Good morning, Etobicoke! I’m Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. Every Thursday, I’ll bring you the latest news, events, and stories from our community—all in one easy read.

In this week’s newsletter:

🌸 Sakura Watch: Where to catch peak cherry blossoms locally
🦠 Measles Alert: Daycare exposure confirmed in Etobicoke
⚖️ Motel Tragedy: Police charge suspect in Etobicoke homicide
🎭 Puppets & Empathy: Etobicoke school hosts powerful kids’ theatre

Plus: spring markets, musical performances, and a joke to brighten your day!

THE DIGEST

🌸 Peak Bloom Incoming 🌸
The cherry blossoms are about to hit peak bloom, with High Park’s trees now in Stage 4 and expected to reach full bloom later this week. The window to catch them is short — blossoms usually last just 4 to 10 days, depending on weather. While High Park is the most popular viewing spot, you can also find beautiful blooms at Centennial Park, Broadacres Park in Etobicoke, Robarts Library, Trinity Bellwoods, and more. A gentle reminder: admire with care. That means no climbing, picking, or trampling — and watch out for baby turtles.

🦠 Measles Case Linked to Etobicoke Daycare 🦠
Toronto Public Health is investigating a new measles exposure tied to Thomas Berry Early Learning & Child Care Centre in Etobicoke, where dozens of young children attend. Meanwhile, York Region officials are probing a separate case connected to a grocery store and YMCA in Markham. Anyone who visited Garden Basket Grocery Store on April 17 or the Markham YMCA on April 20 may have been exposed. Health officials warn that measles is extremely contagious and advise checking vaccination records and monitoring for symptoms like fever, cough, rash, or red eyes. Ontario has now reported over 1,000 measles cases linked to a recent outbreak.

⚖️ Police Charge Suspect in Etobicoke Motel Stabbing, Urge Community Tips ⚖️
Toronto police charged Tanas Shmagranovski, 57, with second-degree murder after a fatal stabbing at a motel near The Queensway and Royal York Road on April 27. The male victim, Toronto’s 11th homicide of 2025, succumbed to injuries despite emergency care. Arrested on-site, the suspect poses no ongoing threat, police say. Anyone with information can reach Toronto Police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. Join the Etobicoke Civic Centre’s safety workshop on May 10 to stay informed and connected!

🎭 Puppets With a Purpose 🎭
A long-running city program is using puppets to spark big conversations in little classrooms. Teaching Awareness through Puppetry (TAP) recently held workshops at St. Eugene Catholic School in Etobicoke, helping students learn about epilepsy through a puppet named Jack. For over 40 years, TAP has used live performances to teach kids across the GTA about inclusion, disability, and diversity. The team of dedicated volunteers brings these topics to life with empathy, humor, and lots of heart — proving that children’s theatre really can change the world.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• May 3rd - From Reference to Essence: Studio Series with Darlene Kulig
  Arts Etobicoke | 4893A Dundas St. W.
  Join artist Darlene Kulig for a full-day creative workshop exploring how to move from photo reference to expressive, stylized art. 🕜 Runs 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on two consecutive Saturdays. Cost: $100 per workshop (art supplies included). Ages 16+.
  

• May 3rd - Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club Open House
  Tom Riley Park (just behind Montgomery Inn)

  Try something new this spring! The Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club invites you to their Open House—learn the basics of the game, meet members, and roll a few bowls. Great for all ages and skill levels! 🕜 1:30 p.m. | Free lessons, equipment, and refreshments
  

• May 4th - Spring Market by Sweetpea and Rose
  Old Mill Toronto | 21 Old Mill Rd.
  Celebrate the season at this vibrant Spring Market filled with fresh blooms, handmade goods, baked treats, local maple syrup, artisanal soaps, craft beer, and live music. Shop one-of-a-kind creations from local makers, enjoy the festive energy, and relax at the Beer Tent with a cold brew. 🕜 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission—fun for all ages!
  

• May 9th - Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra: Jubilations of Spring
  Martingrove Collegiate Institute | 50 Winterton Dr., Etobicoke

  Celebrate the season with a joyful evening of music featuring Schumann’s “Spring” Symphony, Strauss’s Laughing Song, Alice Ho’s Jubilations of Spring, and more. With soprano Natalya Gennadi and music director Matthew Jones. 8:00 p.m. 🎟️ $30 | $25 (Seniors) | $15 (Students) | Free for kids under 12
  

• May 10th - Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra: Jubilations of Spring
  Humber College Lakeshore Campus, A Building | 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

  Enjoy a special matinee performance featuring Strauss’s Overture from Die Fledermaus, Alice Ho’s Jubilations of Spring, and Schumann’s “Spring” Symphony No. 1, led by music director Matthew Jones. 2:00 p.m.

  🎟️ $20 | $10 (Children)
  

• May 11th - Mother’s Day Market @ Mimico Square
  2445 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

  Celebrate Mom with a day at the Mother’s Day Market! 💐🛍️ Shop from local vendors offering handmade gifts, baked goods, candles, and more. Enjoy free kids’ activities while you find the perfect treat for Mom. 🕙 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 🎟️ Free admission
  
  

Weather

• Thurs., May 1: High 11°C, Low 4°C 🌧️

• Fri., May 2: High 18°C, Low 10°C ☁️

• Sat., May 3: High 14°C, Low 8°C 🌧️

• Sun., May 4: High 15°C, Low 7°C ☁️

• Mon., May 5: High 14°C, Low 9°C 🌧️

• Tues., May 6: High 19°C, Low 10°C 🌧️

• Wed., May 7: High 17°C, Low 12°C ⛅

Fun & Games

😄 A Little Springtime Laugh 😄

What did the big flower say to the little flower?
“Hey, bud!”

Answer to last week’s question—"Roughly how many cherry blossom trees bloom each spring in Centennial Park’s sakura grove?"—is around 200. Shoutout to Anthony Caldwell for guessing the closest!

Like being in the know? Share the love! Forward this newsletter to friends and neighbors who’d enjoy staying up-to-date on all things Etobicoke. 📬

Thanks for reading! See you next week for more of what’s happening in Etobicoke.

-Bri