Good afternoon — The city just green-lit the return of neighbourhood cafés, cracked down on snowstorm chaos with $500 fines, and sparked privacy outrage over new facial-detecting billboards near Union Station.
Meanwhile, Toronto’s racing up the list of the world’s richest cities, doctors are performing remote brain surgery, and Bills fans are begging us to stop cheering for them.
Let’s get into it.
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THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories
Where will the next neighbourhood cafe pop up?
☕️ Neighbourhood shops comeback: Toronto just approved the return of small neighbourhood cafés and corner shops in eight wards, opening the door for hyper-local spots like espresso bars and grab-and-go food (prepared off-site only) to operate on residential corners again. Critics worry about increased local foot traffic and commercial uses in residential neighbourhoods.
❄️ $500 winter fines: Toronto drivers who block streetcar routes during major snowstorms will now face hefty $500 penalties, more than double the previous $200 fine, after City Council voted 21–4 to crack down on dangerous winter driving behaviour. The tougher rules target anyone who parks or even briefly idles on designated snow routes.
🏈 Bills fans beg Toronto to stop: Some Buffalo Bills supporters have posted a tongue-in-cheek “breakup letter” around Toronto, pleading with cursed local sports fans to stop cheering for their team. After the Jays’ heartbreaking Game 7 loss and a Bills upset defeat, the note jokingly blames Toronto fandom for bad luck and asks the city to “let them go.”
💰 World’s richest: A new CEOWORLD report places Toronto 22nd globally on its list of the world’s richest cities for 2025, highlighting the city’s massive GDP and strong innovation ecosystem. The ranking calls major metropolitan centres “economic ecosystems,” noting Toronto’s strength in education, startups, and overall global influence.
🚨 Police rescue lost family in Rouge: Toronto police used a drone, a helicopter, and the What3Words app to locate and rescue a couple and their one-year-old daughter who became lost in dense brush at Rouge National Urban Park. Air Support guided officers into rugged terrain to safely bring the family out, with no injuries reported.
😡 Facial-detecting outrage: New billboards near Union Station are using facial detection tech to estimate age and gender of passersby, raising major privacy concerns after a viral Reddit post exposed the practice. Cineplex says no images are stored, but experts warn the system relies entirely on corporate assurances, leaving commuters uneasy about surveillance without clear consent.
🏗️ Supertall hub: With nine supertall towers under construction and six more proposed, Toronto is positioning itself as a global contender in ultra-tall development as the city densifies. Experts say rising land values, new design tech, and a shift toward rental-focused towers are driving the boom.
MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW
🧠 Remote brain surgery: Doctors at St. Michael’s Hospital have successfully performed a remote brain angiogram, marking a huge leap forward for medical technology. The team is now hopeful the procedure can soon be safely done by a specialist located more than 600 km away, opening the door for lifesaving stroke care in remote communities across Ontario.
🎓 Big boost for student housing: Ontario is investing $83 million to kickstart a major multi-phase student housing development at Toronto Metropolitan University, beginning with a 21-storey residence at 100 Bond St. that will add nearly 1,400 new beds. Pre-construction is set to begin in late 2025, marking phase one of a larger $200-million plan to expand student housing at the university.
⚽️ World Cup frenzy: Toronto just opened its official FIFA World Cup volunteer centre after receiving a staggering 248,000 applications, more than any of the 16 host cities. The 2026 tournament will run from June 11 to July 19.
LOST TORONTO:
Gooderham Building & Surrounding Area
The photo above captures Toronto’s transformation from a Victorian industrial city to a modern metropolis, with the Gooderham Building standing as an anchor in both periods.
At the corner of Church and Wellington (to the right of the Gooderham Building in the 1898 photo), is the Bank of Toronto Building (now demolished). A beautiful Beaux-Arts style building that was constructed in 1863 and demolished in the 1960s.
A rumoured tunnel connected the original Bank of Toronto building to the Gooderham Building across the street.
THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP
Editor’s Pick! hello happy MERRY MARKET - @hellohappyhq is back for their 6th season of MERRY MARKET. Celebrate small business Saturday with November 29th with a handmade holiday shopping experience! Join Hello Happy as they take over the beautiful Small Arms Inspection Building, filling it with a curated collection of 70+ talented handmade makers and curators to fulfill all your holiday shopping wants and needs! Warm up with a coffee, savor local bites, and indulge in a sweet treat between shopping stops! Grab your pals and spend the day with us! There will be a ‘Letter to Santa’ writing station and colouring pages for the kiddos as well as a raffle to win a floral centrepiece just in time for holiday hosting!
🎟️ save $2 on tickets to the show when you purchase online in advance - on sale now. Kids under 16 free.
💛 Donations being accepted on behalf of @compassfoodbank if you are in a position to give.
November 29 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 lakeshore Ed E, Mississauga.
Reveal of a new shipwreck near Toronto - Join maritime explorer Heison Chak as he unveils the story behind a recently discovered wooden schooner shipwreck near Toronto. This captivating talk dives into the adventure, mystery, and history beneath Lake Ontario—perfect for history buffs, curious minds, and fans of local lore.
November 17 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: University of Toronto, 15 King's College Circle
The Original Santa Claus Parade 2025 - Toronto’s most magical tradition is back for its 120th year! 🎅✨ On Sunday, November 23rd, join the crowds lining the streets for the return of The Original Santa Claus Parade — complete with dazzling floats, festive bands, Celebrity Clowns, Mrs. Claus, and the man in red himself.
November 23 | 12:30 PM – 11:59 PM
Parade Starting Point: Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor Street West
Reid's Toronto Cocktail Competition - Reid’s Distillery is shaking things up with a spirited cocktail competition you won’t want to miss. Four of the city’s top bartenders will go head-to-head, crafting inventive creations for your sipping pleasure. Sample each drink, chat with the bartenders, and cast your vote for the coveted People’s Choice award.
November 19 | 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Reid's Distillery, 32 Logan Ave
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
RECOS: Things you will love for under $40
🫤 Unusual: Here are weird things in Ontario
⛑️ Health: How copper can save your water
🍳 Cooking: The ONE dutch oven you need
🦝 Toronto: The one book on Toronto history
🏡 Home: The most popular coffee mugs are back
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK
This was the home of one of Toronto’s most important figures. It’s also rumoured to be one of the most haunted buildings in the city.
Here is the link: Click here to watch
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