Maple Evening News | Aug 14, 2026 TTC electrical worker stabbed in unprovoked attack downtown

1. TTC electrical worker stabbed in unprovoked attack downtown

A TTC electrical worker was stabbed in an "unprovoked attack" while on break downtown Friday morning, the head of the transit agency says. TTC CEO Mandeep Lali said the attack happened shortly after 8 a.m. near Bloor-Yonge.

The worker was taken to Sunnybrook Hospital but has since been released and is recovering at home. "Our employees' safety is paramount and incidents of violence against TTC workers in the line of duty are completely unacceptable," Lali said in a statement.

Police are searching for one suspect who fled the area. He is described as having a heavy build and a black beard, last seen wearing a blue puffer vest and grey pants. Police said the victim and suspect did not know each other.

2. Ford government can rip out Toronto bike lanes, Court of Appeal rules

The Court of Appeal for Ontario has ruled that removing bike lanes along three Toronto arteries is not a Charter violation and can proceed, reversing a lower court decision. The Ford government passed legislation in 2024 to remove bike lanes along Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue.

A three-judge panel unanimously found that "there is no Charter right to bicycle lanes" and that their existence "depends on legislation alone." Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sakaria called the ruling a "victory for common sense," while Cycle Toronto says it will keep fighting.

A spokesperson for Mayor Olivia Chow said she will continue to pursue "win-win solutions" that restore car lanes while maintaining safe cycling infrastructure.

3. Ontario to require cash bail deposits as of Monday; rights groups to launch Charter challenge

Ontario will require people granted bail on criminal charges to put up a "cash security deposit" as of Monday. The change was included in legislation adopted in June, though the province had not previously said when it would take effect.

The government says the full cash deposit must be paid within two business days of release from custody. "For too long, gaps in the bail system have allowed violent and repeat offenders back into our communities," Attorney General Doug Downey said.

But the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Criminal Lawyers' Association warn cash bail "creates two tiers of justice." The groups plan to launch an urgent constitutional challenge next week.

4. Markham IndyCar practice delayed by track preparation problems

The first practice session for the NTT IndyCar race at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy has been put on hold due to track preparation problems. The 90-minute session, originally set for 3:05 p.m., has been postponed with no cars yet on the 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn course.

A spokesperson said the race promoter still needs to complete the track build and have IndyCar officials deem the circuit safe. It's the first year Markham has hosted Canada's only IndyCar race after the event moved from Toronto's Exhibition Place, where it had run since 1986.

Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, with the race set for Sunday afternoon.

5. Police: Suspect in fatal 2022 shooting tried to kill a second man months later

Toronto police say they believe an unidentified suspect who shot and killed a 31-year-old father in November 2022 also tried to kill a second man in the same Scarborough parking lot four months later. Tips from the public have given investigators the suspect's first name: "Jay."

Ding Ping Wang was fatally shot while sitting in his car in a plaza parking lot near Midland and Passmore avenues on Nov. 12, 2022. Police released video Friday showing a man firing at a white truck that speeds away.

Investigators believe Wang was targeted, but the motive remains unclear. Det.-Sgt. Sajeev Nair appealed to "Jay" directly: "Your world is going to get even smaller."

6. Review calls TMU protests that led to arrests 'symptoms' of campus polarization

An external review of two protests that led to the arrests of Toronto Metropolitan University students last year says the incidents were "symptoms of a deteriorating campus climate" after the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

The report by former Ontario Court of Appeal judge Mary Lou Benotto and lawyer Margot Finley says similar incidents are likely to occur again "absent decisive institutional action." The nearly 200-page document says TMU has "too often failed" to apply its policies consistently.

It recommends the school revise its freedom of speech statement to "expressly prohibit" intimidation and harassment, and better regulate online harassment and doxxing.

7. Tecolote Market brings the taste of Mexico to St. Lawrence Market

Tecolote Market is bringing the taste of Mexico to Toronto's historic St. Lawrence Market. Executive chef Elia Herrera says a new menu draws inspiration from three generations of family recipes.

The Mexican food vendor centres its offerings on traditional family cooking, introducing authentic ingredients and techniques to one of the city's most beloved markets. St. Lawrence Market is known for its diverse food scene, and Tecolote Market adds another flavour to the mix.

It's a fresh destination for food lovers eager to sample authentic Mexican home cooking.

8. Ontario woman thought she was getting a government rebate but got a 20-year furnace contract

An Ontario woman says she got locked into a 20-year furnace contract after clicking on a Facebook ad that promised a government rebate. Colleen Carter of Courtice was told she qualified for a $1,650 rebate, and signed a contract to pay $12,000 over 20 years.

She grew concerned when she noticed the rebate cheque came from the HVAC company, JP Home Comfort, not the government. "I'm going to be 94 by the time the contract is over, which makes no sense," she said.

After CTV News contacted both companies, they agreed to let Carter out of the deal. She returned the rebate and bought the furnace for $4,700.

9. Unifor says Stellantis mulling closure and sale of idled Brampton plant

Unifor says Stellantis is considering the closure and sale of its Brampton, Ont., assembly plant, which has been idled since 2023. The union says it received notice from the automaker Wednesday that it was seriously evaluating a sale and closure.

The plant had been slated to be retooled for Jeep production, but Stellantis paused the plan in early 2025 and later moved Jeep Compass production to the U.S., leaving the plant idled indefinitely. Unifor Local 1285 represents about 2,200 members at the plant.

Unifor says Stellantis must provide no less than one year's notice in the event of a closure or sale under its collective agreement.

10. Gas price rebound expected to send inflation higher in July

Economists expect Canada's inflation rate edged higher in July as consumers faced whiplash at the gasoline pumps. Statistics Canada will release July's consumer price index on Monday, and a Reuters poll expects annual inflation rose to 2.9 per cent.

RBC economists calculate that, while gas prices remain below their April and May peaks, prices at the pump were 25 per cent higher in July than a year ago. Food inflation, meanwhile, eased but remained above three per cent.

The July data will be the Bank of Canada's final look at prices before its Sept. 2 interest rate decision. The central bank has held its benchmark rate steady at 2.25 per cent for six straight decisions.