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Olivia Chow and Doug Ford go head-to-head at an omelette-making contest in Toronto

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:16:30 -0400

Toronto mayor Olivia Chow faced off against Ontario Premier Doug Ford in a battle of broken shells and, for one competitor, broken dreams, as celebrity contestants in a cooking competition for a good cause on Tuesday evening.

When I got out of my Uber and stepped into the buzz of the illustrious St. Lawrence Market North building for the second-annual Chefs for Change event, I was under the impression that I'd merely do my rounds, sample bites from some of the best chefs in the country, and head on my merry way.

For the first hour or so, that's exactly what I did. I sipped on chicken stock from Jordan Station's two Michelin Star Restaurant Pearl Morissette, wolfed down a hot dog wrapped in bannock from Naagan chef Zach Keeshig, and tried in vain to minimize the mess of mayo and pickle juice dripping from my mensch burger, served by Maven's Shauna Godfrey.

What wasn't on my bingo card for the night, however, was turning around to head to the bar after a series of performances from student members of Beyond 3:30, a division of the event's beneficiary, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, and nearly walking directly into Doug Ford and his entourage.

Even less expected was the reason why the Premier was at the event in the first place: he would soon compete in a cooking competition against Toronto mayor Olivia Chow, moderated by Afrim Pristine of Cheese Boutique fame.

They would both be tasked with making omelettes. Yes, omelettes.

Had I drunk one too many of the cocktails Civil Liberties was shaking up at the bar? I mean, you really can't make this stuff up.

Nevertheless, the competition commenced. Either politician was flanked by a duo of student chefs and given a bevy of toppings from humble cubed breakfast ham to truffle cream.

An illustrious panel of judges, comprised of Fitzrovia founder and CEO Adrian Rocca, financier and foodie Moez Kassam, Bar Eugenie chef and co-founder Rebekah Bruce, McCarthy Tetrault partner Jennifer Longhurst, and Langdon Hall chef Jason Bangerter, were to decide the ultimate winner.

The teams were given 10 minutes to complete their omelette, which felt like an exceptionally long amount of time for an omelette, but when team Chow was forced to toss out their first prototype, it became clear that this competition would come down to the wire

Team Ford, steered and operated almost entirely by his duo of student chefs as the Premier fielded Pristine's questions about strategy, opted for an entirely vegetarian omelette heavily featuring spinach and green onion.

Team Chow, on the other hand, leaned all the way into meat-lovers territory, with generous helpings of ham and cheese. For her part, Chow, ever the perfectionist, took the omelette-making responsibilities well and truly into her own hands, only seeking support when she struggled to turn on the portable gas stove she was cooking on.

In the last two minutes, team Chow had only just put their second omelette in the pan, while team Ford was taking theirs off. The countdown ended with team Chow's omelette still cooking, prompting a modest extension from Pristine until, finally, the time came for the final judgement.

It was a landslide. Out of five judges, four voted in favour of team Ford's omelette while only one, Rebekah Bruce, voted for team Chow. All the judges conceded, however, that it wasn't an easy decision. Ford's omelette was described as "fluffy" and "fresh" by judges, while Jason Bangerter expressed that the exterior of Chow's, cooked in a frantic tizzy, achieved a perfect caramelization.

At the end of the day, let's face it, the kids did all the work anyway.

After all was said and done, I found myself, once again, outside the building waiting for an Uber. As I did so, Mayor Chow herself breezed out and towards her car. I let her know that, even if she didn't win the omelette competition, she, clad in a black satin cocktail dress and pearls, was the best-dressed of the evening.

She seemed to like that. The valet standing next to me was just shocked that the Mayor of Toronto would take a Honda Civic home from an event. I wonder if they splurged on an Uber Black for the winner of the contest.

You'll be able to drink alcohol throughout Ontario provincial parks this summer

Natalia Buia — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:02:54 -0400

This summer, you can finally crack a cold beer with your burger or sip some wine with your picnic spread at just about any Ontario park.

The Ontario government announced Wednesday morning that it will expand permitted alcohol consumption to "most areas" within provincial parks, including picnic spots, beaches and other day-use areas.

Under the new rules, campers and visitors aged 19 and over will be allowed to consume beer, wine, and spirits in these designated areas. Currently, alcohol is only permitted at individual campsites.

Ontario has over 330 provincial parks (116 of which are classified as "operating") and attracted about 13 million visitors in 2025.

Todd McCarthy, Ontario's Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, said the change is intended to improve the overall park experience and support local tourism.

"Giving more choice for how people enjoy outdoor spaces will encourage more visitors to spend time exploring Ontario and discovering all the great things we have to offer," McCarthy said at a press conference.

Not all areas will permit alcohol consumption, particularly those near playgrounds and cultural or historical sites, McCarthy says. Clear signage will indicate where alcohol is not allowed.

The province insists safety will remain a priority.

Around 550 park wardens — who have authority and responsibilities comparable to the Ontario Provincial Police — will be responsible for enforcing the rules, including ensuring compliance with alcohol regulations, proper disposal of cans and bottles, and noise control.

"Water and alcohol don't mix. If you're intoxicated, you shouldn't be swimming," McCarthy said, addressing concerns about drowning and impaired driving. "If you're intoxicated and you're boating, you will be prosecuted under the Criminal Code. That will not be tolerated."

Existing laws still apply to unsafe or unlawful behaviour, including public intoxication, underage drinking, and the possession of open or improperly stored alcohol in vehicles or boats. These offences may result in tickets, fines, or other actions.

Ontario has been gradually loosening alcohol rules in recent months, including a move last month to allow guests to bring their own alcohol to outdoor public events. That BYOB policy is set to take effect on April 30.

Toronto Raptors playoff schedule unveiled for first-round clash with Cleveland

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:02:34 -0400

The NBA Playoffs are officially back in Toronto, and the schedule for the first round is now official.

On Wednesday, the NBA released the first-round schedule for the non-play-in tournament teams, and the Toronto Raptors could be playing basketball into May for the first time since their NBA championship run in 2019.

The Raptors finished fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record, clinching the No. 5 seed and setting up a first-round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30).

Toronto has dominated the season series against the Cavaliers, winning all three games, but both teams have improved since they last met in November.

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson's initial reaction to drawing the Raptors:
"Toronto, we know, that's no picnic, low key dominated us in the games we played them this year. A lot of respect, it's great, Toronto's a great basketball city, great challenge for us, really good team." pic.twitter.com/2K52hPrIim — Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) April 14, 2026

The Raptors will open the first two games of the best-of-seven series on the road at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on April 18 and April 20 before heading home for Game 3 and Game 4 at Scotiabank Arena on April 23 and April 26.

If necessary, Toronto will also host Game 6, scheduled for May 1. Game 7 would be played in Cleveland on Sunday, May 3.

The first-round schedule

Game 1 — Toronto @ Cleveland (April 18 / 1 p.m. ET)
Game 2 — Toronto @ Cleveland (April 20 / 7 p.m. ET)
Game 3 — Cleveland @ Toronto (April 23 / 8 p.m. ET)
Game 4 — Cleveland @ Toronto (April 26 / 1 p.m. ET)
Game 5 — Toronto @ Cleveland (April 29 / TBD) ***
Game 6 — Cleveland @ Toronto (May 1 / TBD) ***
Game 7 — Toronto @ Cleveland (May 3 / TBD) ***

*** — If necessary

Playoff basketball is BACK in Toronto!
Scotiabank Arena will host #Raptors v #Cavs Game 3 on April 23 and Game 4 on April 26. (If necessary, Game 6 will also be in Toronto on May 1.) https://t.co/SrV1vOOwiL — Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) April 15, 2026

Toronto in the NBA Playoffs also means the return of 'Jurassic Park,' where fans can cheer on the Raptors and watch the game on the big screen outside Scotiabank Arena on Bremner Blvd. in Maple Leaf Square.

Whether at home or on the road, fans can head to Jurassic Park to cheer on the Raptors for free this postseason. According to Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), tickets to the park will be released through the Raptors' mobile app at 9 a.m. the day before each playoff game.

If you want a front-row spot to cheer on the Raptors, Jurassic Park will open two hours before each game. Gates will also be closed to the public at halftime.

TTC to shut down almost 4 kilometres of subway for this entire weekend

Jack Landau — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:22:44 -0400

TTC subway closures this weekend will include a large portion of the busy Line 2 Bloor-Danforth route, and here's everything you'll need to know ahead of this two-day closure.

Service along a roughly 3.85-kilometre stretch of Line 2 will be halted for the entire weekend of Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Trains will not serve the portion of the route spanning between Broadview and Woodbine stations, forcing commuters to street level to wait for replacement shuttle buses that will cover the gap in service this weekend.

The TTC blames this latest in a series of Line 2 outages on ongoing track work.

Chester Station will be fully closed during the outage, along with the Dewhurst Blvd. entrance to Donlands Station. All other stations affected by the closure will be fully open for passengers to purchase/reload fares and connect with surface routes.

TTC

Service is expected to fully resume on Line 2 in time for the start of the morning rush on Monday, April 20, around 6 a.m.

Popular Toronto event under fire after overcrowding and disorganization complaints

Sandeep Panesar — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

It appears this past weekend's Toronto Baby Show was a crappy experience for most attendees, and that has nothing to do with soiled diapers.

The annual event took over the Enercare Centre on April 11 and 12, and parents from all walks of life — first-timers, expectants, and those with infants and toddlers — attended, hoping to get their hands on free samples and test out products before making long-term investments for their child's safety.

However, the event allegedly did not go as planned, with attendees reporting a range of issues.

Numerous accounts on social media allege that the Toronto Baby Show oversold tickets, left thousands of people lined up to enter, and closed its doors on day one, preventing some ticketholders from entering altogether.

Screenshot via @thebabyshows.

Frustrated attendees described the show as lacking organization and crowd control.

An attendee commented on an Instagram reel that described the event as chaotic and not what guests expected. "They should refund all our tickets, whether people who got in or were denied because of full capacity, it was poorly organized, given it's not the first year the show has run," they wrote.

"We recognize the immense effort it takes to coordinate a family outing, and we sincerely apologize to those whose experience fell short of the high standards we strive to provide," a representative from Toronto Baby Show told blogTO.

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They went on to say that an appropriate number of tickets were sold for the venue's capacity and projected headcount, but that certain factors combined to create an undesirable environment for guests.

"The event was not oversold. However, a combination of multiple events at the Exhibition Place, in addition to GO closures, led to a significant influx of attendees on Saturday morning who arrived in a condensed timeframe," the representative added.

As a result, some guests experienced delayed entry due to capacity limits. The representative confirmed that the issue was resolved by early afternoon.

Some also claimed they spent hours just trying to get inside, only to be turned away or faced with disorganized conditions once they got in. On Saturday, lineups were moved outside the Enercare Centre in an effort to better control the situation, but allegedly, that only made things worse.

"Once the line was moved outside, there were so many people jumping in, which was a shame to see the rudeness of these people after we'd all waited in line for so long, only for others to jump and get in after only 10-15 mins," wrote an Instagram user.

It's no surprise that a baby show geared toward young families and expecting parents would draw large crowds, including newborns and small children. Several attendees raised concerns about safety and comfort while waiting in long lines outdoors.

"Poor event planning. Oversold tickets, then pushed moms with newborns into the cold when the line was too long," another Instagram user commented.

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Aside from apologizing for the inconvenience, Toronto Baby Show says it is working on providing refunds to guests who purchased tickets but were unable to enter.

It appears some of the logistical issues may have been apparent from the start. Tickets were not sold on a per-day basis, meaning each ticket granted entry on either day of the two-day event. While Saturday reportedly descended into chaos, Sunday also appeared to spiral before the event even began.

"I was there at 9:55 a.m., and there were already thousands of people lining up. I just left after walking 15 minutes to find the start of the line because even if I get in, it's going to be a nightmare inside! Seriously, what in the actual [****]" wrote a Reddit user.

While the Toronto Baby Show has been a staple event over the last ten years, many continue to question its logistics. Some guests claim the event held in late 2025 was also executed poorly.

But organizers reiterate that they are working to improve future events.

"We are also working closely with the Enercare Centre to refine our protocols and ensure a more seamless experience for our community moving forward. The Baby Show team is appreciative of everyone's time and feedback and is working diligently to respond to all inquiries," the representative added.

Toronto Raptors disrespected in ESPN playoff predictions

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Sometimes, it feels like the entire sports world is against Toronto teams, no matter what they accomplish in the regular season. And this is just the latest example.

ESPN has released its playoff predictions and the Toronto Raptors did not receive a single vote to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in their seven-game series.

Ten of the 12 NBA writers picked Cleveland to beat Toronto in either five or six games, while the remaining two predicted the Cavs would win the series in seven.

12 NBA experts and writers all picked the Cleveland Cavaliers to beat the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. (Screenshot/ESPN.com)

Even with the Raptors facing long odds in the eyes of NBA pundits, their predictions should be taken with a grain of salt.

Many of the same experts also doubted Toronto before the season began. In an Eastern Conference preview, ESPN projected the Raptors to finish 12th with a 33-49 record. Toronto finished fifth at 46-36 and earned a spot in the first round for the first time in four seasons.

Statistically speaking, Cleveland has failed to beat Toronto in all three regular-season meetings this year, although the teams have not faced each other since late November.

Since then, the Cavaliers have made significant moves to improve their roster, acquiring 11-time NBA All-Star guard (and former MVP) James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline and adding some bench depth with former Raptors guard Dennis Schröder.

What's the key for the Raptors to beat Cleveland? It'll be whether Toronto can lean into its strengths and slow down the Cavaliers' high-powered offence.

The Cavaliers rank among the NBA’s best teams in points per game (119.5) and offensive rating this season. The Raptors, on the other hand, finished among the league’s best in defensive rating and allowed just 111.9 points per game, which is one of the fewest among playoff teams.

As the saying goes, "defence wins championships," and that's exactly what Toronto will need to rely on to have a chance of winning this series.

The Raptors will open the series with Games 1 and 2 on the road in Cleveland, beginning April 18 at 1 p.m. ET, before returning home to Scotiabank Arena for Games 3 and 4 the following week.

Toronto's largest Asian-owned market returning next month with a few upgrades

Sandeep Panesar — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Asian Heritage Market is set to return to Toronto in May, taking place during the annual month-long cultural celebration.

Presented by The Welcome Market, the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT), and Toronto City Councillor Lily Cheng (Ward 18 Willowdale), this year's event has expanded into a two-day showcase with more than 95 Asian businesses.

For those who have attended in the past will know the event showcases a wide range of vendors from vintage foods to food. Many draw on global culinary influences while paying homage to Asian cultures.

In 2025, the Asian Heritage Market welcomed a record 10,000 attendees in Toronto, prompting organizers to expand the event into a full weekend event to improve accessibility. This year, 30,000 guests are expected to attend the popular festival.

In addition to the two-day expansion, organizers are introducing a beer garden this year. Presented by Sapporo Canada, it will serve premium beer, non-alcoholic options, and the brand's latest release, Vodka Lemon Sour.

And that's not all. Live performances, a SUKOSHI Stamp Station, and a special collaboration between Rurubaked and SUKOSHI round out the exciting lineup of on-site attractions.

The Asian Heritage Market will take place on May 9 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on May 10 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free to attend and will be held at Mel Lastman Square, located at 5100 Yonge St.

15 things to do in Toronto this weekend

Sandeep Panesar — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Things to do in Toronto this weekend include sports watch parties, concerts, markets, and comedy shows across the city.

With the Toronto Raptors clinching a playoff spot — and their first game set for Saturday — the city is set to be buzzing with watch parties where fans come together to support the boys. "Jurassic Park" will be back up and running, with the first away playoff game screening at Maple Leaf Square on Saturday. For those looking to stay indoors, Fox on John is also hosting for fans to catch all the action.

Anyone in the mood for some music this weekend? International musicians John Butler and Oh Wonder will be serenading their fans at their respective concerts. Singer-songwriter Maisie Peters is also stopping in the city as part of the North American leg of her tour.

There's all this and so many other things to do in Toronto this weekend. Be sure to check out our previous roundups, and, as always, our complete events calendar is always up to date, so you can scan and plan out the rest of your month.

Events you might want to check out:

Jurassic Park Tailgating Party (April 18 @ Maple Leaf Square)
Jurassic Park is back! Come and watch the Toronto Raptors take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first away game of the playoffs.
Sean McLoughlin (April 17 @ Annabel's)
Internationally-acclaimed comedian Sean McLoughlin comes to the city for one night only.
A Stand Up Comedy Showcase (April 18 @ The Corner)
Some of Toronto's best comedians will come together for an entertaining night at The Corner.
John Butler: North American Tour 2026 (April 17 @ History Toronto)
Australian musician John Butler will perform in Toronto for one night only.
Oh Wonder Live In Concert (April 17 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
The London-based pop duo is set to perform for Toronto fans.
Maisie Peters: Before The Bloom Tour (April 17 @ Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Maisie Peters brings her tour to town this weekend.
10 Years of Purple Tears: Remembering Prince 10 years later (April 18 @ The Cat's Cradle)
A free event celebrating the legendary artist, Prince.
Under Armour Toronto 10K (April 18 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
A 10K run taking over Nathan Philips Square.
TO Food and Drink Fest (April 17-19 @ Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
A three-day food and drink spectacle is happening this weekend.
Good Friends Market (April 18-26 @ )
Good Friends Market returns to the city with over 80 vendors for you to shop from.
Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market (January 3 - April 25 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
This iconic farmers' market will wrap up at the end of this month.
Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour 2026 (April 12 - December 21 @ Multiple Venues)
Take a delicious food tour through one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods.
MLS: Toronto FC vs. Austin FC (April 18 @ BMO Field)
Cheer on the Toronto FC as the team takes on the Austin FC.
TORONTO RAPTORS PLAYOFF WATCH PARTY (April 18 @ Fox on John)
Another watch party as the Toronto Raptors go head-to-head with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs.
WrestleMania 42 Toronto Watch Party NIGHT 1 (April 18 @ National Toronto)
A WrestleMania watch party right happening at The Well.

$11 million Toronto home was featured in a Netflix series

Misha Gajewski — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If this Toronto house looks weirdly familiar, it's probably because you watched the 2021 series Jupiter's Legacy on Netflix.

Yep, this place had its moment on screen, with the living room standing in as Chloe's apartment.

Now it's back in the spotlight, hitting the market for a very chill $10,895,000 — up from its 2019 price of $9,998,000. Apparently, a Hollywood credit can boost property values by $1 million.

The upstairs bridge walkway.

The home was designed by Arriz + Co and leans hard into bold, modern, statement-making design — the kind where every detail feels intentional and just a little bit dramatic.

The family room.

And honestly, it starts before you even step inside.

The living room.

There's a literal fireplace built into the front window. Not beside it. Not near it. In it.

The primary ensuite with a fireplace.

It's slightly unhinged in the best way and immediately tells you this is not going to be a normal house.

The foyer.

Inside, the place just keeps going.

The concrete feature wall.

A massive concrete wall anchors the staircase like a piece of sculpture, while skylights and a suspended upper hallway pull natural light deep into the home so it never feels heavy.

The main floor.

The main living spaces are open but still defined, with a three-sided fireplace subtly separating the living and dining areas.

The home office.

And then there's the office, which features a built-in aquarium. Because why settle for a screensaver when you can have live fish?

The kitchen.

The kitchen is exactly what you'd expect at this price point: oversized, ultra-sleek, and wrapped in dramatic marble slab surfaces, with top-tier appliances and a seamless flow into the family room.

The rounded breakfast nook.

There's also a rounded breakfast nook overlooking a private, tree-lined backyard.

The primary bedroom.

Upstairs, the primary suite goes full luxury mode with two custom dressing rooms and a spa-like ensuite.

Another bedroom.

The additional bedrooms are all generously sized and come with their own ensuites.

The solarium.

But the real wildcard might be the indoor-outdoor solarium.

The hot tub overlooking the backyard.

Outfitted with skylights, heaters, a fridge, and a hot tub, it's basically a year-round hangout zone that works just as well in February as it does in July.

The basement recreation room and wine cellar.

Downstairs, things shift into full entertaining mode with a wine cellar, kitchen, bar with a marble island, gym, and an extra bedroom suite.

The backyard.

Outside, the property keeps showing off.

The pool.

There are heated steps and a heated driveway, curated landscaping, and a secluded backyard with a custom Gib-San pool and fire table.

The dining room.

All in all, 12 Winton Rd. is a full-blown escape from reality tucked into one of Toronto's most exclusive neighbourhoods, Hoggs Hollow.

The basement bar.

"You literally feel like you are in the country as [12 Winton Rd.] is on a tiny cul de sac and the south side of the home sides entirely onto the private Rosedale Golf Club," said realtor Adam Weiner.

An aerial view of the property and Rosedale Golf Club.

And if you've got about $11 million lying around, it could be your escape too.

This new Thai tea shop is the first of its kind in Toronto

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Toronto just got a new shop that serves Thai pulled tea — and it's the only one of its kind in the city.

I don't know about you, but Thai tea has to be near the top of my list of the best tea-based drinks money can buy. The combination of strong, earthy black tea and sweet condensed milk makes it almost impossible not to down in approximately three gulps, even if its sweetness makes it more like a dessert than a vehicle for caffeination.

If you share my affinity for the drink, Toronto is a great place to be. With the arrival of new favourites like Cha Tra Mue and Lamoon's opening on Queen West, Thai tea has never been in such ready supply.

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This month, we've got yet another new place in the city serving brimming cups of the stuff, but it's got something none of the others do.

Khem Thai Tea is the latest business to join what can only be described as the Toronto Avengers of Thai food that make up Yonge and Wellesley's Thai Mart, and it also happens to be the only Thai tea shop in the city serving pulled tea.

Where, in Toronto, you'd typically see Thai tea made by simply stirring all the elements together, perhaps topping it with frothed milk at the end, pulled tea is created by "pulling" the milk and tea back and forth between two cups for lighter, more flavourful results.

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Not for nothing, but it's also downright impressive to watch.

Though it only soft-opened on Monday, April 6, the tea shop (it may be more apt to call it a window) has already seen throngs of thirsty Toronto residents lining up outside its ochre facade, which fittingly matches the drink's ubiquitous hue.

If Thai tea isn't your, well, cup of tea, Khem also serves a selection of other drinks, like iced green tea, Thai iced coffee and a particularly vibrant pink milk. With temperatures only continuing to rise in the city, the shop is a shoo-in to become a summer staple.

Khem Thai Tea is located at Thai Mart, alongside 555 Boat Noodles, Hi Hoi Tod and Kati, at 496 Yonge St.

5 things that stood out to me in Ontario as someone from Alberta

Allison Stephen, Daily Hive — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:30:40 -0400

Canada is a massive country, and while many of the things we enjoy nationwide are universal, travelling somewhere new can still feel like a bit of a culture shock.

I'm from Alberta, and most of my trips to Ontario have revolved around the GTA. Because of that, I've never really had the chance to explore much else. Recently, though, I spent a couple of days in Ottawa, travelling there from Toronto by VIA Rail.

For starters, I loved getting a glimpse at all the charming little towns along the way, and the journey made me infinitely jealous that there's nothing comparable between Calgary and Edmonton.

Here are five other things that surprised me about Ontario as an Albertan:

Flowers being planted in early April

I saw this almost immediately upon arriving and was shocked to see workers out planting flowers in early April. This is something that is just unheard of in Alberta unless you're trying to kill your plants before they even have a chance to take root. It's simply not safe to plant anything here until the frost finally disappears for the season, so mid-May, at least.

SO MUCH WATER!

Of course, when you look at a map, it's obvious there's a lot of water in Ontario. But until you have a front row seat to it, it's hard to fully grasp the sheer scale and force of it all moving through the province. No wonder hydro is king. And sure, Alberta has its fair share of lakes, but there are very few where you can't see the other side. Lake Ontario is definitely not one of those.

There are still payphones

It warmed my heart to see payphones in the year 2026. This is something you just don't see in Alberta anymore.

Allison Stephen/Daily Hive

So much jaywalking

Look, Albertans definitely do this too, so I'm not trying to say this is something unique to Ontario or anything, but I was honestly surprised by how common jaywalking is. It doesn't seem to matter if you're young, old, or anything in between; if there's a break in traffic, Ontarians are going for it. Perhaps we're a little more wary of being mowed down by a lifted pickup truck, but we're a little more reserved when crossing the street.

Beer in the grocery stores

This isn't really something you'll find in grocery stores in Western Canada, so it was kind of fun seeing beer sold in a Canadian grocery store like this. It really is the little things sometimes.

Huge festival bringing over 100 music and film stars to Toronto next month

Daniel Chai — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:30:00 -0400

Toronto music and film fans are in for a treat this spring because a major festival is returning with some huge names.

The Departure Festival is bringing hundreds of artists and stars from across the city, Canada and the world together from May 4 to 10.

Whether you're looking to dance all night to great music or get up close with some of your favourite creators and filmmakers, there's an event for you to discover at over 40 venues. And tickets and passes are on sale now.

"After an incredible inaugural year, we're excited to build on that momentum with a 2026 edition that's bigger, bolder, and even more connected to the city," said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Departure Festival + Conference.

"Welcoming influential voices to vibrant spaces in the heart of downtown Toronto, Departure continues to evolve where music, culture, and emerging creative fields collide."

Departure Festival

The Departure Festival Music Showcase features over 100 emerging artists, including Annabel Oreste, Hunter James, Noise Hotel, Rosewater Park, and more.

You can also catch music headliners such as Wild Rivers, Katie Tupper, Piao and Kassidy.

Fans also won't want to miss the opportunity to be in the same room as the creators of KPop Demon Hunters and Heated Rivalry during Departure Honours on Thursday, May 7, at Koerner Hall.

Oscar-winner Maggie Kang will be presented the Cultural Innovator Award, recognizing the worldwide phenomenon that is KPop Demon Hunters.

Departure Festival

Other honourees at the Gala include Jacob Tierney, who will receive the Creative Impact Award for his work on Letterkenny, Shoresy and Heated Rivalry.

Rupi Kaur will be honoured with the Independent Achievement Award for her global success, and Sarah McLachlan will be honoured with the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award presented by Slaight Music.

Legendary music manager Bruce Allen will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Toronto-based arts and mentorship organization The Remix Project will receive the Industry Achievement Award.

Radiodays North America is bringing together creators and innovators to share global insights on the latest trends in the evolution of audio on May 5 and 6.

Influential names coming to the conference include Bobby Carter, host and series producer of NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts; Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music; Alan Cross, acclaimed broadcaster and music expert; Sarah Cummings, Director of Radio Content for iHeartRadio Canada and Orbyt Media; and Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and CEO of CRTC.

Departure Festival

Departure is also expanding its film programme with special events at TIFF Lightbox and Paradise Theatre.

Grab the popcorn and enjoy screenings of Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, and Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King, which spotlights the life, music, and global impact of Machel Montano, followed by a Q&A with Machel.

There will also be a screening of Bif Naked: The Documentary, a revealing film about the Canadian pop-punk pioneer with a Q&A and live performance, and Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience.

"Departure is a launchpad for discovery - whether you're finding your next favourite artist or reconnecting with ones you already liked," added festival organizers.

"It's an opportunity to experience Toronto in a new way, with performances, screenings, and ideas unfolding across the city."

More information about the Departure Conference and Festival, including tickets and pass information, can be found online.

Canada pausing federal gas tax and here's how much you can save

Isabelle Docto — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:48:48 -0400

Canadians will soon feel some relief at the pump, as Canada is set to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in a press conference on Tuesday that the new Liberal majority government will temporarily suspend the federal fuel excise tax from Monday, April 20, to Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.

"We all know that because of the war with Iran, fuel prices have increased sharply around the world, including right here in Canada, so we’re taking more action to help build that bridge over short-term pressure," stated Carney.

LIVE: Cutting fuel costs in Canada • EN DIRECT : Réduire les coûts de carburant au Canada https://t.co/4tgH71OyJy
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 14, 2026

For those who don't know, since 1995, the Canadian government has charged an excise tax at a flat rate of 10 cents per litre on gasoline. That federal gas tax has been four cents per litre on diesel since 1987.

An excise is a government tax on specific goods manufactured and sold for domestic consumption.

This means that starting next week, the price of gas will drop by ten cents per litre and four cents per litre for diesel. A family with a sedan will save around $4.90 in excise taxes per tank of gas. Taking into account sales taxes, this amounts to a savings of around $5.63 per tank.

Combined with the end of the consumer carbon tax last year, Carney said that the federal government will have reduced gas prices by up to 28 cents per litre.

Canadian public policy think tank MEI said that the suspension of the federal gas tax is a "step in the right direction," but argued that the government should make this measure permanent.

"Taxpayers had not yet recovered from the inflation of the past few years, when the rapid increase in the price of gas came along and shrank their purchasing power even more," explained Gabriel Giguère, senior policy analyst at the MEI, in a statement.

"A temporary tax holiday only helps temporarily. If it were to make this reduction permanent, the government would be returning hundreds of dollars a year into families' pocketbooks."

As of Tuesday, the United States has begun its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The crucial passage way for one-fifth of the world's oil supply was shut down by Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in March, causing oil prices and, therefore, jet fuel costs to spike.

Canadians are certainly feeling the effects on their bank accounts. According to GasBuddy, gas prices in Canada reached their highest average of the year so far on Tuesday, April 8, at 184 cents per litre.

The pressure hasn't only been felt at the gas pump. Everyday services involving travel and shipping have added fuel surcharges in response to rising oil prices.

Carney added that the government will also remove the federal excise tax on aviation fuel. This comes as major Canadian airlines added fuel surcharges on certain bookings.

27 cool finds from the One of a Kind Show in Toronto

Natalia Buia — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:26:59 -0400

Toronto felt more whimsical than usual this weekend, with the air practically scented by handmade candles and gourmet chocolate chip cookies. That's because the One of a Kind Show took over the Enercare Centre, transforming the massive space into a spring-themed marketplace.

Over 500 vendors showcased locally made — and often handmade — goods, from cozy home decor to funky fashions to small-batch artisanal snacks. It's one of those places where you think you're going to pop in "just to browse," but then somehow you leave with bags upon bags of treasures and treats. And, if you missed out, you can still shop these goodies online.

Check out some cool finds from the One of a Kind Show in this photo gallery.

Golf course trolls Toronto Maple Leafs fans before final home game

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:59:44 -0400

The 2025-26 season did not go the way many fans expected, with the Toronto Maple Leafs missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

The Leafs are one game away from leaving the rink and heading to the links, and one golf resort is already making a marketing mockery of their misery.

A Maple Leafs fan walks by a Fox Harb'r Golf Resort ad in Union Station before Monday's home game against the Dallas Stars. (Fox Harb'r Golf Resort)

On Monday, before the team's final home game against the Dallas Stars, Nova Scotia's Fox Harb'r Golf Resort took over digital advertising boards at Toronto's Union Station and throughout the downtown PATH walkways, using the space to take a subtle jab at Leafs fans suddenly having a two-month vacancy.

The golf course shared beautiful imagery of its coastal championship course on each of them along with cheeky headlines like "Don’t worry, we have 18 cups waiting for you here," and "A short season just means more time for the short game."

The golf course says there was no ill will behind its gut-punching marketing strategy targeting Leafs fans.

Pedestrians walk past a Toronto Maple Leafs targeted ad in Union Station. (Fox Harb'r Golf Resort)

"This is just your East Coast family saying: come home for a few days," Fox Harb'r president Kevin Toth told blogTO. "We’ll feed you, we’ll get you on the course, and we won’t talk about the playoffs unless you want to."

In addition to the six digital ads, the golf course also created a Maple Leafs-themed resort package on its website called the "Rink to the Links Escape," which comes loaded with an "Early Exit Experience" dinner and a signature craft cocktail called "The Short Season."

Subtle jab or not, it's a genius strategy to make light of a hockey season that's been well below par.