Good morning everyone.
Today’s letter is earlier than usual because I have things to do and places to be (will share more about that on Monday). For those of you who asked about long winter jackets recommended by other readers, I’ve included them below. I’m not in the affiliate link game, but do let me know what you end up buying.
NEWS:
I would love to read the CBC’s five-year plan to reach new audiences. If it doesn’t involve both Andrew Chang and a homepage re-redesign, I’ll lose my mind. The national broadcaster currently generates 29.4% of its revenue (the other 70.6%, or $1.2 billion, is made up of federal funding) and the use of its services among young people and newcomers is falling.
Canada’s main stock index reached a new high as investors buy up gold.
A $130 million investment into the Fairmont Lake Louise included room renovations and a redesign of the hotel’s spa. At the centre of the three-year renovation has been the BASIN, a “destination for wellbeing” that I believe would solve my every problem. Assuming this is where Justin and Hailey Bieber kicked back after their well-documented afternoon canoe.
The Toronto Marathon start line has been changed for the first time in a decade. Construction (classic) on University ahead of next summer’s FIFA World Cup has shifted the race’s start to Dundas Square. Plan accordingly.
A new deal will bring 16 video versions of Spotify podcasts to Netflix.
Much of the world is rolling back on electric vehicle targets. In Canada, carmakers are asking the federal government to “stay the course” after a yearlong pause on ambitious zero-emission vehicle targets (20% of all cars sold by 2026) was announced last month. Many have spent billions (but also received billions in subsidies) to overhaul their production lines.
Last week, The Economist went so far as to suggest the real transport revolution is cycling: Montreal’s bike share, Bixi, saw 13 million trips last year, and Bike Share Toronto is on track for 8.1 million this year.
An big-deal Swedish baker will be making buns at Brodflour on Saturday.
2,042 people are on a waitlist to rent one audiobook from the Toronto Public Library. Toronto Life found a Reddit user who says they’ve waited six years to listen to A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.
Watching supermodels strut around in lingerie feels less exciting than it used to. Most undergarment brands today fall to function (Knix), comfort (Skims), or luxury (Fleur du Mal). I struggle to see where Victoria’s Secret fits anymore. Sydney Sweeney’s reported line may face similar challenges.
Small businesses are a new type of influencer. Brands are beginning to piggyback on the recognition and trust that small business owners have in their communities. Silk & Snow, a mattress company, is running an ad with Rosie’s Burgers, Amex is doing one with Gallz Proivisions, a micro-bakery, meanwhile Shopify is ramping up founder/customer interviews.
Ontario’s apple farms say thefts have been a “real issue” this year. Sad.
The Globe wrote about potato chip collabs with Canadian restaurants. Love. If you’ve been reading this letter you already know all about that.
The results of Milk Bag’s winter jacket poll are in. Floored by how many of us are struggling to find a long, warm winter jacket that, as one reader put it, “not everyone has.” Here are suggestions that popped up (they are women’s jackets because male readers seem to not have this problem):
Soia & Kyo Talyse-C Maxi Down Coat ($795)
Mackage Calina Down Maxi Coat ($1,490)
Lululemon Snow Warrior Long Parka ($798)
Moncler Black Cavettaz Down Coat ($2,480)
Canada Goose Mystique Puffer Tonal ($1,595)
Rudsak Pelin Long Down Quilted Puffer ($1,195)
Max Mara Long Quilted Down Jacket ($2,350)
Emporio Armani Reversible Down Coat ($1,295)
Reiss Colette Belted Longline Puffer Coat ($760)
Can confirm the spa fixed me
The CBC has not been relevant since Don Messer's Jubilee.