blogTO

CN Tower tickets for Doors Open Toronto vanish in seconds and people are furious

Sandeep Panesar — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:15:28 -0400

People hoping to score a coveted behind-the-scenes look inside the CN Tower during Doors Open Toronto 2026 were disappointed when tickets seemed to have vanished almost instantly.

Registration for the free experience, part of a broader Doors Open Ontario that gives locals a chance to learn more about the cities they live in through heritage infrastructure, opened on May 19 at exactly 10 a.m.

Residents rushed online to try and secure one of the "limited spots" for the CN Tower's first-ever participation in Doors Open Toronto, with the iconic landmark among several attractions added to this year's lineup.

The 1,815-foot tower, which underwent a $21 million renovation earlier this year, is promising access to normally restricted operational and architectural areas to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

"We were anticipating this would be a hot ticket as this is the first time in the CN Tower's history that the public has been invited to visit these areas," a CN Tower representative told blogTO, adding that the team is incredibly excited to share this unique experience with those lucky enough to get a ticket.

And those who weren't so lucky expressed their frustration on social media.

Reddit users described watching every available time slot disappear in real time, writing, "It was sold out in less than a minute. Some people didn't even get past the waiting screen." Another user said, "I went in right at 10 a.m., like seriously the second it changed to 10 a.m. When I got in, it already said all the times were sold out."

The representative said that because the tour includes "narrow passageways and tight spaces," capacity is limited in order to "ensure safety for all guests."

The overwhelming response isn't entirely surprising given the rarity of this type of experience. Lucky ticket holders will get to see operational spaces and behind-the-scenes areas that the general public wouldn't be able to access with a regular paid ticket.

By the sounds of it, the initial tickets were sold directly through CN Tower, but later users were redirected to Eventbrite to complete their registration. Allegedly, the Eventbrite listing was password-protected, with word spreading that the password to access the registration portal was "cntower."

"The Eventbrite ticket page was password-protected prior to the ticket release at 10 a.m. so that registration opened at the same time for all members of the public," the representative confirmed.

So, will there be more tickets available to register? Unless there are cancellations ahead of the event, the short answer is no. There won't be any rush lines or on-site tickets available the day of the event.

"For guests that were not able to get a ticket, we invite you to take a peek at the inner workings and structural spaces that support this iconic landmark on our social channels," the representative said.

The tours are scheduled for May 23 and 24, with sessions running in 30 minutes intervals. Participants also need to meet specific physical requirements, including being comfortable with stairs, ladders, heights, and narrow passageways.

The CN Tower is located at 290 Bremner Blvd.

Here are all the government payouts eligible Canadians can expect next month

Isabelle Docto — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:22:33 -0400

June ushers in another month of government benefit and credit payments for Canadians.

Whether you're a veteran or a family of four, Canadians from all walks of life could be eligible to receive these benefit and credit payments that aim to help with the country's affordability crisis.

Keep an eye on your bank account — here are all of the benefit and credit payments eligible Canadians could get in June.

One-time GST/HST credit top-up

In January, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit would replace the GST/HST credit in July 2026.

Eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up ahead of its transition into the new grocery rebate on June 5, 2026. The top-up will be equal to 50 per cent of the GST credit for the 2025 to 2026 benefit year. Check to see how much you could get if you're eligible.

Ontario Trillium Benefit — June 10, 2026

The OTB is a tax-free payment that combines the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.

Ontarians could be eligible for one of the three credits. If you're between the ages of 18 and 64, the maximum you'll receive is $1,283, while the maximum you'll qualify for if you're 65 or older is $1,461. If you live on a reserve or a public long-term care home, the maximum you can receive is $285. You'll receive $25 for the time you lived in a designated college, university, or private school residence in 2004.

The amount you receive for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit depends on your marital status. If you're single, you could receive a maximum of $185, while families could receive a maximum of $285.

You can receive up to $371 for the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. However, you may be eligible for additional credit of up to $371 for your spouse or common-law partner, and each dependent child under 19 years of age on the 1st of the payment month. This credit does not affect your GST/HST credit payments.

Canada Disability Benefit — June 18, 2026

If you qualify, you'll begin getting money from the government the month after your application is approved.

"You may receive back payments for up to 24 months from when we get your application, but not for any previous months of eligibility prior to June 2025," reads the government site.

If eligible, your first payment will be on the third Thursday of the month following your approval.

To learn more about the benefit, who's eligible, and how much you can get, check out our guide.

Canada Child Benefit — June 19, 2026

The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families to help with the cost of raising kids under the age of 18.

Canadian families got a 2.7 per cent boost in child tax payments in 2025. Annual payments for children under six will increase from $7,787 to $7,997, or $666 monthly. For those with children aged six to 17, this means an annual payment increase from $6,570 to $6,748, or $562 per month.

The CCB will increase again in July 2026. Check to see how much more money your family could receive from the government.

B.C. Family Benefit — June 19, 2026

Families who qualify for the B.C. Family Benefit (BCFB) will receive this monthly tax-free payment, along with their CCB, in a single payment.

The CRA states that families with children under 18 could receive $145.83 per month for the first child, $41.66 per month for the first child in a single-parent family, $91.66 per month for the second child, and $75 per month for each additional child.

Families with a net income between $29,526 and $94,483 could receive $64.58 per month for the first child, $62.50 per month for the second child, and $60.41 per month for each additional child.

Ontario Child Benefit — June 19, 2026

Ontario families with low to moderate income could be eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB), a provincial tax-free benefit that's delivered with the CCB in a single monthly payment.

Families could be eligible to receive a maximum of $143.91 per month for each child under 18 years of age, and families with a family net income above $26,364 may receive a partial benefit.

Canada Pension Plan — June 26, 2026

The CPP is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of eligible Canadians' income upon retirement and is paid for the rest of their lives.

To receive money from the government, you must have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP and be at least 60 years old.

You'll receive your full pension even if you're under 70 and still working; contributing to the CPP post-retirement benefit can increase your pension.

The CPP is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of eligible Canadians' income upon retirement and is paid for the rest of their lives.

To receive money from the government, you must have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP and be at least 60 years old.

You'll receive your full pension even if you're under 70 and still working; contributing to the CPP post-retirement benefit can increase your pension.

The amount you receive will depend on when you decided to start your pension, the amount you contributed, how much you earned throughout your working life, and how long you contributed to the CPP. New beneficiaries aged 65 will receive an average monthly payment of $899.67. The maximum monthly payment you can receive at age 65 is $1,433.

Old Age Security — June 26, 2026

Canadians aged 65 and older can qualify for the OAS pension regardless of their work history.

Those aged 65 to 74 can receive up to $727.67 per month in 2025 if their annual net income in 2023 was less than $142,609.

However, Canadians aged 75 and older can receive a maximum of $800.44 if their annual net world income in 2023 was less than $148,179.

Veteran Disability Pension — June 29, 2026

The following Canadians can qualify for the Veteran Disability Pension:

A member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces
A member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
A Second World War or Korean War Veteran (includes Merchant Navy), or an eligible civilian who served in the Second World War

Eligible recipients must have a diagnosed medical condition or disability and demonstrate that it was related to their service. If eligible, you can also receive a lifetime monthly benefit or lump sum for Pain and Suffering Compensation. The amount you receive depends on your disability, and payments range from $69.60 to $1,391.98.

There's also the disability pension, which depends on the number of dependents, such as your spouse, common-law partner, and/or children.

You may also be eligible for benefits offered by your provincial or territorial government, rather than the federal government of Canada. Take a look at your provincial benefits page.

NBA poll reveals players don't hate playing for Toronto Raptors

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:18:47 -0400

For years, there has been a stigma around superstar players not wanting to play in Toronto. But a recent anonymous NBA player poll suggests otherwise, and that the perception of the city is changing.

On Monday, The Athletic released its annual anonymous player poll for the 2025-26 NBA season, polling 120 players on various league topics, including which team would top their no-trade list.

Most notably, the Toronto Raptors were one of 11 NBA franchises that thankfully did not make the list.

The Memphis Grizzlies topped the list with 35.8 per cent of the vote, followed by the Washington Wizards at 11.7 per cent and the Sacramento Kings at 10.8 per cent.

NBA players voted on their number one team they do NOT want to get traded to
• Memphis — 35.8% • Washington — 11.7% • Sacramento — 10.8% • New Orleans — 6.7% • Brooklyn — 5% • Utah — 5% • Charlotte — 4.2% • Portland — 4.2% • New York — 3.3% • Detroit — 2.5% • Indiana… pic.twitter.com/nz41kaYjnh — Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) May 18, 2026

The Grizzlies receiving over a third of the vote comes a few months after LeBron James joked on a YouTube show about how he doesn't want to be in Memphis on a "random-ass Thursday."

The comment went viral, and clearly more than a third of the NBA agreed.

The lack of votes for Toronto being a bad trade destination says a lot about how much players love coming to the city and how the Raptors are run.

While the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers were named by players in this poll, the Raptors were not.

Whether it is the city's diversity, music scene or Drake's role as the team's global ambassador, Toronto continues to receive high praise.

Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant said during the 2024-25 season that he loves coming to Toronto.

"They appreciate my journey as a player, so I always have fun coming here. The crowd is always on its feet all game. So they love basketball, so I enjoy coming up here," Durant said previously in a post-game interview.

Lebron James has played 64 games against the Toronto Raptors in his career. (Nick Turchiaro/Imagn Images)

James has also repeatedly praised Toronto despite publicly criticizing other NBA cities in the past.

"This city is unbelievable. Always welcome me with open arms, whether I was coming here to play a basketball game or just come here to visit. I've always loved and appreciated the fans' support here," said James after his most recent game at Scotiabank Arena on Dec. 5.

Raptors fans also finished far down the list in voting for the NBA's most obnoxious fan base, while still receiving 1.2 per cent of the vote for being among the league’s most passionate fans.

For a franchise that has long battled narratives around players not wanting to play in Canada, this new poll paints a very different picture of how today's NBA views Toronto.

Toronto malls turn into complete chaos over luxury merch launch

Sandeep Panesar — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:33:18 -0400

Toronto malls turned into complete chaos over the weekend as hundreds of people lined up overnight for the highly anticipated AP x Swatch "Royal Pop" watch launch on May 16.

Massive crowds had already formed across the city long before stores even opened, including lineups at CF Sherway Gardens, Yorkdale, Fairview Mall and Eaton Centre; the latter reportedly had 60 units that had sold out within minutes.

Social media videos showed packed hallways and parking lots, overnight campers, and security scrambling to control crowds.

It's a well-known fact that Toronto residents will line up for pretty much anything. So, it's not surprising to see this many people lining up to secure one of the colourful new watches, which blend Swatch's signature playful style with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet's iconic Royal Oak design.

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While some people were waiting in line to secure items for themselves, resale listings quickly confirmed that others were hoping to make a hefty profit. The watches, which retail for $525, soon began appearing online for more than double the price, including one on eBay currently sitting at $1,300.

Although chaos broke out at multiple locations, it escalated rather quickly at CF Sherway Gardens and Fairview Mall, where crowds reportedly grew so large that management decided to close the stores over safety concerns.

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Hundreds of people had reportedly lined up outside the Sherway Gardens location by early Friday morning, with one Reddit user confirming the closure. "Waited since 3 a.m. They said the reason [to remain closed] was too many people at the doors," they wrote.

Another user expressed frustration after noticing people cutting in line, writing, "The police and hired security were inadequate and had no control. Shit was just a mess. They cancelled the drop and said they don't know when they'll have it as of now."

Meanwhile, one Reddit user confirmed the lack of inventory at the Fairview Mall location: "Fairway is cooked. They're telling less than 40 pieces in store with over 200 people waiting."

Swatch Canada later took to its social media account to affirm that stores at Sherway Gardens and Fairview Mall would remain closed due to "public safety considerations."

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Representatives for Sherway Gardens were unavailable for comment at the time of publication. However, a representative for Fairview Mall confirmed with blogTO that its Swatch store remains open, though there was allegedly a lineup of 100 people waiting to get inside Tuesday afternoon.

Despite overwhelming demand, Swatch announced on social media that the new collection will remain available in stores for "several months."

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If you're looking to expand your watch collection, it appears you still have plenty of time to shop these coveted items in Toronto.

Snowbirds leaving CNE Air Show until 2030s and will return worse than ever

Natalia Buia — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:55:20 -0400

This year will be the last chance to see the Snowbirds at the CNE Air Show in Toronto until the 2030s.

The fate of the beloved Canadian Forces Snowbirds has been up in the air for the past week, but now it's official: the iconic aerobatic team will be grounded for quite some time.

At a May 19 press conference in Moose Jaw, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty announced that the Snowbirds will perform for the final time this year.

The longtime Canadian symbol – and a staple of Toronto's annual CNE Air Show – will be retired temporarily as the federal government phases out its aging CT-114 Tutor jets.

McGuinty says the Department of National Defence plans to purchase new propeller-driven CT-157 Siskin II jets for the future Snowbirds team, which won't be operational until at least 2030.

For many fans, it marks the end of an era, and many are questioning the switch from jet aircraft to propeller-driven aircraft.

Horrible decision. The Snowbird replacement should be another jet aircraft, not a prop plane.
— MLB (@MLB120012) May 19, 2026

Upon hearing the news, one user on X exclaimed, "how embarrassing for the Canadian military."

You're using a turboprop? How embarrassing for the Canadian Military
— BigDudeStew (@BigDudeStew1) May 19, 2026

For generations, the Snowbirds' vintage red and white jets, thunderous roar and tight synchronicity have been a huge part of the CNE Air Show. With the team stepping away for such a lengthy period, the show is going to feel very different next year.

Catch the 'Birds in action one final time at the 77th Canadian International Air Show, which closes out the CNE for Labour Day Weekend from Sept. 5 to 7, 2026.

Costco sends warning emails to Ontario shoppers after product recall

Natalia Buia — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:07:20 -0400

If you recently purchased hair products at Costco in Ontario, you may want to check your bathroom cabinet or shower stand after the retailer issued a new recall.

A May 15 email from Costco Canada warned Ontario shoppers to immediately stop using a specific brand of shampoo and conditioner sold between May 10 and 12.

The 946 mL bottles of the Renpure Tea Tree & Rosemary Scalp Rebalancing Shampoo and Conditioner have been recalled due to "possible elevated microbial levels."

Costco Canada

Although there have been no reports of serious illness, the manufacturer, Mav Beauty Canada Inc., is playing it safe by pulling the two products, which they claim may cause mild skin irritation and sensitivity.

Shoppers are encouraged to check the lot code on the bottom of their shampoo and conditioner bottles to see if it matches the lots in question:

2603C065
2604C066

If you have purchased the affected Renpure Tea Tree & Rosemary Scalp Rebalancing Shampoo and Conditioner, Mav Beauty Canada says to stop using them and return the products to any Costco Canada location for a full refund.

Customers can reach out to Costco Canada with questions or concerns.

Other nationwide recalls in recent weeks have included David's Tea and FreezYums! sour candy.

Toronto thief allegedly caught stealing by former Blue Jays catcher

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:57:08 -0400

During his seven-year MLB career, former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Caleb Joseph caught plenty of runners trying to steal bases.

But on Monday afternoon, the longtime baseball analyst found himself dealing with a different kind of theft.

Joseph was entering Rogers' Sportsnet studio at 333 Bloor St. E. when a stranger allegedly snatched bags and ran away, according to Sportsnet's Blue Jays Central host Jamie Campbell.

As Caleb Joseph was entering our studios tonight, a thief snatched his bags and ran. Thanks to several members of the #BlueJaysCentral crew who chased - and caught - the man two blocks away.
— Jamie Campbell (@SNETCampbell) May 18, 2026

Several Sportsnet employees reportedly witnessed the incident and chased the suspect for several blocks in an attempt to recover Joseph's stolen belongings. After what Campbell described as a brief pursuit, the man was eventually caught, and the bags were returned to Joseph.

The Toronto Police Service told blogTO that no call for service or official police report was made in relation to the alleged robbery near the Rogers Sportsnet studio on Monday afternoon, so it appears the speedy employees and Joseph let the thief walk free.

Rogers Sportsnet has not publicly commented on the incident that allegedly occurred outside their offices.

Caleb Joseph has been a Blue Jays analyst on Sportsnet since 2022 (Sportsnet)

Joseph's career with the Toronto Blue Jays was brief, playing in just three games for Toronto during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season before being released by the club.

In 2022, Joseph joined Rogers Sportsnet as a baseball analyst for Toronto Blue Jays television and radio broadcasts, serving as one of the regular co-hosts alongside Campbell on Blue Jays Central.

Super-secret new Mexican restaurant coming soon to Toronto

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:40:00 -0400

Can you keep a secret? There's a new Mexican restaurant opening in Toronto's Little India neighbourhood, but it's being kept way on the down low for now.

If you frequent Toronto's Gerrard Street East, as any self-respecting foodie should, you may have noticed that a mysterious new seafoam green storefront, identified only by the name "Santa Madre" in looping white script, has popped up in the block between Ashdale Avenue and Hiawatha Road.

More intriguing yet, the papered-over window features a tiny peephole with a sign that asks, "Can you keep a secret?"

If you muster up the courage to look inside, however, the jig is up: Santa Madre will be the latest Mexican restaurant to open its doors on the strip, joining other celebrated spots like El Hijo de Tizoc, Puerto Bravo and Chula Taberna Mexicana.

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Not merely a marketing ploy, the peephole is, quite literally, the only source of information you'll find about the restaurant as of the time of publication, aside from a bare bones Google business listing that boasts a meagre eight reviews, seemingly from a quiet soft opening.

No website, no social media. If you want to find out more about what the restaurant is all about, you'll simply have to experience it for yourself.

If you can't justify a trip to the east for an unknown, though, some further information can be found from the early reviews. Sherlock Holmes, eat your heart out.

According to reviews, the restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Luis Valenzuela, the owner and chef behind Holi Taco in the Beaches.

The menu features an extensive selection of tacos, tortas, masa and milpa dishes, alongside a tight lineup of sweet treats to round out your meal.

Santa Madre has yet to officially open its doors, but once it does, there's no chance this secret restaurant is staying a secret.

Santa Madre is located at 1437 Gerrard St. E.

Long-awaited social club opens in Toronto this spring after a year of delays

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:59:10 -0400

After over a year of delays, a hotly anticipated new "social house" is finally gearing up to open its doors soon in Toronto.

There's a certain brand of resto-bars in Toronto (and other major metropolitan hubs, I'm sure) that defies easy labelling. They're the sorts of places where you can grab a quick and casual lunch during daylight hours or swing by at night to dance along to a DJ set.

They're a blend of restaurant, bar, and nightclub, all wrapped up into one vague package that has come to be categorized by the label of "social house," or, in some cases, "social club."

Good news for fans of such establishments: there's a brand-new social house preparing to open its doors in Toronto, and while the club itself might be new to the neighbourhood, the concept is actually a long time coming.

Ever since the Fox and Fiddle location in CityPlace closed its doors in January 2025, rumblings of its usurper, a day-to-night concept called Charlie Social House, have surrounded the Fort York Boulevard address.

Helmed by Reign Company, the hospitality team behind Fox on John, Chief Marketing Officer, Syed Sohail, told blogTO at the time that the aim for Charlie Social House was to create a new "cornerstone of the CityPlace community and Toronto's social scene."

But, when the bar's anticipated spring 2025 opening date came and went without the opening actually taking place due to delays related to "ongoing tariffs and a strained Canada–U.S. trade climate," Reign backpedalled on the initial closure, opting instead to make the most of summer 2025 by reopening under the Fox and Fiddle name.

Now, more than a year later, it's finally about to be Charlie's time to shine.

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While the exact opening date has yet to be determined, the concept's newly minted social media profiles promise that it's "coming spring 2026."

Replace that 6 with a 5, and you may be thinking that this is a story we've already heard before, but it looks like this time, Charlie Social House is actually on track to open on time. Or, open in general, at least.

On Monday, May 11, the restaurant shared a video of a lineup snaking out the door for its job fair, and with a staff team now in place, opening day can't be far.

Charlie Social House will be located at 17 Fort York Blvd.

Canadian bread settlement money on the way and here's how much you can get

Allison Stephen, Daily Hive — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:35:30 -0400

Canadians, it's time to get that bread (literally), because bread price-fixing settlement payments have begun hitting bank accounts, and some are receiving nearly $50.

Payments for approved claims in the Canadian Packaged Bread Class Actions Settlement began rolling out this week, with funds being issued in batches due to the high volume of claims. That means some recipients may see payments arrive sooner than others, so if your friends receive theirs first, don't worry, because payments are expected to arrive at different times.

The Superior Court of Quebec and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved a $500-million settlement last year in the bread price-fixing class action lawsuit against Loblaw. Open to eligible residents of Canada who purchased Packaged Bread for their personal use between 2001 and 2021, the claims period ran from Sept. 11 to Dec. 12, 2025.

The lawsuit alleges the supermarket giant overcharged Canadians for bread as part of an industry-wide price-fixing scheme involving certain packaged bread products. Other major grocery retailers, including Canada Bread, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart Canada, and Giant Tiger, are also named in related class actions.

How much will I get?

The amount you receive will depend on whether or not you previously received a $25 Loblaw card from the Loblaw Card Program in 2017.

If you did not participate, you'll receive a $49.11 payment to your account. If you did, you can expect a payment of $24.11.

Payments are being issued by e-transfer or by cheque, depending on the option you selected when you made a claim. If you're expecting an e-transfer, be sure to check your junk and spam folders in addition to your inbox.

You can learn more about the settlement, including ways to stay safe from scams during the payment rollout, on the Canadian Bread Settlement website.

TTC to shut down over 7 kilometres of subway for this entire weekend

Jack Landau — Tue, 19 May 2026 09:57:23 -0400

TTC subway closures this weekend will cut off the east end of the city from rapid transit service, with over seven kilometres of track to be shut down on May 23 and 24, 2026.

The transit agency has announced a full weekend closure that will span between Kennedy and Woodbine stations on the Line 2 Bloor-Danforth.

With the Line 3 Scarborough RT long-closed and the new Scarborough Busway still a few months away, the closure will leave residents in the east end of the city with little more than shuttle bus service or GO Transit to get in and out of the city centre.

The closure is attributed to planned track work on Line 2, something TTC riders have been hearing a lot about lately.

The weekend closure will be bookended by two weeks of early nightly closures along the same stretch of Line 2. This section of track will close early each night at 11:59 p.m. from Tuesday, May 19 to Friday, May 22, 2026 and again from Monday, May 25 to Friday, May 29, 2026.

A closure along this stretch was initially planned for the weekend of Friday, May 8, to Saturday, May 9, 2026, before the TTC quietly removed its outage notice and replaced it with a closure of Line 2 between Kipling and Jane.

It seems that deferred work is now being pushed forward as the transit agency scrambles to clear its backlog of work before the FIFA World Cup arrives in Toronto in just a few weeks.

Warden Station will be fully closed for the duration of the weekend, though all other stations affected by the closure will remain open for commuters to purchase fares, reload cards, and connect with surface transit.

Train service will resume on Monday, May 25.

Fireworks-related chaos swept Ontario this long weekend

Jack Landau — Tue, 19 May 2026 09:06:27 -0400

Fireworks wars, an exploding store, and a closed park were just some of the chaotic events involving pyrotechnics in Ontario over the Victoria Day long weekend.

The unofficial start to summer is often fraught with fireworks-related chaos, and the 2026 Victoria Day long weekend quite literally launched with a bang several hours before the scheduled pyrotechnic displays.

On Monday, a car crashed into an Etobicoke fireworks shop, igniting a five-alarm blaze that set off packaged pyrotechnics as firefighters battled the blaze.

Toronto police say a vehicle crashed into a fireworks store in Etobicoke, igniting a blaze that sent fireworks shooting into the air as crews battled the flames.

READ MORE: https://t.co/d9YhA1dQE3 pic.twitter.com/ccnwEzWv6N
— CHCH News (@CHCHNews) May 18, 2026

But that was really just a prelude to the chaos that would follow on Monday evening, where roman candle fireworks were repurposed as makeshift firearms by rowdy teenagers.

Toronto Police say that five people were arrested at Woodbine Park during Monday night's fireworks celebrations, including multiple arrests of people allegedly caught shooting fireworks at others.

Another four were arrested during Waterloo's Victoria Day celebrations.

In Mississauga's Streetsville area, a girl was reportedly shot by fireworks and tended to by local police.

NOW: Girl gets reportedly shot by a firework in her car at Vic* Johnston CC in #Streetsville, police render aid.

Follow @905hub_ for daily Mississauga updates. pic.twitter.com/0S1lqZd4YR
— 905HUB (@905hub_) May 19, 2026

It was more of the same over in Port Credit.

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Brampton was undeniably the most-talked-about fireworks-related story over the long weekend, where unruly teenagers amassed for fireworks wars in public parks.

In a shocking move, the City of Brampton summarily ordered a local park closed. Peel Regional Police announced just after 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening that Chinguacousy Park was closed "due to large, unsafe gatherings and use of fireworks" and ordered everyone to leave the public space.

PARK CLOSURE:

-The @CityBrampton has closed Chinguacousy Park due to large, unsafe gatherings and use of fireworks.
-Effective immediately, park is closed.
-All individuals in the park are to leave the area.
-Park will remain closed until further notice.
-Police on scene…
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) May 18, 2026

Fireworks are a touchy subject in Brampton following the 2022 ban of fireworks in the city. Some have argued that the ban unfairly targets Brampton's South Asian community on holidays like Diwali, while the City maintains that the ban is in place to reduce risk of fire, injury, and other unsafe use.

Seriously , you think this was the result of not having a fireworks show. This was about punks causing havoc plain & simple. It was promoted as a burnskin where ppl shoot fireworks at each other. https://t.co/S6eULAjMfZ
— IMTHATGUY (@IMTHATGUY1693) May 19, 2026

Regardless of your stance, it's a debate likely to re-emerge in several weeks when fireworks once again light up Ontario skies in celebration of Canada Day on July 1.

Sprawling $3.6M Ontario mansion comes with a pool and 13-car parking

Sabrina Gamrot — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:01 -0400

A timeless beauty of a home in the prestigious Rattray Marsh neighbourhood of Mississauga has just entered the real estate market.

A rare opportunity in this area, 495 Meadow Wood Rd. sits on a 0.54-acre property surrounded by lush greenery, offering a quiet setting while still being close to the city.

Rattray Marsh is known for its natural beauty and extensive walking trails near Lake Ontario.

With four-plus-one bedrooms and six washrooms, the $3.6 million classic mansion boasts a "value play", with a lower price per square foot than other newer builds in the area.

That means buyers can secure an estate-sized lot and 5,700 square feet of luxury for a strategic price point.

A long interlocking circular driveway leads to a three-car garage, with parking for up to 13 vehicles on the property.

Now, back to the property itself.

The home immediately stands out with its expansive frontage. Inside, a grand marble foyer opens into the main living space, where vaulted ceilings and an elegant oak staircase set the tone for the rest of the interior.

A grand entrance for a grand home.

The gourmet kitchen oozes classic design, with granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and a top-of-the-line appliance suite (Miele, GE, KitchenAid).

Curving countertops and an island give this space its own unique touch.

Continue into the family room and you'll find a traditional fireplace and custom wainscoting, giving the space a classic, refined feel.

The space also features a seamless walkout to the beautiful entertainment deck.

Up on the top level, the home offers a spacious, family-friendly layout. Three additional well-sized bedrooms sit alongside the primary suite, which spans approximately 550 square feet.

Ample sunlight washes the room in a warm glow thanks to these generously sized windows.

The primary retreat is complete with personal touches, including a large walk-in closet and a heated-floor ensuite with a freestanding tub.

Soak away the day's stress in this luxurious, spa-like tub.

The lower level functions as a social club-style space for entertaining. It includes a temperature-controlled 500-bottle wine cellar and a professional-grade wet bar. Time to become a wine connoisseur?

Start your wine-collecting dreams now.

Classic design continues in the lower level's massive recreation space, with coffered ceilings and a roaring natural-gas fireplace. For guests, a fifth bedroom (guest suite) with heated floors and a private jacuzzi bathtub is also included.

This is where all the fun happens!

You'll love your new backyard resort thanks to an enormous in-ground pool, stone patio, and truly massive 1,000-square-foot deck. The three-tier masterpiece is perfect for large-scale outdoor hosting.

The property is professionally lit and filled with mature trees, creating a natural fortress steps from the lake.

This is a truly rare chance to live in one of Mississauga's most affluent neighbourhoods, with a move-in-ready dream mansion.

Already packing your bags? Contact the Sam McDadi real estate team and get ready to call 495 Meadow Wood Rd. your new home!

Charming Ontario town set to host a massive free street festival next month

Sandeep Panesar — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A massive summer street festival is taking over Main Street in Unionville, a quaint little community in Markham, bringing all the classic fixings of an outdoor celebration.

This June, the Unionville Festival will transform one of its prettiest and most historic streets into a vibrant, pedestrian-only party, packed with local vendors and live entertainment.

Main Street Unionville will be buzzing with live performances, patio dining, artisan markets, pop-up shopping, and community events throughout the festival weekend.

Whether you're going for the food, the shopping, or simply an excuse to spend the day strolling through Ontario's most charming main streets — a destination people flock to year-round — the festival offers something for everyone.

First launched in 1969 as a protest to save Main Street from demolition, the festival now hosts over 30,000 visitors annually, showcasing more than 500 vendors, entertainers, and over 25 unique activations.

Entertainment this year will include local busking groups, live bandstand performances, a dog show, and even a parade that will take over the street on June 6, at 10:30 a.m.

Needless to say, the anticipation for this annual event is high. Avid festival-goers have taken to the event's official Instagram announcement, expressing their excitement.

"Can't wait for the best weekend of the year in Unionville," one user writes. "Summer's cominggg," another comment reads.

Main Street Unionville has been undergoing a significant restoration project since August 2024, which has limited the festival's capacity over the last two years. Now, with the restoration complete, this year's event is expected to feel bigger and more exciting than ever before.

The Unionville Festival takes place June 6 and 7 in Markham, Ont. and admission is free. Check the event website for more updates as the big weekend approaches.

The water park at Canada's Wonderland is opening this weekend

Sandeep Panesar — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Thinking of taking a trip over to Canada's Wonderland? Don't forget to pack your swimsuit because the park's beloved water park, Splash Works, is set to open this weekend.

The 20-acre water park, which is included with regular park admission, features everything from towering water slides to Canada's largest outdoor wave pool, Whitewater Bay. Guests can also float along the lazy river for a little rest and relaxation between rides.

But if you're more of a thrill-seeker, then you're in luck.

Among the biggest attractions at Splash Works, and maybe even the entire park itself, is Muskoka Plunge, where riders step into a launch chamber before the floor suddenly vanishes and sends them down a near-vertical waterslide in a state of free fall from 60 feet above ground.

If you're looking for even more heart-racing fun, beloved attractions like Mountain Bay Cliffs and Moosehorn Falls are also returning for the season.

Some may remember that the theme park was working on a "record-breaking water attraction" for the 2026 season. Unfortunately, plans to bring that idea to life are on hold, but the Canada's Wonderland promises a fun-filled experience for guests nonetheless.

It's safe to say the opening of Splash Works marks the unofficial start of summer at Canada's Wonderland, and the theme park is already gearing up for a packed season with fireworks and festivals, a new lineup of bizarre eats, and some of the park's most beloved attractions.

@blogto It's officially that time of the year! ☀️🌊🎙️-@olga🌟 #canadaswonderland #splashworks #toronto #torontolife #canada ♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio

The water park officially opens on May 23. Tickets for Canada’s Wonderland (which include access to Splash Works) start at $45.99 plus applicable taxes and fees, and can be purchased online or on site.

Canada's Wonderland is located at 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive in Vaughan, Ont.