Here are some great events in Ontario, Canada.
- Most events are FREE.
City of Toronto Opens New Maplehurst Park
July 20
12 to 2 p.m., Remarks at 12:30 p.m.
Maplehurst Park, 296 Maplehurst Ave., Toronto, Ontario
- Councillor John Filion (Ward 23 Willowdale) and City of Toronto staff will join members of the community to officially open the new park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- The new park includes a playground with sand play area, an open space for a variety of activities, new pathways, lighting, benches and picnic tables.
This video presents “Parks Can Can Canada.”
- “Can you say “Quttinirpaaq”??? We can!!! This song celebrates the 42 National Parks in Canada.”
- Parks Canada also has four National Marine Conservation Areas!
Canada’s Parks Day
July 20
- Canada’s Parks Day is an annual event that showcases parks and historic sites across the country.
- On the day prior to Canada’s Parks Day, July 19, the world famous CN Tower will be lit in the colours green, blue and yellow in celebration of Canada’s Parks Day.
- Blue and green represent the biosphere that sustains life on earth and yellow, the sunshine that provides the energy that living systems depend on.
- “Just as the CN Tower is a symbol of pride, Canada’s national, provincial and territorial parks are a symbol of the vast beauty of the country and of pride for all Canadians.“
- From Vancouver Island in the West to Baffin Island in the North, and Newfoundland and Labrador in the East, nearly 50,000 people took part in more than 300 Parks Day events annually.
- This year, Canadians of all ages will be invited to learn more about the nature and history of Canada by participating in Canada’s Parks Day festivities.
- On the day prior to Canada’s Parks Day, July 19, the world famous CN Tower will be lit in the colours green, blue and yellow in celebration of Canada’s Parks Day.
- Ontario provincial parks are celebrating Canada’s Parks Day on July 20 by offering a range of special events and activities such as:
- learning how to snap that perfect picture from an award-winning wildlife photographer at Bon Echo Provincial Park;
- seeing what exciting creatures lurk in the marsh at Darlington Provincial Park;
- learning to kayak and play camp games and baseball at Grundy Lake Provincial Park; and
- joining in a trek along the historic French portage route in Quetico Provincial Park.
- Ontario campsites can be reserved online 24 hours a day or by calling the park reservation line at 1-888-ONT-PARK between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily.
- Did you know?
- In 2012, Ontario’s provincial parks received more than nine million visits and brought in $69 million in revenue, which supported jobs and businesses all across the province.
- There are more than 330 provincial parks in Ontario, covering nine million hectares – larger than Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island combined.
- This summer, more than 1.5 million kids will receive free admission to stay and play in Ontario provincial parks with the 2013 Fun Pass.
- Please click on the following for more info about camping in Ontario Parks:
- Read about the top 10 camping tips.
- Locate parks by services, activities and seasons.
- Visit OntarioParks.com for information on camping, park opening and closing dates, fees and events in Ontario Parks.
- See the 2013 Ontario Parks Guide or get a printed copy by calling 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746).
This video presents “Shiamak Toronto – Fusion of Taste 2012 – SPBs.”
Albion Islington Square Business Improvement Area
Presents
7th Albion Islington Fusion of Taste
FREE Admission
July 20, 2013
12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Location: Albion Islington Square
Albion Road and Islington Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
Website: www.albionislingtonsquare.org
Email: info@albionislingtonsquare.org
Phone: 416-743-3267
- “Fusion of Taste festival is a showcase of ethnic dancing, a wide range of performing artists, an art show and vendors with diverse cultural wares.”
- Special attractions of the Fusion of Taste include:
- International live band performances
- On the spot children’s drawing competition
- Doubles eating competition
- Wall of fame: Spider Jones
- Food
- Art and craft
- Community displays
- Children’s Corner
- Buskers
- Free raffle draw: please click here for a schedule of raffle draws.
- Amusement Rides
- Mid-way games
- Public Transit:
- From Islington Subway, take TTC bus 37 Islington.
- From Wilson Subway:, take bus 96 Wilson – 96C.
- From Royal York Subway:, take bus 73C Royal York.
This video presents “The Danforth Experience – Thrill of the Grill Promo 2013.”
- On Saturday, July 20, 2013, five of the Danforth area’s top chefs compete at Thrill of the Grill 2013 to see whose BBQ ribs reign supreme.
- Allen’s, Factory Girl, Globe Bistro, The Combine Eatery, and The Meat Department will be competing this year.
- Chef Lynn Crawford and Dr. Georg Bjarnason will join a panel of celebrity judges and the public in deciding who is this year’s BBQ Master.
- Proceeds will benefit kidney cancer research at the Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre.
- Tickets include 7 ribs and cole slaw; ESKA water; samples from SteamWhistle, Gnarly Head winery and the Second Cup.
Danforth Business Improvement Area
Pressents
The Fourth Annual Thrill of the Grill Event Supporting Kidney Cancer Research
Cost is $15
Location: Danforth Avenue between Broadview and Jackman, Toronto, Ontario
July 20, 2013
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Website: www.thedanforth.ca
Email: bia@thedanforth.ca
Phone: 416-429-4479
- A fundraiser event for kidney cancer research at the Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre.
- Whose BBQ Ribs Reign Supreme?
- Public Transit:
- Take the Bloor-Danforth Subway Line to Broadview or Chester Stations and exit Broadview/Chester South to Danforth Ave.
Bloordale BIA
Presents
Big on Bloor Festival
FREE Admission
Location: Bloordale Village
Bloor Street between Dufferin Street and Lansdowne Avenue
Saturday, July 20, 1-9pm
Sunday, July 21, 12-6pm
Website: www.bigonbloor.com/festival
twitter: #bigonbloorfest
Facebook: facebook.com/BigOnBloorFestival
- In its 6th year, BIG ON BLOOR celebrates arts, culture, community & small business with a unique community and city-building festival featuring hundreds of events, activities and exhibitions.
- Bloor Street is car-free from Dufferin to Lansdowne.
- Public Transit: You can use Dufferin subway station and Lansdowne Subway Station
This video presents “Youth Day Toronto 2013 – Sunday, July 21st, 2013 at Yonge/Dundas Square.”
Youth Day 2013
FREE Admission
July 21, 2013
11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Yonge-Dundas Square
1 Dundas Street East
Map to this event
Website: www.youthdaytoronto.com
Email: tylaine@kpyo.net
Phone: 416-813-0909
- “YOUTH DAY is a FREE annual festival celebrating the positive achievements of young people showcasing their MUSIC, DANCE, ART & PHOTOGRAPHY in front of some 30,000 visitors!“
- This 7th year and again an official “Event of Municipal Significance”, YD | T.O 13 also includes:
- the opening Flag Parade,
- 2 fashion shows,
- a Youth Gallery,
- over 100 live music and dance performances mostly by youth 14 to 29 years olds on 2 non-stop stages over 12 hours at Yonge-Dundas Square,
- Yonge Street closure with over 100 food & artisan vendors as well as valuable community organizations sharing valuable information,
- flash dances, and much more!
- Public Transit: By TTC exit at Dundas Station to enter the event.
- Toronto Triathlon Festival is a celebration of the ultimate challenge of human endurance and tenacity for athletes of all capabilities.
- On July 21, 2013, athletes will experience a uniquely urban triathlon on the downtown highways of Canada’s largest city.
- Please note that there are entry fees for this event.
- To see the event schedule, please click here.
- All Race Briefings, The TTF Sports and Fitness Expo and Race Packet Pickup will take place at The Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre, in the Frontenac Ballroom.
- MANDATORY Race Briefings on Saturday, July 20, are for ALL ATHLETES at The Westin Harbour Castle hotel, in rooms accessible from the Frontenac Foyer.
- Race Briefings begin at 8:00 am and are offered at the top of every hour until 4:00 pm, EXCEPT for 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm, on Saturday, July 20, 2013.
- If any TTF participant does not attend a race briefing, he/she will NOT be allowed to race.
- This means that all Relay Team members must attend a briefing, not just a “Team Captain”.
- They will provide TTF Wristbands after race briefings. A TTF Wristband and photo ID are required for Race Packet pickup!
- Note: The minimum age for the Sprint Distance Race is 16 and the minimum age for the Olympic Distance Race is 18.
- There are four different ways to take part in our triathlon:
- Olympic Distance (1,500 metre swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run)
- Sprint Distance (750 metre swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run)
- Olympic Distance Relay (teams of 2 or 3 compete relay-style, each completing a leg of the triathlon)
- Sprint Distance Relay (teams of 2 or 3 compete relay-style, each completing a leg of the triathlon)
- Swim Route
- Starting at the shores of Lake Ontario, the swimming portion of the triathlon is in the protected water basin of the West Channel of Ontario Place.
- The water will still be cool, so in addition to a bathing suit, you’ll likely want a wetsuit.
- Bike Route
- After completing the swim, you will cross a bridge over Lake Shore Boulevard and use the westernmost part of Exhibition Place to jump on the Gardiner Expressway via the Jameson Avenue entrance.
- After biking through Toronto’s downtown core, amongst the towering skyscrapers of Bay Street (Canada’s Wall Street), and passing landmarks like the Air Canada Centre, the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower, for Olympic Distance Racers, the route quickly shifts to the urban oasis of the Don Valley Parkway.
- The unparalleled route will re-trace itself back south (on the Don Valley Parkway Northbound lanes) and back west (on the Gardiner Expressway Eastbound lanes), allowing for a return to Transition at Ontario Place.
- For those new to the sport, they don’t recommend it, but you can use a mountain bike!
This video presents “History of the Humber Arboretum.”
- “A look at our humble beginnings from open farm lands to beautifully manicured & natural landscapes.“
Some Like it Hot
FREE
24 July 2013
7:00pm – 8:00pm
Humber Arboretum
205 Humber College Blvd., Toronto
Phone: 416-675-5009
Email: arboretum@humber.ca
- Join the Etobicoke master gardeners at the Humber Arboretum for an evening walk through the gardens.
- “Find out what plants thrive during our hot, steamy summer!
- Why do some plants have fuzzy leaves and grayish foliage?
- Can I really put my houseplants outside for a summer vacation?
- Come find the answers to these and many more questions from educated gardeners bursting with experience!“
- To register please email arboretum@humber.ca ,or call 416-675-5009.
Canadian TREE Fund
Presents
Tour des Trees eh!
A Fundraiser: Cycling from Oakville to Niagara Falls or Oakville to Hamilton
Friday, 26 July 2013 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Kick-off Ceremony at 9:30 AM at Coronation Park (Third Line & Lakeshore), Oakville, Ontario.
- Tour des Trees Eh! is a one-day recreational bike ride on Friday, July 26, 2013, hosted by the Canadian TREE Fund which has the following goals.
- “Celebrate all the benefits and wonderful ways in which trees enhance the quality and beauty of our urban environment.
- Raise awareness of the multiple challenges arborists face while attempting to provide urban trees with the care and culture they need.”
- Raise money to support research and education in urban forestry.
- A big part of this event is the opportunity to network with fellow riders and arborists.
- The ride occurs two days before the 7-day International Stihl Tour des Trees annual cycling event during which riders will cycle from Niagara Falls through Upstate New York and back to Toronto via eastern Ontario.
- The goals are to raise $10,000 and create a new grant from event proceeds.
- Participants will meet the Oakville contingent at 9:30 at Coronation Park (Third Line & Lakeshore) for a kick-off ceremony including a welcome from Mayor Burton, a ceremonial tree planting and tree care demonstrations by Oakville’s Canopy Club.
- Riders will then continue west along the route that primarily follows the Waterfront Trail to Niagara-on-the-Lake and along the gorge to Niagara Falls.
- Returns trips are available via biketrain at http://www.biketrain.ca/toronto-niagara
- Riders will then continue west along the route that primarily follows the Waterfront Trail to Niagara-on-the-Lake and along the gorge to Niagara Falls.
- Tour registration includes full road support, insurance, a jersey, refreshment breaks and lunch.
Toronto Road Closures
- The following roads will be closed for certain events this weekend.
- Big on Bloor – July 20 at 9 a.m. to July 21 at 9 p.m.
- Bloor Street will be closed in both directions, between Dufferin Street and Lansdowne Avenue.
- College Street and St. Clair Avenue are suggested alternative routes.
- Thrill of the Grill – July 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fusion of Taste – July 20 at 6 a.m. to July 21 at 1 a.m.
- Toronto Triathlon Festival – July 21 from 2 a.m. until 12 noon.
- The eastbound lanes of the Gardiner Expressway will be closed between the Humber River and Carlaw Avenue, and the northbound lanes of the Don Valley Parkway will be closed between the Gardiner Expressway and Eglinton Avenue.
- Youth Day Event – July 21 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Yonge Street will be closed between Queen Street and Dundas Street.
- Bay and Church Streets are suggested alternative routes.
- Big on Bloor – July 20 at 9 a.m. to July 21 at 9 p.m.
- Repair work will begin on Gardiner Expressway from Jarvis Street to Don Roadway, on July 22.
- The work will continue until December 2014.
- To accommodate this work, the following road closures will occur.
- Two lanes of traffic on the eastbound Gardiner Expressway, from Jarvis Street to the Don Roadway, will be closed from July 2013 to December 2013.
- Two lanes will remain open to traffic.
- During the full 18-month construction period, there will also be other short-term lane restrictions and closures required on the following roads:
- Gardiner Expressway (both directions),
- Lake Shore Boulevard (both directions),
- Jarvis Street to the eastbound Gardiner Expressway ramp
- and the westbound Gardiner Expressway to Jarvis and Sherbourne Street ramps.
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Construction will be scheduled in stages in order to minimize disruption to motorists on both the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard. Most of the short-term lane closures will take place at night.
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Motorists should look for messages about closures and other changes on the variable message signs located on the Gardiner Expressway, Lake Shore Boulevard and Don Valley Parkway.
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Pedestrian access on Lake Shore Boulevard and along cross streets will be maintained at all times, however, some sidewalks, pedestrian pathways and bike lanes may need to be closed for safety reasons when work is taking place in the area.
- Two lanes of traffic on the eastbound Gardiner Expressway, from Jarvis Street to the Don Roadway, will be closed from July 2013 to December 2013.
- While the current work is taking place, the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard Reconfiguration Environmental Assessment and Urban Design Study is being completed to determine the future plans for the area. For more information, visit http://www.gardinereast.ca .
- Please click here for a list of road work.
- Also, T.O. INview is a map that shows information about planned capital construction work taking place across the city.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Alerts
Partial closure of TTC Spadina line – July 20 and 21
- This weekend, on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, a portion of the Spadina line will be closed from St Clair West to St George stations for scheduled track construction.
- As a result, subway trains will terminate at St Clair West and St George stations.
- At St Clair West Station, all southbound trains will turn back north to Downsview Station.
- At St George Station, all northbound trains will turn back south to Finch Station, via Union Station.
- A frequent bus service will operate every two to three minutes between St Clair West and St George stations.
- Customers requiring access to the Yonge line who are travelling south from Downsview Station are encouraged to utilize the 512 St Clair streetcar, eastbound from St Clair West station.
- Accessible shuttle buses will operate between Eglinton West and St George stations to accommodate seniors and persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility aids.
- Regular subway service will resume on Monday, July 22 at 6 a.m.
Streetcar diversions as a result of a major building fire
The following streetcar routes are still diverting as a result of a building fire.
This video present “When and how to use the passenger assistance alarm on the TTC.”
- The passenger assistance alarm (yellow strip on subway trains) is an important customer safety and security feature.
Passenger Assistance Alarm (PAA) Use Explained in New TTC video
- The passenger assistance alarm (PAA) is the yellow strip found on all subway cars for use in an emergency.
- The PAA should always be used in an emergency, whether it’s a fellow passenger in medical distress, the witnessing of a criminal act, or a serious safety concern, such as a fire.
- When the PAA is activated, an alarm sounds in the car, the train crew and the TTC’s Transit Control Centre are immediately notified and emergency services (EMS, fire, police) are dispatched.
- Meanwhile, the train continues to the next subway station where the train will wait, with its doors open, as the alarm is investigated.
- In 2012, more than 6,000 passenger assistance alarms were activated on the subway system.
- About 70 per cent of those PAAs were deemed non-emergencies, resulting in 51 hours of delay to subway service.
- Non-emergency alarms are sometimes the result of a passenger feeling unwell on board a train.
- The best option in these situations is to exit the train at the next station and utilize the Designated Waiting Area (DWA) found on every station platform.
- DWAs have intercom access to the station collector where assistance can be sought.
- They are also equipped with benches, railings, enhanced lighting, CCTV cameras and a payphone.
- The best option in these situations is to exit the train at the next station and utilize the Designated Waiting Area (DWA) found on every station platform.
- Every PAA is thoroughly investigated, though it can take between two and 20 minutes to clear service.
- The effective and proper use of the PAA helps to keep service moving.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Contact Info
- Information on fares, routes, schedules and service.
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416-393-4636 (INFO)
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Recorded information available 24 hours daily.
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Operator-assisted service is available from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, except statutory holidays.
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TTY Hearing Impaired Service, 416-481-2523, Daily, 8:00am-6:00pm; except statutory holidays.
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- Main Switchboard
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416-393-4000
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Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
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City of Toronto Contact Info
Phone within Toronto city limits: 311.
Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311).
TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca
If your matter is urgent, please call them. They are open 24/7.
Enjoy!
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
NEWS RELEASE
July 17, 2013
Weekend events with road closures in Toronto
Five special events this weekend will involve road closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy these events. Businesses in the areas affected are open to pedestrian traffic but some roads will be closed to vehicles.
Festivals and other special events are important to the city, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars annually into Toronto’s economy, and they are enjoyed each year by local residents.
In addition to road closures related to special events, there is a significant amount of road work taking place in the city. People are encouraged to take public transit as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting to their destinations.
Those who need to drive in the general vicinity of special events should allow extra time to get to and from their destination. A more complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.
Big on Bloor – Saturday closure
Bloor Street will be closed in both directions, between Dufferin Street and Lansdowne Avenue, from Saturday, July 20 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, July 21 at 9 p.m. College Street and St. Clair Avenue are suggested alternative routes.
Thrill of the Grill – Saturday closure
Danforth Avenue will be closed in both directions, between Broadview Avenue and Jackman Avenue, on Saturday, July 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fusion of Taste – Saturday closure
Albion Road will be closed between Islington Avenue and Thistledown Boulevard, from Saturday, July 20 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, July 21 at 1 a.m.
Toronto Triathlon Festival – Sunday closure
The eastbound lanes of the Gardiner Expressway will be closed between the Humber River and Carlaw Avenue, and the northbound lanes of the Don Valley Parkway will be closed between the Gardiner Expressway and Eglinton Avenue, on Sunday, July 21 from 2 a.m. until 12 noon.
Youth Day Event – Sunday closure
Yonge Street will be closed between Queen Street and Dundas Street on Sunday, July 21 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bay and Church Streets are suggested alternative routes.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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You may also want to know:
- PocketWizard® Plus® III Radios’ Online Auction Until May 17 (07:33:27 PDT): Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Community (A limited edition of G-Wiz Squared gadget bags in the same Tutu Pink color will be available for purchase in limited quantities at the Carey Foundation website beginning in June, 2013 to support cancer patients)
- You’re Invited: Ontario’s Licence-Free Fishing Week, Toronto Events July 5-Sept.19, TTC Alert + Road Closures July 5-7, 2013
- You’re Invited: Meeting on Options for Cycle Tracks on Certain Streets + Toronto Events + Road Closures June 22-Dec.2013 (“Adopt a cat during City of Toronto’s Feline Fiesta” event has been extended to July 20, 2013.)
- Toronto: Eglinton Connects Survey Until Jun.14, Safety Open Houses Jun.10-13, Cultural Spaces Meetings Jun-Jul.2013
- You’re Invited: Celebratory Events in Toronto June 2013 (Bike Works DIY Bike Repairs – Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer)
- You’re Invited: Toronto’s Great Events May 18 – 21 and Victoria Day May 20, 2013 (Heritage Toronto Tours April – October 2013)
- You’re Invited: Spring & Green Events in Ontario May 10 – 12, 2013 (ROMwalks May 1, 2013 – October 20, 2013)