Good afternoon — Toronto drivers lost the equivalent of four full days to traffic last year, small businesses are getting hit with snow-route tickets even after plows roll through, and the city just signed off on a $380M World Cup bill that’s already raising eyebrows.

Meanwhile, we’re stuck in an Arctic cold snap not seen in over a decade, Scotiabank Arena just landed near the bottom of an NHL fan ranking, and Porter is quickly expanding flights across Ontario.

Plus: Will Arnett crowned the Big Harv king and the TSX took a brutal hit.

Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

🚘 Four Days: A new traffic index shows Toronto drivers spent about 100 hours stuck in congestion last year, the equivalent of more than four full days. The data highlights worsening travel speeds across the city, with Toronto ranking among the most congested urban areas in Canada.

❄️ Snow Route Tickets: Small businesses across Toronto say they’re being unfairly ticketed for parking in snow removal lanes even after streets were plowed and parking meters continued accepting payment. Owners argue the confusing enforcement during a major snowstorm is hurting operations, while the City says restrictions remain in effect and is now disabling Green P payments on snow routes.

📉 Bottom Ranker: Scotiabank Arena was ranked among the worst venues in the National Hockey League, placing 28th out of 32 in a new fan survey by The Athletic. Respondents cited poor atmosphere and sky-high prices despite the arena’s prime downtown location.

🌧️ Arctic Grip: Environment Canada says Toronto is locked in a prolonged Arctic pattern not seen in over a decade, keeping temperatures below zero for an unusually long stretch. Officials warn of dangerous wind chills and frostbite risk, with the city expanding warming centres as the deep freeze lingers into the weekend.

💰 Price Tag: Toronto has approved a $380 million budget to host six FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, covering stadium upgrades, operations, security, and transportation. City officials estimate the tournament could generate up to $940 million in economic impact across the GTA, with funding split between municipal, provincial, and federal sources.

🪞 Winter Mirage: Winter Stations is transforming Woodbine Beach into an outdoor art gallery this February, featuring immersive installations that play with illusion, reflection, and reality. Using elements like frozen lake water and mirrored structures, the temporary displays turn the shoreline into a shifting visual “mirage” through late March.

✈️ Porter Expands Ontario Routes: Porter Airlines is adding new routes and boosting service to Hamilton International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Ottawa International Airport starting in May. The expansion includes new Hamilton links to St. John’s and Winnipeg and increased flight frequencies, as the airline grows its network by 20 per cent in 2026.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

👔 Return-to-Office: Ontario’s push to bring tens of thousands of workers back to the office is already lengthening commutes, raising costs, and hurting morale, with many employees reporting stress, financial strain, and less time with family. Transit and traffic experts warn the region’s roads and transit systems may not be able to handle the added pressure, potentially worsening congestion across the GTA.

🍔 Will Arnett Loves Harvey’s: Actor Will Arnett declared his love for Harvey’s, calling the Big Harv “the Cadillac of cheeseburgers.” He also gave a hometown shoutout to Tarragon Theatre, crediting it as a formative place where his acting career began.

💸 1,000 Points: The Toronto Stock Exchange plunged nearly 1,000 points after a sharp sell-off in precious metals triggered by news of a more hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve nominee. Gold prices fell sharply on the day, dragging Canadian markets lower despite strong gains over the past year.

LOST TORONTO:
Freehold Loan Building (Demolished)

The Home Life Building, located at the northwest corner of Victoria and Adelaide Streets East in Toronto, was originally known as the Freehold Loan Building. Opened in 1892, this late 19th-century commercial building was renamed the Home Life Building in 1901.

It was designed by the prominent Toronto architect E.J. Lennox and was a notable example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, a style Lennox often employed.

This stunning building was known for its prominent architecture in the city's financial district before its demolition.

The building was demolished in the 1960s and today it’s a modern office tower.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Editor’s Pick! The Winter Chocolate Show 2026 - The Winter Chocolate Show is a place for chocolate lovers to meet chocolate makers. On Saturday February 7th, 2026 we will be returning to the Appel Salon in the Toronto Reference Library for our sixth Winter Chocolate Show. We’ll have a chocolate marketplace, seminars, and tasting sessions. It will be a day filled with delicious bean-to-bar chocolate, innovative bars and bonbons, and a lot of passionate chocolate people.
February 7 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Toronto Reference Library Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, 789 Yonge St

Antarctica Information Event - Thinking about crossing Antarctica off your bucket list? Join this special event hosted by National Geographic-Lindblad to discover what it truly takes to explore Earth’s final frontier. From the icy Peninsula to the remote Ross Sea, get insider insights on routes, wildlife, photography tips, and what sets these expeditions apart from ordinary cruises.
February 3 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Fairview Toronto Public Library, Room 401, 35 Fairview Mall Dr

Powering Progress: Toronto's Electric Revolution - Step inside Casa Loma and follow the current of history, Powering Progress: Toronto’s Electric Revolution is now open, tracing how Sir Henry Pellatt and the power of Niagara Falls lit up an entire city. Explore how hydroelectricity transformed Toronto’s homes, streets, and transit, with rare archival photographs, early tech artifacts, and immersive displays that bring the city’s electric awakening to life.
January 27 – March 1 |9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Location: Casa Loma Group of Seven Gallery (Third Floor), 1 Austin Terrace

Alto Open House, Shaping Canada's Future with High-Speed Rail - Alto is bringing high-speed rail to Canada—and it could change how Toronto moves forever. Join them at St. Lawrence Market (North Building) to explore their vision for faster, cleaner, and more connected travel across Ontario. Learn how the new system could cut travel times, reduce emissions, and open thousands of jobs across the region.
February 4 – 5 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: St. Lawrence Market – North Market, 92 Front St. E

King & Bay presents a rare NFL x Breitling display - Ahead of Super Bowl LX, Toronto’s premier custom clothier King & Bay is hosting a rare public display of the limited-edition NFL x Breitling timepiece collection. Each watch pays tribute to an NFL team and blends the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking with football fandom. For one day only, fans and collectors can view (and shop) the collection inside King & Bay’s private luxury lounge, no appointment required.
Tuesday, February 3 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: King & Bay Custom Clothing – 161 Bay St., Suite 2515

RECOS: Things you will love for under $50

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🦝 Toronto: How to learn the history of Toronto
☕️ Coffee: Why coffee lovers love these mugs
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

How little-known Toronto created the world’s largest architecture competition.

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