Monday in the 6ix: cool, cloudy, and a castle before the week gets going

Morning, T.O. It's a Monday, and it's showing up grey and mild: 10°C with mostly cloudy skies and a UV index of 3.0, so the sun isn't going to be doing much work today. Jacket territory, not parka territory. The sun sets at 5:07 PM, which gives you about ten hours of daylight, so if you're planning anything outdoors after work, you're going to be catching the last of the light around rush hour, not after it.

If you're heading out this morning, watch the north end. Finch Avenue West is closed 300 metres west of Torresdale Avenue, so if your route touches that stretch, give yourself extra time or go around. The 85 Sheppard East is detoured via Midland Avenue, Huntingwood Drive and Brimley Road because of a Toronto fire investigation, and the 21 Brimley has its own detour through Pitfield Road, McCowan Road and Huntingwood Drive for the same reason. Those are the ones that will eat your commute if you're not expecting them. Bathurst Street is also closed from about nine metres south of Alexis Boulevard to thirteen metres north of it, so if you're cutting through that way, plan a different path.

On the news side, the federal government has called six byelections for December 7, two of them in Ontario, so expect a bit more political chatter in the coming weeks. Closer to home, police say a woman was seriously injured in a North York stabbing, and the suspect died at the scene. In Brampton, a motorcyclist was seriously hurt in a crash at Financial Drive and Derry Road. If you're commuting out that way, use some extra care.

For lunch or a bite after work, Queen West's The Dirty Laundry is turning into a Dirttty Little Xmas pop-up this November, which is worth a look if you're in that neighbourhood. Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse is hosting a three-night collaboration dinner with Hawksmoor, if you're in the mood for something a little fancier. And Chapman's just won an international best ice cream award for its pecan butter tart flavour, so if you want a sweet treat, there's your excuse.

Tonight's live music scene is solid. Sueco is playing two shows at The Opera House, one with Jeris Johnson, both at 7:00 PM, so pick your night and get down there. Amble is at History Toronto at 7:00 PM, and Porch Light is at Longboat Hall at the same time. If you're more of a daytime person, Casa Loma's General Admission opens at 9:30 AM, and a castle tour before the week kicks in is a great way to start a Monday.

If you're catching a game, the U17 World Challenge has Czechia against Sweden at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex at 3:30 PM today. Those are indoor-friendly plans, which is good given the grey.

That's your Monday, T.O. Dress in layers, leave a bit of extra time on the north end, and save some energy for the evening. Catch you tomorrow.