Why is this Toronto show so controversial?

Good afternoon — Labour Day weekend is here, but Toronto didn’t take a holiday from chaos: Oktoberfest got cancelled, a sinkhole swallowed an east-end intersection, and speed cameras are getting knocked over like bowling pins.

Meanwhile, the Canadian International Air Show is back for the Labour Day Weekend (we reveal the top FREE spots to watch it), Bobby Flay is plotting a burger invasion, and the city’s still arguing about concert noise.

Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

🍻 Oktoberfest cancelled: Organizers say “funding restraints” have forced them to pause the annual Bavarian-style festival, which began in 2012. Last year’s event was held at Downsview, but rising costs have made 2025 unfeasible. They promise a return in 2026 with a bigger celebration.

✈️ Watch the Air Show for free: The 76th annual Canadian International Air Show roars back this Labour Day weekend. There are great free vantage points: Coronation Park, Marilyn Bell Park, Sheldon Lookout, Sunnyside Beach, and Trillium Park. P.S. bring a lawn chair, snacks and arrive early to snag a good view.

🎶 Rogers Stadium noise complaints: After Oasis’ sold-out Toronto show, Councillor James Pasternak says concert volumes are rattling windows and disturbing local residents. While events meet permitted noise levels, Pasternak insists “something must be done” to turn it down.

🍔 Bobby Flay’s burgers: Celebrity chef Bobby Flay is bringing his fast-casual chain, Bobby’s Burgers, to Canada with a flagship in downtown Toronto. Part of a deal to launch 65 locations nationwide, the brand promises Flay’s signature handcrafted burgers, fries, and shakes. The exact Toronto spot hasn’t been revealed yet.

🚨 e-bike & e-scooter blitz: Until Sept. 13, Toronto police are cracking down on unsafe operation of e-bikes, e-scooters, and bicycles. The campaign focuses on school zones and bike lanes, targeting speeding, distracted driving, and vehicles blocking cycle lanes. Police say education will come first, but tickets will be issued “where needed.”

🚧 East-end Sinkhole: A massive sinkhole at Coxwell and Cosburn has closed the busy East York intersection after a late-night water main break flooded at least four basements. Residents say it took the city hours to shut off the water, while officials insist crews acted once the break worsened. The intersection is expected to reopen Monday.

🏠 Toronto less affordable than NYC: A new housing study finds Toronto and Vancouver rank among the least affordable cities in North America, with home prices far outpacing incomes. While Toronto slipped from second to third place on the unaffordability list since 2024, both Canadian cities remain more unaffordable than New York or Los Angeles.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

🎢 Wonderland debunks ‘hacksaw’ rumour: A TikTok video claiming a man tried to sabotage Canada’s Wonderland’s Leviathan roller coaster with a hacksaw has been proven false. Park spokesperson Grace Peacock confirmed the Aug. 23 incident involved only an unruly guest upset over a missing personal item, who was removed by security and police.

🛍️ 185-year-old retailer coming to Eaton Centre — Canada’s oldest family-owned business, Simons, is opening its first downtown Toronto store at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre on Sept. 18. Founded in 1840 in Quebec City, the fashion retailer will occupy 112,000 sq. ft. over three floors.

🏎️ Toronto’s speed cameras: Speedcams have been vandalized 25 times since last fall, with one on Parkside Drive toppled 6 times in under a year. Police say investigations are ongoing, with surveillance cameras now monitoring hotspots. Officials stress the devices are working, noting speed cameras have cut school-zone speeding by 45%.

LOST TORONTO:
Toronto Central Prison

Toronto Central Prison opened in 1873 as the city's first purpose-built provincial prison, located near King Street West and Strachan Avenue. Designed to be a model of reform, it quickly gained a brutal reputation for hard labour and harsh punishments. The prison closed in 1915 after years of criticism and scandal. Today, only the Romanesque gatehouse and chapel remain, preserved as rare industrial heritage near Liberty Village.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

CNE 2025 - The CNE 2025 is back for 18 unforgettable days of rides, food, concerts, and fun. From August 15 to September 1, Exhibition Place becomes Toronto’s ultimate summer fair, complete with a massive midway, wacky snacks, and free concerts by Shawn Desman, 98 Degrees, and more.
Daily until September 1 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Blvd

Editor’s Pick! Canadian International Air Show - The 76th Canadian International Air Show roars back over Toronto’s waterfront this Labour Day weekend with jaw-dropping flight demos and sky-high thrills. Catch the legendary Snowbirds, the CF-18 Demo Team, the F-35, and more as they take to the skies in a breathtaking aerial showcase for all ages.
August 30 – September 1 | 12:00 PM – 3:40 PM
Location: Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd W

Titanic: The Official Exhibition - Experience the story of the world’s most legendary ship like never before at Titanic: The Official Exhibition, making its Canadian debut in Toronto. This immersive exhibit features authentic artifacts, multimedia displays, and virtual reality, inviting visitors to step aboard the RMS Titanic and uncover its legacy, history, and enduring mysteries.
Daily until September 30 | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: YZD Hangar Bay 12, 30 Hanover Rd

Humber River full Moon Guided Night Tour - Paddle under the glow of the full moon on a guided night tour along Toronto’s tranquil Humber River. Launching from King’s Mill Park, this scenic journey flows toward Lake Ontario, ending with a breathtaking view of the city skyline—safely guided by staff in support boats.
September 7 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: King’s Mill Park North – 9 Old Mill Rd

Cabbagetown Festival 2025 - Toronto’s beloved Cabbagetown Festival returns for its 46th year with two days of food, music, culture, and family-friendly fun. As the city’s longest-running street festival, it takes over Parliament and Carlton Streets with 250+ vendors, live performances, DJs, food trucks, and more
September 6 & September 7 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Parliament Street & Carlton Street

August & September Home Jays Games (schedule):
⚾️ Jays vs. Brewers | Aug 29 - 31
⚾️ Jays vs. Astros | September 9 - 11
⚾️ Jays vs. Orioles | September 12 - 14
⚾️ Jays vs. Red Sox | September 23 - 25
⚾️ Jays vs. Rays | September 26 - 28
Get your Jays gear here!

RECOS: Things you will love for under $40
 
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🦝 Toronto: The one book on Toronto history
🚨 Safety: This could save your life
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

3 Rare Maps of Toronto: What it reveals about our hidden past!

Here is the link: Click here to watch

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