ELECTIONS
In the early 19th-century Toronto, what requirement prevented ordinary residents from voting?
PROPERTY—In the early 1800s, voting was generally restricted to men who met property ownership and other legal qualifications. Poorer men, women, and many other residents were excluded. Voting was a privilege for a small part of the population, not a right shared equally by everyone.
Historical note: Toronto's 1834 incorporation law also required voters to have lived in the city for 12 months and in their ward for three months.
What is the term for the shortest day of the year?
WINTER SOLSTICE—The winter solstice usually occurs around December 21 in Canada. It is the day with the fewest hours of daylight and the longest night of the year. During the days around the winter solstice, the sun appears to reach its lowest point in the sky at midday. Its daily path seems to stop moving lower (solstice) and then gradually begins to rise. The word "solstice" comes from Latin words meaning “sun stands still".
Sol means “sun.” Sistere means “to stand still.”
Which insect builds mounds that can be taller than a person?
TERMITES—Termites build enormous mounds that can be 3-6 meters tall, well above the height of an average person, and can take several years to build. Some termite mounds have networks of tunnels and openings that help regulate temperature and air movement inside. They have inspired architects to design buildings that stay comfortable without relying heavily on air conditioning. One example is the design of an office and shopping centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, the famous "Eastgate Centre".
Which princess fell in love with a divorced royal air force officer but did not marry him?
MARGARET—The princess was Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. Their story began in 1947, when Princess Margaret was 17, and Peter Townsend was a married Royal Air Force officer serving her father, King George VI. They met during a royal tour of South Africa, where they spent considerable time together. Margaret later recalled falling in love with him during that trip. Their romance grew closer around 1952, after the death of Margaret’s father. Townsend divorced his wife that year and proposed to Margaret in 1953. In 1955, she announced that she would not marry him. Five years later, she married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones.
Who transmitted the first long-distance telephone message to the small Ontario town of Paris in 1876?
GRAHAM BELL— The small Ontario town of Paris, with its historic stone buildings, has a connection to one of the world's most famous inventors, Alexander Graham Bell. In August 1876, Bell successfully transmitted a telephone message from Brantford to Paris, Ontario, about 13 kilometres away. People gathered in a shoe shop in Paris to hear voices and music coming through this remarkable new invention. It became known as the world's first successful long-distance telephone call. So, while Paris, Ontario, may share its name with the famous French capital, it also holds a special place in Canadian history.
What term describes the 1998 joining of Toronto and its surrounding municipalities into one city?
AMALGAMATION—Toronto's six municipalities—Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, York, and East York—plus the former Metropolitan Toronto regional government—were combined in 1998 into today's City of Toronto. The provincial government of Ontario did this because it believed one larger city would be more efficient and less expensive to run than six separate municipalities.
What do you call animals that remain active throughout the winter rather than hibernate or migrate?
RESIDENTS—Animals that remain active throughout the winter are called "resident animals" or simply "year-round residents." These animals stay in the same general area year-round, rather than migrating to warmer places or hibernating in winter. They continue searching for food and shelter even in cold weather. For example, deer, foxes, chickadees, and cardinals may remain in the Toronto area throughout winter.
What lightweight volcanic rock can float on water?
PUMICE - Pumice forms when hot, gas-filled lava erupts and cools very quickly. As the gases escape, they leave behind countless tiny holes, making the rock light and sponge-like. Some pieces can float on water for a time before becoming waterlogged.
Pumice has long been used in pedicures to remove dry, rough skin and calluses from the feet. Pumice is a natural alternative to some manufactured exfoliating tools, but it should be used gently to avoid damaging the skin.
Which former king spent much of his later life abroad after giving up the throne for love?
EDWARD - Edward VIII became the Duke of Windsor after abdicating in 1936 and married Wallis Simpson the following year. The romance caused a constitutional crisis because the government and Church of England opposed his proposed marriage at the time.
What Ontario city was once known as Toronto Township before receiving its present name in 1968?
MISSISSAUGA - Mississauga was originally known as Toronto Township, a largely rural area west of Toronto. In 1968, it was renamed Mississauga, and on January 1, 1974, it officially became a city. The name Mississauga comes from the Mississaugas, an Indigenous Anishinaabe people who lived in the region around Lake Ontario. The word is also believed to come from an Ojibwa word meaning “river of many mouths,” although its exact origin is uncertain.
Who was Toronto's first mayor, elected when the city was incorporated in 1834?
MACKENZIE—William Lyon Mackenzie was a newspaper publisher and political reformer who became Toronto's first mayor in 1834, when the town was officially incorporated as a city. The settlement was founded as the Town of York by John Graves Simcoe, named after the Duke of York, a son of King George III.
Amongst other reasons, the name was changed to avoid confusion; many places were called York, so the name Toronto helped distinguish this growing community from others.
What term describes the seasonal freezing of the ground to a depth that can remain frozen for two or more consecutive years?
PERMAFROST - Permafrost is ground that stays frozen for at least two consecutive years. The top layer may thaw slightly in warmer months, but the ground underneath stays frozen. Permafrost is found across much of Canada's Arctic and northern regions. It contains soil, rocks, ice, and sometimes ancient plant and animal remains. As the climate warms, permafrost can thaw, causing the ground to sink or shift. This can damage roads, buildings, and other structures.
What word describes something relating to the scientific study of plants?
BOTANICAL—Botanical is used when discussing the science of plants, including their structure, growth, and classification. It helps scientists distinguish what something really is from what we commonly call it in everyday life. The word comes from botany, which is the science of understanding plants—how they grow, reproduce, and how different plants are related to one another.
Which prince married an American actress and later stepped away from official royal duties?
HARRY - Prince Harry married American actress Meghan Markle. They are known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, titles that were given to them by King Charles III when they married in 2018. The title is a traditional royal honor connected to a place in England, rather than a place where they are required to live. They are still part of the royal family by birth and marriage, but they are not working royals and do not officially represent the king.
What was the original name of Toronto Pearson International Airport when it opened in 1939?
MALTON - Toronto Pearson International Airport is closely connected to the name Malton, a historic community in what is now Mississauga. The airport opened in 1939 as Malton Airport, named after the nearby community of Malton. During the Second World War, the airport became an important site for military aviation and aircraft production. In 1960, it was renamed Toronto International Airport, and in 1984, it became Lester B. Pearson International Airport, honoring Canada's former prime minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Who was Toronto's first Jewish mayor who served from 1955 to 1962?
NATHAN PHILLIPS - Nathan Phillips (1892-1976) was Toronto's first Jewish mayor who believed that Toronto needed a modern City Hall that reflected its growth and future. In 1961, while he was still mayor, Toronto City Council named the planned public square in his honour. The new City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square officially opened in 1965, and the square bearing his name honours his long service to the city.
What is the name of the cold, dry wind that can sweep down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains into Alberta?
CHINOOK - A Chinook is a warm, dry wind that blows down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, bringing surprisingly warm weather to parts of Alberta. Temperatures can rise 10–20°C or more in just a few hours. A freezing winter day can suddenly feel almost spring-like, and snow may begin to melt rapidly. The name is associated with the "Chinook people," Indigenous peoples from the Pacific Northwest.
Name an animal that can sleep for up to three years.
SNAIL - YES, snails can sleep for up to three years when they hibernate in response to hot and dry climates. Snails need moisture to survive: so if the weather is not cooperating, they can actually sleep up to three years. Snails can live anywhere between 3 and 7 years in the wild and to 10 years in captivity
Snails do have many uses, food (protein), medicine, cosmetics, and environmental indicators.
Which former prince faced worldwide criticism over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein?
ANDREW—Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, faced serious allegations connected to Epstein. Andrew denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations made against him and settled a civil lawsuit without admitting liability. The scandal damaged his reputation and led to the loss of his royal titles.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is living on the Sandringham Estate, a private estate owned by King Charles III. He has largely kept out of public view while a police investigation continues.
Which Canadian city became the national capital in 1857, replacing Kingston?
OTTAWA—In 1841, Kingston became the first capital of the United Province of Canada. However, in 1857, Queen Victoria selected Ottawa as the new capital. Its location between Toronto and Montreal, and its distance from the American border, helped make it a suitable choice. Ottawa officially became the capital of Canada when Confederation took place in 1867.
The name Ottawa comes from the Algonquin word "adawe," meaning “to trade.” The Algonquin people used this word to describe trading, as the Ottawa River was an important route for trade and travel among Indigenous peoples.
What term describes the movement that fought for women's right to vote?
SUFFRAGE—Suffrage simply means the "right to vote." In 1876, Dr. Emily Stowe founded the Toronto Women's Literary Club, which helped organize the campaign for women's rights. Six years later Ontario began allowing certain women who met "property" qualifications to vote on municipal bylaws. Widows and unmarried women who met property requirements could vote; married women were still excluded.
What is the name of the process that allows evergreens to retain their needles through winter?
ADAPTATION—Adaptation is a special feature or characteristic that helps a plant or tree survive and grow in its environment. Over many generations, plants develop features that help them cope with conditions such as cold winters, hot summers, drought, or a lack of sunlight.
Adaptation means a feature that helps a living thing survive in its surroundings. Just as a winter coat helps us cope with cold weather, a tree's natural features help it cope with the conditions where it grows.
Which insect is now officially listed as endangered?
WILD HONEYBEES—Researchers estimate that wild honeybee populations, mostly in Europe, could decline by about 56% over ten years. Honeybees help pollinate many plants, and pollination allows plants to produce fruits and seeds. Wild honeybees face threats from habitat loss (due to urbanization), pesticides, climate change, and other environmental pressures. We can all help protect them through small changes in our gardens by planting 'bee-friendly' flowers and avoiding harmful pesticides.
What was the name of the 'striking black dress' Diana wore on the night that Charles publicly discussed his infidelity?
REVENGE—The media dubbed it the "revenge dress." Princess Diana wore the daring black outfit to a London event in June 1994, the same evening a documentary featuring Charles discussing his marriage was broadcast.
Diana's famous "revenge dress" sold for US $65,000 when she auctioned it off herself in June of 1997. The iconic strapless gown is heading to the auction block via Sotheby's in New York, scheduled for December 2026, where it is expected to fetch around US $300,000.
Which Toronto natural landmark was shaped by erosion and the movement of Lake Ontario?
TORONTO ISLANDS - The Toronto Islands were originally part of the mainland shoreline, but erosion and lake currents gradually formed a sandbar that separated them from the mainland.
The Toronto Islands were originally a long peninsula connected to the mainland, with beaches and wooded areas shaped by Lake Ontario. After a major storm in 1858 created a channel separating them from the mainland, they became a chain of islands known for parks, beaches, cottages, and beautiful views of Toronto’s skyline.