You’ve heard the phrase, Around the world in 80 days? We’ve got it all around Toronto for you in 10 clicks. Behold, the week that was, the perfect companion for all your small-talk needs this weekend.
John Fisher School racism allegations
An investigation is underway following allegations of racist behaviour at John Fisher JPS in North Toronto including an incident where it is alleged one young student was locked in a small “isolation” room for 30 minutes unsupervised. Since the incident first came to light, the parents of two other children have come forward with similar allegations.
Fred goes on a $%&%$ rant about referees
The Toronto Raptors got their playoff run chopped off at the knees by NBA referees in back-to-back games and Fred VanVleet has had enough. Following a lost to the Los Angeles Clippers on March 8, the team’s heart-and-soul tore into the game’s referees with most of the tirade directed at one ref in particular in Ben Taylor. This follows a game in which Scottie Barnes got his first NBA ejection, surprising everyone, including some of the officials working the game. For his efforts, VanVleet was fined $30,000 by the league.
“I’ll take a fine…Ben Taylor was fu*king terrible tonight.”
– Fred VanVleet
(h/t @ActionNetworkHQ)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 9, 2023
Metrolinx chopping up more Toronto trees
Fresh from a fight over a few trees at Osgoode Hall in Toronto, Metrolinx was in the news again this week with an announcement that it would be cutting up to three thousand trees in the Don Valley in preparation for the construction of the Ontario Line subway.
The end of a dim sum era
A popular Chinese restaurant known for its high-end eats has permanently closed. Located on the second floor of the DoubleTree Hotel at 108 Chestnut St., Lai Wah Heen had been serving up elevated dim sum to suits and tourists alike since 1995.
Advertisement According to a representative from DoubleTree, the owner of Lai Wah Heen decided not to renew the lease at the end of February. At this point, they were uncertain as to whether or not the restaurant would be reopening.
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Oscars parties this weekend with Toronto talent up for major awards
The Academy Awards will be handed out this weekend, with a number of notable Torontonians firmly in the mix led by director Sarah Polley. Word on the streets of Toronto is that Polley, who is nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture, for the film Women Talking, is the odds-on favourite to land the screenplay award. Other local favourites include Domee Shi, Brendan Fraser and Daniel Rohar. Looking to watch in the company of strangers? Check out our list of Oscar parties at the link.
Yes, there are even more candidates ‘considering’ a mayoral run
Another highly regarded potential candidate in the running to replace former mayor John Tory. A letter is circulating signed by a group of progressive Torontonians backing midtown city councillor Josh Matlow for mayor. And it looks like an announcement might not are far behind. Like other city councillors considering a run, Matlow spoke with the Toronto Star and said he is “considering” it. The letter from Friends of Matlow is signed by the likes of former mayor and Streets of Toronto columnist John Sewell, street nurse Cathy Crowe, and musician Rollie Pemberton, a.k.a. Cadence Weapon, the Toronto Council On Aging, and John Plumadore, former chair of the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Association.
March Break preparations
One of the busiest travel periods of the year has arrived. March Break travellers are set to fill up local airports to be whisked away to sunny climes and post social media photos to annoy even their best of friends stuck at home. But, to be honest, the vast majority of people aren’t doing anything, and need something to keep their kids busy while away from school. Head to the link for our list of the best ways to spend March Break here in Toronto. Make sure you photos of all the fun you’re having with your family while saving thousands of dollars and potential stomach upset.
People are getting scared to take transit in Toronto
There has been no shortage of headline grabbing incidents on Toronto transit, as well as at or near TTC stations and it’s starting to get to us, according to a new Ipsos poll. The survey found that the majority of Canadians still felt safe taking public transit, it is cause for concern.
“Although the majority of Canadians report feeling safe when using public transit, more Canadians say they feel safe transiting with friends or family (73%, 40% somewhat/33% very) than when they do so alone (62%, 40% somewhat/22% very). However, this means one-quarter say they feel unsafe taking public transit alone (27%, 19% somewhat/8% very),” read the Ipsos report.
In late January, following a string of four incidents in six days, the city of Toronto and the TTC moved to step up security measures on transit including an increase of 50 security guards who “have daily experience dealing with underhoused people in crisis and have advanced training in areas including.”
AGO gets $35 million donation announces massive expansion
Canada Goose chairman and CEO Dani Reiss donated a cool $35 million to the Art Gallery of Ontario that set a massive expansion in motion. Today, the AGO reveals its plan for a increase the museum’s gallery space by 40,000 square feet, with at least 13 new galleries across five floors — increasing the AGO’s total space available to display art by 30%.
The donation is one of the largest gifts in the AGO’s history.
“Contemporary art is an observation of our time; the conversations, issues and triumphs of our generation – a reflection of humanity. I’m proud to support the AGO in their purpose to bring people together through art, especially art that inherently inspires such important discussion,” said Reiss, in a statement. Toronto is a world-class city, and this new gallery further establishes Toronto and Canada as a leader in celebrating modern & contemporary art.”
Toronto chef creates Chicken Big Mac
McDonald’s highly-anticipated Chicken Big Mac is here, and it’s a recipe that’s been two years in the making. Created by Jeff Anderson, McDonald’s senior manager of menu innovation in Toronto, the new burger will feature the classic toppings found in the Big Mac — lettuce, processed cheddar cheese, pickles and Big Mac sauce — with a chicken twist. The Chicken Big Mac features two lightly-coated chicken patties made and served on a sesame seed bun.