From James Bond to an aromatherapy workshop, we have a nifty list of reasons to visit Old Town Toronto this February. Whether you are searching for an easy dinner recipe using leftovers, or are looking for a Valentine’s Day gift made by a local jewellery designer, our newsletter is packed to the brim. Scroll on dear reader and make plans to visit Old Town Toronto.

Be sure to follow us on social media for daily updates:
Facebook: @OldTownTO,  Instagram: @OldTownToronto,  Twitter: @OldTownToronto.


Skyfall in Concert, February 21 & 22!

Film Concerts Live! is proud to present Skyfall in Concert, the second instalment in the James Bond Concert Series, produced in association with EON Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (MGM).

Experience composer Thomas Newman’s BAFTA-winning original score performed live by Motion Pictures Symphony Orchestra in sync to the picture at Meridian Hall on February 21 & 22!

BONUS: Join us in our lower lobby for a pre-show talk with Toronto Film Critic and host of CTV’s Pop Life Richard Crouse and special guest. Take a look at the impact that Skyfall continues to have on pop culture.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

Meridian Hall, 1 Front St E, 416-366-1656


Recipe: Mixeroni

Our friends at Le Petit Dejeuner this month are sharing a simple recipe you can try when you don’t have time to visit them at their lovely establishment. The recipe is based on leftovers and encourages you to play with what you have available in the fridge.

In a frying pan, fry up leftovers such as aromatic veggies, shrimps and a hard boiled egg. Add a cup of leftover rice. Squirt in a 1/2 teaspoon of soya sauce, a tiny bit of sesame oil and some hot sauce. Mix it together with a hand full of shredded lettuce. Enjoy after a hard day of work.

Le Petit Dejeuner, 191 King St. E., 647-227-1635


New Services at Round Table Mediation

Anne Marie Predko LLB – In addition to mediation services, I am now offering legal advice, legal coaching and negotiation and mediation for individual clients. I do not go to court because I want to help you resolve your issues in a supportive and respectful way.

Round Table Mediation, 43 Front St. East Suite 400, 437-887-0591


Marie Chouinard – Radical Vitality: Solos & Duets

ATTENTION DANCE LOVERS!!!

Award-winning, world renowned Canadian choreographer Marie Chouinard, presents Radical Vitality at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts February 5-8.

Chouinard has an astonishing imagination… surprising… a grand adventure for the viewer.” – The Globe and Mail

Mesmerizing. Shocking. Notorious. Sensual. Original.

Marie Chouinard delves into her company’s vast repertoire to present reworked solo pieces and duets. Edgy, experimental and boundary-pushing, these dance miniatures reveal Chouinard’s unique power and vision.

Part of TO Live’s 2019/20 Dance Collection.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St E., 416-366-1656


St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA)

Looking for the latest from your local resident’s association? Find all the news by visiting www.slna.ca.

Next up with the SLNA is their Meet & Greet – Feb. 24, 2020. For more information and to learn how to RSVP please visit www.slna.ca/news.


Toronto: Then and Now

On Thursday February 20th, historian Trevor will be presenting at Toronto’s First Post Office!

Trevor has been finding old photographs and taking modern matching shots to show how the buildings and street scenes have changed. During this talk, he will be showing off the best of his comparison photos, while explaining some of the history in each scene, plus sharing some of his techniques for matching the old shots perfectly.

Doors open at 6:30pm and the talk starts at 7:00pm. Light refreshments will be included.

This event is FREE for Town of York Historical Society Members, but RSVP is required.

For more information, please visit: www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-then-and-now-tickets-89602875613

Toronto’s First Post Office, 260 Adelaide St. E., 416-865-1833


Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Book now to get the best offer during our 100th Anniversary Celebration.
Offers ends February 29th 2020.

To view full list of itineraries, visit uniworld.com/TTC100

Transat Travel Church Street, 56 Church Street, 416-366-1961


Farm’r: Reusable Container Take-Out Program

February is all about reducing our footprint at Farm’r. You save $0.50 on every take-out plate by bringing your own container, or place a deposit and we will give you one of our reusable containers. Bring it back, dirty or clean, for a full refund.

We are also participating in the new Wisebox reusable container program piloting in February at a number of Toronto restaurants. Help us conserve, and enjoy the best take-out in the neighbourhood!

Farm’r Eatery & Catering, 140A The Esplanade, 416-901-8676


City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Ward 13 – Toronto Centre

For the latest updates from your local councillor in Ward 13 – Toronto Centre, please visit: www.kristynwongtam.ca/updates.

City issue to report? Many items such as but not limited to, waste collection, noise, graffiti and litter, roads, water, trees and animals, property issues, complaints and comments, snow removal can be reported directly to 311 via email or phone. To learn more please visit:  www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/. 311 is your fastest, and often best way to bring your issue to the attention of the correct department at the City of Toronto, so that it can be addressed.


Scarves and lights at the fountain

Back in December blogTO posted about everyone’s favourite Toronto fountain, the “dog fountain,” in Berczy Park. We shared the post on our Facebook page, @OldTownTO and thought we had broken the internet when our social media notifications exploded with all the love the post was getting. We would like to thank the local community knitters who took the time to create these gorgeous red scarves for the park’s permanent four legged friends. We, and just about everyone on Facebook in Toronto, loved it!

Also, if you have been in the park after dark lately you will notice the fountain lights have been turned back on! The underwater lights were originally designed to only be switched on during the summer, when the fountain is full of water, but we have had numerous requests to turn the lights on in the colder months when the fountain is not running. With this in mind, we approached our friends at the Parks Department with the City of Toronto who are responsible for the park. They agreed to look into options and found they could adapt the lighting programming. Now as you stroll through the Berczy Park you will see the fountain lit up, we hope, all year round! Thank you to the Parks Department and the City of Toronto for making this possible.


New Year and New Wood Flooring Catalogue at Havwoods in Toronto!

We’re kicking off the new year with fresh new products, and a new catalogue that is packed with design inspiration, exciting news and the best part – it’s fully priced so there’s no guessing involved. Stop by our wood flooring showroom at 201 Frederick Street to get your copy of The WoodBook and meet the team in Toronto, who can help make your design vision a reality.

Havwoods International, 201 Frederick St., 1-844-808-9663


Aromatherapy Workshop

Tuesday February 11th, join us at BMO King & Church for an inspirational and relaxing evening and discover the benefits of aromatherapy. Secure your spot at: universe.com/kcaroma. Space is limited. Contact antonia.ramos@bmo.com for questions.

Bank of Montreal, 101 King St E., 416-360-8430


Perfect Pairing for Two

The Holiday of Love is upon us…

And what a perfect time to share a “Perfect Pairing” for our guests.

The Omni King Edward Hotel, 37 King St E., 416-863-4101


Guilty Pleasure

Toronto’s unofficial guilty pleasure has to be “street meat.” You’ll find the famed hot dog carts and food trucks scatted throughout the downtown core ready to serve you hot and juicy treats in a flash.

Soloways Hot Dog Factory Outlet in Old Town Toronto sells the same hot dogs and sausages you’ll find “on the street,” for you to take home and enjoy. Bonus, they have just extended their hours! Find them at 79 Richmond Street East.

Soloways Hot Dog Factory Outlet, 79 Richmond St E., 416-350-8385


Museum of Illusions Family Day 2020 Promotion

Visit The Museum of Illusions over Family Day 2020 weekend and get 15% off the price of a regularly priced ticket when booking online. Use promo code: FAMILYMOI20.

The Museum of Illusions, 132 Front Street E., 647-928-7588


Are You Prepared? – Tips for Managing and Communicating During a Crisis

Most businesses have a plan for a rainy day but how many actually know how to weather an actual storm?

When a crisis strikes your business, your customers will remember (and judge) you on how you respond. Below is an example of what NOT to do – and 3 rules for getting it right.

Rule number 1: Show up (Don’t Be Like Mark)
In March of 2018, news broke that Cambridge Analytica harvested personal data from millions of people’s Facebook profiles without their consent and used it for political advertising purposes. With the scandal raging, it took Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, more than four days from when the news broke to when he finally responded to questions, prompting stories with quotes and titles like Where is Mark Zuckerberg? And Mark Zuckerberg Told to ‘Stop Hiding Behind his Facebook Page’ After Reports of Data Breach.

In those critical days after an issue breaks, you have the option to tell your story…or let other people tell it for you. In a crisis, if you aren’t the one providing information, others will step in to fill the void. Not only do their words become the narrative, but it stretches out the news cycle as traditional and social media wait for the company to comment.

When your company is in crisis, you need to show up and be prepared with consistent messaging. Even if you’re still collecting all the facts. It’s ok to commit to getting back to people in a timely fashion when you do have more information. Which leads to rule number two:

Rule number 2: Empathize
Show genuine concern. Use specific language that shows people you understand how serious the situation is, i.e. “We regret that this is happening…”, “We understand the seriousness of the situation.” And apologize – it doesn’t admit fault. It says you regret the anxiety, worry or distress your consumers or stakeholders are in as a result of the situation.

Rule number 3: Take action
So, what now? Clear, proactive and consistent communication brings the public into the fold, helps alleviate anxiety and demonstrates leadership and commitment to putting a process in place to ensure this never happens again. It helps us move on. And when we can move on, we begin to forgive and forget.

Obviously, every business hopes they will never have to manage a crisis, but if you are prepared, you can feel confident that sunny days will be here again.

And if you need a little help with your crisis planning, contact us. Kaiser Lachance Communications (KLC) offers a full suite of strategic and integrated communications services with an emphasis on corporate, marketing, financial and crisis communications. Visit us at: www.kaiserlachance.com.

Kaiser Lachance Communications, 34 King St E., 647-725-2520


Introducing Physiotherapy

Wellington HealthCare is pleased to announce our full-time Physiotherapist, Anish Sharma.
Contact us today to book a complimentary consultation with Anish by calling 416-366-5660 or email us at reception@wellingtonhealthcaretoronto.com. Come and see how we can guide you to better health.

Wellington Healthcare, 54 Wellington St. E., 416-366-5660


Our Art, Your Story!

We are three goldsmiths & jewellers that put our heart and soul into every piece we make! Make sure to visit our lovely store, you might just find that perfect gift for that special someone, and if you don’t, we can work together to create something unique!

Flux & Form, 116 1/2 Sherbourne St, 416-368-9679


6 Restaurants That Will Have You Salivating at Winterlicious

Winterlicious is Toronto’s annual winter food festival. This year’s eatery extravaganza takes place between January 31st and February 13th, and includes 204 Toronto restaurants (can you say WOW?) If you need a little help navigating the options, be sure to check out our blog post, 6 Restaurants That Will Have You Salivating at Winterlicious by clicking here.

Follow us: