Good afternoon — Toronto is planning its first purpose-built car-free street, and another stretch of Church Street could soon follow, as the city leans harder into pedestrian-first design.

Meanwhile, the AGO is getting a $35M expansion, the last Lick’s has quietly shut down, and a thrift store find turned into a $3,000 pair of Vince Carter sneakers.

Plus: a rare camel calf arrives at the zoo, hundreds of sharply dressed bikers are set to ride through the city, and outdoor movie nights are making their return just in time for summer.

Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

🚘 First Car-Free Street: Toronto is planning its first purpose-built pedestrian-only street at Centre Commons in the Port Lands, designed as a social, nature-filled gathering space instead of a road for cars. The project could reshape how future neighbourhoods are built by prioritizing people, density, and community-focused design over traditional car-centric planning.

🖼️ $35M AGO Expansion: The provincial government is investing $35 million into the Art Gallery of Ontario expansion, adding 13 new galleries and 40,000 square feet of space by 2027. The project is expected to increase exhibition space by 30 per cent and bring in up to 120,000 more visitors each year.

👟 Thrift Finds Signed Carter Shoes: A Mississauga shopper scored autographed sneakers from Vince Carter at Value Village for just $79, later learning they could be worth over $3,000. The rare, unreleased Raptors-themed shoes have since gone viral online, though the buyer says he plans to keep them.

🏍️ Dapper Bikers Ride: The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride returns to Toronto on May 17, bringing hundreds of riders in formal attire through the city to raise funds for men’s health initiatives. The event supports the Movember Foundation and has already raised tens of thousands locally this year.

🚶 Church Street Pedestrian Plan: A proposal backed by Toronto City Council could make part of Church Street car-free between Wellesley and Alexander from June 19 to Aug. 21. The pilot aims to improve safety and boost local businesses, with a final decision expected later this month.

🐪 Rare Camel Calf: The Toronto Zoo has welcomed a critically endangered Bactrian camel calf, bringing its herd to seven. Zoo officials say the birth is an important step in supporting conservation efforts for the species.

🍔 Last Lick’s Shuts Down: The final Lick's Homeburgers in Ontario has closed, marking the apparent end of the once-iconic chain that previously had 30 locations across the province. While the Parry Sound spot is listed as temporarily closed, there are unconfirmed reports it could reopen elsewhere.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

⚽️ FIFA Pulls Resale Tickets: Resale tickets for Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026 matches were temporarily removed after Ontario capped resale prices at face value. FIFA is now reworking its platform to comply with the new rules, which could force some resellers to take a loss.

🧊 New Cooling Rule: A new bylaw from the City of Toronto takes effect June 1, requiring landlords without in-unit A/C to provide tenants access to cooled indoor spaces at 26 C or lower during summer months. The rule aims to protect renters during heat waves but does not require landlords to install air conditioning units.

🎥 Free Outdoor Movies Return: The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is back starting June 26, with free screenings at Christie Pits, Corktown Common, and Bell Manor Park throughout the summer. No tickets are required, with movies beginning at sundown across multiple neighbourhoods.

LOST TORONTO:
College of Physicians and Surgeons Building (Demolished)

The historic College of Physicians and Surgeons building was built in 1890.

It was located at the southeast corner of Bay and Richmond Street West and was demolished in the 1950s following heavy fire damage.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Editor’s Pick! Chocolate & Parfum Pairing, Making Sense of Scents - Come along for a sensory adventure as we explore taste in the traditional way, but with an emphasis on the human nose, and how we can heighten tasting with our sense of smell. With your host Gustologia and Marina Bertozzi, we will be savouring chocolate, but also pairing it with the power of fruit, flower, and fragrance. Guided by Level III Certified Taster Mary Luz Mejia, and perfume expert Kimmyberry Atelier we will delve into the not often explored subject of, well, odours and the brain. Ticket price includes a small group guided tasting of fine chocolate, along with refreshments and nibbles, and a one-on-one session to explore fragrance.
May 7th | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Spear Realty, 78 Queen Elizabeth Blvd

AGO Speakeasy: A '60s Cultural Revolution - A ’60s Cultural Revolution transforms the historic Grange House into an immersive, after-hours experience inspired by the music and counterculture of the 1960s. Set behind closed doors at the AGO, this event blends craft cocktails with a curated soundtrack spanning soul, Motown, the British Invasion, and early funk.
March 18 – June 5 | 5:45 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W

Floral Arrangement Workshop - A hands-on evening of creativity, guiding participants through the process of designing a vibrant spring floral arrangement. Led step-by-step, the workshop covers composition, colour balance, and styling, making it accessible for all skill levels.
May 7 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen St W

HUGE Indoor Thrift Sale - A wide selection of new and gently used items under one roof for a one-day community shopping event. Expect a mix of clothing for adults and kids, shoes, accessories, jewellery, home décor, kitchenware, electronics, tools, toys, books, and more.
May 9 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Lawrence Park Collegiate, 125 Chatsworth Dr

Mother's Day High Tea at The Castle - A classic afternoon tea experience set inside Casa Loma. Guests can enjoy a selection of premium teas, scones, tea sandwiches, and pastries in the historic setting of Toronto’s iconic castle, reflecting the elegance of the Edwardian era.
May 10 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace

RECOS: Things you will love for around $50

🐈 Pets: Remove fur like a pro
🪴 Plants: The plant pots you need
🔅 Light: Protect your eyes
🧑‍🍳 Kitchen: These mugs are back in style
🌃 Toronto: One of the coolest books on our history
InsiderToronto may collect an affiliate fee on these items

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Did Toronto build the right CN Tower? We review the original proposal and how it would have changed downtown Toronto forever.

Here is the link: Click here to watch

MAP OF THE WEEK

This is the Jervois 1865 map of proposed Toronto defenses against American invasion as British-American relations soured.

Here is the link: Click here to see the map

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