Toronto Real Estate » Lifestyle

Organic Living in Toronto

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:17:15 +0000

Organic Food Garden by Peter Blanchard

If you follow trends, I am sure you will have noticed all the attention that has been paid to green and organic living in the past couple of years. Toronto, as a modern city, is keeping up with what is fashionable, as well as what is good for its citizens' health, and therefore places offering organic goods are abundant in the city. Check out the best places to go if you want your life to be as "green" as possible!

It is good to start with a definition to make sure everyone understands what the word that is going to be used many, many times in this article means. In this article, “organic” refers to the way products have been grown and processed. No use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics, or preservatives is allowed. Natural fertilizers and composts are used instead.

Organic farming in Canada was “limited to small groups of producers, processors and consumers” for a very long time, but it has gotten immensely popular in recent years. During the last decade, sales of organic products have been rising by about 20 per cent a year. Such products are very easy to recognize — they all have the Canada Organic label; a maple leaf rising above two hilltops. In Toronto, most things organic are easy to find, and this article will help guide you where to find them.

Grocery Delivery

If you are too busy shop in grocery stores, this is not a problem at all. There are many organic grocery delivery services in Toronto that will make your life a lot easier. Furthermore, by staying home, you save your time and plastic bags, which are usually used in grocery stores, as well as your own carbon footprint. All you need is a couple of minutes of your time, Internet access, a list of goods you want to buy, and a credit card or cash.

Green Earth Organics (GEO)

The aim of Green Earth Organics is to provide its customers with “the freshest and very best organic products available.” GEO offers weekly or bi-weekly delivery of organic goods. You can choose from the three weekly changing bins full of seasonal selections of organic fruit and vegetables that GEO has in store, the $37 Regular Harvest Box, $47 Family Harvest Box or the $60 Super Harvest Box. All of these can be modified slightly, but you can also create your own bin to control completely what products you are going to get. Pick anything you like from the great selection of 100 per cent Certified Organic fruit, vegetables, dairy, and other grocery products. You can change your order until 9:00 am the day before the delivery.

Deliveries are made on the same day each week; the exact day depends on your location. The delivery time is always between 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Payments are made via pre-authorized debit or credit card, but it is possible to agree on other methods of payment as well. If you are not satisfied with some of the delivered products, do not hesitate: if you bring it to their attention, you can get a replacement. You can also have a good feeling about using the services of GEO: the products are 100% organic, they are delivered in reusable bins instead of plastic bags, and importantly, shopping there helps to support local farmers and local businesses.

Front Door Organics Inc.

415 Horner Avenue
Since 1997, Front Door Organic (FDO) has been helping Torontonians to live better and healthier lives. It offers an unbelievable selection of goods — more than 500 certified organic and ecologically responsible grocery items. The choice is fantastic; and the quality is superb. Supporting local business is crucial, and Front Door Organics is very much aware of that, as it gives priority to Ontario grown organics, Ontario producers, and Ontario-based businesses.

Check out their webpage and choose your delivery schedule. Do you want your groceries to be delivered weekly, biweekly, or every three or four weeks? Do you want to skip some weeks? It is up to you. Again, the day of delivery depends on where you live. The time is between noon and 10:00 pm, and you do not have to be home to receive your delivery. You can also pick up the goods yourself if you live outside the FDO delivery area.

With regard to payment, it is necessary to pay by credit card or a cheque (mailed in advance) for the first delivery, but after that, it is possible to agree on paying by cheque or cash. Simply said, they FDO is trying to do everything to make their clients satisfied, and the hard work has been paying off, it seems. In 2010, it won the Organic Council of Ontario’s 2010 award for Outstanding Direct To Consumer Operation. Try their services and see whether the award is deserved.

Mama Earth Organic

Mama Earth Organic entered the market only recently, in 2007. Its main goal is “to provide a service where local farms are given priority and members are able to access the freshest organic items available at a fair price,” and it is doing a pretty good job, as the number of its customers keeps growing.

MEO offers a variety of goods, from organic fruits and vegetables to organic cheese, eggs, freshly baked organic breads, organic milk, and so on. You can choose from a few available baskets changing every week ($27.50-$55) or have it your way and create a special basket that suits your needs. Decide how often you want to receive your delivery. Do not worry: it is not compulsory to order a basket every week — everything is up to you. As for the financial matters, there is a $10 membership fee, but other than that, no pre-payments are necessary.

Places to Eat and Drink

Live Food Bar logo

Live Food Bar

264 Dupont St.
Live, one of the best known Toronto organic raw food restaurants was founded exactly ten years ago, in 2002. It began as Chris Italiano’s organic café and juice bar. With the help of his sister, Jennifer Italiano, the place has been transformed into what it is today. If you think that raw vegan food will not taste delicious, forget it: Live will most certainly prove you wrong. It combines healthy, fresh, high-quality ingredients with unbelievable taste. Its policy is simple; Live believes that “food should only be processed by the human body.”

Like all the aforementioned grocery delivery stores, the restaurant supports local farmers. Furthermore, to prove devotedness to organic lifestyle, Live promised they would cut back on their carbon footprint. Reusing and recycling is also very important in this restaurant. Do not hesitate to try one of the popular Organic Superfood Smoothes or healthy bowls. Get ready for a gourmet experience and to “cleanse your body, mind, and soul.” Live is waiting for you.

The Beet Organic Café

2945 Dundas Street West
Organic, local and green! These are the words describing The Beet Organic Café perfectly. When Certified Nutritionist Michelle Vella and Homeopathic Doctor Heather Osler started professionally advising people about dietary issues and nutritional protocol, they had no idea that their practice at the clinic would end up helping the whole City of Toronto to live a better and healthier life. That began in 2008, when the Café was opened.

Everything in this place is eco-friendly, from the fresh, organic menu to the 100 per cent biodegradable packaging and the sustainable interior design. Just like the other shops and restaurants we have mentioned, this lovely place aims to “support local farmers by providing fresh local produce whenever possible.” Whether you are in the mood for a smoothie or a milkshake, for a tasty breakfast or a burger, this cafe has it all, and more — absolutely everything organic. Kids love it too! Take them out for a nice afternoon, since this restaurant offers a special children's menu as well. Have fun!

Magic Oven

798 Danforth Ave. and 4 other locations

Even the most health-conscious people might want to spend an evening watching TV and eating pizza. Thanks to the popular family-run local restaurant chain called Magic Oven, one does not have to feel guilty about doing so from time to time. This place offers a wide variety of organic pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. There are a number of Magic Oven restaurants across our city. You can either choose to eat in or take your food home with you. Unsurprisingly, the packaging is enviro-friendly: pizza boxes are made of recycled cardboard and the plastic bags are degradable. Give yourself a little treat and try Toronto’s award-winning pizza.

Mix

Essence of Life Organics logo

Essence of Life Organics

50 Kensington Ave
Out of all the organic shops in Toronto, I have heard the most praise for this one. Essence is a very cute and friendly shop, the greatest positive of which is that it is very visible how passionate about organic products its owners are and how deeply involved they try to be.

The store offers a wide range of products — from groceries to beauty and household products. The selection includes purely vegan and gluten-free products, fresh veggies, prepared meals, baked goods, perfumes, soaps, vitamins, creams and a lot more. It makes no sense to make a list; there are just too many products to mention.

All this combined with reasonable prices, a convenient location, and helpful and friendly staff ready to help any time make this shop so special and popular. Pay a visit to Essence yourself. If you are into the organic lifestyle, you are going to fall in love — if you have not already.

Urb Organic Spa

701 Mt Pleasant Rd
Ladies and gentlemen, what would you say to forgetting all your problems and spending the day in a spa? Sounds like a good idea to me. You can even bring your green lifestyle into the relaxation of the spa! Urb Organic Spa offers absolutely everything you could possibly wish for in a spa. The only difference is that the products used are completely organic. Make sure to check the webpage regularly to be updated about the current monthly promotions. It will be worth it! Take a little time off and enjoy yourself; your skin and body are going to appreciate it!

Belmonte Raw logo

Belmonte Raw

1022 Queen St. East
Belmonte Raw offers a wide range of products in one place. Fresh, organic drinks and food (including unbelievably delicious, sugar-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free desserts) make it seem a little like a buffet restaurant, but it has a lot more in store. Give a chance to one of the three Cleansing Packages “designed to help your body to cleanse and detox through whole, organic living foods.” Would you rather learn how to cook healthy and easy raw meals? Attend one of the classes in the boutique. Come see, taste and learn!

Participate

If living a healthy lifestyle is not enough for you and you would like to do a little more not only for yourself but also for the people around you, apply for one of the organic agriculture and food-related study programmes or participate in an organization dealing with organic issues. What better way to learn more about green living than by being a part of it!

Food Security Studies, Ryerson University, Toronto

Ever since its establishment in 1994, the Centre for Studies in Food Security has been “working to promote food security through research, dissemination, education, community action, and professional practice.” For all those eager to know as much as possible about food security, it is possible to get a certificate in the field. The subjects include Introduction to Food Security, Urban Food Security, and Urban Agriculture Types. Interested? Check out the webpage and apply.

Organic Agriculture, University of Guelph, Ontario

With the increasing popularity of organic products, the Guelph Organic Program has been attracting an increasing number of people. As its title suggests, organic sustainability is what the program is mainly devoted to, however, eating sustainably seems to be becoming prominent as well. If you enjoy reading and talking about these topics, it is a good idea to apply. This university is the perfect location for this program as “Guelph is unique among Canadian universities in offering both academic and applied learning opportunities in organics on campus for a broad range of career directions.”

Canadian Organic Growers (COG)

As unbelievable as it may sound, COG, a registered charity, has been dealing with organic growing for more than three decades. Its aim is to create an “awareness of and appreciation for sustainable organic food.” The charity needs all your support; you can donate or become a member and participate in helping Canada achieve a more healthy and sustainable food system. You might not want to miss an interesting event taking place in Toronto on February 18th, the annual conference in Toronto entitled “Your Food, Your Choice: The Value of Organic”. See COG’s webpage for more details.

Interior Colour Trends of 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:36:54 +0000

Interior by Tom Merton

2012 is here and, as usual, a new year means new trends and styles. Do you know what they are? As I am not attempting to write a book here, I am not going to talk about everything that is going to be fashionable in 2012. If you are planning to change the look of the interior of your house and you want to know what colours will be hot this year, this could be helpful for you. Listen to the experts; they might well help you make your home a chic and super stylish place.

General Trends

Glamorous: that is how I would describe the look of 2012 interior design in one word. Apparently, the interior will be all about luxury and comfort in the upcoming months. According to some experts, this year, “adjacent colours on the colour wheel will be trendy. "The top colours for 2012 “include emerald, ruby, amethyst, sapphire, coral and deep cream,” some professionals say. There are those who are convinced that especially organic neutrals (that is, greys and beiges), golden yellows, grassy greens, and soft pinks are the hit this year, while others believe in the dominance of turquoise, cobalt blue, orange, maroon and fuchsia.

Regarding materials, those with “luxurious finishes, such as marble, wood, leather, and wool” are predicted to be the most popular. Textures will also be extremely in this year, with the combination of fabrics expected to be the most stylish. The predicted mix of comfort and luxury seems like a pretty smart idea, since everyone wants their home to be comfortable and glamorous at the same time. We all want a place we are proud to call our own, and we certainly want it to last more than one season. The two aspects predicted to define 2012 are therefore not likely to get boring any time soon.

Pantone

These were the basic predictions, but let me look at the current trends more in detail. One of the sources I believe we can trust fully is Pantone, perhaps the most “renowned authority on colour” in the world. Pantone has been in the business for nearly five decades, during which time it has gained great credibility. Check out its 2012 colour guide for interiors to know what is currently in. It identifies nine palettes that are and will be fashionable this year. Here they are, as described by Pantone:

Back to the Fuchsia

An intriguing palette represented by a “melding of dancing reds, purples, and pink, all highlighted by a variety of fuchsias. Jewel-toned peridot both accentuates and complements the hotter hues.” Those who love their décor a little bright are going to fall in love with this palette. Any of the shades is going to transform a room to a completely new, lively place.

Orange Wall by Karyn Christner

Resilience

“There are nuances of the deepest browns, varietal mushroom tones, foliage green, and greenish yellow. A dash of flamingo orange adds an exotic touch to this otherwise organic grouping.” Where to use these colours? Flamingo orange walls in the kitchen could give it a lively spirit many kitchens lack, while oil yellow walls in the library might have a nice, soothing effect. I think many people will use some of these colours in their bedrooms or living rooms as well.

Nonchalance

“Pastel pinks, ethereal blues, and soft egret white wrap us in carefree baby blanket colours, harmoniously blending with the more mature taupe, gray, and grape tones.” I can just imagine a fantastic living room combining two of these shades — gray and blue, for instance. These colours from this palette fit together well, and those who do not fancy overly bright and extravagant shades in their homes are going to love it.

Transcending Time

This palette includes “elegant wine and plum, warm beige, and wood tones, as well as classic rose. A touch of frosted almond adds a soft and subtle glimmer to the atmosphere.” This palette is perfect to reflect and elegant atmosphere, as well as for a family's little princesses; it would be ideal for a girl’s bedroom.

Soft yellow green by Eddie

Subtleties

“Hazy coral, soft yellow green, faded rose, stonewashed blue, and tinges of gray and green artfully set against a tasteful brown earthy red.” One of these colours could well be used in a child’s room. Many girls and boys are going to find the shade they like in this palette. The colours are not too bright; they will make the room cosy and peaceful. Unlike some of the very passionate shades, none of these colours will hamper your children’s sleeping habits.

The Comics

“Ominous phantom black provides the backdrop for sulphuric yellow and fiery red. A flash of green provokes a strong blue while an inky cyan plays up to honeysuckle and primrose. It is quirky joy and spontaneity.” No room can ever be boring with one of these happy colours.

Indigo Effects

“The colours are variations on a blue theme — celestial and majestic blues, purpled and deep blue indigos — all deftly brushed with contrasting strokes of maroon, mauve, and moody gray.” Many boys dream of a bedroom decorated in one of these colours, but I can imagine these shades in every room.

Blue Moon by Hans Splinter

Reflections

“Included in this arresting palette are tones and tints that spark the imagination: Turkish sea, blue moon, garnet, beluga, cloud dancer as well as the classic silver and gold.” Not everyone is a fan of warm colours. If you are one of those people, you are going to find many of the colours on this palette appealing. Even those who prefer warmer shades might find what they are looking for, however. Whatever your preferences are, decoration in any of these colours is not going to go unnoticed.

Nouveau Neon

“Asian-inspired bamboo yellow-green plays with orange Popsicle® and berry purples, while citrus colours toy with pink and raspberry. A flavourful butter-rum tan is the unexpected accompaniment to all of the vibrant colours in the palette.” Go back to the ’80s using some of the shiny colours this palette contains. In combination with a soft shade, they could make a room bright and interesting.

Colour of the Year

And what is the colour of 2012 according to Pantone? It is “sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive Tangerine Tango." This mixture of orange and red is destined to catch the attention of everyone; it is impossible not to notice it. This colour will not only inspire fashion designers, but it will also be significant in interior design as well. I can just imagine how decoration in this shade will brighten up any room. Combining pillows, candles, and vases of this colour with beige, white or grey furniture looks amazingly stylish and sophisticated. Many will want to paint their walls in Tangerine Tango, however painting a living room or a bedroom in this colour might not be the smartest idea. As nice as Tangerine Tango is, it may well be a bit too energetic and passionate to use in a room designed for relaxation. Use it in the kitchen, though, and cooking will become much more fun. Just watch how it improves your mood.

Brentano

Brentano, a “leader in designer textiles in a range of beautiful colours” has predicted what will be hot in 2012 as well. According to Brentano Design Director Iris Wang, interior design depends on a couple of core neutral colours and the trends here do not change too frequently and too rapidly. Nonetheless, Brentano has chosen six top colours of this year.

Tangerine

Yes, Tangerine indeed does seem to be the hit this year. Seeing how striking it is, I think it is almost impossible not to like.

White by Orin Zebest

Paper White

Paper white is perfect for every room. Combine it with the right colour (which can be almost any colour, as white goes well with most of the shades) and the effect will be fabulous.

Marine

This shade was fashionable in 2011 and does not seem to be becoming any less popular this year. You cannot do wrong if you combine marine with a nice, soft colour.

Sprout

Do you want to brighten up a room? Sprout is just perfect for that. Give it a chance and watch everyone’s mood improve immediately.

Graphite

While graphite is a great shade for any room to make a room interesting, it needs to be combined with another colour. I can imagine it in combination with many shades. You choose what you like the most.

Linen

Another wonderful colour that is perfect anywhere in your home, linen is neutral and therefore easy to combine with almost every shade. I do, however, think it is beautiful by itself too.

Paint Quality Institute

As Debbie Zimmer, colour expert at the Paint Quality Institute claims, the outdoors is the inspiration for the 2012 interior design. A few colour trends for this yearhave been identified.

Blue, the Jewel of the Sea

Blue is not going to go out of fashion this year, as I already mentioned. As Zimmer states, this colour is loved by nearly everybody, and there is no doubt in my mind that it will play a big role in interior decor this year.

Purple by decodrama visuals

Green, From Farm to Forest

In the words of Zimmer, dining rooms and kitchens are ideal for greens. Personally, I think it looks good in any room.

Violet, Majestic Purple Mountains

This shade can add a special spirit to a room. While it is perhaps more often used as the minor colour in a room, with its rising popularity, we can expect to see some predominantly violet rooms this year.

Listen to Yourself

Are you following the trends or not? The vast majority of people do not change their interior every time the trends change. Luckily, a few styles will never get old. The black and white combination, expected to be popular again this year, beige or grey alone or, to create a striking effect, combined with a bright pastel colour, never disappoint.

No matter what is trendy, one should not forget that the most important thing is to feel good at home. It is not wise to use currently popular colours if you or the members of your family do not like them. If you do this, you will risk never feeling completely comfortable at home. Moreover, where should you be absolutely relaxed if not at home? If the colours that are in this year belong among your favourites then lucky you! Your home will be one stylish place this year.

World’s Most Unique Restaurants

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:15:14 +0000

Gold Restaurant Selection

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article about the best food markets in the world. Do not worry: I am still convinced it is absolutely worth personally experiencing as many of them as possible. If you are travelling to enjoy food, what about finding the most intriguing restaurants of the world and paying a visit to those as well? Amazing food markets combined with unique restaurants will undoubtedly make your trips unforgettable.

Gold: Milan, Italy

If you want to enjoy a truly glamorous atmosphere, the Milan-based Gold, which opened in 2006, is going to win you over. World-famous Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana are responsible the design of the restaurant, and I have to say they did an amazing job; every millimetre of the space reflects luxury! It was named Gold with good reason: nearly everything there — including chandeliers, mirrors, and the ceiling — is actually made out of gold.

Unsurprisingly, the restaurant offers mainly Italian cuisine, mostly influenced by Sicily and Calabria. However, there is more to Gold than just a restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy a nice cup of coffee, a drink or even a meal in the more casual atmosphere of the bistro or go wild in the nightclub. Business people who do not want to give up work or Internet access under any circumstances can rejoice: Wi-Fi is available as well. Interested? I thought you would be. Just do not forget to book a table; Gold is too popular to have an available one any time you decide to visit.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: Rangali Island, Maldives

Ithaa Interior by Wikimedia Commons

Do you ever feel guilty when eating meat? If so, you might feel super weird eating fish or a lobster with hundreds of sea animals looking straight at you and your plate. Ithaa, which means “pearl" and opened in 2005 at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort and Spa, is the very first underwater restaurant. What makes this restaurant unique is that it is located five metres below sea level and to ensure it will not float away, it weights about 200 tons.

The luxurious restaurant is quite small; it can only accommodate 14 people, so you had better book your table well in advance. Ithaa offers contemporary European cuisine with Asian influences, but the prices in the restaurant might be a little too high for the average person. One should not be surprised if a dinner for two costs a few hundred dollars. The scenery is truly breathtaking, however. See this video to convince yourself that the money you would spend would be well worth it.

Yellow Treehouse Restaurant: Auckland, New Zealand

Yellow Treehouse Exterior

Have you ever wondered how squirrels or birds feel when they are enjoying their meals somewhere high in the trees? Or did you have a tree house when you were a child and would love to go back in time to experience it again? You may not know it, but thanks to the Yellow Treehouse, which opened in 2008, you can do just this! The restaurant, located about 45 minutes north of Auckland, is a wonderful mixture of child-like adventure, delicious food, and interesting architecture.

The building has won several awards in the past, including the New Zealand Institute of Architects Branch Award and the Excellence Award of New Zealand Institute of Building. The pod-shaped restaurant 12 metres above the ground is a pretty popular place, and it can only host 12 people at once. Do not forget to reserve your table in time!

Nyotaimori: Tokyo, Japan

The name of this Tokyo-based restaurant precisely defines what the place is all about. “Nyotaimori” means female body plate, and that is exactly the whole concept of the restaurant — food is served on a naked female body. In this restaurant, the body is made from food, and it lies on an operating table. To get your meal, you have to cut the body open and eat whatever you find inside. Intriguingly, the body will actually bleed when you cut it, and everything you will find inside is completely edible. Visit and have as much fun as you can. This restaurant will bring out the freak in you!

Le Refuge des Fondus: Paris, France

Le Refuge Des Fondus

Once again, you can return to your childhood while having a lovely dinner. This popular restaurant located in the famous Montmartre neighbourhood offers not only amazing fondues (as you could have guessed from its name), but also a very special way of drinking wine. The drink is not served in proper wine glasses, but in baby bottles. Not a conventional way of enjoy high quality wine, is it? Some people love it, some think it is funny, and others believe it is ridiculous.

Whatever your opinion is, it is an undeniable fact that this place belongs among the well-known tourist attractions; it is extremely popular, so you will have to wait a while to get a table. It might well be worth it, though.

Toronto International Boat Show 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:51:34 +0000

Toronto International Boat Show Poster

Bright sun and the deep blue sea, open air and gentle waves, a summer breeze and the sand beneath your toes. These things are synonymous with a boating lifestyle, and for the 54th year in a row, the Toronto International Boat Show promises to bring you all this and more at the Direct Energy Centre.

The largest boating show in Canada, and one of the largest shows of its kind in the world, the Toronto Boat Show boasts almost 600 exhibitor booths and over 1,000 boats. From fishing boats and powerboats to yachts and kayaks, this is truly heaven for any boating enthusiast.

Along with aisles and aisles of manufacturers and dealers showcasing boats and equipment, the Boat Show also presents several special features:

Marvel at the world’s largest indoor lake, containing more than one million gallons of Lake Ontario water. Take free boat rides on it, and enjoy wake boarding and boat-handling demos.

Visit the Discover Boating Centre, which offers free resources and advice from experts on how to get started with boating: buying the right boat, destinations and activities, boating courses, and more. A must for first-time boaters.

Catch celebrity boaters Zac and Abby Sunderland as they speak about their boating adventures at the show. Both siblings set records for sailing solo on the high seas under the age of 18.

Perfect your fishing with the Great Canadian Fish Tank, a giant 40-foot aquarium filled with Ontario marine life. Professional anglers show you how fish react to various lures and casting techniques.

Relax at the Kids Boating and Fishing Zones, perfect for the family to take a break from walking around the showroom while enjoying some water fun.

Attend free boating seminars given by experienced sailors, including topics such as boating safety, storm avoidance, sailing destinations, knot tying, docking, and many more.

Toronto International Boating Show by Docktime

There is also the Special Preview Night, on Friday, January 13th, which supports Children’s Charities and Canada’s boating Olympic athletes via ticket sales and auctions. Aside from fine cuisine, drinks, and live music, this night is also a chance to meet some Olympic athletes, such as Marnie McBean, Tyler Bjorn, and Michael Forgerson.

For veteran sailors and those who are curious about recreation on the open water, the annual Toronto International Boating Show is the perfect event to start planning for that glorious summer boating experience!

Show dates and hours

Special Preview Night:
Friday, January 13, 4:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.

Regular show hours:
Saturday, January 14th to Sunday, January 22nd
Saturday 10:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
Sunday 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
Weekdays 11:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M.

Tickets

Special Preview Night: $100

Regular show: Advanced online tickets are $15 or $12 for seniors (65 and up). You can also get the two-day ticket for $22, $16 for seniors. There is also the weekday evening pass for $17, which allows you to attend the show an unlimited number of times during weekday evenings from 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Prices for all tickets and passes increase if you wait to buy tickets at the show.

Also, kids 16 and under enjoy FREE admission when accompanied by an adult.

Get tickets online

Location

Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Boulevard

Directions

By TTC: from Bathurst Station, take the 511 streetcar to Exhibition Place or from Union Station, take the 509 streetcar.

By GO Transit: Take the Lake Shore line to Exhibition Station.

By car: from the west, take the QEW/Gardiner and exit at Lake Shore Boulevard, then turn left at one of the following streets to enter Exhibition Place: British Columbia Drive, Ontario Drive, or Newfoundland Drive. From the east, take the Gardiner west to the Spadina/Lake Shore Boulevard ramp and follow the signs for Lake Shore. Then, take Lake Shore to the Princes’ Gates (just west of Strachan Avenue).

Contact information

905-951-0009
www.torontoboatshow.com

Sky-High Toronto: Condominium Facts

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:21:19 +0000

Condos in Toronto by Daryl Bruvelaitis

Condos are more popular than ever. As one of my previous articles mentioned, hundreds of condominium projects have been launched in Toronto over the last couple of years and every one of them undoubtedly contributes to the spirit of our city. How should we deal with the rising number of condos being built? What is there to know about condos in Toronto?

A graphic Vertical Toronto recently published in the Star provides answers to these questions. It tells you everything you could possibly want to know about Toronto condominiums.

Neighbourhoods

In order to retain its unique atmosphere and keep up with all the construction and innovation going on, Toronto has undertaken a few steps. First of all, it is essential to recreate one of the most famous characteristics of our city — the neighbourhoods, the Star claims. Creating buildings is simply not enough; the buildings need to connect to the community around them. How can this be done?

Nowadays, very popular shops, cafes, or restaurants at street level help to keep a community spirit alive. Add a few community events and events for children, and the situation improves even more. Green spaces surrounding the building will not do any harm either. In fact, to make space around a condo more pleasant to look at, friendlier and possibly even to hide possible flaws, Toronto’s urban design guidelines advise developers to use some landscaping elements, such as trees or public art.

Problems

Glass

Perhaps the most common feature of these super new condos is glass. Take a look at River City 2, a hot new project that consists of a few 12-storey glass buildings. If you think about it, however, walking around a huge glass building does not sound too safe, does it? The balconies of some of these condominiums has been known shatter, and the broken glass might hurt someone. The city of Toronto is, however, trying to prevent similar accidents by ordering developers to set up protection around buildings that could possibly be dangerous.

There are also concerns over the lifespan of the windows. In Toronto, many developers use approximately 90 per cent windows as cladding, but if the windows do not have a long lifespan, it is not a very wise idea. According to the graphic, the average lifespan of windows in a condo building is 35 years.

Storms

The gathering storm by Dan Dickinson

Storms in higher buildings can get pretty intense. Winds at the higher storeys is a lot stronger than on the ground. In stormy and rainy weather, living on the 50th floor might not be that pleasant, really. High buildings, naturally, have a bigger tendency to sway if there is strong wind.

Lightning protection for high-rises is not a necessity, but the newer condos are usually protected, and some older buildings are considering it to lower insurance risk. How frequently does lighting hit a building? For instance, as the graphic claims, our CN Tower is hit by lightning 75 times a year on average. Not a negligible number, I think.

Building

There are a couple of issues that need to be considered before a condominium development project is launched, the Star states:

It is important to consider whether the infrastructure will be able to handle the new building.
The distance between two buildings must not be too small. The city suggests it to be at least 25 metres.
Efficiency in lighting, walls, and heating and cooling systems is another issue that needs to be taken into account.
New projects ought to be planned to limit shadows on streets, parks etc.

Trends

Three-quarters of new single-family dwellings sold in Toronto since 2000 have been condo apartments. Out of the 150 high-rise buildings under construction in the city, 140 are condominium towers. About 60 per cent of Toronto’s million households live condos. Most of the new condo developments are located in the downtown Toronto and central waterfront area, and in North York Centre. River City 2 or Eau Du Soleil, projects I have written about before, only demonstrate the popularity of these areas.

Small vs. Big

The smallest condominium sold in 2011 was a 301 square-foot suite located at Regent Park. Its price was $166,000. On the opposite side of the spectrum is a condo I have mentioned before. It is the 9,038 square-foot, $28 million condominium located at the northeast corner of Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue.

Averages

Sunny Condos by Michael Gil

The average size of a resale condo in the Toronto CMA was 1,052 square feet ten years ago. The average size has fallen over the years to 893 square feet. Downtown, this number is smaller, averaging only 749 square feet. Out of all the condos in the city, 19 per cent are rented, and average monthly rent for a one-bedroom condo in Toronto is $1,638. One of the buildings that will, due to close proximity to the University of Toronto, most likely have a high number of rented apartments is the ongoing project dubbed (as it has no official name) 21 Grenville. I am curious about how high the monthly rent prices there will be.

How many bedrooms?

One-bedroom condos are the most popular. The number of new one-bedrooms being built keeps increasing. Two-bedroom condominiums are less in demand. In spite of the fact that the number of those being built declining, it is still pretty solid. The situation is worse with three-bedroom condos. They seem to be completely vanishing. In the first half of 2011, such condominiums made up for 1.2 per cent of all the condos launched Toronto. The city plans to “consider a policy next year that would require developers to allocate at least 10 per cent of their new projects to three-bedroom condos.” Young families would certainly appreciate it.

General Household Information

Animals

Do you realize how many birds are killed just because a high-rise building is in their way? The City of Toronto obviously does. In 2006, it launched the Lights Out Toronto campaign, asking the owners of high-rise buildings to turn off the lights at night and thus hep to prevent the death of birds that could be attracted to the light.

When speaking about animals, we cannot forget about pets. Unfortunately for many animal lovers, pets are not welcome everywhere. In a lot of high-rises, one pet is allowed, but each building is different so check out their policy before considering moving in.

Garbage

The average Toronto home produces 901 kilograms of waste every year. Almost half of this waste, 47 per cent, is recycled. High-rise buildings do not help with these numbers as their recycling rates are not high at all.

Income

The graphic interestingly compares the average earnings of homeowners and renters, and that is certainly worth a mention. In 2005, the average household income of a homeowner was $107,754. Renters earn significantly less. In the very same year, the average household income of a renter was $46,248. That is a huge difference. Are you surprised?

What is forbidden?

In the entire province, only those living on the ground floor are allowed to hang a clothesline. In most condos, people in the whole building are forbidden to barbecue on their balconies. A balcony is not allowed to be a place for raising poultry or for loud and wild parties. If a party is peaceful enough, feel free to use this extra room! Some balconies are just too attractive not to use them to the fullest. A bright example of this is, I would say, Monde Condos,, the unique balconies of which were designed by the world-famous architect Moshe Safdie, and they will not go unnoticed.