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Good afternoon — Toronto’s new ferries finally have names, Dunkin’ Donuts is plotting a massive Canadian comeback, and Nathan Phillips Square has officially been transformed into a FIFA fan zone with a soccer pitch where the skating rink normally sits.
Meanwhile, Pearson Airport is kicking off a multibillion-dollar overhaul, a brand-new waterfront neighbourhood is taking shape, and Metrolinx wants your help naming new Scarborough subway stations.
Plus: the Scarborough Subway Extension may already be delayed until 2033, Porter is adding new flights, and Toronto is roasting Duolingo for trying to teach slang nobody here actually says.
Let’s get into it.
THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories
New ferry under construction. Source: City of Toronto
🛳️ Toronto Names New Ferries: The City of Toronto has unveiled the names of its two new electric ferries: “Lady of the Quays” and “Toronto Islander.” The $92-million vessels are expected to arrive in late 2026 and 2027 as part of the city’s push toward a zero-emissions ferry fleet.
🍩 Canadian Comeback: Dunkin' Donuts is returning to Canada with plans to open hundreds of locations beginning in 2027, starting in Montreal and the GTA. The company says it hopes to compete with Tim Hortons by targeting younger customers with new menu items and a refreshed brand image.
🚇 Naming New Subway Stations: Metrolinx is asking the public to help choose names for three new stations on the Scarborough Subway Extension. The survey is open until May 18 as construction continues on the $10-billion TTC Line 2 expansion.
✈ Massive Airport Overhaul: Toronto Pearson International Airport has launched a multibillion-dollar renovation project that will modernize baggage systems, terminals, taxiways, and airport technology over the next decade. Officials say the upgrades will allow Pearson to handle up to 65 million passengers annually and add roughly 16,000 jobs.
⚽️ FIFA Makeover: Nathan Phillips Square has been transformed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the iconic skating rink turned into a soccer pitch and fan zones taking shape across downtown. Toronto will host six matches and a 22-day FIFA Fan Festival featuring concerts, food, art, and cultural performances.
🏝️ New Island Takes Shape: Ookwemin Minising, formerly known as Villiers Island, is being transformed into a massive new waterfront neighbourhood with up to 12,000 homes, parks, wetlands, and public spaces. The project is part of Toronto’s $1.4-billion Port Lands redevelopment.
🏗️ Subway Extension Delayed: New TTC documents suggest the Scarborough Subway Extension may not open until 2033, three years later than originally planned. The delay is linked to stalled tunnel boring work and rising construction costs on the more than $10-billion project.
Scarborough Subway Extension source: infrastructureontario.ca
MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW
💥 Traffic Collapse: Urban planning experts say Toronto could face severe gridlock during the FIFA World Cup if too many fans drive instead of taking transit. The city expects roughly 70 per cent of spectators to use public transportation during matches as TTC and GO Transit prepare expanded service plans.
🛫 New Flights: Porter Airlines has launched daily flights from Toronto to Nashville and resumed service between Toronto Pearson and Quebec City. The airline says the expanded routes will improve connections across Canada, the U.S., and Europe ahead of the busy summer travel season.
⛔️ Toronto Roasts Duolingo: Torontonians are mocking Duolingo after the company tried teaching Canadian slang using phrases many locals say nobody actually uses. Social media users quickly called out terms like “hang a larry” while suggesting more authentic Toronto slang instead.
LOST TORONTO:
Provincial Lunatic Asylum (Demolished)
Opened on January 26, 1850, at 999 Queen Street West, the Provincial Lunatic Asylum was Upper Canada's first permanent mental health facility.
The original building, which was known for its white brick construction, was demolished in 1976.
The site is the direct predecessor to today's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Located at Queen St W & Shaw St.
THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP
Editor’s Pick! Doors Open Toronto 2026 - Doors Open Toronto returns this May, giving the public rare free access to some of the city’s most fascinating buildings, historic sites, and hidden spaces. From architectural landmarks and cultural institutions to normally restricted locations, the event invites visitors to explore Toronto from the inside out.
May 23 – 24 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Multiple Venues Across Toronto
Ashbridges Bay Park Victoria Day Fireworks - Ashbridges Bay Park’s Victoria Day Fireworks return to Toronto’s east waterfront to close out the first long weekend of summer with one of the city’s most popular fireworks displays. The annual event draws crowds to the lakeshore for a large-scale pyrotechnic show launched over Lake Ontario.
May 18 | 10:00 PM – 10:15 PM
Location: Ashbridges Bay Park, 1561 Lake Shore Blvd E
Toronto Island Photo Walk and Dusk Skyline Adventure - Toronto Island Photo Walk and Dusk Skyline Adventure is a guided photography experience combining nature, cityscapes, and long exposure techniques across the Toronto Islands. Over the course of more than three hours, participants will photograph island scenery including wildlife, attractions, and still-life subjects before shifting focus to the downtown skyline at twilight.
May 19 | 5:20 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Meeting point at Toronto Island ferry dock on Centre Island
National Rescue Dog Day event with adoptable dogs at Billy Bishop Airport - National Rescue Dog Day at Billy Bishop Airport brings together adoptable rescue dogs, photography, and animal advocacy for a special one-day event celebrating rescue animals. Visitors can meet dogs currently available for adoption through Toronto Animal Services while exploring Dogs in Flight, a photography exhibit by Jack Jackson Dog Photography.
May 20 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Martini Madness - Martini Madness returns to Toronto this May for an evening of cocktails, food, and fundraising in support of medical research. Presented by CIBC and The Andlauer Family, the event raises funds for the GEM Project through Sinai Health Foundation, supporting research into Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
May 21 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Ricarda’s, 134 Peter St
RECOS: Things you will love for around $50
🐈 Pets: How to remove stains
🌔 Night: Always have this light with you
💪 Fitness: Burn more during your workout
🧑🍳 Kitchen: Add some colour to your kitchen
🌃 Toronto: Explore old houses
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK
In 1949, a luxury Great Lakes cruise ship caught fire while docked in Toronto Harbour. Within minutes, the SS Noronic became a floating inferno.
More than 500 passengers were onboard. Somewhere between 119 and 139 people died, making it one of the deadliest disasters in Toronto history, yet most people today have never even heard of it.
Here is the link: Click here to watch
MAP OF THE WEEK
Hidden in this 1893 bird’s eye view is a glimpse into Toronto’s future. Old City Hall appears fully standing, despite still being years away from completion. Beyond its remarkable accuracy, it is filled with incredibly detailed sketches of streets, buildings, rail lines, and waterfront activity.
Here is the link: Click here to see the map
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