Would you eat on the TTC?

August 3, 2025

Good afternoon  From the lawsuit shaking up Canada’s biggest airport to the blind moose calf heading for a new life at the Toronto Zoo, this week’s news is anything but slow.

Also: Renters are finally seeing free rent offers, pool workers walk off the job, people are serving food on the TTC, and QR codes are unlocking secrets from the city’s past...

Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

Cedar - a blind two-month-old moose calf

🫎 Baby moose: Cedar, a blind two-month-old moose calf rescued near Ottawa, will soon find a forever home at the Toronto Zoo. After being found alone and disoriented, Cedar was cared for by Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue. With no space at usual sanctuaries, the province approved his transfer, where he’ll receive specialized care.

🍖 A Feast on the TTC? Izzy Petraglia turned rush hour into supper hour when she set up a full buffet on a TTC subway train. Inspired by a viral NYC video, the Toronto publicist cooked everything herself and served passengers from Glencairn to Finch.

🛬 Flight crash lawsuit: A flight attendant injured in February’s Delta crash at Pearson, is suing the airline for $75M, claiming they prioritized profits over safety. Her lawsuit says Delta and its subsidiary, Endeavor Air, assigned an “inexperienced” pilot and failed to properly train the crew before Flight 4819 flipped on landing, sending 21 to hospital.

🏟️ Major revamp: Budweiser Stage — soon to be rebranded as the “Live Nation Amphitheatre” — will temporarily close after the 2027 season for construction as part of the Ontario Place redevelopment. The revamped venue will be transformed into a modern, all-season facility. No timeline has been given for how long the closure will last.

🏊 Pool staff walk off: City staff at two Toronto indoor pools — Birchmount and Main Square — refused to work Tuesday after humidity levels inside reached a stifling 40–45°C on the humidex. The union says the heat is due to broken dehumidification systems and claims the city failed to provide safe conditions.

📝 Toronto’s past on-the-go: The Museum of Toronto has quietly turned the city into a time machine. A new virtual exhibit has placed 25 QR codes around town — each unlocking a hidden chapter from Toronto’s past.

✈️ Cheap flights: If you've been dreaming of tacos and sunshine, good news: Flair Airlines is launching an ultra-low-cost route from Toronto Pearson to Mexico City starting October 28. One-way fares begin at just $160, with returns from $120.

Scan these QR codes to learn about Toronto’s past

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

💰 Toronto man wins $60M: When 26-year-old software developer Bocheng Mei won a $60 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot, his first move wasn’t a celebration — it was logging into a work meeting. After confirming the life-changing prize, Mei calmly carried on with his day before telling his parents they could now retire stress-free.

🛏️ ‘No Privacy’: A Brampton rental ad is turning heads — and not for the right reasons. Listed as a “queen mattress on upper living room floor,” the ad boldly admits: “No privacy.” Tenants share a bathroom, follow a cleaning schedule, and are invited to “wave to others” as they pass.

🚫 Free rent: Toronto’s rental market just did something rare — it got more affordable. A condo glut has forced landlords to offer incentives like 1–2 months free rent.

LOST TORONTO:
The Toronto Armouries

The Toronto Armouries, located on University Avenue, were completed in 1894. It was the largest armoury in Canada with over 250,000 soldiers trained here.

Designed in the Romanesque Revival style by Thomas Fuller, the large sandstone building was home to several regiments and hosted public events.

Despite public opposition, it was demolished in 1963 to make way for the Toronto Courthouse.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Along the Shore Walking Tour - Explore Toronto’s historic ties to the waterfront on the Along the Shore Walking Tour. Discover how the shoreline once reached Front Street, why it shifted, and what that meant for the city’s evolution.
August 7 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Mural, 27 Front St E

Editor’s Pick! Taco Fest Toronto 2025 - Taco Fest Toronto 2025 is back! Dive into three flavour-packed days of tacos, churros, margaritas, and mezcal at this city-wide celebration of Mexican cuisine. Sample 250+ taco creations from top chefs and vote for Toronto’s best taco!
August 8 | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
August 9 | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
August 10 | 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Location: 250 Fort York Blvd

Taste the Caribbean Food Festival - Bring the island vibes to your plate at Taste the Caribbean Food Festival, a vibrant open-air celebration outside St. Lawrence Market featuring bold Caribbean cuisine, tropical drinks, live music, and market vendors—free for all to enjoy.
August 3 & 31 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Outside St. Lawrence Market

Mimosa Fest Toronto - Mimosa Fest Toronto brings a full day of bubbly fun, live music, fashion, and fierce competitions to North York. Sip creative mimosa flavours, cheer on top bartenders and models as they compete for $1,000 prizes.
August 9 | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: 38C Apex Rd

National Bank Open - Game, set, match! The National Bank Open presented by Rogers returns to Toronto with 12 days of world-class ATP tennis, primetime showdowns, and fan-friendly fun—featuring music, food, games, and entertainment at the lively Tennis Playground.
July 26 – August 7 | 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Sobeys Stadium, 100-1 Shoreham Drive

August Home Jays Games (schedule):
⚾️ Jays vs. Royals | Aug 1 - 3
⚾️ Jays vs. Cubs | Aug 12 - 14
⚾️ Jays vs. Rangers | Aug 15 - 17
⚾️ Jays vs. Twins | Aug 25 - 27
⚾️ Jays vs. Brewers | Aug 29 - 31

RECOS: Things you will love
 
🇨🇦 Toronto: The bag that locals wear
🎂 Birthday: Legend DAIRY Card
🏠 Moving: Better than boxes
⛈️ Storm: Prepare for blackouts
🍸 Drinks: The ONE vintage glass
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Toronto was once a city of bold vision—and nothing proved it more than the birth of Canada’s first subway.

This rare footage shows the planning process and dreams that the city had. Did we live up to our plans?

Here is the link: Click here to watch

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