blogTO

Toronto Maple Leafs are surprise winner of NHL Draft Lottery

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Tue, 05 May 2026 19:26:32 -0400

The Toronto Maple Leafs entered Tuesday's NHL Draft Lottery with just an 8.5 per cent chance of winning the first overall pick.

And guess what, they did it.

This will be the second time in the last decade that Toronto will have the top pick in the NHL Draft. In 2016, the team picked Auston Matthews first overall.

HEY @MAPLELEAFS FANS! 🍁

We want to see your reactions to this moment of your team winning the 2026 #NHLDraft Lottery and receiving the first overall pick!

Send your reactions to https://t.co/HzJGJEKEOi pic.twitter.com/c5ka01iFba
— NHL (@NHL) May 5, 2026

The news of the first overall pick comes on an exciting week for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

On Monday, MLSE president Keith Pelley officially announced former Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin as the team's senior executive adviser of hockey operations, while John Chayka was hired as the new general manager.

Chayka and Sundin called securing the first overall pick an extraordinary opportunity.

"When you get the chance to draft first overall, it’s an extraordinary opportunity," Chayka said to the media following the lottery. "I don’t think it changes our vision or strategy, but it can certainly alter the course and the timeline."

Sundin and Chayka also joked they aren't sure who they'll take first overall, given it’s only their second day on the job.

"We haven't had scouting meetings yet," said Chayka.

Lucky John Chayka: "I don't think it changes the vision or the strategy. But certainly when these things happen, it can change course and timelines." pic.twitter.com/XMKhsnMoMM
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 5, 2026

Canadian forward Gavin McKenna is projected to go first overall.

Last season, McKenna put up 51 points in 35 games playing for Penn State University in the NCAA. He previously played for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League and put up 244 points in 133 games.

McKenna is a crafty, elite-level NHL-ready winger who will complement a loaded Maple Leafs top six, especially after losing Mitch Marner to free agency following the 2024-2025 season.

The Maple Leafs' front office could also explore moving the pick to finally acquire the elite defenseman they’ve been missing. Whatever direction the Maple Leafs choose, they are officially on the clock.

The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26-27 in Buffalo, N.Y.

Chris Bassitt's kids are still adorably obsessed with Toronto Blue Jays

Preston Hodgkinson, Offside — Tue, 05 May 2026 18:01:45 -0400

After signing with the Baltimore Orioles this past offseason, it doesn't appear everyone in Chris Bassitt's family is completely on board with his decision to leave the Toronto Blue Jays. In fact, the departure has left his two kids a little bit confused.

Bassitt has two kids with his wife, Jessica, a two-year-old boy named Colson and a six-year-old girl named Landry, and they seem to miss the old Blue Jays logo.

In a recent interview with MLB.com's Ayako Oikawa, Bassitt's kids have caught on to the fact that the Orioles logo may still be a bird, but it's not the one they're used to.

"That's not the Blue Jays," Bassitt's kids apparently say when they see Baltimore's logo.

Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher and now a member of the Baltimore Orioles, Chris Bassitt shared a story about his children adjusting to the change.

He said his two children are still confused by the new bird logo and tell him, “That’s not the Blue Jays." They loved Ace.
— Ayako Oikawa/ 及川彩子 (@AyakoOikawa) May 4, 2026

Oikawa also revealed that Colson and Landry were also big fans of Jays' mascot Ace, who they won't see around their new ballpark. Instead, the kids will now have to get used to a new bird mascot, named the Oriole Bird.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Bassitt kids will take to their new mascot as well.

enjoy this picture of the 🐐 (and also @SimplyAJ10) pic.twitter.com/IUOA9fXxIR
— The Oriole Bird (@OrioleBird) August 8, 2025

Bassitt was an important member of Toronto's World Series run last season. Though he was injured for the first part of that postseason run, he returned to pitch in the World Series as a reliever.

His last outing with the Jays was a memorable one, as he pitched the sixth inning of Game 7 against the LA Dodgers, allowing one run. There didn't seem to be much interest from Toronto in bringing him back in the offseason, leading to Bassitt inking a deal with their AL East rival after three seasons with the Jays.

Through six starts with his new club, Bassitt has had so-so results. He holds a 2-2 record along with a 5.46 ERA. The former Blue Jay will make his return to Toronto when the Orioles come to town for a three-game series in early June.

Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher is now a pro baseball card collector

Colton Pankiw, Offside — Tue, 05 May 2026 17:44:42 -0400

Former Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson doesn't seem to be having any issues keeping busy in retirement.

The 32-year-old, who retired from professional baseball last November, has found himself a new hobby. Fittingly, it involves sports, though it isn't a front office or coaching position. Instead, it involves trading cards.

"Decided to share with the world one of my many hobbies I have," Swanson wrote on a new Instagram account named "Swanny's Clubhouse".

"Collecting trading cards is something I did as a kid and got out of it like many did and was brought back into it in full force a few years ago. Not only do I collect baseball but I’m all in on football and hockey as well. There’s a ton of current players out there who collect cards with a lot of them chasing after their personal cards like I’ve shown a few of my rookie cards."

Swanson also noted that he will be live streaming periodically on Whatnot, a popular shopping platform where sellers can host real-time video auctions and sales for collectibles, vintage clothing, electronics, and rare items.

"Hop on in and let’s talk baseball, my personal experiences in the game and just about anything else," Swanson wrote. "Also… if you have any of my cards reach out and we can make something happen!"

Swanson has since gone on to reveal cards featuring Paul Skenes, Bryce Eldridge, and even former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano.

Swanson enjoyed a seven-year career in the Majors, the final three of which came in Toronto. The prior four came with the Seattle Mariners, who then traded him to the Blue Jays as part of a package used to acquire Teoscar Hernandez.

Toronto Tempo players share their coffee orders and one player picked Tim Hortons

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:56:15 -0400

Finding the right coffee spot in a new city can often be a challenge, but it hasn’t been an issue for Toronto Tempo rookie Teonni Key.

Key was drafted 22nd overall by the Toronto Tempo in last month's WNBA Draft and quickly made a move to a country she had never been to before. Still, she's had no problem embracing the culture.

The 22-year-old said she's been trying to explore as much as possible, but if there's one place she's frequented most, it's Tim Hortons.

In a video posted to the team's official Instagram account, players shared their go-to coffee orders and favourite spots around the city. Some said they don't drink coffee and others leaned toward matcha, while Key said she's already made several trips to "Timmies."

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A post shared by Toronto Tempo (@torontotempo)

It’s hard to tell what's more Canadian, the fact that she's chosen Tim Hortons as her go-to coffee spot, or how she already has the local lingo down.

When asked what other spots she's checked out, Key mentioned the Eaton Centre, but said the crowds were a bit much, so she quickly left. Spoken like a true Torontonian.

Speaking with blogTO at last week's media day, Key said the hustle and bustle of the city has been the biggest adjustment for her, growing up in North Carolina and Kentucky.

Despite that, she added that everyone she's met so far has been welcoming.

Teonni Key was drafted 22nd overall by the Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA Draft. (Kevin Sousa/Imagn Images)

Key is one of two rookies on the Tempo roster for their inaugural WNBA season. Last year, the 6-foot-5 forward averaged 11 points and 7.5 rebounds in her final season with the University of Kentucky.

The Toronto Tempo will open its season on Friday at Coca-Cola Coliseum against the Washington Mystics at 7:30 p.m.

Anderson .Paak is spinning a special late-night DJ set in Toronto

Karen Doradea, Curiocity — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:34:41 -0400

Anderson .Paak is making his way to Toronto this month, but not in the way you might expect.

The Grammy-winning artist is set to take over FYE Ultraclub under his DJ alter ego, DJ Pee .Wee. This experience is a special late-night set connected to possibly one of the city's biggest concert events of the season.

It's all tied to Bruno Mars' upcoming Toronto stops for The Romantic Tour. DJ Pee .Wee will spin the tracks at the after party on Saturday, May 23, and doors are set to open at 10 p.m.

And if you're coming from the concert at Rogers Stadium, you may want to plan accordingly.

The nine-time Grammy winner forms one half of Silk Sonic alongside Bruno Mars, so this match-up makes sense. Paak has built a reputation for electrifying DJ performances that lean into funk, soul, hip-hop, and rare grooves.

But his DJ persona has opened even more doors for the artist, taking over some of the world's most high-profile stages. We're talking the Met Gala, Coachella, and Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Even if you're not going to the concert, fans still have a chance to catch the same energy, but in a smaller club setting — at least compared to Rogers Stadium.

Tickets for the DJ set start at $40 and can be purchased online. The age limit is 22+.

As for whether Bruno Mars will be in attendance? We're not sure. Given the global superstar has four more shows in the city afterwards, we don’t count on it.

Either way, this is a one-night-only event you don't want to miss out on.

FYE Ultra Club is located at 15 Saskatchewan Rd.

Has Gradey Dick already played his last game for the Toronto Raptors?

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Tue, 05 May 2026 14:27:44 -0400

Four minutes.

That's how much Gradey Dick played during the Toronto Raptors' seven-game playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The former Raptors first-round pick, who was drafted to elevate the team's three-point shooting, has struggled to find consistency this season (shooting a career-worst 30.1 per cent from beyond the arc).

Kevin Sousa/Imagn Images

The 22-year-old went from being in the Raptors' bench rotation in the 2024-25 season to a player who would only see the floor if they were up or down by a ton late in the fourth quarter in 2025-26.

Dick's regression has raised the question around the fan favourite's future with the team, and whether he has played his final game as a Raptor.

Next season, Dick will enter the final year of his four-year rookie contract, and with the Raptors looking to shed $6 million of salary to put them under the league's luxury tax, his $7.1 million contract stands out.

On Tuesday, head coach Darko Rajaković was asked about Dick's development during his end-of-season availability and what the shooting guard needed to improve to see quality minutes next season.

Rajaković did not hold back.

"Whatever happened this year, he needs to learn from," Rajaković said. "Defensively, I think he needs to make a big step, and he needs to be a more consistent shooter."

Dick shot 40.3 per cent from three-point range in his final season at Kansas, but that efficiency hasn’t carried over to the NBA. His numbers have declined each year, dropping from 36.5 per cent as a rookie to 30.1 per cent this past season.

Darko Rajaković spoke to the media today on #Raptors Gradey Dick's performance this season:
"Gradey Dick is a very good young player, and he puts the work in. Whatever happened this year, he needs to learn from. "Defensively, he needs to make a big step, and he needs to be a… https://t.co/IYd0AZpPbo — Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) May 5, 2026

With the league average around 35 per cent, Dick's struggles to make shots are hard to ignore, especially for his three-point shooting being the reason he was drafted to help the Raptors in the first place.

Rajaković did say he still believes in Dick, calling him a very good player and hard worker. But with players like Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamison Battle stepping in to fill Dick's role for less money, the Raptors could decide to move the 2023 13th overall pick this offseason.

Given his age and potential upside, Toronto could deal him to one of seven NBA teams with cap space this summer—it's a move that, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, Dick would be open to.

Toronto is finally doing something about city's 'worst' apartment building

Natalia Buia — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:53:30 -0400

The apartment building at 500 Dawes Rd. has long been plagued by numerous health code violations and pest infestations, and now the City of Toronto is finally stepping in to provide relief and repairs for frustrated tenants.

For over twenty years, tenants of the 14-storey building near St. Clair and Victoria Park have dealt with unsafe living conditions, relentless maintenance issues, mice, mould, bedbugs — the works.

Now, due to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's recent push to "crack down on slum landlords," the landlord of 500 Dawes, Carolyn Krebs (also known as Carolyn Goodman), was recently fined $200,000 by the Ontario Court of Justice for failing to comply with property standards, and will be responsible for covering the costs of remedial repairs.

"I think that they're aware that they've sort of lost control of the situation," says Ryan Endoh, a member of the tenants' rights group ACORN, in an interview with blogTO.

The amount fined, Endoh says, is ridiculous. "It's not even a month of revenue for this building. They should have been engaging in remedial action and thinking about going in and doing the work a lot sooner, because ultimately, the prosecutions and fines imposed are, at best, a minor deterrent."

Krebs has developed a notoriously awful reputation, even earning the title of "Toronto's worst landlord" from local media outlets. Krebs' ongoing property management issues have placed her in hot water, with more than 170 orders and violations accumulated over the years.

blogTO made several attempts at contacting Krebs over the last two months but has yet to receive a response.

Endoh, who has been a tenant at 500 Dawes Rd. since 2015, says prior to this week's visit from the Mayor, announcing remedial repairs to the building, the landlord was aware of the mounting pressure but was resistant to fully addressing issues.

Endoh, who works as a paralegal, says it's not so easy to just pack up and leave the problematic property behind.

Other tenants in the building come from a wide range of working-class backgrounds and income levels, and are on Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program. While some are single tenants and others have small families, Endoh says many cannot afford to move elsewhere in the city, given that rising housing costs have far outpaced average wages.

And while 500 Dawes Rd. is by far not the only troubled high-rise in Toronto in need of serious attention, Mayor Chow seems to view it as the first domino in a larger chain of enforcement actions to come.

At the press conference held outside the East York high-rise on Monday afternoon, Chow said the upcoming work "is a message to all landlords" who refuse to fix their buildings. "The City will not stand by and allow it…All renters deserve safe and healthy living conditions."

Endoh remains "cautiously optimistic" about recent developments and says he will continue to monitor the process at every juncture.

Toronto's BMO Field getting all-you-can-eat concessions and $1 hot dogs

Jack Landau — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:20:43 -0400

You could be stuffing your face with all-you-can-eat pretzels and $1 hot dogs at Toronto's BMO Field this CFL season.

BMO Field will blend pig-skin with pig-out this August for the return of the Toronto Argonauts, following the Argos' home stadium's starring role in the FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities.

The CFL doesn't exactly get as much love in Toronto as other major sports leagues, but the Argos have announced a pretty comprehensive plan to fill the stands at BMO Field this coming football season — kicking off their season of promotions in a big way for the Aug. 6 home opener.

In addition to a host of street-level activations surrounding the stadium, the Argos will host their first-ever All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) ticket offering, where fans can catch a game and eat as much as their stomachs will hold for the combined price of $40 plus fees.

The combined AYCE ticket comes with your fill of the stadium's hottest food offerings and unlimited soft drinks.

Honestly, you can barely get a meal delivered for that price anymore, and, at stadium prices, this ticket will probably pay for itself after just a couple of trips to the concession stands.

The Argos are offering several other enticing promotions this season, including CNE admission with every Aug. 22 game ticket, and are even introducing their own version of the smash-hit Loonie Dogs Night offered by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Argos' Loonie Dog Game on Oct. 23 will close out the CFL season with a $1 hot dog promotion, letting fans go goblin mode filling their guts with a glut of glizzies.

Maybe a bit of gluttony is really all it will take to reinvigorate CFL fandom in Toronto.

Toronto's Rogers Stadium unveils new menu and you can drink wine out of a guitar

Karen Doradea, Curiocity — Tue, 05 May 2026 10:55:57 -0400

Rogers Stadium has unveiled its newest food and drink lineup featuring artist-inspired menus for the 2026 concert season.

Tailored to headlining acts and unique dining options, the new additions are set to transform the stadium experience this year.

"We are proud to create a true food and beverage destination at Rogers Stadium to support the incredible live entertainment," says Luca Di Donato, vice president of Liberty Oak View Entertainment (LOVE).

"Through innovative culinary offerings, we are redefining the stadium experience and raising expectations for what dining at a live entertainment venue can be."

The major highlight of the season is the introduction of performance-inspired menu items that are tied to specific artists. So when Bruno Mars brings his Romantic Tour to Toronto, concertgoers can enjoy Uptown Funky Fries, paired with the singer's favourite cocktail, the Hollywood Colada, which is served in a shaker cup.

LOVE

In addition to this, the stadium will continue to serve a mix of new and returning favourites, according to LOVE. You'll get to enjoy refreshing sips from "wine guitars" to delicious bites of the viral Sushi Pop. Also, keep an eye out for the expanded barbecue and smokehouse items such as brisket and pulled pork.

Other new offerings include popcorn chicken served in souvenir beer cans and a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. And of course, classic stadium fare like poutine, chicken tenders, Philly cheesesteak sliders, and smash burgers will also remain on the menu.

What else is new this year?

If you're headed to the premium hospitality areas this concert season, you'll notice they are also getting an upgrade. The American Express and Birkenstock lounges will now offer full-service dining. You can enjoy dishes like grilled Miami-style short ribs, Korean dumplings, and matcha churro poutine.

Premium suites will include elevated options such as shrimp tempura, crispy duck spring rolls, wagyu, and caviar selections. Oh, and tableside Caesar salad service. It's giving very much VIP!

Ken Gaber, president of OVG Hospitality and co-founder of LOVE, said the changes aim to set a new standard for concert venue dining.

"Rogers Stadium is setting a new benchmark for how hospitality shows up in a concert environment," Gaber said.

"The 2026 season is about designing an experience where culinary, service, and atmosphere are built to match the scale and energy of the artists on stage. Every touchpoint is intentional, and it changes how fans will engage with the venue from the moment they arrive."

The venue will also debut a new Labatt Beer Garden, which is designed as a high-energy social space anchored by a new stage for live performances and DJ sets. Easy-order bars, shareable snacks, and flexible standing and group zones will also be included.

If you're planning to catch a show at Rogers Stadium this year, it might be worth showing up early. And be sure to bring your appetite.

TTC to shut down over 7 kilometres of subway this weekend

Jack Landau — Tue, 05 May 2026 10:39:35 -0400

TTC closures this weekend will cause major disruption on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, a route that has already experienced numerous unplanned and scheduled outages in recent weeks.

Just over seven kilometres of track will shut down on Line 2 from 11 p.m. on Friday, May 8, to Saturday, May 9, 2026. The outage will affect a five-station stretch spanning from Woodbine in the west to Kennedy in the east — essentially cutting off subway access to all of Scarborough.

The TTC cites "planned track work" for the latest in a series of closures on Line 2.

The transit agency has shared an alternate travel option, though you might not like it. Anyone relying on this stretch of Line 2 will be relegated to cramped and unreliable shuttle buses, a familiar blow to Scarborough commuters who have long suffered from inadequate transit coverage.

Warden Station will remain closed throughout the planned outage, while all other stations affected will remain open for surface route connections and fare purchase and reloading.

Service on Line 2 is expected to be fully restored by 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 10 — so don't stress about making it to that Mother's Day brunch on time!

You can ride 80km/h jet boats on Class 5 rapids in Ontario

Sandeep Panesar — Tue, 05 May 2026 10:19:13 -0400

If a thrilling water adventure is on your summer bucket list, then Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours in Niagara Falls, Ontario, offers the perfect way to check it off.

Kicking off the 2026 season of white-water tours in the province, this experience offers three different ride options depending on how we you want to get.

Adventure seekers and anyone who doesn't mind getting soaked by the rapids, can opt for the Wet Jet Tour, an open boat ride guaranteed to leave riders drenched.

The Wet Freedom Jet Tour offers a partially enclosed boat with some outdoor seating, however, as the website notes, some riders will still "get SOAKED!"

If you're like me and a little intimidated by both the rapids and a super soaker experience, you can opt for the Dry Freedom Jet Tour that still delivers plenty of thrills as boat speeds through the water at up to 80 km/h.

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A post shared by Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours 🌀 (@whirlpooljet)

Each 45-minute ride carries passengers into the Niagara Gorge, a canyon stretching 11 kilometres from Niagara Falls to Queenston, and straight through the Devil's Hole Rapids, a Class 5 whitewater rapid on the Niagara River.

The attraction has become a fan favourite for both locals and tourists. Since opening 35 years ago, it has hosted 2.5 million guests, with no signs of slowing down. Its convenient location in one of Ontario's largest tourist hubs is simply the cherry on top.

"Niagara is a world-class destination, and we're fortunate to operate right in the heart of it," says John Kinney, President, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, in a recent press release. "Every season, we meet visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the river up close."

Tickets are now available, ranging from $78.95 to $88.95, plus applicable fees and taxes. Guests can purchase them directly through the company's website. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operates throughout the spring and summer, with its final day of the season set for Oct. 11.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is located at 55 River Frontage Rd. in Niagara Falls, Ont.

Toronto area's plummeting home prices jolt life into dying real estate market

Jack Landau — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:51:30 -0400

Nosediving home prices may have actually just jolted some life back into the hollowed-out Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market.

The latest Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) figures reveal increased demand for new homes in the region, and it's a rosier picture than you might have guessed.

Almost 5,950 homes in the region changed hands last month, marking a seven per cent increase over the previous April.

Month-over-month home sales have been on the rise in 2026, and following year-over-year declines in January and February, sales have actually started to turn around in the spring. Month-over-month sales volumes continued their ascent in April 2026, while also marking the second consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases.

Sales volumes exceeded 2025 levels in both March and April, which TRREB President Daniel Steinfeld attributes to "more affordable housing market conditions on the back of lower home prices."

Steinfeld notes that, if market conditions continue in this direction, this "uptick in home buying activity so far this spring [...] could be a signal to intending homebuyers who remain on the sidelines."

New listings declined by 9.3 per cent from the previous April, with just shy of 17,100 homes listed on the MLS system.

Despite this increase in sales and drop in new listings, the average price of a home in the GTA continues to trend downward. Composite benchmark prices dropped 6.6 per cent year-over-year in April, while the average selling price in the region fell by 4.9 per cent since April 2025, to $1,051,969.

TRREB

"Lower home prices and borrowing costs over the past year have been a catalyst for some homebuyers this spring," said TRREB's Chief Information Officer Jason Mercer.

However, Mercer notes that "we still have a substantial amount of pent-up demand in the marketplace," and adds that "more certainty on the trade front and an easing in geopolitical tensions would result in further improvements in market activity."

Home for sale in Ontario is a stunning example of stealth wealth

Kendall Bistretzan — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:01 -0400

What's with modern luxury homes looking like glass boxes these days? Sure, the style of build is often gorgeous, but if you're a homebuyer who doesn't ever want to feel like they’re living in a fishbowl, a different build is likely more up your alley.

The six-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 7,500-square-foot home at 1382 Aldo Dr., Mississauga, is a testament to the power of quiet luxury.

The estate makes use of architectural restraint, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a deep-lot setback to conceal itself from the public eye, while prioritizing invisible value like 310 feet of lot depth and acoustic insulation over flashy trends. After all, discretion never goes out of style.

An overhead view of 1382 Aldo Dr. and its neighbours.

Upon entry, you'll be greeted with a sun-drenched foyer that amplifies the home's grandest features, like two-storey soaring ceilings, custom built-ins, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Due to the tree-lined lot and setback position from the street, you can enjoy plenty of natural light without sacrificing privacy.

Look at those gorgeous foyer windows.

Just beyond lies a formal dining area, perfect for hosting or even just making the most of family dinners.

The chef-inspired kitchen is sure to bring out your inner entertainer with its stainless steel appliances, oversized island, and breakfast area. Suddenly, cooking every day doesn’t feel like such a chore!

What's the rush? Enjoy breakfast to stay.

The rest of the main floor includes an office with custom, built-in millwork, as well as a guest bedroom with a private ensuite bathroom. This is a rare feature for a main floor — and certainly a welcome one for visitors who require extra accessibility.

What will you do with the main-floor bedroom?

Upstairs, the primary wing features a private balcony that overlooks the stunning backyard, along with a walk-in closet and a five-piece spa ensuite. It's basically your own personal retreat, right at home, so you can rest and relax whenever you need.

A bathtub fit for royalty.

There are also five additional bedrooms with private ensuite or semi-ensuite access, and a dedicated laundry room for convenience and efficiency.

Your family will love not having to fight over who gets to use the bathroom next, and because the bedrooms are all built with sound insulation, you don’t need to know about what you don’t hear.

With bedrooms like these, you don't need to worry about drawing the short straw.

The lower level is where the fun happens – literally. A wine cellar, sauna, home gym, extra office, and large recreation area with a fireplace make it an ideal space for entertaining or enjoying a little you time.

Entertaining just got a major upgrade.

The fully finished walkout leads to the backyard, which is a feat in and of itself. Curated landscaping makes the space feel especially serene, and a shaded patio and resort-style inground pool make every summer day feel like a vacation.

Summer days are best spent poolside.

At the end of a cul-de-sac in the coveted neighbourhood of Lorne Park lies a masterclass in the art of stealth wealth. 1382 Aldo Dr., Mississauga, is currently listed for $4,650,000.

Can you see your future unfolding on this ultra-private, ultra-luxe lot? Contact Sam McDadi Real Estate Brokerage to learn more or arrange a viewing.

Brand-new Toronto breakfast restaurant already has a celebrity seal of approval

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A new Toronto restaurant that opened last month may be flying under the radar right now, but it has already attracted some celebrity attention.

Nestled at the junction of three Toronto neighbourhoods: Yorkville, the Annex and Rosedale, it's easy, perhaps, to have overlooked new Avenue Road gem Mom's Recipes.

Founded by Toronto-based baker Victoria Olshana, the Ukrainian restaurant and cafe is tucked behind an unassuming, simple facade, but sandwiched between Osteria Giulia and Adrak — auspicious surroundings indeed.

For Ukrainian-born Olshana, the restaurant's menu, which features a diverse selection of offerings, from sour cherry-filled Pirizhki baked fresh in-house to warming bowls of borscht, the restaurant marks a return to homestyle cooking, inspired by, as the name would suggest, her own mother.

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A post shared by Bread Therapy (@bread_therapyy)

"My mom has been a chef for over 35 years," Olshana writes in the caption of an Instagram post introducing the restaurant. "To me, 'Mom' means love, care, and truly delicious food."

Judging by the restaurant's current 4.8-star rating out of 41 reviews, that's something she's already achieved, and as the restaurant continues to get more attention from fans across the city, the love and care fostered by Olshana's food will only reach more people.

Being a hidden gem doesn't mean that the restaurant is without its high-profile fans, though. Just two weeks after opening, the restaurant shared a photo with its very first celebrity visitor.

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A post shared by Mom’s Recipes Cafe (@moms_recipes_toronto)

In a city that scrambles at appearances from A-listers like Drake and Theo James, it was none other than Canadian literary icon Margaret Atwood. The woman wrote The Handmaid's Tale, so she's got to have good taste.

"Moments like these are exactly what Mom's Recipes is all about — connection, warmth, and a feeling of home," the caption of the post reads. "We'll always be happy to have you with us, Margaret!"

Mom's Recipes is located at 136 Avenue Rd.

Popular Ontario theme park reopens for the season this month

Sandeep Panesar — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Christmas is making an early return with the reopening of Santa's Village, a holiday-themed amusement park in the Ontario city of Bracebridge.

Touted as a "one-of-a-kind" destination — I mean, where else can you find Christmas-themed roller coasters and a roaming St. Nicholas in the middle of summer? — the park offers popular rides like the Candy Cane Express, Moose on the Loose, and its latest edition, Yeti-Trek, to get you in the festive spirit.

Of course, classic amusement rides, including the Swan Paddle Boats, are also available for those wanting a more traditional summer park experience.

Needless to say, no theme park experience is complete without good food. Guests can enjoy treats from well-known vendors like BeaverTails, along with park-specific options such as Jolly Trolly for popcorn and pretzels, and Kringle's Kitchen for classic pub fare. A list of all the food vendors at the park is available on its website.

Those familiar with Santa's Village will know it typically opens in mid-May, but things are a little different this year. The park announced on Instagram that it will open a week later than usual, on May 23.

Owners cited fluctuating weather conditions as the reason for the delay, noting they needed extra time to complete maintenance and servicing ahead of opening day.

But that's not the only thing that's changed this year.

According to the park's website, several rides will be closed for opening day, including Blitzen's Balloons, Go-Karts, Jolly Bumpers, Peppermint Penguin Coaster, and Santa's Summer Sleigh. Attractions such as the Spray & Play Zone, Snowbow & Arrows, and Santa's Farm, the on-site petting zoo, are also currently listed as closed.

Guests can access a full list of closures on the park's official website, though it has not yet been confirmed whether these will be temporary (weather-dependent) or season long.

Tickets are now available online, with general admission ranging from $52.95 to $57.95. The park will operate from May 23 through Sept. 7, before shutting down for the fall and winter seasons.

Santa's Village is located at 1624 Golden Beach Rd. in Bracebridge, Ontario.