Toronto Bureau: Top 5 Morning Stories – Feb 19, 2026

Thursday, February 19, 2026 : Good morning, Toronto. Here are the five stories shaping the city today, covering municipal politics, sports, transit safety, weather, and federal politics.

1. Mayor Chow Proposes Tax Relief for Small Businesses in 2026 Budget

Mayor Olivia Chow unveiled key details of her 2026 budget proposal on Wednesday, highlighting a package of tax relief measures aimed at supporting Toronto’s small business community. The proposal comes as the city seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with economic recovery initiatives following challenging years for the retail and hospitality sectors.

The budget includes a small business property tax reduction of approximately 2.5 percent, which city officials estimate will save eligible businesses between $1,200 and $8,500 annually depending on property assessment values. The relief program specifically targets independent retailers, restaurants, and service providers with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenues below $5 million.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Toronto’s economy and our neighbourhoods,” Chow said during the budget presentation at City Hall. “This targeted relief recognizes the challenges these businesses continue to face and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining vibrant commercial corridors across the city.”

The proposal also includes a continuation of the CaféTO program without permit fees, extended outdoor dining permissions, and a new small business support fund of $15 million for facade improvements and digital transformation initiatives. Business improvement areas across Toronto have broadly welcomed the announcement, though some advocacy groups argue the measures don’t go far enough given rising commercial rent costs and ongoing inflation pressures.

City Council will debate the budget through March, with a final vote expected before the end of the fiscal year. The tax relief measures would take effect on July 1, 2026, if approved.

2. Scottie Barnes Named NBA All-Star for Second Time

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes has been named to the NBA All-Star team for the second consecutive year, the league announced Wednesday evening. The 24-year-old has emerged as a cornerstone of the Raptors’ rebuilding efforts and continues to showcase the versatility that made him the 2022 Rookie of the Year.

Barnes is averaging 22.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season while shooting 48 percent from the field. His improved three-point shooting: up to 37 percent from 31 percent last season: has expanded his offensive repertoire and made him increasingly difficult to defend.

“This is a testament to Scottie’s work ethic and his commitment to improving every aspect of his game,” said Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković. “He’s become a leader on this team both on and off the court.”

Barnes joins an Eastern Conference All-Star roster that includes established stars and rising talents. His selection marks the Raptors’ first All-Star representative since Fred VanVleet in 2024, bringing renewed excitement to a fan base eager for the team’s return to playoff contention.

The NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 23 in Las Vegas. Barnes is the youngest Raptors player to earn multiple All-Star selections since Vince Carter achieved the feat in the early 2000s.

3. TSB Investigation Continues Following Delta Airlines Crash at Pearson

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada remains on-site at Toronto Pearson International Airport conducting its investigation into Monday’s Delta Airlines crash that occurred during a landing attempt in challenging weather conditions. The incident involved Delta Flight 4782, a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Atlanta, which veered off runway 24L during touchdown.

All 147 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated, though 12 people sustained minor injuries during the emergency slide deployment. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its landing gear and left wing.

TSB investigators are examining multiple factors including weather conditions at the time of landing, runway surface conditions, pilot communications with air traffic control, and the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft encountered strong crosswinds and possible windshear during final approach.

“Our investigators are conducting a thorough examination of all aspects of this occurrence,” said TSB spokesperson Marie-France Beaulieu. “We’re gathering data, conducting interviews, and analyzing physical evidence. Our goal is to understand what happened and why, so we can make recommendations that enhance aviation safety.”

The incident has prompted renewed discussions about runway safety protocols during winter weather conditions. Pearson Airport officials confirmed that runway 24L remains closed pending completion of the investigation and aircraft removal, though operations continue on other runways with minimal flight delays.

Delta Airlines issued a statement expressing gratitude that all passengers and crew were safe and confirming full cooperation with Canadian transportation authorities.

4. Lake Effect Snow Expected to Impact Morning Commute

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Toronto and surrounding areas, warning of lake effect snow that could significantly impact the Thursday morning commute. The weather system is expected to bring localized heavy snow bands with accumulations of 5 to 10 centimetres possible in areas near Lake Ontario.

The statement indicates rapidly changing conditions with periods of reduced visibility in heavy snow. Meteorologists warn that some areas could see brief but intense snowfall rates of 2 to 3 centimetres per hour during peak periods between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

“This is a classic February lake effect setup,” explained Environment Canada meteorologist David Phillips. “Cold air moving across the relatively warmer waters of Lake Ontario is generating these snow squalls. While not all areas will be equally affected, those in snow bands should prepare for difficult driving conditions.”

The Toronto Transit Commission has activated its winter weather response protocols, deploying additional personnel to key subway stations and implementing enhanced bus service monitoring. GO Transit reports normal operations but advises passengers to allow extra travel time.

City of Toronto crews worked through the night salting major arterial roads and highways. Residents are reminded to observe parking restrictions to facilitate snow clearing operations. The special weather statement remains in effect through Thursday evening, with conditions expected to improve by Friday morning as the system moves east.

5. Byelection Candidates Emerge for University: Rosedale

Several prominent candidates have emerged for the upcoming federal byelection in the Toronto riding of University: Rosedale following former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from Parliament last month. The riding, which encompasses parts of downtown Toronto including the University of Toronto campus, Yorkville, and Rosedale neighbourhoods, has been a Liberal stronghold for over three decades.

The Liberal Party has confirmed that Toronto City Councillor Josh Matlow will seek the party’s nomination. Matlow, who represents Ward 12 and has served on City Council since 2010, announced his candidacy Tuesday evening with endorsements from several prominent federal Liberals.

“University: Rosedale deserves strong representation that understands urban issues and can deliver for Toronto,” Matlow said in his announcement statement. “I’ve spent my career fighting for affordable housing, transit investment, and climate action at the municipal level. I’m ready to take that fight to Ottawa.”

The Conservative Party has nominated business consultant Diana Chen, while the NDP is expected to announce its candidate next week. The Green Party has confirmed that climate activist Marcus Johnson will carry the party’s banner.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has not yet announced the date for the byelection but is required by law to call it within six months of Freeland’s February 1 resignation. Political observers expect the writ to drop in late March for an April or early May vote.

Freeland represented the riding from 2013 until her resignation, citing personal reasons and a desire to pursue opportunities in the private sector. She won her last election in 2025 with 52 percent of the vote.

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Toronto Bureau provides comprehensive coverage of Toronto news, Toronto business news, and developments affecting the Toronto economy. Check back tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM for the next briefing.