Toronto Daily Digest — Feb 26, 2026

Heartbreaking plea: Jade Galve, mother of four, spoke tearfully at the sentencing hearing after a speeding, impaired teen driver killed her three children (Maya, 6; Jace, 13; Ramone, 15) in a May 18, 2025 crash. Court heard Ethan Lehouillier was driving as fast as 168 km/h seconds before impact and had a blood-alcohol level about 185 mg/100 ml; he pled guilty Dec. 15 to three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts causing bodily harm, and sentencing is pending amid Crown and defence arguments over an appropriate range. This means the family is left seeking therapy and answers while the court weighs factors like remorse and Lehouillier’s health diagnoses.

Taxpayer sticker shock: Documents show the Ford government spent $1.74 million (before tax) on an ad campaign from late August to mid‑December promoting its Ontario Place redevelopment. Critics like NDP MPP Chris Glover called it a waste, while Premier Doug Ford defended the spending as needed marketing for a project that includes a relocated science centre, a spa and new parkland. In other words, the debate is now about priorities — expensive promotion versus public concerns about the plan.

Company coming home: Quebec coffee roaster Café William is bringing some production back to Sherbrooke after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling removed tariffs that earlier topped 35% and pushed part of its output to the U.S. The company says no layoffs occurred during the swap, Canadian roasting continued for domestic sales, and it’s now hiring to boost Quebec capacity. Good news locally: the move signals more stability for Sherbrooke manufacturers worried about trade uncertainty.

Big promise for the downtown skyline: Premier Doug Ford called Toronto’s Metro Toronto Convention Centre “one of the worst” and teased a major rebuild and expansion to make it “world-class,” saying an announcement will come later this year. The centre is a provincial Crown corporation beside the CN Tower and Ford argues it’s too small and outdated to attract big conventions. If it happens, expect downtown construction and big-ticket public debate about cost and design.

False alarm, big response: OPP are probing a suspected swatting call in Barry’s Bay after a report of a shooting triggered emergency teams and an extensive search — but no one was hurt and the report was unfounded. Police warn false emergency reports divert critical resources and can lead to serious charges; the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward. This is a reminder that prank or malicious calls can put lives at risk.

Two arrested, one still wanted: Toronto police arrested 19‑year‑old Jayden Samuel‑James and 21‑year‑old Rajveer Gill (to be returned from B.C.) and charged them with being accessories after the fatal June 7, 2025 shooting of 15‑year‑old Jahkai Jack near Jane St. and Emmett Ave. Detectives continue to seek 20‑year‑old Abdul Yeberebaba on a Canada‑wide warrant for second‑degree murder; police urge him to turn himself in. Families say the teen wasn’t involved in gangs, making the loss especially devastating.

$1.04 billion science centre deal: The province awarded a $1.04 billion design‑build‑finance contract to relocate the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place, aiming for an opening “as early as 2029.” Premier Ford called it transformational as part of a larger waterfront overhaul that includes a spa, waterpark and music venue — but critics question who benefits and whether communities like Flemingdon Park lose out. The project will reshape the waterfront and keep the debate over priorities alive.

Offices making a comeback: A Royal LePage report says return‑to‑work mandates from big employers are creating “renewed demand” for office space in 2026, with companies like RBC, Rogers and Starbucks bringing staff back for multi‑day schedules. Federal workers are set to be back four days a week beginning this summer, helping markets like the GTA recover while downtown Vancouver and some other cities lag. For workers and small businesses, that means more competition for good office locations near transit and amenities.

Fatal train collision east of Guelph: GO Transit and Guelph police confirmed one person was struck and killed by a Kitchener‑line train around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, causing delays of more than two hours and service disruptions between Kitchener and Brampton. The scene was in single‑track territory, which lengthened the impact; the area has since reopened and the on‑site investigation is complete pending family notification. Riders should check GO’s site for schedule updates.

Charges dropped in high‑profile home‑defence case: The Crown withdrew aggravated assault and weapon charges against Jeremy David McDonald over an Aug. 18 incident in Lindsay after reviewing medical and forensic evidence and concluding self‑defence meant there was no reasonable prospect of conviction. The alleged intruder, Michael Kyle Breen, had been accused of breaking in with a crossbow and faced several charges. The decision follows public debate and comments from Premier Doug Ford earlier about the case.

Scherzer returns to Toronto: Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, 41, agreed to a one‑year deal worth US$3 million with the Blue Jays, with up to US$10 million in performance bonuses, pending a physical. Scherzer went 5‑5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts for Toronto last season and brings deep experience (three Cy Youngs, 3,489 strikeouts) to a rotation that already includes Dylan Cease and Kevin Gausman. Fans can expect leadership and postseason savvy as spring training continues.

Tense day in Stronach trial: Justice Anne Molloy adjourned proceedings early after cross‑examination of a complainant became heated and fragmented, saying she was concerned for the woman’s well‑being and the fairness of the process. Frank Stronach, who faces multiple sexual‑assault counts dating back decades, has pleaded not guilty; the trial will resume Monday. The judge emphasized the defence has a right to meaningful cross‑examination, but the court must balance that with the complainant’s ability to testify.

Skiing at 95: Doris Pierson, 95, still skis at Sir Sam’s on Eagle Lake and credits the slopes for keeping her active after eight decades on skis — she first learned at 13 and now spans four skiing generations. Even after double knee replacements, she skis on sunny days and inspires locals; friends call her “inspirational.” For anyone thinking age is a barrier, Doris is proof it doesn’t have to be.

Raptors’ plan to slow Wembanyama worked — almost: Toronto used a physical game plan and started Collin Murray‑Boyles at tipoff to rattle Victor Wembanyama, holding him to 12 points while Jakob Poeltl scored 15, but the Raptors still lost 110‑107 to San Antonio. Coach Darko Rajakovic praised the effort and physicality, though Toronto surrendered a fourth‑quarter run and dropped their second straight game. The takeaway: the strategy can limit stars, but closing out games remains a challenge.