March Break in Toronto

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If you are one of the lucky ones, you are away for March Break and won't be reading this post or thinking about what to do this week. However, if you're like us, trying to balance work and kids home from school we thought you could use some inspiration. Toronto has a lot of traditional March Break activities (ROM, AGO, Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma etc.) but what about those of us who don't want to spend a small fortune or who have already done a few rounds of the traditional Toronto attractions?

Here is what we have planned for March Break. Won't break the bank and hopefully keep the troops somewhat occupied this week!

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image by Andrew Wasyleczko

Towards Youth - A play on Radical Hope by Andrew Kushnir is playing at the Crowsnest Theatre until March 16th, 2019.

Towards Youth is a window into the lives of young people around the world. An exceptional ensemble cast takes us to classrooms in India, Taiwan, England, and Greece, to meet youth coming of age in extraordinary times. 

A moving theatrical experience that weaves personal stories from young people around the world into a 21st century narrative that connects us all. Is there a radical hope to be found in the humble drama classroom? We believe there is.

Crow's Theatre

Youth tickets are $18 all week long and today, Monday March 11th, the theatre is hosting a pay-what-you-can performance.

https://youtu.be/Vtw7vUDykKE

Day tripping to Buffalo anyone? Everyone who knows me finds my affinity for Buffalo amusing. But, there IS a lot going on in Buffalo these days. Since it's not March Break in the U.S. the museums will be quieter and my kids will get to see some different exhibits. We are going to visit the Buffalo Museum of Science where we can hit the exhibits, see a 3D film or two, visit the Kellogg Observatory and check out this cool Lego exhibit. (For $15!!) During our last trip we did a tour of the Martin House and we all really enjoyed it. Highly recommend you check it out.

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One day this week we are going to do a walking 'mystery' tour of The Junction and the kids are actually pretty excited. I may have promised them hot chocolate and bakery treats enroute but still, they're excited. Wonderland is an audio drama game set around 1914, in our very own Junction neighbourhood. At the end of each chapter you get a puzzle -- solve it, and unlock the next chapter. What if we get stuck? Just put your phone in your pocket and go for a walk. Every 100 steps or so, one of the letters in the puzzle is filled in. The game description says it'll take about an hour. My plan is that we'll start it at the same time with headphones on and head over to the West Toronto Rail Path for a walk. The app is free and it'll get us all outside for an afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes!

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image source Ontario Archives

The Humber Theatre has been such a huge part of our lives and we love supporting this local theatre. It's small, inexpensive and easy to navigate so I have no problem dropping my kids off for a movie while I run errands or squeeze in some work. They have a great lineup this week: Captain Marvel, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, The Lego Movie Part 2, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse and Greenbook. Children are $8.00 everyday and on Tuesdays the whole family can enjoy $8.00 tickets.

The Toronto Public Library always has lots going on and this March Break is no exception. The TPL has even launched a new kids website . From Lego to slime making, movies to mural making there is something for everyone. Lots of events book up so make sure you check out the website to reserve a spot.

My goal is to avoid the crowds downtown, keep the kids off Netflix for a bit and not spend a fortune this March Break. If you have any other ideas let us know!

West End Toronto Real Estate Market Update - February 2019

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Here is a recap of February's real estate sales for Toronto's west end. Overall, the number of sales were down, but for the most part average sale prices were either the same or higher than what we were seeing in February 2018.

If you would like to compare these numbers to January 2019, please click on the link.

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The stricter mortgage stress test that was introduced has sidelined some buyers, so it will be interesting to see whether this is addressed in the Federal budget on March 19th. Stay tuned!