Good afternoon — A proposal to build an express subway beneath Yonge Street is gaining attention, Rogers is about to take control of nearly every major professional sports team in Toronto, and one of Toronto's giant snow mountains is somehow still standing after the heat wave.

Meanwhile, Toronto's long-awaited East Don Trail is finally opening, the World Cup gave the local economy a modest boost, and Pearson Airport is warning travellers about a surge of fake AI-generated travel stories.

Most people walk past history in this city. Some people stop and read the plaque… this is for them:
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Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

🚇 Express Subway Proposal: A new proposal is reviving the idea of a Yonge Street Express line, with an express subway stretching from downtown Toronto to Richmond Hill to ease congestion on Line 1. While the concept promises faster travel times and future expansions to places like Exhibition Place and Billy Bishop Airport, it remains an independent proposal and is not part of the city's approved transit plans.

🏒 Rogers Takes Control: Rogers is set to become the sole owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment after agreeing to buy Larry Tanenbaum's remaining 25% stake for $4.35 billion. The deal means Rogers will own the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC, Argonauts, Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, and Sportsnet, giving it control of nearly every major professional sports team in Toronto.

🔥 Heat Wave: Toronto's recent heat wave led to 39 heat-related emergency room visits over five days, with temperatures reaching 36°C and a humidex of 48. Public health officials say the numbers likely underestimate the true impact, as extreme heat can also worsen existing heart and respiratory conditions.

⚽️ FIFA Stands: Just over a week after Toronto's final World Cup match, BMO Field's temporary 17,000-seat grandstands are almost completely dismantled. The stadium will soon return to its regular 28,180-seat capacity before Toronto FC and the Argonauts return in August.

🌲 Trail Finally Opens: Toronto's long-awaited East Don Trail officially opens July 13, completing a 6.3-kilometre section that closes a major gap in the city's ravine trail network. The new multi-use trail links key Don Valley routes, with future phases planned to create a continuous path from northern Toronto all the way to Lake Ontario.

💰 Modest Boost: Toronto's World Cup brought a modest lift to the local economy, with hotel spending up 18% and restaurant spending up 3% during the tournament. Tourism officials say the biggest payoff may come later, with 9 in 10 international visitors surveyed saying they plan to return to Toronto within the next two years.

❄️ Snow Mountain Survives: Despite last week's heat wave, one of Toronto's massive snow piles is still standing at a North York snow storage site. City officials say the compacted snow, left over from one of the snowiest winters in decades, could take another four to five weeks to fully melt.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

🏗️ New Park Expansion: Toronto's new Biidaasige Park is growing by another 10 acres this summer, adding new waterfront trails, lookout points, and the Lassonde Art Trail with public art installations. Visitors will also see the restored 1961 Atlas Crane, while even more park features, including a skating trail and water access, are planned for 2028.

📍 Serving Guelph: FlixBus is adding Guelph to its Ontario network starting this week, offering daily direct service to Pearson Airport and Union Station. The new route includes departures from Guelph Central Station and the University of Guelph, with one-way fares starting at around $20.

🤖 Pearson AI: Toronto Pearson Airport is warning travellers about a surge of AI-generated articles spreading false information about delays, outages, and airport operations. Officials say passengers should rely on their airline or Pearson's official channels for accurate, up-to-date travel information.

LOST TORONTO:
Toronto Normal School (Demolished)

The Toronto Normal School was established in 1847 by Egerton Ryerson, but the institution actually opened at its permanent Church and Gould streets site (St. James Square) in 1852, after moving from an interim location at King and Simcoe streets. It was Ontario's first teacher training institution

During World War II, it was relocated so the building could be used by the RCAF. In 1948, it was renamed Ryerson Hall, serving as the founding site for the Ryerson Institute of Technology.

The original building was largely demolished between 1958 and 1963 to construct the Kerr Hall quadrangle. The preserved southern façade is located on the campus of Toronto Metropolitan University. It sits at the edge of the campus quadrangle and currently serves as an entrance to the Recreation and Athletics Centre.

Most people just live in Toronto. You actually want to know it.

You've stood in front of a building and wondered who designed it. You've walked past a plaque and actually stopped to read it. Most people don't. You do…

Which means this city already made you one of its own, whether you knew it or not. Once a month, we send proof to people like you: forgotten stories, vintage postcards, rare renderings, and a map turned scavenger hunt, all landing in your home’s mailbox like a letter from the city itself.

Claim your spot in the History Club:
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THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Editor’s Pick! Lunch & Tour: A Unique Dining Experience in a Historic Setting - Lunch & Tour at Queen’s Park combines a guided exploration of Ontario’s Legislative Building with a buffet lunch in one of Toronto’s most unique dining spaces. The experience begins with a 30-minute tour highlighting the building’s history, architecture, and artwork before guests head to the historic In Camera dining room for lunch.
Wednesdays, July 15 – August 26 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Ontario Legislative Building (Queen’s Park), 111 Wellesley St W

The Beaches International Jazz Festival 2026 - The Beaches International Jazz Festival returns for its 38th year with nearly a month of live music, performances, and community events across Toronto’s east end. One of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals, the event brings together internationally acclaimed artists, emerging musicians, and local talent in parks, public spaces, and along Queen Street East.
July 3 – 26 | See link for times
Location: Multiple Venues Across The Beaches

BIG on Bloor 20, Bloordale's Festival of Art & Culture - BIG on Bloor returns for its 20th anniversary, transforming Bloordale into a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community. This year's festival introduces CEREMONY, a new public art experience featuring interactive installations and live performances inspired by wedding traditions from around the world.
July 18 – 19 | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Bloor Street West (Dufferin St to Lansdowne Ave)

Explore Nature with Shakespeare in Toronto's High Park - Explore Nature with Shakespeare is a guided walk through High Park that combines literature with the natural world. Led through the park’s forests, wetlands, and rare black oak savannah, participants will discover how Shakespeare drew inspiration from nature to shape the settings, themes, and language of his plays.
July 16 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: High Park Nature Centre, 375 Colborne Lodge Dr

Toronto Dog Moms X Old Town Toronto BIA: Paws Walk - Toronto Dog Moms X Old Town Toronto BIA: Paws Walk is a guided community walk through one of Toronto’s oldest and most historic neighbourhoods. The event invites dog owners and their four-legged companions to explore the heritage streets of Old Town while learning about local landmarks and discovering dog-friendly businesses.
July 18 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Old Town Toronto BIA, 35 Wellington St E

27th Annual GWN Sport Regatta - The 27th Annual GWN Sport Regatta returns to Marilyn Bell Park for a full day of dragon boat racing along Toronto’s waterfront. The event brings together competitive and recreational teams from across the region, showcasing the speed, teamwork, and precision that define the sport.
July 18 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd 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

Most people have never been in one of the world’s most beautiful skyscrapers. Here is an inside look:

Here is the link: Click here to watch

MAP OF THE WEEK

This rare 1851 map reveals a Toronto that was growing fast... yet still looked surprisingly small.

Here is the link: Click here to see the map

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