Would You Ride This “New” Train?

Good afternoon — A small plane crash-landed beside a Toronto sports field, the Muskoka Northlander train is finally making a comeback, and Ford’s pushing for a tunnel under the 401.

Meanwhile, the Finch West LRT might actually open before the Crosstown, fall is arriving early — with leaves turning weeks ahead of schedule, and speed cameras are dividing the city (we have the results).

Let’s get into it.

THE DIGEST: 7 Handpicked Stories

🚂 Northlander revival: Toronto’s long-lost Northlander train to Muskoka just hit a major milestone with the completion of new track near North Bay, shaving 15 minutes off travel time; the revamped service to Timmins and Cochrane is slated to launch in 2026 with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, USB charging, and food service.

✈️ Engine failure landing: Federal investigators say a small plane en route from Orillia to Billy Bishop suffered an engine failure and crash-landed beside the sports field at Monarch Park in Toronto; the pilot and two passengers were uninjured, and the TSB is investigating.

🌅 Best sunsets of the year: Toronto’s last Torontohenge of the year happens at sunset on Oct. 25, when the sun aligns perfectly with downtown’s east-west streets like King, Queen, and Bloor. Photographers and sunset chasers can catch the spectacle around 6:18 p.m. — but drivers are warned to be extra cautious during the display.

📸 Speed camera showdown: Torontonians are split on the city’s 150 speed cameras, with nearly 200 responses to CTV showing both support and frustration. Some drivers say tickets changed their habits and improved safety, while others call them unfair “cash grabs” that strain finances. Premier Ford has vowed to scrap the cameras this fall unless cities remove them first.

🏃 Runner’s remarkable finish: Despite a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, Toronto’s Carlo de Lorenzi just completed his 3-year mission to run every one of the city’s 10,000+ streets. Covering 5,600 km, he raised over $20K for the Community Music Schools of Toronto — nearly double his goal — and crossed his final finish line surrounded by supporters.

🚧 Ford eyes 401 tunnel: Premier Doug Ford says he’s confident PM Mark Carney will designate a proposed Hwy. 401 tunnel through the GTA as a “national interest” project, though Ottawa has yet to give any direct assurances.

🚉 Finch LRT almost done?: The long-delayed Finch West LRT could open as soon as mid-October. A TTC notice says Line 6 will begin its 30-day “Revenue Service Demonstration” on Sept. 20, a final testing phase before welcoming riders. The 10.3 km line will serve 18 stops from Keele St. to Hwy. 27, beating the much-delayed Eglinton Crosstown to launch despite starting years later.

MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

🛳️ Cruises boost waterfront: Toronto’s cruise industry is quietly booming, now part of a $250M Great Lakes market growing 20% a year. More than 21,000 high-end visitors arrive annually, spending at hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Victory Cruise Lines alone plans 29 Toronto visits next season, helping position the city as a key turnaround port and strengthening its waterfront tourism economy.

🐝 Increase in wasps: Toronto is seeing a spike in yellowjackets and paper wasps as their usual food sources dwindle, pushing them toward burgers, sweets, and picnic tables; entomologists say the nuisance will ease once the first frost arrives.

🍁 Leaves turning early: Leaves are changing colour weeks ahead of schedule this year. Experts say extreme heat and drought stress are forcing some trees, especially less drought-tolerant species like sugar maples, into early colour change and leaf drop. Normally, peak fall colours arrive in October — but this year many trees have already started their autumn show.

LOST TORONTO:
King St W & Bay St (looking west) 1885 vs 2025

Then (1885): This historic photograph captures King Street West, looking west from east of Bay Street, with storefronts and horse-drawn carriages lining the street. On the right stands the Canada Life Assurance Company offices, their stone façade richly detailed in the Italianate style. Dominating the view in the distance is the Mail Building, completed in the 1870s in the Second Empire style, recognizable by its mansard roof, ornate dormers, and soaring spire.

Together, these structures reflect the period when Toronto’s financial district was transforming into a grand boulevard of late-Victorian commercial architecture

Today: The heart of Toronto’s financial district.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Editor’s Pick! Gevrey-Chambertin: A Deep Dive into Premier & Grand Crus - An intimate 4-course dinner paired with 6 rare back-vintage Pinot Noirs (2004–2016) from Burgundy’s legendary village of Gevrey-Chambertin — a night to explore world-class Pinot Noir and the finest expressions of French terroir. Taste across premier crus like Lavaux St. Jacques and Aux Combottes, culminating in iconic grands crus Mazis-Chambertin and Chambertin-Clos de Bèze — all sourced from top producers including Faiveley, Dujac, and Bruno Clair.
October 17 | Starts at 7:00 PM
Location: Vintage Conservatory, 224 King Street W

University College Book Sale - The beloved University College Book Sale returns this fall, offering thousands of donated books at unbeatable prices. Browse everything from fiction and sci-fi to rare volumes and academic gems. This year’s sale features a special railway collection with books on trains, trolleys, and trams from around the world.
September 25 – 28 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: University College, University of Toronto

CHAOS. CURATED - An immersive fall art exhibition at Twist Gallery exploring the beauty found in disorder. Through bold abstract works, the show captures the emotional shifts and vibrant unpredictability of the autumn season. Join for live art, refreshments, and a chance to connect with the artists behind the chaos.
September 4 – October 7 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Twist Gallery, 1100 Queen St. W

AGO Art Bash 2025 - The AGO’s signature fundraising gala, Art Bash 2025, returns on Thursday, September 25 for an unforgettable night of art, fashion, music, and philanthropy. Known as Canada’s ultimate art party, this 19+ event transforms the Art Gallery of Ontario into a dazzling celebration in support of arts and culture.
September 25 | 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Location: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W

Canada's Wonderland Halloween Haunt 2025 - Canada’s Wonderland transforms into a scream-filled fright fest with the return of Halloween Haunt 2025. From haunted mazes and scare zones to bone-chilling live shows and creepy characters lurking around every corner, this after-dark experience is the ultimate way to celebrate spooky season.
September 26 – November 1 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (select nights)
Location: Canada’s Wonderland

GLB Oktoberfest - Break out the dirndls and lederhosen — GLB Oktoberfest is back and bringing the Bavarian vibes to Etobicoke! Expect German-style beer, a cask tapping ceremony, traditional eats (pretzels, sausages), Oktoberfest games, folk dancing by the Concordia Enzian Dancers, and live music by The Ziggie Zaggies Band.
September 27 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Great Lakes Brewery, 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd

August & September Home Jays Games (schedule):
⚾️ 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
 
🍁 Fall: These fall candles are a must
😎 Cool: What’s a Galileo Thermometer?
🌳 Backyard: How to handle fall leaves
🦝 Toronto: The one book on Toronto history 
🪞 Decor: How to add style to your washroom
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

These are the oldest known photos of Toronto. Barely any of it exists today.

Here is the link: Click here to watch

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