Welcome to the redesigned Toronto Life

Welcome to the August issue of Toronto Life, which has a fresh new look and more stories and photos than ever before.

We’ve introduced some terrific new items, like the Ego Meter, in which we send up Toronto’s famously fragile self-image; an advice column called the Urban Diplomat; and a page called “Reason to Love Toronto,” in which we tell you about one building or person that we’re particularly enthusiastic about (this month, it’s the green roof at city hall). Jan Wong is joining us as a regular columnist, and Chris Nuttall-Smith is making his debut as our restaurant critic. I’m especially happy to announce the launch of a new culture section that introduces readers to the ideas and personalities shaping our arts and entertainment landscape. (Read Carl Wilson‘s essay on Justin Bieber here.)

One thing hasn’t changed in the 43 years since the launch of Toronto Life: our commitment to publishing well-crafted, award-winning feature articles and authoritative service journalism. The August issue continues the tradition. Our annual, much-anticipated “Best of the City” package is fun and extremely useful: the first time I read it, I had to grab a highlighter to mark all the cool things and places I want to check out this summer. (I now feel I must go see a show at the Comedy Bar on Bloor West, and I’m dying to try the mole verde burrito in Kensington Market.) Also in August: an absorbing profile of Christopher Plummer, who is playing Prospero at Stratford, and a thought-provoking piece on subway suicides—a must-read for anyone who has ever taken the TTC.

Starting today, this issue is on newsstands at a special price—just $2.99. We really want you to take a look (some sample pages are available below). I doubt you’ll find anything as cheap that will give you as much pleasure.

Sarah Fulford, editor editor@torontolife.com