADES: 1-12 ENROLMENT: 470 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 TUITION: $39,900

Crescent School

Crescent School has been a leader in boys' education since 1913. Our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise, enables each boy to reach the full potential of his unique abilities.

Character development is at the core of everything we teach in our Lower (Gr. 3–6), Middle (Gr.7–8) and Upper (Gr. 9–12) Schools. We instill values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and compassion while helping boys discover who they are, how they can lead, and the legacy they can leave behind. Our dedicated faculty focus on active, experiential, and relational learning—evidence-based ways that boys learn best. We nurture wellbeing while cultivating excellence in academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach, and robotics. Our campus features high-tech learning spaces, modern libraries, a professionallyequipped theatre, and superb athletic facilities.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School ACCEPTANCE RATE: 1 in 6 GRADES: 3-12 ENROLMENT: 800 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 9:1 TUITION: $44,065

At St. Clement’s School, we don’t believe that education is always a straight path, or that one size fits all. Through the St. Clement’s School learning experience, we encourage each student to explore and define her own unique education journey.

Help start her journey today. www.scs.on.ca

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2025 PRIVATE EDUCATION GUIDE POST CITY X SCHOOLS

Greenwood College School 2025 PRIVATE EDUCATION GUIDE Greenwood empowers students to develop the knowledge, skills and character they need to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. Our personalized approach to learning is coupled with an innovative Adviser Program to provide each student with the right combination of challenge and support as they grow academically and as people. Our welcoming gender-inclusive community fosters open-mindedness

and engagement, and we offer an POST CITY X array of high-calibre athletics, artsSCHOOLS and co-curricular programs. Experiential learning, including outdoor education and real world-connected opportunities that take place in and out of the classroom, encourages students to find new depths of perseverance and build connections with the broader community.

Our alumni leave Greenwood ready to thrive in postsecondary pursuits.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School ENROLMENT: 500 YEAR FOUNDED: 2002 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 7:1 GRADES: 7-12 TUITION: $47,170

Lycée Français de Toronto

At Lycée Français de Toronto, we offer a unique educational experience that combines the excellence of the French curriculum with the vibrant, multicultural environment of Toronto. Our school is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, critical thinking and a global perspective.

Learning in both French and English from a very young age, our students become bilingual, which opens doors to

diverse cultural experiences, enhances cognitive abilities, and provides a competitive edge in today’s globalized world. Our alumni attend some of the best universities around the globe.

SCHOOL TYPE: Private School YEAR FOUNDED: 1995 GRADES: PreK - Grade 12

ENROLMENT: 520 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: N/A TUITION: $21,300 - $24,000

LFT operates within the Agency for French Education Abroad, the world's largest and oldest educational network, encompassing 600 schools across 138 countries.

Crestwood School

Crestwood School practises the traditional art of teaching by challenging young minds to learn and by structuring experiences that make learning possible. The school’s philosophy is based on tried-andtrue methods of teaching the basics, thus providing students with a solid foundation in the three Rs. Homework and development of students’ organizational skills and good work/study habits are an integral part of the program. At the same

time, Crestwood School is concerned with the “whole child” — striving to maintain the balance of a child’s physical, social and emotional development. Each teacher is the key. With a well-planned program, a positive rapport with each and every student and a sense of commitment and dedication, Crestwood School’s goals are met! Crestwood is located in the beautiful wooded valley at Bayview Avenue and Lawrence Avenue.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School ENROLMENT: 450 YEAR FOUNDED: 1980 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 15:1 GRADES: JK-Gr.6 TUITION: $21,300-$34,000

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”— Stevie Wonder

We welcome you to book a private tour.

Kindly call the school.

Celebrating 44 years

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250 Davisville D A Avvenue, Suite 2000 Torontto, Ontario M4S 1H2 To Phone:: 4

2025 EDUCATION GUIDE POST CITY X SCHOOLS

2025 EDUCATION GUIDE POST CITY X SCHOOLS

Toronto Prep School

The Toronto Prep Schoo ol is an independent, co-educatio onal, u uniiversity preparatory school for discerning stud de ents and parents. Open Houses:: Saturrda ay. October 18, 2025, Saturday, November 15, 20 2025 and Saturday, February 7, 2026 2 - 10 0:00am to 12:00 noon.

Visit our website ew www.torontoprepschool.com for o more informat i f i ion and be sure to clicck k on the links to our FaceBook aand Instagram pages.

Contact: Fouli Tsimikalis, Director of Admissions at ftsimik kalis@torontoprepschool.com

A combined 60 years of teaching experience has prompted Steve and Fouli Tsimikalis to create an environment that promotes learning, develops leadership and awakens social consciousness through the employment of energetic and handpicked experienced faculty and staff.

Toronto Prep offers a rigorous academic curriculum with the opportunity for students to participate in a variety of school clubs and athletics. Each student will receive a MacBook Pro with an extended warranty. Steve and Fouli have determined that it truly takes a village to raise a child. “A faculty working closely with parents/ guardians, smaller classes, supervised extra help before and after school and on Saturdays help students reach their personal potential for success,” notes Fouli. Their passion for teaching is evident.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 2009 GRADES: 7-12 ENROLMENT: 440 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 10:1 TUITION: $36,250 - $38,250

St. Michael’s College School

Since 1852, St. Michael's College School has been educating and forming young men in goodness, discipline, and knowledge for lives of leadership and service. We are Canada's only Catholic, Basilian, independent school, educating young men from Grades 7 to 12 in a university-preparatory programme. Under the direction of the Basilian Fathers, our students develop the faith to be a modern man of St. Michael's: free in mind, body, and soul to pursue truth, choose goodness, create beauty, and build a civilization of love and care in service to our community and world.

Our students unleash their passion for meaning and curiosity through inquiry-based learning. In graduating young men who change the world through lives of faith, character, and service, St. Michael's College School brings integrity, unity, and healing to the world.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1852 GRADES: 7-12 ENROLMENT: 763 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 21 TUITION: $24,700

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

— B.B. King

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The Toronto Heschel School

At The Toronto Heschel School, education is about shaping curious thinkers, compassionate leaders, and engaged Jewish citizens. From Preschool to Grade 8, General and Judaic Studies are seamlessly integrated. Subjects are taught in harmony, so students see how ideas connect across disciplines and understand how their learning relates to the world around them.

Through inquiry-based learning, children

ask thoughtful questions, investigate big ideas, and discover meaning through exploration. Heschel graduates enter high school as confident, creative, critical thinkers, grounded in Jewish values and ready to make a difference.

Discover what a Heschel education could mean for your child. Contact us at admissions@torontoheschel.org.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School ENROLMENT: 259 YEAR FOUNDED: 1996 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 GRADES: Pre-K-8 TUITION: $4,200 to $21,450

The Bishop Strachan School

The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day and Boarding school for girls. Through our challenging inquiry-based program, we not only equip our students with core academic knowledge and skills, we empower them to become capable, confident changemakers. They ask bold questions and apply concepts to gain a deep understanding of real-world issues that are relevant to them. BSS

students become curious, resilient learners. They learn to speak for themselves and lead others. And they grow into compassionate and ethical citizens.

Our 7.5-acre campus includes STEAMfocused learning spaces, arts, design and athletics facilities, including a turf field - the first in Ontario at a girls’ school. For more than 150 years, BSS has inspired students to be fearless and educated them to be leaders.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School ENROLMENT: 970 YEAR FOUNDED: 1867 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 10:1 GRADES: JK - Grade 12 TUITION: Day School - $41,800

LEARN MORE. ABOUT EVERYTHING.

A LEADING INDEPENDENT

BSS.ON.CA

SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

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2025 EDUCATION GUIDE POST CITY X SCHOOLS

TanenbaumCHAT

2025 EDUCATION GUIDE

TanenbaumCHAT is the GTHA’s only Jewish community high school, and POST CITY X SCHOOLS the largest in North America. We provide enriched academic offerings delivered by expert educators in a warm and supportive learning environment. The TanenbaumCHAT experience also features an extensive array of extracurriculars, renowned ruach (spirit), and friendships that last a lifetime. An emphasis on Jewish values and community service informs our programming & strengthens our students’ Jewish identities. Whether you have years of day school experience or are new to Jewish learning, TanenbaumCHAT has a curriculum for you. Our successful New Stream proSCHOOL TYPE: Independent School gram, accounting for 28% of our curYEAR FOUNDED: 1961 rent Gr. 9 cohort, welcomes students GRADES: 9-12 from all educational backgrounds. Find ENROLMENT: 1450 out what makes our school special.

STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: Call for Details tanenbaumchat.org/admissions TUITION: $24,800

The Rosedale Day School

Meaningful Learning for Life. Discover a vibrant learning community in Downtown Toronto that prepares students to adapt confidently and engage responsibly in a changing world. From JK to Grade 8, the heart of RDS’s programming is our unwavering commitment to developing and inspiring the authentic character and potential of each child.

A powerful sense of belonging forms the backbone of learning and development, encouraging each child to take risks, get involved, and pursue their unique potential. Located at 131 Bloor Street West, RDS students enjoy a Downtown Advantage with access to institutions such as the ROM, AGO, and U of T to enrich their classroom learning. Visit www.rds-on.com/apply/visit to register for an Open House. JK - Grade 8 | Co-Ed | www.rds-on.com

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent YEAR FOUNDED: 1995 GRADES: JK - Grade 8 ENROLMENT: 170 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 16-22 TUITION: $30,795

“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”

— Dorothy Parker

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2025 PRIVATE EDUCATION GUIDE POST CITY X SCHOOLS

Bannockburn Independent School 2025 PRIVATE EDUCATION GUIDE The warm spirit of our school community is reflected every day at Bannockburn. Cultivating Curiosity, Nurturing Potential, and Empowering Independence represents the core of our Toddler to Grade 6 program, an integrated curriculum that builds in intentional academic, social, and developmental growth. Cultivating curiosity begins by creating a caring and supportive environment with the encourage-

ment to ask questions and make CITY potential X SCHOOLS connections. POST Nurturing happens through our enriched curriculum that exceeds provincial standards and promotes a love of learning. Finally, empowering independence occurs with the growth of a sense of purpose in ourselves, our classrooms, and our world.

Our program leads to independent, selfconfident, critical thinkers in our Grade 6 Grads and proud Bannockburn alumni.

SCHOOL TYPE: Montessori YEAR FOUNDED: 1994 GRADES: Toddler to Gr. 6

ENROLMENT: 200 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: Varies TUITION: $18,700 - $31,500

Prestige School

Prestige School offers students an accelerated curriculum, close homeschool contact & small class sizes.

Younger students benefit from advanced math & science programs, French lessons from JK, & extensive before and after school care. Additionally, students can look forward to intricate arts and crafts lessons, music and dance classes, & computer studies sessions. Older students experience

PRESTIGE SCHOOL Independent Private School • Grades PS to 12 Prestige School Richmond Hill offers strong academic programs for PS to Grade 12.

individualized learning and 100% university placement. Our after school program strives to support the needs of children through academic, recreational, & social opportunities that enhance school day learning and build upon individual strengths and interests. Our Richmond Hill campus is in the process of becoming an International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School for IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for grades K-6.

We are on the path of becoming an International Baccalaureate® (IB)World School and will start offering IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Grades Kindergarten to 6 in September

Richmond Hill Campus 11 Headdon Gate (Bathurst & Major Mackenzie) Toronto Campus 21 Eddfield Avenue (Yonge & Sheppard)

416-250-0648

www.prestigeprivateschool.ca • prestige@prestigeschool.com

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School ENROLMENT: 280 YEAR FOUNDED: 2003 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 or 18:1 GRADES: PS - 12 TUITION: $16,000 - $20,000

The Mabin School

The Mabin School fosters original thinkers, adaptive leaders and caring citizens. A leader in progressive elementary education since 1980, it’s Canada’s first independent Ashoka Changemaker School, promoting leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and empathy. Mabin’s sustaining principles of inquiry, integration and reflection are integral to the academic and social program. Students are empowered to

think deeply about those around them in order to make change in their own community and beyond.

Discover the Mabin Magic in person by registering to attend one of our Fall Open House sessions or by booking an individual school tour at admissions@mabin.com or by calling 416-964-9594 x247.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School ENROLMENT: 150 YEAR FOUNDED: 1980 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: N/A GRADES: JK-Gr. 6 TUITION: $35,272

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.”

– Anthony J. D’Angelo

Imagine what you can do from here…

Original Thinkers Adaptive Leaders Caring Citizens JK-6

The Mabin School

mabin.com

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Over 40 Years Experience • Interiors • Exteriors

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Before you go... take a look back at the Maple Leafs’ hockey history in the making.

Jim Pappin

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Dave Keon

Matthew Knies

Position: Right wing

Terry Sawchuk

Position: Goaltender

©Jenn G Flickr/Wikipedia

2025 MAPLE LEAFS ROSTER Position: Left wing

Ron Ellis

Position: Centre

©Jenn G Flickr/Wikipedia

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Position: Left wing

©NHL

1967 STANLEY CUP MAPLE LEAFS ROSTER

©NHL

©NHL

©NHL

From the ’67 champions to the 2025 hopefuls, the Leafs have churned out generations of talent.

Here is a side-by-side look at the legends who lifted the Cup and the squad chasing hockey history today.

Auston Matthews Position: Centre

William Nylander

Position: Right wing

Anthony Stolarz

Position: Goaltender

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