blogTO

Planta closes all Toronto locations permanently amid bankruptcy filings

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Wed, 20 May 2026 08:53:36 -0400

Plant-based restaurant chain Planta has officially closed its two Toronto locations amid bankruptcy filings, while all of its U.S. restaurants remain in business.

When the doors of the first-ever Planta location opened at Bay and Bloor in 2016, Toronto had never seen anything like it. There, local culinary icon David Lee (then of Nota Bene fame) performed daring, dazzling acts of alchemy, all without the use of meat, dairy or eggs.

Poof: what was once a carrot is now a hot dog, and tastes like one, too! Hocus pocus, watermelon? Think again: ahi tuna. At Planta, Lee lifted the ceiling of what was possible in vegan cuisine so high even card-carrying carnivores couldn't see it.

While it's all too common for Toronto to become a landing pad for Canadian branches of American chains, it's less likely — almost entirely unheard of, for that matter — for the opposite to be true. But it was for Planta.

Before too long, the business spawned outposts south of the border in Florida, Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles and D.C., while Toronto served as a test ground for other plant-based Planta-branded experiments like Planta Cocina and Planta Burger. The city that incubated the concept later got a second Planta location on Queen West.

The proverbial veggie patch was blighted in May of 2025, however, when the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Just under a year later, in March 2026, the chain was approved for liquidation, leaving many to wonder what the future held for the chain.

With the publication of a notice on Planta's website, we finally have our answer: both of Toronto's remaining Planta locations have shuttered permanently as of Tuesday, May 19.

"PLANTA began in Toronto nearly ten years ago with a simple belief: plant-based dining could be vibrant, craveable, community-driven, and worthy of celebration. What started here grew into something far bigger than we ever imagined, and we are incredibly grateful to every guest who supported us along the way," the letter reads.

"This journey has also come with operational and financial challenges. Despite every effort to continue forward in Toronto, our Yorkville and Queen West restaurants ultimately reached a point where it was no longer financially feasible to sustain operations and officially closed as of May 19, 2026."

The notice goes on to confirm that Planta "continues to operate and grow across the United States," encouraging its fans to stop by the next time they visit our neighbours to the south. Who knew betrayal tasted so much like cauliflower steak and tofu?

Toronto's Planta locations were formerly located at 1221 Bay St. and 180 Queen St. W.

$5M historic Toronto home was designed and lived in by famed architect

Sabrina Gamrot — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:01:01 -0400

Have you ever wanted to own a unique piece of Toronto history?

A three-storey Georgian Revival home designed by a famous and historic Toronto architect has just entered the real estate market, and it's truly a sight to see.

41 Nanton Ave. is an exquisite four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence on a rare 50 x 150-foot lot designed (and actually owned) by renowned architect Beaumont Jarvis. From the property's privacy to its lush outdoor living, this home is all about remarkable character and cinematic beauty.

Now this is curb appeal!

Approaching the home, nestled on one of the most prestigious streets in Rosedale, you'll immediately notice the distinctive Dutch Gambrel roof and facade. Keen eyes will recognize this home from acclaimed movies and TV shows including Suits and 12 Monkeys.

Moving inside, you'll find restored elements of original design, such as finely crafted moulding and leaded and stained glass windows.

Original design work is featured throughout the property, like the bold wooden beams.

On the main level, you'll find the principal rooms are remarkably sized and designed for hosting, entertaining, and relaxing. Two grand staircases anchor the home and connect the three levels together.

The home also has a coveted mudroom that leads directly to the gardens.

The showstopping, modern chef's kitchen perfectly blends into the home's historic style. Bright whites are a beautiful background for French upgrades like the imported Lacanche range and Gaggenau fridge and freezer.

A masterclass in restoring original charm with new, modern touches.

Moving up to the upper level, the four bedrooms are spacious and designed to let in ample natural light, accommodating families of any size with ease.

Repeated throughout the home, dark wooden flooring and bright windows are a signature design here.

Accompanying the living quarters are equally beautiful bathrooms, blending modern conveniences with classic detailing. Crafted finishes like tiles, vanities, and even a soaker tub add to the elegance of each bathroom.

Historic charm extends to the bathrooms.

For the outside space, owners will absolutely fall in love with the mature gardens and lawns. The oversized backyard invites privacy and relaxation for outdoor hosting, al fresco dining, and even wintertime fun with an ice rink.

House hunters will know finding a Toronto home with a spacious backyard like this is no easy task.

As an original poured concrete Toronto home, 41 Nanton Ave. boasts timeless design, durability, and delicate craftsmanship.

The neighbourhood is family-friendly, and don't forget the home's unmatched proximity to the TTC, top schools, and local community culture.

Just get a load of the pristine, private ambiance! Bonus points awarded for parking in the full garage.

41 Nanton Ave. is an exceedingly rare opportunity and a chance to own a piece of Toronto design history. Contact the team at PropertyGuys.com and act swiftly.

New hidden slushy bar opens in Toronto just in time for summer

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A new slushy bar hidden at the back of a Toronto jewellery store just started churning up blended beverages earlier this month, and it might just become the city's newest summertime fixation.

Slushies had a real moment in Toronto during the summer of 2025. From Gateau Ghost's decadent matcha creations to the coffee slushies designed to pair perfectly with breakfast sandwiches at Dad's, folks couldn't help but get their frosty fix wherever they could.

Another major standout of the summer 2025 slushy race could be found, of all places, at Dundas West jewellery shop, Armed. There, a Diet Coke slushy served inside the can from which its maiden form emerged, made a sizeable splash, both online and among the community.

"[Last summer,] Diet Coke was really viral on social media. I've been a DC lover my whole life, and you just can't get a DC slushy anywhere in the city. So we decided to make one for personal use, and then we thought, 'This is actually pretty good, I feel like people would like it,' so we brought it to the store last summer, and in June, and it really took off," Armed owner Desiree Girlato tells blogTO.

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When spring 2026 began to show itself, Desiree, along with her husband, Austin Roberts, knew that the Diet Coke slushy had to make a comeback, but this time around, Armed's slushy operation would be bigger and better than ever.

Thus, Hank's Chill, the slushy bar tucked into the back of the store, was born.

Named after their son, a two-year-old who Desiree jokes is "about 90 per cent [virgin] piña colada these days," the slushy bar sees the return of the DC slushy, alongside new flavours piña colada, an instant best-seller, and rotating others: strawberry lemonade kicked off the roster this month, but other flavours like matcha pistachio and, perhaps, a non-alcoholic Aperol slush, are on their ways.

The slushy bar officially opened for business on May 1, 2026, but it wasn't until the Victoria Day long weekend, when the city got its first substantial dose of summer weather, that Desiree and Austin got their first taste of just how great a sensation Hank's could become in the coming months.

"We weren't sure what to expect, [because] this is really the first dip of our toes into providing a culinary experience, if you will, and it popped off this weekend," Desiree says. "We were slammed Sunday and Monday, those two really warm days, and it was so exciting to see that people are just as excited as we are."

For now, the bar specializes in zero-proof beverages, but Austin and Desiree tell blogTO that they're even working on potentially getting a liquor license to serve slushies with a little extra somethin'-somethin' at some point this summer. If all goes well, they add, a seasonal, standalone Hanks location could be in the cards for 2027.

For now, though, you can grab a slushy (ranging from $3.75 to about $7 depending on flavour) seven days a week out of Armed Jewellery at 903 Dundas St. W.

Get it while it's hot! Er, cold, I mean.

These are the Ontario cities where rent is getting much cheaper in 2026

Kimia Afshar Mehrabi — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Compared to this same time last year, rents across major markets in Ontario are continuing to drop, according to a new report that highlights some of the cheapest places to rent in the province right now.

One-bedroom unfurnished units now average $1,970 in Ontario, which is down 8.8 per cent year-over-year, based on data from liv.rent's May 2026 Ontario Rent Report. The biggest declines are in Brampton (down 10.8 per cent) and downtown Toronto (down 10.2 per cent).

However, this May, all rent prices for unfurnished one-bedroom units increased throughout the GTA, except in downtown Toronto and Markham, which recorded average rent prices of $1,997 and $1,950, respectively.

City of Toronto rent prices over the past few months. Source: liv.rent.

On the other hand, Vaughan-Richmond Hill, North York, and Etobicoke were the only places in the GTA that saw an increase in rent price for all types of unfurnished units, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom properties.

Downtown Toronto saw declines across all unit types, with one-bedroom units down 5.94 per cent month-over-month. Looking beyond the downtown core, the City of Toronto's average monthly rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit dropped year-over-year by $206 this month, representing a new average of $1,942 per month.

Rent prices across Ontario markets this May. Source: liv.rent.

Downtown Toronto and Markham saw the biggest declines in rents for unfurnished one-bedroom units, at -5.97 per cent and -2.84 per cent, respectively.Etobicoke, North York, and Ottawa saw the biggest increases, however, at 7.5 per cent, 3.83 per cent, and 1.59 per cent, respectively.

Despite recording significant rent declines, downtown Toronto still had the highest rent per square foot in May at $2.86/sq. ft., while Brampton had the lowest at just $1.36/sq. ft.

Average rent per square foot across major Ontario markets. Source: liv.rent.

Out of all the markets analyzed, Oshawa is the cheapest municipality to rent out of this May, with an average unfurnished one-bedroom unit priced at $1,587, $1,885 for a two-bedroom, and $2,373 for a three-bedroom.

Etobicoke recorded some of the priciest rents seen throughout the province this month, with $2,176 for an average one-bedroom, $2,748 for a two-bedroom, and a $3,402 for a three-bedroom.

These are the top Toronto streets for food according to the city's residents

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

When planning a food tour of Toronto, which street should you start on? Dished Toronto took to the streets to find out where the city's residents go to find a bite.

I'll be honest: you'd be hard-pressed to find a major street in Toronto that wasn't home to at least one great restaurant. It's one of the many benefits of living in this great city. That said, not all streets are created equal.

So, which streets in the city are the best for restaurants? There's no one better to answer those questions than the city's own residents, so Dished Toronto decided to ask them for their go-tos.

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One participant, a big fan of Public Gardens, believed that "everyone" would say King West, which her fellow interviewee agreed with.

But King West didn't ultimately achieve the landslide victory that our Public Gardens fiend predicted. Ossington, Queen and University, and Danforth all got shout-outs from interviewees.

In all, though, it was St. Clair West that ended up getting double props, with special attention going specifically to Iticate. Notably absent from the responses were other culinary hubs like Geary Avenue, Bloor West and Harbord, but hey, you can't win 'em all.

15 things to do in Toronto this weekend

Sandeep Panesar — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Things to do in Toronto this weekend include strolling through outdoor markets, attending sporting events, and checking out a couple of concerts.

Singers Bruno Mars and Khalid are both in town this weekend. So, if you're into their stellar lineup of music, now's your chance to be serenaded by these award-winning artists right here in the city.

The warmer weather means the return of some of the best outdoor markets that allow you to soak up the sun while hunting down some fabulous finds. This weekend, don't forget to check out the Kensington Flea Market, the Toronto Sunday Market in Parkdale, and the Giant Junction Jumble Sale on the west end.

And of course, this weekend will also see the return of Doors Open Toronto, where you can explore a myriad of heritage buildings that you otherwise may not have access to throughout the rest of the year. It's a great way to learn more about the city through its significant infrastructure.

There's all this and so many other things to do in Toronto this weekend. Be sure to check out our previous round-ups for more events, and our complete calendar to map out the weekend ahead.

Events you might want to check out:

Doors Open Toronto 2026 (May 23-24 @ Multiple Venues)
This weekend only, you can access a slew of heritage buildings you wouldn't be able to visit otherwise.
Bruno Mars: The Romantic Tour 2026 (May 23 @ Rogers Stadium At Downsview Airport)
Bruno Mars brings his biggest hits to Toronto this weekend with special guests Leon Thomas and DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak).
Khalid: Its Always Summer Somewhere Tour 2026 (May 24 @ RBC Amphitheatre)
Multi-platinum R&B artist Khalid will entertain fans for one night in Toronto.
Her Sports Fest (May 22-24 @ The Hangar Sport and Events Centre in Downsview Park)
This inaugural three-day-long event is a celebration of all things women in sports.
Annual Pillow Fight Toronto 2026 (May 23 @ )
Ready to ruffle some feathers? There's going to be one big pillow fight at Berczy Park.
Toronto Sunday Market (February 8 - December 20 @ The Parkdale Hall)
A weekly market at Parkdale Hall, happening all summer long.
Giant Junction Jumble Sale (May 23 @ Multiple Venues)
If you're in the mood to shop, there's a big neighbourhood-wide yard sale happening in the Junction.
Kensington Flea Market 2026 (May 2 - September 27 @ 216 Augusta Ave.)
Check out a unique lineup of local vendors at Kensington Flea.
Sunday Variety Market (May 9 - December 20 @ St. Lawrence Market (Big White Tent))
Another vibrant market full of all sorts of locally-made goods.
From Toronto: Algonquin Park Hiking (April 19 - November 29 @ )
This day trip from Toronto allows you to explore Algonquin Park and potentially see some wildlife.
Graffiti Reef: Painted by Nature (May 19 - December 31 @ Ripley's Aquarium)
A stunning new art exhibit at Ripley's Aquarium that's inspired by Toronto's infamous graffiti alley.
Vintage MRKT $5/lb event (May 22-24 @ )
On a budget? Grab some of the best thrift finds for just $5 per pound.
ASIAN HERITAGE MARKET (May 23 @ THE WELL)
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at The Well with food, drinks and live entertainment.
MLB: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (May 23 @ Rogers Centre)
The Toronto Blue Jays will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Asian Heritage Month Popup Market (May 24 @ Dzo viet Eatery)
A free market in Chinatown that lets you shop from local Asian-owned businesses.

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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A post shared by Nella Cutlery (@nellacutlerycanada)

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlie Social House (@charliesocialto)

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.