[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoecnwRr1oA[/youtube] The folks at the TTC have embarked on a major marketing campaign in an effort to sell Transit City.  Not only have buses, streetcars and subways been filled with pamphlets outlining the proposed University-Spadina subway extension and the seven LRT lines (pdf) that will ultimately attempt to link Toronto from end-to-end. The TTC and the City of Toronto have both dedicated pages on their websites to outline the plan. Included on the TTC website is the short five-minute video that is posted at the top of this post.  Although it doesn't go into any detail about the ...

WHAT: World Carfree Day WHEN: September 21 WHERE: Various locations (Queen St. West and Bloor St. & Spadina St.) Join Streets are for People! Bells on Bloor, Bike Pirates, Samba Elegua, the Kensington Horns, the New Kings, Mr. Something Something and millions of others around the globe in celebration of WORLD CARFREE DAY! PARKING METER PARTIES - What can you do with a 6' x 12' parking space? Queen St. West - from Bathurst St. to Trinity Bellwoods Park All day - pay for a parking spot then breathe culture back into public space normally used for car storage.  Bring a band and play music, have a picnic, play games, whatever you like.  The space is yours for only $2/hour. BELLS ON BLOOR - Bike Ride 4pm - meet at Bloor and Spadina for a special critical mass style ride, then join up with parade. PARADE - 4th annual parade down Queen St. 4pm - Meet at south gates of Trinity Bellwoods Park 5pm - Parade east to Old City Hall Bring horns and bells and drums. Bring your friends. Bring your mums. Bring bikes and trikes and things that are silly. Bring costumes and banners and wings that are frilly. Bring sense of humour, and sense of fun. We'll party like our team just won.  (ok - you get the idea.) Don't miss the surprise when three parties meet! Visit www.streetsareforpeople.org for more information. - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: Edible Tree Tour WHEN: September 20, 1 pm - 3 pm WHERE: Meet at main entrance to Spadina House (285 Spadina Rd., just northeast of Casa Loma) After touring the historic english orchards of the Spadina House participants will be treated to a sample of heritage apples freshly picked for market that morning by volunteers. Guest leader Laura Rainsborough will discuss Not far from the tree a wonderful new organization that is inventorying heritage fruit trees on residential properties in the area and then harvesting their bounty, 952 pounds of fruit so far this year! LEAF arborist Todd Irvine will share the history of the massive white oaks on the Spadina house grounds, so old that members of the Anishinabe Indian tribe, the area's first inhabitants, possibly passed under their canopies. The tour will also visit the grounds of Casa Loma and a steep forested ravine slope with century old mansions peering over its edge. Trees and shrubs that provide edibile fruit for both people and animals will be profiled throughout the tour. You must RSVP to attend this event, and there is a suggested donation of $5. Visit torontotreetours.org for more information

Calà§ada pavement in Figueira da Foz. For as long as I can remember, my family has been going to Portugal for family reunions and vacations.  Every few years a silent yearning would start gnawing away at our sanity calling us back home.  I know it sounds silly, but this feeling must be similar to that unexplainable attachment many Canadians feel towards the cottage—your body and mind just won't rest until you're sitting by the lake.  So, my mom, dad, sister, and I would pack up our things, and jet off to the Iberian coast. Over the years I've amassed hundreds of photographs of the sights, landscape, and architecture that make Portugal unique.  And, in anticipation of Spacing's ThinkToronto September 22nd deadline, I thought I would post some of the creative ways Portuguese cities beautify their public spaces as a way of inspiring the participants during the final stretch of the competition. The following photographs were taken in central Portugal, primarily in the cities of Coimbra and Figueira da Foz, and the country village of Santana. Coimbra is one of the original university towns.  The Universidade de Coimbra that overlooks the city was founded in 1290, and is still in operation today.  Figueira da Foz, a coastal fishing city, is home to some magnificent beaches. And finally, Santana, my family's home base, is a small farming village that was recently granted the title of civil parish. I have decided to focus on three distinctive features of the Portuguese public space design: street signs, azulejo, and calà§ada.

WHAT: Queen West Art Crawl WHEN: September 12, 13, & 14 WHERE: Queen St. and Spadina St. (with various open artist studios all the way to Queen St. and Roncessvalles Ave.) Launched in 2003 by Artscape, the Queen West Art Crawl (QWAC) showcases the work of emerging and established artists. Now in its sixth year and under the ownership of the Parkdale Liberty Economic Development Corporation, this three day outdoor festival offers family, friends and kids an array of arts and music events. Visit www.torontoartscape.on.ca for more information. - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: Beaches Tree Tour WHEN: September 14, 1 pm - 3 pm WHERE: Meet at the front entrance of the Beaches Library, Kew Gardens (2161 Queen St. East) With its park-like setting, cool lake breezes and eclectic blend of iconic buildings, estate homes and quaint cottages, the Beaches remains true to its origins as a mecca for summer visitors. Join Tree Tour Coordinator Susan Gulley and local historian Gene Domagala as they meander the tree-lined streets under the protective, spreading canopies of red and white oaks. Experience the varied topography of the Beaches as we venture north from Kew Gardens to the crest of the natural ridge and then wander back down into the magnificent Glen Stewart ravine. Discover yellow birch, black cherry and ironwood in this remnant forest and learn about the City's vital restoration efforts from Urban Forest Planner Ruthanne Henry. You must RSVP to attend this event, and there is a suggested donation of $5. Vist torontotreetours.org for more information. - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: ROMwalks: ROM and its Neighbours WHEN: September 14, 2 pm WHERE: Meet in front of the ROM (Bloor St. entrance,) look for a blue umbrella. Discover Toronto's unique architecture and rich history through ROMwalks, a series of free, guided walking tours of the city. Highlights: Royal Ontario Museum, Church of the Redeemer, Royal Conservatory of Music, Taddle Creek, Flavelle House, Gardiner Museum. Visit www.rom.on.ca for more information. - - - - - - - - - -

WHAT: Come! Sit! Stay! Dog Days of Summer at Todmorden Mills WHEN: August 24, 12 pm - 4 pm WHERE: Todmorden Mills ( 67 Pottery Rd.) Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre will once again be going to the dogs Sunday when owners and their pets are invited to spend the afternoon participating in events and activities completely devoted to all things canine. Admission is free, but some activity fees may apply. This lovely green space in the Don Valley will play host to family fun where everyone may participate in contests and games, learn about canine health and wellness, shop for treats and trinkets, and more! Don*t have a license for your best friend? Visit the City*s Animal Services booth and get it in person. Your dog or cat ruining your garden? Talk to Sheridan Nurseries about pet-proof and animal-friendly landscaping. Participants can take the Canadian Kennel Club*s Canine Good Neighbour Test, a 12-step, non-competitive obedience test. It is designed to help your beloved canine become a welcome member of the community. The fee is $25. Pre-registration is required. For more information contact Kelly at 416-396-2819 or visit www.ckc.ca for more information. - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: Urban Forest Orientation Session WHEN: August 27th, 7 pm - 8:30 pm WHERE: Riverdale Public Library (370 Broadview Ave. ) Are you concerned about Toronto's trees? Join us to find out how you can get involved in Toronto's urban forest scene. We'll present an overview of LEAF's programs and services, as well as opportunties for involvement through the City and other groups. Presented in partnership with the City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry and Recreation. Visit www.leaftoronto.org for more information. - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: ROMwalks: Yorkville - The Annex WHEN: August 27, 6 pm WHERE: Meet at the corner of Lowther Rd. and Avenue Rd., look for the blue umbrella. Discover Toronto's unique architecture and rich history through ROMwalks, a series of free, guided walking tours of the city. The highlights include: Medical Arts Building, First Church of Christ Scientist, York Club, plus two residential styles of architecture unique to Toronto. Visit www.rom.on.ca for more information.

WHAT: Summer Music in the Park WHEN: Saturday and Sundays from 2 pm - 5pm throughout the summer WHERE: Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St.and Bellair St.) The sound of music is in the air in the Village of Yorkville Park during the month of July, as a series of musical acts perform songs for shoppers and strollers in the Bloor-Yorkville area. Performers to look forward to this week: August 9th — CASCABEL LATIN DUO August 10th — JOHNSON CHUNG TRIO Visit www.bloor-yorkville.com for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: ROMwalks: Yorkville - A Tollgate Village WHEN: August 10, 2 pm WHERE: Meet in front of Yorkville Public Library, (22 Yorkville Ave, beside Fire Hall) look for the blue umbrella. Discover Toronto's unique architecture and rich history through ROMwalks, a series of free, guided walking tours of the city. The Yorkville highlights include: Library, Firehall, Heliconian Club, 19th century houses, Hazelton Lanes, Church of the Redeemer. Visit www.rom.on.ca for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: Romantic Reels WHEN: August 12, 8 pm - 11 pm WHERE: Yonge-Dundas Square Nine movies, thirty Oscars and a box full of tissue. Join YD Square as they count down the most romantic movies of all time, as selected by you. This week's film: Titanic. Visit www.ydsquare.ca for more information.

WHAT: Movies Under the Stars - Transformers WHEN: July 25, 9 pm - 11 pm WHERE: Parc Downsview Park (35 Carl Hall Rd.) Downsview Park is pleased to present free movies under the stars Friday nights throughout July and August, sponsored by 97.3 EZ Rock and Toronto Community News. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs with your family, friends and neighbours and enjoy a free family-friendly movie under the stars as the sun sets at Downsview Park. Free popcorn and additional concessions available on site. Visit www.downsviewpark.ca for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: Beaches International Jazz Festival WHEN: On until July 27 WHERE: Queen Street E. from Woodbine Ave. to Beech Ave Join the jazz enthusiasts lakeside at Woodbine Park for the kick off to the Festivals 20th year celebration. This festival is voted Toronto's #1 Music Event. It offers multiple outdoor stages featuring free concerts. The “New Generations Stage” will celebrate young upcoming musicians that are begining to make an impact. The Main Stage will present both local and international Jazz performances. Visit www.beachesjazz.com for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: 4 in 1 Art Show WHEN: On until July 31, 12 pm - 10 pm WHERE: Rainbow Market Square Gallery (80 Front St. East between Church & Jarvis) The Rainbow Market Square Gallery, whose mission is to bring works of art to workplaces and public spaces, present the following artists during July: Senay Johnson - Photographer is showing her ‘memories of Japan' with aunique look at architecture and life in Japan Patricia Whittingham - Abstract Artist and Art Teacher - is showing her soft tone turneresque style abstract paintings Gil Boudreau - Painter is showing his primitive style flower paintings in bright colours, he is very enthusiastic about art despite his challenges with polio Jackie Ramo - Sculptor is showing her bright and exciting Art Tiles with bright colours and stimulating themes. Visit www.artforallcanada.org for more information.

  WHAT: Beaches International Jazz Festival WHEN: July 18 - 27 WHERE: Queen Street E. from Woodbine Ave. to Beech Ave Join the jazz enthusiasts lakeside at Woodbine Park for the kick off to the Festivals 20th year celebration. This festival is voted Toronto's #1 Music Event. It offers multiple outdoor stages featuring free concerts. The "New Generations Stage" will celebrate young upcoming musicians that are begining to make an impact. The Main Stage will present both local and international Jazz performances. Visit www.beachesjazz.com for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: 4 in 1 Art Show WHEN: On until July 31, 12 pm - 10 pm WHERE: Rainbow Market Square Gallery (80 Front St. East between Church & Jarvis) The Rainbow Market Square Gallery, whose mission is to bring works of art to workplaces and public spaces, present the following artists during July: Senay Johnson - Photographer is showing her ‘memories of Japan' with aunique look at architecture and life in Japan Patricia Whittingham - Abstract Artist and Art Teacher - is showing her soft tone turneresque style abstract paintings Gil Boudreau - Painter is showing his primitive style flower paintings in bright colours, he is very enthusiastic about art despite his challenges with Polio Jackie Ramo - Sculptor is showing her bright and exciting Art Tiles with bright colours and stimulating themes. Visit www.artforallcanada.org for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: FRINGE BENEFITS - Cosmopolitan Dynamics of a Multicultural City WHEN: July - September 23rd, 2008 WHERE: Design Exchange (234 Bay St.) Fringe Benefits: Cosmopolitan Dynamics of a Multicultural City is an exhibition curated by Ian Chodikoff, urban designer, architect and editor of Canadian Architect magazine. The exhibition explores questions and ideas that will alter the future identity of our suburbs—a geography constantly evolving into something much more dynamic than big-box retail outlets and cookie-cutter housing subdivisions. Visitors to the exhibition will appreciate how the design of new schools, religious buildings, community centres and sports facilities are adapting to the needs of their ethnically diverse communities while remaining inclusive to all Canadians.For many years, the car-dominant strip-mall landscape of the suburb was derided by architects and urban designers as a wasteland devoid of culture and replete with tacky buildings. Hardly an environment for thoughtful and innovative urban design, until now. Through photography, video, maps and art, Fringe Benefits explores the surprising ways in which diverse contemporary multiculturalism is making the cities of the GTA increasingly cosmopolitan. Visit www.dx.org for more information.

WHAT: Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival WHEN: On until July 13 WHERE: At various locations across the city Toronto's largest theatre festival will host over 800 artists from Ontario, Canada and around the world in 2008, with over 135 unique productions in more than 25 venues. Productions range from dramas to musical extravaganzas to improv. A KidsVenue hosts eight plays exclusively for children and families. The festival also hosts a beer tent, two outdoor patios and a free nightly Cabaret. Visit www.fringetoronto.com for more information and play listings. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: 4 in 1 Art Show WHEN: On until July 31, 12 pm - 10 pm WHERE: Rainbow Market Square Gallery (80 Front St. East between Church & Jarvis) The Rainbow Market Square Gallery, whose mission is to bring works of art to workplaces and public spaces, present the following artists during July: Senay Johnson - Photographer is showing her 'memories of Japan' with aunique look at architecture and life in Japan Patricia Whittingham - Abstract Artist and Art Teacher - is showing her soft tone turneresque style abstract paintings Gil Boudreau - Painter is showing his primitive style flower paintings in bright colours, he is very enthusiastic about art despite his challenges with Polio Jackie Ramo - Sculptor is showing her bright and exciting Art Tiles with bright colours and stimulating themes. Visit www.artforallcanada.org for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: FRINGE BENEFITS - Cosmopolitan Dynamics of a Multicultural City WHEN: July 9th to September 23rd, 2008 WHERE: Design Exchange (234 Bay St.) Fringe Benefits: Cosmopolitan Dynamics of a Multicultural City is an exhibition curated by Ian Chodikoff, urban designer, architect and editor of Canadian Architect magazine. The exhibition explores questions and ideas that will alter the future identity of our suburbs—a geography constantly evolving into something much more dynamic than big-box retail outlets and cookie-cutter housing subdivisions. Visitors to the exhibition will appreciate how the design of new schools, religious buildings, community centres and sports facilities are adapting to the needs of their ethnically diverse communities while remaining inclusive to all Canadians.For many years, the car-dominant strip-mall landscape of the suburb was derided by architects and urban designers as a wasteland devoid of culture and replete with tacky buildings. Hardly an environment for thoughtful and innovative urban design, until now. Through photography, video, maps and art, Fringe Benefits explores the surprising ways in which diverse contemporary multiculturalism is making the cities of the GTA increasingly cosmopolitan. Visit www.dx.org for more information.

  WHAT: International Street Food Festival WHEN: July 4, 11, 18, and 25; 6 pm — 9 pm WHERE:  Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St. ) Every Friday night in July the International Street Food Festival will be taking place in Mel Lastman Square. The event will include a variety of diverse food vendors as well as cultural entertainment. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: Movies Under the Stars - The Spiderwick Chronicles WHEN: July 4, 9 pm - 11 pm WHERE: Parc Downsview Park (35 Carl Hall Rd.) Downsview Park is pleased to present free movies under the stars Friday nights throughout July and August, sponsored by 97.3 EZ Rock and Toronto Community News. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs with your family, friends and neighbours and enjoy a free family-friendly movie under the stars as the sun sets at Downsview Park. Free popcorn and additional concessions available on site. Visit www.downsviewpark.ca for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT: Community Environment Days WHEN: July 5, 10 am - 2 pm WHERE: Colonel Samuel Smith Park (Powerhouse Parking Lot) and Central Technical School (725 Bathurst St.) How many times have you heard that one person's trash is anotherperson's treasure? It's a familiar saying, and for good reason: it's true! Bring your unwanted and unused “stuff” to your local CommunityEnvironment Day, hosted by your city councillor, and transform your trash into treasure. Click here for more information and a schedule.