Maple Express | August 17, 2026 Possible human remains found behind Scarborough plaza

1. Possible human remains found behind Scarborough industrial plaza

Toronto police are investigating after "possible human remains" were discovered in Scarborough. The discovery was made at the rear of an industrial plaza at 2010 Ellesmere Rd., just west of Markham Road. Police were called to the area shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday for a "suspicious incident."

Police say the investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. If the case is determined to be criminal or a homicide, more details will be released. The entire plaza has been taped off, and paramedics said no one was transported to hospital.

2. Why car-jacking numbers are going down across Canada

Vehicle thefts continue to decline across Canada. Équité Association data shows 20,759 private passenger vehicles were reported stolen in the first half of the year, down 10.1 per cent year over year. Statistics Canada also reported motor vehicle thefts fell 16 per cent in 2025.

Experts attribute the decline to better police collaboration, federal border and port enforcement, and greater public awareness. However, some victims say that even with cameras and steering-wheel locks, thieves keep returning, leaving them feeling unheard.

3. Three-alarm fire partially collapses roof, floors at Toronto's Zanzibar Tavern

A three-alarm fire broke out early Sunday at Zanzibar Tavern at 359 Yonge St. in downtown Toronto, causing parts of the roof and interior floors to collapse. Firefighters arrived shortly after 6 a.m. to heavy flames and smoke.

Fire Chief Jim Jessop said crews' aggressive attack from inside and outside saved the adjoining buildings. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation. The owner of the club, in business since 1960, says he hopes to rebuild "bigger and better."

4. Man shot in Etobicoke, suspects at large

A man was shot Sunday afternoon in the Rexdale neighbourhood of north Etobicoke. The shooting happened at a commercial plaza near Islington and Bergamot avenues, just north of Highway 401. Police were called around 5:15 p.m. and found a male victim.

He was rushed to hospital by paramedics; the extent of his injuries is unknown. Police say an unknown number of suspects fled before officers arrived, described only as Black males wearing hoodies and possibly ski masks. The investigation is ongoing.

5. Man assaulted after police respond to Etobicoke shooting call

Toronto police found a man who had been assaulted after responding to a shooting call in north Etobicoke Sunday evening. The incident happened at Elmhurst Plaza near Islington Avenue and Elmhurst Drive, north of Highway 401.

Police say the man's injuries are non-life-threatening and not from a gunshot, though "evidence of gunfire" was found at the scene. Two suspects, one allegedly armed with a firearm, fled in a black SUV. Anyone with information is asked to call 416-808-2300.

6. Two males hospitalized after stabbing near Kensington Market

Two people are in hospital following a stabbing near Toronto's Kensington Market late Sunday afternoon. Police were called to the area near Augusta Avenue and College Street just after 4:30 p.m. and found a male who had been stabbed. Investigators learned two males had been fighting.

A second male was later located nearby with stab wounds. Both were transported by paramedics; the extent of the second victim's injuries is unknown. Anyone with information is asked to call 416-808-1400 or Crime Stoppers.

7. Woman dies after being swept away by Lake Ontario

Peel Regional Police say a woman has died after being swept away by Lake Ontario at Jack Darling Memorial Park in Mississauga. The incident happened Sunday, and officers responded to the waterfront to search.

Few details have been released, including the woman's identity and the circumstances. Authorities remind people to be cautious near the shoreline, where waves and currents can be dangerous.

8. Finance, lease, or pay cash for your next car?

Canadian car prices are cooling but remain far above pre-pandemic levels. AutoTrader data shows the average new vehicle cost $63,016 in June, while used vehicles averaged $36,690. Financial expert Christopher Liew says buyers should calculate total cost rather than focus only on the monthly payment.

He advises financing if you'll keep the car long term, leasing for low-mileage or self-employed drivers, and paying cash only if your emergency fund survives it. He also warns against 84-month loans that can leave you owing more than the car is worth.

9. Calgary fire chief calls it a career after five decades

Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth is stepping down after half a century in the fire service. The 69-year-old joined the Calgary Fire Department in 1992 and has served as chief for the past 11 years.

He recalled the 1992 17th Avenue Inn fire that claimed fellow firefighter Morley James, calling the moment "sobering." Despite how technology and AI have changed the job, he says at its core "we still put the wet stuff on the red stuff," adding that it's time for new leadership.

10. Ceremony marks 84th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid

A ceremony was held Sunday in Dieppe, N.B., to mark the 84th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, the deadliest day for Canada in the Second World War. On Aug. 19, 1942, nearly 5,000 Canadian troops stormed the beach at Dieppe, France; more than 900 were killed and nearly 2,000 taken prisoner.

Dieppe Military Veterans' Association president Sylvain Bouliane said behind every number was "a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a friend." Attendees stressed that the lessons of the often-forgotten battle helped make D-Day possible.