Dilshad Burman
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Articles by Dilshad Burman
Technical disruption at Canada Post affecting domestic shipping transactions
With the busy holiday season on the horizon, Canada Post is experiencing technical difficulties which are disrupting domestic shipping transactions at retail post office locations. Canada Post tells CityNews that the problems began on Friday and are mainly affecting items being sent to or from postal codes in the Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal corridor. The issue does not impact shipments that are created online or any U.S. or international shipments.
Toronto to add more than 1,500 additional shelter and housing spaces during winter months
The City of Toronto released its annual Winter Services Plan for people experiencing homelessness on Monday, with the centerpiece being a significant increase in shelter and housing spaces compared to previous years. Warming centres and extended hours at several daytime drop-in centres are also part of the plan as well as more street outreach and adding surge capacity during extreme cold weather alerts.
Cooler temperatures, rain and snow on the way this week for Toronto, GTA
You’re going to hear the dreaded “F” words this week as temperatures cool and bring with them a chance of frost and flurries for Toronto and the GTA. The majority of southern Ontario woke up to mostly cloudy skies on Monday along with a chance of rain in the evening hours. The daytime high is forecasted to be 11 C with a low of 5 C. Sunshine is expected to be elusive as cloudy and rainy conditions are expected to persist throughout the week.
Toronto police halt online scam in progress, prevent $3M loss after tip from Edmonton police
A potential fraud victim was minutes away from losing millions of dollars when officers interrupted a video call and prevented the scam from being completed, Toronto police say. The Edmonton Police Service alerted the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit on Thursday about a fraud in progress involving $2.9 million. Police say a suspect contacted the victim and posed as a representative from a major telecommunications company.
Majority of Toronto, GTA residents don’t believe their municipality is prepared for climate-change emergencies: poll
A majority of residents living in Toronto as well as the surrounding Greater Toronto Area (GTA) do not believe their municipality is prepared for climate-change related emergencies, according to a new poll conducted by Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews.
Peel police looking for suspects who allegedly threw lit fireworks into Brampton home
Peel Regional Police are searching for two suspects in relation to a mischief incident involving fireworks that damaged a Brampton home on Monday. Police say two people went to a home in the area of Steeles Avenue West and Financial Drive around 1:40 a.m. They allegedly shattered the glass panel on the front door and threw lit fireworks into the home. No physical injuries were reported. One of the suspects is described as a male with long black hair and a short goatee.
12 men facing child sexual exploitation charges in Durham police human trafficking investigation
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has arrested 12 men after a “proactive human trafficking enforcement initiative” dubbed Project Firebird that was carried out in October. The initiative spanned 10 days and targeted individuals looking to buy sexual services from someone they believed to be 15 years old. DRPS explains that as part of the operation, they placed an advertisement online aimed at individuals looking for such services.
23 charged, $7.5M in drugs seized in cannabis trafficking bust: York police
York Regional Police say they have seized $7.5 million worth of drugs after an investigation into a criminal group allegedly involved in a wide-ranging operation of producing, trafficking and exporting illegal cannabis. The investigation, dubbed project North Star, was led by York Regional Police’s Complex Investigation Unit in collaboration with the London Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
Toronto man arrested after trying to force his way into woman’s home in Scarborough: police
Toronto police have arrested a man in connection with a criminal harassment investigation stemming from an incident in Scarborough earlier this week. Police say a woman noticed an unknown man allegedly following her home in the Warden Avenue and Danforth Road area on Monday. He then allegedly tried to force his way into her home but she was able to prevent him from entering and called police.
Most Toronto, GTA residents want more speed cameras: poll
A majority of Toronto and GTA residents agree that more speed cameras are needed, especially in school zones, as per a new poll conducted by Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews. The provincial ban on municipal speed cameras went into effect on Nov. 14, 2025, and the poll found that nearly a year later, two-thirds of Torontonians and six in 10 GTA residents agree that there should be more photo radar cameras on the roads.
Man arrested for allegedly assaulting parking enforcement officer in downtown Toronto
Toronto police have arrested a man after he allegedly assaulted a parking enforcement officer in downtown Toronto on Monday. Police responded to a call for an assault on a peace officer in the area of Queen Street East and Victoria Street around 9:30 a.m. The victim, a parking enforcement officer, was followed by a man in his vehicle after she had completed writing a ticket. The man then got out of his vehicle, allegedly assaulted the victim and stole her handheld ticket machine.
Durham police investigating after home, vehicles damaged by gunfire in Pickering
Durham police are investigating after a home and two vehicles were hit by gunfire in Pickering on Sunday. Officers responded to a call for gunfire in the area of Shadybrook Drive and Edgewood Road around 8:25 p.m. The victim reported hearing multiple shots outside their home and called police. When officers arrived they found several shell casings on the roadway and discovered that the home as well as two vehicles parked in the driveway had been damaged by gunfire.
It’s time to submit your Vacant Home Tax declaration in Toronto
If you own residential property in Toronto, it is now time to let the City know if it was occupied or vacant this year. The City of Toronto’s online portal is now open and all residential property owners must file a Vacant Home Tax (VHT) declaration for the 2026 occupancy period of January 1 to December 31, 2026, even if the property is your principal residence. Homeowners who do not submit this declaration could have their property deemed vacant by the city and the tax would apply.
Portion of TTC Line 2 shut down twice due to trespasser at track level on Friday
A portion of Line 2 Bloor-Danforth came to a halt twice on Friday, causing delays for commuters first during the busy morning rush hour and then once again in the afternoon. The service disruption was due to a trespasser on the tracks both times. The first incident started around 6:45 a.m., with service suspended between St. George and Chester stations. Shuttle buses were deployed between St. George and Pape stations to bridge the gap.
Oakville man wanted for alleged SIM card swap scam
Investigators with the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) are looking for a man in connection with a SIM card swap fraud probe. The DRPS Financial Crimes unit began the investigation in October 2025 after a person’s cellphone unexpectedly entered SOS mode and lost connection to their cellular network.
Man wanted for alleged sexual assault of minor in Etobicoke underground parking garage
Toronto police are looking for a man who is wanted in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor in Etobicoke. Police began investigating a report of a sexual assault at an apartment building in the Dixon Road and Wincott Drive area on Wednesday. Investigators say the suspect was in the underground garage level of the apartment building on Tuesday evening and began conversing with an underaged victim. The suspect then sexually assaulted the victim.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by truck in East York
One person has died after being hit by a truck in the Thorncliffe neighbourhood of East York on Thursday morning. Police were called to the area of Millwood Road and Overlea Boulevard shortly after 9 a.m. for reports of a collision. A pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision. The driver remained on scene. Overlea is closed between Leaside Park Drive and Millwood Road and Millwood is also closed between Redway Road and Pape and Donlands Avenues.
4 GTA residents charged for allegedly smuggling more than 110K kilograms of tobacco across the border
Four Greater Toronto Area residents have been charged for their alleged roles in a tobacco smuggling ring following a joint investigation between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). During the course of a complex investigation, a smuggling operation was uncovered which the CBSA says took advantage of Canada’s transportation industry, including the extended railway system.
44 arrested, 187 charges laid after months-long drugs and guns investigation: Toronto police
Toronto police have arrested and charged 44 people following a months-long investigation targeting illegal firearms, drug trafficking and related criminal activities in Toronto. The investigation by 55 Division, dubbed Project Matrix, combined several investigations looking into the alleged involvement of individuals in firearms and drug offences throughout the division.
Brampton Diwali Mela 2026 to be headlined by Punjabi singer Sukshinder Shinda
The City of Brampton is hosting its fourth annual Diwali Mela next month and this year it falls on the festival date itself, Nov. 8, 2026. The family-friendly event will feature food vendors and activities for all ages as well as numerous cultural dance performances from regions across India including kathak, garba and bhangra on the main stage. The headliner will be renowned British-Punjabi singer Sukhshinder Shinda, with an opening performance by Vandana Kaur.
Multi-vehicle collision closes Hwy. 403 on-ramp in Burlington
A crash involving multiple vehicles has led to road closures on Highway 403 and the QEW in Burlington on Tuesday. The OPP says the collision involves a dump truck and occupants from the vehicles are being assessed for injuries. It is unclear how many people may be injured at this time. The Highway 403 southbound on-ramp from Guelph Line in Burlington is closed and the westbound QEW from Guelph Line to Brant is closed due to the collision Drivers may experience delays in the area.
Mother Nature delivers a treat: Toronto’s Halloween forecast looks mild and pleasant
Spooky season is upon us, but the weather this Halloween is far from scary, with above seasonal temperatures and dry conditions expected Saturday. After a temporary frost advisory for Toronto on Tuesday morning, temperatures will climb to 10 C for a fairly seasonal day time high. Thereafter they will remain at or above seasonal for approximately the next 10 days. Wednesday will be cloudy during the morning hours with sunny breaks throughout the day and a predicted high of 15 C.
Toronto man sentenced to life with no parole for 16 years in murder of Liberty Village filmmaker, lawyer says
A Toronto man has been sentenced to life in prison without a chance of parole for 16 years for killing his neighbour in Liberty Village three years ago, his lawyer confirmed to CityNews. Khoa Tran, 36, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Reeyaz Habib, 56, in June of this year and sentenced in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Monday. Second-degree murder carries a sentence of life in prison without a chance of parole for at least 10 years.
No civil wedding ceremonies at Toronto City Hall in 2027 due to construction
The third-party marriage service provider that has been conducting civil ceremonies at Toronto City Hall since 1994 will be leaving the building at 100 Queen Street W. on Jan. 1, 2027. Ministerial Associates announced on Instagram that the City of Toronto did not wish to renew their lease after 32 years due to various construction projects slated to begin at City Hall in 2027.
Man arrested in drug trafficking investigation after community complaints in Mississauga
Peel Regional Police have arrested a man in connection with a drug trafficking investigation after community members complained about drug trafficking in the Meadowvale area. The investigation began in September, resulting in the execution of a search warrant on Oct. 10 at a home near Winston Churchill Boulevard and Derry Road. During the search investigators found and seized four firearms, including a 9mm automatic machine gun and three handguns.
No service on portion of Lakeshore West GO train line this weekend
You might need to make some adjustments to your weekend plans or travel routes if they involve taking the Lakeshore West line, especially if you’re travelling in or out of downtown Toronto. There will be no GO train service between Aldershot GO and Union Station on Saturday and Sunday due to planned construction. GO trains will run between Niagara Falls and Aldershot GO and replacement GO buses will run between West Harbour GO and Union Station Bus Terminal.
Ontario introducing digital provincial credentials, guaranteeing access to physical ID
The government of Ontario is beginning to introduce digital provincial credentials in a phased manner, starting with the Ontario photo card, issued to Ontario residents who do not have a driver’s licence. Announced in a press release issued by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement on Friday, the move is meant to “strengthen digital security and give people more choice and convenience,” while also being more cost-effective.
4 men arrested after allegedly breaking into downtown Toronto building to take social media photos
Toronto police have arrested four men for allegedly breaking and entering into a downtown building to take photos for social media. Police responded to a call for a break-and-enter in the area of Bremner Boulevard and Lower Simcoe Street shortly before 6 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 18. Officers allege the four men forced entry into a restricted area of the building and then went to the rooftop to take photographs.
More charges laid against man accused of taking photos of child in Kew Gardens washroom
Toronto police have brought more charges against a man who is already facing voyeurism charges in connection with an investigation dating back to August. Police say on Aug. 25, an 11-year-old girl entered the washroom at Kew Gardens while the male suspect was already inside. When the girl went into the stall, he allegedly took photos of her through the gaps in the stall. When the child went to find help, the suspect fled the scene. On Aug.
More arrests if protesters continue to ‘unlawfully obstruct’ bike lane removal in Etobicoke: Toronto police
After four protesters were arrested over the last week in connection with demonstrations against the removal of bike lanes in Etobicoke, Toronto Police issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon warning that they will not hesitate to arrest anyone who breaks the law while protesting. In the statement, police said they are aware of plans to continue protests along Bloor Street West as crews move ahead with dismantling bike lane infrastructure in the area.
Hamilton police investigate fatal shooting in Flamborough
Hamilton Police are investigating after a shooting in the community of Flamborough on Wednesday Police say one person has died and there is no threat to public safety. Residents will see a police presence in the area for the afternoon. No further details about the incident or suspect information is available at this time. More to come Keep it Factual Add CityNews Toronto as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.
High-risk offender released in Durham region arrested after breaching conditions
Less than 10 days after he was released in Durham Region, a high-risk offender has been arrested for breaching his court-imposed conditions. The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) issued a safety bulletin about the release of 48-year-old Keith Theodore Constantin on Oct. 10, alerting the public that he has a serious criminal history, including convictions for sexual assault with a weapon, robbery, possession of explosives and multiple violations of probation orders.
‘That’s crazy’: Legendary environmentalist David Suzuki speaks out against Bradford’s plan for Toronto’s water
World renowned environmentalist and activist David Suzuki spoke out Wednesday about mayoral candidate Brad Bradford’s plan for Toronto’s water and how it is managed, saying a fundamental need should not be seen as an avenue to make money.
Memorial bicycle sculpture installed along Etobicoke bike lanes; rally planned Tuesday
A sculpture dedicated to cyclists who have lost their lives on Toronto’s streets was erected near Bloor Street West and Islington Avenue Monday night, while work crews continue dismantling bike lanes in Etobicoke even as cycling advocates have tried to slow down their progress at every step. The installation features a number of bicycles painted red stacked on top of each other against a hydro pole in a pyramid-like shape, with a lone bicycle nailed to the pole above the rest of the sculpture.
Toronto police make 4th arrest in ongoing bike lane protests in Etobicoke
Another person has been arrested for mischief and obstructing police during ongoing protests against the removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street West in Etobicoke on Monday. As crews have been steadily working on dismantling the bike lanes, cycling advocates and allies have been demonstrating alongside them since last week, attempting to slow down their progress and continuing to voice their opposition to the removal of what they call “life saving” cycling infrastructure.
Oro-Medonte mayoral candidate’s son injured in CFB Wainwright fire
The son of an Oro-Medonte, Ont., mayoral candidate was critically injured in the fatal fire at CFB Wainwright on Saturday that claimed the lives of four soldiers and injured dozens of others. In a post on Facebook, Cathy Keane confirmed that her eldest son was among the 39 injured in the blaze. “As a mother, right now I need to be with my son and family,” she wrote, adding that she will be travelling to Alberta and will not be able to continue door-knocking for the remainder of the campaign.
Durham police officer charged with assault for on-duty incident
Durham Regional Police say an officer on the force has been charged in connection with an incident that occurred on-duty, during an arrest. Const. Brandon Welsh Battiste from West Division has been charged with one count of assault. He has served with Durham police for three years. He was released on an undertaking and was re-assigned to administrative duties until court proceedings are complete. Police say thereafter, an investigation will begin under the Community Safety and Policing Act.
Protest against bike lane removal in Etobicoke continues for fourth day
Cycling advocates and allies continue to voice their opposition against the removal of bike lanes in Etobicoke, gathering on sidewalks with signs, chanting “bike lanes save lives” for a fourth day, even as work crews steadily dismantled cycling infrastructure along Bloor Street West.
Cyclists continue protest as bike lane removal work underway in Etobicoke
Cycling advocates continued their protest of the removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street West in Etobicoke for a third day in a row on Thursday, with many arriving as early as 6 a.m. As sparks flew while work crews cut into rebar to dismantle a cycling platform near a bus stop on Islington Avenue, a contingent of peaceful protesters were seen gathered on the platform in front of them, with police officers separating the two.
Human trafficking survivor faced with tax debt plans petition to change federal legislation
A Toronto human trafficking survivor is increasing her push to change federal law to better address the financial struggles people like her face by launching a House of Commons petition and her efforts to do so have recently cleared a huge hurdle. Late last month, CityNews reported on Cassandra Harvey’s years-long battle with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) over benefits claimed in her name by her trafficker.
Protesters gather to prevent Etobicoke bike lane removal as province moves to start construction
Cycling advocates gathered in Etobicoke once again Wednesday morning as construction crews lined up traffic pylons along protected bike lanes on Bloor Street West in preparation to remove them as per the Ford government’s mandate.
Man posing as spiritual healer wanted for alleged sex assault in midtown: Toronto police
Toronto police say they are looking for a man who represented himself as a spiritual healer in connection with a sexual assault investigation in midtown. Police responded to a call for a sexual assault in the area of Eglinton Avenue East and Yonge Street on Oct. 9. The suspect allegedly approached the victim on a public street and asked for help in finding an address. Police say during the interaction he engaged the victim in conversation and said he was a spiritual holistic healer.
‘I felt violated’: Former Toronto apartment building tenant says cameras were privacy violation
A former tenant of a Toronto apartment building – who had been raising concerns with management for months about the installation of hallway cameras – feels vindicated after receiving a response from the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Javie Ruiz Soler filed a complaint with the commissioner after the installation of the cameras in all resident hallways at 105 Isabella Street.
Larger than life: Backstreet Boys add one more show to round out 4 weekends of Toronto residency
After repeated additions to their Toronto show dates, Canadian fans said they want even more than that from the Backstreet Boys, prompting the band to add one more date to round out a full four weekends of shows in February and March. Due to overwhelming demand, the 90s pop icons will perform one more show in Toronto on Sunday, March 7 at the Rogers Centre as part of their “Into the Millennium – HOMECOMING: Live in Canada” residency.
From the mouths of babes: 9-year-old interviews candidates to educate public about municipal election
Toronto goes to the polls on Oct. 26 to elect the representatives who will be their voice on City Council as well as who will lead the city as mayor. During an election campaign, it can be difficult to decipher and remember who promised what and all the ideas and slogans can get muddled and confusing. That’s where Iya Thompson comes in, interviewing candidates and breaking down the issues in Beaches-East York, through the eyes of a nine-year-old.
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake shakes Panama, USGS reports
A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Panama on Friday morning, shaking buildings as far away as the capital and prompting evacuations, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was centered near the southern tip of the Central American country, about 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, the USGS said. Tremors were felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and people evacuated into the streets.
Police investigate small plane crash in field near Fergus, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say they are investigating a small plane crash near Fergus, Ontario. Police say emergency crews responded at 10:15 a.m. to the crash near the intersection of Beatty Line and Wellington Road 17, north of Guelph. They say a small aircraft crashed into a field and caught fire. Police say the extent of injuries is unknown. Transport Canada has been notified. Police say the crash is still under investigation and drivers should avoid the area.
Everybody rock your body: Backstreet Boys tickets on public sale Friday
If you want it that way, today’s the day: tickets for the Backstreet Boys Toronto residency at the Rogers Centre go on public sale at 10 a.m. Friday. After massive public demand during ticket presales that started on Oct. 5, the initial four-date run of shows presented by Rogers was extended twice to expand to a nine-date stretch over three weekends in February, 2027. Into the Millenium – Homecoming: Live in Canada will take over the Rogers Centre for the record residency on the weekends of Feb.
E-bikes possibly involved in 2-alarm fire at Regent Park high-rise
A number of charred e-bikes were seen surrounded by police tape outside a Regent Park high-rise after emergency crews responded to a two-alarm fire at the building on Thursday. Toronto Police and Fire were called to the area of River and Oak streets around 1:40 p.m. A blaze in a sixth floor unit was quickly knocked down. Two people along with three dogs were rescued from the unit. They were assessed on scene and paramedics say the two individuals refused transport to hospital.
OSAP freeze raises alarm bells for Ontario career college students
Students in career colleges across Ontario have been left confused and concerned for their futures following a Ford government decision on Tuesday to pause financial aid payments due to suspected criminal activity at some schools. Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn announced that the government has asked provincial police to investigate the issue after auditors found some institutions are possibly taking improper advantage of the program.
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