What's open and closed Christmas Day in Toronto 2012:

CLOSED

• All LCBO, Wine Rack locations, Steam Whistle Brewery, Amsterdam Brewery, and Beer stores
• Major grocery stores and most pharmacies (although some Shoppers' will remain open)
• Government offices and banks
• Libraries
• Attractions such as the Ontario Science Centre, ROM, the AGO, and the CN Tower
• Almost all shopping malls (including the Eaton Centre, which closes at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve)
• St. Lawrence Market
• No mail delivery

What's open and closed Thanksgiving weekend in Toronto 2012:

CLOSED

Most stores will be observing regularly scheduled hours on Saturday and Sunday, although some restaurants will be closed throughout the weekend--it's best to call ahead. As well, some 24-hour grocery stores, such as Sobey's, will be closing at 12am on Monday.

Earlier today, the TTC board voted in favour of a 5 cent fare hike for 2013. At present, the vote is just "in principle," but if it's formally passed by council later this year, the TTC expects to generate $18 million towards the $28 million deficit it's facing in its 2013 operating budget.

The Commission also voted to outsource the cleaning of TTC buses, a move that has drawn the ire of union president Bob Kinnear. It's unclear what steps the union will take to fight the decision, but he did promise that there would be push-back.

For more on these developments, check out the Globe's coverage.

On September 24th the The Masonic Temple will be packed for the 2012 Polaris Prize Gala. The fantastic lineup of live performances has just been announced with all but three of the nominees set to grace the stage for the annual event:

What's open and closed Labour Day Monday in Toronto 2012:

CLOSED

• Government offices, banks, and libraries
• No mail delivery
• All LCBO stores, Beer Stores, and Wine Rack locations
• Most stores and grocery stores

What's open and closed Civic Holiday Monday in Toronto 2012:

CLOSED

• Government offices and banks
• No mail delivery