Evacuations begin as wildfires approach Yellowknife

Plus, Olivia Chow's new "revenue tools" and Metro workers' resolve [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on the wildfires in the Northwest Territories, Olivia Chow’s plan for city finances and the Metro strike. DON’T MISS Canadian Press/Angela Gzowski climate crisis [Yellowknife residents have been ordered to evacuate as wildfire approaches]( Some 20,000 people living in Yellowknife and two neighbouring First Nation communities are being ordered to leave their homes by noon on Friday, with residents of some areas being advised to leave as soon as possible, The Canadian Press reports. The territorial government says leaving by road is safe, but air evacuations for people at higher risk are set to begin this afternoon. [Here’s what we know about conditions so far](. - More: “We will get through this,” Premier Caroline Cochrane posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Now more than ever is the time to ask for help if you need it and to work together.” - Go deeper: Kelowna’s record 2003 wildfire season has been dwarfed by this year’s fires in B.C., [which have burned six times more area so far](. Steve Russell/The Star star exclusive [Olivia Chow will endorse new “revenue tools” and call on Ottawa and Queen’s Park ]( Mayor Olivia Chow will endorse new tools today to help the city out of its massive pandemic budget shortfall, The Star has learned. The city manager is expected to release a staff-drafted “long-term financial plan” with possible tools to boost revenues, including Chow’s promised increase to the existing vacant home tax. The mayor is also expected to call on the federal and provincial governments for help, David Rider reports. [These are the details shared by a source with knowledge of the plan](. - By the numbers: If left to grow, the $1 billion budget hole could crush Chow’s ability to reinvest in city services. - Word from a councillor: Coun. Gord Perks, Chow’s newly-appointed vice-chair of the budget committee, said the mayor calling a special summer meeting demonstrated an increased sense of urgency on the city’s finances compared to John Tory. “It’s night and day,” Perks said. “Former Mayor Tory swept the problems under the rug and implemented austerity.” - Watch for: The new budget chief, Coun. Shelley Carroll, did not reveal details of Thursday’s report but said staff prioritized tax measures that wouldn’t place additional financial burdens on low-income residents. Canadian Press/Cole Burston labour [Metro grocery store workers are standing their ground]( Nearly three weeks after 3,700 workers went on strike, there’s no end in sight, Josh Rubin reports. This past weekend, Metro blasted Unifor 414 for turning down an invitation to resume negotiations on ending the strike — but the union said the company hasn’t given them any signs it’s willing to improve upon its last offer. One expert says it’s clear the workers’ resolve has caught the company and the union by surprise. [Take a look at the deal Metro workers rejected and what they want instead](. - Context: After decades of having a fairly easy time finding workers to fill roles, grocery retailers are facing difficulty attracting and retaining staff. [Experts say the strike is part of a larger labour trend](. - Meanwhile: [TVO workers are threatening to strike on Friday]( amid a dispute over contract work and wages.  WHAT ELSE The AG recommended Doug Ford reverse course on the Greenbelt. He’s said no. [Here’s how to hold him accountable](. [Doug Ford’s housing minister must resign — but hey, don’t just take it from me]( Martin Regg Cohn writes. The TTC and the city are searching for solutions as the Scarborough RT remains out of service. [It could be out of commission for good](. Like pot and crack before it, our sentencing strategy for fentanyl isn’t working — [it’s a health problem, not a criminal problem](. Ahead of the CNE, [the TTC is adding extra service and closing two subway stations this weekend](. “I know my heart dropped.” [Encampment residents at Allan Gardens park were handed fake eviction notices this week](. The mansion of an ex-Ontario Hells Angels boss has been hit by suspected arson — [and it’s not the first time](. Vehicle thefts have hit “crisis levels” in Canada. [Can old methods thwart modern car thieves?]( I thought sleep apnea only affected older men. [Then I started choking at night](. Looking for a condo? [A new report details Toronto’s most affordable neighbourhoods](. An estimated 300,000 tickets will be sold for Taylor Swift’s Toronto shows. [But the concerts won’t benefit the City of Toronto](. A $6 tip for “great” service on a bill over $100? [This social media post is sparking further debate about tipping culture](. ICYMI Dreamstime Photo [Don’t cheap out on these 11 expenses — it’ll pay off in the long run.]( CLOSE-UP The Toronto Star THE EX: At a preview of the Canadian National Exhibition on Wednesday, a pineapple is halved, filled with basmati rice and topped with avocado, jalapeno, pineapple salsa, pickled ginger, cucumber, green onion, sesame seeds, seared ahi tuna and sriracha aioli. [With the Ex returning Friday, here are eight must-try food options](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_195341). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. 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