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The Gas Tax Holiday Ends in 24 Days — Here's the Real Math on What You'll Save

  Published August 14, 2026 Ottawa's fuel excise tax suspension shuts off September 7. Here's what it's actually been worth at the pump, what changes the next morning, and who should plan a fill-up before Labour Day. The Countdown The federal fuel excise tax returns to full rate on September 8, 2026 — that's 24 days from today. Prices reset to their pre-April 20 rate the moment the clock hits midnight. If you've noticed gas feeling a little less painful since spring, that wasn't your imagination. On April 20, 2026, Ottawa suspended the federal fuel excise tax — 10 cents a litre off gasoline, 4 cents off diesel — as Middle East oil-supply disruptions pushed pump prices toward $2 a litre in some cities. The suspension, passed as part of Bill C-30, has been running for nearly four months. It ends September 7, inclusive. On September 8, the tax comes right back. What the holiday actually saved you The headline number — 10 cents a litre on gas — undersells it sligh...
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Peak of Sensitive Cherry Blossoms in Toronto Faces Frost Threat

 

As Toronto eagerly anticipates the annual cherry blossom peak, a sudden threat looms overhead. The delicate cherry blossoms, known for their vibrant displays, are at risk due to the possibility of frost. With overnight lows expected to dip below freezing and little to no wind, the potential frost could jeopardize the blossoms’ beauty

The High Park cherry blossoms are currently in their most sensitive stage regarding weather threats, specifically frost. As of April 19, they reached Stage 5, with a minority of sakura flowers having opened up in the park, representing nearly 20% growth. However, warmer weather is needed for them to enter full bloom. Other parts of the city, including near the University of Toronto, have already experienced trees in full bloom as early as April 15 this year.

Unfortunately, frost poses a hazard to the quality of this year’s bloom. In previous years, extreme cold temperatures led to disappointing displays. For instance, in 2016, 14 consecutive frosts during the first half of April resulted in only a 25% peak bloom in early May. Two years later, the situation was even worse, with three consecutive frosts late into April after a 10-day mild stretch. The killing frost materialized during the flower’s most sensitive stage, causing the bloom to fail to materialize.

The critical temperature for cherry blossoms is colder than -2°C, beyond which damage can occur. Let’s hope that this year’s flowers prove extra resilient as Toronto faces back-to-back consecutive frosts and another forecasted event that may impact the bloom. 

If you’re in Toronto, consider visiting High Park this weekend to witness the cherry blossoms for yourself. Fingers crossed that Mother Nature is kind to these delicate blooms! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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