In August 2005, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved an application for a new category 2 digital service, Discovery HD Theatre (based on the U.S. channel of the same name), covering many of the same genres as Discovery Channel, but with a separate lineup consisting exclusively of high definition programming.

With the re-branding, the network increased its focus on automotive-oriented series, although selected non-automotive programs from Discovery World were carried over.

[6][7] This led to a lawsuit by Bell, which claimed the move would violate previous non-compete clauses with WBD; the matter was settled out of court in October.

[8][9] Rogers announced that Motor Trend content would move to its on-demand and streaming platforms including Citytv+, rather than a new linear channel.

[11] However, the CRTC lists Discovery Communications, Inc. (an in-name-only subsidiary of WBD) as holding a 20% stake in the CTV Speciality subsidiary that holds CTV Speed Channel's license;[12] it is not yet known if WBD will divest its stake in the channel due to its change of Canadian partner.