Subscribe

Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life!

City News

Word is a great, big budget shortfall is looming in 2013

The 2012 budget hasn’t even gone before council, and already the Toronto Sun has moved on to 2013. Apparently, a city source...

There’s a new character in the sordid tale of Rob Ford versus Marg Delahunty: the almighty CBC ombudsperson

Although Bill Blair swooped in to save Rob Ford from reports that he’d called 911 dispatchers “bitches”—and called himself...

Turns out installing, and then promptly removing, the Jarvis bike lane is wasteful and expensive

Last week the Toronto Cyclists Union revealed the cost of removing the Jarvis bike lane to be $272,000, significantly more than...

Rob Ford inspires local citizens—to try to bring Transit City back

The push to resurrect Transit City is picking up a modest amount of steam, courtesy of activist Joe Drew and the website...

Toronto’s budget surplus (no, not shortfall) grows by another $8.8 million

The city’s projected budget surplus has grown to $154 million—a nice chunk of change for a metropolis that’s allegedly...

Inside the Latest Issue

The June issue of Toronto Life features the best new restaurants of 2026. Plus, our obsessive coverage of everything that matters now in the city.

Where to Buy Now: St. Lawrence, because everything an urbanite needs is within a five-minute walk

Where to Buy Now: St. Lawrence, because everything an urbanite needs is within a five-minute walk

Established in 1803, St. Lawrence isn’t exactly a scrappy young upstart. But what it’s done exceptionally well on the...

Justin Bieber reveals a massive tattoo of a person more famous than he is (we know, it’s hard to believe)

Justin Bieber reveals a massive tattoo of a person more famous than he is (we know, it’s hard to believe)

We went six whole days into 2012 without a big Justin Bieber scandal or accomplishment—but Beliebers can rest easy now because...

City hall wants $150 parking tickets; Reddit’s Toronto community wants fines geared to income

Pending approval from council, city will start slapping drivers who park illegally during rush hour with $150 fines. The proposal...

Does Rob Ford have a real plan for the police (aside from offering his unconditional love and support)?

Does Rob Ford have a real plan for the police (aside from offering his unconditional love and support)?

By now, you’ve likely heard— over and over and over —about Toronto’s particularly low homicide rate in 2011, which dropped...

Can gondolas bridge the gap (heh) in Rob Ford’s transit plan?

Back in October, urban planner Steven Dale argued that gondolas—sort of like the ones you find at ski resorts—could serve as a...

Councillor Peter Milczyn offers something that sounds (shockingly) like a vision

A report commissioned by Rob Ford supporter Peter Milczyn has some recommendations for making Toronto a better place to live that...

Where to Buy Now: Christie Pits, because good parks make good neighbours

Where to Buy Now: Christie Pits, because good parks make good neighbours

Plagued by crime and patrolled by drug dealers, Christie Pits’s green spaces seemed doomed—until fed-up neighbours did...

Doug Ford’s parking pass stunt could save taxpayers dozens of dollars

The chairman of the Toronto Parking Authority says the organization will review its policy of giving councillors free parking...

Will crowds boo Kris Humphries when he returns to Toronto tomorrow? Kim Kardashian, we presume, says yes

Will crowds boo Kris Humphries when he returns to Toronto tomorrow? Kim Kardashian, we presume, says yes

Kris Humphries has come a long way since his days as a young (read: not very good) basketball player in Toronto. The ex-Raptor...

City councillors are (once again) considering licensing cyclists—that terrible idea that refuses to die

The city is looking to crack down on reckless cyclists—specifically those who ride on the sidewalk—and apparently they’re...

Where to Buy Now: East End Danforth, because million-dollar homes, modest semis and co-ops commingle close to the Beach

Where to Buy Now: East End Danforth, because million-dollar homes, modest semis and co-ops commingle close to the Beach

The urban mix is the appeal of East End Danforth—a neighbourhood that has proximity to the boardwalk; manicured houses flying...

RIM’s share prices surge with rumours that co-CEOs might be turfed

Research in Motion may have found a quick way to shake off a dismal third quarter (and that whole rowdy drunken execs fiasco):...

In an act as dramatic as it is inconsequential, Doug Ford cuts up his parking pass

Doug Ford cut up the free parking pass he receives as a member of city council—then mailed it back to the Toronto Parking...

Rob Ford and his allies continue to control the PR game over contract negotiations with city unions

Rob Ford and his allies continue to control the PR game over contract negotiations with city unions

The Rob Ford administration has already fired the first volleys of the New Year in the ongoing public relations battle with CUPE...

Where to Buy Now: Mimico, because it’s one lakefront revitalization that’s on schedule

Where to Buy Now: Mimico, because it’s one lakefront revitalization that’s on schedule

Many west-end neighbourhoods close to the core have their waterfront views blocked by the Gardiner. Mimico, on the other hand, is...

The latest in wholly unsurprising news: the Eglinton Crosstown is going to be insanely expensive

The latest in wholly unsurprising news: the Eglinton Crosstown is going to be insanely expensive

The Eglinton Crosstown light rail line—the public transit project that’s proving Rob Ford can’t just bury things he...

The List: 10 things the star of Gerry Dee: Sports Reporter and the new CBC sitcom Mr. D can’t live without

The List: 10 things the star of Gerry Dee: Sports Reporter and the new CBC sitcom Mr. D can’t live without

1| My alma mater I spent 13 years at De La Salle College, first as a student and then as a gym teacher. It was a great job to have...

Max Adler, Josh Sussman, Catherine O’Hara and more donate their footwear for Ron White’s 16th annual shoe drive

Max Adler, Josh Sussman, Catherine O’Hara and more donate their footwear for Ron White’s 16th annual shoe drive

Ron White kicks off his 16th annual shoe drive in the Manulife Centre this Friday at 1 p.m. with an event that showcases...

Rob Ford rings in the New Year by kissing babies (good) and ducking reporters’ questions (bad)

Pesky journalists crashed Rob Ford ’ s annual levee yesterday, nearly putting a damper on the jolly good time the mayor was...

Cost of Living

This 22-year-old venture capitalist is on track to make $180,000 this year. How does he spend it?

This 22-year-old venture capitalist is on track to make $180,000 this year. How does he spend it?

“I love a good bargain, so I shop at No Frills”

This globetrotting couple earns a combined $287,000 a year. How do they spend it?

This globetrotting couple earns a combined $287,000 a year. How do they spend it?

“Groceries are our biggest monthly expense after rent”

This Doctors Without Borders marketer earns $100,000 a year. How does she spend it?

This Doctors Without Borders marketer earns $100,000 a year. How does she spend it?

Manpreet Badyal moved from Delhi to Vancouver to Toronto in search of success

How a Gen Z finance enthusiast in Forest Hill spends her money

How a Gen Z finance enthusiast in Forest Hill spends her money

Business analyst and budding TikTok investment guru Chaeeun Lee hopes to visit 50 countries before she turns 30

This policy analyst and stand-up comedian makes $83,000 a year. How does she spend it?

This policy analyst and stand-up comedian makes $83,000 a year. How does she spend it?

“Investing in mental health is important. I have an unlimited membership at Othership in Yorkville”

This entrepreneur is on track to make $23,000 this year. How does she spend it?

This entrepreneur is on track to make $23,000 this year. How does she spend it?

“It was hard to accept financial aid from my parents, but it actually brought us closer together”

How an actor, influencer and amateur investor managed to earn a six-figure salary

How an actor, influencer and amateur investor managed to earn a six-figure salary

“My family taught me to invest. It’s probably the wisest advice they’ve ever given me”

Urban Diplomat

Dear Urban Diplomat: What’s the etiquette for EV charging?

Dear Urban Diplomat: What’s the etiquette for EV charging?

Dear Urban Diplomat , What’s the etiquette for EV charging? A few weeks ago, I finally found a spot in my neighbourhood to juice...

Dear Urban Diplomat: My husband thinks I'm a hoarder, but I'm a collector

Dear Urban Diplomat: My husband thinks I’m a hoarder, but I’m a collector

He’s started quoting Marie Kondo and insisting that I get rid of my “emotional support tchotchkes.” How can I get him to back off?

Dear Urban Diplomat: My condo building has zero tolerance for the slightest noise

Dear Urban Diplomat: My condo building has zero tolerance for the slightest noise

They’ve asked us not to shower after 11 p.m. because of “pipe whistling.” Is this normal?

Dear Urban Diplomat: My husband bought us a pass to skip the line at the ski hill. Why do I feel guilty for using it?

Dear Urban Diplomat: My husband bought us a pass to skip the line at the ski hill. Why do I feel guilty for using it?

I can’t help being embarrassed every time I sheepishly walk past the eye rollers in the regular queue

Dear Urban Diplomat: My brother is lying online about Dry January

Dear Urban Diplomat: My brother is lying online about Dry January

He’s preaching the virtues of sobriety on TikTok but still crushing six-packs every weekend, and the hypocrisy is getting on my nerves. Should I call him out?

Dear Urban Diplomat: My co-workers have forgotten how to behave in an office

Dear Urban Diplomat: My co-workers have forgotten how to behave in an office

I actually don’t mind the return-to-office mandate, but it seems like so much working from home has caused my fellow employees’ self-awareness to atrophy

Dear Urban Diplomat: My friends are getting into sober raves, and I just can't see the appeal

Dear Urban Diplomat: My friends are getting into sober raves, and I just can’t see the appeal

How does one cut loose in a well-lit room while the sun is shining and no one is even a little intoxicated?