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Here's what new Toronto park at site of former abandoned KFC will look like

Kimia Afshar Mehrabi — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:58:38 -0400

The site of a long-vacant and since-demolished KFC-Taco Bell building at one of Toronto's busiest intersections is one step closer to becoming a park.

The City of Toronto has revealed the preferred design for a new 820-square-metre park coming to 464-470 Queen St. W., at the corner of Queen Street West and Augusta Avenue. The future park is set to replace the former fast-food chain site, which sat abandoned for years before plans emerged to transform it into a public green space.

According to the City, the project has now completed phase three of its community engagement, where the preferred design for the space was shared with the broader community as well as an Indigenous Sharing Circle.

The preferred design reportedly combines the strongest elements from the three concepts shown during the second phase of public consultation, bringing together elements like shape, gathering, storytelling, biodiversity, and observation.

The park is set to feature benches and a variety of seating areas, a feature tree surrounded by a circular gathering space, ornamental shrubs, large stones, an art panel, and Q-shaped paving.

"The preferred design is organized around a circular gathering space anchored by a feature tree and framed by a shaded grove, layered planting and a variety of seating," the City writes on its website.

"Distinctive paving extends towards the intersection, creating a welcoming arrival and expressing a Q shape that references the park's location and a turtle that represents Turtle Island, a recommendation from engagement with Indigenous communities."

A pathway through the planting area is set to connect 15 Denison Ave. to the central gathering area, and the park's Augusta Avenue edge will feature a double-sided bench that will allow people to face either the central gathering space or the surrounding neighbourhood.

The project is now moving toward the detailed design phase, where the design team will work through technical and construction details before the park is officially built. A construction team is set to be hired this fall, and demolition at 468 Queen St. W. is expected to follow suit in December.

Based on the current timeline, which is still subject to change, construction on the park will begin next summer and finish by summer 2028, when the green space is expected to open to the public.

A park has been planned for the site since at least 2021, when it was revealed that the abandoned KFC-Taco Bell at the corner of Queen and Augusta, along with the sneaker retailer, SVP Sports, would be demolished.

SVP Sports was ultimately repurposed as It's Ok* Studios, an independent, Black-led, interdisciplinary arts hub that hosted creative programming and community events until recently, when it too shut its doors to make way for the park.

$5.6B subway extension project in Toronto just crossed a huge milestone

Jack Landau — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:43:59 -0400

The Yonge North Subway Extension project crossed an important milestone on Thursday, with the official competition of excavation work for the launch shaft where tunnel boring machines will soon embark on an over six-kilometre voyage to extend the TTC's Line 1 - Yonge University subway.

The provincial government has announced that, after the removal of almost 70,000 cubic metres of soil to a depth of over ten metres, the launch shaft is ready to go ahead of the start of tunnelling for the extension's twin 6.3-kilometre tunnels

A pair of tunnel boring machines will eventually be lowered into the launch shaft, the construction of which requires a staggering 11,000 cubic metres of concrete and 860 tonnes of steel reinforcement, to carve away northbound on the extension.

The new extension will carry Line 1 approximately eight kilometres north from Finch Station to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill, adding five new stations at Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard, Bridge and High Tech.

Ontario Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, hailed the milestone as evidence of "historic investments in public transit to protect Ontario's economy and keep people moving in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty."

"The Yonge North Subway Extension will bring subway service to Markham and Richmond Hill for the first time ever, relieving gridlock and connecting thousands of people to housing and good-paying jobs," said Sarkaria.

Though the launch shaft is now excavated, don't expect tunnelling to begin overnight, as utility relocation work must precede future tunnelling and station construction.

The entire extension project was initially estimated to cost $5.6 billion, though a 2025 request for qualifications projected that the cost of stations, rails and systems alone would add up to $4 billion.

However, the suburban municipalities getting new subway service are excited regardless of the price tag.

Vaughan mayor Steven Del Duca calls the construction milestone"an exciting step forward for the Yonge North Subway Extension." Del Duca notes that the extension will "bring a second subway line to Vaughan, further strengthening our links to Toronto and communities across the region."

Richmond Hill mayor David West says that the municipality has fought for a subway extension "for decades," adding, "today's tunnelling milestone demonstrates that this vision is becoming a reality."

"The completion of this phase of construction is an important step toward delivering faster, more reliable transit connections for residents and supporting the long-term economic vitality of our community."

Toronto Blue Jays likely to get rid of unpopular pitcher Jeff Hoffman

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:41:08 -0400

If there's one thing the Toronto Blue Jays have a surplus of heading into the Aug. 3 trade deadline, it's right-handed pitching out of the bullpen.

With Yimi García expected to return to the team by mid-August, reliever Jeff Hoffman could be one of the players on his way out of Toronto at the deadline.

The best fit for him, too, might be the place Blue Jays acquired him from — the Philadelphia Phillies.

According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, the Phillies front office is expected to be "aggressive" at the deadline, and one of its biggest needs is a set-up right-handed reliever with playoff experience.

Hoffman checks those boxes.

Jeff Hoffman has a 5-7 record out of the Blue Jays bullpen this season and a 4.40 ERA. (William Liang/Imagn Images)

The 33-year-old's role with the Blue Jays has diminished this season after blowing four saves in nine opportunities, which resulted in the loss of his closer job to Louis Varland.

Hoffman could be looking for a change of scenery, and returning to a club where he has a proven track record and earned his first (and only) career All-Star selection in 2024 might be exactly what he needs.

The Phillies' need for relief pitching also recently became even more urgent after veteran reliever Brad Keller suffered a UCL tear two weeks ago that will keep him out for the remainder of 2026 and potentially much of next season.

Toronto also has reason to consider moving him with Varland now in the closer role, García coming back, and Tyler Rogers already as one of the go-to set-up men out of the bullpen.

Moving Hoffman would also give Toronto some additional payroll flexibility heading into the offseason, potentially shaking the $12.6 million he's owed in 2027.

Although the Blue Jays may need to sweeten the deal since Hoffman is having a down year, which could involve Toronto retaining 10 or 15 percent of the salary he's owed next year in return for possibly an aging lower-level prospect within the Phillies organization.

In comes Jeff Hoffman.

From @OverDrive1050 today on Hoffman as a potential trade candidate, and how other teams could view him: https://t.co/h8i2ewxTVm
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) July 23, 2026

While Philadelphia appears to be one of the best fits, the Phillies won't be alone in pursuing bullpen depth over the next week and a half.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals are several contenders also linked to acquiring bullpen upgrades down the stretch, so there will be a market for Hoffman, no matter what.

It just comes down to how much teams are willing to give up and where Toronto sees Hoffman's role moving forward.

Chef Porpy dishes on the authentic Northern Thai menu at Larb Muang

Kendall Bistretzan — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:00:29 -0400

There's no shortage of delicious Thai food in Toronto. Spots like Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen bring bold southern flavours, 555 Boat noodles are the edible memory of Central Thailand’s canal life, while Somtum Jin Da is all about rustic Isaan fare. But what about Northern cuisine?

When it comes to food, Thailand, like many countries, has different specialties that vary by region, and restaurateur Patrick Suksaen wanted to introduce Northern Thai flavours to Toronto.

He also knew that if anyone could craft the perfect menu, it was Chef Porpy, and if anyone could ensure authenticity, it was Porpy's mom, Mae Meo.

The three began building something new, based on real recipes, real memories, and a shared feeling that Toronto was ready for the full taste of Thailand – not just parts of it. Like that, Larb Muang was born.

True Northern Thai cuisine

To put it into perspective, it’s difficult to find Northern Thai dishes in Bangkok, so finding them in Toronto is basically unheard of.

At Larb Muang, true Northern Thai cuisine goes beyond the menu, with most key ingredients coming directly from Thailand and hand-selected by Mae Meo.

"She’s spent her life discovering the secret elements of Northern Thai cooking, sourcing herbs, spices, and traditional pastes you can’t find anywhere else," Chef Porpy tells blogTO. "And that’s what I’ve learned from her – to pay attention to every detail, from how the chillies are dried to how the herbs are packed. Nothing is ever ‘just an ingredient.'"

A prime example of this is Larb Muang's use of Puu Ong – a black freshwater crab tomalley from Southeast Asia to be eaten atop warm sticky rice, using your hands.

"It’s very personal to us, and I wasn't sure how people here would react. But my favourite part — the part that makes me smile every time — is seeing customers love it, even when it's their first time trying something like that."

Serving Toronto

Representing true Northern Thailand is anything but simple. Servers are always prepared to explain the dishes in detail so customers can actually understand what they're tasting.

Patrick's mantra to the Larb Muang team was always, "Don't wait. Just do it, and do it well. Don’t be scared to be different – it's worth it."

If you ask Chef Porpy, that advice has always held up. A year into business, she discovered that Toronto is happy to embrace the flavours, stories, and techniques of Northern Thai Food.

"They [customers] love the way we cook, the flavours we grew up with, and the style we bring to the table. And that’s the part that makes us happiest."

Chef Porpy has mastered Northern Thai dishes like Khao Soi, Nam Ngiew, Name Prik Num, Hor Nung Gai,Tum Ba Noon, and Tum Ba O, but she also brings a playful seafood side to the menu!

Think marinated salmon, crab, and shrimp paired with an in-house seafood sauce – a small but mighty portion of the menu perfect for anyone who isn’t quite ready to venture into the full-blown world of Thai food (or just really likes seafood).

Classic cocktails with a Thai twist

The cocktail menu is also quite innovative, with lots of fun drinks to accompany your meal.The Wieng Pink is a vibrant and colourful choice, made with gin, rose syrup, pineberry syrup, lime juice, and star anise, and topped with tonic water. Meanwhile, the Northern Sour (Khao Soi) is a unique tropical and aromatic choice with spice-infused whiskey, turmeric and coconut syrups, and bitters.

Do you like Piña Coladas? How about one with a Thai twist? Try the Phu-Pina, a delicious blend of coconut rum, white rum, turmeric syrup, pineapple and passion fruit juice, and creamy coconut milk.

And for alcohol-free sipping, the Thai Milk Tea is also a popular choice.

Celebrating Larb Muang's first anniversary

As Larb Muang celebrates its first year in business, one thing is clear – Chef Porpy, Patrick, and Mae Meo are all cooking with confidence, and they’re excited to see what the next years bring for their restaurant.

Check it out for yourself and experience a taste of Northern Thailand right here in Canada by visiting Larb Muang at 45 Baldwin St., Toronto.

Canada updates U.S. travel advisory over 'diarrhea lettuce' parasite

Irish Mae Silvestre — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:30:37 -0400

Before crossing the border, travellers from Canada may want to check the latest travel advisory update for the U.S.

The Government of Canada has just issued an update for its travel health notice for the U.S. According to the government, U.S. authorities are continuing to investigate several outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, an illness of the intestine caused by a parasite called Cyclospora.

The advisory warns that people can get sick and infected if they eat food or drink water that contains the Cyclospora parasite; however, it adds that the infection is unlikely to spread between people.

"The most common symptom of infection is watery diarrhea. If left untreated, you may have the symptoms for a few days up to a few months," reads the statement. "Most people have symptoms for six to seven weeks. Sometimes, symptoms may go away and then return."

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), symptoms can also include:

Abdominal bloating and gas
Fatigue (tiredness)
Stomach cramps
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Mild fever
Nausea

As of May 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis, 308 hospitalizations, and is aware of more than 7,400 additional cases that have yet to be confirmed.

Canadians travelling in the U.S. are urged to reduce their risk of infection by washing fresh fruits and vegetables under clean, cool, running water before eating them, even if the label states that it's pre-washed or ready to eat. Disinfectants and produce washes may not totally remove the parasite.

And if you're travelling in affected states, make sure to cook produce before eating it and follow safe food and water practices. Seek medical attention if you develop severe or watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days.

All the concerts announced for the 2026 CNE in Toronto this summer

Karen Doradea, Curiocity — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400

It's almost that time of the year again, where we stuff our faces with some of the wackiest food creations and wait in what feels like the longest line ever, for the CNE Sky Ride. The Canadian National Exhibition is gearing up for yet another fantastic year, and thanks to its latest announcement, we can finally start planning our end-of-summer adventure. The CNE has just confirmed its 2026 line-up of concerts taking over the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, and needless to say, we're in for a real treat.

In partnership with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada, the CNE's iconic concert stage will see some of the best international music superstars and beloved Canadian acts this August 2026.

This year, the CNE's concert series will embrace a number of Canadian artists to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the stage venue.

The first set of headliners has been announced, and none other than Grammy Award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco will perform on opening day, Aug. 21, 2026.

But the stellar acts don't end there. Multi-platinum rock icon Bif Naked will co-headline with Montreal collective Bran Van 3000; Lights; The Trews, and more.

Of course, international acts are not to be played with! Powerhouse pop and R&B singer-songwriter JoJo is coming to the CNE, known for hit songs like 'Leave (Get Out)', and 'Baby It's You.' And what's a Toronto summer without hits by global chart-topper Shaggy? He's coming to the CNE too.

Here's the full concert line up for the summer!

2026 CNE Headliners: Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell

Friday, Aug. 21: Lupe Fiasco
Saturday, Aug. 22: Lights
Sunday, Aug. 23: Shaggy
Monday, Aug. 24: Virginia to Vegas
Tuesday, Aug. 25: Glass Tiger
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Bif Naked and Bran Van 3000
Thursday, Aug. 27: The Trews
Friday, Aug. 28: Surprise international headliner to be revealed presented by Billboard Canada
Saturday, Aug. 29: JoJo
Sunday, Aug. 30: Matthew Good and His Band
Monday, Aug. 31: Dallas Smith with Surprise co-headliner to be announced presented by Rolling Stone Canada
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Charlotte Day Wilson
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Finger Eleven
Thursday, Sept. 3: Silverstein
Friday, Sept. 4: Raf-Saperra
Saturday, Sept.5: Tom Cochrane
Sunday, Sept. 6: Dr. Jay's Soca Night – Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood, Rupee, DJ Puffy

CNE tickets

As always, all concerts are free with CNE admission. Advance Sale tickets are now available online and you can save up to 35 per cent if purchased by Aug. 20, 2026.

The 147th annual Canadian National Exhibition takes over Exhibition Place in Toronto starting Aug. 21 to Sept. 7, 2026

What to do this summer at one of Toronto's most unique museums

Sabrina Gamrot — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:45:00 -0400

Summer is booming with must-do activities at the Gardiner Museum, Canada's only museum dedicated to the art of ceramics and clay.

Explore new artists and exhibitions, try your hand at pottery making, or even grab lunch at the Gardiner's popular restaurant — the fun is endless.

Ready? Here's what to do, see, and try at the Gardiner Museum this summer.

International Ceramic Art Fair

It all starts with the International Ceramic Art Fair, on now through Aug. 16, which features works by 13 artists pushing the boundaries of clay.

From 3D-printed pottery to motion-activated ceramic landscapes, this biennial exhibition is a must-visit for contemporary art lovers.

Pottery on the Plaza

Drop by every Wednesday to Saturday for Pottery on the Plaza. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Aug. 21, it's the place to be for hands-on art making and a chance to soak up the beautiful summer weather.

Enjoy the self-guided clay activities (included with admission and free for members) and let those creative juices flow.

Pottery class

Why not take a pottery class this summer? With the Gardiner's Single Classes, you'll experiment with wheel throwing, hand building, and glazing during a two-hour session. August classes are on sale now.

Perfect for the kiddos too, Gardiner is offering special family workshops where kids and adults can craft together in the studio.

$30 annual pass

For less than the cost of two visits, museum-goers can get unlimited access to the museum's collection, special exhibitions, and Pottery on the Plaza for just $30 with an annual pass.

It's the perfect excuse to explore the Gardiner's world-renowned collection and recently transformed ground floor. Plus, it gives you access to the new Rosalie Sharp Gallery, which hosts 500 remarkable pieces of blue-and-white porcelain.

Explore the Gardiner Museum this summer

There's no time like the present to explore everything Toronto has to offer this summer, including the unique programming at the Gardiner.

Whether you're visiting the International Ceramic Art Fair, grabbing lunch at Clay Restaurant, or even purchasing art from the Gardiner Shop (there's always room for a new mug!), the fun is just beginning at the Gardiner Museum.

Learn more about all the seasonal activities waiting for you with clay this summer at the Gardiner Museum.

Toronto Blue Jays bring back fan-favourite player as playoff hopes dwindle

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:40:16 -0400

With the offence unable to buy a run at this point of the season, the Toronto Blue Jays are turning back to a familiar spark.

On Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays recalled fan favourite Davis Schneider from Triple-A Buffalo in hopes of injecting some firepower into the lineup.

Schneider replaces infielder Sean Keys, who was optioned back to Buffalo.

ROSTER MOVES:

🔹INF/OF Davis Schneider and LHP Adam Macko recalled from Triple-A and will be active today

🔹 INF Sean Keys optioned to Triple-A

🔹 LHP Patrick Corbin placed on 15-day IL (left teres major strain) pic.twitter.com/rKYNStGaIw
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 23, 2026

The 26-year-old has rediscovered his swing since being sent down at the end of June, batting .294 with five home runs and 14 RBIs over the past three weeks with the Bisons.

His production in Triple-A is a stark contrast to his struggles in Toronto earlier this season. Before being demoted, Schneider hit just .153 with a .578 OPS in the majors.

The Blue Jays are desperately searching for offence after dropping four consecutive games and scoring less than two runs in each of them.

Toronto currently ranks dead last in Major League Baseball when it comes to runs scored.

Schneider wasn't the only player recalled from Buffalo on Thursday.

The Blue Jays also called up Canadian left-hander Adam Macko after placing veteran starter Patrick Corbin on the 15-day injured list with a left teres major strain.

Schneider will start in left field on Thursday afternoon at the Rogers Centre with Toronto trying to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

People lining up at Toronto bakery long before opening time for one specific pastry

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:30:00 -0400

A Toronto bakery has been the belle of the ball all summer thanks to one specific pastry that has locals lining up at the crack of dawn — but is it actually worth the hype?

Toronto residents are no strangers to internet-breaking food items that spend months clogging up the internet airwaves and, in many cases, the sidewalks outside of the businesses.

For summer 2026, the dish du jour has, indisputably, been Brodflour's sticky toffee pudding danish. A mouthful in more ways than one, the picture-perfect pastry features a whole sticky toffee pudding wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a generous dollop of rum-infused vanilla mascarpone.

Originally introduced in late spring, the pastry was initially intended as a limited-time offer until Victoria Day, but when the city latched on to it with a staggering enthusiasm, the bakery decided to keep it on as a weekend special.

The catch? There are only 75 available per day, exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays. Still, the scarcity has done little to deter patient customers, who, every weekend, line up well before the 8:30 a.m. opening time to secure their sweet treat.

So, with such enduring buzz, Dished Toronto decided to brave the early-morning lineup to decide once and for all whether Brodflour's sticky toffee pudding danish is actually worth the hype.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dished Toronto (@dishedtoronto)

Showing up five minutes before opening time, Dished correspondents Emily and Neve were met with a lengthy lineup of roughly 30 people. Luckily, the bakery limits one pastry per customer.

"I've never seen Brodflour so busy," Emily remarks.

The verdict? "100 per cent worth the hype," they agree.

If you want to attempt getting your hands on Brodflour's sticky toffee pudding danish yourself, you can find the bakery at 8 Pardee Ave.

Australian salon chain around for over 40 years just opened first Ontario location

Natalia Buia — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:45:36 -0400

An Australian hair salon chain has packed up its shears, crossed the Pacific Ocean and officially opened its first location in Ontario.

Just Cuts has announced it has finally arrived in Canada, opening its doors at Stone Road Mall in Guelph. The brand has grown tremendously over the last 40 years, opening over 250 locations not just in Australia but in New Zealand and the United Kingdom as well.

Now, it's bringing a bit of the Gold Coast to the Great White North, with ambitious plans to expand across Ontario with more salons opening in London, Hamilton and Toronto "over the coming months."

In Australia, a standard haircut costs AUD $47, or roughly CAD $46, giving you an idea of how cost-effective its services are. It's considerably less than what many mid- or high-end salons charge in larger cities like Toronto, where a basic haircut can easily cost up to $100 before taxes and tip.

The company is entering a market that already has plenty of familiar names; chains like Supercuts, Topcuts and Magicuts have operated across Ontario for years, giving Just Cuts some well-established competition as it looks to grow its Canadian footprint.

One thing the company says sets it apart is that every Just Cuts salon is locally owned and operated, with experienced and emerging hairstylists hired from the communities they serve.

Following today's opening in Guelph, Just Cuts plans to open a location at Masonville Place in London this November, followed by Lime Ridge Mall in Hamilton and the ever-evolving Dufferin Mall in Toronto in early January. Additional Ontario locations are "already under consideration."

The company also says the first 30 clients through the doors of each new salon will receive a complimentary haircut and $19 haircuts for six weeks after opening. If you've long been debating getting a bob, consider this a good omen.

Mitch Marner's agent slams Toronto Maple Leafs for not taking care of him

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:15:04 -0400

If you thought the ship had sailed on Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs drama, it appears his agent is still upset about how the organization treated the hometown star in the lead-up to his departure.

Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, appeared on The PuckPedia Hockey Show on Wednesday to chat about his 30-year career as an NHLPA-certified agent and some of his biggest clients, including Marner.

Even though the 29-year-old was dealt away from the team more than a year ago, and the management has completely changed, Ferris didn't hold back when discussing how the Maple Leafs handled his client.

Ferris said the relationship got off on the wrong foot from the moment Marner signed his entry-level contract.

"When he first signed his entry-level contract with Toronto, the organization did not have performance bonuses for him. The organization said nobody gets ELC bonuses," Ferris said.

"They didn't fulfill that, and Mitch did the team a favour back then."

“He was never protected by his organization.”

Darren Ferris on Mitch Marner’s tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Starting all the way with no performance bonuses in his entry-level contract, to how he became the playoff scapegoat.

Full episode for your commute home below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/YkQ5Fip1pU
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 22, 2026

Ferris also indicated that the relationship between Marner and the organization became more difficult as he established himself as one of the team's best players.

"As time went on, he became the focus of everything — scrutinized for every game, he and his family criticized for every loss, receiving threats on social media, which was disturbing," Ferris said.

"You've got to remember, Mitch was carjacked in Toronto. Every time the team came up short, he was the one singled out. He really bled for that team, and he was never protected by his organization, in my opinion."

Marner was drafted by Toronto fourth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft and put up 61 points in his rookie campaign.

He was a significant part of the Maple Leafs' "core four" that led the team to nine consecutive playoff appearances from the 2016-17 season to the 2024-25 season. However, Marner's performances when it mattered ultimately contributed to his demise among Maple Leafs fans.

Ferris said a fresh start in Vegas has allowed Marner to focus solely on hockey.

Marner appears to have benefited from the move, helping lead Vegas to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season. He also led the playoffs in scoring, recording 29 points in 22 games. In comparison, he had 63 points in 70 playoff games with Toronto.

He also spoke openly during this year's playoffs about the emotional toll he felt playing for Toronto.

Marner admitted there were "some really dark moments" during his nine seasons here and said he found himself in "a dark hole" mentally.

Either way, a lot has changed for the Maple Leafs and Marner since the trade, and both sides appear to be in a far better space now.

Popular Ontario attraction just got a major upgrade for the summer season

Sandeep Panesar — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:53:20 -0400

One of Ontario's most epic tourist attractions is giving visitors the chance to experience its magic in a whole new way.

Niagara Falls' Journey Behind the Falls, which takes visitors 125 feet underground through a 130-year-old tunnel laden with bedrock and onto an observation deck with a striking view of the iconic Horseshoe Falls, is now officially open at night.

Aptly called Journey at Night, the popular daytime experience has been extended past sundown, allowing guests to make the same journey to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls after dark.

Visitors can watch the waterfall illuminated in vibrant colours, a nightly spectacle that has become one of Niagara Falls' signature attractions. But the lights aren't the only thing you can indulge in this summer.

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A post shared by Niagara Parks (@niagaraparks)

Those taking part in Journey at Night will also have the chance to watch fireworks from the foot of the Horseshoe Falls on holidays and special occasions.

Journey at Night is now open for bookings. Admission for the summer-long experience is $33 plus applicable taxes, and tickets can be purchased directly through the Niagara Parks website.

Niagara Falls is home to some of the most popular spots in the province, including the ever-bustling Clifton Hill, the Mario Kart-inspired Niagara Speedway, and even the Niagara Takes Flight, which recently got rewarded at a worldwide 2026 MONDO-DR Awards.

Ontario mall about to get free car racing simulator attraction

Jack Landau — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0400

A new free experience at an Ontario mall will let you strap into the driver's seat of a professional racing simulator.

CF Markville shopping centre in Markham is undergoing a transformation ahead of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy, celebrating the motorsports festival's first year in the Toronto suburb following a five-year deal announced last year to move the Grand Prix of Toronto from Exhibition Place to Markham.

And, while Toronto locals are sad to see the major event relocate north of the city, the arrival of the first Markham Indy in August is proving to be a huge deal for the suburb's approximately 376,000 residents.

Markville mall is getting into the event spirit with multiple free activations planned for August, most notably a "racing simulator experience" that will let people try their luck on the track (without the associated danger) on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2.

The attraction — a partnership with Toronto Racing Simulators — will bring four professional-grade racing simulators to the mall, where visitors will be able to drive on a virtual recreation of the real Markham Indy track layout and compete against professional lap times.

In conjunction with the racing simulator pop-up, CF Markville is hosting a "1:20 Speed Challenge," where participants who clock an average simulator lap time of 1 minute and 20 seconds or faster will be treated to a $15 gift card.

"We are thrilled to welcome families and racing fans to CF Markville to kick off a historic milestone for our city," said Kelly Vieira, General Manager, CF Markville.

In addition to the simulator, other free, interactive experiences coming to CF Markville include a race car that will be parked in the mall's Grand Court throughout the weekend, an appearance from professional racer and Markham native Demi Chalkias, who will appear for meet-and-greets, autographs, and photos on both days from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

"As Markham hosts its largest-ever sporting event, we wanted to bring that trackside energy directly to our community. Whether guests are testing their skills on professional simulators or meeting local star Demi Chalkias, CF Markville will be the ultimate hub for pre-race excitement," said Viera.

Professional racer and Markham native Demi Chalkias. Cadillac Fairview/CNW

CF Markville is located at 5000 Hwy 7, Markham, Ont., with the event taking place Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Toronto intersection already a mess of construction is about to get worse for months

Jack Landau — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:12:10 -0400

A major Toronto intersection already undergoing a long-term disruption is about to get worse, creating a new bottleneck on one of the city's busiest streets that is set to stretch on for months.

Metrolinx has announced that it will begin watermain-related work at the already-restricted intersection of Yonge and Queen streets as early as August 4, 2026, in a project expected to last for three whole months.

The transit agency announced that utility work for the future Ontario Line station at Queen will result in rolling lane restrictions that could last until November.

According to Metrolinx, work will take place in phases at different areas of the intersection to maintain vehicle access, though it may make the already-gridlocked stretch of Yonge Street one area motorists want to avoid through the late summer and fall.

Metrolinx has released diagrams showing how vehicle traffic will be directed around the worksite through temporary lane reductions.

Metrolinx

Eastbound and westbound vehicle traffic through the intersection has been shut down since May 2023 and is not expected to reopen until late 2027 or early 2028 to accommodate construction for the Ontario Line subway station at this site.

The TTC 501 Queen streetcar has been routed around this obstruction on a parallel route that is expected to remain in place until the station below is built up to street level, and streetcar tracks restored.

The 15.6-kilometre Ontario Line subway will add 15 stops to Toronto's rapid transit network, connecting Exhibition Place in the southwest with the Line 5 Eglinton in the northeast.

Metrolinx

Queen Station is expected to be the busiest point along the route, offering a new interchange with the Line 1 - Yonge University subway, and providing urgently-needed relief to existing interchanges at Bloor-Yonge and St George.

Metrolinx

Previously scheduled to open in 2031, the provincial government has since revised the Ontario Line's opening timeline to a vague "early 2030s" window.

Toronto Mexican restaurant that started in food courts opening first brick-and-mortar

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A Mexican restaurant in Toronto that was born as a food court stand is about to hit the big leagues: opening its first brick-and-mortar in one of the city's most foodie-forward neighbourhoods.

It's only been two years since Azul, a quick-service Mexican eatery, set up shop at First Canadian Place, but its popularity at the food court has scarcely waned since then.

Helmed by owner and chef João Medina, the concept's main focus is to put out quality Mexican fare quickly, and it's one they deliver on: no corporate slop bowls here. Instead, you'll find hefty tacos, tortas, salads and sides, all made with a care that's uncommon for quick-service eateries: the meats are slow-braised and the produce fresh.

The restaurant made such an immediate splash that, just months after launching, Azul opened its second location in Union Station.

Now, the local chain is embarking on its biggest expansion yet, gearing up to open its first-ever brick-and-mortar in the heart of Toronto's trendy Little Italy neighbourhood at 601 College St.

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The move marks not just an expansion but the potential for evolution. Originally intended to meet the demands of the Financial District lunchtime rush, the clientele in Little Italy will bring something different to the table.

And maybe, in response, so will Azul.

Only time will tell, though. The opening date for the restaurant is still up in the air for now, but the team assures it's "coming soon" and promises to keep its followers up to date via Instagram.

In the meantime, you can get a taste of what Azul will soon bring to Little Italy at its two current locations in First Canadian Place and Union Station.