Toronto Daily Digest — Feb. 7, 2026

Big news for the Ontario Liberals: the party says it will pick a new leader on Nov. 21, kicking off its third leadership race since 2020. Party president Kathryn McGarry called it a chance to build momentum after Bonnie Crombie resigned earlier this year; hopefuls have until July 31 at 5 p.m. to submit nominations and members will vote electronically using a ranked ballot from Nov. 9–20. Nate Erskine-Smith has signalled he may run again and others considering runs include Lee Fairclough, Adil Shamji, Rob Cerjanec, Mike Crawley and Eric Lombardi.

Bitter cold sticks around: Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a level-yellow warning with wind chills of −30 °C to −35 °C expected, and blowing snow that can cut visibility. Officials warn frostbite can set in within minutes and urge people—especially children, older adults, outdoor workers and those without shelter—to dress warmly, check on neighbours, and for drivers to carry emergency supplies and blankets; Mississauga could see gusts up to 80 km/h and Toronto marked its 20th straight day below freezing.

Small but spirited FanFest in Toronto: despite a wind chill near −31 °C, families skated at Nathan Phillips Square on Feb. 7 as Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed it Team Canada Day to cheer on 206 athletes at the Milan Cortina Olympics (running to Feb. 22). Athletes like Dylan Moscovitch, Calynn Irwin and Jessica Tudos were slated to appear, the event featured a big screen and sponsor booths, and the FanFest will move on to Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal.

Eglinton Crosstown LRT opens Sunday — but quietly: the TTC calls it a "phased opening" after 15 years of construction with no ribbon-cutting or merch, asking riders to dress warmly and expect delays. First trains leave around 7:40 a.m. and will run roughly every eight minutes; the agency released schedules for the first two trains from each station and asks riders to board anywhere along the route as service beds in.