40th Annual JUNO Awards in Toronto

Toronto’s getting ready to host this year’s annual Canadian music awards show, celebrating 40 years of the JUNOs. While the actual televised broadcast happens March 27, there are tons of official JUNO events all month long, from live music festivals and art exhibits to celebrity hockey matches. The Toronto native Drake will be hosting this event in March 2011

NEW SUBWAY CARS IN 2011

More than 200 of our subway cars are more than 30 years old. It's past time we replaced them. The TTC is buying 234 new subway cars to make 39 trains. The first trains will start in passenger service in 2011. The new trains will run on the Yonge-University-Spadina line

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So What do this new cars look like, well lets start from the exterior

1. Exterior Blue Light

Blue lights on the train exterior will show the entrance to the multi-purpose areas inside the train. The lights show the best doors for wheelchair entry. Anyone with other mobility devices, strollers, bicycles, or large luggage items will also find these points useful. There are 12 “blue lights” (two per car) on each side of the train.

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2. Multi-purpose / Easier Access / Wheel-Chair Area

There will be 12 wheelchair/mobility device areas per train (two per car) - twice as many as current subway cars. These multi-purpose areas will also be useful for people with strollers, bicycles, large luggage items, etc.

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3. Electronic Information Display System

An electronic display in the centre of the ceiling will show the name of the next station and on which side of the train the doors will be opening. The next station will also be announced over the Public Address System.

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4. Active Route Map

In addition to the features of the current subway route map, the active route map uses LED technology to highlight: Present location of the train Direction that the train is travelling Location of interchange station The active route map also indicates on which side of the train the doors will open: Opposite side This side

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5. Full Length Open Train (Connecting passage allows car to car access)

The new subway train is a full open train compared to the current train comprised of six cars. Riders can move along the full length of the train through the gangway (connecting passage). This offers improved movement and passenger safety.

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6. Passenger Alarm Intercom System

In an emergency, riders can activate, speak with, and be seen by a member of the train crew through this intercom camera system. There are 36 intercom contact points on each train; four per car at alternate doorways and two per car in each Multi purpose area.

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7. Emergency Evacuation Ramp

The openness through the full length of the train will make evacuation easier in case of an emergency. Built-in ramps at each end of the train will make evacuation quicker a

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8. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

A number of ceiling mounted closed circuit television security cameras will be positioned throughout the train to record activity on the train. The tapes from these recordings may be supplied to Toronto Police Service to assist in the investigation of criminal activity on the transit system.

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9. Interior Colour Scheme

The four colour schemes under consideration are shown above.

Where to go in Toronto during Christmas time?

Here are a few places to visit in Toronto during this Time of the Year (Christmas time)?

Nathan Phillips Square
Located in front of City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square is an events landmark in the centre of the city. During the summer the square is in motion daily, with people watching concerts and dance performances, viewing art at outdoor exhibitions, shopping
for fresh produce at the farmers' market one afternoon a week, attending weekly childrens' events or sitting mesmerized by the fountain, eating lunch. The Peace Garden is a small green haven in the square, ideal for quiet contemplation or reading. In the winter months, the reflecting pool becomes a skating rink, with skates available for rental.

Much of the Christmas season’s magic is thanks to all the glittering, colourful lights twinkling on buildings, homes and trees throughout Toronto neighbourhoods. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to see festive lights this holiday season.


University Avenue
University Avenue, the grandest and widest street in downtown Toronto, comes alive in December, with festive lights decorating tress and shrubs along the eight-lane boulevard. Old stalwart buildings on the southern part of the avenue (like the Canada Life Building, the American embassy, Osgoode Hall, and the Ontario courthouses), and “hospital row” to the north, become the backdrop of a dazzling display.



Yonge to Elm Street, Yonge-Dundas Square
Elm Street, which is two streets north of Dundas and west of Yonge, is definitely worth a short westerly diversion. At College Street, walk south on Yonge, where you’ll encounter 22 trees lit by blue, white, and golden lights. The street, which houses several fine dining restaurants and cozy bars in Victorian renos, becomes a pretty Winter Wonderland at night with trees decorated to form a canopy of white Christmas lights. Continue south along Yonge Street to Yonge-Dundas Square and you’ll be mesmerized by the towering 40 ft. sculptural Christmas tree dressed in 52,000 blue and white lights. Walk a few steps south and duck inside the Eaton Centre via the entrance just south of Sears, and admire the blinding Swarovski tree sprouting from the centre of the mall.

SAW in 3D THE Final Chapter

Saw 3D - The Final Chapter
Rating: 18A - for sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture, and language
Genre: Horror
Length: 91 min
Distributor: Lionsgate
Release Date: October 29, 2010
Starring: Tobin Bell, Cary Elwes, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Sean Patrick Flanery
Plot Summary: This October, one of the biggest, most successful horror franchises in movie history arrives in theaters in vivid, chilling 3D with the release of Lionsgate's "Saw 3D". As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw's brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.

13 Things to DO in Halloween in TO

1. On the two Saturdays leading up to Halloween, the Toronto Zoo presents the inaugural Halloween Howl. As the sun sets, the zoo comes alive with a showcase on wolves and how they communicate. First Nations members teach guests about the howling creatures through stories, song and traditional drumming. Participants are asked to howl at the end of the presentation and see if the real Arctic wolves respond. This outdoor event has limited space and takes place at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on both October 23 and 30. To register for the Halloween Howl, click here.

Boo at the Zoo also takes place this October, with entertainment at the Halloween Harvest Stage, a critters and costumes parade and a taste of the Boo Brew out of a cauldron.

2. Pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or decoration. Brooks Farms, located in Mount Albert, has pick-your-own pumpkins throughout the month of October. They also have markets with fresh seasonal fruit like apples and berries, veggies like sweet corn, asparagus and onions, tarts, pies and more. For other pumpkin patches around the GTA, check out our Pumpkin Picking guide.

3. Hands down, the best part of Halloween is designing or picking out that perfect costume. For some, costume choices were thought up last Halloween. If you’re still unsure and need some inspiration, check out Malabar in the Queen West neighb. Become a terrifying witch or gargoyle with their large selection of makeup and latex wounds. Though, I have no doubt that there will be many Michael Jacksons and Snookis roaming the streets. Spooky!

4. Instead of dining somewhere with a creepy décor, chow down on something terrifying. Dare your friends to have a taste of Banu's Don Balan -- translation: lamb testicles marinated in vodka and shallots. The unique fare will have your pals squirming in their seats. The noteworthy nuts aren't always available so make sure to call ahead. For other unusual delicacies, check out Jessica Pollack's article on creepy Halloween eats. For dessert, head over to Soma for some fall-inspired roasted pumpkin gelato. Jackelyn Crawford is hunting down some seasonal delights in her article, Halloween gourmet and specialty treats (Jackelyn’s article link here).

5. Candy cravings are easily filled on Halloween. Every drug store and supermarket around is stocked with goodies. In order to get the most cavity-inducing bang for your buck I recommend Bulk Barn. A few of the tasty creations are candy corn, pumpkin face and spook eyes gumballs, hard candy skulls, creamy caramels, juicy brain gummies, chocolate on a stick in the shape of ghosts, skulls, pumpkins and witches and a whole lot more. Check out the line up here.

6. In celebration of the brand new TIFF Bell Lightbox, the venue hosts a Halloween celebration with film screenings (of course), crafts and other family-friendly activities. Get your scare on with professional makeup artists on hand to create bloodcurdling looks and teach you how to do it at home. The Costume Factory is also around to help add zest to your Halloween costume. Watch freaky films like the silent, German classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Planet of the Vampires. Prices vary by activity, click here to learn more.

7. Scare yourself silly with one of Toronto's ghostly walking tours. The Exhibition Place definitely has a spooky history with the Horticulture building that was once used as a temporary morgue and the CNE midway, once a bloody battlefield during the War of 1812. Who knows what you will find lurking in the shadows. For more information, click on Haunted Walking Tour. Or, head over to the Distillery and listen to stories about ghost sightings and the horrifying history of the site. A Halloween treat is on offer at the end of the tour -- if you can make it to the end! For more information, click on Segway Distillery Ghost Tour.

8. If you like to feel the hair on the back of your neck rise, check out the blood-curdling mazes and 300 monsters roaming Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland. New this year is the Blood on the Bayou maze. People living along the Louisiana Bayou know what horrors lie within the water and on the surrounding banks. Exhibition Place is also hosting the popular horror theme park, Screemers, in the "Screem" Elizabeth building. The attractions include a haunted house, skull castle, an asylum for the criminally insane, a black hole, a manic maze and a 3D clown house. Curtain Chaos is the newest attraction and, let's just say, once you enter you'll wish you never had!

9. Try and keep your eyes on the screen with films about a game where even the winners are close to death, a supernatural presence that's captured on camera or a town with a returning serial killer. These movies can only be described as gruesome, gory and just plain disgusting. Some of the popular movie choices available at your local theatre during the month of October are: My Soul to Take, Paranormal Activity 2 and Saw 3D. Keep up to date with scary movies coming to a theatre near you,

10. For those who can't wait for October 31, celebrate the undead by participating in the Toronto Zombie Walk on October 23. More than 6,000 guys and ghouls wander the streets of Toronto looking for tasty brains. Costumes are a must as you drag your carcass around town. If you don't have your own fake blood, Bloody Mary is on hand to donate. So do what zombies do best: lurk around and drag your limbs to find your next meal.

11. Enter Toronto's real haunted castle for evil events starting on October 22. Dracula - A Love Story, based on Bran Stokers Dracula, takes place throughout Casa Loma. Follow the characters from room to room as they tell the gothic tale. If the story doesn't have you shivering, explore the estate with renowned ghost trackers Michelle Desrochers and Patrick Cross. There's an information session about ghost tracking, a look at the equipment used and then the hunt is on! Lastly, children are invited to a pumpkin carving contest. Contestants are asked to bring their most frightening and comical designs. Pumpkins, markers and craving knives are provided and everyone receives a trick or treat loot bag. For more information click here.

12. Sail around Toronto's harbour on a Halloween cruise ship hosted by Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines. The four-hour party starts right when your crew boards the boat. Make your way up the stairs to the Royal Salon & Bar to toast the night's festivities and then prepare for an evening of celebration with an onboard DJ. Finger foods are available like pizza, spring rolls, veggies and dip and chips and salsa. Costumes are encouraged as the best costume wins a prize. Learn more about this monstrous merrymaking by clicking here.

13. Celebrate Halloween like they did in the 19th century at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The historic village hosts Howling Hootenanny, a scary good time with a haunted maze and a creepy creature show. Other activities include pumpkin decorating, an apple slingshot and create-your-own trick or treat bag. The main stage hosts Dracula and a fire juggling act. Or, check out All Hallows Eve (not recommended for children under eight). This event is all about urban legends, with illusions, mind readings, channeling the dead and drinks like pumpkin beer.

Happy Halloween!
source: http://www.toronto.com/guide/halloween

THE ROM Royal Ontario Museum

Generations of children and adults have trooped through the museum since it opened in 1914. With six million objects in its collections and 40 galleries of art, archeology and natural science, the ROM offers a whole world to explore. Four giant carved totem poles rise in the centre of the stairwells; the largest is 24.5 metres (80 ft. 6 in.) tall. The Hands-on Biodiversity gallery offers families a fun interactive experience about the interdependence of people, animals and plants.

In June of 2007 the ROM unveiled the dramatic new expansion, the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. Made up of interlocking prismatic forms the bright, modern addition to the museum expansion was one of the most challenging construction projects in North America, but the results are a sight to be seen.

The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal's six permanent collection galleries feature many objects never before displayed, along with some old favourites. They include dinosaurs and mammals, the cultures of South and Central Asia, Africa, the American continents, the Asia-Pacific region (including Oceania) along with textiles and costumes from around the world.

To commemorate the late Elizabeth Samuel, Liza's Garden is a contemporary secret garden of greenness and sustainability, installed on the south portion of the Philosopher’s Walk wing. Created by PLANT Architect Inc, the 10, 000 square foot area offers a dynamic haven of greenery. Aside from aesthetic appeal, the garden is a practical landscape that reduces the heat island effect and provides shelter for birds and other small creatures. The garden can be viewed from c5 Restaurant Lounge, located at the pinnacle of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.

The ROM also features the Gallery of Gems and Gold, which is the final stage of the Teck Suite of Galleries. On level two, this gallery of Earth's Treasures has about 600 rare gems, gem crystals, jewellery and gold pieces.

The CN Tower

The CN Tower is Toronto's tallest and most defining landmark. Photos of Toronto are often defined by the building stretching more than 550 metres into the sky.

The CN Tower was originally built to solve communications problems caused by the skyscrapers dotting Toronto's landscape in the '70s. The new buildings towered over past transmission towers and caused poor reception for televisions and radios in the city. So work began on a tower to stand above all of Toronto's skyscrapers and serve as the centre of telecommunications in this ever growing city. In June of 1976, after 40 months of construction the CN Tower was complete.

Today, aside from serving as a hub for telecommunications across the city the CN Tower has become a major tourist destination. Visitors can test their courage by walking across the glass floor 113 stories above the ground. The first of its kind in the world, the glass floor give you that dare to walk on air experience, with only 2 ½ inches of glass holding you 342m in the air. The glass floor is actually stronger than most commercial floors and has the strength to hold 38,556 kg (85,000 lbs) or 14 hippos! Or if you dare, travel higher up the tower to the Sky Pod another 33 storeys above ground.

The tower's revolving 360 Restaurant offers an award winning wine list and spectacular view for any romantic evening. If you're not wild about heights, at the base of the tower, a fully licensed fresh market café that serves an array of international foods and there is plenty to shop for in the 10 000 sq. foot Marketplace.

If the glass floor isn't enough excitement for you there's the HIMALAMAZOM motion theatre ride (must be 107cm (42 inches) tall to ride). The Maple Leaf Cinema also plays a 15 minute film on the construction of the tower 30 years ago.

New in 2010, the CN Tower presents The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D, the first-ever surf film created in 3D. The movie stars American surf champ Kelly Slater and Tahitian legend Raimana Van Bastolaer as they explore the waters just off the shores of Tahiti and other French Polynesian islands. With breathtaking visuals and eye-popping 3D effects, The Ultimate Wave displays the rich culture and nature of the islands, as well as giving insight into the origins of surfing. The renovated Maple Leaf Cinema is now equipped with a highly-advanced projection system, providing one of the the best 3D theatre experiences in the country.

Admission:
There are several packages that visitors can purchase. The Total Tower Experience package includes the Look Out, Glass Floor, Sky Pod, a film, and the motion theatre ride for $32.99 per person.

Observation Sky Pod Experience package includes the Look Out, Glass Floor and Skypod for $26.99 (Adult 13-64), $24.99 (Senior 65+), and $20.99 for children (4-12).

Observation Experience package includes the Look Out and Glass Floor package goes for $22.99 (adults), $20.99 (seniors) and $14.99 (children).

The Attractions Experience package includes the Look Out, Glass Floor and either movie or motion theatre ride goes for $26.99 (Adult), $24.99 (Seniors 65+), $20.99 (Child 4-12).

For other information and packages check out the CN Tower website at http://www.cntower.ca .

Getting There:

By Car:
From the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto , where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Avenue North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.
From the East: Take Highway 401 into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound. As you approach Downtown, this will turn into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit at Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.
From the North: Take Highway 400 into Toronto , exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.

By Transit:
Your ultimate destination is Union Station. From there, the Tower is a short walk west along Front Street, or a 5 minute covered stroll along the SkyWalk