Alcohol Sales
Toronto residents buy their liquor from two government controlled outlets: the Beer Store and the LCBO. The Beer Store is just that; a location that only sells beer. The LCBO sells hard liquor, beer, and wine. Restaurants that sell alcohol will usually have a sign indicating an LCBO license. You can find LCBO in Toronto and The Beer Store.
Automobile Registration
Toronto residents that drive are required to obtain a Canadian drivers license, automobile plates, and insurance within 30 days of arrival. Imported vehicles must be cleared through Canadian Customs and entered into the RIV program. Registering a vehicle in Toronto is expensive; owners usually pay an 8% sales tax for vehicles not purchased in Ontario. All vehicles must pass a safety and emissions test before registration. For more information click here.
Banking
Toronto is Canada's banking and finance center. The following is a list of the most popular banks with multiple ATM locations throughout the city:
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The Bank of Montreal (BMO) (BMO in Toronto)
Grocery Stores
The largest grocery retailers in Toronto:
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Price Choppers (Sobeys' discount grocer affiliate)
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Food Basics (discount grocer)
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No Frills (Loblaws' discount grocer affiliate)
In addition to the traditional retailers,
downtown residents have access to the St. Lawrence Market and to the
Kensington Market. The St. Lawrence Market is a historical shopping
market with butchers, bakers, seafood retailers, fruit and vegetable
stands, and small dining establishments housed in a single warehouse
sized building. The Kensington Market is a collection of small,
frequently ethnic food stores located along and around Kensington
St. Shoppers will find fruit and vegetable stands, seafood, spices,
cheeses, clothing, and other interesting items.
Healthcare
Canadian healthcare is nationalized and local
services are administered by
OHIP. All Canadian citizens and legal residents are entitled to
a basic level of service with no out-of-pocket cost. The system does
not cover prescription drugs, routine dental services, or cosmetic
services. Tourists are not eligible for free treatment under
Canada's healthcare system.
Internet Services
Sympatico and
Rogers Cable
are the two largest providers of high-speed access.
Newspapers
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The Globe & Mail (liberal)
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National and Financial Post (conservative)
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Toronto Star (liberal)
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NOW (liberal alternative)
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Toronto Sun (tabloid)
Notary Public
Certified notaries in Toronto are usually practicing attorneys. Prices start around $40.
Shopping
Toronto has extensive shopping to fit every taste and budget. The most popular shopping districts downtown are located along Yonge St., the Bloor/Danforth corridor, along Queen St. west, and along Queen St. east near the beaches. Most main thoroughfares throughout the metropolitan area will have shopping.
The largest shopping malls in Toronto:
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Eaton Centre (downtown on Yonge St.)
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Fairview Mall (north of Toronto on Hwy 404)
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Scarborough Centre (Scarborough)
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Sherway Gardens (west on the Queen's Expy.)
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Yorkdale Shopping Centre (north on Hwy 401)
Toronto maintains one of the worlds most unique shopping complexes: the PATH. The PATH is a 1200 store shopping mall located beneath the downtown financial district. In general terms, you can travel and shop underground from Union Station to The Eaton Centre on the north/south axis and from Yonge St. to John St. on the east/west axis. Click here for a map.
Shoppers looking for discounts can frequent
Wal-Mart and Zellers.
Taxes
Local residents pay a 15% sales tax (8%
provincial plus 7% federal) on purchases and services with few
exceptions (fresh food is one). Alcohol purchased in a bar or
restaurant is taxed at 18%.
Tax Freedom Day (the day when your government tax burden has
been met) in Ontario is June 20. Income taxes are administered by the
Canadian
Revenue Agency.
Americans Relocating to Toronto
Americans relocating to Canada will find the following similarities between Toronto and the large cities of the American northeast:
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Architecture
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Flora and fauna
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Business franchises
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Food brands
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Home furnishings
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Clothing styles
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Television, music, and movies
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Language
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Currency denominations and name
For more information click here.
Links