Moo-ve Over! A traffic jam for the ages.

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Good afternoon and happy long weekend!
Whether you’re heading to the cottage, staying in the city, or stuck behind a herd of cows on the 400 (seriously), you’ve earned this break.

In this week’s edition: runaway cows block the highway, one of Toronto’s most iconic street festivals hits pause, and Toronto’s paying $20+ for salad (of course we are).

Don’t forget to check out the schedule for Doors Open Toronto!

Let’s get to it!

THE DIGEST

🐄 Cows Jam Highway 400
A herd of runaway cows caused major slowdowns on Highway 400 near King Township. Police and local farmers worked to wrangle the animals, with some still roaming nearby fields after the highway was cleared.

🦟 Mosquito Season Begins in Toronto: As summer approaches, Toronto residents can expect the return of mosquitoes. While a dry April may have reduced early breeding, experts warn that increased rainfall could still lead to a surge in mosquito populations. Get your mosquito repellent here!

🪫 Honda Delays $15B Ontario EV Project: Honda Canada has postponed its $15-billion electric vehicle investment in Ontario by approximately two years. It was touted as the biggest automotive investment in Canadian history.

🏒 Leafs Force Game 7 with Shutout: Joseph Woll stopped all 22 shots for his first career playoff shutout, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 2–0 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 6. The series is now tied 3–3, with Game 7 set for tonight in Toronto.

🥗 Toronto's $20 Salad Obsession: Toronto’s love affair with gourmet salads is reaching new heights, with locals increasingly shelling out $20+ or more for premium veggie bowls. The city’s wellness-driven food culture is redefining what people are willing to pay for lunch.

🚫 Kensington Pedestrian Sundays Paused: The Kensington Market BIA has paused the May 2025 edition of Pedestrian Sundays to address concerns about unpermitted vendors, safety issues, and a shift away from the event’s original community values. A community survey will help guide a refreshed version of the festival that better reflects Kensington Market’s diverse and inclusive spirit.

🚌 FlixBus Adds Beach Stops: FlixBus has launched a new seasonal route from Toronto to top beach towns like Sauble Beach, Wasaga, and Southampton, with daily service all summer. The extended Toronto–Owen Sound line offers budget-friendly rides starting at $16.99, perfect for weekend escapes and boosting local tourism.

🚇 Dundas Station Renamed TMU: Toronto's Dundas Station will be renamed TMU Station following a unanimous TTC Board vote. A confidential deal was approved between the TTC and Toronto Metropolitan University.

TORONTO THEN AND NOW:
Custom House

Toronto’s Old Customs House, completed in 1876 at Front and Yonge Streets, served as the central hub for customs operations during a time when Toronto’s port was booming with trade. The building was celebrated for its mansard roof, intricate stonework, and prominent clock tower. Despite public protests, it was demolished in 1919 to make way for modern development. It was replaced by The Dominion Building which is one of Toronto’s most loved buildings!

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Doors Open Toronto - Unlock Toronto’s hidden gems during Doors Open Toronto, a once-a-year weekend where over 150 of the city’s most fascinating buildings—spanning history, culture, architecture, and the arts—welcome you inside. May 24 & 25, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (unless otherwise noted per location)
Location: Across Toronto (click link above)

Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. - Explore the history and legacy of Auschwitz at the ROM, arriving ahead of the 80th anniversary of its liberation. An exhibit about the largest documented mass murder site in human history. Every Sunday until September 1 | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Royal Ontario Museum

International Food & Drink Festival - Savour global flavours and waterfront vibes at the International Food & Drink Festival, a three-day celebration featuring world cuisine, craft beverages, live music, street performers, cooking demos, and a vibrant market at Harbourfront Centre. May 17 - 18 | 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM & May 19 | 12:00 PM to 8:00 Location: Harbourfront Centre, Toronto

Original Haunted Walk of Toronto - Step into Toronto’s eerie past on the Original Haunted Walk, an outdoor ghost tour filled with chilling tales of haunted theatres, graveyards, and unsolved mysteries—all starting in the shadows of the Hockey Hall of Fame. May 11 – November 3 | Daily 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Location: Tour begins at the courtyard in front of the Hockey Hall of Fame

King East Design District Party - Celebrate Toronto’s creative scene at the King East Design District Party, a vibrant evening of design, art, and community featuring six unique party hubs where guests can mingle, explore, and discover the best in contemporary design. May 23 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: King East Design District, Old Town Toronto

From Stage to Field: The History of Public Entertainment at Exhibition Place - Explore 150 years of Toronto’s entertainment history on the From Stage to Field walking tour at Exhibition Place, highlighting its iconic venues, green spaces, and rich legacy—from the Bandshell to major sports and cultural events. May 24 & 25 | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Start Location: Dufferin Gate, 14 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

Party 4 Paws Pet Fair - Celebrate furry friends at Party 4 Paws Pet Fair, a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend in Trinity Bellwoods Park featuring adoptable pets, local rescues, pet vendors, games, raffles, and photo ops for you and your leashed companion. May 24 & 25 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Dog Bowl (790 Queen St W)

RECOS: Things you will love
 
🌳 Backyard: Add Instant Charm to Your Yard
🌆 Toronto: Snap Up This Map Print
👩 For Mom: 100+ Questions You’ve Never Thought to Ask
🐶 Dogs: This Weird Ball Drives Dogs Absolutely Bonkers

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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

This is Toronto’s oldest continuously operating hotel!

Here is the link: Click here to watch

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