Canada’s Top Ten Film Festival was established in 2001 by the artistic directors of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to celebrate excellence in the field of Canadian cinema. TIFF has always been committed to promoting Canadian filmmakers and their work and its creative team put together this annual event to showcase unique Canadian films, their directors, and their casts.
Happy New Year!!! We hope you all had power!! and a safe and wonderful holiday season! If you have a resolution to start eating healthier than this kontest is for you, a gift card to Subway Sub!
This article will show you that recycled things can be as reliable as brand-new products — and sometimes the extra character they carry with them is just the thing your household needs. Let this list of DIY recycled ideas be your inspiration.
The number of properties available on the market today is incredibly low, with the inventory shortening since September. The number of new properties for sale was down 4.4 per cent in November, year over year, and month-end active listings fell down 12.1 per cent, according to TREB.
Even though the comic book world is largely dominated by authors from the United States, there are also many Canadian artists who have created and still create great comic books and memorable characters. Check out some of the names that we chose and let us know about your ideas. Here’s the list of the top Canadian comic book creators by Julie Kinnear.
December in Toronto might be freezing, but life in the city doesn’t slow down at all! With the festive season at our doorstep, there are plenty of great Christmas activities to join in throughout December, such as the Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District, the Victorian Christmas experience at Black Creek Pioneer Village, and The Nutcracker ballet — a holiday must for all ballet lovers.
Tis the Season! We hope you have had a great 2013! The final gift card for the last kontest of the year is to Canadian Tire. You can stock up on all your winter needs and then some!
When you buy a home in Toronto, City Hall's LAND TRANSFER TAX forces you to pay THOUSANDS, up front — $7,000 for the AVERAGE home, and you pay it again EVERY time you move. Toronto is the ONLY municipality in Ontario that charges this tax.
Humber Bay Park consists of over 300 acres of human-made peninsulas, ponds, and islands along the mouth of Etobicoke’s Mimico Creek (despite the park’s name, the mouth of the Humber River is a little to the east).
Does the family that invests together, stay together or are joint venture deals between family members a bad idea for both business and personal reasons. CREW investigates and you might be surprised about whether those partnerships are even necessary in today`s market.
Sales increased by 20 per cent year-over-year and the rise is expected to continue through 2014. While sales of all housing types are increasing and decreasing steadily, it's the condo market that caught my attention last month. In October 2013, condo sales rose nearly 25 per cent year-over-year.
Sweet November!! If you have a sweet tooth then this kontest is for you!! A $25.00 gift card to The Chocolateria (www.thechocolateria.ca) on Roncesvalles! Home made chocolates, ice cream and hot chocolate.
Wondering what to do in Toronto during the upcoming month? November will be packed with great events you shouldn’t miss. From the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the BabyTime Show to the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo and Planet in Focus film festival to kick off events of the festive season — such as the traditional Santa Claus Parade and One of a Kind Christmas Show.
Check out the story of Kurt Cobain’s home in Seattle, a lake house that belonged to Johnny Cash, young Pink Floyd members’ North London home, and the cottage of 25-year-old Bruce Springsteen as well as Elvis Presley’s legendary mansion, Graceland.
The Pumpkin Photo Kontest - Send in a picture of any of your carved pumpkins, or Tag yourself on our Facebook page and you will get a chance to WIN $100. LCBO Gift Card!!Kontest Ends November 2/13
Nearly three dozen buyers scheduled private showings for this three-storey residence just a block east of High Park, while several dropped by public open houses. Like other properties nearby, this one sold in a fierce bidding war between two buyers.
Toronto homeowners continue to change keys fast. A total of 7,411 homes sold through the Toronto MLS system in September — a 30 per cent increase from last year, when tighter mortgage rules were introduced.
This detached home is more architecturally modern than the majority of residences in Bloor West Village, yet it welcomed a steady flow of traffic and a solid deal within weeks of listing.
This family business has operated the farm since 1980. Andrew Scenic Acres now proudly grows 165 acres of luscious fruits and vegetables. Their slogan was "Growing Berries is our Business" when Lauraine and Bert Andrews purchased the land with the intention of creating a berry farm.
Halloween is coming, which means there's a lot of scary events such as the Zombie Walk or Toronto After Dark Film Festival. October in Toronto also offers lots of sweet and comforting events like the Toronto Chocolate Festival. Traditionally, there's an abundance of art events and festivals, so you should keep your eyes open if you don’t want to miss them. Here are our picks for the top October events in Toronto.
It's close to our favourite client event, The Great JKT Pumpkin Patch!! This year we will be giving out pumpkins on October 19! Stay tuned for more info!
Placed precariously on the very edge of the Scarborough Bluffs, the Rosetta McClain garden is fairly small by Toronto garden park standards, with only 23 acres.
An increasing number of airports in the United States are now using dogs as part of therapy programs designed to alleviate the stress of agitated passengers, having discovered the powerful results of momentary human-dog interaction.
FanExpo Canada is an annual four-day convention dedicated to fans that takes place in Toronto at the end of August. It has been running since 1994. Divided into the categories of comics, sci-fi, horror, and gaming, this expo is committed to bringing the best of each genre for fans to indulge in.
This summer has been Canada's hottest and priciest for a long time. Sales shot up by an incredible 21.1 per cent in August compared to results from a year ago.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of what has become the goriest and most horrifying event in Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) history: Midnight Madness. Attending one (or more) of the screenings means staying out to the wee hours of the morning, frequenting a handful of Toronto’s darkened theatres, and witnessing acts of unspeakable horror and terrifying debauchery.
The largest meatless food festival in the world is heading down to the Harbourfront Centre for its 29th season. Presented and organized by the Toronto Vegetarian Association, the festival promotes innovative ideas and delicious new dishes to celebrate all that plant-based fare has to offer.
The Toronto International Film Festival, Vegetarian Food Festival, Just for Laughs, a unique David Bowie exhibition, and much more will keep you busy. Check out our list of the top events and start filling your fall calendar!
The most famous movie stars, producers, directors, and critics plus a wide base of fans are heading to Toronto to celebrate the power of film and kick off the Oscar season at one of the most prestigious film events in the world.
The decision to “go green” is growing in popularity as we progress further into the 21st century. More and more of us want to reduce our individual and collective carbon footprints. Luckily, there are now many green innovations that any homeowner can undertake at little cost and with great ease.
Nearly four acres of land at 777 Lawrence Avenue East deserve your attention. Formerly known as the Toronto Civic Garden Centre, it opened as the city's botanical garden and a gardening education and information centre at the same time in 2003. Toronto Botanical Garden lies in Edwards Gardens, which is a public park, owned and administered by the City of Toronto.
Canadians left mining colonies, lumber mills, and agricultural regions, which left us a large number of abandoned places scattered all over the province.
Kongrats to Lillian Angel! The Chairman's Club celebrated their 100th Anniversary by taking a group of top producers to Africa on safari. Truly a trip of a lifetime for Julie and her wife Mary!
Have you ever wondered where the water you drink, cook with, or shower in comes from? Well, if you're living in Toronto, you should know that you're drinking from Lake Ontario.
The Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) announced that last month was the third highest July on record for house prices in Toronto and highlighted an 8 per cent year-over-year increase in the average selling price, which rose to $513,246.
Thai Basil is a trendy and authentic restaurant with locations in Downtown Toronto and a second in Richmond Hill. A perfect combination of contemporary and exquisite decor, with delicious food at very reasonable prices makes Thai Basil a stand-out restaurant.
What do houses of the Cullen family, Don Vito Corleone, Sam Baldwin, Tony Montana, Rachel Marron, Miss Daisy and the Thompson Family have in common? Many of them played crucial part in building up your curiosity while watching a movie, and became memorable despite – sometimes – only appearing for a couple of minutes.
It's August! Let's hope the rain stops and we have sunshine for 31 days! This month's gift card is to Shoppers Drug Mart. You can pick up any last minute essentials you may need for your vacation or just your weekend!!
You won’t be disappointed by the choice of August events in Toronto. Our city offers something for everyone — from music fans through tennis enthusiasts to foodies.
As a slightly belated celebration of summer, I’m going out to explore some of Toronto’s larger, odder, and more spectacular parks, starting with one of the newest additions to their ranks — a park that has the distinction of being mostly paved. It also has a roof. With cars on it.
Many young couples were fixated on acquiring larger units in the King Town community, where only a couple of units become available each month. So this two-bedroom-plus-den suite sold to one of the first visitors through the door as soon as it was listed this spring.
Every summer, Toronto comes alive with a huge number of street festivals that attract large crowds and that are full of colours, new tastes, and good music right on the street corners. Torontonians enjoy spending a day out like this and can't wait for the festival season to start.
Kongrats to Anna Sand! Canada will turn 150 years old in 4 years. May we suggest you buy Tim Horton's frozen drinks with your gift card for these hot humid days, enjoy!
This is the summer of thunderstorms! There was such a crazy storm here in Toronto as heavy as Hurricane Hazel, The flooding and blackouts have certainly tested everyone's patience, although of course nothing quite like the devastation of Alberta. Each day is an adventure!
Most people are aware that they need a permit for major house renovations, but some forget that this permit is needed for some small renovations as well.
The average sale prices of homes in Toronto continued to rise in June, but climbing mortgage rates and a big condo supply can pose a problem for the city’s real estate market, according to economists.
Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s Gerrard Street Bazaar, Lahore Tikka House brings together all the best qualities of South Asian culture. Designed to give visitors a traditional Pakistani experience, the restaurant features colourful tents, festive decorations, catchy music, and an authentic rickshaw.
The JKT Neighbourhood of the Month!If you look up you will see that The Junction is hi-lited in red. Click on that and check out the latest sales stats for this happening neighbourhood.
Solar energy is becoming more accessible, and solar panels are being integrated into much more sophisticated gadgets than calculators. The use of this non-polluting and renewable energy is growing at a rate of 35 per cent a year internationally, according to the Canadian Solar Industry Association.
In the Annex, a neighbourhood dotted with frozen yogurt chains like Menchies and YoYos every few steps, Greg’s Ice Cream stands its ground with its 30-year history and consistently high quality. As a hub for University of Toronto students, families, and office workers on their lunch breaks, Greg’s Ice Cream holds its own at the corner of Bloor Street and Spadina Avenue, using all-natural ingredients and offering fair prices.
Using YouTube Videos to Help Sell Your Home Fast! Just recently we sold our beautiful state of the art modern style listing with a great deal of help from Julie’s detailed YouTube video walk through!
Ontario Place is a cultural, leisure, and entertainment parkland located on the shores of Lake Ontario (conveniently just 4 kilometres from Downtown Toronto) that was opened in 1971 and consists of three man-made islands. It has been an extremely popular family destination with emphasis on kids-friendly activities for years. Here's a great photo essay by Roland Shainidze!
Did you know that people who commute by bicycle are so healthy that they are 39 per cent less likely to die (of any cause) than those who don’t ride bicycles? And that if you cycle on a daily basis, you will look ten years younger?
The real estate market in Toronto has been through hard times, and even though May 2013 may not be viewed as very positive, given the circumstances, the 3.4 per cent drop in sales and the 5.4 per cent rise in the average price are relatively favourable results.
In the heart of Roncesvalles Village, this century-old, brick townhouse was the object of the affections of more than a dozen house hunters with enough conviction to write an offer, including one proposing $152,877 on top of the list price.
“When my kids were in high school they were doing nothing when they weren’t doing their homework. I said ‘Come on, we’re going to open up a business’. We did. A day and a half after we opened, we were in the black. We’ve been here ever since, so we’re doing something right.” Given that “ever since” refers to a span of thirty-four years, it’s safe to say Ms. Albert is right.
Hope you had a happy May 2-4 long weekend! Don't you love the opportunity to spend time with family and friends? Celebrate the first long weekend of the summer?! We've been blessed with beautiful weather this spring yet snow soon after – I guess the rule of thumb that Ontarians shall not plant their gardens before the Victoria Day weekend is wise!
Spending June in Toronto? Sounds like an amazing idea! Just take a look at some of the top events that will brighten our city over the upcoming month — and keep in mind that we only picked the cherries on top and there’s plenty more going on.
Perhaps it’s true that the first place to look for your glasses when you lose them is your nose. I was sitting in my house, wondering what galleries I should present to you next, and then it hit me. I have covered quite a lot of exhibition art spaces that I love in Toronto except for the most obvious, so I decided to change the orientation of my “Galleries of Toronto” series just a touch.
Vacation time, drinks on patios, The Blue Jays and school is out at the end of the month. Welcome June, how we have missed you! This Kontest prize is $25.00 gift card to the Beer Store. Sit back with a beer and watch the Jays on us one night!
Just answer the following skill testing question for your chance to win!
One correct answer to the following skill-testing question will be drawn:
When did the Blue Jays play their first game in the SkyDome? (aka Rogers Centre)
Only 5 km from the beautiful LAGO MAGGIORE is this noble 16th stone villa with a stunning courtyard and lovely garden with private parking. It has been CAREFULLY RESTORED respecting traditional architecture using ancient stone, parquet, terra cotta and natural paints and colours. Full modern comforts were incorporated, including heated floors, double-glazing and new wiring and plumbing.
This article aims to present a fascinating gardening idea – one that is very much a part of our past, present, and future: the ever-trendy forest gardening.
Karen McNeil is happy to win the May Krazy Kontest! She is not very happy it won't be the Leafs she will watch play at Shakey's. Let's hope it's not another 9 years for our next play offs.
The Silver Snail and Black Canary is one of only a few hubs for the hobbyist community in Toronto and a go-to place for fans, geeks and collectors alike. Their attached café is a unique hangout for anyone.
It's not just nature that blooms in the spring. Spring happens to be the time when most contracts get signed and families move into their new homes. Despite serious obstacles in Canadian housing market, the sales in April 2013 were better than expected.
Allan Gardens Conservatory is located on Carlton Street (between Jarvis and Sherbourne) and is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. It has 6 greenhouses and has an interesting collection of exotic plants and seasonal displays.
Do-it-yourselfers, rejoice! May is upon us, which means that it’s the best time to perform home inspection. If you can afford to hire a professional, there’s no easier way to get the job done and get it done right. However, if you want to save some money for the coming spring season, you can conduct your own inspection. All you have to do is read the following advice and assemble a pen, paper, and a flashlight and your home inspection can begin.
Near the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Lawrence Park, this detached bungalow received a solid offer the second time on the market under the direction of a different agent – Julie Kinnear – who staged the interiors and adjusted the price to under $1.9-million.
April showers bring May flowers and maybe a Stanley Cup! May's contest certificate is for Shakey's in the Bloor West Village. Mike "Shakey" Walton was the original owner of this pub and a player for the Leafs when they won the Stanley Cup in '67. It is great bar to watch the games and the food is delicious! Enter and the first few drinks are on us! Just answer the following skill testing question for your chance to win!
One correct answer to the following skill-testing question will be drawn:
Running for its 20th year, North America’s largest documentary festival is screening over 180 films that deal with a myriad of topics, from environmentalism, poverty, health, to media, LGBT issues, religion, and many more.
You will be helping women and children in our community escape violence! There are pick ups if you live within the boundaries or please drop off goods the morning of the sale, Saturday May 11, 2013 between 7-8:30.
Kongrats to Dale Breen! He will be enjoying a lip smacking burger at The Works Gourmet Burger for knowing that it was the sinking of the Titanic that took place this month in history.
Ottawa has been trying to cool house prices down, and it has managed to slow the condo market. Despite its efforts, GTA house prices continue to rise, and the real estate market in Toronto is as hot as ever — especially for first-time buyers.
In the Carrington on the Park residence, which is one of three buildings built on the former Inn on the Park site, this 770-square-foot model has a bright, open feel with nine-foot ceilings and south-east facing windows.
TerraCycle is on a mission to eliminate the idea of waste. We do this by creating waste collection programs for previously non-recyclable, or difficult-to-recycle, waste. The collected waste is then converted into new products, ranging from recycled park benches to upcycled backpacks.
This detached, 2,230-square-foot residence could be divided into three apartments with kitchens and four-piece bathrooms on the main, second and third floors, as well as a second entry point off a rear stairwell connected to the 860-square-foot basement.
April in Toronto is beautiful — and full of events! It was actually hard to make just a short list, as so much is happening over this month. Check out our list of ideas, and we hope to meet you at some of the featured events!
I have just come across an ad for a mobile Veterinary Service. After reading thru their website I thought it would be a good post. They have long hours. They cover the central core of Toronto. They do weekends and holidays as well.
Happy April to you all! Its nice to shed the winter coat isn't it? The Krazy Kontest prize this month is to "The Works" Burger Gourmet Restaurant. Just answer the following skill testing question for your chance to win!
One correct answer to the following skill-testing question will be drawn:
April 15, 1912, what great tragedy occurred in icy Atlantic waters off Newfoundland, taking 1500 lives?
Do you sometimes feel a bit lost in your own kitchen? Do all the tools that you need hide from you whenever you need them? Do you find it too dull but still have to spend loads of time there while preparing your food? Maybe it’s high time for you to think about making little adjustments! After all, in most houses, the kitchen is the central area of the house, where every member of the family meets, and it would be a pity not to use its full potential.
I personally believe that no one really hates art. Every one of us dreams about being able to express ourselves through jewellery or fine clothes. Now it’s perhaps time we stopped keeping these dreams to ourselves and took the first step towards our new hobbies — maybe even our future occupations.
The two hardworking entrepreneurs are firmly dedicated to serving their guests only what can truly be called “real food.” You won’t find any additives or preservatives here. There’s also no meat, gluten, dairy or refined sugar allowed. But what there is, is an abundance of healthy, creative and vibrant dishes.
Julie Russell and Lina Sloan, "the stone man" will point you towards the nearest mall! You are the winners of the March Grand Prize Krazy Kontest! Please enjoy your $500.00 gift card to Cadillac Fairview Malls. Thank you to all of the amazing clients and friends that entered this month!
QUOTE of the day: “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” ~Carl Sandburg
February has been another rough month for the Toronto real estate market. Home sales, which had been notably at a high, have fallen rapidly according to figures released by the Toronto Real Estate Board on Tuesday.
Kids always have lots of energy during holidays — so it’s the best time for exciting adventures. Fortunately, Toronto is a great place where you can make the most of your free time, keep your kids busy, and have a great time with your family.
This is a great community activity and we have a great deal of fun. Since February 2012 we have collected over $140,000.00 through our activities to operate the High park Zoo, please join us.
Electra Lofts only had a few units up for sale in December last year. While one model spent 70 days on the market, this two-bedroom unit sold in 18 days despite a south-facing view towards active railways.
The main section of this 1,910-square-foot house contains a fireside living room and formal dining area with hardwood floors, along with three second floor bedrooms and two third floor sleeping quarters.
Living off the grid is becoming more and more popular, especially here in Ontario. We’ve become an unofficial Mecca of off-the-grid living. More and more people come here to purchase a piece of land and start a new life.
GRAND PRIZE KONTEST!! You have a chance to win a $500.00 gift card to Cadillac Fairview Malls. Just answer the following skill testing question for your chance to win!
The beginning of a new year is always slow. After all that rush leading up to Christmastime, we tend to lay back a little, make new resolutions and plans, and see what January has to offer. This is no different in the real estate world.
Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting events scheduled this year that are yet to come in February, so that you don’t miss this unique opportunity to get an accurate picture of the story of African-Canadian peoples.
A family room addition with a walkout to a deck, flagstone patio and gated garden increased interior living space to 2,130 square feet, including the open dining space and living room with a wood-burning fireplace.
Welcome to February! The shortest month of the year and according to the Farmers Almanac its going to be a cold one! The gift card for this month's Kontest is to Second Cup. You can buy yourself a hot chocolate a day to keep warm :)
Furnishly is a marketplace that brings physical store inventory online, all in one place, in a well arranged and practical manner, allowing Torontonians to furnish their interiors with quality pieces without experiencing the stress and frustration of going through unorganized piles of random used pieces.
Condo Market In Demand! Happily, the condo market started off strong this new year, and there is a renewed demand regardless of some reports last year!
…of Things Past is a unique furniture store that carries used furniture as well as new items that other shops consign with them. The store first opened its doors back in 1996 and now operates an enormous 22,000-square-foot showroom with approximately 20 employees.
Attention All Condo Sellers The Market is Hot Hot Hot! Some Toronto realtors are seeing an unexpected surge in condo buyers scouring the market post Christmas and the return of a phenomenon not seen in months — bidding wars.
Two friends from Stanford University probably had no idea that they were establishing what in 2012 would be one of the largest, if not the largest, multinational enterprise on Earth: Google. It all looks a bit like science fiction.
QUOTE of the day: “We spend January walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.”
Frontier Sales Furniture is a very popular used furniture store that has been around since 1981. The store is owned and operated by Dan and Renee Glazier, a successful brother and sister team. Renee is in charge of all the retail operations, while Dan takes care of purchasing and appraisal, and the store is managed by Vicki Blasioli, who has been with the Frontier Family for over ten years.
So you've decided to take the plunge and make 2013 the year to sell your home.Maybe you want to move up the property ladder into something roomier, say switching from a condo to a bungalow or from a semi into a fully detached two-storey with plenty of yard. Or maybe something else?
No electrical bills, no food bills, no water bills. What’s even better, they’re easy to build, so you can construct them yourself or have someone build them for you. Sounds like a utopia?
Epicurious Predicts The Top Food Trends of 2013 and Toronto is on Top! It's time again to look into the crystal ball for predictions of upcoming food trends for 2013.
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This months kontest prize is to Pizza Pizza! Everyone is tired of cooking so take a night off and order in! Just answer the following skill testing question for your chance to win!