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🍁Hey, Torontonians!

Hope you’re enjoying some sunny days and making the most of March in the city! we’re here to keep you in the loop with everything happening in the 6ix.

But first, a quick shoutout to all of you who’ve been sending us your feedback and love. Your messages make our day and keep us inspired to bring you the best of Toronto every week.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the poll at the end of this email—we love hearing from you! 😊

Let’s dive into what’s new, exciting, and important in Toronto this week—

In today's edition:

• Highway 407 announces free rush hour trips this March

• Restaurant of the Week: General Public

• Corus FM Radio stations to play exclusively Canadian music

• City of Toronto and MLSE announce enhancements to BMO Field

• Serena joins ownership group for WNBA's new Toronto Tempo team

• Ice Chips: Maple Leafs F Jarnkrok expected to make season debut Monday

— Harman
Toronto Local Loop

News

Highway 407 announces free rush hour trips this March

Highway 407 ETR offers free rush hour travel during specific weekday hours in March.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Free rush hour trips are available for eligible personal vehicles on Highway 407 during March.

• The promotion runs Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m..

• To be eligible, customers needed to sign up for a 407 ETR account and enroll in the promotion by Feb. 28.

Source: CTV News

Restaurant of the Week: General Public

Jen Agg's latest restaurant, General Public, is a unique dining experience located in an industrial area of Toronto. The restaurant is characterized by its mash-up of British pub fare, American brasserie influences, and steakhouse elements, resulting in a diverse menu featuring everything from fried pig's head to kampachi crudo. Furthermore, the article highlights the restaurant's decor, which blends a warm, modern pub atmosphere downstairs with a more vibrant, Palm Springs-inspired space upstairs, showcasing Agg's signature balance of vintage and modern aesthetics, as well as its distinct drink program, centered around gin and natural wines.

Atmosphere and Location

General Public is located on Geary Avenue in an industrial warehouse that is next to a window manufacturer and an automotive garage. The restaurant's atmosphere is a mix of different styles. It's described as "part Narnia, part fancy British pub and part ’80s cocaine dream". The downstairs area has a warm pub atmosphere with custom millwork and cozy booths, while the upstairs has a brighter palette with pastel pink, green, hanging ferns, velvet banquettes, mirrored ceilings, and a flamingo mural, evoking a Palm Springs vibe.

🍴 What to Try

1. fried pig’s head, baked oyster rarebit, kampachi crudo, or the shrimp trifle

2. There is also the Lion’s Mane Schnitzel, a vegetarian option

3. At lunchtime, Dippy Eggs and a breakfast sandwich with a hash brown are available

4. Gin-based cocktails, such as the Shotgun Martini and the Eton Fizz, are also worth trying

Reviews

“Came with friends, they recommended we go early and catch happy hr. A few highlights - the burger (only available for happy hr and in limited quantities) is really special. Rich and decadent beef is balanced with onions and a red wine sauce that cuts through everything. Their fries are some of the best in the city with a beef fat mayo and malt vinegar powder. Pigs head terrine was also great. Attention to detail in everything including fantastic service. Will be back.”

by Adam Lang

📍 Location
201 Geary Ave, Toronto.
Price: $100+
Contact: (416) 571-1788

Check them out and let us know what you think!

City Updates

O Canada! Corus FM Radio stations to play exclusively Canadian music on March 1

Corus Radio's plan to celebrate Canadian Music Day across its FM stations on March 1st. The initiative aims to demonstrate support for Canadian identity and musical talent in response to negative comments about the country's significance. Featuring a wide array of popular Canadian artists, the event seeks to highlight Canada's substantial contributions to the global music scene. Listeners are encouraged to tune in and celebrate the nation's unique musical heritage.

• Corus Radio FM stations will celebrate Canadian Music Day on Saturday, March 1st, by playing music from Canadian artists across various genres.

• This initiative is a show of support for Canada's musical talent and unique cultural identity.

• Numerous Corus Radio stations will participate, featuring artists like Bryan Adams, Justin Bieber, and Celine Dion.

Source: Global News

City of Toronto and MLSE announce enhancements to BMO Field (Toronto Stadium), setting the stage for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and beyond

The City of Toronto, in partnership with MLSE, announced plans for significant upgrades to BMO Field to prepare it for hosting the FIFA World Cup 26 and to enhance the stadium experience for future events. This initiative involves a substantial financial investment to improve stadium infrastructure, technology, and overall appeal, including increasing seating capacity, enhancing player facilities, upgrading broadcast capabilities, and adding new fan amenities like video boards and improved concessions. These renovations are intended to leave a lasting legacy for Toronto, boosting the economy and solidifying the city's reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.

• BMO Field is being upgraded with a $146 million investment for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and future use.

• The upgrades will increase capacity to 45,000 and include various stadium enhancements.

• Toronto is projected to see up to $940 million in economic output from hosting the tournament.

Source: CP24

Community Digest

SPORTS
Serena joins ownership group for WNBA's new Toronto Tempo team

Twenty-three-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams is joining the Toronto Tempo ownership group, the organization announced Wednesday.

The team is primarily owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, chaired by Larry Tanenbaum, and led by team president Teresa Resch. The Tempo are the 15th team to join the WNBA and will tip off their first season in 2026. Their expansion draft will be held after the 2025 season.

Source: TSN

SPORTS
Ice Chips: Maple Leafs F Jarnkrok expected to make season debut Monday

Calle Jarnkrok is set to return to the lineup after recovering from surgery, with his return coinciding with Ryan Reaves likely being out. Defenceman Dakota Mermis has been recalled from the AHL, while Marshall Rifai has been assigned there, moves likely prompted by Chris Tanev's placement on injured reserve. These changes come as the Maple Leafs aim to continue their winning streak and maintain their lead in the Atlantic Division.

Source: TSN

Upcoming Events

Here are some upcoming events in Toronto from Monday, March 3, to Sunday, March 9, 2025:

🎭 Arts and Culture

• Women From Space Festival 2025 | March 7-9, 2025 | Artscape Wychwood Barns, Toronto

🎵 Music and Concerts

• Faye Webster | March 3-4, 2025 | Queen Elizabeth Theatre

• Jorja Smith: falling or flying Tour 2025 North America | March 4-5, 2025 | Massey Hall

• Andy Frasco & The U.N. | March 5, 2025 | Adelaide Hall

• Lime Cordiale: Enough Of The Sweet Talk Tour | March 5, 2025 | Danforth Music Hall

• Minelli | March 5, 2025 | Axis Club

• NCT 127: NEO CITY - THE MOMENTUM | March 5, 2025 | Scotiabank Arena

• Chris Grey | March 6, 2025 | Drake Underground

• Kim Dracula | March 6, 2025 | Danforth Music Hall

• Maro x Nasaya | March 6, 2025 | Adelaide Hall

• Caleb Hearon | March 7, 2025 | Danforth Music Hall

• Jan Blomqvist - Mute Tour | March 7, 2025 | Axis Club

• Rosanne Cash | March 7, 2025 | Koerner Hall

• Kraftwerk | March 8, 2025 | Massey Hall

• Thievery Corporation | March 8, 2025 | History

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sports and Entertainment

• Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Steven Reineke - 21st Century Broadway | March 4-5, 2025 | Roy Thomson Hall

• Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Steven Reineke - Encanto In Concert | March 8-9, 2025 | Roy Thomson Hall

Your feedback matters

Reply to this email with your choice!

Let us know what you think of this week’s edition, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. We’ll see you next week!

Cheers,
Harman
Toronto Local Loop

P.S.

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