Vandalized Food Trucks, SIU Ruling & Advance Voting — Toronto's Week in Review.

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Advance voting for Toronto's municipal election ends Sunday at 7 p.m. The city’s advance voting period closed at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, ahead of Election Day; the notice reminded voters of the municipal election schedule and in-person advance polling locations across Toronto.
2. Top Toronto mayoral candidates joined a food bank Thanksgiving sort. Multiple leading mayoral contenders turned up at a downtown food bank’s annual Thanksgiving sort to help package donations and meet volunteers during the official campaign week ahead of the municipal vote.
3. Councillor Nunziata says her re-election campaign continues despite reports she was dropping out. Councillor Frances Nunziata issued a statement this week confirming she remains a candidate after media reports suggested she would withdraw from the Toronto municipal race.
4. New poll shows Bradford narrowing Mayor Chow’s lead. A recently published local poll found Olivia Chow still leading the mayoral race, with challenger Brad Bradford reducing the margin between them in Toronto’s mayoral contest.
5. Complaint filed with Ontario medical regulator over MP's MAID remarks referencing fentanyl. A complaint to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario was filed after MP and physician Dr. Marcus Powlowski wrote in a supplementary opinion that illicit fentanyl is a “painless” and “readily available” option, a remark which the complainant said was triggering and irresponsible.

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

1. SIU says officers had “no alternative” but to shoot during North York raid that left Const. Marc Pinizzotto dead. The Special Investigations Unit’s final report concluded officers perceived a threat during the June 11, 2026 Emergency Task Force raid, and noted 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett was shot and later charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pinizzotto’s death.
2. Seven Second Harvest trucks rendered out of service after catalytic converters were cut and stolen. Second Harvest reported suspects damaged exhaust systems and stole catalytic converters from seven food-rescue trucks in a Toronto yard over Thanksgiving weekend, estimating repairs at about $80,000 and warning deliveries to more than 300 non-profit partners would be affected.
3. Police seek suspect after early-morning break-in and sexual assault in Old Town. Toronto police responded to Richmond Street East and Sherbourne Street at about 5 a.m.; investigators say the victim was asleep, awoke to an intruder, escaped, and the suspect fled the apartment on foot; police released a description and asked the public for tips.
4. Sentencing hearing underway for woman convicted of murdering a toddler left at a Children’s Aid Society site. Shardanae Cousins-Emily was found guilty by a jury of second-degree murder for the 2023 killing of three-year-old Quintanni Belotte inside the Isabella Street CAS building; the family gave victim impact statements at the Toronto court hearing.

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Jamaal Magloire Foundation hosted its sixth annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway. The foundation ran its 2026 Thanksgiving giveaway in Toronto, distributing meals to community members as part of its ongoing neighbourhood food-support programming.
2. South Asian Film Festival marks its 15-year milestone in Canada. The festival celebrated its 15th edition with screenings and events in Toronto showcasing South Asian cinema and cultural programming this week.
3. Toronto Biennial of Art seeks renewal amid institutional ruptures. Organizers and participating institutions updated programming for the Biennial’s current edition as Toronto’s contemporary-art showcase navigates leadership and funding challenges.
4. VIA Rail will continue service at Scarborough’s Guildwood station. VIA Rail confirmed it will keep stops at Guildwood station in Scarborough, maintaining rail service for local commuters and travel connections in east Toronto.

💼 Economy & Business

1. Toronto rent prices fell to their lowest September levels in five years. A market report showed average rental rates in Toronto in September 2026 dropped to the lowest point recorded for that month since 2021, reflecting seasonal and year-over-year shifts in the city’s rental market.
2. Workers at five Toronto child-care centres locked out after contract talks failed. Staff at five licensed child-care centres in Toronto were locked out this week after management and employees failed to reach a collective bargaining agreement, disrupting services and prompting parents to seek alternate arrangements.

🏈 Sports

1. Gradey Dick faced the Raptors for the first time since being traded. Former Raptors draft pick Gradey Dick played against Toronto on Saturday in preseason action after being dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the multi-player trade that brought Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto.
2. Edmonton Elks beat Hamilton 27-12 to clinch a home CFL playoff game. The Elks’ victory on Friday improved their record to 12-4 and secured at least one home playoff game, while Hamilton’s 5-12 mark eliminated the Tiger-Cats from contention.