TORONTO — In the cultural lexicon of Canada’s largest metropolis, living in Toronto is often likened to "hugging a cactus": the more one clings to its identity, the more the city’s sharp edges of gentrification and displacement seem to prick. By mid-2025, this sentiment had reached a fever pitch. As historic venues shuttered and establish
Resilience in the Grey: The Emergence of Zine Dump and the Rebirth of Toronto’s DIY Scene
Main Facts: A New Pillar for a Fragmented Community In the winter of 2025, Toronto’s independent arts community found itself at a precarious crossroads. For decades, the city’s identity had been tethered to a vibrant, albeit struggling, network of "third places"—the bars, bookstores, and DIY venues that provided a sanctuary for creative e
