By Torontoist

Torontoist is ending the year by naming our Heroes and Villains—the very best and very worst people, places, things, and ideas that have had an influence on the city over the past twelve months.

Today, in heroes: championing our cultural growth and development.

Matt Galloway, for being unabashedly in love with Toronto.

The TIFF Bell Lightbox, for making great use of its new digs.

Toronto Underground Cinema, for gladdening the hearts of film geeks.

TekSavvy, for standing up against our telecom bullies.

From December 12–23, the candidates for Mightiest and Meanest—and new this year, a reader’s write-in option! From December 26–29 you’ll be able to vote for Toronto’s Superhero and Supervillain of the year, and we’ll reveal the results December 30.