Good afternoon — Toronto parking could get more expensive, the country’s tallest condo has officially topped out, and the idea of jets returning to Billy Bishop Airport is suddenly back on the table.

Meanwhile, BMO Field is adding nearly 18,000 seats for the World Cup (and sparking plenty of debate), Sugar Shack TO is bringing maple season to the waterfront, and you’ll soon be able to skate where the Leafs play during March Break.

Plus: Hudson’s Bay’s long unwind continues, the Leafs made some deadline moves, and the province is floating a big idea that could literally expand Toronto into Lake Ontario.

Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

💸 Parking Rates May Rise: Toronto Parking Authority is considering a 25-cent hourly increase for most on-street parking spaces across the city. If approved, the change could take effect in April and generate about $2.56 million in additional revenue while helping manage parking turnover.

🏗️ Toronto’s Tallest Condo Reaches Top: The 106-storey Pinnacle SkyTower has officially reached its final floor, becoming Canada’s tallest residential building at roughly 352 metres. The massive tower near Yonge Street will include nearly 1,000 units, a hotel, and a sky-high restaurant when it completes later this year.

🛩️ Jets Proposed For Island Airport: Toronto Port Authority says it supports Premier Doug Ford’s idea to extend the runway at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to allow small jets. Any expansion would require agreement from the city, federal government, and the port authority under the airport’s current tripartite agreement, and could face opposition from waterfront residents.

🍭 Sugar Shack TO Returns: Sugar Shack TO is returning to the waterfront March 14–15, transforming Harbourfront Centre into a maple-themed celebration. The free festival will feature maple treats, live entertainment, bonfires, and classic Canadian favourites like maple taffy.

⚽️ Fans Question Expansion: BMO Field is adding nearly 18,000 temporary seats ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, boosting capacity to about 45,700. While the $146-million upgrade will allow Toronto to host six matches, photos of the towering temporary bleachers have sparked online debate over safety, comfort, and sightlines.

🏒 Skate At Scotiabank Arena: Rogers Communications is hosting a free public skate at Scotiabank Arena during March Break, giving fans the chance to hit the ice where the Toronto Maple Leafs play. The March 19 event, part of the Screen Break “Unplug and Play” program, will also feature meet-and-greets with Leafs players and alumni.

👗 Hudson’s Bay Unwinding Continues: One year after filing for creditor protection, Hudson’s Bay Company is still winding down operations following the closure of all 80 stores and 16 Saks locations. Most former retail spaces remain vacant, though some are beginning to reopen with new tenants as the historic retailer sells off assets and leases.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

✈️ Upgraded Cabin Seats: Air Canada has begun rolling out upgraded cabins on its Rouge fleet, featuring reclining seats, seatback entertainment, and free Wi-Fi on leisure routes across North America and the Caribbean. The changes follow passenger backlash over non-reclining seats introduced last year and mark the start of broader cabin upgrades across the airline’s network.

🥅 Deadline Trades: Toronto Maple Leafs made two last-minute moves at the NHL trade deadline, sending Bobby McMann to the Seattle Kraken and Scott Laughton to the Los Angeles Kings for future draft picks. The deals signal a shift toward selling as the Leafs sit near the bottom of the Atlantic Division and face uncertainty heading into the offseason.

🐟 Ontario Eyes Lake Infill: The province is exploring filling in part of Lake Ontario to create land for a larger convention centre aimed at attracting major global events to Toronto. The idea would still require environmental approvals and has already sparked mixed reactions online, with critics and supporters debating the potential waterfront expansion.

LOST TORONTO:
Centre Island Business Area (Demolished)

In the early 1950s, Toronto's Centre Island business area was a bustling "main drag" on Manitou Road, serving a thriving summer community of roughly 10,000 residents and tourists. This commercial hub featured groceries, hardware stores, laundries, a movie theatre, and hotels before Metropolitan Toronto demolished the buildings in the late 1950s to create parkland.

In 1956, Metro Toronto took over the island, and by 1959, most buildings on Manitou Road were demolished to create a "fresh holiday" park experience, resulting in the removal of the entire business district.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Editor’s Pick! Sugar Shack TO - Sugar Shack TO returns to Toronto’s waterfront for a weekend dedicated to Canada’s sweetest tradition. Presented by Redpath Sugar, the festival brings the flavours and atmosphere of a classic maple sugar shack to Harbourfront Centre for the first weekend of March Break. Visitors can enjoy maple-infused comfort food, fresh maple taffy, live entertainment, and interactive activities celebrating Canada’s maple heritage. With plenty of family-friendly experiences and sweet treats throughout the weekend, it’s a festive way to welcome the changing season by the lake.
March 14 – 15 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W

FREE Hot Chocolate Pop-Up at Evergreen Brickworks Farmers Market! - Warm up with a free cup of hot chocolate at Evergreen Brick Works as Dairy Farmers of Ontario brings its Milk Masters on the Moove series to life with a special pop-up event. Celebrating the launch of the new season now streaming on YouTube, the activation highlights how local milk plays a starring role in winter’s most comforting recipes.
March 14 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market – Tiffany Commons, 550 Bayview Ave

St. Patrick's Parade of Toronto - The St. Patrick’s Parade of Toronto returns to the downtown core on Sunday, March 15, 2026, bringing thousands of participants and spectators together for one of the city’s most spirited cultural celebrations. First held in 1988, the parade has grown into a major annual event honouring Irish-Canadian heritage while showcasing Toronto’s diverse communities. More than 100 parade entries will march through the city, featuring cultural groups, musicians, performers, and community organizations celebrating the deep ties between Ireland and Canada.
March 15 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Toronto
Parade route: Bloor St & St. George → Yonge St → Yonge-Dundas Square

The National Home Show - The National Home Show returns to Toronto this March, bringing together more than 500 trusted brands and industry experts under one roof. This 10-day event connects homeowners with Canada’s top interior designers, builders, renovation specialists, and culinary personalities, all ready to help turn “someday” projects into real plans.
March 6 – 15 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd

March Break 2026 at the AGO - March Break at the AGO returns for nine days of hands-on creativity and family-friendly activities throughout the gallery. From March 14 to 22, visitors can pick up a free AGO PLAY activity booklet and explore artmaking challenges, scavenger hunts, games, and discussion prompts designed to spark curiosity and creativity. All programming is included with general admission.
March 14 – 22 | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W

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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Why is University Ave one of the strangest streets in Toronto? It all stems back to the 1800s.

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