Good afternoon — A new congestion report shows where Toronto’s traffic ranks, Frank Gehry’s passing leaves a hole in the architecture world, and the Finch West LRT is finally rolling (with free rides today).
Meanwhile: Christmas traditions at Yonge & Queen are being revived and the TTC is mulling this new kind of tunnel ad.
Let’s get into it.
THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories
Unusually light traffic on the DVP
🚘 Traffic Gridlock: Toronto ranks 34th globally for traffic congestion in Inrix’s 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard, but not as gridlocked as Montreal which tops all Canadian cities at 28th. While commuters still lose about 59 hours a year to traffic, that’s a slight improvement from last year, even as closures and lane restrictions continue to frustrate drivers.
🏙️ Frank Gehry: Legendary architect Frank Gehry, the Toronto-born visionary behind the AGO redesign, Guggenheim Bilbao, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and countless other iconic buildings, has died at 96. Celebrated globally for his rule-breaking, sculptural designs, Gehry leaves behind a transformative legacy that reshaped modern architecture and inspired generations of creators.
🚊 Free on Opening Day: Toronto’s long-delayed Finch West LRT finally opens today, and rides will be free for the day. The 18 stop, 10.3km Line 6 connects Humber College to Finch West Station after four years of delays, while officials say the also-delayed Eglinton Crosstown won’t open until 2026 at the earliest.
🎄 Christmas Window Comeback: The historic Hudson’s Bay building at Yonge & Queen will revive its beloved Christmas window displays this year, despite the chain’s nationwide closure. Cadillac Fairview has secured a major brand to take over the windows, with the new display unveiling on Dec. 14 and running through the New Year.
🕣 Weekend Hours: Costco is making its extended holiday hours permanent, keeping all Canadian warehouses open until 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Members will now have an extra hour of weekend shopping year-round, with the change taking effect in the new year.
🚇 Flip-Book Tunnel Ads: The TTC is considering new “in-tunnel motion advertising” (flip-book style video ads that appear as trains pass) to boost revenue as the cash-strapped agency prepares for the 2026 budget. A proposed 15-year deal with adtrackmedia could add up to six tunnel ad systems ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
🚉 Last Hurdle: The long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT has officially finished testing and reached “substantial completion,” allowing Metrolinx to hand the line over to the TTC. The province says the 25-stop route will open in the coming weeks, with an early-2026 launch expected and service gradually ramping up over six months.
Christmas displays returning to Yonge & Queen (source: Robert Taylor)
MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW
🧸 Closing Dozens of Stores: Toys “R” Us Canada is shuttering at least 38 stores, including multiple Toronto locations, as liquidation signs appear at Dufferin Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Victoria Terrace, and the newly opened Lawrence Allen Centre.
✈️ Air Canada Opens Route: Air Canada has launched new seasonal nonstop service from Toronto Pearson to Rio de Janeiro, operating three times a week through March 2026.
🛜 5G Delayed: Rogers' plan to blanket Toronto’s subway with 5G by year-end is slipping, with a new TTC report warning the carrier is unlikely to meet Ottawa’s December deadline. Full system activation is now projected for mid-2027, even as major sections downtown and along Lines 1 and 2 are already live.
LOST TORONTO:
Grand Opera House (Demolished)
Opened in 1874 on Adelaide Street West, the Grand Opera House was Toronto’s leading theatre, known for its lavish design and performances by top international acts. It seated over 1,700 and stood as a cultural landmark for decades.
Toronto's Grand Opera House was demolished in 1927 primarily due to declining popularity, intense competition from newer theatres like the Royal Alexandra, and financial troubles linked to the mysterious disappearance of its owner, Ambrose Small, which overshadowed the venue. After a significant 1926 fire, the building fell into disrepair, losing its luster as a leading entertainment spot before being torn down to make way for new development.
The site is now home to the 68-storey Scotia Plaza. The only trace of the opera house today is a narrow laneway off Adelaide, fittingly named Grand Opera Lane.
THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP
Editor’s Pick! Festive Lights at Queen’s Park - Celebrate the season at Ontario’s Legislative Building with six days of free, family-friendly holiday fun. Wander through dazzling light displays inside and outside the historic building, enjoy live music, festive crafts, photo ops with Santa and beloved characters, and shop for Ontario-made gifts. With different programming across evenings and weekends, it’s a magical experience for all ages.
December 10, 13, 17, 20, 22, 23 (see website for times)
Location: Ontario Legislative Building, 111 Wellesley St. West
Taste of Japan: Whisky Edition - Expand your palate with a guided tasting of top-tier Japanese whiskies led by Certified Whisky Ambassador Robin Morgan. Whether you're a newcomer or connoisseur, you’ll dive into the history, craftsmanship, and flavour profiles of some of the finest Japanese bottles available in Ontario.
December 12 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: KIYOMI, 76 Gerrard Street East
Tasty Tours Holiday Chocolate Express - Climb aboard a vintage train car for a decadent dark chocolate tasting experience. Led by a chocolate expert, you'll learn how to savour each creation and uncover the rich stories behind them. Includes your own tasting tools, chocolate to take home, and a heart full of holiday spirit. Perfect for dark chocolate lovers or those ready to explore beyond the basics.
December 13, 14, 20, 21 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Toronto Railway Museum, 255 Bremner Blvd
Nutcracker Tea Service - Sink into the season at the Omni King Edward Hotel with their beloved Nutcracker Tea Service, a holiday tradition featuring their signature King Edward Blend, delicate finger sandwiches, buttery scones, and festive pastries worthy of a standing ovation.
November 29, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (Friday–Sunday) | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Omni King Edward Hotel, 37 King St. East
Casa Loma Holiday of Lights 2025 - Wander through twinkling tunnels, festive gardens, and magical displays at one of Toronto’s most iconic castles. Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights experience features dazzling outdoor installations, live performances, and self-guided strolls through the illuminated grounds, perfect for a cozy winter evening.
December 6, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
RECOS: Things you will love for under $40
☕️ Coffee: This is THE grinder
💻 Office: How to work in peace
🍳 Cooking: How to cook with steel
🦝 Toronto: A short history of Toronto
🪞 Decor: How to get good lighting
InsiderToronto might collect an affiliate fee on these items
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Few people know about this historic Toronto lighthouse, and maybe that’s because it doesn’t sit on the waterfront.
Here is the link: Click here to watch
WANT MORE FREE & EXCLUSIVE CONTENT?
Join our Facebook page where we post more exclusive content: maps, videos, historical photos, walking tours, landmarks, and much more!
Here is the link: Join our Facebook page
Run a business in the GTA and want to reach 10M+ Torontonians? Advertise with us!
email [email protected]
LOVE OUR CONTENT? HELP US MAKE MORE.
If you enjoy the newsletter and want to support what we do, consider dropping a little something in our tip jar.
Every bit helps us keep highlighting the community that we love: