They're back! - Posted to A Greener Life by Danielle Milley
After being briefly canceled because of the strike by Toronto city workers, the farmers' markets at area civic centres are now being re-opened. Thanks to the understanding and support of city councillors and city staff and both CUPE locals involved in the current labour dispute, allowances have been made so that as of Thursday, July 2, Farmers' Markets at Toronto's Civic Centres can resume operations. Many people who try to eat local depend on these markets to provide them with the opportunity to purchase fresh Ontario products. The markets feature fresh Ontario fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, delicious baking and a full array of Ontario specialties at the markets. Markets: Metro Hall: Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., resumes July 2 North York Civic Centre: Thursdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., resumes July 2 Etobicoke Civic Centre: Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. resumes July 4 Scarborough Civic Centre: Tuesdays 8 a.m. to 2:30.. (Read More)
Free Walking Tours - Posted to Going Places! by Clark Kim
One thing that made both my European trips (in 2008 and 2009) especially memorable were the free walking tours I went on. As a clueless foreigner and tourist, I gained so much insight and a deeper appreciation for the cities I roamed through on foot in wonder of their rich history and culture. Now Toronto surely has a rich history of its own, celebrating 175 years of formal existence. As such, Heritage Toronto will be conducting free walking tours that are researched, designed and led by local historians, groups and professionals from across the city who volunteer their time. The walks begin July 4 and the best part is that it's free. No reservations required. For more info, visit www.heritagetoronto.org or call the Heritage Toronto Information line at 416-338-3886. Below are a list of the walks held this year. Saturday, July 4 – Fringe Festival Sites Sunday, July 5 – The Village of.. (Read More)
What should we do with the strikers? - Posted to Right Angle by Dave Barnett
I think a little application of the Golden Rule would work wonders here for our striking neighbours. Let's see if we can't paint a picture of what life would be like in an ideal world: First thing in the morning our friendly striker gets up, in the dark, and discovers that they have no electricity, water, or air conditioning. No problem though, when they phone the utility they are told, "Just give us 15 minutes and we'll be right with you." At the Tim Horton's on the way to the picket line, the server smiles sweetly and says, "I'll be right there, in about 15 minutes." On the way out of the drive-thru our striker friend can't proceed because of the car in front whose driver waves and says, "Oh, I'm just taking 15 minutes, I'll be out of your way soon.' At the daycare drop-off (whoops, forgot they are on strike too!)... (Read More)
Keeping it cool - Posted to A Greener Life by Danielle Milley
After patiently waiting (and waiting and waiting) it seems summer has decided to arrive right on schedule with sunshine (!) and temperatures above 25 degrees (!) and that humidity thing we just can't seem to escape in the GTA. And all of this means one thing: power usage is going to sky rocket as people crank up their air conditioners. Don't do it! Here are a few easy ways to stay cooler as the temperatures (finally) heat up: Keep your curtains closed during the day. (That's a fairly no brainer tip, but it really will help keep the sun from turning your living room - or bedroom - into a sauna). Use a programmable thermostat to save some cash and ensure you're not wasting energy to cool your home when no one is in (and the cat or dog don't count - they'll be fine with it set a few degrees.. (Read More)
The Beaches - Posted to Going Places! by Clark Kim
Yes I know. It's officially referred to as "The Beach." But to me it will always be known as "The Beaches" (as it makes more sense since this Toronto neighbourhood consists of multiple beaches.) For those who disagree and start to lecture me on the history behind the name, you shouldn't take my personal preference so seriously because (a) I never lived in The Beach or frequented the area all that much during my 30 years in the city, and (b) I just like how "The Beaches" rolls off the tongue. In any case, I've gotten to know The Beaches a little better ever since I joined a mens' softball league three summers ago. And having been there again just this past Saturday for a softball tournament, I was thinking about how it feels very different than any other part of the city. A "small town" feel if you will. A nice place.. (Read More)
