By Ron Johnson
Don’s Bakery has been a Muskoka tradition for decades. The Bala, Ont. shop is a hive of activity every spring and summer weekend beginning on Mother’s Day and stretching to Labour Day as cottagers descend en masse to stock up on their famous scones, butter tarts, cookies and pot pies. Bryan Foster grew up cottaging … Continued
By Ron Johnson
June is usually an incredible month in Toronto when it comes to cultural events. There is Luminato and the Toronto Jazz Festival to Pride Toronto, North by Northeast and many more. These festivals bring millions of visitors to the city and come with a huge economic impact. These festivals offer great opportunities for artists, create … Continued
By Ron Johnson
The new coalition of independent restaurants representing some of Toronto’s top establishments are banding together to lobby all levels of government for immediate help to stave off what has already been an economic disaster of the highest proportion. An email newsletter sent from Erik Joyal of the Ascari Hospitality Group outlines a way forward for … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto singer-songwriter Ben Kunder is playing a livestream concert tonight (March 24) on the heels of announcing a new album scheduled for release on May 29. Kunder, who will be streaming an hour-long performance on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, also released a new single and video “Berlin” off the new album. It was written about … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto musicians are amongst the hardest hit by COVID-19 as entire concert tours, the major source of revenue for many artists, disappeared overnight. There are many initiatives underway to try to help, and one of the latest and most exciting is URGNT — a live stream concert series where many of the city’s most prominent … Continued
By Ron Johnson
For the first time in its long history, the Mirvish theatres will be closed at least Apri 12. Performances of Hamilton, Come From Away, Summer and Us/Them will be “suspended” while the touring company production of The Boyfriend, with Kelsey Grammar, will be cancelled. COVID-19 UPDATE – March 14, 2020. Click here for full update: … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s renowned Tarragon Theatre is suspending its 2019/20 season temporarily due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. “The health of our patrons, staff, artists, and volunteers are our primary concern,” said artistic director Richard Rose in a statement. “The Tarragon Board of Directors and management have, after careful consultation, come to the difficult conclusion that a … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Parade has been cancelled due to public health concerns. Parade organizers issued a statement indicating that they believed it was in the “best interest of participants, volunteers and members of the public.” The parade was scheduled for Sunday, March 15. “Our committee made the decision to cancel the parade in the public … Continued
By Ron Johnson
This week, the Alchohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) website features a ream of new cannabis notices including 20 in the city of Toronto. Although the majority of businesses are in the downtown core, there is a number in new areas such as the main street strip along Eglinton Avenue near Yonge Street. The … Continued
By Ron Johnson
After more than 30 years in business, Midtown children’s bookstore Mabel’s Fables may be on the verge of closure due to a 70 per cent rent increase and a loss of customer traffic associated with the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. The store, located at 662 Mount Pleasant Road, was opened in 1988 by … Continued
By Ron Johnson
It appears as though a local resident took dog park patrolling to an entirely new level last weekend by actually attaching two cheap bicycle locks to the gates of the Wychwood puppy palace to keep canines out. The issue came to light following a post on a local community Facebook group by Chris Quinn. “I … Continued
By Ron Johnson
The management of venerable Bloor West bar Clinton’s took to social media late in the day on Feb. 21 to announce the venue is closing in a touching letter posted on Facebook. “For eighty-three years, Clinton’s Tavern has been a mainstay on the corner of Bloor and Clinton. A lifetime of memories are hidden away … Continued
