The province is enjoying a windfall from sales tax on the inflated prices of goods and services. Notwithstanding a legacy of debt, which provincial governments of all stripes have contributed to, this government here and now is swimming in cash. One might have expected a budget with more punch, a budget that makes a difference for the economy, the environment, or for the many Ontarians who are struggling right now—but no. We have a budget that is neither conservative nor progressive, and there appears to be no underlying vision whatsoever, beyond kicking the can down the road.   Read more

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New support for vulnerable residents

By Dianne Saxe

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the end of winter. The events unfolding at city hall have been nothing short of extraordinary lately. From the first ever “strong mayor” budget to the mayor’s first loss on a major vote (the Yonge Street Complete Street) to 280 development applications in Ward 11 alone, there’s been a lot going on.  Read more

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Ford’s budget leaves us hanging

By Jessica Bell

The Conservative’s budget was released on March 23. Overall, the budget increases spending by one per cent, far below the 6.8 per cent rate of inflation. We will be seeing cuts. Here’s the lowdown.

Health care  Read more

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READ MORE:  Read more

• ON THE COVER: Bloor Street United demo begins (Sept. 2022)
• NEWS: Condo plan evolves (Winter 2019)
• NEWS: Plans for a “slender” building (August 2019)

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Grocer to relocate to the northwest corner of Bloor and Spadina

By Fox Oliver

On Oct. 12, 2022, Bousfields Inc. submitted an application to build a 30-storey tower at 425 Bloor St. W.   Read more

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A church founded by former slaves who were rejected by “white” churches

By Hailey Alexander

First Baptist Church at 101 Huron St. was founded in 1826 by Elder Washington Christian and 12 other formerly enslaved people who escaped to Canada by way of the Underground Railroad. First Baptist Church is the oldest Black institution in Toronto.  Read more

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Boutique version of brand tailored to Annex

By Fox Oliver  Read more

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In 1928, police arrested 74 men in a surprise raid 

By Hailey Alexander  Read more

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RE: Volunteers needed!

I would like to thank you for your article on St. Stephen’s yard and for drawing attention to the challenges those facing homelessness experience.  Read more

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SEE MORE:  Read more

• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice — Can dreams come true? (For John Tory) (Dec. 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Nov. 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Oct. 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Sept. 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Aug. 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: A chacun son principles (July 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Provincial Election 2022)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (May 2022)

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Doug Ford abandoned us. That’s what a 200-page decision reviewing Ottawa’s invocation of the Emergencies Act says. Written by Commissioner Justice Paul Rouleau and published by the Public Order Emergency Commission, this report points the finger for last year’s Freedom Convoy riots squarely at the premier, whose failure to act, it says, led to some members of the public feeling emboldened.  Read more

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Where is Ford in Toronto’s time of need?

By Jessica Bell

The first official Toronto budget under the new strong mayor reign has revealed an unpleasant truth. This is a fantasy budget built on a house of cards. Even with a seven per cent planned property tax hike, the federal and provincial governments need to hand over $1.4 billion to the city for the budget to balance in 2023. And even if they say yes to Toronto’s official funding request, the city will still cut services.  Read more

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ARA to resurvey all the trees in the Annex 

By Terri Chu

There’s a lot to love about the Annex: cultural vibrancy, a wide variety of local independent businesses, walkability and trees. 

Can you imagine this place without the big, beautiful maples? The streets would feel empty and dystopian.   Read more

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