Store Blog

Released last month by the Alphabet-owned Sidewalk Labs, OldTO maps more than 30,000 historic photographs from the City of Toronto Archives onto our current street network. This means that anyone can search and explore images of the city's history, based on its geography, thanks to the power of geocoding. Now of course the images of interest are those from the Bloorcourt area. Below are some beauties from the early to mid 1900s.

Northeast corner Bloor and Dovercourt - December 3, 1919

Northeast corner Bloor and Dovercourt - July 26, 1927

Southeast corner Bloor and Dovercourt - March 18, 1932

Ossington South of Bloor - June 28, 1911

Ossington North of Bloor - May 27, 1915

Dufferin Street North of Bloor Street - April 13, 1949

Dufferin Street North of Bloor Street - March 12, 1951

Dufferin Street South of Bloor Street - March 12, 1951

It'll now be easier to cycle in and around Toronto, and Bloorcourt, this summer because Bike Share Toronto is growing. Thanks to a partnership between Metrolinx and the Toronto Parking Authority, Toronto is getting 120 Bike Share stations and 1000 new bikes. These stations will be located across the city, with many near transit stops, and they should be ready by July 11. Below is a map of Bloorcourt and surrounding area detailing where these stations will be.

The closest ones to the shop will be at Ossington Station (at Ossington) and near the Westmoreland/Salem Parkettes (Westmoreland/Salem and Bloor).

New Bike Share Toronto station locations will be posted here as they come online. 

After our first George Gets Curious (GGC), we're back at it again. Keeping things a bit more local this time, we spoke with Toronto designer Matteo Sgaramella of Outclass Attire. Quality has always been a priority for Matteo and that’s why Outclass places such great importance on how each piece is constructed. Read up on Matteo's evolution from skateboarder to designer and his love of goats (milk soap), and click here to shop the latest collection from Outclass.

First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am an Italian-Canadian, born and raised in Toronto’s Corso Italia. I started off as a skateboarder in elementary school, which lead to being a graffiti artist in high school, which lead to studying graphic design in university, which lead to starting my own clothing brand.

Potatoes…baked, mashed, scalloped, French fried, roasted?

MMMM. scalloped.

Why did you start Outclass Attire?

I had to come up with a year long project in my thesis year of university and I decided to create a lifestyle brand. I didn’t want the entire year of work to become a waste so I decided to choose a project that I would want to pursue after graduation.

Funnel Cake or Churro?

Churro for sure.

What’s the biggest inspiration for your line?

I would say Italian culture and passion for quality. I don’t think I would care so much about how things are made if I wasn’t exposed to high end design and manufacturing as a kid growing up. I have been lucky enough to visit Italy many times in my life and my experiences there have really shaped my passion for quality and design.

Liquid or bar soap?

Bar. Goats milk soap all day.

What (if any) other creative hobbies do you have?

Drawing is still a passion of mine. Nothing too crazy, usually just doodling while I’m on the phone or procrastinating.

Have you ever been on TV? If yes, elaborate.

Ahah, yes I have. After our fashion show for Toronto Fashion Week I was interviewed and was on City TV. My 1 minute of fame!

What’s up next for Outclass?

We are launching some really exciting things for the upcoming seasons, including an althletic program of sweats, Italian made footwear and innovative new outerwear styles. Each season we like to introduce something new and exciting so be sure to keep an eye out!

What’s your favourite pizza topping?

Roasted red pepper.