Toronto Appoints Traffic Czar

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here!

Good afternoon, Toronto. We’re your fast, fun, and free guide to what’s happening in the city we love — delivered straight to your inbox.

As always, we recap interesting news stories in The Digest and then highlight a part of Toronto’s past in Toronto History 101. + bonus sections at the end!

Let’s get to it!

THE DIGEST:

New 942 Area Code Introduced: To address the growing demand for phone numbers, Toronto has introduced a new area code, 942, starting April 26.

Leafs Fail to Sweep Sens: The Ottawa Senators beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in Game 4, avoiding a series sweep. The Leafs still lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 set for Tuesday in Toronto.

​Cherry Blossoms Begin to Bloom: Toronto's cherry blossom season has officially begun, with the first blooms appearing in High Park. The city anticipates peak bloom to occur in the coming days.

​Toronto Unveils 'Heroes Way': On April 26, Toronto honoured those who assisted victims of the 2018 Yonge Street van attack by unveiling 'Heroes Way' signs during a memorial gathering.

Phase One of Eglinton Housing Project Advances: The project plans to bring 919 new homes to 2444 Eglinton Avenue East, including 306 non-profit market co-op units, 306 affordable co-op units, and 307 market-rate condos across three towers.

​Toronto Appoints Traffic Czar​: Toronto City Council has approved a new congestion management plan that includes hiring a dedicated "traffic czar" to oversee construction coordination and reduce gridlock.

​OssFest Returning to Toronto’s “Coolest” Street: OssFest is set to return this summer, transforming Ossington Ave between Dundas and Queen into a pedestrian-only zone filled with extended patios, local vendors, live music, and entertainment.

TORONTO HISTORY 101:
The Provincial Lunatic Asylum

Located at 999 Queen Street West, the Provincial Lunatic Asylum was established in 1850 as Ontario's first purpose-built psychiatric hospital. Designed by architect John George Howard, the building featured a neoclassical style with a central dome, reflecting the 19th-century belief that grand architecture could have therapeutic effects on patients.

In the mid-20th century, a modern administrative building was constructed in front of the original asylum, obscuring its façade from Queen Street.

Despite efforts to preserve the historic structure, the original 19th-century buildings were demolished in 1975. The original 1850s asylum building was considered obsolete and dilapidated.

The site is now home to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital.

MUST HAVES TORONTO
Placemakers: Emperors, Kings, Entrepreneurs - A Brief History of Real Estate Development

Have you ever wondered how cities are really built? Who decides where the power flows, where the money grows, and where people flock?

In Placemakers, you’ll discover the secrets of history’s greatest builders—emperors, kings, and modern-day moguls—who shaped the world one plot of land at a time. From Babylon’s Hanging Gardens to the rise of Manhattan, this book dives into the bold moves and big risks that turned dirt into dynasties. There is even some Canadian content!

Once you start reading, you won’t stop. You’ll never look at cities—or opportunity—the same way again.

If you love Toronto, or just great design, you’ll want one.

Click Here to pick up your own copy on Amazon

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Cherry Blossom Season at Colborne Lodge - Celebrate Cherry Blossom season at Colborne Lodge with historical exhibits. April 23, 2025 – May 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Wednesday to Sunday).
Location: 11 Colborne Lodge Dr

Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Experience the world’s best nature photography at the ROM’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, showcasing images that capture the beauty and challenges of life on Earth. Tuesday April 29 | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Royal Ontario Museum

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. Wednesday April 30 | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Royal Ontario Museum

Annual Fundraiser: Banned & Brewed - Celebrate Toronto’s 191st birthday at the Town of York Historical Society’s annual fundraiser, featuring craft beer tastings, a keynote by beer expert Jordan St. John, and a silent auction at the Campbell House Museum. Thursday May 1 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen St W

Game 5: Leafs vs. Sens - The Toronto Maple Leafs aim to clinch their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators in Game 5, after Ottawa's overtime win in Game 4 kept their playoff hopes alive. Tuesday April 29 | 7:00 PM

Catch the Blue Jays at Home: The Jays play the Red Sox at the SkyDome (Rogers Centre) April 29, 30 & May 1st. They host Cleveland May 2, 3, & 4.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK
A Beautiful Art Deco Building That Still Stands Today (Somewhat…)

Here is the link:
Click here to watch