There is a lot of curiosity around personal coaches, who they are, what they do, and how they can help guide a person to reaching their goals and living ‘their best life.’

Gorett Reis is a Certified Life Coach, Career Coach and a speaker who helps stuck, stressed, and dissatisfied professionals advance their career or find direction so that they can achieve greater fulfillment. As a speaker, she talks about how to attain more life and career fulfilment through live events, Lunch & Learns, webinars, and podcasts. As someone who re-evaluated her career choices and started over again, Gorett is well-suited to helping people get their life on track. She is someone who embodies the spirit of ‘practice what you preach.’

Every day Gorett uses her own personal experiences, training and commitment to growth and education to help her clients, who range in background from actors to high level executives.

Your background is in teaching, what made you decide to become a teacher?

I decided to become a teacher when a university friend of mine recognized I would be a ‘good teacher.’ I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do the first and second year at Waterloo (my first university) so I thought I should pursue it. I liked helping people and had taught and tutored people in the past so I thought it could work.

Was there a specific pivotal, ‘aha’ moment that made you decide to change the trajectory of your career?

Yes and no. Yes, because after many years in education, the last few quite dissatisfying, I decided to figure out a new direction. During my Christmas break in 2014 I came up with ‘life coach’ after an hour or so of silence and working out my thoughts on a notepad. Once life coach came up, I knew that was it and fully committed myself to making it happen.

No, because, although there were aspects that I loved about teaching, I knew something was missing for many years but did not know what would fulfill me. Political views aside, there are a lot of changes coming to teaching in Ontario.

How could your personal experiences as both a teacher and a coach help teachers who are teaching but also debating exploring other options for what’s next?

Well, to put it out there, I am not a fan of the cuts. It affects the quality of education and marginalized students. I get wanting to ‘modernize’ the education system; however, I believe cuts to already strained classes and students are not the answer.

My advice for teachers who are teaching, and want to continue, is to be resilient and make classroom adjustments where necessary (i.e. more group or peer marking, anything to better the situation). For teachers thinking about other options or are out of a position, I would advise them to think of what they like to do, and what they are good at, and look into creating their own service (i.e. tutoring) or apply to roles outside of the classroom (whether in education or not). Ideally, where their teaching and knowledge is transferrable. If they need help with this, I strongly suggest they hire a coach. Someone who would be a good fit for them.

You trained and received life coach certification from Martha Beck Inc. (Dr. Martha Beck used to be Oprah’s coach), what made this training different from other certification providers?

I felt it was different from other coach training programs that I researched because it seemed more wholistic to a person’s needs and desires. Once I began the course, I found it did address what a person truly wants and how to achieve it from multiple angles. From what I read about or experienced with other schools, the tools provided more deep, sustainable change, and less quick fix, surface approaches. I also aligned with Martha Beck’s coaching philosophy about the client having all the answers and helping them find them and/or reconnect to them.

The certification, on the other hand, was optional at the end, which I decided to do. It was, however, as rigorous as an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certification. How do I know this? I heavily researched that too to make my decision, and both requirements were very similar.

Is there anything you’ve had to ‘unlearn’ or be particularly mindful of in your work as a coach?

Not really. I say this because before being trained as a coach I had been informally coaching for years, from about 12 in fact. Now that I am a coach I can look back at my life and say it was always in me; The active listening, the deep inquiries, quickly recognizing patterns and problem areas, facilitating ideas, and problem-solving. I also believe my education helped me be mindful of power dynamics, how to work with adults, etc.

This said one area to be mindful of, however, are my blind spots. Things I cannot clearly see because I have my own preconceptions or views about a subject or situation. If I feel strongly about a topic or situation, is it because of what is being presented, or my own experiences or opinions about it?

What learnings as a coach have you applied to your own personal life and career?

Definitely ‘live it to give it’ and the Ideal Day exercise.

‘Live it to Give it’ is pretty self-explanatory, however, essentially it means that for you to be able to coach or teach someone (give it) you should do it yourself first (live it). It would be hypocritical to espouse something you have not tried or applied yourself. I really take this to heart so I do what I love, which is coaching, and live my best life, like traveling and other life-affirming goals and activities, so others, who I coach, can too.

A tool I use from my training is the Ideal Day exercise. It is where you imagine your ideal, average, workday and work towards closing any gaps or discrepancies in your ideal day and current reality. I currently and consistently achieve the first ideal day I ever imagined and I am working towards the second ideal day as it can change over time.

You’ve travelled to over 30 countries for your work and personal life, are there any cultural practices or philosophies that have inspired you? How have you applied them to your own life?

I am inspired by many philosophies and practices, however, most of the philosophies and practices I learned first through reading about them. Some of these philosophies and practices are indigenous, Chinese (i.e. traditional medicine, Feng Shui, Qi Gong and yin and yang), arete (Greek), kaizen (Japanese), mindfulness, meditation, yoga, etc.

I apply mindfulness, meditation, and yoga in my life. Mostly daily for the first two. I have seen acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors for prevention, and love ancient Chinese philosophies. I aspire for arete (excellence of any kind) and kaizen (improvement) and feel very deeply for our earth and how we treat it (indigenous beliefs about our earth being sacred). I try to be mindful of my ecological footprint and have daily habits of not adding to it, although I am no saint and travel from time to time so I would say that is the area where I have more of a footprint.

What professional development do you work on to stay at the top of your industry? What publications do you read/ who are your favourite thought leaders?

I constantly read books related to my profession. Mainly for more tools and ideas to serve my clients. I am continuously in one or multiple programs and I also go to mindset or business conferences throughout the year.

I read, or subscribe to, Deepak Chopra, Fabienne Frederickson, Martha Beck, and Gary Vaynerchuck. I realize Gary is not everybody’s favourite, however, I think his ideas and insights are fresh or on point. I also follow Shane Parrish from Farnam Street and Tim Ferriss occasionally.

Who are your personal mentors? Why?

Mr. Mota, my high school art teacher, was my first mentor. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and encouraged me to grow. Oprah, growing up, was my virtual mentor. I would watch her show when I could and took a lot from it.

My current mentors are Fabienne Frederickson and Kiva Schuler. They both help me and others with business and empowerment.

Your clients range from actors to executives. How are these clients both different and similar? (how is your approach different and similar)?

They are different because each personality is different and their positions are different. They are similar in that they both find something is lacking in their career and lives, and want to address it. They are both seeking clarity, more financial security, and fulfillment.

I have some recurring steps and tools I use with clients. However, my packages, and approach, are specifically tailored to the individual’s goals and needs.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Most people don’t know I am the youngest of seven and grew up in Cambridge, Ontario.

What are you most proud of (both personally and professionally)?

Personally, I am proud to be the first person in my family to go to university and not only get one degree but three degrees from the University of Toronto.

As for professionally, for acting fast on my career change and developing my clientele enough to leave my teaching position within 7 months.

What are you currently working on improving in your life?

I am working on setting up better financial structures and systems within my company.

What do you think we should all be doing to help improve the city of Toronto?

I believe a good start would be to address our housing affordability situation.

What upcoming projects are you excited about?

Digital marketing projects and hiring someone to help me with it, a potential rebrand or new look via a designer and a future group coaching program.
 

According to Cabbagetown Preservation Association, Cabbagetown is the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in all of North America. This neighbourhood is populated by various multicultural communities of artists, young professionals, but also researchers and scientists associated with nearby University of Toronto and it’s the ideal place to experience the diversity Toronto has to offer.

Silver Burtnick & Associates of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada would like to invite you to Cabbagetown this September to experience the amazing events this part of town has to offer and the diverse neighbourhood itself.

Cabbagetown Festival

September 7th and 8th

Each year, the Cabbagetown Festival (visit website) celebrates the diversity of this little town in the heart of the city.  Cabbagetown is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Toronto with residents from little under 200 countries. The Festival brings together this community, connecting local businesses, vendors and entertainers in one big family neighbourhood fun.

Silver Burtnick & Associates have been sponsoring Cabbagetown Festival for a few years now. The Festival itself has a very special meaning for Richard and his career in real estate:

“I bought my first house on the day of the first Festival in 1979 and the rest is history!”

Since it’s begining in late 70s, the Festival evolved from a local neighbourhood fun to a full-blown attraction for tourists and visitors from around town and the worlds. Here are some events that Silver Burtnick & Associates sponsor and you should not miss:

Arts and Crafts Sale & Show

Friday, September 6th, 1pm – 7pm
Saturday, September 7th, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, September 8th, 10am – 6pm

Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Sale is an annual sale and artist showcase running for the 31st time this year. Each year there is a special prize for one talented artist and vendor that catches people’s attention.

Last year, the prize was awarded to Pierre Quesnel and Coraline Allard from Q and A Design and year before that to talented mixed-media 3D artist Stephen Hayes.  Do you want to know who will get this year’s price? Come down to Cabbagetown Festival and find out.

Blair’s Run

Sunday, September 8th, 9am

Blair’s Run is an annual 2k marathon in support of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Anyone is welcomed to run, including kids and dogs, the only rule is to register and have fun! The registration fee is $20 ($25 on the day of the run) and you can register as an individual or as a team with family or friends. Registration on Run day starts at 8 am and the Run starts at 9 at 248 Carlton Street.

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

Wednesday, September 4th, 8pm-10:30pm

Founded in 1992 by Toronto actress and producer Gina Dineen, Cabbagetown Short Film Festival is a showcase of the best short films from around the world.

Each year, there’s a carefully selected lineup of movies that are hand-picked from hundreds of submissions annually. This way, the festival is presenting the top shorts for their audience.  A panel of industry professionals also awards the best movies in various categories like comedy, drama, experimental films, animation, and documentary.

Cabbagetown Tour of Homes

Sunday, September 15th

The history of Cabbagetown Tour of Homes is a long one. In the late 70s, a group of realtors started the tradition trying to showcase the stock of all the beautiful Victorian homes in the area.
Back then, the Cabbagetown was a very overlooked and neglected area of Toronto and realtors wanted to bring more investors that would be interested in the restoration of these historic homes. And they found them! Since then the torch of organizing this amazing tradition was passed on and the tour is now hosted by Cabbagetown Preservation Association.

This year, you can visit on Sunday 15th of September to catch the tour and try to find the Silver Burtnick & Associates team. They will be volunteering at 368 Sumach Street which was previously owned by Darrell Kent. Darrell Kent and his real estate company was largely responsible for recognizing the value of the old Victorian Homes in the area and renovating them in the early 1970s, so make sure to stop by and learn more about Cabbagetown’s heritage. There are usually about 7 to 9 houses on the self-guided tour and tickets cost $35. You can buy them online or pick them up at one of the designated locations.

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Toronto’s housing market has been a difficult for people in the past few years, but prices have become more stable in 2019, resulting in a more balanced and rational marketplace. Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or seller, now is a good time to engage in this market. This article will go into deeper detail about the current affordability in Toronto, compare Toronto’s affordability to other major cities, and take a future outlook at what’s to come.

Current Affordability in Toronto

Owning a house in Toronto is tough, but it’s gotten better in 2019. We’ve seen some price stabilization since 2017, with buyers now acting more rationally and taking their time to investigate and bid on property. Conversely, sellers now need to put in the effort to make their property show-ready and ask for a price that actually leaves room for negotiation.

RBC’s June 2019 Housing Trends and Affordability Report provides some useful statistics on affordability. The report focuses on the RBC Housing Affordability Measure, which looks at the ownership cost of a house compared to the median household income; the higher this number, the less affordable housing is. This number rose steadily from 45% in 2009 to 65% in 2017. The good news is, the trend stabilized around 65-67% from 2017 to 2019.

In terms of adjusting to this more balanced market, sellers are probably having a harder time than buyers. Jim Burtnick, Senior Vice President of Sales at Sotheby’s International Realty states:

After almost a decade of Toronto being a seller’s market, with listings selling in days and multiple unconditional offers well over asking prices, things have changed. Properties are now taking longer to sell, with buyers no longer feeling pressured to bid in multiple offer situations. In fact, buyers are now adding conditions to their offers.

At first glance, this situation doesn’t seem good for sellers compared to before. But the reality is, most sellers will have to re-enter the market as a buyer after selling their property. And in this case, a more rational and balanced market is definitely better. Furthermore, a soaring marketplace may pop at any time, leading to plummeting prices. In that case, buyers, sellers, and investors would back out of the market, which is bad for everyone.

Apart from Toronto, RBC’s report also looks at other major Canadian cities. Vancouver’s Housing Affordability Measure is the highest at 82%, with other major cities like Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton ranging from 36% to 47%.

Although Toronto’s housing situation isn’t the best in the country, it also certainly isn’t the worst, and it’s improved over the past few years.

Housing Affordability in Other Major Cities

To get a better idea of Toronto’s housing market, we can look to other major housing markets across the globe. The 15th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey compares the housing affordability in 2018 across major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Sydney, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

The Demographia report measures housing affordability using the Median Multiple, which is the median house price divided by the median household income; the lower the number, the more affordable that market is. A Median Multiple of 3.0 or less is considered to be affordable, 3.1 to 4.0 is moderately unaffordable, 4.1 to 5.0 is seriously unaffordable, and 5.1 or higher is severely unaffordable.

So how does Toronto compare? In short, Toronto ranks 10th (tied with London) out of 91 major cities in being unaffordable, with a Median Multiple of 8.3. Vancouver is at 12.6, second only to Hong Kong at 20.9.

Of course, Hong Kong and arguably even Vancouver are experiencing quite extreme situations compared to the rest of the world. But even apart from those two cities, there are still many cities in a worse situation than Toronto: San Francisco, Auckland, Los Angeles, and Melbourne all have a median multiple ranging from 8.8 to 9.7. That being said, some other comparable cities are doing better than Toronto: Boston, New York, and Seattle have a median multiple ranging from 5.3 to 5.6.

While Toronto does rank high on the global list of unaffordability, it is still much better than many other cities.

What’s Next for Toronto

For those who are wondering if prices will drop in the near future, it’s not likely. According to RBC, prices are “back on a slight upward trajectory… unlikely to come down much, or at all, in the near term.”

Toronto is still one of the most attractive cities in the world for immigrants, and Canada counts immigration to sustain its population. Not only is Toronto more affordable than many other cities around the world, it is also very immigrant friendly. All this means demand will continue to increase. Burtnick states:

With Toronto still being (by far) the ‘gateway’ city for most newcomers to Canada (from other provinces in Canada and especially from abroad), Toronto will still need more and more supply of housing to meet demand. Simply put, new supply cannot keep up with demand. So if you think Toronto/GTA is expensive now, just wait 10 years!

But now that prices have stabilized, it is a good time for all parties to get in the market.

Richard Silver, Senior Vice President of Sales at Sotheby’s Canada, sees a bright future for Toronto’s real estate market, especially in major areas with good access to transportation. He advises buyers to view real estate as a home for their family rather than a search for a “great deal”. He states:

There are those who look at real estate as a stock portfolio and are more concerned about value than a place to live for their family. They are always in search of a great deal when they should be in search of a home. The best ‘buy’ in real estate should always focus on location: Proximity to the subway system, great schools, shopping, and parks are more important in the long term.

So if you need a home, don’t delay, but make sure you spend some time comparing listings to find the one that best suits you. If you want to sell a home, make sure your property is showing-ready, properly priced, and realize that you will need patience to secure the best deal possible.

A sucesfull sold listing 88 Blue Jays Way was featured in Globe and Mail. The listings was sold in only one day and this is it’s story:

88 Blue Jays Way, No. 2904, Toronto

Asking price: $769,000
Selling price: $760,000
Previous selling price: $517,900 (2017)
Taxes: $3,670 (2019)
Days on the market: One
Listing agents: Jim Burtnick and Richard Silver, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

The action

This one-bedroom plus den suite in a new hotel and residential tower in the Entertainment District initially fetched an offer the seller deemed unacceptable. The same buyer came back with a higher bid when the unit was relisted at a higher price in late June.

“There was one other unit for sale at the same time – a mirror image of this unit on a higher floor – but they were asking significantly more, so it made ours more attractive,” agent Jim Burtnick said.

“[Overall] inventory is pretty tight right now, so for a good condominium like Bisha, which is quite popular with all the hotel amenities, there was certainly someone who wanted it and wanted a quick closing, and that was feasible in this particular case.”

What they got

A few years ago, Bisha opened its doors with upscale hotel suites, trendy restaurants and private residences, such as this 665-square-foot unit with a locker and parking.

The interior design is modern with nine-foot ceilings and walls of windows along the living and dining area.

Sliding balcony doors also bring more light into the kitchen dressed with stone counters, centre island and stainless steel appliances.

Monthly fees of $559 pay for water, heating, concierge and access to recreational facilities.

The agent’s take

“[The building] is popular with the younger demographic; it’s got a bar on the main level in the lobby and a rooftop pool,” Mr. Burtnick said.

“[In addition], the seller kept the unit in great condition – with some electrical work done and work done in the bathroom – so there was very little wear and tear.”

Jim and Richard were recently interviewed by Inman News about assembling an effective real estate team. Read the original interview at Inman.com.

For senior real estate advisors Richard Silver and Jim Burtnick, partnering brings a breadth of knowledge and a balance of skills.

Teamwork, like any relationship, requires negotiation and compromise. But for many luxury real estate agents, it pays dividends. A productive partnership can help reduce workloads for everyone while driving more business with a wider network of clients.

“My advice for people looking to partner who haven’t done it before: make sure that your strengths and weaknesses are not identical,” says Jim Burtnick, a senior real estate advisor with Canada Sotheby’s International Realty in Toronto, Canada.

You want someone who complements you: you might be strong in the customer service aspect but they might be strong in the networking aspect.

His business partner and fellow senior advisor Richard Silver agrees. “You’ve got people who are specialists in certain things,” he says. “There’s always a better person on the team to make sure the client is looked after.”

Watch this video to dive into how collaboration and shared accomplishments can make success so much more rewarding. “I think it’s really a case where the sum is greater than the parts,” says Burtnick.

The University of Toronto is situated on the border of Queen’s Park in the city’s core, and it has continued growing since its foundation in 1827. Today, it is considered Canada’s premier university, and it’s known internationally for its influential research. It’s also centrally located in downtown Toronto, close to neighbourhoods like Yorkville and the Annex.

Location

The University of Toronto’s core campus stretches from Spadina Avenue to Bay Street, and from Bloor Street down to College Street, although some of its buildings surpass these borders. It’s connected to the Discovery District, which is named in part for the campus itself, but also because of the nearby hospitals in the region. It’s two kilometers north of the Financial District and minutes away from Yorkville. Queen’s Park is also nearby, which contains the Ontario Legislative Building.

History

The University of Toronto was founded in 1827 as King’s College after influential people including John Graves Simcoe (Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada) and John Strachan (Anglican Bishop of Toronto) wanted a college to be built in the growing city. The school’s original building stood three storeys tall. King’s College was initially a religious institution that aligned with the Church of England, but in 1849 it was renamed “The University of Toronto” to eliminate its ties to the church. Strachan went on to establish Trinity College (which is now a part of U of T’s many colleges) as a private Anglican seminary.

The university began expanding quickly at the turn of the century. It began constructing buildings for its newly introduced Faculty of Law, Conservatory of Music, and Faculty of Forestry, as well as two other campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough. As the university expanded, so did its grounds, and many buildings that were built between 1858 and 1929 can still be admired today.

Local Trivia

Northrop Frye, the Canadian renowned for his contributions to literary criticism, was a professor at the university
The ‘Toronto School of communication’ was established here
Ten Nobel laureates taught or were taught at the university, including Lester B. Pearson, John James Richard Macleod, Frederick Banting, and Oliver Smithies
The North American football league is rooted in the University of Toronto, with the first football game played at University College on November 9, 1861
A fire in 1890 destroyed the inside of University College and destroyed 33,000 books in the library.

The Good News

The region surrounding the University of Toronto is stunning. Historical touches throughout the campus are contrasted with modern buildings constructed in the 21st century.

These historic and modern structures are punctuated with trees and parks that offer ample green space. Multiple pathways in the region mean you can take different routes and always come across something new. You could find a different bench on which to read a book, a new cafe to get a latte, a farmer’s market for shopping in the summer, or even the waterfall behind Victoria College.

The central location also means it’s minutes from some of Toronto’s most well known neighbourhoods. Kensington Market and Toronto’s Chinatown are just a few minutes south from the school, and you can find trendy bars and amazing deals in the area. The Financial District is to the west, and it’s the GTA’s most vibrant employment centre. Bloor Street is located to the north, which provides a gateway to the prestigious Yorkville neighbourhood. The campus is also handy to major subway stations, putting the entire city at your fingertips.

The Bad News

Being close to a University campus, the area is home to many students. This means that you may encounter student parties and other loud behaviour. The area is bustling for eight months of the year, but the good news is that it quiets down when the students are home for the holidays. The historical buildings and central location also mean a higher price tag, so prepare to pay a heft sum if you’re not looking to live like a student.

Homes, Architecture, and Real Estate

The architecture of the area is a combination of Romanesque and Gothic Revival buildings dating between 1858 and 1929. Landmark buildings like Hart House have beautiful stained-glass windows and high ceilings. The Trinity College building has Jacobethan Tudor architecture, and its chapel has interiors of Indiana Limestone.

The Annex is where you’ll find the most residential space, with Victorian and Edwardian mansions built there between 1880 and the early 1900’s. There are also a handful of homes south of College Street, many of which are sectioned off to be rented to students who want to live in the area to be close to school.

Who Is Your Neighbour?

Students from the University of Toronto make up a significant portion of the transient and seasonal residents, contrasting with the over 15,000 permanent residents. The nearby Annex neighbourhood is made up of mid to higher income families with a median income of $61,000 according to the 2016 census. Single detached homes regularly sell for over a million dollars here, with condos selling in the $700,000 range.

The University grounds are surrounded by prominent Toronto neighbourhoods. Yorkville, an upscale residential and commercial neighbourhood, is only a ten minute walk away. Similarly, the Bay and Bloor area, known for its luxury high-rise condominiums, is close by. The campus is also two kilometers from the Financial District downtown.

The region is filled with exciting condo developments that are currently under construction. Theory Condos by Parallax Development Corporation will be a 30 storey tower located at 203 College Street. It will be a mixed use development, so in addition to its 309 residential units, it will feature office and retail space as well. Residents will be treated to a host of building amenities, including the building’s very own Starbucks at its ground level.

Design Haus at 233 College is another anticipated project in the area. It blends modern design with the classic red bricked architecture of Old Toronto. This boutique condo building has 116 individual residences, and are a great choice for students and professionals alike.

Parks and Green Spaces

The University of Toronto area is very dense with buildings, but it also has some of the city’s most treasured green spaces to sit down and read a book. These include lawns and flowers surrounding big buildings like Robarts Library and the numerous courtyards in the region. A designated area called Front Campus at King’s College Circle is a large green space in front of Convocation Hall. You’re also close to Hart House circle, a green area for the Hart House building.

The largest park in the area is of course Queen’s Park. Its large oval shape is outfitted with bike paths and benches throughout, as well as several monuments and statues commemorating historical events and people.

Recreation and Culture

The University of Toronto Athletic Centre (55 Harbord Street) is one of the largest gyms in the area, and it’s open to the public and students alike. Its ample facilities include several indoor swimming pools, basketball courts, rooms for dance and fitness classes, and a large main room that hosts competitive events, classes, and conventional fitness equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines. Hart House (7 Hart House Circle) also has an athletic centre and an indoor swimming pool. You can buy a membership and take drop-in fitness classes or registered programs, including archery lessons!

On the southwest corner of Bloor Street West and Spadina Avenue is the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, providing the area with health and swimming facilities.

There are also many museums and galleries in the area.

• The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): One of the largest museums in North America. The Neo-Romanesque architecture of the original building is juxtaposed with the modern Crystal extension completed in 2007. Exhibitions regularly rotate, with special unique events that run weekly. Of note is the “ROM Friday Night Live,” which allows visitors to eat, drink, and dance while enjoying food from local restaurants and music spun from local DJs.
• The Bata Shoe Museum: Probably the most unusual and unique Toronto attraction, the museum exhibits footwear from across the globe. The permanent collection contains over 12,500 artefacts. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn about shoes.
• The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Though not in the Annex exactly, the gallery is steps from the neighbourhood, exhibiting art installations from around the world. This museum also features rotating exhibitions, so it’s worth keeping up to date on what it’s featuring.

Churches in the area include Bloor Street United Church at 300 Bloor Street W, (416) 924-7439, Walmer Road Baptist Church at 188 Lowther Avenue, (647) 351-7222, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 69 Walmer Road, (416) 921-8108.

Libraries

The University of Toronto’s Robarts Library at 130 St George Street, (416) 978-8450, has one of the largest collections in Canada. Attached to it is the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, which holds Canada’s collection of rare books and is accessible upon request.

Arts and Entertainment

• Hart House Theatre (7 Hart House Circle)
• George Ignatieff Theatre (15 Devonshire Place)
• Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles Street W)
• The Royal Conservatory of Music (273 Bloor Street W)
• CAA Theatre (651 Yonge Street)
• Cineplex Cinemas Varsity and VIP (55 Bloor Street)

Restaurants

There are some great eats in the area, and not all are student-focused — although there are the food trucks on St. George. Just West of the University is the Annex neighbourhood, with some of the best restaurants that the city has to offer and very much worth the ten-minute walk.

• Bar Mercurio, 270 Bloor Street W (416) 960-3877
• Over Easy, 208 Bloor Street W (416) 922-2345
• Insomnia, 563 Bloor Street W (416) 588-3907
• Smoke’s Poutinerie, 490 Bloor Street W (416) 588-2873
• Sushi Couture, 456 Bloor Street W (416) 538-8618
• Amnesia, 526 Bloor Street W (416) 538-3335
• Brewhaha, 39 Prince Arthur Avenue, (416) 964-2441

Transportation

The neighbourhood has access to several subway stations, including Spadina (at Bloor Street W and Spadina Avenue), St. George (at Bloor Street W and Bedford Road), Bay (at Bloor Street W and Bay Street), Queen’s Park (at College Street and Queen’s Park Crescent E), and College (at Yonge Street and College Street). Each station has frequent buses or streetcars seven days a week.

For drivers, the Don Valley Parkway is a ten-minute drive away, leading to the 401 or the Gardiner Expressway.

Medical Centres and Doctors

The area is surrounded by world class healthcare. The closest hospital to the University of Toronto area is Toronto Western at 399 Bathurst Street, (416) 603-2581 — on Bathurst Street between College Street and Dundas Street.

Other hospitals farther south of the area are:

• Women’s College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, (416) 323-6400
• Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, (416) 340-4800
• Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, (416) 596-4200
• St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond Street, (416) 360-4000
• Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, (416) 946-4501)

Police Station

52 Division, 255 Dundas Street W, (416) 808-5200

Fire Station

Toronto Fire Station 344, 240 Howland Avenue