Ontario drivers with no passengers could soon be allowed to use HOV lanes during off-peak hours.

Ontario plans to let solo drivers use HOV lanes during off‑peak hours on all existing and future routes later this year, arguing it will reduce gridlock and make better use of lanes that often sit empty outside rush hour.

Details like the exact off‑peak times will be set after data analysis and consultations, but the province says modelling shows travel times would improve in both HOV and regular lanes, even as critics warn the government must show evidence and not undermine carpooling.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles says the idea could have merit but questions the timing, suggesting the flurry of traffic announcements is meant to distract from controversy over the Ford government’s move to shield premier and cabinet records from public disclosure.

2 in 3 Canadians want Canada to remain neutral in Iran War

A new Leger poll finds 67 per cent of Canadians think Ottawa should stay neutral in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, while about one in four want Canada to back the U.S. and Israel and a small minority favour supporting Iran or both sides.

Most Canadians also oppose the U.S.-Israeli campaign itself (58 per cent) and are highly worried about its spillover effects, including terrorism risks, Canadian troops being drawn in, higher gas and grocery prices, and a possible global recession.

At the same time, large majorities say they would support sending Canadian troops to defend NATO allies or protect global oil supplies if needed, and nearly three-quarters want Canada to expand oil and gas production to help offset war-related supply shocks.

Founder of Iconic Toronto Jamaican restaurant dead at 69

Ed Pottinger, the beloved co-founder of Toronto’s iconic The Real Jerk Restaurant and former owner of music venue The Jerk Pit, has died at 69, remembered as a warm ambassador of Jamaican food, music and culture.

Born in Kingston and later settling in Toronto, Pottinger built The Real Jerk into a community hub that launched artists, hosted famous moments like Rihanna and Drake’s “Work” video, and welcomed generations of diners as extended family.

Friends, customers and community leaders are paying tribute to him as a generous mentor, proud family man and “life of the party,” with a celebration of life planned for March 26 where mourners are asked to wear colourful Caribbean attire in his honour.