Toronto Daily Digest — Feb. 13, 2026

Heartbreaking: A 13-year-old girl was seriously injured when a piece of clothing became caught in chairlift B during a school trip to Centre Vorlage near Wakefield, with first responders called to the unloading area at about 2:10 p.m.; she was taken to CHEO and the resort (co-owner Alexandre Gaboury) is cooperating with an ongoing investigation. Supports have been offered to students and staff by the Ottawa‑Carleton District School Board (Diane Pernari), and police continue to probe the incident.

Big lesson from the Crosstown: Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay says the agency will try to avoid courtroom fights after the Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally opened to passengers on Feb. 8 — about six years late — blaming delays and costly legal skirmishes with builders. Lindsay says Metrolinx is moving to more collaborative contracts to catch design issues early, while major projects like the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Ontario Line and extensions to Eglinton and Yonge‑Markham continue underground.

Major bust in Mississauga: Peel Regional Police laid nearly 200 charges (190 in total) after probing 35+ commercial break‑ins between November 2025 and January 2026, arresting two young offenders and recovering over $50,000 in stolen goods. Four search warrants were executed on Feb. 10, items like jackets and cosmetics seized, and a third young suspect — facing 36 charges — is still wanted; identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Crown Royal deal: Premier Doug Ford backed off a threatened LCBO ban after reaching a $23‑million agreement with Diageo that pledges new spending across Ontario but doesn’t promise to save the roughly 200 Amherstburg bottling jobs set to end when the plant closes at the end of February. The pact includes marketing commitments (about 20% earmarked for Ontario promotion) and came after pressure from other provinces and public backlash.

Homicide probe after tent fire: Niagara police are treating the early‑morning tent fire in Mountain Locks Park, St. Catharines, as a homicide after firefighters found 53‑year‑old Kenneth Dombroskie (no fixed address) dead; investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward. The blaze was spotted by officers on patrol and the death is under active investigation.

Toys “R” Us Canada gets breathing room: An Ontario judge (Jane Dietrich) extended creditor protection until May and allowed more store liquidations under supervision, as the retailer — owing at least $120 million to vendors and landlords — eyes further closures and a possible sale. Twenty‑two stores remain after 53 closures in two years, the company had about 562 employees when it filed (now about 510), and Alvarez & Marsal will oversee any additional shutdowns while owner Putman Investments explores options.

Expect big delays Saturday: Toronto Police warn a Feb. 14 rally tied to the Global Day of Action for Iran’s Lion and Sun Revolution could draw more than 200,000 people for a 3.8‑kilometre march from Yonge & Steeles to Yonge & North York Blvd. Road closures, parking restrictions, TTC adjustments (Bus 97 detours) and possible subway access limits — especially at North York Centre Station — mean travellers should avoid the area between about 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Youth hockey shaken: The West London Hawks U15 house‑league team has been disbanded over "serious allegations" that affect player safety and dignity; the matter has been referred to Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party (ITP) and is also of interest to London police. League presidents Larry Moreland and Justin Hoffer say unaffected players can join other local teams while the ITP investigates and privacy for minors is being protected.

Sorry, that email went too far: The Oshawa Generals apologized after Jason Hickman (director of ticket sales) sent a Feb. 10 message asking fans to "please shower" and use hand sanitizer at Tribute Communities Centre — a note that went viral and prompted a public Facebook apology. The team said it overstepped and hopes to "wash this one off," while fans and rival supporters had a field day online.

Trial update: In the Toronto sexual‑assault trial of businessman Frank Stronach (93), defence lawyer Leora Shemesh has been cross‑examining the first of seven complainants, who alleges sexual assault and rape in the early 1980s; Stronach pleaded not guilty to a dozen charges after being charged in 2024. The complainant—now in her 60s and protected by a publication ban—says some memories of timing have faded but that the assaults remain clear.

Sweet idea for Valentine's: Susan Hay and chef Massimo Capra shared an indulgent Pavlova recipe ideal for Feb. 14, with meringue baked at 200°F, lemon curd, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and strawberries (save a few to cut into heart shapes). It’s an easy, impressive dessert to make for someone special — assemble by layering curd, crushed meringue, diced berries and cream, then finish with chocolate drizzle.