Two journalists, both political rookies, will represent the Liberals and the NDP in the upcoming Toronto Centre byelection. Chrystia Freeland and Linda McQuaig were selected by their parties last night and will battle it out to replace Bob Rae, who resigned in July to become chief negotiator and counsel for the Matawa First Nations. Both candidates took time to talk about a change from Conservative government. Stephen Harper has yet to announce the date of the vote.

TTC Chair Karen Stintz has come out against a proposed 10-cent fare hike being floated by city staff in preliminary budget talks. If implemented, raising fares by a dime could bring in an extra $36 million for the perennially cash-strapped transit provider. The TTC has already agreed to raise fares by 5-cents in 2013 and 2014.

Also in transit, several councillors are worried next month's council meeting could further complicate the Scarborough subway issue. Reports from the TTC, the federal government, and the province are due to arrive before the meeting and could add additional layers to the discussion at a time when council needs to make a final decision. How will this shake out?

The remains of 1,760 Huron-Wendat people that were claimed during archaeological digs and kept in boxes at the University of Toronto were reburied this weekend in a ceremony at a heritage site near Vaughan. The bones and collection of burial items, which traditional beliefs say contain the souls of the deceased, were dug up without the consent or knowledge of First Nations groups.

Users of the Inner Harbour rejoice, the Cherry Street bridge is re-opening to boat and road traffic this week. The lifting Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge allowed the first lake traffic to pass underneath this weekend after nine months of down time for repair. The 83-year-old bridge used to see regular traffic when coal ships would access the Hearn Generating Station.

A rally in support of a Toronto gay couple who were allegedly "humiliated" at a Mimico restaurant drew a crowd over the weekend. Bram Zeidenberg and Jamie Berardi say they were planning the area's when first Pride event at Canadiana Restaurant on Lake Shore Blvd. W. when a waitress told them they couldn't sit together. The restaurant says Zeidenberg and Berardi were touching and kissing each other inappropriately, which they deny.

Toronto has received (quite possibly) its first street named after a culinary dish. Peperonata Lane was officially named this weekend in honour of Francesco Gallo, a Little Italy local who has been serving the red pepper and potato stew from his garage to hungry neighbours for 15 years.

FROM THE WEEKEND:

• Aniston draws a crowd as TIFF 2013 winds down
• TIFF 2013 award winners
• This Week in Theatre
• 10 must-see shows at Just For Laughs Toronto 2013
• That time Eaton's planned the tallest tower in the world

IN BRIEF:

• Man critical after being struck at Bathurst, Steeles [CBC]
• Canadians in Egypt have detention 'extended' [CBC]
• NDP, Liberals pick candidates for Toronto byelection [CBC]
• Orioles silence Blue Jays' bats for series win [CBC]

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: pollosaurio/blogTO Flickr pool.