Skill: ivangdavila/toronto (version 1.0.1)

--- name: Toronto slug: toronto version: 1.0.1 homepage: https://clawic.com/skills/toronto description: Navigate Toronto as visitor, resident, tech worker, student, or entrepreneur with neighborhoods, transit, costs, immigration, and local insights. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🍁","requires":{"bins":[]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} --- ## When to Use User asks about Toronto for any purpose: visiting, moving, working, studying, or starting a business. Agent provides practical guidance with current data. ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | **Visitors** | | | Attractions (must-see vs skip) | `visitor-attractions.md` | | Itineraries (1/3/7 days) | `visitor-itineraries.md` | | Where to stay | `visitor-lodging.md` | | Tips & day trips | `visitor-tips.md` | | **Neighborhoods** | | | Quick comparison | `neighborhoods-index.md` | | Downtown, Financial, Entertainment | `neighborhoods-downtown.md` | | King West, Queen West, Liberty | `neighborhoods-west.md` | | Yorkville, Annex, Midtown | `neighborhoods-midtown.md` | | East End, Leslieville, Beaches | `neighborhoods-east.md` | | North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke | `neighborhoods-suburban.md` | | Choosing guide | `neighborhoods-choosing.md` | | **Food** | | | Overview & dining scene | `food-overview.md` | | Local specialties | `food-local.md` | | International cuisines | `food-international.md` | | Best areas for dining | `food-areas.md` | | Dietary options, tipping | `food-practical.md` | | **Practical** | | | Moving & settling | `resident.md` | | Transit (TTC, GO, UP Express) | `transport.md` | | Cost of living | `cost.md` | | Safety & laws | `safety.md` | | Weather & survival tips | `climate.md` | | Local services (banking, SIM) | `local.md` | | **Career** | | | Tech industry & salaries | `tech.md` | | Business setup | `business.md` | | Immigration paths (Express Entry, PNP) | `immigration.md` | | Startups & funding | `startup.md` | | **Lifestyle** | | | Culture & customs | `culture.md` | | Healthcare (OHIP) | `healthcare.md` | | Schools & education | `education.md` | | Expat lifestyle & social | `lifestyle.md` | | Driving & car ownership | `driving.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Identify User Context First - **Role**: Tourist, resident, tech worker, student, entrepreneur, immigrant - **Timeline**: Short visit, planning to move, already there, applying for PR - Load relevant auxiliary file for details ### 2. Immigration-Centric Planning Canada has a points-based immigration system. Most long-term plans involve: - **Express Entry**: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class - **Ontario PNP**: Provincial nomination for Ontario-specific streams - **Work Permits**: LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt (intra-company, CUSMA) - **Study Permits**: Path to PGWP and PR for international students See `immigration.md` for current requirements and CRS scores. ### 3. Four-Season Reality Toronto has dramatic seasonal changes: - **Winter (Dec-Mar)**: -5 to -15C typical, can hit -25C with wind chill - **Spring (Apr-May)**: 5-15C, unpredictable, rain common - **Summer (Jun-Aug)**: 20-30C, humid, occasional heat waves - **Fall (Sep-Nov)**: 5-20C, beautiful colors, best weather See `climate.md` for detailed survival strategies. ### 4. Current Data (Feb 2026) | Item | Range | |------|-------| | 1BR rent (Downtown) | CAD 2,200-3,200/month | | 1BR rent (Midtown) | CAD 1,900-2,600/month | | Senior SWE salary | CAD 150,000-220,000/year | | TTC monthly pass | CAD 156 (adult) | | Average restaurant meal | CAD 20-40/person | | Daycare (full-time) | CAD 1,500-2,500/month | ### 5. Cost Reality Toronto is expensive but has public services: - **Housing**: 35-45% of budget typical for renters - **Healthcare**: Free via OHIP (3-month wait for new residents) - **Education**: Public schools free, universities CAD 7,000-15,000/year domestic - **Childcare**: Expensive but CAD 10/day program expanding - **Taxes**: High (federal + provincial), but services included - **Hidden costs**: First/last month rent, broker fees sometimes ### 6. Transit System Toronto has extensive public transit: - **TTC**: Subway (4 lines), buses, streetcars — covers most of city - **GO Transit**: Regional trains/buses to suburbs and GTA - **UP Express**: Airport to Union Station (25 min, CAD 12.35) - **Presto Card**: Contactless payment for all transit Most downtown residents don't need a car. See `transport.md`. ### 7. Neighborhood Matching | Profile | Best Areas | |---------|------------| | Young professionals | King West, Queen West, Liberty Village | | Families | North York, Leaside, Etobicoke, Beaches | | Students | Annex, Kensington, near campus | | Budget-conscious | Scarborough, North York, East York | | Tech workers | King West, Liberty Village, Downtown | | Luxury seekers | Yorkville, Rosedale, Forest Hill | ## Tech Hub Context Toronto is Canada's largest tech hub: - **Major companies**: Shopify, Wealthsimple, Clio, Top Hat, 1Password (HQ or major office) - **Big Tech offices**: Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Uber, Airbnb - **AI corridor**: Vector Institute, University of Toronto AI labs - **Startup ecosystem**: MaRS Discovery District, DMZ, Creative Destruction Lab Tech salaries are lower than SF/NYC but: - Universal healthcare (no insurance premiums) - Lower taxes than California - Path to permanent residency - Strong work-life balance culture See `tech.md` for detailed salary bands and company landscape. ## Toronto-Specific Traps - **Winter underestimation** — -20C with wind chill is brutal. Need proper winter gear: insulated coat, waterproof boots, layers. - **Rental market speed** — Good apartments go in hours. Be prepared with documents, references, proof of income. - **Credit history void** — No Canadian credit history = harder to rent, get phone plans. Build credit early. - **OHIP wait period** — 3 months without coverage for new residents. Get private insurance for gap. - **Car insurance shock** — Much higher than US. CAD 200-400/month for new drivers. - **Tipping expectations** — 15-20% expected everywhere (restaurants, bars, haircuts, taxis). - **Sales tax surprise** — 13% HST not included in displayed prices. - **Winter driving** — Snow tires legally required Dec 1 - Apr 30. All-seasons not enough. - **PATH dependency** — Underground city is great in winter but confusing. Learn the routes. - **Bay Street assumption** — Finance jobs concentrated in one area, but tech is spread across downtown. ## Legal Awareness Key laws visitors/residents should know: - **Cannabis**: Legal 19+, but cannot cross border with it, no public consumption except designated areas. - **Alcohol**: Legal 19+ in Ontario. LCBO/Beer Store only (mostly). No open containers in public. - **Smoking**: Banned in all indoor public spaces, patios, near entrances. Includes cannabis. - **Jaywalking**: Technically illegal, rarely enforced downtown. - **Tenant rights**: Strong protections. Landlords cannot raise rent on occupied units beyond guideline (2.5% in 2024). - **Photo radar**: Speed cameras active in school and community safety zones. - **Distracted driving**: Using phone while driving is serious offense, CAD 615+ fine. See `safety.md` for comprehensive legal guidance. ## Related Skills Install with `clawhub install <slug>` if user confirms: - `dubai` — Middle East city guide - `travel` — general travel planning ## Feedback - If useful: `clawhub star toronto` - Stay updated: `clawhub sync`

path: business.md
content: # Starting a Business in Toronto

## Overview

Ontario is business-friendly with straightforward incorporation. Toronto offers access to talent, capital, and North American markets.

## Business Structures

### Sole Proprietorship
- Simplest structure
- You = business
- Personal liability
- Register business name (optional)
- Best for: Freelancers, small operations

### Partnership
- Two or more partners
- Shared liability
- Partnership agreement recommended
- Register at provincial level

### Corporation (Inc.)
- Separate legal entity
- Limited liability
- More complex setup
- Tax advantages possible
- Best for: Scaling businesses

### Federal vs Provincial

| Type | Jurisdiction | Name Protection |
|------|--------------|-----------------|
| Federal | All of Canada | Nationwide |
| Ontario | Ontario only | Ontario only |

Federal costs more but protects name nationally.

## Incorporation Steps

### Ontario Corporation
1. **NUANS name search** — Check name availability (CAD 20-50)
2. **Articles of Incorporation** — File online or paper
3. **Register for business number** — CRA
4. **Register for HST** — If revenue will exceed CAD 30,000

**Cost**: CAD 300-400 (DIY), CAD 1,000-2,000 (lawyer)
**Time**: 1-2 days (online)

### Federal Corporation
1. **NUANS name search**
2. **File with Corporations Canada**
3. **Extra-provincial registration** — In each province you operate
4. **CRA registrations**

**Cost**: CAD 200 federal + provincial registrations
**Time**: 1-2 days

### DIY vs Lawyer
- **DIY**: Ownr, Stripe Atlas, online filing — fine for simple cases
- **Lawyer**: Recommended for multiple founders, complex structures, US investors

## Taxes

### Corporate Tax
| Level | Rate |
|-------|------|
| Federal | 15% |
| Ontario | 11.5% |
| **Combined** | **26.5%** |

**Small Business Deduction**: 9% federal + 3.2% Ontario on first CAD 500,000 (12.2% total).

### HST (Sales Tax)
- 13% in Ontario
- Must register if revenue > CAD 30,000/year
- Collect on sales, remit to CRA
- Can claim input tax credits

### Payroll Taxes
As employer, you pay:
- CPP contributions (Canada Pension)
- EI premiums (Employment Insurance)
- WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance)

## Hiring

### Employee vs Contractor
| Factor | Employee | Contractor |
|--------|----------|------------|
| Control | You direct work | They control how |
| Tools | You provide | They provide |
| Risk | You bear | They bear |
| Benefits | You must provide some | Not required |

**Misclassification**: CRA audits this. Default to employee if unsure.

### Minimum Requirements
- Minimum wage: CAD 16.55/hour (2024)
- Vacation: 4% of wages (2 weeks)
- Statutory holidays: 9 public holidays
- Termination notice: Based on tenure

### Payroll Services
- Wagepoint (Canadian)
- ADP
- Ceridian
- Gusto (US, works in Canada)

## Funding Options

### Self-Funded / Bootstrapping
- No dilution
- Full control
- Limited resources

### Friends & Family
- Informal rounds
- Simple agreements (SAFEs)
- Relationship risk

### Angel Investors
- CAD 25,000-500,000 typical
- Active in Toronto
- Networks: AngelList, Angel One

### Venture Capital
| Stage | Amount | Examples |
|-------|--------|----------|
| Pre-seed | CAD 100,000-500,000 | Angels, micro-VCs |
| Seed | CAD 500,000-3M | Panache, Garage |
| Series A | CAD 5-15M | Georgian, Inovia |
| Series B+ | CAD 15M+ | BDC, large VCs |

### Government Programs

**SR&ED (Tax Credit)**
- R&D tax credit
- Up to 35% of eligible expenses
- Major benefit for tech companies
- Complex application

**IRAP (NRC)**
- Non-repayable contributions
- R&D and innovation projects
- Up to CAD 1M+

**Futurpreneur**
- Loans for young entrepreneurs (18-39)
- Up to CAD 60,000
- Mentorship included

**BDC (Business Development Bank)**
- Government-backed loans
- Startup-friendly terms
- Various programs

## Business Resources

### Accelerators & Incubators
| Program | Focus |
|---------|-------|
| MaRS | General, corporate innovation |
| DMZ | Tech, early stage |
| Creative Destruction Lab | Deep tech, AI |
| Techstars Toronto | General, batch program |
| FounderFuel | Montreal, but accessible |

### Coworking
- WeWork (multiple locations)
- Spaces
- Workplace One
- Project Spaces
- MaRS (for members)

### Legal
Get a startup lawyer early for:
- Incorporation
- Founder agreements
- Employee stock options
- Financing documents

Firms: Osler, Blake, Cassels & Graydon, Dentons (all have startup programs)

### Accounting
Find a tech-savvy accountant for:
- SR&ED claims
- Corporate taxes
- Payroll setup
- US expansion

## Banking for Business

### Big 5 Business Banking
All offer business accounts:
- TD
- RBC
- BMO
- Scotiabank
- CIBC

### Startup-Friendly
- Scotiabank (startup program)
- BMO (tech banking team)
- RBC (innovation banking)

### US Banking
For US expansion/customers:
- Mercury (popular with startups)
- SVB (if you qualify)
- Wise (for payments)

## Common Mistakes

1. **Mixing personal and business finances** — Keep separate from day 1
2. **Ignoring HST registration** — Register early, claim credits
3. **Misclassifying contractors** — CRA audits this
4. **No founder agreement** — Get in writing before problems
5. **Over-incorporating** — Don't incorporate too early if not needed
6. **Ignoring SR&ED** — Significant money left on table
7. **Wrong corporate structure** — Get advice for US investors

## Useful Links

- Ontario Business Registry: ontario.ca/businessregistry
- Corporations Canada: ic.gc.ca/corporations
- CRA Business Registration: canada.ca/cra-business
- MaRS: marsdd.com
- Startup Toronto: startuptoronto.com


path: climate.md
content: # Toronto Weather & Climate Survival

## Overview

Toronto has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold, summers are humid. Spring and fall are the most pleasant.

### Annual Summary
| Season | Months | Temperature | Vibe |
|--------|--------|-------------|------|
| Winter | Dec-Mar | -5 to -15C | Cold, snowy, indoor life |
| Spring | Apr-May | 5-15C | Unpredictable, rainy |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | 20-30C | Humid, patios, festivals |
| Fall | Sep-Nov | 5-20C | Beautiful, best weather |

## Winter (December - March)

### What to Expect
- Average: -5 to -10C
- Cold snaps: -15 to -25C
- Wind chill makes it feel colder
- Snow: Several significant snowfalls
- Daylight: Short (8-9 hours)

### Survival Essentials

**Clothing (Non-Negotiable)**
| Item | Why |
|------|-----|
| Insulated boots | Waterproof, warm, with grip |
| Down/synthetic puffer | Real warmth, not fashion jacket |
| Thermal base layers | Moisture-wicking underlayer |
| Warm hat | Most heat lost through head |
| Insulated gloves | Touchscreen-compatible ideal |
| Scarf/neck gaiter | Protect face in wind |

**Brands That Work**
- Canada Goose (expensive but effective)
- North Face, Patagonia, Arc'teryx
- Budget: Uniqlo Heattech, Amazon basics

**Cost**: Budget CAD 500-1,000 for proper winter gear.

### Indoor Life
- PATH underground (30+ km downtown)
- Malls, museums, indoor activities
- Skating rinks (Nathan Phillips Square)
- Home becomes sanctuary

### Winter Activities
- Skating (free rinks throughout city)
- Cross-country skiing (ravines, parks)
- Blue Mountain (2 hours for downhill)
- Christmas markets
- Distillery District winter fest

### Mental Health
First winter is hard for newcomers:
- Vitamin D supplements help
- Light therapy lamps
- Stay social (don't hibernate)
- Plan indoor activities
- Remember: locals survive

### Winter Driving
- Snow tires required (Dec 1 - Apr 30)
- Clear ALL snow from car
- Leave extra time
- Consider transit instead

## Spring (April - May)

### What to Expect
- Temperatures: 5-15C
- Very unpredictable
- Rain common
- Snow possible until mid-April
- Allergies begin (pollen)

### What to Wear
- Layers (remove/add throughout day)
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof shoes
- Umbrella always

### Highlights
- Cherry blossoms at High Park (late April)
- First patios opening
- Energy returns to city
- Prices lower before summer

### Tips
- Don't put winter gear away too early
- Carry layers everywhere
- Check weather daily
- Best time for apartment hunting

## Summer (June - August)

### What to Expect
- Temperatures: 20-30C
- Humidity makes it feel hotter (humidex 35C+)
- Occasional heat waves
- Evening thunderstorms
- Long daylight (15+ hours)

### Survival Essentials
| Item | Why |
|------|-----|
| AC or fans | Sleep quality depends on it |
| Light clothing | Breathable fabrics |
| Sunscreen | UV strong |
| Sunglasses | Protection |
| Water bottle | Hydration essential |

### Summer Activities
- Toronto Islands
- Beaches (Woodbine, Cherry, Bluffs)
- Patios everywhere
- Outdoor concerts
- Festivals (Pride, Caribana, TIFF lead-up)
- Day trips (cottage country, Niagara)

### Events
| Event | When |
|-------|------|
| Pride | June |
| Canada Day | July 1 |
| Caribana | August |
| CNE | Late Aug-Sept |
| TIFF | September |

### Tips
- Book AC early if renting
- Hydrate constantly
- Sunscreen daily
- Embrace late evenings
- Take advantage of outdoor everything

## Fall (September - November)

### What to Expect
- Temperatures: 5-20C
- Best weather of the year
- Stunning fall colors
- Crisp, clear days
- Gradual cooling

### Highlights
- TIFF (September)
- Fall colors (Don Valley, High Park)
- Apple picking season
- Thanksgiving (October, not November)
- Perfect walking weather

### What to Wear
- Layers
- Light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Scarf (late fall)

### Tips
- Best time to explore outdoors
- Book restaurants for TIFF early
- Enjoy before winter
- Start winter shopping late fall

## Monthly Breakdown

| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|-------|----------|---------|-------|
| Jan | -1C | -7C | Coldest month, snow |
| Feb | 0C | -7C | Still cold, some thaw |
| Mar | 5C | -2C | Spring teasing, still cold |
| Apr | 12C | 3C | Warming, rainy |
| May | 18C | 9C | Pleasant, variable |
| Jun | 24C | 14C | Summer begins |
| Jul | 27C | 18C | Hot, humid |
| Aug | 26C | 17C | Hot, humid |
| Sep | 21C | 13C | Best month |
| Oct | 14C | 7C | Fall colors |
| Nov | 7C | 1C | Cold arriving |
| Dec | 1C | -5C | Winter begins |

## Weather Resources

### Apps
- Weather Network (Canadian)
- Environment Canada
- Apple/Google Weather

### Terms to Know
- **Humidex**: What it feels like with humidity
- **Wind chill**: What it feels like with wind
- **Freezing rain**: Ice rain, dangerous
- **Lake effect**: Extra snow from lake moisture

## First Year Tips

1. **Buy winter gear in October** — Selection better, prices sometimes lower
2. **Don't fight winter** — Embrace it or suffer
3. **Plan indoor hobbies** — You'll need them
4. **Vitamin D** — Take supplements
5. **Get good boots** — Most important purchase
6. **Summer = outside** — Make the most of it
7. **Fall = explore** — Best hiking, walking weather
8. **Spring = patience** — It's unpredictable


path: cost.md
content: # Toronto Cost of Living

## Overview

Toronto is expensive but includes public services (healthcare, education) that other expensive cities don't.

### Quick Numbers (Single Person, 2026)

| Category | Monthly Cost |
|----------|--------------|
| Rent (1BR downtown) | CAD 2,500-3,000 |
| Rent (1BR midtown) | CAD 2,000-2,500 |
| Rent (1BR suburbs) | CAD 1,600-2,000 |
| Utilities | CAD 80-150 |
| Internet | CAD 60-100 |
| Phone | CAD 40-80 |
| Transit | CAD 156 (pass) |
| Groceries | CAD 400-600 |
| Dining out | CAD 200-500 |
| Entertainment | CAD 100-300 |
| **Total (downtown)** | **CAD 3,800-5,000** |

## Housing

### Rent Ranges (2026)

| Area | Studio | 1BR | 2BR |
|------|--------|-----|-----|
| Downtown Core | CAD 2,000-2,500 | CAD 2,500-3,200 | CAD 3,500-4,500 |
| King West | CAD 1,900-2,300 | CAD 2,400-3,000 | CAD 3,200-4,000 |
| Midtown | CAD 1,700-2,100 | CAD 2,100-2,700 | CAD 2,800-3,500 |
| East End | CAD 1,600-2,000 | CAD 2,000-2,600 | CAD 2,600-3,200 |
| North York | CAD 1,400-1,800 | CAD 1,700-2,300 | CAD 2,200-2,800 |
| Scarborough | CAD 1,200-1,500 | CAD 1,400-1,900 | CAD 1,800-2,400 |

### Upfront Costs
| Item | Amount |
|------|--------|
| First month rent | Full amount |
| Last month rent | Full amount (deposit) |
| Key deposit | Refundable, minimal |
| Tenant insurance | CAD 20-40/month |
| Moving costs | CAD 200-800 |

### Utilities
| Utility | Monthly |
|---------|---------|
| Electricity | CAD 50-100 |
| Gas (heating) | CAD 30-80 |
| Water | Usually included |
| Internet | CAD 60-100 |

## Food

### Groceries

| Item | Price |
|------|-------|
| Milk (4L) | CAD 6-7 |
| Bread | CAD 3-5 |
| Dozen eggs | CAD 4-6 |
| Chicken breast (kg) | CAD 15-20 |
| Rice (2kg) | CAD 6-10 |
| Apples (kg) | CAD 4-6 |
| Beer (6-pack) | CAD 14-18 |
| Wine (bottle) | CAD 12-20 |

**Monthly grocery budget:**
- Budget: CAD 300-400
- Moderate: CAD 400-600
- Comfortable: CAD 600-800

### Dining Out

| Type | Cost Per Person |
|------|-----------------|
| Fast food | CAD 12-18 |
| Casual lunch | CAD 15-25 |
| Casual dinner | CAD 25-40 |
| Mid-range dinner | CAD 50-80 |
| Fine dining | CAD 100-200+ |
| Coffee | CAD 4-6 |
| Beer (bar) | CAD 8-12 |
| Cocktail | CAD 14-18 |

**Remember**: Add 13% tax + 15-20% tip to all prices.

## Transportation

### Monthly Costs

| Option | Monthly Cost |
|--------|--------------|
| TTC pass | CAD 156 |
| Presto pay-per-ride | CAD 100-150 (depends on usage) |
| Car ownership | CAD 600-1,000+ |
| Bike Share | CAD 10 (annual / 12) |

### Car Ownership Breakdown

| Item | Monthly |
|------|---------|
| Car payment | CAD 300-600 |
| Insurance | CAD 200-400 |
| Gas | CAD 100-200 |
| Parking | CAD 150-300 |
| Maintenance | CAD 50-100 |
| **Total** | **CAD 800-1,600** |

## Health & Fitness

### Healthcare
- **OHIP**: Free (after 3-month wait)
- **Gap insurance**: CAD 100-200/month
- **Dental cleaning**: CAD 150-250
- **Eye exam**: CAD 80-150
- **Prescription drugs**: Varies (some employer coverage)

### Fitness
| Option | Monthly |
|--------|---------|
| Gym (basic) | CAD 30-50 |
| Gym (premium) | CAD 80-150 |
| Yoga studio | CAD 100-180 |
| Drop-in class | CAD 20-35 |
| Sports league | CAD 80-150/season |

## Entertainment

### Activities
| Activity | Cost |
|----------|------|
| Movie | CAD 15-20 |
| Museum | CAD 20-30 |
| Concert | CAD 50-200 |
| Sports game (cheap) | CAD 30-80 |
| Sports game (good) | CAD 100-300 |
| Theatre | CAD 60-200 |

### Monthly Entertainment Budget
- Budget: CAD 100-150
- Moderate: CAD 200-350
- Active social: CAD 400-600

## Childcare & Education

### Childcare
| Type | Monthly |
|------|---------|
| Daycare (full-time) | CAD 1,500-2,500 |
| Nanny | CAD 2,500-4,000 |
| After-school | CAD 400-800 |

**Note**: CAD 10/day childcare expanding (waitlists exist).

### Education
| Type | Annual |
|------|--------|
| Public school | Free |
| Private school | CAD 15,000-35,000 |
| University (domestic) | CAD 7,000-15,000 |
| University (international) | CAD 40,000-60,000 |

## Taxes

### Income Tax
Combined federal + provincial:
| Income | Marginal Rate |
|--------|--------------|
| Up to CAD 50,000 | ~20-25% |
| CAD 50,000-100,000 | ~30-35% |
| CAD 100,000-150,000 | ~38-43% |
| CAD 150,000+ | ~45-50% |

### Sales Tax
- **HST**: 13% on most purchases
- Not included in displayed prices
- Some essentials exempt (basic groceries)

## Sample Budgets

### Budget Single (Suburbs)
| Category | Monthly |
|----------|---------|
| Rent (1BR Scarborough) | CAD 1,600 |
| Utilities | CAD 80 |
| Phone/Internet | CAD 100 |
| Transit | CAD 156 |
| Groceries | CAD 350 |
| Dining/Entertainment | CAD 200 |
| Misc | CAD 200 |
| **Total** | **CAD 2,686** |

### Comfortable Single (Downtown)
| Category | Monthly |
|----------|---------|
| Rent (1BR Downtown) | CAD 2,700 |
| Utilities | CAD 100 |
| Phone/Internet | CAD 120 |
| Transit | CAD 156 |
| Groceries | CAD 500 |
| Dining/Entertainment | CAD 500 |
| Gym | CAD 80 |
| Misc | CAD 300 |
| **Total** | **CAD 4,456** |

### Family of 4 (Suburbs)
| Category | Monthly |
|----------|---------|
| Rent (3BR North York) | CAD 3,200 |
| Utilities | CAD 200 |
| Phone/Internet | CAD 180 |
| Car | CAD 800 |
| Groceries | CAD 1,200 |
| Childcare (1 child) | CAD 1,800 |
| Dining/Entertainment | CAD 400 |
| Activities (kids) | CAD 300 |
| Misc | CAD 400 |
| **Total** | **CAD 8,480** |

## Money-Saving Tips

1. **Live near work** — Transit time has value
2. **Grocery shop** — Dining out adds up fast
3. **Get a Costco membership** — Bulk savings
4. **Use library** — Free everything (books, movies, events)
5. **Generic brands** — Same quality, lower price
6. **Negotiate rent** — Especially for renewals
7. **Employer benefits** — Max out matching, discounts
8. **Off-peak transit** — Slightly cheaper
9. **Cook in batches** — Meal prep saves money and time
10. **Free activities** — Toronto has many (parks, events, festivals)


path: culture.md
content: # Toronto Culture & Customs

## Multiculturalism

Toronto is one of the world's most diverse cities. Over 50% of residents were born outside Canada.

### Demographics
- 200+ ethnic origins
- 140+ languages spoken
- Largest ethnic groups: Chinese, South Asian, Black, Filipino, Latin American
- No single majority

### What This Means
- Diversity is normal, not remarkable
- Ethnic enclaves throughout city
- Authentic cuisine from everywhere
- Cultural events year-round
- Acceptance is baseline expectation

## Canadian Culture Basics

### Communication Style
- **Indirect**: Canadians hint rather than demand
- **Polite**: "Sorry" used constantly (even when not at fault)
- **Understated**: Bragging is frowned upon
- **Inclusive**: Effort to include everyone in conversation

### Common Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| "Sorry" | Excuse me, oops, my bad, attention-getter |
| "Eh?" | Right?, isn't it?, tag question |
| "Double-double" | Coffee with 2 cream, 2 sugar |
| "Timmies" | Tim Hortons |
| "The 6ix" | Toronto (Drake reference) |
| "GTA" | Greater Toronto Area |
| "Up north" | Cottage country |

### Social Norms
- Hold doors for people behind you
- Say please and thank you always
- Queue orderly for everything
- Don't cut in line (serious offense)
- Small talk with strangers is normal
- Remove shoes when entering homes

## Toronto vs Canada

Toronto is distinct from rest of Canada:
- Faster pace
- More diverse
- More expensive
- Less outdoorsy (relatively)
- More international
- Sometimes seen as arrogant by other Canadians

### Stereotypes to Know
- Toronto thinks it's the center of universe
- Rest of Canada has mixed feelings about Toronto
- "Centre of the Universe" jokes are common
- Torontonians often forget Canada is huge

## Sports Culture

### The Religion: Hockey
- Maple Leafs are iconic (but haven't won Cup since 1967)
- Hockey Night in Canada is institution
- Kids play hockey
- Playoff hockey is major event
- Learn basics to participate in culture

### Other Major Teams
| Team | Sport | Stadium |
|------|-------|---------|
| Maple Leafs | Hockey | Scotiabank Arena |
| Raptors | Basketball | Scotiabank Arena |
| Blue Jays | Baseball | Rogers Centre |
| Toronto FC | Soccer | BMO Field |
| Argonauts | CFL Football | BMO Field |

### Sports Events
- Leafs games: CAD 100-500 (expensive, passionate fans)
- Raptors: CAD 50-300
- Blue Jays: CAD 30-150
- TFC: CAD 30-100

### 2019 Raptors Championship
- First NBA title
- Massive cultural moment
- "We the North" became identity
- Still celebrated

## Arts & Culture

### Theatre
- Mirvish Productions (major Broadway shows)
- Second City (comedy)
- Soulpepper, Tarragon (Canadian theatre)
- TIFF Bell Lightbox (film)

### Music
- Roy Thomson Hall (classical)
- Massey Hall (historic venue, reopened)
- Budweiser Stage (outdoor concerts)
- Small venues throughout city (Cameron House, Horseshoe)

### Museums
- ROM (natural history, world cultures)
- AGO (art)
- MOCA (contemporary)
- Bata Shoe Museum (yes, shoes)
- Aga Khan Museum (Islamic art)

### Film
- TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) — September
- Hot Docs (documentary festival)
- Many films shot in Toronto (doubles for NYC often)

## Festivals & Events

### Annual Highlights

| Event | When | What |
|-------|------|------|
| Winterlicious | January | Restaurant prix fixe |
| Pride | June | One of world's largest |
| Summerlicious | July | Restaurant prix fixe |
| Caribana | August | Caribbean carnival |
| CNE | Aug-Sept | Canadian National Exhibition |
| TIFF | September | Film festival |
| Nuit Blanche | October | Overnight art |
| Cavalcade of Lights | November | Holiday kickoff |
| Distillery Christmas Market | Nov-Dec | German-style market |

### Pride Month
- June
- One of largest in world
- Parade is major event
- Entire city participates
- Corporate sponsorship common

### Caribana (Caribbean Carnival)
- August long weekend
- Caribbean culture celebration
- Parade is massive
- Music, food, costumes
- Major event for Black Toronto

## Work Culture

### General Norms
- 9-5 traditional, flex increasing
- 2 weeks vacation (minimum, more common now)
- Sick days common
- Work-life balance valued
- Casual dress (most industries)

### Meeting Culture
- Start on time
- Small talk first
- Consensus-seeking
- Follow-up emails expected
- Hybrid/remote normalized

### Office Culture
- Kitchen etiquette matters
- Clean your dishes
- Respect quiet spaces
- Inclusive language expected
- HR takes complaints seriously

## Dating & Relationships

### Dating Culture
- Apps common (Hinge, Bumble, Tinder)
- Coffee dates normal first date
- Splitting bills common
- Casual dating accepted
- Slower pace than some cultures

### Common Date Activities
- Coffee shops
- Restaurant/drinks
- Trinity Bellwoods (summer)
- Concerts
- Museums
- Seasonal events

## Religion

### Religious Landscape
- Christian (Catholic, Protestant) historically dominant
- Growing Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist populations
- Jewish community (historic, significant)
- Secular majority in many areas

### Religious Freedom
- Protected by constitution
- Accommodations common
- Religious holidays increasingly recognized
- Most workplaces flexible

## LGBTQ+ Culture

### Overview
- Very accepting city
- Church-Wellesley Village is gayborhood
- Pride Month is major event
- Legal protections strong
- Corporate inclusion common

### Neighborhoods
- Church-Wellesley (traditional gayborhood)
- Queer presence throughout city
- Not confined to one area

## Etiquette Tips

### Do
- Hold doors
- Say please/thank you
- Remove shoes in homes
- Bring wine/flowers to dinner parties
- Be on time
- Respect personal space
- Use "please" when ordering food

### Don't
- Cut in line
- Be loudly American about being American
- Assume everyone loves hockey
- Complain about cold (everyone experiences it)
- Compare everything to another country negatively
- Ignore Indigenous history
- Assume Toronto = all of Canada


path: driving.md
content: # Driving in Toronto

## Do You Need a Car?

### Probably Not If
- Living downtown
- Working downtown
- Near subway line
- Single or couple
- Work from home

### Helpful If
- Living in suburbs
- Have kids
- Work outside transit coverage
- Frequent cottage trips
- Costco runs

### Car-Free Alternatives
- TTC for daily commute
- Bike Share for short trips
- Uber/Lyft for occasional trips
- Car share (Zipcar, Communauto) for weekend needs
- Enterprise for trips

## Getting a License

### Using Foreign License
- Valid for 60 days as Ontario resident
- After: Must get Ontario license

### Exchange vs Test
Depends on country. Check DriveTest.ca.

**Direct Exchange (No Test)**
- USA, UK, Australia, many EU countries
- Bring: Foreign license, proof of experience, eye test
- Fee: ~CAD 90

**Partial Exchange (Some Tests)**
- Some countries: Written test only
- Others: Written + road test

**Full Process (All Tests)**
- If country not recognized
- Written test (G1)
- G2 road test (basic)
- G road test (highway)

### Ontario's Graduated Licensing

| Level | Requirements | Restrictions |
|-------|--------------|--------------|
| G1 | Pass written test | Supervising driver, no alcohol, no expressway |
| G2 | Pass G2 road test | 0% BAC, passengers limited (under 20) |
| Full G | Pass G road test | Full privileges |

**Timeline**
- G1 to G2: 12 months (8 with course)
- G2 to G: 12 months
- Total: 24 months minimum

## Insurance

### Reality Check
Ontario has some of the highest car insurance in North America.

### Typical Costs
| Profile | Monthly Cost |
|---------|--------------|
| New driver (under 25) | CAD 400-600 |
| New to Ontario (experienced) | CAD 250-400 |
| Established driver (clean record) | CAD 150-250 |
| Young male (under 25) | CAD 500-800 |

### Factors
- Age (younger = more expensive)
- Experience (years licensed)
- Driving record
- Vehicle type
- Location (postal code)
- Usage (km/year)

### Getting Quotes
- Multiple quotes essential (vary widely)
- Brokers: Compare multiple companies
- Direct: CAA, Belairdirect, etc.
- Group rates: Through employer, associations

### Tips to Lower Costs
- Take driving course
- Bundle with home insurance
- Higher deductible
- Telematics (driving tracker)
- Older, cheaper car
- Usage-based (if low km)

## Buying a Car

### New vs Used
- New: Warranty, latest features, higher price
- Used: Value, higher maintenance risk
- Certified pre-owned: Middle ground

### Where to Buy

**Dealerships**
- New and used
- Financing available
- More expensive usually
- Warranty options

**Private Sale**
- Kijiji, Facebook, AutoTrader
- Lower prices
- No warranty
- UVIP required

### UVIP (Used Vehicle Information Package)
Required for private sales:
- History report
- Lien check
- Cost: CAD 20
- Get from ServiceOntario

### Registration
1. Safety Standards Certificate (inspection)
2. Emissions test (if required)
3. Insurance proof
4. UVIP (if private)
5. Register at ServiceOntario

## Winter Driving

### Snow Tires
**Required** by insurance discount and common sense.
- December 1 - April 30 recommended
- Insurance discounts (~5%)
- Not same as all-seasons
- Budget: CAD 600-1,200 for set

### Winter Driving Tips
- Clear ALL snow from car (roof too, it's the law)
- Warm up car briefly
- Increase following distance
- Brake gently
- Know how to handle skids
- Keep emergency kit in car

### Emergency Kit
- Blanket
- Flashlight
- Phone charger
- Shovel
- Ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Snacks, water

## Parking

### Downtown Parking
| Type | Cost |
|------|------|
| Street meter | CAD 4-6/hour |
| Green P lots | CAD 2-4/hour |
| Private lots | CAD 5-8/hour |
| Monthly (downtown) | CAD 300-500 |

### Residential Parking
- Street permit: CAD 35-350/year (varies by area)
- Visitor permits available
- Winter parking ban enforcement

### Parking Apps
- Green P (city lots)
- Honk Mobile
- PayByPhone

### Avoiding Tickets
- Read ALL signs carefully
- Snow route bans (winter)
- Rush hour restrictions
- School zones

## Traffic & Commuting

### Rush Hour
- Morning: 7-9am
- Evening: 4-7pm
- DVP and Gardiner = parking lots
- 401 is busiest highway in North America

### Expressways
| Route | Direction | Notes |
|-------|-----------|-------|
| DVP | North-South | East side, always congested |
| Gardiner | East-West | Downtown, elevated |
| 401 | East-West | Across city, massive |
| 407 | East-West | Toll road, faster |
| QEW | Southwest | To Niagara, Hamilton |

### 407 ETR (Toll Road)
- Electronic tolling
- No stopping, transponder or bill by plate
- Expensive but fast
- Popular for airport commuters

### Navigation
- Google Maps for real-time traffic
- Waze for crowdsourced updates
- Apple Maps improved

## Rules & Laws

### Key Rules
| Rule | Penalty |
|------|---------|
| Phone use while driving | CAD 615+ fine, 3 points |
| Speeding 50+ over | Stunt driving, license suspension |
| DUI (over 0.08) | Criminal charge, suspension |
| Running red | CAD 325 fine, 3 points |
| School zone speeding | Double fines |
| No seatbelt | CAD 200-1,000 fine |

### Photo Enforcement
- Red light cameras (intersections)
- Speed cameras (school zones)
- Tickets mailed to registered owner
- No demerit points for camera tickets

### Winter Rules
- Must clear snow from vehicle
- Winter tires recommended
- Snow route parking bans
- Bridge/overpass ice warning

## Car Sharing

### Options
| Service | How It Works |
|---------|--------------|
| Zipcar | Hourly/daily, stations |
| Communauto | Hourly, free-floating |
| Enterprise CarShare | Similar to Zipcar |
| Turo | Peer-to-peer rental |

### When It Makes Sense
- Occasional use (few times/month)
- Live downtown
- Don't want car ownership hassle
- Supplement transit

### Costs
- Membership: CAD 0-100/year
- Hourly: CAD 10-15
- Daily: CAD 60-100
- Insurance included

## Electric Vehicles

### Charging
- Growing network
- Condo charging challenging
- Streetside charging limited
- Apps: ChargePoint, FLO

### Incentives
- Federal rebate (up to CAD 5,000)
- Some provincial programs
- HOV lane access

### Popular EVs
- Tesla (Model 3, Y)
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Chevrolet Bolt

## Day Trips by Car

### Popular Drives
| Destination | Distance | Time |
|-------------|----------|------|
| Niagara Falls | 130 km | 1.5 hours |
| Muskoka | 200 km | 2.5 hours |
| Prince Edward County | 200 km | 2.5 hours |
| Blue Mountain | 160 km | 2 hours |
| Stratford | 150 km | 1.5 hours |
| Algonquin Park | 300 km | 3.5 hours |

### Long Weekend Traffic
- Friday PM: Northbound jammed
- Sunday PM: Southbound jammed
- Plan accordingly
- Leave early or late


path: education.md
content: # Toronto Education Guide

## Public School System

### Overview
Ontario has publicly funded education from kindergarten through high school (grades 1-12).

### School Boards in Toronto
| Board | Type | Notes |
|-------|------|-------|
| TDSB | Public secular | Largest in Canada |
| TCDSB | Public Catholic | Religious curriculum |
| CSDCSO | French Catholic | French language |
| CSDCCS | French public | French language |

### Public Schools
- Free for residents
- Based on home address
- Quality varies by neighborhood
- Funded by property taxes

### Catholic Schools
- Also publicly funded (Ontario unique)
- Religious curriculum
- Must be Catholic (or accept religious instruction)
- Often perceived as higher discipline

### French Immersion
- Available in many public schools
- Entire curriculum in French
- Popular choice
- Apply early (competitive)

## Private Schools

### Overview
- Not publicly funded
- Tuition-based
- Often higher resources
- Various philosophies

### Cost Range
| Type | Annual Tuition |
|------|---------------|
| Independent day | CAD 15,000-35,000 |
| Elite day | CAD 35,000-45,000 |
| Boarding | CAD 50,000-70,000 |

### Notable Schools
| School | Type | Notes |
|--------|------|-------|
| Upper Canada College | Boys | Established, prestigious |
| Havergal | Girls | Traditional, strong |
| Bishop Strachan | Girls | Anglican, historic |
| Crescent | Boys | University prep |
| St. Andrew's College | Boys boarding | Aurora location |
| Branksome Hall | Girls | IB program |
| Royal St. George's | Coed | Downtown |

### Alternative Schools
- Montessori schools
- Waldorf schools
- Democratic schools
- Specialized (arts, STEM)

## Choosing Schools

### Factors to Consider
- Catchment area (public)
- School rankings (Fraser Institute, controversial)
- Programs offered (IB, AP, French)
- Extracurriculars
- Class sizes
- Community feel

### Research
- Visit schools
- Talk to parents
- Check EQAO scores (standardized testing)
- Attend open houses

### Moving for Schools
Common practice:
- Research school catchments
- Rent/buy in preferred catchment
- Verify with school board before signing lease

## Daycare & Early Childhood

### Types

**Licensed Daycare**
- Regulated by province
- Staff ratios mandated
- Inspected regularly
- CAD 1,500-2,500/month

**Home Daycare**
- In caregiver's home
- Licensed or unlicensed
- Smaller groups
- CAD 1,200-1,800/month

**Nanny**
- In your home
- One-on-one or nanny share
- CAD 2,500-4,000/month
- Employer responsibilities

### CAD 10/Day Childcare
- Federal-provincial program
- Expanding availability
- Long waitlists
- Apply early (at pregnancy)

### Finding Childcare
- OneList (ontario.ca/onelist)
- Start looking early (1+ year ahead)
- Waitlists common
- Multiple applications necessary

## Post-Secondary

### Universities in Toronto Area

| Institution | Type | Strengths |
|-------------|------|-----------|
| University of Toronto | Research university | Global top 20, all fields |
| Toronto Metropolitan (Ryerson) | Urban university | Media, business, tech |
| York University | Large university | Business, law, arts |
| OCAD | Art & design | Creative fields |

### Colleges

| College | Notes |
|---------|-------|
| George Brown | Downtown, hospitality, health |
| Humber | West end, media, business |
| Seneca | Multiple campuses, technology |
| Centennial | Scarborough, diverse programs |

### Tuition

**Domestic Students**
- University: CAD 7,000-15,000/year
- College: CAD 3,000-7,000/year

**International Students**
- University: CAD 40,000-60,000/year
- College: CAD 15,000-25,000/year

### Admissions
- OUAC (Ontario Universities Application Centre)
- OCAS (Ontario College Application Service)
- Apply in fall for following September
- Competitive for popular programs

## International Students

### Study Permits
- Required for programs over 6 months
- Apply through IRCC
- Proof of funds required
- Acceptance letter needed

### Work While Studying
- 20 hours/week during school
- Full-time during breaks
- No separate permit needed

### Post-Graduation
- PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit)
- Up to 3 years for 2-year programs
- Path to permanent residence

### Designated Learning Institutions
- Must attend DLI for PGWP eligibility
- All public schools qualify
- Check private institution status

## Continuing Education

### Options
- University continuing education
- College certificates
- Professional development
- Online learning

### Popular Programs
- Project management
- Data analytics
- UX design
- Business certifications
- Language learning

### Free Resources
- Toronto Public Library (LinkedIn Learning, courses)
- Coursera, edX (auditing)
- YouTube, free MOOCs

## Credential Recognition

### Foreign Credentials
Many professions require Canadian credentials or assessment:
- Engineering: PEO (Professional Engineers Ontario)
- Medicine: CPSO (College of Physicians)
- Law: NCA (National Committee on Accreditation)
- Accounting: CPA Ontario

### Steps
1. Get credentials assessed (WES common)
2. Check professional body requirements
3. May need bridging programs
4. May need Canadian exams

### Bridging Programs
- Help internationally trained professionals
- Various institutions offer them
- Some government funded
- Check eligibility

## Support Services

### For Newcomers
- Settlement agencies
- Language programs (LINC - free)
- Employment programs
- Credential assessment

### For Students
- Student loans (OSAP)
- Bursaries and scholarships
- Campus support services
- Food banks (campus)

### Learning Disabilities
- Accommodations required by law
- Assessment available (schools, private)
- Support programs exist
- Advocate for needs


path: food-areas.md
content: # Best Toronto Areas for Dining

## King West (Entertainment District)

**Vibe**: Trendy, date night, see-and-be-seen
**Price**: CAD 50-100/person
**Best For**: Special occasions, impressing visitors, foodies

### Top Restaurants
- **Byblos** — Mediterranean, beautiful space
- **Pai** — Northern Thai, always packed
- **KOST** — Rooftop, views, Mediterranean
- **Wvrst** — Sausages, 100+ beers
- **Buca** — Italian, basement space
- **Richmond Station** — Canadian, seasonal
- **Ki Modern** — Japanese, sleek

### Tips
- Reservations essential, especially weekends
- Dress smart casual
- Expect waits at popular spots
- Best Friday/Saturday energy

---

## Ossington Strip

**Vibe**: Cocktail bars, chef-driven, locals
**Price**: CAD 40-80/person
**Best For**: Cocktails + food, foodie discoveries

### Top Restaurants
- **Union** — French bistro
- **Enoteca Sociale** — Italian, wine
- **PrettyUgly** — Cocktails, bar food
- **Bellwoods Brewery** — Craft beer
- **Bar Isabel** — Spanish tapas
- **Grand Electric** — Tacos, whiskey

### Tips
- Walk the strip, pop into bars
- Less corporate than King West
- Great cocktail scene
- Some spots cash-only

---

## Leslieville (Queen East)

**Vibe**: Brunch capital, neighborhood feel
**Price**: CAD 25-50/person
**Best For**: Weekend brunch, casual dinner

### Top Restaurants
- **Lady Marmalade** — Brunch institution
- **Descendant** — Detroit-style pizza
- **Ascari Enoteca** — Italian
- **Ruby Watchco** — Set menu, changing
- **Ed's Real Scoop** — Ice cream
- **Loaded Pierogi** — What it says

### Tips
- Brunch lines Saturday/Sunday
- Coffee shops excellent
- Family-friendly
- Streetcar access (504, 501)

---

## Kensington Market / Chinatown

**Vibe**: Bohemian, cheap eats, diverse
**Price**: CAD 10-30/person
**Best For**: Budget eating, exploration, late night

### Top Restaurants
- **Seven Lives** — Tacos
- **Rasta Pasta** — Jamaican-Italian
- **Golden Turtle** — Vietnamese
- **Wah Sing** — Seafood
- **King's Noodle** — BBQ duck/pork
- **Rol San** — Dim sum, late night

### Tips
- Pedestrian-only Sundays (summer)
- Street food vibe
- Cash helpful at small spots
- Great for vegetarians

---

## Little Italy (College Street)

**Vibe**: Classic Toronto, patios, people-watching
**Price**: CAD 30-60/person
**Best For**: Patios, casual Italian, date night

### Top Restaurants
- **Bar Isabel** — Spanish, excellent
- **Pizzeria Libretto** — Neapolitan pizza
- **Cafe Diplomatico** — Patio icon
- **Trattoria Taverniti** — Classic Italian
- **Bang Bang** — Ice cream

### Tips
- Best patios in summer
- Walk from Bathurst to Shaw
- Casual dress
- Good late-night options

---

## Danforth / Greektown

**Vibe**: Greek heritage, family-friendly
**Price**: CAD 25-45/person
**Best For**: Greek food, family dining

### Top Restaurants
- **Mezes** — Traditional Greek
- **Asteria** — Souvlaki
- **Mamakas** — Modern Greek (Ossington)
- **Pantheon** — Classic taverna
- **Christina's** — Greek bakery

### Tips
- Taste of the Danforth (August)
- Subway accessible (Pape, Donlands)
- BYOB some spots
- Kids welcome

---

## Scarborough (Asian Food)

**Vibe**: Authentic Asian, strip malls, incredible value
**Price**: CAD 15-35/person
**Best For**: Chinese, South Asian, Filipino, Korean

### Top Restaurants
- **Federick** — Chinese seafood
- **Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu** — Korean tofu
- **Lahori Karahi** — Pakistani
- **Iqbal Kebab** — Halal, kababs
- **Casa Manila** — Filipino

### Tips
- Car helpful
- Strip mall parking
- Cash helpful some spots
- Worth the trip for food alone

---

## Yorkville

**Vibe**: Upscale, fine dining, expense accounts
**Price**: CAD 80-200/person
**Best For**: Fine dining, impressing, special occasions

### Top Restaurants
- **Alo** — Toronto's best (get reservations early)
- **Cafe Boulud** — Daniel Boulud's Toronto outpost
- **Sotto Sotto** — Italian, celebrity sightings
- **Momofuku** — David Chang group

### Tips
- Reservations required
- Dress well
- Valet parking available
- After-dinner drinks at hotel bars

---

## North York (Korean)

**Vibe**: Suburban Koreatown, authentic
**Price**: CAD 20-50/person
**Best For**: Korean BBQ, late-night Korean

### Top Restaurants
- **Korean Village** — BBQ
- **Owl of Minerva** — 24-hour
- **Buk Chang Dong** — Multiple locations
- **Arisu** — BBQ

### Tips
- Yonge/Finch intersection hub
- Late hours common
- Subway accessible
- Korean grocery stores nearby

---

## The Waterfront / Harbourfront

**Vibe**: Tourist, views, chains
**Price**: CAD 40-80/person
**Best For**: Views, tourists, casual

### Notable Spots
- **Amsterdam Brewhouse** — Patio, views
- **Against the Grain** — Urban winery
- **Pearl Diver** — Seafood

### Tips
- Touristy, higher prices
- Views compensate
- Better for drinks than dinner
- Harbourfront Centre events

---

## Summary Table

| Area | Vibe | Price | Best For |
|------|------|-------|----------|
| King West | Trendy | $$$$ | Date night, foodies |
| Ossington | Cocktails | $$$ | Drinks + food |
| Leslieville | Brunch | $$ | Weekend, families |
| Kensington | Cheap eats | $ | Budget, diversity |
| Little Italy | Patios | $$ | Summer, Italian |
| Danforth | Greek | $$ | Family, Greek |
| Scarborough | Asian | $ | Authentic Asian |
| Yorkville | Fine dining | $$$$$ | Special occasions |
| North York | Korean | $$ | Korean, late night |


path: food-international.md
content: # Toronto International Cuisine Guide

## Chinese

### Cantonese / Hong Kong Style
Toronto has arguably the best Cantonese food outside Hong Kong.

**Dim Sum**
- **Dynasty Centre** — Chinatown classic
- **Crown Princess** — Yorkdale area
- **Rol San** — Chinatown, late night

**BBQ / Roast Meats**
- **King's Noodle** — Chinatown institution
- **Swatow** — Chinatown
- **Rol San** — Multiple locations

**Seafood**
- **Lai Wah Heen** — Fine dining, downtown
- **Fishman Lobster** — Markham

**Areas**: Chinatown (Spadina), Markham, Scarborough (Agincourt)

### Sichuan / Hunan
Spicy, numbing, bold.
- **Szechuan Legend** — Chinatown
- **Peaceful Restaurant** — Sichuan classics
- **Sichuan Garden** — North York

### Shanghainese
Soup dumplings (xiao long bao), noodles.
- **Mother's Dumplings** — Multiple locations
- **Dumpling House** — Yorkville area

### Northern Chinese / Dongbei
Hearty, wheat-based.
- **Zhang's** — Steele/Yonge
- **Magic Oven** — Handpulled noodles

## Japanese

### Ramen
- **Kinton Ramen** — Multiple locations, tonkotsu
- **Santouka** — Rich soup
- **Sansotei** — Multiple styles

### Sushi
| Level | Restaurant |
|-------|------------|
| Casual | Japango, Nami |
| Mid-range | JaBistro, Kasa Moto |
| Omakase | Shoushin, Yasu, Masaki |

### Izakaya
- **Kinka Izakaya** — Multiple locations
- **Kingyo** — Church Street
- **Zakkushi** — Yakitori

### Other Japanese
- **Momofuku Noodle Bar** — David Chang's outpost
- **Tetsu** — Tempura
- **Japanese breakfast**: Kinka Brunch

## Korean

**Area**: Yonge/Finch corridor (Koreatown North), Bloor/Christie

### BBQ
- **Korean Village** — Classic, cook your own
- **Daldongnae** — Yonge/Finch
- **Arisu** — Multiple locations

### Fried Chicken
- **Bonchon** — Chain but excellent
- **OM Restaurant** — Creative
- **Galleria** — Food court options

### Other Korean
- **Owl of Minerva** — 24-hour, late night
- **Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu** — Tofu soup
- **Myeongdong** — Kalguksu, dumplings

## Indian / South Asian

### North Indian
- **Banjara** — Upscale, downtown
- **Host Indian** — King West
- **Pukka** — Contemporary

**Area**: Gerrard Street East (Little India)

### South Indian
- **Saravanaa Bhavan** — Chain, dosas
- **Udupi Palace** — Vegetarian
- **Kothur** — Hyderabadi

**Area**: Scarborough

### Pakistani
- **Lahore Tikka House** — Gerrard
- **Karahi Boys** — Multiple locations
- **Tabeer** — Scarborough

### Bangladeshi / Bengali
- **Kohinoor** — Bangladeshi
- **Ambala** — Sweets
- **Phuchka House** — Street food

## Middle Eastern

### Lebanese
- **Paramount Fine Foods** — Multiple locations
- **Tabule** — Upscale
- **Sultan's Tent** — Moroccan

### Persian / Iranian
- **Pomegranate** — North York
- **Sheherzade** — Persian
- **Banu** — Modern Persian

**Area**: North York (Yonge north of 401)

### Israeli
- **Fat Pasha** — Ossington
- **Parallel** — Contemporary

## Southeast Asian

### Thai
- **Pai** — King West, northern Thai
- **Sukhothai** — Multiple locations
- **Khao San Road** — Street food style

### Vietnamese
- **Pho Hung** — Chinatown, classic pho
- **Pho Tien Thanh** — Ossington
- **Banh Mi Boys** — Banh mi, steamed buns

### Filipino
- **Lamesa** — Queen West, upscale
- **Kumare** — Scarborough
- **Jollibee** — Fast food chain

### Malaysian / Singaporean
- **Hawker Bar** — Ossington
- **Satay on the Road** — Malaysian

## Caribbean

### Jamaican
- **Randy's Take Out** — Eglinton
- **The Dirty Bird** — Fried chicken
- **Raps** — Jerk chicken

### Trinidadian
- **Island Foods** — Roti
- **Ali's Roti Shop** — Queen West

### General Caribbean
- **Chubby's Jamaican** — Multiple
- **Patty Palace** — Patties

## Latin American

### Mexican
- **Seven Lives** — Tacos, Kensington
- **La Carnita** — King West
- **Grand Electric** — Parkdale

### Peruvian
- **Chino Locos** — Queen West
- **Pisco y Nazca** — Peruvian-Japanese

### Colombian
- **Bogota Latin Bistro** — Queen West
- **El Rancho** — Steakhouse

### Brazilian
- **Copacabana** — Churrascaria

## European

### Italian
| Level | Restaurant |
|-------|------------|
| Casual | Piano Piano, Gusto 101 |
| Mid-range | Enoteca Sociale, Il Covo |
| Upscale | Buca, Don Alfonso 1890 |

**Area**: Little Italy (College), King West

### French
- **Alo** — Fine dining (Toronto's best)
- **Bar Raval** — Pintxos, wine
- **Dreyfus** — Bistro

### Spanish
- **Bar Raval** — Pintxos
- **Patria** — King West
- **Bar Isabel** — College

### Greek
- **Mezes** — Danforth
- **Mamakas Taverna** — Ossington
- **Volos** — Upscale

**Area**: Danforth (Greektown)

### Portuguese
- **Churrasqueira do Sardinha** — Dundas West
- **Piri Piri Grillhouse** — Multiple
- **Churrasco of St. Clair** — Portuguese

**Area**: Dundas West (Little Portugal)


path: food-local.md
content: # Toronto Local & Canadian Food

## Canadian Classics

### Poutine
Quebec origin, now everywhere in Toronto.

**The Traditional**
- French fries, cheese curds, gravy
- Curds should squeak
- **Best Traditional**: Poutini's House of Poutine

**Variations Toronto Does Well**
- Butter Chicken Poutine — fusion classic
- Korean Poutine — bulgogi, kimchi
- Lobster Poutine — Maritime-inspired
- **Best Loaded**: Smoke's Poutinerie (chain but good)

### Peameal Bacon
Toronto's signature food. Canadian bacon rolled in cornmeal.

**The Classic Sandwich**
- Peameal on a kaiser bun
- Optional: mustard, cheese, egg
- **The Original**: Carousel Bakery, St. Lawrence Market
- **Other Options**: St. Urbain Bagel, Rashers

### Butter Tarts
Canadian pastry icon. Flaky crust, gooey filling.

**The Debate**: Runny vs. firm, raisins vs. no raisins

**Best In Toronto**:
- Phipps Bakery
- Tori's Bakeshop (vegan option)
- Circles and Squares

### Nanaimo Bars
BC origin, layered chocolate/custard bar.
- Available at most bakeries
- Best at: Dufflet Pastries

### Montreal-Style Bagels
Smaller, sweeter, wood-fired. Different from NY bagels.

**Best In Toronto**:
- St. Urbain Bagel (Eglinton)
- Kettlemans (Ottawa style)
- Bagel House

### Montreal Smoked Meat
Similar to pastrami, different spices.
- **Best**: Caplansky's legacy spots
- **Jewish Delis**: Centre Street Deli, Pancer's

## Toronto Signatures

### Toronto-Style Pizza
Unique style: square cut, sometimes sweet sauce, Canadian toppings.
- Not fine dining, but nostalgic
- **Try**: Pizza Nova, Bitondo's

### Portuguese Chicken
Toronto's Portuguese community influence.
- Charcoal grilled, piri-piri sauce
- **Best**: Churrasqueira do Sardinha, Piri Piri Grillhouse
- **Area**: Dundas West (Little Portugal)

### Jamaican Patties
Golden pastry, spiced meat filling.
- Ubiquitous in Toronto
- **Best**: Randy's Take Out, Patty King
- **Chain**: Patty Palace, Warden station legend

### Hakka Chinese
Unique Toronto thing: Indian-Chinese fusion from Hakka Chinese who lived in India.
- Chili chicken, manchurian
- **Best**: Hakka Legend, Federick, Lin Garden

### Toronto Island Lemonade
Fresh-squeezed at Centre Island during summer.
- Part of the Toronto Islands experience
- Only available on islands

## Farmers Markets

### St. Lawrence Market
- Saturday: Farmers market (best time)
- Daily: Vendor hall
- **Must Try**: Peameal sandwich, cheese vendors

### Evergreen Brick Works
- Year-round farmers market
- Saturday mornings
- Local, organic focus
- Beautiful ravine setting

### Trinity Bellwoods
- Seasonal (summer/fall)
- Smaller, local
- Park atmosphere

### North York Farmers Market
- Mel Lastman Square
- Summer Thursdays
- Good variety

## Food Halls

### Assembly Chef's Hall
- Downtown, multiple vendors
- Higher end than food court
- Good lunch option

### St. Lawrence Market (North)
- Antiques Saturdays
- Farmers market
- Historic building

### Market 707
- Dundas West
- Shipping containers
- International street food

## Canadian Chain Experiences

### Tim Hortons
- Canadian institution
- Coffee culture
- Double-double = 2 cream, 2 sugar
- Timbits = donut holes

### Loblaws
- Main grocery chain
- President's Choice products = Canadian
- Good prepared foods

### Sobeys
- Another major chain
- More upscale than No Frills

### No Frills
- Budget grocery
- Same company as Loblaws
- Bring your own bags

## Seasonal Foods

### Summer
- Patios everywhere
- Island food vendors
- CNE food (August/September)
- Local berries, corn

### Fall
- Apple picking season
- Pumpkin everything
- Harvest festivals
- Thanksgiving (October in Canada)

### Winter
- Comfort food focus
- Hot chocolate
- Mulled wine at Christmas markets
- Beaver tails (fried dough)

### Spring
- Maple syrup season
- Asparagus
- First patios opening


path: food-overview.md
content: # Toronto Food Scene Overview

## The Basics

Toronto is one of the world's most diverse food cities. Over 200 ethnic groups means authentic cuisine from virtually everywhere.

### Dining Culture
- **Tipping**: 15-20% expected (not optional)
- **Tax**: 13% HST added to bill
- **Reservations**: Essential for popular spots (Resy, OpenTable)
- **Dress code**: Generally casual, some fine dining requires smart casual
- **BYOB**: Rare, some Portuguese and Italian places allow

### Price Ranges
| Level | Per Person (with tax/tip) | Examples |
|-------|---------------------------|----------|
| Budget | CAD 15-25 | Chinatown, food courts, fast casual |
| Casual | CAD 30-50 | Neighborhood restaurants, brunch |
| Upscale | CAD 60-100 | King West scene, trendy spots |
| Fine Dining | CAD 150+ | Tasting menus, destination restaurants |

## Toronto Signatures

### Peameal Bacon Sandwich
- Toronto's signature food
- Canadian bacon in cornmeal crust on a bun
- **Best at**: Carousel Bakery (St. Lawrence Market)

### Poutine
- Quebec origin but everywhere in Toronto
- Fries, cheese curds, gravy
- **Variations**: Korean, butter chicken, lobster
- **Best at**: Smoke's Poutinerie, Poutini's

### Jamaican Patties
- Spiced meat in golden pastry
- Ubiquitous in Toronto
- **Best at**: Randy's Take Out, Patty King

### Portuguese Chicken
- Charcoal grilled, piri-piri sauce
- Portuguese community influence
- **Best at**: Churrasqueira do Sardinha, Churrasco of St. Clair

### Butter Chicken
- Toronto has arguably best Indian food outside India
- **Best at**: Banjara, Host Indian, Goa Indian Farm Kitchen

## Dining Districts

### King West
Best concentration of trendy restaurants
- **Byblos** — Mediterranean
- **Pai** — Thai
- **KOST** — Rooftop views
- **Wvrst** — Sausages and beer

### Ossington Strip
Cocktail bars and chef-driven restaurants
- **Union** — French
- **Enoteca Sociale** — Italian
- **PrettyUgly** — Cocktails
- **Bellwoods Brewery** — Beer

### Leslieville (Queen East)
Brunch capital
- **Lady Marmalade** — Brunch institution
- **Descendant** — Pizza
- **Ascari Enoteca** — Italian

### Kensington Market / Chinatown
International cheap eats
- **Rasta Pasta** — Jamaican-Italian
- **Seven Lives** — Tacos
- **Wah Sing** — Seafood

### Little Italy (College St)
Italian and more
- **Cafe Diplomatico** — People watching
- **Bar Isabel** — Spanish/Portuguese
- **Pizzeria Libretto** — Neapolitan pizza

### Danforth / Greektown
Greek and Mediterranean
- **Mezes** — Traditional Greek
- **Christina's** — Greek bakery
- **Messini** — Souvlaki

### Scarborough
Asian food paradise
- **Federick** — Chinese seafood
- **Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu** — Korean
- **Tabeer** — Pakistani

## Cuisine Highlights

### Chinese
Toronto has exceptional Chinese food, especially:
- **Cantonese**: Richmond Hill, Markham, Scarborough
- **Sichuan**: Downtown, North York
- **Dim Sum**: Countless options
- **Hot Pot**: Growing scene

### Indian/South Asian
Huge community means authentic regional cuisines:
- **North Indian**: Gerrard Street (Little India)
- **South Indian**: Scarborough
- **Pakistani**: Thorncliffe Park, Scarborough
- **Bangladeshi**: East end

### Korean
North York (Yonge/Finch area) is Koreatown:
- **BBQ**: Multiple excellent options
- **Fried Chicken**: Bonchon, OM + more
- **Casual**: Budol's, Owl of Minerva

### Japanese
From cheap to expensive:
- **Ramen**: Multiple shops, different styles
- **Sushi**: Casual to omakase
- **Izakaya**: Kinka, Kingyo
- **Omakase**: Shoushin, Yasu

### Caribbean
Jamaica, Trinidad, and more:
- **Jerk**: Multiple spots across city
- **Roti**: Doubles, Caribbean classics
- **Patties**: Everywhere

### Middle Eastern
Strong Lebanese, Syrian, Persian communities:
- **Shawarma**: Paramount Fine Foods, etc.
- **Persian**: North York, Richmond Hill
- **Lebanese**: Many options


path: food-practical.md
content: # Toronto Food Practical Guide

## Dietary Requirements

### Vegetarian / Vegan

Toronto is very vegetarian/vegan friendly.

**Dedicated Vegan Restaurants**
- **Planta** — Upscale vegan, multiple locations
- **Fresh** — Casual, multiple locations
- **Hogtown Vegan** — Comfort food
- **Doomie's** — Vegan comfort food

**Best Areas for Options**
- Kensington Market — Many options
- Queen West — Trendy vegan spots
- The Annex — Student-friendly, cafes

**Indian Vegetarian**
- **Udupi Palace** — South Indian
- **Saravanaa Bhavan** — Chain, reliable

**Tips**
- Most restaurants have vegan options
- Apps: HappyCow for finding spots
- "Vegan" understood everywhere

### Halal

Large Muslim community means excellent halal options.

**Best Areas**
- Thorncliffe Park — Pakistani, Afghani
- Scarborough — Diverse halal
- Gerrard East — South Asian

**Chains with Halal**
- Paramount Fine Foods
- Lazeez Shawarma
- Many independent restaurants

**Tips**
- Halal certification posted if certified
- Ask if unsure
- Many Indian/Pakistani restaurants fully halal

### Kosher

**Best Areas**
- Bathurst corridor (north of Eglinton)
- North York

**Options**
- Several kosher restaurants
- Kosher sections at grocery stores
- Centre Street Deli (classic)

### Gluten-Free

Generally available everywhere.

**Dedicated/Excellent Options**
- **Roselle Desserts** — GF options
- **Fresh** — Many GF dishes
- Most upscale restaurants accommodate

**Tips**
- Always mention allergy, not just preference
- Asian cuisines: be careful of soy sauce
- Celiac disease taken seriously

### Allergies

**Communication**
- Servers generally well-trained
- Cards in different languages available online
- Always mention severity

**Tips**
- Peanut allergies: Asian cuisines more challenging
- Shellfish: ask about stock in soups
- Dairy: clear lactose-free options available

## Tipping Culture

### Standard Tips
| Service | Tip |
|---------|-----|
| Restaurant | 15-20% (on pre-tax amount) |
| Bar | 15% or CAD 1-2/drink |
| Takeout | Optional, 10% appreciated |
| Delivery | 15% minimum |
| Coffee shop | Optional, change jar |
| Buffet | 10% |

### How It Works
- Tip on PRE-TAX amount (not after 13% HST)
- Payment machines suggest tips (often inflated)
- Manual entry always option
- Credit card tips go to staff (legally required)

### When to Tip Less/More
- **Less** (10-15%): Genuinely bad service
- **More** (20%+): Exceptional service, complex orders
- **Never tip less** as silent protest — speak to manager

## Reservations

### When Needed
- **Essential**: King West popular spots, fine dining, weekend brunch
- **Recommended**: Any dinner Friday/Saturday
- **Walk-in OK**: Casual spots, weeknight dinners

### Platforms
- **Resy** — Trendy spots
- **OpenTable** — Wide coverage
- **Yelp** — Some restaurants
- **Direct** — Fine dining often has own system

### Tips
- Book 1-2 weeks ahead for popular spots
- Friday/Saturday dinner: book early
- Cancellation policies often enforced
- Large groups (6+): call directly

## Brunch Culture

### The Scene
Toronto takes brunch seriously. Weekend brunch is social institution.

### When to Go
- Peak: 10am-1pm Saturday/Sunday
- Avoid wait: Before 10am or after 2pm
- Weekday brunch: Much easier

### What to Expect
- 30-60 minute waits at popular spots
- Some places take reservations
- Bring patience
- Coffee while you wait sometimes

### Brunch Spots Tiers
| Tier | Examples | Wait Time |
|------|----------|-----------|
| Legendary | Lady Marmalade, School | 45-90 min |
| Popular | Mildred's Temple, Saving Grace | 30-60 min |
| Good | Many neighborhood spots | 0-30 min |

## Alcohol

### Legal
- Drinking age: 19
- Hours: Bars until 2am (some 3am)
- LCBO/Beer Store: Primary alcohol retail
- Grocery stores: Beer, wine, cider now

### Where to Buy
- **LCBO** — Wine, spirits, imported beer
- **Beer Store** — Beer, returning empties
- **Grocery stores** — Limited selection, beer/wine/cider

### At Restaurants
- Wine markup high (2-3x retail)
- BYOB: Rare, some Portuguese/Italian places
- Corkage: CAD 25-50 if allowed
- Happy hour: Limited due to regulations

### Cocktail Scene
- Ossington: Best cocktail bars
- King West: Trendy bars
- Yorkville: Hotel bars
- Speakeasies: Several hidden bars

## Late Night Food

### After 11pm Options

**24-Hour or Late**
- **Owl of Minerva** — Korean, 24 hours
- **Rol San** — Dim sum, late night
- **Fran's** — Diner, classic
- **7 West** — Diner

**Until Midnight-1am**
- Most King West restaurants
- Chinatown spots
- Kensington casual spots

**After 2am (Post-Bar)**
- Limited options
- Pizza slices
- Some convenience stores
- McDonald's
- Uber Eats limited

## Grocery & Food Shopping

### Major Chains
| Chain | Vibe | Price |
|-------|------|-------|
| Loblaws | Standard | $$ |
| Metro | Standard | $$ |
| Sobeys | Upscale | $$$ |
| No Frills | Budget | $ |
| Freshco | Budget | $ |
| Whole Foods | Premium | $$$$ |

### Specialty
- **T&T** — Asian supermarket (Chinese focus)
- **PAT** — Korean
- **Iqbal** — Halal, South Asian
- **Cheese Boutique** — Cheese, deli
- **St. Lawrence Market** — Local, fresh

### Farmers Markets
- St. Lawrence (Saturday)
- Evergreen Brick Works (Saturday)
- Multiple neighborhood markets (summer)

## Food Delivery

### Apps
- **Uber Eats** — Widest selection
- **DoorDash** — Good selection
- **SkipTheDishes** — Canadian
- **Ritual** — Pickup/office ordering

### Tips
- Service fees add up fast
- Often cheaper to pickup
- Driver tip: 15% minimum
- Check restaurant's own delivery first

## Money-Saving Tips

1. **Lunch vs Dinner**: Same restaurant, 30-40% less at lunch
2. **Prix fixe**: Winterlicious/Summerlicious events
3. **BYOB spots**: Portuguese, some Italian
4. **Food courts**: Quality ethnic food cheap
5. **Chinatown**: Excellent value
6. **Set menus**: Often better value than a la carte
7. **Early bird**: Some spots have early dinner specials
8. **Pickup over delivery**: Save fees
9. **Happy hour**: Limited but exists
10. **Grocery prepared foods**: Underrated option


path: healthcare.md
content: # Toronto Healthcare Guide

## OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)

### What It Is
Provincial health insurance providing free healthcare to eligible residents.

### Eligibility
- Ontario resident
- Legal status (PR, citizen, valid work/study permit)
- Present in Ontario 153+ days per year

### Wait Period
**3 months** from establishing residency.

During wait period:
- Not covered by OHIP
- Need private insurance
- Emergency care still available (but billed)

### Applying
**Where**: ServiceOntario
**Documents**:
- ID (passport)
- Immigration documents
- Proof of Ontario residence
- Proof of presence in Ontario

**Process**:
1. Apply in person
2. Get temporary confirmation
3. Health card mailed (2-3 weeks)

### What's Covered

**Covered by OHIP**
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Diagnostic tests
- Mental health (psychiatry)
- Prenatal and childbirth
- Most medical procedures

**NOT Covered**
- Prescription drugs (outside hospital)
- Dental care
- Vision care (eye exams limited)
- Physiotherapy (most)
- Cosmetic procedures
- Private hospital rooms
- Ambulance fees (CAD 45-240)

### Prescription Drug Coverage

**Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB)**
- Covers those 65+
- Covers social assistance recipients
- Covers long-term care residents

**OHIP+**
- Covers those 24 and under
- Many common prescriptions free

**For Others**
- Employer benefits common
- Private insurance
- Pay out of pocket

## Finding a Doctor

### The Challenge
Many family doctors not accepting new patients. This is a real problem in Ontario.

### Options

**Health Care Connect**
- Ontario service to match patients with doctors
- Register online: ontario.ca/healthcareconnect
- May take months
- Better than nothing

**Walk-In Clinics**
- No appointment needed
- See whoever is available
- Good for non-urgent issues
- Found throughout city

**Family Health Teams**
- Group practices
- May have openings
- Check individual websites

**Community Health Centres**
- Serve specific populations
- May have more availability
- Check eligibility

**Telehealth Ontario**
- 1-866-797-0000
- Free, 24/7
- Nurses provide advice
- Can direct to appropriate care

### Virtual Care

**Apps/Services**
- Maple
- Tia Health
- Cover
- Telus Health

- See doctor via video
- Prescriptions possible
- CAD 50-100 per visit (or covered by benefits)

## Hospitals

### Major Downtown Hospitals

| Hospital | Specialty | Location |
|----------|-----------|----------|
| Toronto General | General, transplant | University/Dundas |
| St. Michael's | Trauma, inner city | Queen/Victoria |
| Mount Sinai | Obstetrics, specialties | University/Dundas |
| SickKids | Children | University/Dundas |
| Princess Margaret | Cancer | University/Dundas |

### Emergency Rooms
- Open 24/7
- Long waits common (4-12 hours)
- Triage by urgency, not arrival
- Go for real emergencies only

### Urgent Care
Alternative to ER for non-life-threatening:
- Shorter waits
- Extended hours
- Growing number of locations

## Specialists

### Referral System
- Need referral from family doctor/walk-in
- Wait times vary (weeks to months)
- Some specialists longer waits

### Common Wait Times
| Specialty | Typical Wait |
|-----------|--------------|
| Dermatology | 2-4 months |
| Orthopedics | 2-6 months |
| Psychiatry | 1-6 months |
| MRI | 1-3 months |
| Surgery | Varies widely |

## Dental Care

### Not Covered by OHIP
Dental is private pay or insurance.

### Costs
| Service | Cost |
|---------|------|
| Cleaning | CAD 150-250 |
| X-rays | CAD 50-100 |
| Filling | CAD 150-400 |
| Root canal | CAD 800-1,500 |
| Crown | CAD 1,000-2,000 |

### Options
- Employer benefits (most common)
- Private insurance
- Dental schools (cheaper, students supervised)
- Community health centres (lower income)

### Finding a Dentist
- Insurance provider networks
- Reviews (Google, Yelp)
- Referrals from friends

## Vision Care

### Coverage
- OHIP covers annual exam for under 20 and 65+
- Others: Private pay or insurance

### Costs
| Service | Cost |
|---------|------|
| Eye exam | CAD 80-150 |
| Glasses | CAD 200-600 |
| Contact lenses | CAD 200-500/year |

### Options
- Costco Optical (good value)
- Clearly (online contacts)
- Chain opticians (LensCrafters, etc.)

## Mental Health

### OHIP Covered
- Psychiatrists (MD)
- Hospital mental health programs
- Crisis services

### Not Covered
- Psychologists (PhD)
- Psychotherapists
- Counsellors

### Resources
- CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
- Crisis lines
- Community mental health centers
- EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) through work

### Crisis Resources
| Service | Contact |
|---------|---------|
| Crisis Line | 416-408-4357 |
| Distress Centre | 416-408-4357 |
| Kids Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868 |
| Suicide Prevention | 988 |

## Private Insurance

### What It Covers
Typically:
- Prescription drugs
- Dental
- Vision
- Paramedical (massage, physio, chiro)
- Private hospital room
- Travel insurance

### Sources
- Employer benefits (most common)
- Individual plans (Blue Cross, Manulife, etc.)
- Student plans (universities)
- Association plans

### Gap Insurance
For 3-month OHIP wait:
- Essential for newcomers
- CAD 100-200/month
- Covers emergencies and basic care

## Pharmacies

### Major Chains
| Chain | Notes |
|-------|-------|
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Largest, 24-hour locations |
| Rexall | Common alternative |
| Pharmasave | Independent |
| Costco | Cheaper, no membership needed for pharmacy |

### Tips
- Compare prices (vary significantly)
- Ask about generic alternatives
- Pharmacy apps track prescriptions
- Some do vaccinations

## Vaccinations

### Where
- Pharmacies (most vaccines)
- Public health clinics
- Family doctors
- Travel clinics (for travel vaccines)

### Common Vaccines
- Flu shot (free annually)
- COVID (free)
- HPV (free for eligible)
- Travel vaccines (paid)


path: immigration.md
content: # Toronto Immigration Guide

## Overview

Canada has one of the world's most accessible immigration systems, especially for skilled workers. Toronto is the top destination for newcomers.

## Temporary Status Options

### Work Permits

**LMIA-Based Work Permit**
- Employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment
- Proves no Canadian available
- Processing: 2-4 months
- Tied to specific employer

**LMIA-Exempt Work Permits**
- No labor market test needed
- Categories:
  - Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
  - CUSMA/USMCA professionals (US/Mexico citizens)
  - International agreements
  - Significant benefit to Canada

**Global Talent Stream (GTS)**
- Fast-track for tech workers
- 2-week processing
- Employer must be on list or be referred
- Best option for tech roles

**Open Work Permits**
- Not tied to employer
- Available to:
  - Spouses of skilled workers
  - PGWP holders
  - Some humanitarian categories

### Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
For international students:
- Study 2+ years = 3-year work permit
- Study 1-2 years = Work permit length = study length
- Open work permit (any employer)
- Common path to PR

### Study Permits
- For programs over 6 months
- Can work 20hrs/week during studies
- Leads to PGWP

### Visitor Status
- Most nationalities: eTA required (CAD 7)
- Some: Visitor visa required
- Max 6 months per entry
- Cannot work on visitor status

## Permanent Residence Paths

### Express Entry

**The Main System**
Points-based pool for federal economic programs:

1. **Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)**
   - 1+ year skilled work experience
   - Language test required
   - Education credential assessment

2. **Canadian Experience Class (CEC)**
   - 1+ year Canadian work experience
   - Easier for those already in Canada
   - Language test required

3. **Federal Skilled Trades (FST)**
   - Skilled trade experience
   - Job offer or certification

**CRS Score (Comprehensive Ranking System)**
| Factor | Points |
|--------|--------|
| Age (20-29 optimal) | Up to 110 |
| Education | Up to 150 |
| Language | Up to 160 |
| Work experience | Up to 80 |
| Canadian experience | Up to 80 |
| Arranged employment | 50-200 |
| Provincial nomination | 600 |

**Cut-off scores (varies)**
- General draws: 470-510 typically
- Category draws (tech, healthcare): Can be lower
- Provincial nomination: Virtually guaranteed (adds 600)

### Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

**Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)**

Streams relevant to Toronto:
1. **Tech Draws** — Specific tech occupations, Express Entry linked
2. **Human Capital Priorities** — High CRS scores
3. **Employer Job Offer** — With Ontario job offer
4. **Masters/PhD Graduate** — Ontario graduates

**Ontario Tech Draws**
Priority occupations:
- Software engineers/developers
- Computer programmers
- Web developers
- Database analysts
- IT professionals

### Atlantic Immigration Program
For Atlantic provinces (not Ontario), but some use it strategically.

### Start-Up Visa
For entrepreneurs:
- Business idea
- Support from designated organization
- Language requirement
- Settlement funds

## Process Timeline

### Work Permit to PR (Typical Path)

```
Month 0: Arrive on work permit
         ↓
Month 1-12: Work, settle, language tests
         ↓
Month 12: 1 year Canadian experience
          Apply Express Entry
         ↓
Month 12-14: Enter pool, wait for draw
         ↓
Month 14-20: PR processing (if invited)
         ↓
Month 20: PR confirmed
```

### Key Timing
| Step | Duration |
|------|----------|
| Work permit processing | 2-16 weeks |
| Express Entry pool | Draws every 2 weeks |
| PR processing | 6-12 months |
| OINP processing | 3-6 months |

## Requirements

### Language Tests
**English**
- IELTS General Training (most common)
- CELPIP General

**French**
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada

**Required Scores (Express Entry FSW)**
- Minimum CLB 7 (IELTS ~6.0 each band)
- Higher scores = more points

### Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Required for foreign education
- WES most common organization
- Takes 2-8 weeks
- Shows Canadian equivalency

### Proof of Funds
For FSW (not CEC):
| Family Size | Amount Required |
|-------------|-----------------|
| 1 person | CAD 14,690 |
| 2 people | CAD 18,288 |
| 3 people | CAD 22,483 |
| 4 people | CAD 27,297 |

## Toronto-Specific Tips

### Jobs That Help
Tech occupations favored in:
- Express Entry category draws
- Ontario tech draws
- Global Talent Stream

### Where to Live While Processing
- Stay in Toronto (provincial connection helps OINP)
- Keep valid status
- Maintain employment

### Resources
- **IRCC**: canada.ca/immigration
- **Ontario Immigration**: ontario.ca/immigration
- **Settlement agencies**: Free help for newcomers

## Common Strategies

### High CRS Score Path
1. Score 470+ in Express Entry
2. Wait for general draws
3. Apply when invited

### PNP Path (Lower CRS)
1. Score 400-470
2. Apply for Ontario PNP notification of interest
3. If nominated: +600 points
4. Almost guaranteed PR invite

### Student to PR Path
1. Study permit (2-year program)
2. PGWP (3 years)
3. Work 1 year
4. Apply CEC through Express Entry

### Employer Support Path
1. LMIA job offer
2. 50-200 bonus points
3. Express Entry or PNP

## Maintaining Status

### While on Work Permit
- Keep passport valid
- Extend work permit before expiry
- Maintain employment (if closed permit)
- Report address changes

### While PR Application Pending
- Maintain valid temporary status
- Can apply for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Don't leave Canada without proper documents

### After PR
- PR card valid 5 years
- Must be in Canada 730 days per 5 years
- Can apply for citizenship after 3 years

## Citizenship

### Requirements
- PR for 3 of last 5 years
- File taxes
- Pass citizenship test
- Language requirement (CLB 4)
- No criminal issues

### Process
- Application: ~12-18 months
- Test: Canadian history, rights, responsibilities
- Ceremony: Oath of citizenship

### Benefits
- Canadian passport
- Vote
- No residency requirement
- Cannot be deported

## Getting Help

### Free Resources
- Settlement agencies (YMCA, COSTI, etc.)
- Library programs
- Government websites

### Paid Help
- Immigration lawyers (RCIC or lawyer)
- Immigration consultants (regulated RCICs only)
- Avoid unregulated consultants

### Red Flags
- Guaranteed results
- Bypass the system
- Not RCIC registered
- Asks for original documents to keep


path: lifestyle.md
content: # Toronto Lifestyle Guide

## Social Life

### Making Friends

**Challenges**
- Toronto can feel cold initially
- People are polite but reserved
- Friendship takes time
- Existing friend groups tight

**Strategies**
- Join activities (sports leagues, clubs)
- Attend meetups (Meetup.com)
- Say yes to invitations
- Be patient (takes 6-12 months)
- Coworkers often become friends

### Social Activities

**Sports Leagues**
- Toronto Sport & Social Club (TSSC)
- JAM Sports
- Joga soccer
- Recreational volleyball, basketball, etc.
- Great for meeting people

**Meetup Groups**
- Hundreds active in Toronto
- Tech, hiking, photography, languages
- New in Toronto groups
- Expat groups by nationality

**Community Centers**
- Toronto Parks and Recreation
- Fitness classes
- Art classes
- Affordable programming

### Dating Scene

**Apps**
- Hinge (relationship-focused)
- Bumble (women message first)
- Tinder (casual to serious)
- Happn (location-based)
- Feeld (alternative)

**Dating Norms**
- Coffee dates common first meeting
- Splitting bills acceptable
- Slower pace than some cultures
- Multiple dates before exclusivity
- Ghosting unfortunately common

**Where to Meet**
- Apps (most common)
- Sports leagues
- Friend introductions
- Bars (King West, Ossington)
- Classes and hobbies

## Fitness & Wellness

### Gyms

| Type | Examples | Monthly Cost |
|------|----------|--------------|
| Budget | Fit4Less, Planet Fitness | CAD 15-25 |
| Standard | GoodLife, LA Fitness | CAD 50-70 |
| Premium | Equinox, Adelaide Club | CAD 150-250 |
| Boutique | F45, OrangeTheory | CAD 150-250 |

### Outdoor Fitness
- Running (multiple routes, clubs)
- Cycling (waterfront trail, Don Valley)
- Hiking (ravine system, Rouge Park)
- Beach volleyball (summer)
- Outdoor skating (winter)

### Wellness
- Yoga studios (Moksha, Y7, many independents)
- Pilates
- Meditation classes
- Spas
- Massage therapy

### Community Recreation
- City-run fitness centers
- Affordable classes
- Swimming pools
- Basketball courts
- Soccer fields

## Nightlife

### Bar Districts

| Area | Vibe |
|------|------|
| King West | Trendy, clubs, restaurants |
| Ossington | Cocktails, locals, hipster |
| Queen West | Dive bars, live music |
| Entertainment District | Clubs, sports bars |
| Church-Wellesley | LGBTQ+ scene |

### Closing Time
- Bars close at 2am
- Some have 3am license
- After-hours exist (underground)
- Food options limited after 2am

### Live Music
- Lee's Palace
- Horseshoe Tavern
- Cameron House
- Budweiser Stage (large)
- Massey Hall

### Clubs
- Toybox
- Rebel
- Coda (electronic)
- EFS (upscale)

## Parks & Nature

### Major Parks

| Park | What | Best For |
|------|------|----------|
| High Park | 400 acres, zoo, cherry blossoms | Nature escape |
| Trinity Bellwoods | West end, social | People watching |
| Toronto Islands | Ferry access, beaches | Day trip |
| Rouge Park | National park, huge | Hiking, nature |
| Don Valley | Ravine system | Running, cycling |

### Ravine System
- 300+ km of trails
- Throughout city
- Running, hiking, cycling
- Nature in the city

### Beaches
- Woodbine Beach (most popular)
- Cherry Beach
- Bluffer's Beach (Scarborough)
- Hanlan's Point (Islands, clothing optional)
- Centre Island beaches

### Waterfront
- Martin Goodman Trail (56 km)
- Harbourfront
- Sugar Beach
- Water activities in summer

## Pets

### Dog Ownership
- Very dog-friendly city
- Off-leash parks plentiful
- Dog walkers available
- Pet-friendly patios (many)

**Costs**
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Adoption | CAD 200-500 |
| Annual vet | CAD 300-500 |
| Food | CAD 50-150/month |
| Walker | CAD 15-25/walk |

**Renting with Pets**
- Cannot legally be refused in Ontario
- But landlords find ways
- Be upfront about pets
- Pet rent technically illegal

### Off-Leash Parks
- Trinity Bellwoods
- High Park (designated areas)
- Cherry Beach
- Many neighborhood parks

## Shopping

### Neighborhoods

| Area | Known For |
|------|-----------|
| Yorkville | Luxury brands |
| Queen West | Vintage, indie |
| Kensington | Thrift, vintage |
| Eaton Centre | Mall, everything |
| Bloor-Yonge | Mix of all |

### Malls
- Eaton Centre (downtown)
- Yorkdale (luxury + mainstream)
- Scarborough Town Centre
- Square One (Mississauga)

### Vintage/Thrift
- Kensington Market shops
- Queen West vintage
- Value Village
- Salvation Army
- Goodwill

## Arts & Entertainment

### Live Performance
- Mirvish theatres (Broadway shows)
- Second City (comedy)
- Canadian Opera Company
- National Ballet
- TSO (Toronto Symphony)

### Comedy
- Second City
- Yuk Yuk's
- Bad Dog Theatre
- Comedy Bar

### Film
- TIFF Bell Lightbox
- Hot Docs Ted Rogers
- Carlton Cinema
- Cineplex locations

### Museums
- ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
- AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario)
- MOCA (contemporary)
- Aga Khan Museum
- Ontario Science Centre

## Food Culture

### Dining Out
- Diverse cuisines everywhere
- Tipping 15-20% expected
- Reservations common for popular spots
- Brunch is institution

### Food Events
- Winterlicious (January)
- Summerlicious (July)
- Food festivals throughout summer
- Farmers markets

### Coffee Culture
- Strong cafe scene
- Third wave coffee common
- Work-from-cafe culture
- Notable: Pilot, Hatch, Dark Horse

## Seasonal Lifestyle

### Summer
- Patios everywhere
- Island life
- Festivals weekly
- Late sunsets (9pm+)
- Everyone outside

### Winter
- Indoor focus
- PATH underground
- Skating rinks
- Netflix weather
- Gym attendance spikes

### Transitions
- Fall: Best weather, TIFF, outdoor activities
- Spring: Anticipation, first patios, unpredictable

## Work-Life Balance

### Canadian Attitude
- Generally better than US
- Vacation is expected to be taken
- Evenings/weekends respected (mostly)
- Remote work normalized

### Challenges
- Long commutes for some
- Cost of living pressure
- Hustle culture in some industries
- Comparison to US salaries

### Tips
- Set boundaries early
- Use vacation
- Find hobbies outside work
- Build community
- Embrace seasons


path: local.md
content: # Toronto Local Services Guide

## Banking

### Big 5 Banks
| Bank | Notes |
|------|-------|
| TD | Most branches, long hours, green |
| RBC | Largest bank, good app |
| BMO | Oldest bank, solid |
| Scotiabank | Good international, red |
| CIBC | Competitive, improving |

### Opening an Account

**What You Need**:
- Passport
- Work permit / PR card / study permit
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease)
- Initial deposit (CAD 50-100)

**Timeline**: Same day, card mailed within week.

**Newcomer Programs**: Most banks have newcomer packages with waived fees for first year.

### Account Types
| Type | Monthly Fee | Includes |
|------|-------------|----------|
| Basic | CAD 0-5 | Limited transactions |
| Standard | CAD 10-15 | More transactions |
| Premium | CAD 25-30 | Unlimited, perks |

**Ways to avoid fees**:
- Minimum balance (usually CAD 3,000-5,000)
- Direct deposit of paycheck
- Newcomer promotion periods
- Student/youth accounts

### Credit Building

No Canadian credit history = common problem for newcomers.

**Solutions**:
1. **Secured credit card** — Deposit becomes limit
2. **Newcomer credit card** — Banks offer these
3. **Add utility/phone** — Some report to bureaus
4. **Time** — Takes 6-12 months to build

### Credit Score
- Score range: 300-900
- Good: 660+
- Excellent: 760+
- Check free: Credit Karma, Borrowell

## Phone Plans

### Major Carriers
| Carrier | Network | Price Range |
|---------|---------|-------------|
| Rogers | Own | CAD 60-120 |
| Bell | Own | CAD 60-120 |
| Telus | Own | CAD 60-120 |
| Fido | Rogers | CAD 40-70 |
| Koodo | Telus | CAD 40-70 |
| Virgin | Bell | CAD 40-70 |
| Freedom | Own (limited) | CAD 30-50 |

### Budget Options
- **Public Mobile** — Telus network, prepaid, CAD 25-40
- **Lucky Mobile** — Bell network, prepaid
- **Freedom Mobile** — Own network, limited outside cities
- **Chatr** — Rogers network, basic

### What You Need
- Government ID
- Canadian address
- Credit check (waived with prepaid)

### Tips
- Negotiate — prices are starting points
- Bring your own phone — saves money
- Black Friday deals — significant discounts
- Retention department — call to cancel for offers
- eSIM available at most carriers

### Data Reality
Canada has expensive phone plans compared to Europe/Asia. Budget CAD 40-80/month for reasonable data.

## Internet

### Major Providers
| Provider | Type | Price |
|----------|------|-------|
| Bell | Fiber/DSL | CAD 80-130 |
| Rogers | Cable | CAD 80-130 |
| Beanfield | Fiber | CAD 50-100 |
| Teksavvy | Reseller | CAD 50-80 |
| Start.ca | Reseller | CAD 50-80 |

### Tips
- Check building options — some only have one
- Beanfield (fiber) — excellent if available
- Resellers (Teksavvy, Start) — better value
- Negotiate — promotional rates available
- Bring own modem/router — save rental fees

### What You Need
- Credit check (sometimes)
- Installation appointment
- CAD 50-100 setup fee typical

## Postal Services

### Canada Post
- Mail delivery to address
- Post offices and outlets in Shoppers Drug Mart
- Package pickup at post office if not delivered

### Getting Mail
- Apartment: Mailbox in building
- House: Mailbox at door
- Community mailbox: Walk to centralized box (suburbs)

### Packages
- Buzzer delivery common
- Package lockers increasing
- Pickup at post office if missed
- Flex Delivery — deliver to post office for pickup

## Libraries

### Toronto Public Library
**Free with proof of address**:
- Books, ebooks, audiobooks
- Movies, music
- Digital resources (LinkedIn Learning, language learning)
- 3D printing, recording studios (some branches)
- Free programs and events
- Computer/internet access
- Quiet study space

### Getting a Card
- Free
- Bring ID + proof of address
- Digital card available via app

### Branches
100+ branches across city. Reference Library (Yonge/Bloor) is largest.

## Government Services

### ServiceOntario
For provincial services:
- Health card (OHIP)
- Driver's license
- Ontario Photo ID
- Vehicle registration

**Locations**: Many across city, book appointments online.

### Service Canada
For federal services:
- SIN (Social Insurance Number)
- Passport
- Employment Insurance

### City of Toronto
- Property tax
- Parking permits
- Recreation programs
- Utilities

## Healthcare

### Finding a Doctor
Challenging — many not accepting new patients.

**Options**:
1. Walk-in clinics (no appointment)
2. Health Care Connect (Ontario service to find doctor)
3. Hospital clinics
4. Ask community/work for referrals

### Pharmacies
| Chain | Notes |
|-------|-------|
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Largest, 24-hour locations |
| Rexall | Common alternative |
| Pharmasave | Independent |

### Telehealth
- Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 (free medical advice)
- Virtual care apps (Maple, Tia Health)

### Dental & Vision
Not covered by OHIP. Options:
- Employer benefits
- University dental clinics (cheaper)
- Pay out of pocket

## Laundry

### Options
| Type | Cost |
|------|------|
| In-unit | Included in rent |
| In-building | CAD 2-4 per load |
| Laundromat | CAD 3-6 per load |
| Dry cleaning | CAD 10-30 per item |

### Tips
- Check washer/dryer before signing lease
- Laundry card systems common (load money)
- Some buildings have app-controlled machines

## Moving Services

### Companies
- You Move Me
- El Cheapo Movers
- Two Men and a Truck
- Various local companies

### Cost
| Type | Cost |
|------|------|
| Small move (1BR, local) | CAD 300-600 |
| Medium move (2BR, local) | CAD 500-1,000 |
| DIY rental truck | CAD 100-300/day |

### Tips
- Book early (month-end busy)
- Get multiple quotes
- Read reviews carefully
- Insurance options available

## Other Services

### Car Share
- Zipcar
- Enterprise CarShare
- Communauto

### Bike Share
- Bike Share Toronto (CAD 115/year)

### Package Lockers
- Amazon Hub
- Penguin Pick-Up
- Building package rooms

### Dry Cleaning
- Multiple chains (Fabricare, etc.)
- Many neighborhood options
- CAD 10-30 per item typical

### Grocery Delivery
- Instacart
- Grocery Gateway
- Store apps (Loblaws, Metro)


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