Articles from Global News

Home sales and prices in the Toronto area have declined in October compared to the previous year. The decrease is attributed to ongoing economic uncertainty according to the city's real estate board.

A report by the Building Industry and Land Development Association found that new condo sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have dropped by 44% in September compared to the previous year. This significant decline saw only 155 new condo units sold last month. The drop highlights ongoing challenges in the GTA's housing market. Analysts are examining factors such as rising interest rates and economic uncertainties that could be impacting sales.

Toronto is planning to implement a wastewater surveillance pilot project during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative aims to monitor potential outbreaks of diseases such as COVID-19, flu, and measles in crowded fan areas. This program will help public health officials to quickly identify and manage potential threats. The project will be a key strategy for maintaining public safety during the large event.

A Toronto hospital has implemented a housing model aimed at reducing the high frequency of emergency room visits by homeless patients. This initiative has reportedly cut ER visits by half for these individuals. The model provides stable housing as part of the hospital's strategy to address the healthcare needs of repeat visitors. Such approaches are touted as effective in managing healthcare resources more efficiently.

A report by Rates.ca highlights that a flood damage claim can increase Ontario home insurance premiums by 19 percent. The report suggests homeowners may face higher costs if they lack coverage. As severe weather events become more prevalent, the financial impact on homeowners and insurers is growing. Insurance premiums are likely to continue rising due to these factors.

Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has emphasized the importance of domestic steel production, suggesting that reliance on foreign steel may not be sufficient for Canada's major infrastructure projects. This comment follows the government's decision to provide million-dollar loans to Algoma Steel. The loans are considered a move to bolster national sovereignty in critical industries. Ensuring a stable domestic supply is framed as crucial for ongoing and future construction initiatives in Canada.

Algoma Steel Group Inc., a company located in Ontario, is set to receive $500 million in loan assistance from both the federal and provincial governments. This financial support aims to mitigate the adverse effects of U.S. tariffs. The loans are part of an effort to stabilize the company's operations and support its strategic initiatives.

Doug Ford announced a plan to construct a tunnel expressway beneath Highway 401 last year. Despite the announcement, the government has yet to select a company to conduct a study on the feasibility of this project. The delay raises questions about the progress of this major infrastructure proposal.

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is investigating an incident where glass shattered at a game in Windsor, injuring London Knights coach Dale Hunter. The incident occurred on the bench, but fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. Coach Hunter expressed relief that the situation was not more severe. The review aims to address safety concerns associated with equipment used in the arena.

The City of Toronto, along with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, has announced the beginning of renovations at BMO Field. This marks the first phase of upgrades to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches being hosted in the city. The updates include the installation of new screens and enhanced broadcast infrastructure to improve the viewing experience.

In a recent announcement, the Canadian government unveiled five projects that its newly established Major Projects Office aims to expedite through the approval process. However, the Highway 401 tunnel project, considered by Ontario Premier Doug Ford as a potential nation-building initiative, was not included on this list. Ford expressed optimism that the tunnel will eventually be recognized for its national significance. Despite the omission, Ford remains hopeful about the project's future inclusion in the government's fast-tracking agenda.

The Canadian federal government has appointed Ana Bailão, a former Toronto city councillor, to lead efforts in scaling up the country's affordable housing stock. This move reflects the Liberals' focus on addressing the housing affordability crisis in Canada. Bailão's experience in municipal politics is intended to spearhead initiatives to increase housing availability for low-income Canadians.