Good afternoon — Toronto now has a floating convenience store, Pearson is kicking off a $3 billion overhaul, and a proposed hovercraft could one day get you from Toronto to Niagara in just 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the city is rolling out AI at 311, officials have rejected plans for a permanent casino at Exhibition Place, and Toronto has just been named the most popular solo travel destination in the world.

Plus: Zellers is officially back, Wonderland is launching a $9-a-month membership, and two border collies have landed a very important World Cup job.

This is your final invitation. Registration ends at midnight tonight for our upcoming online lecture: Unbuilt Toronto Streets, Squares, & Landmarks.
There are only 3 “last chance” tickets left to
Reserve your spot here.

Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

🛍️ Floating Convenience Store: A quirky new waterfront art installation has transformed a floating barge into a convenience store. It was created for Waterfront Toronto’s Floating Public Art program called Global Convenience, with shelves stocked with products from around the world and a prime spot in Harbour Square Basin through October.

🎰 Casino Rejected: A new report recommends against bringing a permanent casino to Exhibition Place, citing concerns about gambling addiction and broader public health impacts. While the temporary casino at the CNE will continue operating during the fair, officials say Toronto already has plenty of gaming options and doesn't need another full-time gambling destination.

💰 $3B Overhaul: Toronto Pearson has officially launched the first phase of its massive Pearson LIFT program, a decade-long transformation that will expand capacity to 65 million passengers annually. The $3 billion project includes upgraded baggage systems, new aircraft stands, a high-speed taxiway, modern airfield technology, and future terminal improvements designed to make travel faster and more efficient.

🎢 Wonderland Membership: Canada’s Wonderland has introduced a new monthly membership program starting at just $9 per month, giving visitors unlimited year-round access to the park, Splash Works, Halloween Haunt and WinterFest.

🤖 311 & AI: Toronto is rolling out an AI chatbot as part of a major overhaul of its 311 service, aiming to help residents get answers faster without waiting on hold. The new tool will handle common questions like pothole repairs and service requests, while upgraded tracking features will let people see real-time updates on issues from start to finish.

✈️ Travelling Solo: Toronto has been named the most popular solo travel destination on the planet, according to a new global study of traveller bookings. Researchers found that more than half of all tour bookings in the city were made by solo travellers, with Toronto's diverse neighbourhoods, walkability and multicultural atmosphere helping it outrank destinations across Europe, Asia and South America.

📍 30-Minute Hovercraft: The proposed hovercraft service connecting Toronto and Niagara in just 30 minutes has cleared another hurdle, with final terminal permits expected by the end of 2026. If all goes according to plan, the passenger-only service could launch in 2028, offering up to 48 daily crossings and potentially removing thousands of vehicles from the QEW each day.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

🏆 Calder Cup: The Toronto Marlies are champions once again after defeating the Chicago Wolves 4-3 to capture the 2026 Calder Cup. It marks the AHL club’s second championship in franchise history, with goaltender Artur Akhtyamov earning playoff MVP honours after a standout postseason run.

🛒 Toronto’s New Zellers: Zellers has officially reopened in Toronto with a new 25,000-square-foot location near Yorkdale at 80 Orfus Rd., bringing back plenty of nostalgia along with groceries, home goods, clothing, toys and the return of the iconic Zellers Diner. Shoppers can once again grab a Big Z Burger, browse classic red-and-white branding, and introduce a new generation to one of Canada’s most recognizable retail names.

⚽️ Four-Legged Defenders: Two specially trained border collies have been recruited to patrol Centennial Park’s FIFA World Cup training facility, helping keep Canada geese off the pristine soccer pitch. The dogs work several times a week to prevent damage and droppings on the field, ensuring the world-class training site stays match-ready before it opens to the public after the tournament.

LOST TORONTO:
Bank of Toronto Building (Demolished)

The Bank of Toronto building was an imposing Beaux-Arts and Renaissance Revival structure located at the southwest corner of King Street West and Bay Street. Designed by the renowned New York architecture firm Carrère & Hastings, it served as the bank's headquarters from 1913 until 1955.

The building was clad in stone and featured massive, soaring Corinthian columns. It was built on a grand, elevated plinth that gave it an imposing, monument-like appearance above the street.

Inside, the bank boasted a magnificent, two-storey vaulted banking hall detailed with marble, bronze, and glass, making it one of the most stunning commercial spaces of its era.

In 1955, the Bank of Toronto merged with the Dominion Bank to form the Toronto-Dominion Bank. The majestic Carrère & Hastings building was subsequently demolished in 1965 to make way for the Mies van der Rohe-designed Toronto-Dominion Centre.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Editor’s Pick! Last Chance For Tickets! Toronto Streets, Squares, & Landmarks That Were Never Built - A limited-seat online history lecture exploring the ambitious plans that could have radically changed the city’s landscape. The one-hour presentation examines Toronto projects that existed only on paper, from proposed boulevards and public squares to monumental buildings and large-scale urban renewal schemes that were ultimately abandoned.
June 25 | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Online (3 spots left) Registration closes at midnight tonight!

Dream Wheels on Eglinton - Dream Wheels on Eglinton returns for its fourth year, transforming Eglinton Avenue West into a celebration of classic vehicles, live entertainment, and community spirit. The one-day festival showcases more than 100 vintage cars, hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles, and custom builds, making it a popular summer event for automotive enthusiasts and families alike.
June 25 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Eglinton Avenue West (Avenue Rd to Castlewood Rd)

Geary Art Crawl Summer 2026 - Geary Art Crawl Summer 2026 brings a full day of art, music, food, and community programming to one of Toronto’s most creative neighbourhoods. Presented as Together on Geary, the event transforms Geary Avenue’s breweries, studios, patios, laneways, and public spaces into a vibrant celebration of culture and local talent.
June 27 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Geary Avenue

FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket giveaways at Yorkdale store by The Home Depot -
The Home Depot Canada is giving Toronto soccer fans a chance to win tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches through a special one-day activation at its Yorkdale location. As the official home improvement supporter of the tournament, the company is hosting a bucket score challenge where participants can test their soccer skills for a chance to attend upcoming matches in Toronto.
June 22 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Home Depot Canada – Yorkdale, 90 Billy Bishop Way

Toronto Ribfest - Toronto Ribfest returns for another year of barbecue, live entertainment, and community fundraising. One of the city’s longest-running summer festivals, the event brings together rib teams, food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities for a weekend dedicated to great food and good causes.
June 26 – 28 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Cloverdale Mall, 250 The East Mall

Downtown Movies in the Park - Downtown Movies in the Park returns this summer with six weeks of free outdoor film screenings in the heart of downtown Toronto. Presented at David Pecaut Square and curated by TIFF in partnership with the Toronto Downtown West BIA, the 2026 series celebrates sports and storytelling with a lineup of beloved films from around the world.
Wednesdays, June 24 – July 29 | 9:00 PM
Location: David Pecaut Square, 215 King St W

RECOS: Things you will love for around $50

📸 Nostalgia: Capture moments like it’s the 90s
🦫 Toronto: Canada’s most famous arena
🦮 Dogs: Be seen at night
🧑‍🍳 Kitchen: Add some colour to your kitchen
🐈 Pets: No more dirty paws
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

This wall is older than Canada itself. We’ll explore where it is, what it was built for, and its dark history.

Here is the link: Click here to watch

MAP OF THE WEEK

The 1816 "Plan of the harbour, fort and town of York" is a highly detailed military and cartographic map that shows the location of significant events from the war of 1812.

Here is the link: Click here to see the map

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