Welcome to the debut edition of the Diary of a Mad Torontonian. Your new monthly digest on the true essence of the 6ix—where streets are littered with condo cranes, the seasons are “winter” and “construction,” and the trash pandas roam freely with an eye on even the most secure green bins. But it’s not all bad – we have some bright spots and as the Mad Torontonian, I’m here to vent, rave and throw shade at our beloved city once a week, unfiltered.
From TTC delays that are longer than a hockey season to housing prices so absurd it makes Monopoly real estate seem achievable, there is no shortage of material for a rant. So, grab your overpriced coffee and strap in for a commute-worthy scroll where Toronto will get the tongue-lashing it deserves from a grumpy local who loves to hate on this city.
Don’t worry though – there are times when the city does it right. And when she does, we’ll share those too. ‘Cuz even Toronto should get its flowers. Let’s get into it.
ADVERTISEMENT |
This week the city is all abuzz with the 49th annual Toronto International Film Festival. Once hailed as the world’s best cinematic festival for film lovers, TIFF has turned into a brand marketing machine, complete with road closures and TTC disruptions that take Toronto’s traffic woes from terrible to “how badly do I need to leave the house” levels. But that’s not all. In the glory days of TIFF, celeb sightings weren’t reserved to red carpets and afterparties. You could take a walk in Yorkville and see our famous friends sipping coffee on a patio – celebs, they really are like us!
I really want to know if Sundance, Venice and Cannes have their own version of Festival Street, where drunken college kids chase each other yelling “HELP” as Toronto’s finest look on (and do nothing). Does Beyond Beef show up to sample in the French Riviera? And how many people participated in the scavenger hunt? This casual observer (and film lover) really wants to know.
And since we’re talking about TIFF, let’s not gloss over the fact that there is so much A-List talent in Toronto, that even Trudeau showed up. That’s right folks. Not the Mayor. Not the Premier. The country’s Prime Minister. sigh. I’m not going deep on politics here, but did he notice the sewage smell in and around Duncan Street, home of Toronto’s prestigious Boho House and the Changri-La. Can he call in a favour to get that cleaned up? I get that Canada’s not a superpower, but I want my PM in the nation’s capital dealing with political things not grabbing selfies at afterparties. Am I right?
My final thought here is a plea to all you super fans out there. Over the past few days you’ve been chasing cars, screaming at celebs, desperate to get that photo to share on IG. Be safe out there and maybe, see a movie or two. Take in more than the celeb-culture of the festival, it’s worth it.
ADVERTISEMENT |
So, whether you’re here to commiserate over the latest TTC fiasco or to celebrate the rare moments Toronto shines, you’ll want to check in with #DiaryofaMadTorontonian each month. Expect a heady mix of gripes, gossip, and occasional praise, all served with a wink and a nod from someone who knows the city inside and out. After all, in Toronto, there’s always something to talk about—and I’ve got plenty to say.
