fourONEsixSTYLE

While the debate about gentrification in TO continues, many areas are receiving substantial funding to renew derelict sites across the city. The Distillery District was nothing but haunted halls used by film crews a few years back. Now the Brickworks will attempt to model the Distillery’s success but with a more arts and eco-friendly community. Twenty million in funding will help to get the ball rolling on the site beside the DVP.

Yesterday, a new announcement of funding came in the tune of 3 million dollars, this time to restore Wychwood’s TTC repair “barns” into what’ll become known as Artscape’s Green Arts Barns, offering a safe-haven to not-for-profit arts groups like The Storytellers School of Toronto and the Salvador Allende Arts Festival for Peace as well as environmental groups such as LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and Citizens’ Environment Watch.

Fortunately for everyone, environmental and arts causes are getting attention. They seem to have become as chic as Brad Pitt in his Gucci glasses pretending to build homes in India. But what about community centres? Are they not the centre of the community? And what about Wabash?

Just off Sorauren, close to Roncesvalles, two abandoned buildings sit on one side of a park just waiting for some love and attention. Years ago they housed a Linseed factory, now they are part of a plan for the future Wabash Community Rec Centre. One plan’s price tag is $13 million and would include a full reno but no pool. For an extra $7 mil the building would be fully-restored along with the addition of a swank new clubhouse and a place for kids to play Marco Polo.

For some reason though, the project has been struggling for funds since day one, even though this area of Toronto desperately needs a place like this. Up until now, residents have been buying a brick at a time to help build Wabash. Just like the Revue Theatre, it was the residents who decided Wabash should be saved, but it would be great to hear that some level of government would step up to support the project or maybe Brad Pitt can come by and lend a hand.

image: Kevin Steele

Few of us ever take the time to indulge in a nice long bath let alone with a group of close friends, so I welcomed the opportunity when I got an email telling me to come to Body Blitz for a day of girlfriend fun at the ladies-only water spa. The spa had opened over a year ago in a converted old brick industrial building on Adelaide West at Portland and had generated a serious amount of buzz since it was the only one of its kind in Canada. I’d given several friends gift certificates to Body Blitz since I thought it would be a fantastic present but hadn’t gone to check it out yet myself.

Staff greeted my friends and I by taking tea orders then leading us through the spa with recommendations on how to get the most from our day in the therapeutic waters. We were to follow a circuit through warm, hot and cold pools filled with fresh and salt water, as well as one with green tea. In between we could hop into a lush steam room and sauna or hang out poolside on comfy leather loungers.

We lingered for hours, moving around the giant pool divided up by a stonewall with salt water waterfall. All around we were surrounded by natural elements of rock, wood and subtle lighting. Although it’s all indoors, the illusion of being in nature is fulfilled. It’s the best way I can think of to feel like you’re getting away while still being in the city - no need to travel several hours to dip your feet in salt water when you can find it right here in Toronto.

Post bath time several friends indulged further with massages, body scrubs and mud treatments. Had I known that the price (about 40 dollars) for “the waters” was included in any one of the treatments I would’ve slipped away for some shiatsu. Instead I did a few more circuits soaking up the benefits of the different pools and then kicked back all wrapped up in a toasty bathrobe. It’s one of the best days I’ve spent in awhile and a great way to unwind after the holiday.

Sometimes I really miss being a Toronto lifeguard, sitting by the cool pool as the sun feeds my soul. Best way to spend the summer I’d say. That is, if you remember to slather on the sunscreen. Good news is we can all enjoy Toronto’s public pools. As of the past weekend, 41 of 60 outdoor swimming pools opened across the city. Couldn’t be better timing. You can call 416-338-POOL to see if your neighbourhood pool is open.

My favourite time to go? During “extended hours”, when the pool extends opening hours until 11:45pm. Only a handful of pools offer this, and there are a few conditions: the temperature has to be 30C or over by 3pm with no chance for thunderstorms. It’s one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets (until now), and a great way to beat the heat before climbing into bed.

Coffee & Mouse…
Originally uploaded by Fanis.

Are you a coffee freak like me living in Toronto? If you are I want to share a terrific little secret with you. You can have super fresh roasted coffee delivered to your home or office door within 24 hours by Dark City. Even your favourite coffee shops won’t have it this fresh. If you buy your blends at the supermarket this might be too much for you…it’s a whole new world of coffee out there.

Having fresh flavourful coffee come to my door feels like a priviledge, but I’m not paying any more for it than I would at any specialty store. As a birthday or holiay treat I have it sent to my friends’ homes. They love it.

My friend at Dark City Coffee roasts his fair trade and organic coffee on his premises. After having just watched the documentary Black Coffee on TVOntario I realized the importance of sharing this with you. We should all be aware of where in this world this commodity is coming from. Fairly traded coffee should be supported by everyone. Dark City offers coffee from around the world and you can live better knowing that everyone in the process of growing and trading is getting their fair share.

If you live in the West End of Toronto you’ll find a little coffee shop on Roncesvalles called Cherry Bomb that serves a taste of Dark City Coffee. Alternative Grounds, also on Ronces, is a great place for fair trade and organic beans too.

If you want to know more about Dark City coffee check out CBC’s recent review on Metro Morning