After consistent quarter by quarter gains, the sale of new condos has dropped for the first time since 1994. Despite breaking such a long streak, the decrease likely indicates only a slight cooling of the market, as the previous four quarters saw near record high sales. Meanwhile, the resale market set a new new quarterly record of 5,076 sales.

The Dufferin Jog is almost complete, but that doesn't mean that construction is finished in the area. Although the current underpass provides room for three railway lines to cross Queen St. at the intersection in question, a 2009 Transit Environmental Assessment called for a fourth track to accommodate future traffic. But rather than extend the project an additional two months to put all the track in on the first go, the City has decided to expand the underpass only when service demands it. This will eventually require an extra six months of construction and cause significant traffic disruption in the area.

An increase in alcohol consumption across the province is being attributed to the good (if hot) weather this summer. Beer and cider sales were up over 11% between mid June and mid July compared to last year, while single can purchases increased a whopping 45 per cent. Apparently we're all drinking so much that employees at the LCBO's distribution warehouse in Durham are working overtime to keep up with the demand.

After fighting the construction of a big-box retail outlet in their neighbourhood (rumored to include a Wal-Mart), Leslieville residents may face another battle. The hope was that the site -- which served as a temporary detention centre during the G20 -- would house businesses offering high-income tech or film jobs. The Vaughan-based developer, Smart Centres Inc., however, wants to build to car dealerships on the land. Local Councillor Paula Fletcher is looking into whether or not the City has the power to block or alter the proposal.

In Brief:

About a year into having to pay a fee for plastic bags, the Sun takes a look at some of the numbers related to the program.

A report from the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office has determined that the cause of the 2008 Sunrise Propane explosion was a gas leak and mechanical failure.

And the TTC and ZIPcar have teamed up to offer metropass holders deals on the car-sharing service. Details of the partnership will be announced later today.

Photo by ~EvidencE~ of the blogTO Flickr pool.