During a recent transit announcement, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unexpectedly voiced his wish to bring back Toronto's Taste of the Danforth festival, which has been facing financial difficulties and cancellations since the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford highlighted the festival's importance to the community and expressed his nostalgia for the event, suggesting it should be revitalized to bring life back to the area. He indicated that he would approach the necessary parties for financial support, specifically pointing out the need for collaboration with the mayor of Toronto.

Ford's comments came as a surprise, as he veered off-topic to reminisce about the festival while addressing unrelated transit issues. His proposal included a call to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow to also provide financial assistance for the festival. However, the premier did not elaborate on the amount of funding or if any requests had been made to secure it, leaving many questions about the future of the event unanswered. As of now, the organizer of the Taste of the Danforth has not responded to inquiries regarding the potential funding.

This spontaneous commitment from Ford raises several implications for the festival's future and local culture. If successful, the festival's resurgence could help boost the local economy in the aftermath of the pandemic while also fostering community spirit in Toronto. However, the lack of specific details on funding indicates uncertainty, leaving stakeholders waiting for more concrete plans as they look towards reviving a beloved local tradition.