Fat Rabbit’s One-Night Toronto Dinner & Key Canadian News Highlights November 2025

One of the best restaurants in Canada is coming to Toronto this month, but there's a small catch: it'll only be here for one night.

This November, Toronto food lovers have a unique opportunity to taste a top Canadian restaurant’s menu without leaving the city. In addition, Canadian municipal politics show shifting voter sentiments, especially regarding left-wing mayors. Around the same time, Billboard Canada launches a new initiative to honour young music industry talents, while Toronto communities commemorate Remembrance Day and face concerns over Indigenous program funding.

• Chef Zach Smith of St. Catharines’ Fat Rabbit will present a special, sustainably focused five-course dinner at 1 Kitchen, Toronto, on Nov. 29 for one night only.
• Toronto voters express widespread dissatisfaction with Mayor Olivia Chow ahead of the 2025 municipal election, reflecting a broader trend of declining support for progressive left-wing mayors in Canada.
• Billboard Canada introduces the inaugural 40 Under 40 celebration to highlight emerging leaders shaping the country’s music industry, to be held at W Toronto on Nov. 20, 2025.
• Toronto holds solemn Remembrance Day ceremonies honoring Canadian veterans, marking the centenary of the Toronto Cenotaph.
• Indigenous leaders voice serious concerns about uncertain funding for key reconciliation and urban programming initiatives beyond spring 2026, threatening vital support services across the GTA.

A one-night culinary event brings Fat Rabbit to Toronto

Toronto, with 29 restaurants ranked among Canada’s Top 100 for 2025, is a thriving food city. Yet, many residents find it difficult to explore dining beyond the Greater Toronto Area due to time, costs, or travel constraints. Recognizing this, 1 Hotel’s 1 Kitchen will host Chef Zach Smith of Fat Rabbit from St. Catharines, a restaurant that earned 97th place on the latest Canada’s 100 Best list and recognition in the 2025 Toronto Michelin Guide.

On November 29, visitors at 1 Kitchen can experience a collaborative menu between Smith and Chef RJ Fortes focused on sustainable, whole animal butchery and seasonal harvest ingredients. The five-course meal, priced at $120 per person (plus tax and gratuity), includes dishes such as lamb tartare, rabbit croquettes, charred leeks, and prime rib. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional $30, featuring selections from Stratus Vineyards. Two seating times, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., accommodate diners eager to partake in this rare Toronto appearance.

Shifting political winds signal changing voter attitudes in Canadian cities

While New York City voters appear to maintain support for progressive mayors, Canadian urban politics paint a contrasting picture. Montreal recently elected Soraya Martinez Ferrada, a centrist former federal minister, replacing two-term progressive Mayor Valerie Plante. Calgary saw a significant upset with the October 20 defeat of left-wing Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who lost her re-election bid by finishing third — a historic result as no incumbent mayor had been defeated since 1980. Gondek’s term included controversial climate emergency declarations, substantial public spending, and major property tax hikes, which contributed to voter backlash. Newly elected Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has pledged to reduce the scheduled 5.4% tax increase planned for 2026.

Toronto’s political scene reflects similar dissatisfaction ahead of its 2025 election. Polls by One Persuasion and Canada Pulse Insights reveal growing frustrations with Mayor Olivia Chow. Despite her incumbency, a significant portion of voters believe the city is not heading in the right direction, and many desire new leadership. Chow’s approval rating has declined, with one recent Leger poll reporting a drop to 43%, alongside increased strong disapproval. Contributing factors include steep property tax hikes — 9.5% in 2024 and 6.9% in 2025 — deteriorating public services such as transit and snow removal, and a doubling of Toronto’s homeless population in just over three years.

Billboard Canada celebrates music industry innovators under 40

In an effort to highlight the next generation of influential music professionals, Billboard Canada will debut its 40 Under 40 celebration on November 20, 2025, at W Toronto. The event will recognize rising executives, artists, and innovators who are reshaping Canada’s music landscape across sectors like management, live events, streaming, and labels.

Richard Trapunski, National Editor of Billboard Canada, stated this initiative aims to showcase the creative energy powering the country’s music industry growth. The gala will provide a platform for emerging voices chosen through peer nominations for measurable leadership and impact. This Canadian milestone builds on successful Billboard Canada franchises such as Power Players and Women in Music.

Remembrance Day ceremonies mark 100 years of Toronto Cenotaph

Toronto observed a solemn Remembrance Day commemorating the sacrifices of Canada’s soldiers and veterans. Ceremonies at Queen’s Park included a 21-gun salute synchronized with bagpipes and a moment of silence at 11 a.m., witnessed by dignitaries including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Industry Minister Melanie Joly.

At Old City Hall, Mayor Olivia Chow reflected on the significance of the centennial anniversary of the Toronto Cenotaph. Veterans, cadets, and officials participated in laying wreaths, while moving performances included the song “Danny Boy” and the recitation of “In Flanders Fields” by a young service member. These observances reinforced community respect and remembrance of Canada’s military history.

Indigenous leaders voice concerns over reconciliation funding uncertainty

Several key reconciliation programs focusing on urban Indigenous communities in the Greater Toronto Area face funding insecurity after federal Budget 2024 failed to guarantee support beyond spring 2026. Organizations like the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre are deeply worried about potential service cuts and layoffs amid rising demand.

The Centre’s food bank shelves are less stocked than before, yet community needs continue to grow. Redbow Toulouse, who manages the food bank, described capacity limits and turning people away due to shortages. The federal Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples funds services in employment, housing, food security, youth programming, and mental health through Friendship Centres across Canada.

Although Indigenous Services Canada affirmed that Indigenous peoples will continue to receive support under a new funding distribution model, details remain vague, causing anxiety among community leaders. Andrea Chrisjohn emphasized the importance of sustaining programs for seniors and residential school survivors to preserve cultural identity and healing.

Sean Longboat, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, criticized the government for not enhancing support as promised. He warned that without proper investment, some Friendship Centres might be forced to close, undermining prevention efforts that ultimately save public costs.

Pascal Laplante from Indigenous Services Canada acknowledged the concerns and stated the program is evolving rather than ending, to better enable service delivery on the ground. The community awaits clarification to ensure vital services continue uninterrupted.

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