Good afternoon — The city’s new snow plan promises no repeat of last year’s chaos, one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks is bringing back Winter Wonderland, and Nathan Phillips Square is about to glow with 300,000 lights.

Meanwhile, Toronto cracked the world’s top 20 cities list, Dodgers fans just donated $30K to SickKids, and Team Canada revealed its jerseys for 2026 (reviews are mixed).

Let’s get into it.

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❄️ Smoother snow season: After last winter’s snow-clearing chaos, the city is overhauling its plan to prevent a repeat of blocked streets and frozen sidewalks. The new approach focuses on better coordination, communication, and faster snow removal, with new snow routes for quick towing and an end to the 311 reporting blackout. The city expects colder temperatures and above-normal snowfall this winter.

🌆 Toronto ranks among world’s best cities: Toronto has been named one of the top 20 best cities to live in globally, according to the 2025 Resonance Consultancy rankings. The city joins world heavyweights like London (No. 1 for the 11th year), New York (No. 2), and Paris (No. 3).

⚾️ Silver Slugger: Blue Jays star George Springer capped off his comeback season by earning the Silver Slugger Award at designated hitter. The 36-year-old, now a three-time Silver Slugger and former World Series MVP, helped power Toronto’s playoff run.

🎄 Toronto’s Christmas tree lights up Nov. 29: The city’s beloved Cavalcade of Lights returns to Nathan Phillips Square with more than 300,000 glowing lights, live music, skating, and art installations celebrating Toronto’s cultural diversity. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Festivities run nightly through Jan. 7, 2026, with free skate rentals on Saturdays starting Dec. 6 and a New Year’s skating party.

❄️ First flurries: Toronto will see its first flurries of the season this weekend, with temperatures dipping to -5°C and up to 10 cm of snow. Commuters should prepare for slick roads, while homeowners are advised to check heating systems ahead of the cold snap.

🚇 UP Express shutting down this weekend: Travellers heading to Pearson Airport will need extra time as Metrolinx halts all UP Express service on Nov. 8–9 for construction. Replacement GO buses will run between Union Station and Pearson, but trips could take 30–50 minutes. Service is expected to resume Monday morning.

🎖️ Remembrance Day 2025: Remembrance Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and while it’s not a statutory holiday in Ontario, some services will still see changes. Most grocery stores, pharmacies, malls, and restaurants — including Costco, Loblaws, Metro, Walmart, and No Frills — will remain open. Major ceremonies will take place at Old City Hall, Queen’s Park, Fort York, Etobicoke Civic Centre, and other locations across the city.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

🎅 Winter wonderland: One of Toronto’s most historic landmarks, St. Lawrence Market, is bringing back its Winter Market from Nov. 20 to Dec. 22, turning Market Street into a festive village filled with local vendors, live performances, seasonal eats, drinks, and handmade gifts.

💙 Dodgers fans donate $30K to SickKids: In an act of sportsmanship, Dodgers fans have donated over $30,000 to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children following their World Series victory. The gesture mirrors what Blue Jays fans did last month when they donated to Seattle Children’s Hospital after defeating the Mariners. Dodgers fans say the donations were inspired by the Jays’ earlier show of kindness.

🏒 Team Canada jerseys: Hockey Canada has revealed its red and white jerseys for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, featuring a sleek Maple Leaf crest made of satin twill and silicone. Both designs will be worn by Canada’s men’s, women’s, and para hockey teams at the 2026 Games.

LOST TORONTO:
Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women

Then: Opened in 1880 near King Street West and Strachan Avenue, the Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women was Canada’s first women-only prison, intended to rehabilitate rather than punish. However, it quickly gained a grim reputation for harsh treatment, indefinite sentences, and targeting “immoral” women—including sex workers and those labeled as promiscuous or mentally ill.

Now: After decades of controversy, the reformatory was closed in 1969 and eventually demolished. The site where the reformatory once stood is now home to Alan Lamport Stadium. All that remains of the original complex is the former superintendent’s house at the corner of King Street and Fraser Avenue.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Editor’s Pick! Village of Stouffville Ladies’ Night - Stouffville’s Ladies’ Night is happening Wednesday, Nov 19th (5–9PM) in the Village of Stouffville! Your ticket can be purchased online and supports the local Food Bank — so you can shop local and give back. Your $15 Passport Ticket includes: Exclusive offers + perks at local shops, a complimentary glass of Prosecco + dessert at 19 on the Park, a chance to win prizes (including a photo with Mr. Mistletoe 🎅), and a donation to the Stouffville Food Bank. Grab your besties, shop local, sip, snack, and make it a night to remember!
November 19 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Village of Stouffville

2025 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration - Experience hockey history as it happens at the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration. Join fellow fans, legends, and VIPs for an unforgettable evening featuring red carpet moments, premium food and drinks, legendary memorabilia, and a once-in-a-lifetime induction ceremony for the Class of 2025: Jennifer Botterill, Zdeno Chara, Brianna Decker, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny, Jack Parker, Danièle Sauvageau, and Joe Thornton.
November 10 | 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hockey Hall of Fame, Brookfield Place, 30 Yonge Street

Remembrance Day at Old City Hall - Join the City of Toronto for a solemn ceremony honouring the courage, sacrifice, and service of Canada’s fallen heroes. Held at the historic Old City Hall Cenotaph, this year’s gathering marks two significant milestones: the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 100th anniversary of the Toronto Cenotaph. Wear a poppy, stand in remembrance, and take part in a moment of collective reflection and gratitude.
November 11 | 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Location: Old City Hall Cenotaph, 60 Queen Street West

Miracle on Bloor Christmas Bar 2025 - Get ready to sleigh the season—Miracle Toronto is back! This year, the wildly popular holiday pop-up is transforming Third Place into Miracle on Bloor, an over-the-top Christmas bar filled with festive chaos, nostalgic décor, themed cocktails, drag shows, DJs, Santa sightings, and late-night cheer. It’s the ultimate 19+ North Pole playground, where holiday spirit flows like spiked eggnog and every corner is made for Instagram.
November 14 – December 29 | 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Location: Third Place, 875 Bloor Street West

CHOCOLATE Tasting Class - Forget the fancy airs—this chocolate tasting class is all about bold flavours and fun surprises. Sample four handcrafted bars at QUEST XO, learn proper (but chill) tasting techniques, and dive into unexpected pairings that’ll challenge everything you thought you knew about chocolate. No boring bites, just full-on flavour.
November 14 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: QUEST XO, 25 Liberty Street

19th Annual Leslieville Wanderlust - Leslieville’s most magical tradition returns! The 19th Annual Leslieville Wanderlust transforms Queen Street East into a holiday wonderland with Santa’s Village, live music, local treats, festive shopping, and thousands in prizes. Don’t miss Wanderlust After Dark, where the celebration continues with cozy cocktails and delicious bites at your favourite Leslieville spots.
November 15 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Queen Street East, Leslieville (Multiple venues)

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This quiet landmark was designed by Toronto’s most famous architect. Do you know where this is?

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