DAILY UPDATES

North Toronto Daily Updates

Chow and Matlow at debate (header)
RIVALS: Josh Matlow, right, is either gaining a bit on Olivia Chow, left, or falling further behind in the race for Toronto mayor.
Update:

Matlow up and down in the polls

In the race for mayor, midtown councillor Josh Matlow is either gaining ground (slightly) or fading into also-ran status — depending on which poll you follow.

Yesterday’s Liaison Strategies survey puts Matlow in third place with 12 per cent of decided voters. That’s up by one point over the previous week’s results from Liaison but still behind leader Olivia Chow with 34 per cent and Mark Saunders in second place with 15 per cent.

On the other hand, the latest Mainstreet Research poll, released today, has Matlow’s support dropping to six per cent among decided voters, far behind Chow at 33 per cent, second-place Ana Bailao (at 17 percent) and third-place Saunders (14 per cent). And, in a new development, by this poll he also trails Anthony Furey (9 per cent) and Mitzie Hunter (8 per cent) now.

Update:

Night-time water shut-off on Yonge Street

Properties on both sides of Yonge Street between Eglinton and Berwick avenues will experience water being shut off on June 16, likely between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., Metrolinx advises.

Crews will be performing watermain connection work related to construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT during those hours, according to a press notice.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to store water ahead of the scheduled shut-off.

Update:

Bowman declines leadership run

Don Valley West MPP Stephanie Bowman has decided not to run for leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party.

“I have decided to end my exploration of leadership and instead focus on what other actions I can take to support my community and the province,” she said in a statement today.

Her decision comes the same day Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie officially enters the race.

Streeter news:

Attempted murder hunt after incidents in underground garage

Toronto Police are looking for a 22-year-old man on several possible charges — including attempted murder — after a family was threatened in an underground garage and police cars rammed in the Eglinton-Mt. Pleasant area yesterday.

The name, image and description of the suspect were released by police today.

Here’s what we know so far.

pickleball thumbnail

Streeter news:

Pickleball taking over our surfaces

City staff are scrambling to set up courts for pickleball — Toronto’s fastest growing sport and social activity.

Unused parking lots, ice rinks, tennis courts and other flat surfaces are all fair game for being converted to accommodate the growing numbers of pickleball players across Toronto.

Get the full story in Streeter news.

Accident report:

Collision knocks over pole in North Toronto

A pole was knocked down near Bathurst Street and Bedford Park Avenue at about 3 p.m. today, police say.

It was reported a vehicle ran into the pole and its airbags deployed.

Injuries are unknown.

Union Social at Summerlicious
LAYERED TREAT: The Ace High Club sandwich is offered at Union Social during Summerlicious. (City of Toronto)
Things to do:

Lots of choices in midtown for fixed-price food fest

Summerlicious is back on July 7 to 23, the city has announced, but you’ll have to wait until June 29 to make reservations for the prix fixe lunch and dinner event.

In midtown Toronto, about a dozen and a half eateries are registered for the event, according to our reading of the sometimes confusing map on the Summerlicious webpage.

More than 200 restaurants across Toronto are taking part this year, offering three-course lunch menus from $20 to $55, and dinners from $25 to $75, the city says.

raccoon thumbnailStreeter news:

Jump in raccoon sickness, bites and scratches

A “significant increase” in reports of sick or injured raccoons and the number of people bitten or scratched has led Toronto Public Health to issue warnings against contact with wild animals in the city.

Eighty per cent of those people suffering bites and scratches have had to suffer further through the uncomfortable anti-rabies treatment, involving multiple vaccine doses, to fend off the potentially fatal infection.

See the full Streeter story, including tips on avoiding raccoon attacks.

Update:

Registration for summer programs begins June 6

Registration for the city’s summer recreation programs in this area begins tomorrow at 7 a.m.

Summer programs run from July 4 to Sept. 1.

You can register in three ways:

  • By phone by calling 416-396-7378 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • In person at one of five community centre locations (none in this area) on June 6 and 7 from 7 a.m. to noon.
  • Online through e-Fun (the easiest way).

Find more information on the city’s summer recreation programs page.

Pepper stand at Eglinton Way Farmers' MarketStreeter news:

Eglinton Way launches its farmers’ market season

The Eglinton Way Farmers’ Market opened its season today in the Green P parking lot at 125 Burnaby Blvd., near Castle Knock and Eglinton — presented by the Eglinton Way BIA.

About 35 vendors offered fruit and vegetables, bread, barbecued chicken, treats, crafts and more. Live music from local performers played.

The markets runs every Sunday from June 4 to Oct. 29.

See the Streeter story for more information and pictures.

Police report:

Gunfire reported in Lawrence-Leslie area

Gunshots were heard and vehicles seen fleeing near Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street at about 5:30 p.m. today.

Police confirmed on Twitter a gun had been fired and shell casings were found in the area.

The Lawrence westbound lane was closed at Tremont Crescent while police investigated. No injuries have been reported.

Missanabie logo thumbnailStreeter news:

Indigenous-led housing plans proceeding

The Indigenous-led housing project on Merton Street is ready to start building this fall, the builders say.

The 15-storey building, announced last summer, is designed to provide affordable homes for Indigenous elders and other seniors.

See the full story in Streeter news.

Midnight Cookie thumbnailStreeter news:

Night time is the right time for cookies

Ever get a craving for cookies late at night? Alon Steinbach and Emily Banks did — and they turned that into a business.

Midnight Cookie operated out of their home, then out of a shared kitchen in Leaside, and recently opened on Manor Road East, specializing in late-night delivery of those sweet treats.

See the full story in Streeter news.

Spring Into Action thumbnailThings to do:

Register for Spring Into Action run/walk

You can register now for the annual run/walk — the Spring Into Action Move for Youth Mental Health — scheduled to take place at Sunnybrook Park on June 10. You can also mark your calendar to attend the associated Spring Into Action festivities, starting and finishing at Inside Out Studio on Laird Drive.

See the Streeter Things To Do listing for more details.

Streeter news:

Matlow gaining ground, but still in third

Since we last looked at the polling for the mayor’s race (see May 8 below), Toronto-Danforth councillor Josh Matlow’s support has dipped somewhat but made a recovery. He now stands at 14 per cent, up four per cent from last week, according to the latest Mainstreet Research surveys.

That places him in third place among the 102 (!) candidates for mayor — behind an also surging Ana Bailao at 21 per cent and a steady Olivia Chow at 30 per cent.

See the full Streeter story on the latest twists in the election.

Update:

Ticketing rules relaxed for holiday

Parking enforcement officers will not be enforcing all on-street parking bylaws on Victoria Day, police say.

In particular they’ll be turning a blind eye on Monday to parking on rush-hour routes and in areas with Monday-to-Friday regulations.

Police report:

Year-long harassment of girls ends in arrest

Charges of criminal harassment have been laid after a man was reported to have followed girls under 18 for almost a year.

On seven occasions between May 22, 2022 and May 11, 2023, the accused allegedly followed girls near Yonge Street and Roehampton Avenue and appeared to record them on his cell phone, police said.

The 56-year-old man was arrested near Holly Street and Eglinton Avenue East.

See more information in the police news release.

Scene at Sporting Life 10K run
COLOURFUL RUNNERS: Some of the 16,000 participants in the Sporting Life 10K run and walk. (Alexei Malakhov/Streeter)
Scene at Sporting Life 10K run
EARLY LEADERS: A couple of runners pull ahead of the pack by about Yonge Street and Woodlawn Avenue.
Update:

16,000 take to the streets for Sporting Life 10K run

They started at 7:30 a.m. at Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue in midtown — an expected 16,000 runners and walkers.

And 10 kilometres later they ended up at at Lake Shore Boulevard West near Exhibition Place and Ontario Place.

About $1.7 million was raised by the Sporting Life 10K this year.

The funds are for Campfire Circle, which gives the healing power of camp to kids and families affected by childhood cancer or serious illness.

pothole thumbnailCity news:

Pothole-fixing blitz on tomorrow

If you’re out driving Saturday, watch for crews working on the roads. The city says it is launching a blitz to repair as many potholes as possible between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

It’s probably too late to get your favourite local pothole on the list for repair tomorrow, but call 311 or go to www.toronto.ca/311 to report it for future filling.

May 10 UPDATE: Anh Chiem has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of lawyer Scott Rosen in 2020.  The CBC is among media reporting the verdict.
Update:

Matlow falling behind Chow in mayor’s race

The latest polls show support for Olivia Chow surging, as the former MP and councillor pulls well ahead of Toronto–St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow, former councillor Ana Bailao, and former police chief Mark Saunders, in the race to become Toronto’s next mayor.

Matlow is in second or third place in two recent surveys. See the full story in Streeter news.

Update:

Subway line down next Saturday

There will be no subway service on Line 1 between Bloor-Yonge and York Mills stations on May 13, the TTC says. The shutdown is attributed to work on the automatic train control signal system.

All stations, except Summerhill, are to stay open for loading PRESTO cards, buying PRESTO tickets, and connecting to surface routes.

Shuttle buses are scheduled to operate along the route. See the TTC advisory for more information.

Update:

Parks washrooms opened—splash pads, fountains and pools next

The city has finished opening park washrooms today, its earliest date ever, the city has announced. Only six seasonal washrooms are still closed for repairs or construction.

Splash and spray pads are due to open by May 20, followed by fountains and bottle-filling stations by May 26.

Ten city-run outdoor pools are to open on partial schedules by June 17 with the rest of them by June 24. All outdoor pools and  wading pools are to be open on a full schedule by June 30.

Things to do:

Heritage houses featured on Jane’s Walk through Lawrence Park

Jane’s Walks are returning Friday, taking place from May 5 to 7, with one walk focusing on the changing Lawrence Park neighbourhood.

Jane's Walk Lawrence Park“Lawrence Park – A Garden Suburb in Transition” is being held on May 6, starting at 10 a.m.. in front of the Locke Library at Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue East. It finishes at 11:30 a.m. at the same location.

The walk will pass houses featured in a walking tour booklet of Lawrence Park. Discussion will dwell on the problems associated with heritage preservation in Lawrence Park and in the city as a whole.

You can find more information on this and other walks at the Jane’s Walks website.

April 27 UPDATE: Police have identified the man found dead in a midtown stairwell on April 2 (see April 14 item below). They have not released his identity.
Things to do:

Community consultation planned for 45-storey development

A developer is seeking approval for a proposed development, including two 45-storey towers, at the historic Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue intersection.

You can hear all about the plans and have your say on them at a virtual meeting on April 27.

See the Streeter Things To Listing for more information and how to register for the community consultation.

book sale thumbnailThings to do:

Mammoth book sale coming

For the 60th year, Fairlawn Avenue United Church is offering its sale of thousands of books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records.

This year the popular event runs from April 27 to April 29. See the Things To Do listing for more details.

Update:

Subway service down on weekend

Subway service between York Mills and St Clair stations on Line 1 will be shut down on the weekend — for both April 22 and April 23 — due to construction work on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line, the TTC says. Shuttle buses will operate on the Yonge Street route.

Lawrence Station is also to be closed for construction during this time. Shuttle buses and regular bus service routes will board outside the station.

York Mills and St. Clair stations though are to remain accessible stations. See the TTC announcement for more information.

Streeter news:

Washrooms are opening early in our parks

With this warmer-than-average spring, city staff are opening public washrooms earlier than usual. A quarter of Toronto’s seasonal washrooms have been opened already by mid-April, though most were originally scheduled for May.

If you’re planning an outing, you can look up the status of washrooms and drinking fountains in the park on a new interactive map from the city.

See the full story in Streeter news.

Streeter news:

Matlow takes the lead in race for mayorJosh Matlow thumbnail

A new Mainstreet Research poll has Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow leading the field in the race to succeed John Tory as Toronto mayor.

However, the field is very crowded and Matlow is able to take the top spot in the survey with fewer than 15 per cent of voters leaning his way.

And some other dangers for Matlow’s candidacy are revealed in the poll. See the full Streeter news story.

Police report:

Artist rendition of man found deadID sought of man found dead

A police artist’s rendering of a deceased man has been released in an attempt to identify him.

Police were called to the area of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue on April 2 at about 6 p.m., where it was reported a person was found dead in a stairwell. The person was carrying no form of identification, police say.

For more information, see the police news release.

Update:

Subway line down on weekend

If you’re planning to get around by transit this weekend, be aware subway service will not be available between St. Clair West and St. Andrew stations. That stretch of subway on Line 1 will be closed April 15 and 16 for track work, the TTC says.

All stations are to remain open for loading PRESTO cards, purchasing PRESTO tickets and connecting to surface routes. Shuttle buses will also be operating.

See the TTC announcement for more details.

Streeter news:

Double the tickets: more speed cameras coming

ASE camera thumbnailThe number of automated speed enforcement cameras in Don Valley West neighbourhoods is to be doubled from three to six, after city council’s recent approval of the installations.

Council unanimously passed a motion to have city staff look into increasing the ASE devices from the current 75 to 150, shared evenly by each of Toronto’s 25 wards.

This comes just months after a previous increase from 50 across the city.

Get the full story in Streeter news.

Update:

Matlow reprimanded, has pay docked by council

Josh Matlow at city council
THE DEFENCE: Councillor Josh Matlow explains his comments at city council before the vote to reprimand him.

City council voted nearly unanimously today to reprimand and penalize Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow for having criticized two city staff members on social media.

Matlow and Humber River-Black Creek councillor Anthony Peruzza were the only dissenting votes.

York Centre councillor James Pasternak presented an amendment to delete the part of the motion calling for Matlow’s pay to be suspended by 10 days, but he withdrew the amendment and the motion passed 22–2.

Matlow explained to council the context of his contentious comments, and he acknowledged he should have used different wording when he posted that one staff member had lied to council about the opening of public washrooms.

However, he did not apologize for that remark, nor for his statement that a senior staff member was unsuitable for the position.

“I believe that the vast majority of the senior staff who sit here each council meeting are objective and independent and always tell us the truth,” Matlow told council.

“But that doesn’t always happen and not everyone lives up to those standards,” he said. “And we have to reconcile that.”

Beaches-East York’s Brad Bradford who is running for mayor against Matlow, spoke in support of the integrity commissioner’s  report calling for the reprimand and suspension of pay. As did most other speakers.

The report said Matlow had failed to heed council’s admonition of similar past behaviour impugning the reputations of city staff.

Things to do:
Community cleanup
CLEANING UP: An enthusiastic team during last year’s communal cleanup. (City of Toronto)

Clean up our communities together, city urges

Toronto is asking communities to register local litter cleanups to take part in the city’s annual spring cleanup from April 21 to April 23.

We can register three kinds of cleanups:

  • The 20-Minute Makeover on April 21 is for local businesses (BIAs, are you listening?) to clean up public spaces, like parks, sidewalks, ravines or beaches (though local residents can take part too).
  • Also on April 21, students and staff of schools, colleges and universities can spend 20 minutes cleaning up their schoolyards or neighbourhood parks.
  • On April 22 and 23, community groups, families and individuals are encouraged to visit local parks or other public spaces to help pick up litter.

Get more information and register for whichever cleanup works for you on the city’s Clean Toronto Together page.

Streeter news:

Group providing services to deaf named ‘champions’

The city has presented 25 community organizations with special Champion Awards for the vital services they provided during the pandemic — including Silent Voice Canada, based on St. Clair Avenue East.

Reporter Dennis Hanagan talked to the group about the struggle the group went through during COVID and what the award means to them. See the Streeter news story.

feeding coyoteStreeter news:

Feeding any wildlife, anywhere in city to be banned

On April 1 a new city bylaw comes into effect prohibiting the feeding of wildlife anywhere in Toronto.

And for good reason, according to wildlife experts. You may think you’re helping the animals but you’re not.

Even the traditional practice of throwing bread crumbs to birds is not helpful, the experts say.

Read Dennis Hanagan’s full story in Streeter news about the bylaw and the dangers of feeding the animals.

In the news:

First-degree murder trial begins today

Remember the death of lawyer Scott Rosen, run down at a parking garage on Eglinton Avenue East near Mt. Pleasant Road, more than two years ago?

The trial of his accused killer began today, with prosecutors saying Anh Thu Chiem had planned the attack with a rented U-Haul pickup truck after she was upset over a civil suit in which Rosen represented her son-in-law against her.

The  Toronto Star and Global News are among many news publications covering the trial.

On social media:

Preview of Crosstown stations shown on Instagram

Joanna Kervin, vice-president of Crosslinx Transit Solutions, has posted on her Instagram page images taken in unfinished stations of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. They include inside views of Avenue, Eglinton and Mount Pleasant stations.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joanna Kervin (@joanna.kervin)

Announcement:

Water shut-off scheduled for Eglinton-Oriole Parkway

Water is to be shut off for some homes tomorrow night to facilitate work on fire hydrants at Avenue Station, Metrolinx has warned.

Properties expected to be affected  are 191–263 Eglinton Ave. W. (odd numbers only), 162–166 Eastbourne Ave. (even numbers only), and 500 Oriole Pkwy.

The shut-off is to start at 9 p.m. and last eight ours, although this may change due to unforeseen circumstances, Metrolinx says.

Streeter news:

New kind of thrift store aims to create happiness

Friendly Company Shayna MandelYou can feel good about regifting — or being regifted — when the gift is from The Friendly Company, a thrift home goods store that opened recently on Eglinton Avenue West. The store is full of beautiful items donated from Forest Hill homes and all proceeds go to charity.

Local resident Shayna Mandel says that after a tragedy in her own life she opened the business as a “happiness project” to put smiles on people’s faces. Read Andrea Martin’s story in Streeter.

In the news:

Matlow reprimanded by integrity commissioner, remains unbowed

Just days after announcing he was running for mayor, Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow has been censured by the city’s integrity commissioner for twice breaking city council’s code of ethics.

Complaints had been made against Matlow for tweeting a city staff member lied about the opening of public washrooms in spring 2022 and for calling interim city manager Tracey Cook “the very wrong person” for the job.

The integrity commissioner recommended Matlow’s pay be suspended for 10 days. Several Toronto media, including CTV News and the Star, broke the story this morning.

Matlow appears unrepentant, recapping online the two charges from his point of view and repeating he had acted in the interests of the residents who elected him.

Matlow thumbnailStreeter news:

Matlow going for the top job

Promising to “fix our city,” Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow announced today he is running for mayor.

If elected, his first act would be to raise property taxes by an average of $67 to create a fund to make the city work better, Matlow said in a statement today. See the story and the full announcement in Streeter news.

In the news:

Former police chief joins mayor’s race

Former Toronto police chief Mark Saunders, who ran for MPP in this area last year, confirmed to media yesterday evening he is now seeking election as the city’s next mayor.

Saunders contested the 2022 provincial election as Progressive Conservative candidate for Don Valley West, but was defeated by the Liberals’ Stephanie Bowman.

See CP24’s video report on the breaking news.

Weekend subway closure postponed to April

The subway is now scheduled to be shut down between Bloor-Yonge and York Mills stations on April 1 and 2, rather than for this coming weekend (see March 5 item below), the Toronto Transit Commission has announced.

The closure is for work on the signal system on Line 1.

Shuttle buses are planned to operate along the route on those days and stations are also to remain open, the TTC says.

March 18 Reminder: The Yonge subway line between Bloor and York Mills is shut down today. See March 13 item below.
Removery header
REMOVE THAT TAT: Staff welcome clients for tattoo removal at recently opened Removery studio. (Alexei Malakhov/Streeter)

Tattoo removal brought to midtown

Regret that “True Love Forever” tattoo you got for your ex? Or the facial tat that makes it look like you’re always crying? Or that scary design on your arm you’ve been hiding under long sleeves even in summer?

Now there’s a place in midtown where you can get rid of or fade your unwanted tattoos.

Removery tattoo removal studio recently opened at Yonge and Eglinton. Read all about it on Streeter.

Outdoor skating continues to Sunday — if the ice holds up

The city is encouraging skaters to enjoy the last few days of the official outdoor skating season at our local rinks. However, the weather seems poised to end the season earlier than the scheduled March 19 deadline.

Sunday evening is when the city starts to close its outdoor artificial ice rinks, natural ice rinks and skating trails and begin its annual conversion of spaces into skateboarding parks, tennis courts and pickleball spaces.

Meanwhile the forecast for the next four days calls for rainy and overcast days with temperatures mainly above zero.

586 Eglinton Ave. E.
STREET-LEVEL: How Eglinton Avenue East, west of Bayview Avenue, is expected to look after new development.

Public consultation on Eglinton tower planned

A 32-storey condominium building is proposed to replace the eight-storey medical building at 586 Eglinton Ave. E., west of Bayview Avenue. The development is to be discussed at an online community consultation on the evening of March 21.

For more information and to register for the meeting, see the Streeter Things To Do listing.

Subway line to be shut down for one day

If you’re planning travel about the city on the weekend, be aware the TTC is advising Line 1 of the subway will be closed between Bloor-Yonge and York Mills stations on Saturday, March 18. The closure is for scheduled work on the automatic train control signal system.

Summerhill Station will also be closed, but all other stations are to stay open for loading PRESTO cards, buying PRESTO tickets and connecting to surface routes.

Shuttle buses will operate on the route. For more details see the TTC service advisory.

Gunfire heard in attempted robbery

Police reported a firearm was discharged and robbery attempted this afternoon near Eglinton Avenue West and Avenue Road.

A police tweet first reported they were investigating reports of shots fired at 1:20 p.m. A followup post confirmed the shooting and added attempted robbery.

No injuries were reported. Police say they are still investigating.

MARCH 7 REMINDER: Registration for the city’s spring recreation programs is set to open tomorrow at 7 a.m. Most residents in this area can then sign up for programs that start April 1. North York residents can register beginning March 10. (See the Streeter Things To Do listing or today’s news release from the city.)

Subway closure planned for last weekend of March

Line 1 is to be shut down between Bloor-Yonge and York Mills stations on March 25 and 26 for work on the signal system, the Toronto Transit Commission has announced.

The work was originally planned for this weekend, but was cancelled due to the storm that hit Toronto.

Shuttle buses are scheduled to operate along the route during the closure. The subway stations are also to remain open for customers to load PRESTO cards, purchase PRESTO Tickets and connect to buses, the TTC says.

Munsch stage performance is back — and selling out

Fireside Munsch thumbnail
M. John Kennedy in Fireside Munsch.

Fireside Munsch is returning to the Wychwood Theatre for a run from March 11 to 17.

The high-energy performance of four favourite Robert Munsch stories all in one play, starring actor M. John Kennedy, has thrilled family audiences.

But you’d better hurry to get your tickets as shows are already selling out.

See the Streeter Things To Do listing for more details.

Summerlicious applications open

Winterlicious seems barely over and it’s already time for local restaurants to sign up for the summer edition of the fixed-price dining festival.

Applications to participate in the Summerlicious program will be accepted from today to March 22, the city has announced.

This year’s Summerlicious runs from July 7 to 23 and there’s good news for participating restaurants: the fees have been cut to less than half the pre-pandemic rates. The new fee is $550. The city says this reduction should “make it easy and affordable for restaurants to participate and will encourage more Toronto residents to dine out and celebrate Toronto’s diverse culinary scene.”

Restaurants can find more information on the City’s Summerlicious 2023 Restaurant Participation webpage.

This is what $7 million will get you

A BlogTO story today takes you into a North Toronto mansion that has come on the market priced at $7.2 million. This room-by-room exploration of a house on Dawlish Avenue in the Lawrence Park neighbourhood, is complete with stunning pictures.

Seven million dollars will apparently get you four spacious bedrooms with ensuites, a huge kitchen and other living quarters, three fireplaces, wide skylights, a fitness studio, an elegant home office, a walk-out roof terrace, a covered deck and a three-car garage, the article shows. Oh yeah, and a heated driveway, so you don’t have to shovel out.

Trees to be replaced for Crosstown LRT today

Two trees are scheduled to removed today from Eglinton Avenue West, east of Highbourne Road, to make way for a new streetscape and cycle track, according to a construction update for the Crosstown LRT.

New trees are to be planted to replace the removed trees, Metrolinx says.

Local home prices dropping, real estate board says

real estate sale signHome prices are down by 12.6 per cent from last year in this area, according to figures recently released by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. The report indicates the year-over-year decrease for the real estate “C04” area, including Lawrence Park, Bedford Park-Nortown, Forest Hill North and Englemount-Lawrence.

As of January, the average home here is now about $2,1 million, TRREB reports. Single, detached houses have taken the biggest hit, dropping about 13 per cent to about $2.5 million.

Parking restrictions eased for Family Day

Police have announced they will not be ticketing vehicles parked on the street on Feb. 20 on rush-hour routes and in areas with posted Monday–Friday regulations.

Family Day fun planned at Spadina Museum

Spadina Museum is one of seven Toronto History Museums planning Family Day activities on Feb. 20.

For information about the Family Day programming at history museums across Toronto, see the Streeter Things To Do listing.

FEB. 11 REMINDER: CampTO programs for summer camps are open for registration starting today. See Jan. 17 item below.

Report our potholes to be fixed

You may see repair crews out on the roads today as the city launches its first pothole-fixing blitz of the year.

Chances are, though, plenty of North Toronto potholes will remain unless they are reported. To get those car-wrecking eyesores filled, report them via the 311 Toronto mobile app, online at Toronto.ca/311 or by calling 311.

The city says most repairs are carried out within four days of potholes being reported.

Don Valley West soon to have three cameras to catch speeders

The city is adding 25 automated speed enforcement cameras, one for each ward in Toronto. The most recent ASE site in Don Valley West is on Harrison Road near Vernham Avenue.

The new camera will join two existing speed cameras in the ward.

See the full Streeter story on the new cameras.

JAN. 27 REMINDER: Winterlicious starts today at restaurants across Toronto and in East York. See Jan. 20 item below.

Mermaid CafeMermaid Cafe offers picture-worthy fare and decor

The decor of the recently opened Mermaid Cafe at 2655 Yonge St., second floor, serves deep-sea inspired beverages and desserts with its colourful logo and marine designs every where you look.

Obviously inspired by The Little Mermaid movie, it provides a perfect backdrop for customers who wish to snap selfies and create eye-catching Instagram posts.

See the Streeter story about this place that calls itself the “first café of its kind in Toronto.”

Start making reservations for Winterlicious

Winterlicious is back, set to offer prix fixe lunches and dinners from Jan. 27 to Feb. 9.

East York-area restaurants participating in Winterlicious Toronto include Papyrus, 7 Numbers, Megas, Soula’s, Tapas at Embrujo, Rodeo Brazilian Steakhouse, and Il Fornello — all on Danforth Avenue — as well as California Restaurant on Pape Avenue.

You find the entire Toronto list on the city’s Winterlicious page.

Camping header

CampTO registration set to open

It’s time to start planning the kids’ summer camp activities at local parks and centres this summer. The city has announced its CampTO programs are online for your consideration, ready for registration beginning Feb. 11.

Some new programs have been added to the CampTO lineup for the programs that run from July 4 to Sept. 1.

For more information on the program and registration, see the Streeter calendar listing.

Letter to Ford opposes ‘strong mayor’ bill

Don Valley West councillor Jaye Robinson is among 15 city councillors sending a letter today to Premier Doug Ford opposing the province’s Bill 39, the so-called Better Municipal Governance Act.

The Act would, under certain conditions, let the mayor of Toronto propose and pass bylaws with support of only one-third of city council, a move that critics have called undemocratic.

See full text of letter at Progress Toronto.

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