May 20, 2015

Torontoist

Leah Jensen

The current signage for Toronto’s development proposals are anything but inviting: the language is boring, the images uninspiring or difficult to decipher, and consequently the offer to become involved seems disingenuous.

This could soon change. The drab-looking boards could be phased out, as the planning and growth management committee received a report from City staff last Thursday about how and why Toronto is reforming its development signage. New signs are already being piloted by the City, with the first one appearing on-site at 250 Lawrence Avenue West. Passersby will notice some very obvious design changes, beginning with less text, more icons and imagery, and clearer instruction on how residents can become involved.

Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22, St. Paul) brought this concern to council after hearing that the planning process, in general, is not easy to understand for the average resident.

May 6, 2015

Post City Toronto

Karolyne Ellacott

Generations of Canadians have grown up with Sharon, Lois & Bram. On April 22, Lois Lilienstein passed away at age 78 due to a rare form of cancer. Kids and parents alike have been delighted by the musicians’ tunes since the group formed in 1978 and helped instill a love of music in many. Throughout her long career, Lilienstein scooped up various Junos and Gemini awards and, in 2002, received the Order of Canada along with her bandmates.

The cheery trio earned themselves Canadian icon status among the preschool crowd when they launched “Skinnamarink” upon the world. Several seasons of mid-’80s TVO success followed (does The Elephant Show ring a bell, anyone?), and the family-favoured threesome eventually found a home for their act on CBC-TV.

April 21, 2015

The Toronto Star

Jennifer Pagliaro

Food truck vendors have made a bit of progress in their fight to increase the places they’re allowed to set up shop to sell tacos, rotis and other fast-food delicacies.