Good afternoon — Toronto’s waterfront might be getting a luxury hotel, an LRT line finally has an official opening date, and early winter forecasts call for below-seasonal temperatures and more snow than usual.
Meanwhile, the province has stepped in to take control of Ontario’s real estate regulator, Canada leads North America in a key ranking, and raccoons are evolving into… pets?
Let’s get into it.
THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories
Could the old Toronto Star Building become a hotel? (source: Arild Vågen)
🏗️ Toronto Star Building: Developer Pinnacle International is proposing to save the former Toronto Star building from demolition by converting it into a 468-suite luxury hotel, complete with a grand lobby and ballroom. The plan aligns with a broader vision to transform the waterfront into a global tourist hub, buoyed by strong interest in hotel space at the nearby 106-storey SkyTower.
✈️ Flights to Nassau: Porter Airlines has debuted its new Toronto Pearson–Nassau route, kicking off a wave of winter sun destinations. A move Bahamas officials say will boost tourism and strengthen ties between the two countries.
🦝 Raccoons Evolving: A new study suggests urban raccoons are beginning to show early domestication traits, including shorter, “cuter” snouts, as they adapt to living close to humans. Owning them is illegal in Toronto, but could this open the door to raccoons becoming pets?
🏡 Ontario Takes Control: After widespread backlash over its handling of the iPro Realty scandal, the Ontario government has appointed an administrator to take over the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). A provincial audit found major failures in RECO’s processes and culture, raising serious concerns about its ability to protect consumers after over $8 million in trust funds were allegedly misused.
🪙 50 Cent: Rap legend 50 Cent will make an appearance at the Spadina Ave LCBO on Dec. 12 to promote his Branson Cognac line, including the new Branson VS Phantom now sold in Ontario. The visit marks a rare in-person promo stop as the rapper-turned-entrepreneur expands his award-winning spirits brand into the Canadian market.
📸 Tourism Roars Back: More travellers than ever are coming to Toronto now that Destination Toronto has expanded its outreach abroad, helping the city reclaim its standing as a top global destination. The renewed push is already boosting international visitor numbers, bringing fresh energy (and money) into Toronto’s tourism, hospitality, and event sectors.
🚊 Finch West LRT Opens Dec. 7: After years of delays, the Finch West LRT will officially open on Dec. 7, delivering 18 stops along Finch Avenue West and connecting northwest Toronto to major transit routes. The line will run from Humber College to Finch West Station with a “soft launch” schedule until spring.
Finch West LRT (source: Metrolinx)
MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW
🥶 December Forecast: The Old Farmer’s Almanac says southern Ontario should brace for a cold, unsettled December, with frequent rain and snow early in the month, frigid stretches mid-month, and more snowy periods heading into the holidays. Temperatures are expected to average about –6°C, colder than usual, with icy conditions returning to close out the year.
🦠 Canada Leads in Sick Leave Pay: A new global report finds Canada offers the best statutory sick pay in North and Central America, with workers entitled to about $697 for a week off.
⚾️ Blue Jays Sign Ace: The Blue Jays have landed top free-agent pitcher Dylan Cease on a massive seven-year, $210-million deal, the second-largest contract in team history. Cease now anchors a stacked rotation as the Jays defend their AL title, marking a major early off-season win.
LOST TORONTO:
St. James Chambers (Demolished)
The original building known as St. James Chambers (initially as Court Chambers) at the southwest corner of Church Street and Adelaide Street East in Toronto stood from the late 19th century until the mid-1930s. It was a four-storey brick building featuring a distinctive corner turret.
The present-day building at the southwest corner of Church and Adelaide Streets is a modern structure. The site's use is as a city-run shelter, a purpose that continues the tradition of community service associated with the nearby St. James Cathedral parish.
THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP
Editor’s Pick! One Of a Kind Christmas Show, 50th Anniversary - The One Of A Kind Christmas Show is back — and this year, it’s bigger than ever. Celebrating 50 years of Canadian craft, this iconic event transforms the Enercare Centre into a wonderland of 700+ makers, artisans, and handmade treasures you won’t find anywhere else. From festive treats and cozy knits to design-forward gifts and custom keepsakes, it’s the ultimate place to shop small and gift big.
November 27 – December 7 | See link for times
Location: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
#ExperienceTO: Sunnyside Historical Tour - Step into the past with a guided walk through Sunnyside, once Toronto’s premier waterfront destination. Long before the amusement park days, the name “Sunnyside” referred to a sunny hillside estate built by George Howard in 1848. By the late 19th century, the area had become a popular beach getaway. This walking tour explores the origins of the neighbourhood, the rise of summer streetcars, and the transformation of Toronto’s western shore into a bustling recreational hub.
December 6 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Sunnyside Pavilion, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd W
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at ROM - Step into the wild through the lens of the world’s most talented nature photographers. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum showcases breathtaking back-lit images that reveal rare animal moments, fragile ecosystems, and powerful stories from around the globe.
November 8, 2025 – March 29, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park
St. Lawrence Market's Winter Market 2025 - Twinkling lights, cozy huts, and the scent of roasted chestnuts — the 2nd Annual Winter Market at St. Lawrence Market is back, transforming Market Street into a festive escape. Shop handcrafted gifts from 75+ local vendors.
November 20 – December 21 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St. E.
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
RECOS: Things you will love for under $40
🎁 Stocking Stuffer: Power to go
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🦝 Toronto: A short history of Toronto
🪞 Decor: How to get good lighting
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK
What did Toronto’s first sewers look like?
Here is the link: Click here to watch
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