Popular entertainment program Entertainment Tonight Canada, also known as ET Canada, has been cancelled by its parent company Corus Entertainment after 18 years.
In a statement posted to the company’s website on Wednesday, Corus attributed the cancellation to “the costs of producing a daily entertainment newsmagazine show in a challenging advertising environment.”
The hour-long entertainment, celebrity, TV and film show began in 2005 on Global TV. Canadian media personality Cheryl Hickey hosted the show, alongside entertainment reporters Carlos Bustamante, Keshia Chanté, Morgan Hoffman and Sangita Patel — who became co-host in 2022. The reporters interviewed celebrities including Idris Elba, Shania Twain and Ed Sheeran, bringing a Canadian angle to entertainment news.
“We recognize the impact this decision has on the dedicated team who have worked on the show and we thank them for their meaningful contributions over the years,” the statement added.
With ET Canada off the air, ETalk on CTV — anchored by Tyrone Edwards with senior correspondents Lainey Lui and Traci Melchor, reporters Chloe Wilde and Sonia Mangat, L.A. correspondent Liz Trinnear and special contributor Priyanka — will become Canada’s only entertainment news program.
It’s unclear whether employees from the show will be brought onto other Corus productions.
The final episode of ET Canada will air on Oct. 6, after which encore specials will air in the time slot until Oct. 31.
There are plenty of amazing clothing stores in Toronto, but a few have stood the test of time and brought the best designer, styles and unique treasures to the city. Here are all the best clothing stores in Toronto, from a New York-style department store to a streetwear shop with all the coolest up-and-coming brands.
Over the Rainbow
BEST DENIM
From its roots as a tailor-made jean shop to its current rep as the city’s premium denim destination, Joel and Daniel Carman at OVER THE RAINBOW have it all — go for bootcut, low rise or wide leg. 55 Bloor St. W.
There are plenty of great consignment shops in the city, but SECOND NATURE BOUTIQUE might be the best for making some cash on the vintage goods hanging around in your closet. 514 Mount Pleasant Rd.
For sneaker collectors and shoe lovers, CAPSULE might be the shop of your dreams. Home to all of your favourite streetwear brands, Capsule’s Nike collection might be the best we’ve seen. 69 Yorkville Ave.
BEST MENSWEAR
When it comes to suit buying, having experienced staff to help find you the right fit goes a long way. SUITSUPPLY offers exactly that, and it offers some of the most elegant suit options in the industry. 9-11 Hazelton Ave.
THE COOP is a longstanding, bi-level menswear boutique offering the best designer labels and shoes amid a rustic-chic vibe. Everything you could need to look your best, with the vibe of a small boutique. 156 Duncan Mill Rd, #19
BEST SWIMWEAR SPOT
All about finding the perfect fit, MELMIRA will guarantee you leave the store with a swimsuit you feel great in. Whether bikinis or one pieces are more your thing, Melmira has got something for every style. 3319 Yonge St.
Loversland
BEST FOR DRESSES
LOVERSLAND has the perfect wedding dress for the big day, as well as an incredible selection of cocktail dresses for that fall gala. The shop is wrapped in a boho vibe with amazing service. 215 Ossington Ave.
With staff who are experts in everything eveningwear, SASHAY BOUTIQUE won’t disappoint the next time you’re looking for that special dress. The shop has styles for every budget and every occasion. 7724 Yonge St., Thornhill
BEST FOR KIDS’ CLOTHES
A go-to shopping spot in the neighbourhood, Zero20Kids offers designer brands and sweet styles for your most fashionable child. The boutique is known for their eventwear, from baptisms to bat mitzvahs. 7700 Pine Valley Dr., Woodbridge
BEST NEW SWIM
Toronto-based swimwear brand BATHER has been around since 2013, but it was only in 2022 when they opened a brick and mortar shop in the west end. Offering men’s beachwear in bright colours and flashy prints, the brand has since expanded to offer other accessories and essentials, and the store also stocks unique goods and ceramics from artists all over the globe. Grab a coffee at their in-house coffee shop while you’re there! 450 Dufferin St.
BEST NEW VINTAGE
There’s plenty of great vintage in the city, but when PIC VINTAGE opened its doors last summer, it became a go-to spot for Toronto thrift lovers thanks to a curated collection of vintage goods that range from affordable leather jackets and denim to rare designer handbags and shoes. With two change rooms, a couch and a laid back atmosphere, this vintage spot makes for the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon thrift stop. 1338 Dundas St. W.
BEST COTTAGE CHIC
Timeless casual classic apparel at the trendy midtown shop LEMONWOOD will have you looking your best whether at the launch in Muskoka or at that fall backyard soirée. 1224 Yonge St.
BEST BOUTIQUE
BELLA is part of the fabric of the Eglinton nabe. Scan the boutique’s Instagram to spot owner Melissa Guido donning daily inspo. Staples like ruffly frocks, playful jumpsuits and wrap sweaters abound. 498 Eglinton Ave. W.
BEST CASHMERE SHOP
BLACK GOAT is doing its darndest to drape us in ultra-soft cashmere. It’s got hats, shawls, turtlenecks, leg warmers and, yes, socks — all crafted from luxe long strands of cashmere from Mongolian goats. 131 Bloor St. W.
Haven
BEST FOR STREETWEAR
HAVEN has asserted itself out of T.O.’s top streetwear spots. The store is always stocked to the brim with brands, ranging from designer houses to technical, functional. 190 Richmond St. E.
BEST VINTAGE
The mother-daughter team at MAMA LOVES YOU offers a wide selection of vintage garments for both men and women, stretching far into the past right up to the ’90s. We love the cool Queen West vibe at this shop. 541 Queen St. W.
CHOSEN offers a terrific selection of well-worn vintage pieces, paired with a sprinkle of designer goods, and even vintage accessories, books and housewares. Owner Melissa Ball is a gem and has a fantastic eye. 1599 Dundas St. W.
Well-organized and easy to navigate, SIBERIA VINTAGE is an essential second-hand spot in the city. Find everything from ’60s prom dresses to ’80s pantsuits here, all in incredible vintage condition. 955 Bloor St. W.
BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
A family-run business that’s been around for over 50 years, THE SHOWROOM is all about customer service. With a lovingly curated women’s fashion collection that features the best in European and Canadian fashion, trust owner Davina to find just what you’re looking for. 1077 Bathurst St.
BEST CONSIGNMENT
Midtown consignment shop REWIND COUTURE is hard to beat when it comes to highly curated designer finds for less. You’ll find a few Hermes scarves for almost half the price in their new arrivals section. 577 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
@hippiemarketlife
BEST POP-UP MARKET
Since its start in 2021, HIPPIE MARKET has revolutionized vintage shopping in Toronto. Popping up in different places all year long, at Hippie, visitors get to shop the best selection from vintage vendors across the province. Various locations, hippiemarketlife.com
BEST BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Known as the oldest bridal salon in Canada, BECKER’S BRIDAL has been around since 1944, but their selection certainly hasn’t stayed there — a quick perusal of their racks of dresses shows a stunning selection of modern styles, classic styles and everything in between. Passing by the storefront in Greektown, you’ll often see a bride and her family sitting on the couch during a try-on session, each gown more stunning than the next. 387 Danforth Ave.
BEST NEW MARKET
Run by the same group that started the ever-popular Hippie Market, SUNDAY VARIETY MARKET brought new life to the St. Lawrence Market this year. Running in the space the St. Lawrence Antique Market used to exist in, you can expect more than just antiques — from local food vendors to, of course, vintage fashion, this pop-up has imbued new life into the downtown core. St. Lawrence Market
BEST FASHION DESIGNER
Named one of our most inspiring women of the year in 2022, LESLEY HAMPTON deserves this praise and more. Her brand — Indigenous-owned, size-inclusive and oh-so-stunning — has been sported on red carpets and encompasses everything from workout gear to gorgeous evening wear concoctions. lesleyhampton.com
BEST NEW YORK-STYLE DEPARTMENT STORE
There’s nothing like family-owned luxury department store ANDREWS in the city. Home to a carefully curated selection of designer brands, a visit here will satisfy even the pickiest shopper. 2901 Bayview Ave., 55 Avenue Rd.
Buying new clothes for kids can feel like an endless losing game — in months or even weeks, they might grow out of it! LITTLE WHITE SNEAKERS offers a more sustainable (and fashionable) route, selling high-end and designer second-hand children’s clothes at up to 85 per cent off. 597 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
BEST SHOE STORE
It’s always nice to enter a store that you can tell was personally curated by the owners — and that’s exactly what you get when you enter STUDIO D BOUTIQUE. With an incredible shoe selection that is always on trend and yet timeless, expect wonderful customer service and some amazing luxury footwear brands to choose from. 55 Bloor St. W.
A family-owned business that’s been around for half a century, trust the lovely staff at CIRCLE SHOES to find exactly what you need, whether it’s a pair of sought-after Birkenstocks or winter-ready boots. 2597 Yonge St.
@kotn/Instagram
BEST FOR BASICS
Since KOTN launched in Toronto, pretty much every Torontonian owns at least a T-shirt or two from there. And with well-made, well-priced basics and a company ethos that prides itself on transparency around manufacturing, materials and their efforts to give back to the communities they work in, you can be sure your new turtleneck will last longer than one season. 754 Queen St. W.
BEST LUXURY RETAILER
High-fashion multi-brand purveyor The Webster brought its unique approach to Toronto with its first location outside of the U.S. in 2021. Since opening, the shop has offered a selection of luxury goods in the city that is tough to find anywhere else. 121 Scollard St.
Toronto sports fans will soon be able to skip those long cashier lines when buying snacks at Scotiabank Arena. Starting next month, select stores within the venue will implement Amazon Web Services (AWS) technology, allowing automatic charges to people’s payment cards.
Dubbed, “Just Walk Out” technology, the system operates by having fans scan their credit or debit cards to enter equipped stores with cameras and sensors. These devices use advanced technology like computer vision, machine learning and artificial intelligence to monitor customers’ selections and generate virtual tabs. When shopping is complete, patrons simply leave, and the system automatically charges their entry card, sending a receipt.
“You will be seeing more of this in Canada, not only in stadiums, but in all sorts of other environments as well,” said Jon Jenkins, vice-president of Just Walk Out at AWS. “We never release timelines…but it’ll be coming very soon.”
The Just Walk Out technology at Seattle’s Lumen Field. Photo: Seahawks
Despite its tech-heavy setup, the system primarily collects purchase data and card information, with no use of facial recognition or biometric identifiers. Greeters are available to assist customers, answer questions, and ensure age compliance at alcohol-selling stores.
“There’s really no substitute for having a human there because not only do you have to ensure that they’re of age, but you have to verify sobriety and things like that as well,” Jenkins said.
The Canadian debut is set to take place at Calgary’s Saddledome on September 29, followed by Scotiabank Arena’s Grains and Greens (100-level) and Molson Market (300-level) on October 1o.
According to Jenkins, in some venues that have already implemented the technology, users have reported entering and exiting stores in under 10 seconds. Lumen Field, home to the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders, experienced a 60 per cent increase in customers and significant sales growth after implementing this technology.
Amazon has been experimenting with this system since 2018 and has already implemented it in numerous Amazon-owned and third-party stores across the U.S., U.K. and Australia, including airports, theme parks and stadiums.
We’ve rounded up the most bucket list worthy stays in and around Ontario—perfect for an autumn staycation!
Tend Services’ Keeler Lakehouse, Muskoka
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at this luxurious lakehouse in Bala, Muskoka. With all the little luxuries one could possibly hope for, Keeler Lakehouse is equipped with a beautiful waterfront sauna and a hot tub.
In the fall, the flora is vibrant in colour, showcasing an array of red and orange hues all around the property.
From the stunning indoor/outdoor pool overlooking the CN Tower, to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the signature suites, the Hilton Toronto makes for the perfect autumn staycation right in the heart of the city.
Spend your stay enjoying a swim in the heated pool, a bubble bath in your soaker tub, and ordering room service as you enjoy the cityscape views right from the comfort of your own suite.
This unique rental property is also a historical landmark—as it’s attached to a beautiful, retired church. Maxwell Manse, alike its namesake, is a European inspired manse house that has been lovingly restored and modernized for both comfort and style.
Shouldering the Blue Mountains and Niagara Escarpment, explore the stunning outdoors, hangout in the wood burning hot tub, or cozy up in front of their theatre unit!
This treehouse inspired property is nestled away along the shore of one of Muskoka’s stunning lakes. Perched amongst the trees, this gorgeous cottage exudes a cozy, rustic vibe. From the hammock nets that overlook the water from the second floor, to the two-sided fireplace and the hot tub on the back deck, all the little details that bring this home together are what elevate this property to a unique, bucket list worthy stay.
This boutique hotel has been reimagined as an 18th century inn, adding a modern twist to a Shakespearean feel within each of its nine uniquely designed flats. With an elevated and stylish design, the hotel aims to combine culture, class and comfort.
Located in the quaint town of Stratford, the autumn ambiance is truly awe-inspiring.
If you’re looking to get out of the province and do a longer road trip, Hotel Monville in Montreal is a fantastic option. With large windows looking out onto a beautiful view of Montreal’s city streets, this laid-back, design-minded hotel is tech-savvy in the best ways possible—think robots, remote controlled blinds, a top-of-the-line gym, high-definition TVs, and more.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Quartier international de Montréal, at the junction of Old Montreal and downtown.
The culinary scene in Toronto is no stranger to hidden gems that emerge from humble beginnings, and Porzia’s is a prime example.
Porzia’s debuted in Toronto’s food scene in early 2014, setting up shop in the Parkdale neighbourhood. The restaurant quickly gained recognition thanks to its mouth-watering lasagna, but in those early days, lasagna was only available on Sundays, a nod to owner Basilio Pesce’s Italian roots and love for his mother’s lasagna.
Despite its initial success, the restaurant experienced its fair share of challenges, eventually leading to its closure after roughly two and a half years. However, the legacy of their lasagna endured, leaving a lasting impression on Pesce’s culinary journey.
Now, once again, Porzia’s—which is also named in honour of Pesce’s mother—has opened its doors on Oakwood Avenue.
The restaurant is named after Pesce’s mom Porzia Photo: @porzias_lasagne/Instagram
“We’re in a great little pocket of St. Clair West,” he says. “Our idea was was to be a neighbourhood restaurant, that could grow into the neighbourhood as well.”
Pesce’s second crack at the lasagna business began during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalls, a conversation with a friend during lockdown sparked the idea of offering trays of lasagna for takeout. Initially, it was a low-key endeavour, coordinated through Pesce’s Instagram direct messages. The response, however, was overwhelming, with lasagnas swiftly selling out fast.
Recognizing the growing demand, Pesce made a bold move. He left his job and started a weekly lasagna pop-up once-a-week, exclusively available through pre-orders, hosted at Osteria Rialto.
If you ask Pesce to explain the recipe for his wildly popular lasagna, he’ll tell you that it includes all the typical ingredients like flour, eggs, meat, tomatoes and cheeses — but that the real secret lies in the love and patience he puts into making it.
“I don’t put any out of the ordinary ingredients into it,” he says. “We source our ground beef from a local butcher shop for the Bolognese and and I use a blend of cheeses, including mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and Parmigiano Reggiano,” he continues. “But the key is a lot of practice in layering the pasta sheets and finding the right balance, so that it won’t overflow when it’s baking.”
Italian dessert maritozzi
In just a few short years, Porzia’s has transformed from a modest online takeout operation into a full-fledged dine-in restaurant. With seating for 26, the newly-opened restaurant features lasagna on both its lunch and dinner a la carte menus.
While it comes as no surprise that the lasagna remains the star of the show, the menu has expanded to include some standout items, including the focaccia, tagliatelle, and ricotta agnolotti—which Pesce notes are gaining popularity as new favourites. The carefully curated menu also offers a range of antipasti, main courses, and even soft-serve desserts.
The restaurant also has plans to reintroduce those famous takeout trays that brought Pesce so much recognition, beginning with one day a week and then expanding as demand grows.
And while the restaurant was inspired by his mother’s cooking, Pesce says it is not his mother’s exact recipe.
“I learned a lot from watching my mom make the dish, especially based on what I saw her do, and I just kind of made my own version of it,” he says. “She likes it.”
Porzia’s is located on 319A Oakwood Ave and is open for dinner on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., and for lunch Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
While the rate of motor vehicle accidents on Canada’s roads has declined in recent years due to pandemic safety measures, traffic volumes are increasing once again and collisions continue to cause an alarming amount of injuries every year. Given how commonplace such accidents are for drivers across Canada, many people are investing in dash cameras as a simple piece of tech that can protect your interests in case of a collision. These devices can serve as a crucial witness in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, offering valuable insights and evidence that can be a game-changer for any potential legal action.
As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond has expertise in all aspects of personal injury law. Jeremy Diamond, Partner at Diamond and Diamond, provides a brief overview of dash cams and why they’re relevant to personal injury law:
1. What Are Dash Cameras?
Dash cameras are small video recording devices mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard that capture real-time footage of your driving experiences. These devices start at around $50 at your local electronics store (costs vary depending on features) and can provide critical evidence in case of an accident, which can have a significant impact on your liability as a party to the collision. “Dash cameras have evolved into essential tools for drivers,” says Jeremy Diamond. “They can be a real game-changer in establishing fault and protecting you from liability should an accident occur.”
2. Can a Dash Camera Help in Case of a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Absolutely! Dash cameras can serve as irrefutable proof of your innocence in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident by showcasing the negligence of other drivers. The evidence from dash cam footage can thus shield you from unwarranted liability and legal charges while equipping your personal injury lawyers with invaluable evidence for negotiating claim settlements and legal proceedings. As Jeremy Diamond emphasizes, “Dash cameras can be your voice of truth after a collision, capturing details that could make a significant difference in your legal case.”
3. Do Dash Cameras Impact My Insurance?
While insurance companies generally don’t offer direct discounts for dash camera installation, these devices can be a significant help to your insurance company when it comes to fault determination. If you bear even partial responsibility for an accident, you may incur a deductible payment, which could lead to increased insurance rates. Jeremy Diamond clarifies, “While dash cameras might not directly lower your premiums, they can assist insurance companies in determining fault and protect you from unjust charges and liability.”
Installing a dash camera is a prudent decision for any driver at a very affordable price point. Should you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle accident, Diamond and Diamond stands ready to provide expert guidance. Contact us at 1-800-567-HURT to secure a free consultation today.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
A woman from Toronto is in hospital, battling a severe bout of botulism after consuming improperly preserved sardines at a wine bistro located in Bordeaux, France.
The restaurant — Tchin Tchin Wine Bistro — served the sardines to diners from September 4 to September 10, as verified by Canada’s Public Health Agency. News outlets have reported that as many as 25 people may have been affected after dining at the same restaurant and has tragically lead to the death of a 32-year-old Parisian woman.
Among those battling the illness are two women from Toronto — Gabby Chartier and Jubilee Pridham, the former who is a general manager of Toronto’s popular Italian eatery Piano Piano. It was on the first day of her trip to France that the women were infected.
Investigations are underway and a GoFundMe has been launched by Pridham’s family to help cover the costs of her care and recovery.
“Her health insurance has covered the cost of her hospital stay thus far; it does not, however, extend to the unknowable cost and timeline of her recovery and rehabilitation,” family member Margaree Pridham shares in the GoFundMe.
@jubsy_/Instagram
According to Margaree, after eating the house-made preserved sardines, Jubilee woke up to double vision and experienced difficulty with breathing and swallowing. By the time she arrived at the hospital, she had lost the ability to speak and move her body and was placed on a ventilator as she could no longer breathe independently.
The toxin rapid onset in Jubilee’s case was particularly hard on her body as she suffered prolonged exposure. After 72 hours, she received a lifesaving dose of antitoxin, which halted the advancement of the botulism toxin.After 72 hours, Jubilee received a lifesaving dose of antitoxin, which halted the advancement of the botulism toxin.
Within days, the fundraiser easily surpassed its goal of $40,000, raising more than $77,0000 at the time of this article’s posting, with more than 850 donors pitching in.
“Her health insurance has covered the cost of her hospital stay thus far; it does not, however, extend to the unknowable cost and timeline of her recovery and rehabilitation,” says Margaree. “Jubilee will not be able to work for the foreseeable future, and in addition to her recovery costs, she also has everyday financial responsibilities.”
Its rapid onset in Jubilee’s case was particularly hard on her body as she suffered prolonged exposure. After 72 hours, she received a lifesaving dose of antitoxin, which halted the advancement of the botulism toxin.
French newspaper Le Figaro, has reported an involuntary manslaughter complaint has been lodged against the bistro. The owner has publicly acknowledged discarding additional tins of sardines due to a foul odour and inadequate sealing.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that’s produced by certain bacteria. This toxin can affect your nerves and muscles, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, blurred vision and difficulty breathing. It’s usually linked to improperly preserved or canned foods.
Eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese delicacy of mooncakes are often presented as a gift to friends and family. Chef Craig Wong, who helms Patois and Bar Mignonette, gives us the scoop on the best of these traditionally red bean– or lotus- paste–filled pastries in Toronto.
WINNER: SAINT GERMAIN BAKERY
“The smell is a clean, uplifting scent. It has a double yolk, which is a classic move. It’s a quintessential mooncake, and the yolk is oily, which I like. I would buy this set for myself.” stgermainbakery.com, 1800 Sheppard Ave. E., $47.50 for 4
RUNNER-UP: MASHION BAKERY
“Wow, this is delicious. This one tastes like a very nice, clean white bean. The crust is nice, and so is the scent. I expected it to be way more dense in flavour and texture, but it’s actually very pleasant.” 647-348-2866, 345 Spadina Ave., $7.50 per piece
BAKE CODE
“They’re using salted egg yolk as a basis for a custard. It’s not traditional, but it’s cool. I would buy this set for my younger cousins. This has a modern approach, but it doesn’t fulfill my soul.” bakecode.com, 4910 Yonge St., $10/each
PATISSERIE GATEAU
“It’s really cool, not something you see quite often. Foodies would definitely get this set from me as a gift. The winter melon is a lot lighter than the lotus or the beans.” patisseriegateau.com, 6464 Yonge St., #122, $9.50/each
YU SEAFOOD
“It has that pork flavour to it. It’s interesting. Maybe I have some more growing up to do so that I can appreciate this one a little more. I would definitely buy this for the older people in my life.” yuseafood.com, 270 West Beaver Creek Rd., Richmond Hill, $78 for 6
KIN-KIN BAKERY
“It’s pasty, it’s heavy. As a kid, this is everything that I didn’t like in a mooncake because I would bite into them, hoping for lotus, but I’d get this. I appreciate it a lot more now.” kinkinbakery.ca, 300 John St., #141, Thornhill, $3.85/each
TUNG HING BAKERY
“Very gingery, porky, there’s actually some candied winter melon. There are pieces that have so much sugar on them that they crystalize and become crunchy.” 416-465-9103, 353 Broadview Ave., $20.60 for 4
Amika Cooper, known by her artistic pseudonym, especially on Instagram, blackpowerbarbie has been making waves in the art and illustration scene.
“My name is inspired by my personality and my worldview. It’s kind of an empowered alter ego that I have that is really passionate about challenging and subverting the status quo and aiming to provide compassionate representation for the underrepresented,” she says.
“I’ve always gravitated towards art to help me understand myself and the world.”
Raised in the GTA in Brampton, Cooper was exposed to diverse communities which helped her develop an open-minded perspective and a strong sense of self. A student at St. Thomas Aquinas, Cooper was a theatre major in their regional arts program. But, after attending and graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University, she fell in love with animation in a digital media course, which helped solidify her choice of a career in illustration.
Now based in both Toronto and New York City — the latter being where she was originally born — her unique blackpowerbarbie name and artistry reflects her unwavering commitment to challenging conventions and advocating for marginalized voices.
A self-taught illustrator and animator, Cooper has garnered recognition for her exceptional artwork, which primarily celebrates the beauty of Black femmes. Her portfolio of work is filled with clients like Starbucks, Nike, Hershey’s, Meta (then Facebook), BET, Doordash, The Washington Post and Viacom.
But it was her recent project with tech giant Apple for their Black History Month campaign in 2023 that she remains most proud. Initially tasked with creating three art pieces, her work expanded into a comprehensive design system featured across Apple’s platforms throughout February.
“I had so much creative control and it was an honour to see my work on display in store and so many places online,” says Cooper.
When asked about what inspires her work, she points to the human experience and community.
“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by many folks, who in the face of adversity, have still managed to show up in the world with creativity, ingenuity and hope,” she says.
“In the early stages of my career I really was utilizing my art to make sense of my emotions and experiences because I used to feel isolated. The process of sharing these feelings through art revealed that I wasn’t alone just because the media wasn’t saturated with perspectives like mine. Any time that my work deeply resonates with someone or encourages them to be themselves is what continues to inspire me these days.”
Constantly inspired, too, by the city of Toronto, Cooper proclaimed on a recent blackpowerbarbie Instagram post that the arts community, in her opinion, is “the brightest beacon that shines in Toronto and has been such a site of love and inspiration.”
In fact, that’s why Cooper still reflects fondly on her time growing up in the GTA — especially the events her friends used to host at the Drake Underground.
“Friends of mine used to run an open jam session for local musicians and singers. It was a beautiful era in my life where I got to improvise and collaborate musically — and live — with so many talented people,” says Cooper.
“Music has always been something I’ve been passionate about as a singer — which many people now don’t know — and that event was such a wonderful outlet for talent in our city.”
And if you were to ask her what her favourite thing to do in the city is, she’ll tell you it involves “walking around the west end” on her days off. And her go-to places to eat? Some of her preferred establishments include Contra Cafe, La Bella Menagua, Manita, Terroni and Ali’s Roti.
For glasses-wearers, eyewear isn’t just a necessity — it’s a fashion statement.
“The first thing people look at when you walk into a room is your face,” Amin Mamdani, president of Squint Eyewear, says. “We communicate with our eyes, so eyewear is very important.
It’s this ethos that independent brand Squint Eyewear brought to the city 20 years ago with the company’s first location in Oakville, quickly expanding to multiple locations in Toronto as demand for premium, fashionable eyewear grew. And last month, Squint Eyewear moved to a new location in Summerhill.
“We’ve strategically put ourselves where we feel there is a market — where we’ll find well-traveled clients who are professionals,” Mamdani says of the new location. “And from the neighbourhood’s buying habits, it’s clear that eyewear is something they would really care about.”
Of course, it’s not just great eyewear that Squint Eyewearis bringing to the area; Mamdani says they’re focused on creating a shopping experience that emulates that of a European boutique — and they’ve got the European brands, including Paris’ Anne et Valentin and Italy’s Piero Massaro, and L.A’s lifestyle brand Chrome Heartsto show for it.
“We travel to Europe several times a year, to Milan and Paris, to peruse the collections and select the pieces that are the right fit for our clients,” Mamdani says. “We have a sort of wish list from our opticians as to what they want, and what their clients want. It’s personalized shopping to a certain extent.”
When you enter a Squint Eyewear store, you’ll be greeted by tasteful decor and employees who are all about the personal care and experience. Customers are served espresso or water to get them comfortable in the space and are given as much time as they need to explore which eyewear might be right for them.
Mamdani says Squint Eyewear’s opticians are trained on how to select the perfect pair of glasses for a client, evaluating prescriptions, face shape and the personal taste of each customer to find the right fit.
“It’s not just about selecting eyewear,” he says. “It’s about why a pair might work or not work for a customer, and we provide them with a bit of eyewear knowledge.”
He says clients often come into the store looking at five or six different styles and leaving with two or three different pairs of glasses to create the look they’re after.
Now, on their 20th anniversary, Squint Eyewear is celebrating by bringing even more limited edition styles into the stores. The brand has collaborated with five different international designers, who have had input on everything from the colour to the shape of the frames. Each collection has been dropping periodically — the latest being a sunglasses collection withParis’Face a Face.
Mamdani also hinted at a few more surprises coming over the next few months. “We’ll be rolling out events where we’ll be inviting our clients for celebrations,” he says.
You can visit Squint Eyewear’s new Summerhill location at 1152 Yonge St. and shop their limited-edition collections.
Starting this Saturday at 7 p.m., Toronto will come alive as Nuit Blanche returns, filling the streets with an impressive array of more than 80 contemporary art projects. Nearly 250 talented artists have contributed to this artistic celebration, promising a night of creativity and inspiration. The event, known for its free all-night celebration of contemporary art, will sprawl across various neighborhoods in the city, including Etobicoke, downtown Toronto, and Scarborough.
For those planning to attend, essential information about participating artists and the comprehensive event programming can be found on the official City of Toronto Nuit Blanche website. Art enthusiasts can explore commissioned, independent, special projects, and installations presented by participating cultural institutions.
Art projects are grouped into easily accessible “Nuit Neighbourhoods.” These designated areas include Don Mills, East Danforth, Bloor-Yorkville, North York, Sterling Road, Fort York, Weston, West Queen West, and the downtown waterfront. Etobicoke, downtown Toronto, and Scarborough serve as the primary exhibition hubs.
Etobicoke
Under the curation of Lillian O’Brien Davis, the Etobicoke exhibition, named “Shoaling,” invites audiences to immerse themselves in a multivocal experience. Focusing on the connections between land and water, the exhibition weaves threads of memory, climate, race, and labor through various mediums, including performance, video, sculpture, and technology. Etobicoke will also showcase a diverse range of independent projects presented by Exhibition Sponsor Humber College and the local arts community. Notable attractions include a 150-foot-long light installation, a land-based installation along a beach, and two newly commissioned film works. Etobicoke sites, including Assembly Hall, Humber College’s Lakeshore Campus, and Colonel Samuel Smith Park, will be the backdrop for these captivating projects.
Downtown
Curated by Kari Cwynar, the “Disturbed Landscape” exhibition will transform Toronto’s downtown core with creative reversals and disruptions to the built environment. Commissioned artists will shed light on centuries of development in the city’s financial center, emphasizing the intrinsic relationship between land, economy, and power in urban settings. The downtown neighborhood will also feature various independent projects and installations delivered in partnership with leading cultural institutions.
“Eclipse” by Naomi Rincón Gallardo
Scarborough
The “In the Aggregate” exhibition, curated by Noa Bronstein, will delve into ideas of togetherness, friendship, and collectivity, reflecting Scarborough’s unique urban topography. Public spaces will be transformed through shared experiences, with eight commissioned projects taking center stage. Highlights include a descending fleet of space vessels made of bamboo and discarded plastics, a 40-foot video installation on queer dance and resistance practices, and hand-embroidered letters stitched onto silk saris, evoking feelings of nostalgia, loss, and a yearning for connection. Scarborough Town Centre is the proud sponsor of this enlightening exhibition.
Getting Around
To ensure the safety of attendees and facilitate free-flowing access to the art projects, several road restrictions will be in place during the event. These include the closure of Temperance Street from Yonge to Bay streets, Queen Street from York to Bay streets, and Bay Street from Dundas Street West to Front Street West, Armoury Street, Albert Street, and Hagerman Street during specified hours. Detailed information about road restrictions is available on the City’s Road Restrictions webpage.
Organizers strongly encourage attendees to utilize public transit or alternative travel methods such as walking or cycling. For those who must drive, planning routes in advance, staying alert, and allowing extra travel time to and from destinations are advised.
Transit
The TTC will offer subway service all night on Line 1 Yonge-University, Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, and the shuttle bus network on Line 3 Scarborough, in addition to the regular all-night Blue Night Network service. Day passes purchased on Sept. 23 will remain valid until 7 a.m. on Sept. 24.
GO Transit will operate its regular scheduled service during Nuit Blanche, offering the GO Weekend Pass for those looking to experience art throughout the night. Detailed trip planning information can be found on the GO Transit website.
Every year, the city comes alive with a vibrant nocturnal celebration of art, culture and creativity known as Nuit Blanche. For one night only, the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and this year promises to be no exception.
Renowned Toronto artist Bruno Billio is set to take over The Lakeview turning it into a futuristic TRON environment that promises to dazzle the senses
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning on Saturday, Sept. 23, diners can immerse themselves in a world where everything glows in the dark, enjoy a drink or a snack and dine fluorescently with a specially crafted Nuit Blanche menu.
“We’ve been admirers of Bruno Billio and his TRON art for quite some time,” says Fran, one of The Lakeview’s owners. “Just the way the diner presents, we think that the transformation into a ‘TRONNED’ environment will be pretty fantastical.”
Bruno Billio is an interdisciplinary sculptor, installation artist and designer, known for pushing boundaries. His immersive installations and innovative visuals challenge conventions. Billio’s work blurs reality and imagination, transporting viewers to unique realms with a focus on light and space. He’s renowned for creating captivating, sensory-rich environments featured in global galleries and events.
Inspired by the iconic science-fiction film, this immersive experience at The Lakeview promises to transport visitors into the digital world.
@thelakeviewdiner/Instagram
When it comes to the menu, you can count on all the diner’s favourites like burgers, chicken fingers, poutine and an all-day breakfast option, the turbo sandwich. And to add to the immersive experience, there will be glow-in-the-dark jello shots, as will the plates the food is served on to the waitstaff to match the whole TRON vibe.
While walk-ins are welcome, Fran suggests reserving your spot and most importantly, arriving on time.
@kotn/Instagram
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about 
