Good afternoon — Toronto just handed out $2.1 million in snowstorm tickets, Olympic stars got roasted for drinking Tim Hortons in Italy, and City Hall is dealing with internal fraud that cost taxpayers millions.

Meanwhile, the long-delayed Crosstown LRT is finally running (and the full ride clocked in under an hour), Crown Royal is staying on LCBO shelves after a last-minute provincial deal, and the city is studying a Harbour “SeaBus” that could reshape how we move along the waterfront.

Plus: a junior hockey team apologizing for telling fans to shower and the cold snap finally eases for Family Day.

Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

💰 Snowstorm Fines Top $2M: Toronto has lifted its Major Snowstorm Condition after issuing more than 21,000 parking tickets in the second half of January, generating over $2.1 million in fines. The crackdown followed a record snowfall of over 60 cm, with additional $500 penalties handed to drivers who blocked streetcars.

☕️ Team Canada Roasted for Tims: Canadian Olympic hockey stars, including Sidney Crosby, were playfully mocked online after being spotted drinking Tim Hortons coffee in Italy, a country famous for espresso culture. The coffee cameo turns out to be part of an official sponsorship deal with the Canadian Olympic Committee during the Winter Games.

⛔️ Fraud, Theft Hit City Hall: Toronto’s auditor general uncovered multiple cases of employee fraud in 2025, including stolen packages, resold PPE, falsified benefit claims, and sick days used to work second jobs, contributing to millions in reported losses. While some funds were recovered and disciplinary action taken, the city says it’s tightening oversight and controls to prevent future abuse.

🚇 Crosstown LRT End-to-End: Riders packed stations on opening day of the 19-km Eglinton Crosstown LRT, with CP24 clocking the full trip from Mount Dennis to Kennedy at just under 55 minutes. Stations felt modern but cold, trains ran smoothly with strong cell service, and while a few minor delays popped up, most riders said the long-awaited line was faster and smoother than expected.

🦒 Giraffe Died Suddenly: The Toronto Zoo says a postmortem found 13-year-old Masai giraffe Kiko died of cardiac failure linked to exertional myopathy after his head became trapped in a habitat door on New Year’s Day.

🥃 Crown Royal Stays At LCBO: The Ontario government has struck a deal with Diageo to keep Crown Royal on LCBO shelves, securing nearly $23 million in new provincial investments.

🌊 Harbour SeaBus: Toronto is studying a potential “SeaBus” across the Inner Harbour, with five route options and annual operating costs ranging from about $645,000 to over $4.2 million. A summer water shuttle pilot is planned, but experts say the service would likely boost tourism and waterfront access more than ease citywide congestion.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

🧼 Hygiene Message: The Oshawa Generals apologized after telling fans to shower before attending games at the Tribute Communities Centre following complaints about body odour in the arena. While the team admitted it “overstepped,” many supporters online backed the original message despite the backlash.

✈️ WestJet Suspends Toronto Route: WestJet will suspend its daily Kelowna–Toronto service starting mid-April, with the route expected to potentially return in winter 2027. Kelowna International Airport says travellers will still have three daily Toronto flights via Air Canada and Porter Airlines, plus multiple connections through Calgary.

❄️ Cold Snap Eases For Family Day: Toronto’s special weather statement has ended after brief heavy snow, with a risk of freezing drizzle overnight. Milder temperatures of 2–5°C are expected through the Family Day long weekend, offering a break from the city’s recent 23-day deep freeze, though another potential snowstorm could arrive next week.

LOST TORONTO:
The Cyclorama (Demolished)

The Cyclorama building was a unique, 16-sided, circular exhibition hall built in 1887 at 131 Front St W (near University Ave), designed to showcase 360-degree, panoramic paintings, an 1800s form of virtual reality. Despite its status as a popular attraction and later listing on the city's inventory of historic treasures, the structure was demolished in 1976 to make way for the Citigroup Place office tower.

After the novelty of panoramas faded by 1900, the building was converted into a machinery showroom (H.W. Petrie Ltd). In 1928, it was famously converted into a spiral parking garage, featuring the removal of its original cupola and roof.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Editor’s Pick! Queen's Park Family Day Winter Festival 2026 - Looking for something fun and free to do this Family Day weekend? Come to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for hands-on activities, indoor and outdoor experiences, and live entertainment during this year’s Winter Festival! Learn about parliament during a Chamber tour, get creative with crafts and activities, and keep entertained with live musical performances and shows. Take part in a mini hockey arena and curling rink, admire the work of a professional ice carver in action, and participate in an inflatable carnival game.
February 15–16 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last entry at 3:30 PM)
Location: Queen’s Park, 111 Wellesley St W

Winter Stations 2026 - Experience winter like never before at Winter Stations 2026, the internationally acclaimed public art exhibition transforming Toronto’s east-end beaches into an open-air gallery. Now in its twelfth year, this year’s theme Mirage challenges artists to explore the boundary between what is seen and what is real in the age of AI, turning lifeguard stations at Woodbine Beach into bold, thought-provoking installations.
February 16 – March 30 | Open daily
Location: Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd. E.

The Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Fest 2026 - Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Fest is back for 2026, bringing cold-weather brews and après-ski energy to the heart of downtown Toronto. For one day only, Roundhouse Park transforms into a winter tasting playground featuring more than 40 Ontario craft beverage vendors pouring everything from beer and cider to wine, spirits, seltzers and non-alcoholic options.
February 21 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd

Origami and Tea - Slow down and spend an evening folding paper and sipping herbal tea at this relaxed origami gathering. Whether you’re brand new to the art or already know your cranes from your lotuses, this welcoming drop-in invites adults of all skill levels to explore the meditative craft of paper folding in a calm, social setting. All materials are provided, so you can simply show up.
February 19 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Parkdale Library, 1303 Queen Street West

Planet Fitness Free Family Day Open House - Get moving this Family Day with the Planet Fitness Free Family Day Open House, happening February 16–22, 2026 at all Planet Fitness locations across Canada. For one week only, you and your crew can work out completely free and experience the Judgement Free Zone, whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or already training at an athlete level.
February 16 – 22 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Location: Planet Fitness, All locations across Canada

The Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show - Rev up for one of Canada’s biggest powersports events as The Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show returns to the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place from February 20–22, 2026. Known as the country’s premier gathering for motorcycle and quad enthusiasts, this high-energy weekend brings together riders of all styles, ages, and experience levels under one roof.
February 20 – 22 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd

RECOS: Things you will love for under $50

🔥 Warm: Stay cozy indoors
🏡 Home: These lights are taking over
🧹 Cleaning: Cleaning will never be the same
🏗️ Real Estate: How we built iconic landmarks
🛌 Sleep: How to sleep better
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

In the 1830s, Toronto’s largest landmark was a windmill. I’ll show you where you can find its hidden foundation.

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