That free financial pop-up with DJs, snacks, merch and more is back in Toronto
If you missed the last one, now's your chance to get on board! 🎉
If one of the things that's holding you back from leaping into investing is the monotone vibe of it all, there's a free event taking over Toronto's Centre for Social Innovation that could change it all for you.
On the weekend of October 24-25, 2026, the popular space is hosting the Fidelity Investments Canada ETF Pop-Up: Dare to Dream to help you take the next steps into your financial future, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro.
And when you read the next part, you'll be like: "Wait, this is about investing?"

Fidelity Investments Canada is on a mission to prove that ETFs don't have to be boring. When you swing by the pop-up, you'll get to enjoy some yummy eats from some of your favourite local spots and handcrafted beverages.
There's a live DJ spinning tracks all day, a photo booth to snap your new profile pic, cool merch you'll actually wear, and an all-ages ball pit to put a smile on your face.
Interactive games put your strategy and know-how to the test, and when you need a break, there's the ETF and Chill Lounge: a low-key space where you can sit, charge your phone and grab some water.

And throughout it all, you'll be able to chat with Fidelity's ETF experts who can answer all your questions. The biggest takeaway from the event (yes, even after the snacks and merch) is that Fidelity has an ETF for everyone.
Fidelity wants to be your ETF BFF — a trusted pal you can turn to. Like a true BFF, they're there to hype you up, build your confidence and help you live your best life.
Fidelity ETF Pop-Up: Dare To Dream
Price: Free
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, October 24; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2026
Address: Centre for Social Innovation (The Spadina Lounge) - 192 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON
Fidelity ETF pop-up: Dare to Dream website
Ontario housing market set for modest rebound in 2027: Desjardins report
A new report says Ontario's housing market is expected to improve "modestly" next year as favourable economic conditions help push buyers off the sidelines, though higher borrowing costs could dull the extent of the rebound.
Desjardins senior economist Kari Norman calls the province's housing sector "weak" despite improved affordability, greater buyer choice and easing rental conditions.
Her report predicts existing home sales would rise nearly five per cent in 2027 compared with this year, remaining well below long‑term norms, while balanced market conditions should lead to average price growth of 2.4 per cent next year.
The analysis also says the interest rate backdrop will "likely remaining challenging," with two rate hikes by the Bank of Canada expected in 2027 that would limit affordability gains from recent home price declines and rising disposable incomes.
That would also raise construction financing costs, as the report projects housing starts to rise around six per cent to nearly 65,000 units in 2027 — still more than 30 per cent below levels seen in 2021 and 2022.
The report says rental conditions should remain relatively balanced, as new condominium and purpose‑built rental completions add supply at a time when population growth is likely to be weak.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.
By Sammy Hudes | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
First Nations say Elections Alberta unprepared for referendum turnout
First Nations in Alberta are celebrating the win for the pro-Canada side in Monday's referendum — but they're also raising concerns about a shortage of ballots in their communities.
About three in four Albertans said yes to Confederation on Monday, while about one in four said they wanted the province to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving.
Siksika Nation says that while it's pleased with the outcome, the polling station in their community was understaffed and didn't receive enough ballots from Elections Alberta, leading to long wait times and "unnecessary obstacles."
Tania Cameron, who helped boost First Nations turnout in the vote, says she was proud to learn several First Nations polling stations had to request more ballots.
She also says Elections Alberta should have been more prepared.
She says not having enough ballots is a slap in the face to community members who wanted their voices heard.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.
By Alessia Passafiume | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

A TikToker Called Out The Big Ice Cube In Her $18 Cocktail & It Backfired On Her So Fast
"This was highway robbery!"
If you’ve gone out for drinks recently, you know that dropping $18 on a cocktail that’s mostly made of ice is pretty standard.
However, that’s not how TikToker Mabel Martinez felt when her server dropped off her drink with a king ice cube in it, so she turned to social media and put the restaurant on blast.
“This restaurant expected me to pay $18 for a block of ice,” wrote Martinez over top of her video.
“The waiter was super nice, and he ended up giving us a full glass,” Martinez continued in her video caption. “But this was highway robbery! Not okay! Full review coming soon!”
Martinez regularly reviews New York City restaurants on her TikTok, but her cocktail review of Hidden Leaf didn't turn out the way she expected.
TikTok users absolutely dragged her in the comments, with many refusing to give her any room for her big ice cube issue.
One commenter asked: “Damn… you never been out before, huh?”
"Tell us its your 21st birthday without telling us its your 21st birthday," said a second person.
“Sweetie, you’re paying for the 1.5 oz of liquor,” wrote another.
“Yes, that’s how a cocktail is made,” added yet another critic.
Yikes.
Most of the comments called Martinez out for not knowing the basics of how a cocktail is made, which includes putting a big ice cube in the glass to fill it up.
“Comment section isn’t going the way you thought it would,” reads one comment.
One helpful person explained that “you get the same amount of alcohol regardless of the ice” and that other drinks have extra ingredients, making them look fuller.
“I feel like every month; people are discovering cocktails are only 1.5 or 2oz of liquor. The norm across the industry,” wrote another comment.
So the next time your drink comes with a giant ice cube in it, just remember: you're getting the alcohol you paid for, and the ice is just for show!