Good morning, Etobicoke! I’m Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. I’ve rounded up the latest local news, events, and stories to keep you in the loop.
In this week’s newsletter:
🏒 Leafs Skate: Outdoor fun with Leafs in Etobicoke
🏘️ Sixplex Standoff: $10M housing fund lost
💔 Tragic Stabbing: Son charged in mother's death
Plus: 3 Truths and A Lie, Winterlicious dining, and jazz dinner 🍽️
THE DIGEST
🏒🍁 Leafs Hit the Ice Outdoors 🍁🏒
The Toronto Maple Leafs are taking their practice sessions to the great outdoors with a weekend of events in Etobicoke. From open skate sessions to former Leafs stars facing off in an Alumni game, the outdoor practice on January 26th at Westway Outdoor Rink will be the highlight. Plus, WWE superstars will make an appearance before Monday Night Raw at Scotiabank Arena. Lace up and get ready for some hockey magic under the open sky!
🏘️ $10M Gone Over Sixplex Standoff 🏘️
Toronto is down $10M in federal housing money after city council voted to allow sixplexes in just 9 of 25 wards. The federal government had tied the full funding to citywide zoning changes that would support more “missing middle” housing. While Mayor Olivia Chow backed the plan, several suburban councillors—including in Etobicoke—voted against it, raising concerns about neighbourhood density. Councillor Stephen Holyday said he stands by the decision, even with the funding loss. The city could still get the full $471M if more councillors opt in, but for now, Toronto’s housing push hits a speed bump.
💔 Son Stabs Mother in Tragic Etobicoke Murder 💔
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Kathleen Hatcher was fatally stabbed by her son, Colin, in King’s Mill Park in Etobicoke. The trial reveals that Colin, with a history of mental illness, allegedly committed the act shortly after going off his anti-psychotic medication. The case delves into whether he's criminally responsible as family members testify to his past threats. The community mourns Kathleen, a retired school board worker and devoted grandmother.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 30-Feb. 12 – Winterlicious
Various Locations | Across Toronto
Embrace the culinary delights of Toronto with Winterlicious, featuring over 240 participating restaurants. Enjoy three-course prix fixe menus that offer a wide range of flavors, from cozy comfort foods to exciting global cuisines. Perfect for food lovers looking to explore new tastes or enjoy their favorites. 🍽️
🕒 Lunch and Dinner | 🍽️ Lunch: $20-$55, Dinner: $25-$75 | Reserve your table starting January 15.
Feb. 1 – Hymns to Freedom: Black History Month Docu-Concert
Humber Valley United Church | 76 Anglesey Blvd.
Join the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra for a heartfelt celebration of Black History Month with "Hymns to Freedom." This docu-concert features renowned Canadian artists Jackie Richardson and Corey Butler, blending music, storytelling, and history to honor Black artistry and resilience. Experience themes of struggle, hope, and unity in an inspiring and uplifting community event. 🕑 2:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Tickets available at the door or online.
February 6 – An Intimate Jazz Dinner with Melissa Lauren
Old Mill Toronto | 21 Old Mill Rd., Etobicoke
Join us for a cozy evening of jazz and storytelling with Toronto's own Melissa Lauren. Immerse yourself in the warmth of her acclaimed album "My Voice" as she weaves together classic jazz standards with contemporary influences. This performance promises to be a heartfelt exploration of the human voice, its strength, and its fragility. 🎶 🕗 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Reserve your spot for an unforgettable night.
Weather
Thu, Jan 22: High -2°C, Low -11°C 🌥️
Fri, Jan 23: High -8°C, Low -17°C ❄️
Sat, Jan 24: High -11°C, Low -21°C 🌥️
Sun, Jan 25: High -11°C, Low -16°C ❄️
Mon, Jan 26: High -10°C, Low -19°C ❄️
Tue, Jan 27: High -6°C, Low -16°C ❄️
Wed, Jan 28: High -6°C, Low -10°C ❄️
Fun & Games
🎲 3 Truths and 1 Lie
Can you spot the sneaky fib hiding among these facts?
A) The Great Wall of China is visible from the Moon.
B) Bananas are berries, but strawberries aren’t.
C) Honey never spoils and can be eaten even after thousands of years.
D) The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer.
Answers below…
Answers:
A) ❌ Lie! Despite popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible from the Moon. It's a long structure, but it's quite narrow and blends with the natural colors of the environment.
B) ✅ True — Botanically speaking, bananas qualify as berries, while strawberries do not. Isn't botany fascinating?
C) ✅ True — Honey's natural preservatives make it a sweet treat that can last indefinitely without spoiling. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are still good to eat!
D) ✅ True — The Eiffel Tower expands and contracts with temperature changes, and can indeed grow up to 15 cm taller when it’s hot. How's that for a towering fact?
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
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