Maple Express | August 15, 2026 Motorcyclist Killed After Hitting Sign on Hwy. 401

1. Motorcyclist killed after hitting sign in construction zone on Hwy. 401 in Pickering

A 22-year-old motorcyclist from Scarborough has died after colliding with an electronic sign board inside a construction zone on Highway 401 in Pickering, according to the OPP. Police say the single-vehicle crash occurred shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday in the westbound lanes, between Brock and Westney roads.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said the motorcycle was reportedly travelling at a high rate of speed in the closure when it struck one of the electronic signs, ejecting the rider and causing fatal injuries. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

2. Scarborough collision sends 5 to hospital, 1 in critical condition

Five people have been taken to hospital, including one in critical condition, following a two-vehicle collision in Scarborough Saturday afternoon. Toronto police said they received a call about the collision near Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue East at 1:14 p.m.

Toronto paramedics said one person sustained life-threatening injuries while four others suffered minor injuries. Police said both drivers remained at the scene, and the cause of the collision is under investigation.

3. Toronto police release images of suspect in TTC worker stabbing

Toronto police have released images of a suspect wanted in the "unprovoked" stabbing of a TTC electrical worker downtown on Friday morning. Police said the worker was walking alone on the sidewalk near Bloor and Yonge Streets around 8 a.m. when he was approached from behind by an unknown man.

The TTC said the worker was on break at the time. He was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released to recover at home. The suspect is described as a man standing five-foot-eight to five-foot-ten, with a medium build and a full beard.

4. Rabid bat found in Burlington — first case in Halton Region this year

A bat found in Burlington has tested positive for rabies, marking the first confirmed case in the Halton Region this year. Halton Region Public Health said the infected nocturnal animal was located on Aug. 11.

Health officials note that rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, dogs and foxes, usually through a bite or scratch. The viral disease can be fatal if untreated before symptoms appear, but an extremely effective vaccine can prevent it when administered in time.

5. Police search for pilot who took off from Oshawa Airport and didn't return

Durham Region police are asking for the public's help to find a pilot who departed from the Oshawa Executive Airport and did not return as expected. The 73-year-old pilot, identified by family as David Douglas, is described as an experienced aviator. He took off Friday at 8:30 a.m. in a single-engine home-built aircraft and was expected back at 9:30 a.m.

Police are asking anyone in the corridor who saw or heard a low-flying light aircraft Friday morning to come forward immediately. The aircraft is described as blue and yellow.

6. Honda Indy kicks off in Markham as fans soak up the sights and sounds

The 2026 Honda Indy is underway in Markham. CTV's Jon Woodward reports from the track, where fans and enthusiasts are taking in the sights and sounds after yesterday's false start. One young fan said the roar of the engines is "like music to my ears."

7. Toronto police search for driver who fled multi-vehicle crash

Toronto police are searching for a driver who allegedly fled the scene after a three-vehicle collision near Old Weston Road and Dupont Street. Police are investigating the crash and asking any witnesses to come forward with information.

8. Palou posts fastest lap in first Honda Indy practice session

At the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham, drivers took to the track for practice sessions. Spain's Alex Palou posted the fastest time in the first practice session. In the day's second training session, David Malukas led with a time of one minute 14.194 seconds, followed by Palou at 1:14.560 and Dennis Hauger in third. Qualifying takes place in the evening.

9. Judge approves $31.5M settlement in Quebec archdiocese sexual assault case

A Quebec Superior Court judge has approved a historic $31.5-million settlement for sexual assault claimants in a class-action lawsuit against the Quebec City archdiocese. The agreement ends a years-long legal saga for claimants who say they were sexually abused by priests and laypeople in positions of authority going back to 1940.

10. U.S. senator says Trump's new tariffs a wake-up call for Canada

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to hit an array of Canadian goods with new tariffs should serve as a "wake-up call to Canada to make some changes." In an interview at the Iowa State Fair, he added, "I think the president is probably using them as a lever."