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Bone-chilling cold Arctic air blasts Toronto and most of Ontario

Those heading outside this morning are being advised to bundle up as the Greater Toronto Area and nearly all of Ontario experience a bout of bone-chilling cold.

Steam rises as people look out on Lake Ontario in front of the skyline during extreme cold weather in Toronto. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch

NEW

NEW | More than 70 per cent of Ontarians feel less safe on transit than a year ago, survey suggests

About 71 per cent of Ontarians feel less or somewhat less safe using public transportation than they did a year ago, a new survey suggests.

A person wears a mask while riding the Bloor line subway in Toronto. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Carlos Osorio

'We win or it’s free' paralegal bribed court clerk in traffic ticket fixing scheme: testimony alleges

A paralegal firm whose tagline is “we win or it’s free” bribed a Toronto traffic court clerk to change legal records to make it look like they had won, said the clerk in the first time he has testified publicly about the case.

Francesco Rizzello, a former Toronto court clerk, testifies in court during the trial of a paralegal accused of fraud and obstruction of justice.

Consumer Alert

ServiceOntario making it 'faster, easier' to get driver's licences, health cards

Premier Doug Ford announced new ServiceOntario changes to make it 'faster' and 'easier' to get driver’s licences and health cards.

Service Ontario office in Kingston, Ont., on March 23, 2016. (Lars Hagberg/The Canadian Press)

Many Canadians consider turning to part-time jobs if finances worsen, new survey says

A new Consumer Debt Report by the Canadian Counselling Society has found that many Canadians are pessimistic about their 2023 finances.

A waitress relieving a credit card is seen in this file image. (Pexels)

Family slams 'unconscionable' actions of TD Bank after 95-year-old woman withdraws $10K in scam

The family of a 95-year-old Ontario woman tricked into withdrawing $10,000 in the middle of a major snowstorm said it's 'absolutely unconscionable' that bank employees allowed her to take out the money without contacting her power of attorney.

A TD Canada Trust branch is shown in the financial district in Toronto on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Toronto homeowners have until Thursday to declare status of property to avoid steep fines

A new tax on vacant homes is set to take effect in Toronto and homeowners have until this Thursday to declare the status of their properties.

Ontario job seekers increasingly looking for work in other provinces: Indeed

A new report says Ontario job seekers are increasingly looking for work in other provinces, especially those looking for jobs in remote-friendly sectors like tech.

Ontario woman shocked she has to pay for car repairs after hit-and-run collision

An Ontario woman said she was shocked when she had to pay for repairs after her car was struck from behind by a pick-up truck and the driver fled the scene of the collision.

Ontarians can get money back with these personal income tax credits

While the deadline to file your taxes is months away, there are some personal tax credits Ontarians may qualify for that require some time pilfering through receipts to get them.

An accurate bathroom scale can be an important weight loss tool: consumer reports

It's been almost four weeks since many of us made New Year's resolutions and one of the most popular goals is losing weight.

Queen's Park

Ontario Greens urge Liberals trying to steal their leader to 'join us'

A group of Ontario Greens have put together a counteroffer for Liberals trying to poach their leader.

Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner launches his party's fully-costed platform in Toronto on Thursday, May 12, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Ontario disability aid change not as beneficial as it seems, advocates say

The Ontario government started allowing recipients to earn more money from working before clawing back their benefits on Wednesday, but advocates say it's not enough.

Terrie Meehan, a former activist and a person with disability who is currently on the Ontario Disability Support Program, is shown in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Ontario NDP submits 'additional evidence' in Greenbelt development investigation

The Ontario New Democratic Party has submitted 'additional evidence' to the Integrity Commissioner that they allege shows the government tipped off developers about its plans to carve up sections of the Greenbelt.

Ontario NDP MPP Marit Stiles speaks to the media following the Speech from the Throne at Queen's Park in Toronto, on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Lahodynskyj

Crime & Courts

Former CBC journalist dies after random attack on Toronto street, new suspect photo released

A long-time CBC radio producer who was the victim of a random assault in Toronto last week has died, the public broadcaster confirms.

Michael Finlay, pictured on the left, died following a random assault in Toronto. The photo on the right, released by police on Feb. 1, is an updated image of the suspect. (CBC and Toronto police)

More than $30 million worth of cocaine, crystal meth seized by Toronto police

Toronto police have arrested four men and seized almost 400 kilograms of narcotics that they say were likely imported from Mexico.

A cache of drugs and guns seized by Toronto police is seen in this image.

Quebec woman shocked to find stolen Audi driven through Ontario mall in 'insane' theft

A Quebec woman said she was very surprised to find her stolen Audi had been used in what’s being described as an “absolutely insane” Ontario mall theft.

Taylor-Anna Kobinger is seen in this undated photograph alongside surveillance video of a stolen vehicle being driven through the Vaughan Mills mall.

Totally Toronto

Toronto student’s algorithm helps detect radio signals emitting from 5 distant stars

A new artificial intelligence algorithm created by a Toronto student is helping researchers search the stars for signs of life.

An element of the Green Bank Telescope used to pinpoint radio signals from space is seen in this undated photograph. (Breakthrough Listen / Chris Schodt)

Porter reveals new jets with free Wifi, no middle seats alongside increased service

Porter Airlines will soon offer flights out of Toronto Pearson International Airport to a number of destinations on a fleet of new jets offering an "elevated" economy experience.

Embraer E195-E2 aircraft (Porter Airlines)

Teachers are lining up for a ChatGPT detector created by this 22-year-old in Toronto

As awe-struck Internet users obsessed over the wondrous abilities of ChatGPT, a 22-year-old in Toronto was feverishly crafting a tool to detect its misuse.

Edward Tian, a 22-year-old from Toronto, created a ChatGPT detector.

Toronto listed among 'world's most overrated cities' in new report. Here's where it ranks

While some Toronto residents might think they live in the best city in the world, there’s a chance at least one in 10 tourists who visit feel differently, according to a new report.

Want to visit Dunder Mifflin? The Office is coming to Toronto this spring

For those who've always wanted to celebrate the Dundies, visit Schrute Farms, or air high-five a loved one straight from Pam Beesly’s reception desk, a pop-up event entirely devoted to The Office is coming to Toronto this spring.

Madonna announces world tour through 'truth or dare' video. Here's when she comes to Toronto

Fans can strike a pose and vogue with Madonna herself in Toronto this summer.

Mystery surrounds 'french toast guy' who's been dining out on the TTC

Would you ever consider the TTC a place to enjoy a sit-down meal?

Toronto eatery named 2nd best Italian restaurant in the world

A Toronto establishment has been named one of the best Italian restaurants in the world.

Toronto Maple Leafs reveal new warm-up jerseys ahead of Indigenous Celebration game

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be sporting special new jerseys on Saturday night.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

NORAD tracking high-altitude surveillance balloon detected over the U.S., Canada says

The Department of National Defence says Canada is working with the United States to protect sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats after a high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected.

A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. (Larry Mayer/The Billings Gazette via AP)

Senate passes Liberals' controversial online streaming act with a dozen amendments

Big tech companies that offer online streaming services could soon be required to contribute to Canadian content as a controversial Liberal bill gets one step closer to becoming law.

Minister of Heritage Pablo Rodriguez responds to a question during a session at the Canadian Media Producers Association Prime Time conference, Thursday, February 2, 2023 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Migrant workers sneak secret menus into Canadian restaurants to expose exploitation

Hundreds of customers who scan QR codes for restaurant menus across Canada are being surprised by secret menus instead, revealing the hidden costs behind the food they eat.

Restaurant patrons use their phones to look up a digital menu via a QR code on Friday, May 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Woman says Russian Embassy denies her consular services, cites Facebook page

A Russian woman says she has been denied consular services by her country's embassy in Canada over claims her Facebook activity poses a security threat.

opinion

opinion | How much rent can you afford?

Many Canadians have continued to see an increase in their rental rates in 2023. In an column on CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew explains how to calculate how much rent you can afford.

W5 Investigates

W5 Investigates | Lebanese-Canadian family of 3-year-old killed in Beirut blast still searching for accountability, answers

More than two years after downtown Beirut was levelled by an explosion, a Lebanese-Canadian family of a 3-year-old girl killed in the blast is still searching for answers. Watch W5's documentary 'The Explosion' on CTV at 7 p.m.

Nearly 6 in 10 public transit users say they feel less safe commuting after string of violent attacks

After a string of violent attacks on public transit in Toronto and other cities, a new survey has found that nearly six in 10 public transit users in Canada say they feel less safe or somewhat less safe while commuting.