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Ikea China's extensive food menu will make Canadians a little jealous

Irish Mae Silvestre — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:46:37 -0400

Those familiar with the food options at Ikea Canada might get just a tiny bit jealous of what diners can get at locations in China.

From steak to regional desserts, Ikea restaurants in China serve options that are far different from what shoppers in Canada are used to seeing. Content creator Zaza is based in China, where he films videos of home cooking, grocery hauls, and what it's like to live "alone in a tiny room on a tiny budget."

In a recent video, he shared his experience dining at Ikea in the city of Guangzhou.

"Most people know Ikea for its furniture, but in China, it became known for something completely different: the food," stated Zaza. "Some people even come here just to eat. So today, we're exploring what food in Ikea China is really like."

@zazaeatschina/YouTube

He added that when Ikea first opened in China, it became more than just a store, but a place for "room inspiration, cheap meals, dates, photos, and even weekend hangouts."

In addition to the iconic Swedish meatballs, Canada currently has its own local offerings: chicken balls in tikka masala sauce, falafel balls, and Swedish poutine. However, Guangzhou has its own menu items that we definitely wouldn't mind trying in Canada.

The options look pretty amazing: vegetarian rice (CNY9.99/C$2.02), salmon korokke (croquette) (CNY9.99/C$2.02), salmon wellington (CNY34.99/C$7.07), chicken leg (CNY14.99/C$3.03), cheezy beef rolls (CNY17.99/C$3.64), lamb skewer (CNY12.99/C$2.63), yam and chicken soup (CNY9.99/C$2.02), and pollock fingers (CNY7.99/C$1.61). And while Ikea Canada offers plant balls, the vegetarian equivalent of the meatballs, in Guangzhou, you can order a veggie burger; however, Zaza doesn't seem too impressed.

"The veggie burger uses soy-based products instead of meat," he explained. "It's a nice texture, but the taste is just okay."

It turns out that Ikea in Guangzhou also offers several meatier options, such as the steak pasta dish for CNY66.98 (C$13.54).

"The steak is cooked perfectly — not dry or tough, with a pleasant chew and just the right seasoning," states Zaza. "The past is cooked just right, nice and springy, and the sauce is flavourful without being heavy."

Next up is the black pepper beef rice for CNY29.99 (C$6.06), which, according to Zaza, is the only Chinese main dish left on the menu.

"Back when Ikea was at its peak, the food variety was way bigger; they had several Chinese dishes, too. But now, they're mostly gone," he said.

To wrap up his meal, Zaza opts for a cinnamon roll and tiramisu, and he has a clear favourite.

"We Chinese aren't big on super-sweet desserts, but this tiramisu is a winner," he shared. "It's smooth, just sweet enough, and the flavour is wonderfully rich."

But it's not quite the end of his Ikea culinary tour.

@zazaeatschina/YouTube

On his way out, Zaza stops at the bistro to order an ice-cream cone, and the flavours are impressive: avocado-flavour ice-cream for CNY3 (C$0.61), and a colourful earth-coloured sorbet made with matcha and coconut for CNY4 (C$0.81).

Safe to say, we wish at least some of these menu items would make their way to Ikea restaurants in Canada.

Watch the full video below:

Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival presented by Chapman's is back this June

Staff — Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:45 -0400

Heads up, Toronto. There's a very important event on the horizon — one that celebrates a monumental Canadian dessert and all of its mouthwatering interpretations across a single day of buttery deliciousness.

Yes, Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival presented by Chapman's is back for its 2026 iteration, and you don't want to miss out.

The best of the butter tarts

Picture downtown Midland lined with vendors selling everything from butter tarts to unique handmade items. And no, these aren't just any old butter tarts – along with classic plain, raisin, pecan, and walnut, you can also expect innovative flavours such as Skor, bacon, PB&J, cheesecake, and more.

There will be gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free options available so that everyone can enjoy the art of the tart.

And in good festival fashion, you can also expect live music, kids' activities, and family-friendly fun. Is there a better way to spend Father's Day weekend?

A sweet surprise

This year, Chapman's is serving up something special. Not only will this much-anticipated event have over 300,000 butter tarts onsite, but visitors can also enjoy free samples of Champan’s new Premium Pecan Butter Tart ice cream flavour.

This exciting interpretation of the iconic Canadian dessert has a luscious butter tart flavour with gentle hints of maple, and is filled with praline pecans and pieces of sugar cookies. It's layers upon layers of sweet Canadian goodness, reminiscent of the nostalgic flavours of the butter tarts your grandparents used to make.

If you think it can't get much more Canadian than that, think again. Not only is Chapman's a Canadian-owned and operated company, but it also only uses Canadian dairy in all of its ice cream products.

Celebrating Canadian desserts

With convenient and free shuttle service, free bike valet service, and free transit, it's as easy as ever to check out Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival presented by Chapman's.

Head on down to downtown Midland on June 14, to see who emerges victorious in the Traditional and Wild Style Best Butter Tart categories, and to sample Chapman's new Pecan Butter Tart ice cream.

Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival presented by Chapman's

Where: Yonge Street to Bayshore Drive, Midland, ON
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

FIFA World Cup price tag could exceed $1 billion in Toronto and Vancouver

Kenneth Chan, Daily Hive — Thu, 21 May 2026 07:49:37 -0400

Canada's role in hosting the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup in Vancouver and Toronto is becoming more expensive than originally anticipated, according to a new report today from Canada's Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO).

When the spending by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments are combined, the total Canadian public expenditures connected to the tournament could reach about $1.07 billion. This includes $473 million coming from the federal government, and $593 million from the Government of British Columbia, Government of Ontario, City of Vancouver, City of Toronto, and other public entities.

Vancouver is hosting seven matches at BC Place Stadium, including two group stage matches with Team Canada and two knockout rounds, while Toronto is hosting six matches, including the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup match played on home, which includes the country's opening ceremony for the tournament before the opening match (with Team Canada playing) and one knockout round. Both cities are also providing dedicated practice facilities for the teams and hosting major official free FIFA Fan Festivals throughout the tournament's duration.

The Government of British Columbia's latest budget update for Vancouver's hosting costs was made in June 2025, when it was announced that the total costs would reach a range of between $532 million and $624 million, including between $171 million and $181 million for BC Place Stadium renovations and tournament-time operational costs and up to $145 million for a generous contingency fund to cover any unexpected costs and market inflation. This total cost estimate is up from the April 2024 update of between $483 million and $581 million. From the outset, when Vancouver was named as a host city in 2022, it was assumed the city would host fewer matches — a total of five or six matches.

The PBO's report states Vancouver's overall FIFA World Cup-related costs are now projected to approach approximately $578 million, while Toronto's commitments may reach roughly $380 million. This is up from $300 million in 2022, when Toronto was confirmed as a host city and also assumed to host fewer matches — five matches.

According to the City of Toronto's 2025 budget, the allocated $380 million for the tournament includes $236 million for operating costs — including a contingency fund of nearly $31 million — and $144 million for capital costs.

A major driver behind the escalating costs is security. The 2026 tournament will feature 48 national teams and 104 matches across North America, with millions of international visitors expected to travel throughout the host countries.

More than one million visitors could arrive in Canada for the FIFA World Cup leading up to and during the five-week-long tournament period. Large-scale international sporting events increasingly require sophisticated and expensive security frameworks involving numerous law enforcement, intelligence, and federal authorities and departments. Security costs for major sporting events have risen sharply worldwide over the past two decades due to evolving global threats and the logistical complexity of protecting massive crowds and high-profile athletes.

According to the PBO, out of the $473 million being spent by the federal government to support both host cities, $220 million will go to the federal government's Canadian Heritage department to directly support the operating costs of the host cities, $145 million will go to Public Safety Canada to support security activities, $79 million will go to the RCMP for its security operations, and the remaining $29 million will go to Canada Border Security Agency, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, Public Safety Canada, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Invest Canada, and Canadian Heritage.

The $145 million in federal funding for Public Safety Canada's security expenditures was announced in April 2026.

Furthermore, the host cities have signed agreements with FIFA outlining detailed expectations and hosting responsibilities.

The PBO's report acknowledges that the costs could increase over the coming weeks, given the likelihood that provincial and municipal governments may make public their latest estimated cost figures closer to the tournament.

During a press conference last week to unveil BC Place Stadium's upgrades, Premier David Eby said an updated total cost estimate for the tournament in Vancouver will be made before the end of May. He maintains that the costs are worth the short- and long-term benefits.

"It is a key piece of information for the public, but the legacies that will be created by this game, whether it's community sports fields or the improvements here to the stadium that will create lines of revenue, or the opportunity to develop and enhance relationships with business partners or tourists from around the world, is significant and hard to understate," said Eby.

"We have a number of partners that we're coordinating with in terms of releasing full disclosure. We do have a desire to release it all at once rather than in pieces. As you know, we just recently finalized an agreement with the federal government in terms of contribution to the security costs. This is ongoing work that we're doing with our partners and I look forward to having a full accounting for the public by the end of the month."

Chris May, the general manager of BC Place Stadium, told us last week the combined upgrade and tournament-time operating costs for the venue are within the established budget envelope of between $171 million and $181 million for the work.

Another key partner is, of course, the City of Vancouver, which is serving as the role as FIFA's local organizing committee in Vancouver. In the June 2025 budget update, it was noted that out of the estimated $532 million to $624 million in total costs, Vancouver's municipal government would be responsible for $246 million to $276 million, which covers a major part of the tournament operating costs, public safety, security, traffic management, training sites, and the FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE fairgrounds in Hastings Park.

However, the overwhelming majority of the City of Vancouver's FIFA World Cup costs is set to be covered by the temporary FIFA hotel sales tax applied on overnight hotel room bookings within Vancouver's jurisdiction. This tax paid by visitors to the city first began in 2023 and it is set to end in 2030, with the municipal government anticipating roughly $230 million in revenues over the seven-year lifespan of the additional tax on nightly stays.

From the outset, during the bidding process, before FIFA chose Canada, the United States, and Mexico to jointly host the 2026 tournament, the approach taken to bring the FIFA World Cup back to North America was to use existing stadiums and infrastructure, with relatively minimal capital costs compared to previous hosts. This is very much unlike past FIFA World Cup hosts in 2014 (Brazil), 2018 (Russia), and 2022 (Qatar), which invested significantly in building brand-new stadiums, transportation infrastructure, accommodations, and other city-building measures.

However, even with this modest approach on capital costs, according to the PBO, Canada's costs are still relatively comparable to past hosts with exponentially larger construction efforts. The average per match hosting costs for the Canadian cities will reach US$59.6 million — lower than Russia's US$79.6 million per match and Brazil's US$91 million per match.

The host countries of the subsequent FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2030 (Morocco, Portugal, and Spain) and 2034 (Saudi Arabia) will be completely deviating from the 2026 approach by building new stadiums and extensive infrastructure. For instance, Morocco is building not only new stadiums but also a high-speed rail line to connect its host cities, while Saudi Arabia's total costs could reach up to US$250 billion.

Toronto's first post office is facing a financial crisis and uncertain future

Kimia Afshar Mehrabi — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Toronto's First Post Office, located on Adelaide Street East just east of Jarvis Street, is not only still fully functioning but is also a National Historic Site, museum, and one of the city's most important educational spaces.

Despite this, it's facing an uncertain future due to ongoing financial shortfalls.

Operated by the non-profit charity, the Town of York Historical Society, the site is Canada's oldest purpose-built post office that's still in operation and the country's only museum dedicated specifically to postal history.

Originally restored by the Society and reopened in 1983, the building was brought back to life with its original purpose in mind (as a working post office) while also expanding into a museum space that showcases early Toronto life, between 1793 and 1867.

Today, the site functions as a hybrid space: a museum, research centre, stationary hub, archival collection, and an authorized full-service dealer for Canada Post.

Its programming focuses on the history of the Town of York as well as the City of Toronto through exhibitions, walking tours, talks, workshops, and educational events. The museum also maintains a curated collection of artifacts, archives, and library materials, which are often showcased through rotating exhibits and community events.

One of its current exhibitions, titled "Love is in the Mail", runs until Oct. 1 and was curated by students from the University of Toronto's Master of Museum Studies capstone project. The temporary exhibit shares "detailed examples of historic love letters from Torontonian residents" in the 19th century, and explains the courting regulations and social customs of the time.

Despite its historic significance, the joint museum and post office is facing financial hardships and relies heavily on donations, memberships, and annual grants to keep its operations up and running.

The non-profit charity has even launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has so far just raised $575 out of its $1,100 target. Without immediate financial support, the Town of York Historical Society warns that programming reductions (and in a worst-case scenario, closure) could be on the table, which would result in a major cultural loss for Toronto.

Admission to the site is by donation (no tickets required), which can be made via the museum's website.

Toronto's First Post Office is located at 260 Adelaide St. E.

Ontario Line subway station looking spectacularly massive in new photos

Jack Landau — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Toronto's new Ontario Line subway is taking shape across various sites across the city, though much of this generational transit investment is happening deep underground, away from the prying eyes of passersby.

But Metrolinx is letting us all in on the behind-the-scenes action of this large-scale subterranean undertaking that will introduce the first new subway tunnels to downtown Toronto in generations, and relieve overcrowded TTC interchanges.

The 15.6-kilometre Ontario Line, set to connect Exhibition Place with the Line 5 Eglinton, will feature two separate tunnelled sections, two major bridges, and an elevated guideway, and add 15 stations to the local rapid transit network when it opens in the 2030s.

Construction of the tunnelled stretch through downtown Toronto has been one of the over $27 billion project's most mammoth jobs. Twin tunnel boring machines recently launched near Exhibition Place, while work continues on downtown stations below major intersections.

Among these underground downtown stops, the line's future King West station is rapidly beginning to resemble, well, a station.

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A post shared by Ontario Line (@ontarioline)

The excavation of caverns below intersections — accessed via pits carved behind the sound cover of massive acoustic shelters — has progressed ahead of the tunnel boring machines' arrival at the station sites, and new behind-the-scenes photos shared by Metrolinx offer a glimpse at the colossal scale of the tube-shaped cavern below King and Bathurst.

Here's hoping we'll all be seeing these impressive underground voids in-person just a few years down the road.

A 100-year-old Toronto bungalow is going for under $600,000

Misha Gajewski — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Toronto real estate listings love to describe run-down homes as "full of potential," but very few are brave enough to openly admit a property "reflects its age and may be considered dated."

But that's exactly how 25 Madelaine Ave. is being marketed.

The 100-year-old detached two-bedroom bungalow near Victoria Park Station is currently on the market and, well… yeah. It's definitely dated.

The front entrance.

Not in the chic "carefully preserved vintage charm" kind of way either.

The living room.

More in the "why are there cabinets there?" kind of way.

One of two bathrooms.

The house has a slightly chaotic energy throughout. There are shutter blinds everywhere, some oddly placed built-ins, and the floors and walls seem to have entered into a mild disagreement about what "straight" means.

A bedroom.

Even the AI-generated redesign photos somehow make the place feel more confusing.

Another bedroom.

And yet, despite all that, this house weirdly isn't a total lost cause because underneath the quirks, there's a pretty compelling opportunity here.

The backyard.

The bungalow sits on a quiet cul-de-sac, backs directly onto a schoolyard, and faces a park, which is the kind of setup Toronto buyers usually have to fight 14 other bidders to get.

The living room.

The house itself is probably either a full gut renovation or a complete teardown depending on your budget, vision, and emotional tolerance for surprise plumbing discoveries.

The kitchen.

But the lot is 25 by 113 feet, so there's enough space here to potentially build a solid family home in an area where detached houses can sell for upwards of $1.4 million, which makes the current $599,900 asking price feel surprisingly reasonable by Toronto standards.

The unfinished basement

The listing positions the property as an alternative to condo living since the home currently only has two bedrooms, though it also notes there's potential to convert it into a three-bedroom home down the line.

A hallway.

And honestly, even in its current state, it still offers something a condo can't: actual outdoor space, privacy, and freedom from condo board emails about "acceptable balcony decor."

The view from the street.

Honestly, that alone might be worth the renovation chaos. Add in the fact that 25 Madelaine Ave. is within walking distance of Victoria Park Station and suddenly that ancient wall-mounted air conditioner from the '90s doesn’t seem so bad after all.

CNE is hiring for summer jobs in Toronto

Kimia Afshar Mehrabi — Wed, 20 May 2026 22:00:00 -0400

If you're currently on the hunt for a summer job in Toronto, make sure to start cleaning up your resume as soon as possible, because the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is hiring for dozens of seasonal positions ahead of the annual end-of-summer fair.

With well over a million visitors every year, "The Ex" is searching for tons of hard-working candidates to ensure its operations run smoothly this year, with jobs ranging from bartenders to attendants and ticket sellers.

On Wednesday, the CNE announced that applications are now open for summer roles, including costume characters, lost and found attendants, info booth attendants, traffic controllers, entertainment runners, admission ticket sellers, and gate attendants.

The CNE is now hiring for seasonal roles! 🎉

Join Canada's most iconic summer tradition this August and be part of something unforgettable.

Apply now: https://t.co/C9vPOUzxpZ pic.twitter.com/4ptetl1D7K
— letsgototheex (@LetsGoToTheEX) May 20, 2026

For most of the seasonal positions, you must be at least 14 to 18 years old, and available to work all 18 days of the fair, which takes place between Aug. 21 and Sept. 7, 2026.

On top of being available to work flexible hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays (Labour Day), you'll also need to attend mandatory HR and job-specific orientations in early to mid-August.

Last year, the CNE reported a record 54,000 online applications for its annual job fair, which typically takes place a few weeks before the summer festival begins. Despite this, there were approximately 5,000 positions available, including game attendants, food service staff, cashiers, and midway operators.

If none of the positions listed spark your interest so far, you can hold off until the job fair later in the summer — but expect even more competition.

You can find a full list of the available seasonal positions on the CNE's website.

Canadian iPhone users eligible for proposed class-action lawsuit against Apple

Irish Mae Silvestre — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:00:00 -0400

Canadian iPhone users could be part of a new class-action lawsuit proposed against Apple, accusing the brand of falsely advertising Apple Intelligence features.

On May 11, Consumer Law Group filed the class-action lawsuit against Apple Inc. and Apple Canada Inc. in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice over claims of "deceptive marketing and advertising of the Apple iPhone 16 suite of products."

In addition to iPhone 16 users, the lawsuit applies to Canadians who purchased certain iPhone 15 models. A separate lawsuit was filed on behalf of Quebec residents.

The proposed lawsuit comes after Apple agreed in May to settle a similar U.S. class-action lawsuit for at least US$250 million.

The allegations

According to the Statement of Claim, Apple began promoting its latest iPhone products in the summer of 2024, emphasizing its Apple Intelligence range of features, including a more advanced AI-powered Siri.

However, the lawsuit alleges that the company "convinced customers to purchase either or both of these iPhones on the basis of Artificial Intelligence features that were not actually available at the time of the advertisement, or at the time of purchase, and some of which remain unavailable today."

It also alleges that Apple failed to disclose the fact that several features were unavailable at the time of purchase and remain "in development" and won't be available until at least late 2026.

"As a result, consumers got less than their money's worth in purchasing a phone that did not have features Apple prominently advertised," states the law firm's website.

The court document alleges that Apple violated several laws, including the Consumer Protection Act, the Competition Act, and the Sales of Goods Act. Apple is also being accused of breaching its contract with consumers by selling them phones that weren't equipped with all the advertised features.

Are you eligible?

You could be eligible if you meet the following criteria:

You purchased an iPhone 16 (any model)
You purchased an iPhone 15 Pro and/or Pro Max

If you qualify, you can join the class action by signing up online and providing your personal information and contact details.

How much could you receive?

For now, the amount isn't available yet as the class-action lawsuit is still in the proposal stage and still has to be certified. The law firm is seeking compensation for out-of-pocket and inconvenience expenses, as well as restitution for class members.

We reached out to Apple Canada for a comment and will update this story once it receives a response.

Apple has previously faced a class-action lawsuit in Canada involving its iPhones.

In 2024, a B.C. Supreme Court judge approved the $14.4-million settlement in a class action against Apple in Canada, claiming that performance mitigation features of Apple's iOS software (versions 10.2.1, 10.3, 11, and/or 11.2 for iPhones) caused defects, leading the iPhones to "prematurely age, degrade, or shut down unexpectedly."

Disgraced former MLB star surprises Ontario youth team days before prison sentencing

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:18:30 -0400

When the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team signed former MLB All-Star Yasiel Puig last month, many locals were in disbelief.

It might have been a mix between the Canadian Baseball League's amateur status and why a former MLB star would want to play here, or the fact that the 35-year-old is currently awaiting prison sentencing in a high-profile U.S. federal sports gambling case.

Despite the off-field attention, Puig has certainly embraced this new baseball opportunity with Toronto. The former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder homered in each of his first two at-bats with the Maple Leafs and has made appearances all around the city.

On Tuesday night, Puig surprised two youth baseball teams at a U11 game between the Vaughan Vikings and the Orillia Royals at Tudor District Park in Vaughan, Ont.

"Nice visit from Yasiel Puig with our friends from the Orillia Royals," the Vaughan Vikings shared on Instagram alongside photos of the two teams posing with Puig.

Former MLB star Yasiel Puig pulled up to a York Simcoe Baseball Association game between Vaughan Vikings and Orilla Royals. (@vaughanvikings2015aa/Instagram)

In February, Puig was found guilty in U.S. federal court of running an illegal sports betting operation and lying to federal prosecutors. He could reportedly face up to 20 years in prison.

Puig's final game for Toronto could come Saturday on the road against the defending CBL champion Welland Jackfish. However, Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein previously said the organization is not concerned about the controversy or potentially losing the former MLB star.

"The issues have been dealt with by the justice system and more qualified parties," Stein told the Toronto Star. "We are focused on putting the best talent we can on the field that we can be proud of. We think Puig is on the right track in his personal life."

Puig's future in the Canadian Baseball League could become clearer in the coming days, as he is scheduled to appear in federal court in Los Angeles for sentencing on May 26.

This is how long Toronto residents are willing to wait in line for the city's best pizza

Kimia Afshar Mehrabi — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Toronto's best pizzeria officially opened its highly requested second location earlier this month, and if its opening day was any indication, the lines that made it famous on Dovercourt have followed it straight to the Annex.

After years of rumours, Pizzeria Badiali confirmed that it would be opening its long-awaited sister location on Markham Street on Monday, May 11.

The original shop, located at 181 Dovercourt Rd., has steadily built a reputation that needs no introduction, thanks to its steady stream of customers and lines that regularly stretch down the block even during off-peak hours and weekdays.

On opening day at the new Markham Street location, we asked customers just how long they've previously waited for a Badiali slice.

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A post shared by Dished Toronto (@dishedtoronto)

Most Toronto residents said they've waited anywhere from 30 minutes to a mind-boggling two hours, depending on the day and the lineup, while others admitted that they were prepared to stand in line "as long as it takes" for a slice.

Despite the buzz, the wait on opening day itself was relatively tame, taking about 20 minutes around lunchtime, although true Badiali fans will know that's unlikely to last once word fully spreads.

"We are excited to join the Annex neighbourhood, and even more excited about reopening this historic building for people to come have great pizza and hang out with their friends and family," said chef and co-owner Ryan Baddeley, ahead of the opening.

The new location is also bigger than Badiali's flagship Dovercourt shop at 1,400 square feet, with indoor seating available for 30 hungry customers.

The menu at its sister location also remains true to what made the pizzeria a cult favourite, with the same lineup of pizzas, salads, and dips, plus a thin-crust "Granny style" pizza exclusive to the Markham Street shop.

Pizzeria Badiali Annex is located at 581 Markham St.

Ontario cops save puppies in heartwarming rescue involving pepperoni

Natalia Buia — Wed, 20 May 2026 12:25:16 -0400

It's a story that reads like a Disney movie synopsis: Two abandoned puppies, alone on the scorching streets of Hamilton, Ont., rescued by the local police, won over by the irresistible scent of cured meats.

For three police officers, what was supposed to be a routine speed enforcement check on the Red Hill Valley Parkway (RHVP) turned into an emotional rescue after one frightened, frail-looking puppy was spotted wandering close to traffic in the blistering heat.

And every movie needs a good plot twist.

After officers safely secured the first pup, they realized that their sister had also been abandoned nearby.

On May 19, Hamilton Police shared details of "Operation Puppy Rescue" on X. "Officers discovered a frail looking puppy walking by itself in the heat," read the statement. "The officers were able to secure the puppy, however they soon discovered the puppy's sister was also abandoned and too afraid to come close."

Operation Puppy Rescue!

While conducting speed enforcement on the RHVP, our officers discovered a frail looking puppy walking by itself in the heat. The officers were able to secure the puppy, however they soon discovered the puppy’s sister was also abandoned and too afraid to… pic.twitter.com/n7anURn8Qy
— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) May 19, 2026

Now, dogs are bright creatures with good instincts, so they weren't exactly keen on jumping into a cop car all willy-nilly. Luckily, officers discovered they're a little more persuadable with food.

This is where the comedy kicks in: When officers were having a hard time wrangling them into the vehicle for shelter, they relied on the power of what is undoubtedly the best pizza topping: pepperoni.

A rep for Hamilton Police Service tells blogTO that the two dogs, who do not have any known names, were taken to City of Hamilton Animal Services. Police are still investigating who is responsible for seemingly abandoning the dogs on the side of the RHVP.

blogTO also reached out to Hamilton Animal Services, which confirmed the two abandoned dogs are now in their custody. The puppies are considered strays and will be kept on hold for five days, longer than the provincially mandated minimum 72-hour period. During that time, the shelter will provide food and care.

This is now the part of the movie where Hans Zimmer's emotional score kicks in.

The puppies will also be photographed and posted on the City of Hamilton's website under Found Pets in the hopes of reuniting them with their rightful owner. If they go unclaimed, however, the two strays will eventually be put up for adoption.

Don't these two deserve a happily ever after?

If someone does eventually adopt this insanely adorable pair of red-haired puppies, here's a free name idea for the duo: Pep and Roni.

Roll credits.

Toronto's famous shipping container market transforming for FIFA World Cup

Karen Doradea, Curiocity — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Toronto's Stackt Market will soon be taken over by soccer, culture, and music for an entire month. Adidas is bringing a massive Brand Hub to Toronto, marking it as the home of soccer this summer.

If you need any World Cup plans, make your way to Stackt Market from June 11 to July 19 to experience the new Adidas activation.

The space will offer free admission to up to 1,200 fans daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Luckily, you won't need to sign up in advance or secure tickets online. But considering Toronto loves a lineup, you may want to get there early.

Now, as for what fans can expect, here's a rundown:

Watch Parties: An outdoor space featuring a 13.5′ x 24′ screen that will let fans gather to see every match of the FIFA World Cup.
Food and Beverage: Local vendors will whip up food tailored to the tournament, including specially curated menus on select days, by chefs Rob Bragagnolo, Joseph Shawana and others.
The Strike Lab: A 20' x 10' soccer activation where fans can try the adidas Predator or F50 boots
Adidas Studio: The Adidas Studio will offer fans rotating experiences, including a barber for cuts, custom hair dye, hair art and braiding. Custom temporary tattoos to be applied onsite on select days.
Special Guests: Throughout the tournament, fans might catch a few adidas athletes and ambassadors stopping by to take in all the action.
Shopping: Fans can stop by the adidas retail pop-up to shop a curated selection of FIFA World Cup gear, with on-site customization available.

Considering Stackt Market is just a short walk away from Toronto Stadium and steps from Toronto's FIFA Fan Fest.

Needless to say, it's going to be a really busy start to Toronto's summer, and we're here for it.

Ontario's largest Chinese garden is coming to Toronto

Sandeep Panesar — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:37:55 -0400

A new cultural garden is officially coming to Toronto, and organizers say it will become the largest Chinese garden in Ontario.

The project, led by the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT), is planned to be a 1.5-acre public green space in Scarborough.

The Asian Garden will feature traditional Chinese landscaping elements, including flowing water features and sculpted stone arrangements. It will also include handcrafted pavilions, framed vistas and indigenous plants.

According to the CCCGT, the initial concept for the garden dates back to the mid-90s as part of a larger vision for the cultural centre's expansion. Once complete in 2028, the space will serve as both a public green space and an educational hub where visitors can learn more about Chinese culture through architecture.

The garden, designed by Kasian & DTAH and set to be a year-round attraction, has already secured millions of dollars in public funding. In 2021, the federal and Ontario governments committed a combined $5.2 million for the garden through infrastructure funding programs directed at community and cultural projects in the city.

Community fundraising has also brought in close to $3 million so far, the CCCGT says.

The garden aims to be a cultural landmark and a tourist attraction in the Greater Toronto Area, and a gathering place for performances, educational programs, and community events.

The Asian Garden is expected to open by the end of 2028, adding to the city's diverse portfolio of beautiful gardens open to the public.

The only island named after a woman has direct flights from Toronto and here's what to see

Sabrina Gamrot — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:28:36 -0400

The Caribbean is a popular destination for Canadian travellers, but one island stands out for its welcoming culture and stunning natural beauty — and it's the only one in the world named after a woman.

Saint Lucia is a lush island in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, and a true hidden gem for a tropical getaway. With pristine rainforests and golden sand beaches, the island is named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse, the patron saint of light.

Though Saint Lucia measures just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, it's packed with diverse, one-of-a-kind experiences. From volcanic landscapes and vibrant street festivals to world-class diving and luxurious stays, there's no shortage of ways to explore.

Only in Saint Lucia can visitors stay in a room with awe-inspiring views of the Pitons, a private plunge pool, an outdoor shower and a hammock for two strung across its veranda.

Here's what you have to check out in Saint Lucia.

The Pitons

Hands down one of Saint Lucia's most recognizable natural attractions, the Pitons are two dramatic volcanic spires rising from the sea, reaching heights of over 750 metres. Known as Gros Piton and Petit Piton, these iconic peaks are home to a unique ecosystem both on land and beneath the water.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pitons are one of (if not the most) photographed spots on the island.

For breathtaking views, visit nearby restaurants, hotels, and beaches along the southern coast, particularly around the towns of Soufrière and Choiseul. To experience them up close, hop on a catamaran or boat tour, or take it a step further with a guided hike to the summit.

Gros Islet Street Party

The Gros Islet Street Party is a weekly tradition, where Friday night fish fries come alive once the sun goes down. Locals and travellers alike gather for live bands, dancing, and the infectious rhythms of calypso and soca, while food stalls serve up fresh-off-the-grill bites and barbecue.

Walk through the streets, dance the night away, and take in the Saint Lucia spirit. Foodies will love the local grilled seafood delicacies like lambi (conch), lobster, and blue marlin. To make it an authentic Saint Lucia celebration, be sure to try a glass of the island's favourite rum punch or a cold Piton beer.

Chasing waterfalls

Saint Lucia is also known for its breathtaking waterfalls across the island, with cascading beauty waiting to be discovered. Top highlights include Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, known as the most colourful waterfall in the Caribbean due to the water's changing mineral content.

The 50-foot-long Toraille Waterfall is one of the most popular sites on the island, nestled among the lush rainforest, while the warm mineral waters of Piton Falls are a picturesque sight to see. Relax among the volcanic phenomena and soothing mineral pools, nestled at the foot of the majestic Pitons.

Diving spots

It's no wonder Saint Lucia is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean, thanks to its lush natural landscapes and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Among its standout spots are the Keyhole Pinnacles near Soufrière Bay, world-renowned for their dramatic underwater formations set against the backdrop of the Pitons.

Since the area is covered in coral reefs filled with majestic sea life, this dive site offers an unforgettable experience beneath the surface.

Check out the remains of the Lesleen M, a 50-metre sunken vessel at Anse Cochon Bay, for another unique dive. Deliberately sunk in the 1980s, the wreck has become an artificial reef and is home to many ocean species. A great dive for all levels, you'll catch moray eels, angelfish, snappers, and more.

Sulphur Springs and Mud Baths

Experience the Sulphur Springs Volcano and Mud Baths — the world's only drive-through volcano.

The mud baths at Sulphur Springs attract people from all over the world because of their detoxification powers. Jump right into the purifying clay mud and see the healing properties for yourself.

Major cultural events

Feel the vibe and rhythm of the island at the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. The festival's roots date back to 1992, and it's a major celebration of art and music with a stacked lineup of local and international talent. Next year, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival runs from April 30 to May 9 and will mark its 35th anniversary

Spanning multiple days, the festival features performances of gospel, afrobeats, country, soca, reggae, and jazz. This open-air festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Pigeon Island, promises an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and artistic expression.

Don't forget to visit the Saint Lucia Carnival from July 1 to July 22.

Rooted in Saint Lucia's rich Caribbean and Creole heritage, Carnival is one of the island's most vibrant celebrations, filled with music, dance, parades, and spectacular costumes.

World-class accommodations

Saint Lucia has welcomed a new wave of internationally recognized resorts and brands, offering guests an elevated and relaxing stay.

Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, a Canadian-owned luxury resort, has just finished a $40 million investment, and the results are incredible. We're talking 5-star quality infrastructure, guest experience, culinary offers, and service standards.

As Saint Lucia's only property recognized by The Leading Hotels of the World, Windjammer Landing just expanded its luxury portfolio with the debut of La Belle Hélène, an ultra-exclusive ten-bedroom villa set between the island's legendary Gros and Petit Pitons. Windjammer Landing becomes the only resort brand in Saint Lucia to offer luxury villa access spanning from the northwest coast to the iconic southwestern region.

The largest development in Saint Lucia's history is underway by A'ILA Development at Mount Pimard with a US$1.3 billion investment. Featuring exclusive villas and apartments, it's designed for privacy, comfort, and breathtaking ocean views. Once complete, A'ILA will include a family hotel, an adults‑only resort, luxury villas, residences, a shopping boulevard, and one of the country's largest conference centres.

TheLifeCo St. Lucia is set to open this summer within the new A'ila Resort in Rodney Bay, becoming the Caribbean's first physician-led longevity and wellness resort. It focuses on tailored longevity programs, including detox, stress recovery, and metabolic reset, featuring 100 key luxury wellness.

Let her inspire you

Experience her natural beauty with direct flights from Toronto to Saint Lucia on Air Canada and WestJet and discover her golden soft sand beaches, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, sulphur springs, mud baths, Carnival, and more.

Start planning your escape and discover why this island deserves a spot at the top of your travel list.

Leafs' William Nylander surprises Toronto restaurant with unexpected visit

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have come up short in the 2025/2026 NHL season, but judging by star players' impressive intel on the local food scene, they could easily score an off-season gig as food influencers.

The love affairs between Leafs players and local restaurants have been well-documented over the years, whether it be Max Domi's affinity for Bar Isabel or Auston Matthews' unsurprising soft spot for Sotto Sotto.

When it comes to Swedish star William Nylander, it appears as though a newly opened bagel shop has his heart — along with the hearts of plenty of other Toronto residents.

Opening its doors in early April, Arthur's Snackette, a new venture from the team behind the uber-popular Arthur's Nosh Bar in Montreal, flanked by some illustrious Toronto locals, was an immediate hit.

And I really mean immediate: the bagel shop sold out within hours on its opening weekend, and has continued to draw considerable lines every weekend since then.

It seems as though the hype finally made its way to the one and only Willy Styles, as, on Sunday, May 17, he shared a series of photos noshing on Arthur's instantly recognizable bagels.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Nylander (@williamnylander)

According to Arthur's Snackette co-founder Dara Gallinger, Nylander's visit to the tucked-away bagel shop came as a "complete surprise."

"We were so excited and honestly really humbled that he chose to stop by. What made it even better was how kind and low-key the whole experience was. He waited patiently in line like everyone else," she tells blogTO.

The visit was made especially significant, she goes on to explain, because the team had previously heard that the hockey star once tried to visit Arthur's Nosh Bar in Montreal, only for his trip to coincide with the restaurant's closure for a private event.

"So the fact that he made a point to come visit us in Toronto this time around was incredibly flattering," she explains.

For Gallinger, the fact that a high-level athlete chose to eat at Arthur's Snackette makes complete sense.

"We also like to think our bagels are a great fit for people who really care about what they're putting into their bodies — especially professional athletes. Our bagels are 10 per cent sourdough (naturally leavened), fermented for 30 hours, high hydration, and made with high-quality flour from Quebec with no additives," she explains.

"We put a huge emphasis on process, ingredients, and digestibility, so it's amazing to see that resonate with people who obviously care about what they're eating!"

And, while Gallinger reiterates that she and the team are "incredibly grateful for [Nylander's] support," what's been especially meaningful to them in the weeks since opening has been the enthusiastic reception from the Toronto community at large — Willy Styles included.

"We're sure his seal of approval will help spread the word, and we definitely expect a lot more first-timers coming through over the next few weeks — which is incredibly exciting for us," she says.

Arthur's Snackette is located at 684 St. Clair Ave. W.