The Toronto Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (Feb. 17)

Welcome to The Toronto Group Chat, your weekly rundown of the city’s biggest and hottest updates. You know, the stuff you actually want to share in your group chat. Every week, we’re dishing five must-know highlights of what’s going on in the city. Maybe people are already talking about it, or maybe you’ll start the conversation? At least you’ll be in the know.

Check out what’s new in Toronto. Let’s get into it!

Did you hear?

Drake’s McDonald’s OVO collab is out

The rumours were true! Drake has a McDonald’s OVO collab, and it’s out now. Two meals are included in the drop: a McDouble and a Junior Chicken, either paired with a poutine.

Could he get any more Canadian than that? But honestly, that’s not what’s making me want to download my DoorDash app again. It’s the new Sprite flavour in the mix: Nite Sprite. All we know is that it’s blue! Will I be trying it? Yes.

More snow is on the way for Toronto

Here we go again, more snow is in the forecast for Toronto. Maybe staying home on Wednesday is a good idea? It’s going to be a wintry mix of snow, ice and rain for the city.

Talk about a messy commute.

More Toronto concerts to spend your money on

So you know how J. Cole dropped his world tour announcement on Monday? He originally had one night for Toronto at the Scotiabank Arena for July 27, 2026, but the hype is real. Another date was added for July 28, 2026.

And if you thought you’d be saving money this month, think again.

Rüfüs Du Sol just announced their tour dates, and of course, they’re coming to Toronto this summer. Tickets go on sale next week.

Toronto rent prices are dropping

Not something I’d thought I’d say post-COVID, but according to Rentals.ca‘s February 2026 report, it’s true: Toronto rents have hit their lowest levels in almost four years. Though it may not be at the affordable levels we had hoped, let’s stay positive! It’s still on a decline.

Altea is opening another luxury gym in the city

So that gym in Liberty Village that people are always talking about, it’s expanding in the city. Although Altea Active technically opened a location in Yorkville, AVANT by Altea Active, this new one will combine the two in a two-floor facility.

It’s actually taking over the now-closed Cineplex Cinemas Beaches lot. Don’t worry, East Enders, Altea Active CEO Jeff York told Curiocity that the team plans to keep some of the heritage of the building, such as the atrium, when bringing it to life. It’s set to open in 2028.

That’s all for now, Toronto. Don’t worry, we’re sure we’ll have more to share next week.

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Karen Doradea

Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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