This Earth Hour Saturday The Riverside has a day long array of sustainably inspired  events.

The Artists’ Network members take an innovative approach to gallery spaces, through this collective pop-up exhibit. Led by local Riverside resident Lynne Patterson, this moving exhibit showcases art that either has an environmental theme, or uses/repurposes materials that reduces the art pieces environmental impact.

macFAB (755 Queen Street East) is the starting location for the ART walk.

Register for the Free Art walk here: riversideearthhour.eventbrite.ca

Speaking of macFAB,

Get something beautiful that lasts! macFAB’s whole philosophy is quality furnishings and fabrics, which literally last a life time. macfab repurposes well-made antiques, and gives them a modern edge with high quality upholstery. They work at giving the beautifully made furniture a whole new life … and as the bones of the furniture are made to last for generations, unlike much cheap trendy furniture, they won’t end up in the landfill after a year or two.

Join us for WWF’s official Toronto Earth Hour celebration!

KELLY O’CONNOR•MARCH 18, 2014

For everyone at WWF, Earth Hour is one of the highlights of the year – an opportunity for us to slow down and reflect on the world around us, where we’re going, and where we want to go.  Earth Hour is a chance to think about what climate change means to you, personally, and a chance to stand together with your community for the future you want, a future where climate change is no longer a threat.

© Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada

In Toronto, we’ll be celebrating Earth Hour with the Riverside neighborhood at Queen St. East and Saulter St. Get ready for a great event for the whole family at this free outdoor concert. Together with the Riverside BIA and Ralph Thornton Centre, WWF is putting together a fantastic evening of music, fun and conversation on climate change.

7:45 pm | Concert kick off with the GLO Show Choir
8:15 pm | Remarks by David Miller, CEO of WWF-Canada and Paula Fletcher, City Councillor
8:30 pm | Lights off and moment of reflection
8:35 pm | Musical performance by the Lucas Stagg Band

Check out wwf.ca/earthhourto for all the details.

Why not turn Earth Hour into a full day of celebrations? Join Riverside for an afternoon of fun-filled and free activities for the entire family.

2-5 pm | Lantern making workshop with the Riverside Green Initiative
4 pm    | Environmental ArtWalk led by the Artist Network
4-6 pm | Recycled paper workshop with artist Janet F. Potter

For more information on the afternoon activities and to register, visit: our eventbrite

We hope to see you there!

Starting at 7am on March 1, 2014, the TTC will be carrying out repairs at Queen St E and Broadview.   The work will be done on the week-end to ensure that the 504 King Streetcar is operational on Monday.

Excavation work to expose rail will be conducted during the day on Saturday.  There will be diversions to traffic as follows:

504 King Streetcar Route – Streetcars will be diverted both ways via Broadview, Dundas W, Parliament St and King St to route

504 Temporary Bus Replacement Service will be provided between Broadview Station and Queen/Parliament intersecction.

For detail please click here:

The countdown to Valentine’s is here – and you don’t have to look any further that #RiversideTO  for all your needs.

We have Chocolates, Cards, Flowers, Gifts, Wine and more that will sure to delight your sweetie.  While many restaurant seatings are filling up there are some still available.  If dining out is not on your plans, we can also help you have a special romantic dinner in.

Walk, TTC or Drive along Queen East between the DVP and Degrassi and you will find:

Chocolates and Sweets:

A visit to Chocolatier Ambiance Chocolate is a delight for everyone.   Shown here is a box contained 24 hand-crafted chocolates (this is the box I bought for my husband…he doesn’t share!!).  Blog TO lists Ambiance Chocolate as one of the Best Chocolate Shops in Toronto.

If you are looking for something with a British Flair, then Empire the Collection has a large stock of chocolates from across the pond – and many other great gift items. Pick up a box of Chocolates for that special someone. Three sizes of Cadbury Milk Trays, Roses in Tins or Boxes, Butler’s Assorted Truffles, Thornton’s Dark Chocolate and Quality Street. While there, be sure to pick up a card for your sweetie from Keep Me Posted  (Also on a BlogTO list for the best cards in TO).

Yummy shortbread from Mary MacLeod

If you want something other than chocolates –visit Mary MacLeod ShortBread for a tasty cookie treat – they  have a great Valentine’s Promotion on right now! Tall canisters of Chocolate Crunch, 4″ mini’s in traditional or chocolate crunch, canisters of nuts and our red gift boxes all for $10.; or Desmond and Beatrice or Petite Sweets for a cupcake masterpiece.  Check out Desmond and Beatrice’s  “Love of Mayan”  for the big day Thanks to @brookejenn for the photo.

Gift Items:

Bergstrom’s Original is  fully stocked in 8 great colours of their ever-popular 3-in-1 bags! At $72, could they be the perfect gift for your Valentine?

Bergstrom’s Original – 3 in 1 bag

Or what about a unique cooking experience from Olives & Olives –  – a class on how to debone, stuff and roast a whole Chicken (this is a gift that you can also benefit from :0)

A cooking Class from Olive & Olives

Perhaps find that special little number from Debbie’s Vintage Vibes or Common Sort.  Don’t forget the Wine from Wine Rack 

And be sure to wrap the gift up pretty with some Ribbon from macFABsews 

 Flowers

 Quince Flowers is hosting the Artist Network show – For the Love of Art.  You can pick up a one of a kind painting and some flowers.  Look at what Quince has on special:

Healing for the Body

OMA Chiropractic has OMA Love on Friday Feb 14th – an evening to love yourself (and your love one ) which includes:  Hand Reflexology, Shoulder and Neck Chair Massages, Tarot Card Readings, Vendors and more…all this for a $5 donation towards Nellies Shelter

Special Dinners in

You can get special romatic meals from:  Appetite  ; RubyEats,  Tabule.  Or, visit Butcher’s of Distinction for some an old fashioned custom cut, sourced from local farms,  from your neighbourhood butcher,

And of course – evening entertainment

Rasputins has singles night  Come drink vodka and feel happy!!!

Boots and Bourbin has Valentine’s Country Line Dancing for Lovers and Lonesome Hearts

And An Sibin Pub is having an anti-Valentines Party

So much to choose from in #RiversideTO – please visit our wonderful local merchants, surprise your sweetie and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day