Samwise GTA Newsletter
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Toronto Ridings Vote Monday in By-Elections That Could Hand Liberals a Majority
Two Toronto federal ridings head to the polls Monday, April 13, with results that could tip the balance of power in Ottawa. Liberal candidates Dr. Danielle Martin in University-Rosedale and Doly Begum in Scarborough Southwest are both considered strong contenders. If the Liberals win both Toronto seats along with the third by-election in Quebec’s Terrebonne riding, the governing party would secure a House of Commons majority. University-Rosedale opened due to Chrystia Freeland’s resignation; Scarborough Southwest following Bill Blair’s departure. Advance polls saw strong turnout through the weekend. The results will be closely watched in both local communities and on Parliament Hill.
GO Transit Shuts Down 100 km of Track as Lakeshore East and Stouffville Lines Go Dark This Weekend
Metrolinx suspended full service on two of GO Transit’s busiest corridors this weekend, shutting the Lakeshore East and Stouffville lines entirely for Saturday and Sunday. The closures affect approximately 100 kilometres of track across 21 stations and are required for the ongoing GO Expansion project. Workers are installing crossover switches, new track panels, replacing ballast, and completing drainage improvements. The work also advances utility construction for the Ontario Line. GO buses are covering all stations, with Lakeshore East buses running from Durham College Oshawa and Pickering GO directly to Union Station Bus Terminal. Full service resumes Monday morning.
Brampton and Mississauga Mayors Condemn Province’s Plan to Merge Conservation Authorities
The mayors of Brampton and Mississauga are pushing back against Ontario’s plan to consolidate the province’s 36 conservation authorities into nine regional bodies, warning the move poses immediate risks to two of the GTA’s largest cities. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish wrote to Environment Minister Todd McCarthy condemning the proposed amalgamation of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, which has served the region since 1954. The CVC would merge into a new Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation body. The mayors warn the changes could slow housing approvals, disrupt floodplain mapping, and reduce certainty for builders. They are calling on the province to pause the legislation.
Hurontario LRT Construction Triggers Brampton Road Closures and Transit Detours
Construction on the Hurontario Light Rail Transit line is triggering transit service changes in Brampton this week, as contractors upgrade storm-water infrastructure along the corridor. Starting Friday, April 10, County Court Boulevard southeast of Hurontario Street was closed until April 13 at 5 a.m. to accommodate the underground utility work. Brampton Transit routes along the affected stretch are operating on detour. The Hurontario LRT, an 18-kilometre line linking Port Credit in Mississauga to Brampton’s Gateway Terminal, remains under construction by Metrolinx and its contractors. The project continues to be one of the most significant transit investments in the Peel Region in decades.
Nearly 75% of GTA Neighbourhoods Saw Homes Sell Below Asking in March
Nearly three-quarters of Greater Toronto Area neighbourhoods saw homes sell below asking price in March, according to a new market analysis, as buyers continue to hold the upper hand entering what is traditionally the busy spring season. The MLS Home Price Index dipped for the tenth consecutive month, falling 0.6 per cent from February and 7.4 per cent year-over-year. The average GTA home sold for approximately $1,017,796, with properties typically closing 2 per cent below list. Active listings declined 8 per cent from a year ago, but elevated condo inventory continues to give buyers substantial negotiating leverage.
Toronto City Council Approves Higher Land Transfer Tax on Luxury Home Sales
Toronto City Council has approved an increase to the city’s municipal land transfer tax on high-end home sales, raising rates for properties sold at the top of the market. The move is designed to generate additional revenue as Toronto faces ongoing fiscal pressure to fund transit, affordable housing, and core services. The change follows years of debate about expanding the city’s revenue tools, particularly during budget negotiations. Luxury home sales make up a small share of overall volume in the GTA, but under the new rate structure they will generate disproportionately higher tax contributions to city coffers.
Leafs Tune Up for Playoffs Monday; Blue Jays Host Twins; Raptors Rout Bucks 122-94
The Toronto Maple Leafs enter their final week of the regular NHL season with a home game against the Dallas Stars on Monday at 7:30 p.m., the last tune-up before playoffs expected to begin around April 18. The Blue Jays are off to a rocky 5-7 start, hosting the Minnesota Twins today at 1:37 p.m. before travelling to Milwaukee for Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Raptors delivered a dominant 122-94 blowout of the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, led by Immanuel Quickley’s 32 points. The Raptors host the Brooklyn Nets tonight at 6 p.m. at Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto Arts Awards Season Opens; Brampton Hosts GTA’s Largest Vaisakhi Mela
Toronto kicked off its arts season this weekend with the Greater Toronto Area’s largest Vaisakhi Mela at Galaxy Grand Convention Centre in Brampton on Saturday, drawing thousands of community members to celebrate the Punjabi New Year. In the city, the Toronto Arts Foundation launched the 2026 Toronto Arts Awards season, with an Awards Kick-Off Party on Monday, April 14, celebrating Newcomer Artist Award recipients. The Mayor’s Arts Lunch on April 28 will gather artists and cultural leaders. The Art Gallery of Ontario also hosted its annual Slow Art Day this Saturday. This spring’s calendar continues with Luminato Festival running June 3 to 28.
City Pulse
Blue Jays: Next: vs. Minnesota Twins — Sun Apr 12 at 1:37 PM ET, Rogers Centre
Maple Leafs: Next: vs. Dallas Stars — Mon Apr 13 at 7:30 PM ET, Scotiabank Arena
Raptors: Next: vs. Brooklyn Nets — Sun Apr 12 at 6:00 PM ET, Scotiabank Arena
Toronto FC: Season in progress — check TFC.ca for next match.
Argonauts: CFL season starts again May 2026.
Curated by JD · samwise.agency