Good morning, Etobicoke! I’m Bri, and the Thanksgiving leftovers are finally gone (or hiding behind the yogurt). Halloween is a little over two weeks away, which means the great costume negotiation has officially begun in every house with kids. Let’s get into this week’s news.
In this week’s newsletter:
🚲 Lane Defence: hundreds of cyclists face off with crews on Bloor
🚚 Converter Thieves: seven food rescue trucks sidelined on The East Mall
🗳️ Coin Toss: Etobicoke is the tightest corner of the mayor’s race
🚓 Police Appeal: charges laid, and police believe there may be more victims
Plus: a Ward 3 debate, a classical guitar recital and a giant rummage sale 🎸
THE DIGEST
🚲 Bloor’s Bike Lanes Get A Bodyguard 🚲
The province was set to start ripping out the Bloor bike lanes between Royal York and Islington on Tuesday night. Several hundred cyclists rallied at Tom Riley Park and parked themselves in the lanes until crews left. By Wednesday, the work had started anyway. Police broke up a sit-in and made two arrests. The City says work runs through November 17. Protesters say they’ll keep showing up.
🚚 Thieves Hit The Food Rescue Trucks 🚚
Over Thanksgiving weekend, of all weekends, thieves cut through the fence at Second Harvest’s truck yard at 120 The East Mall and sawed the catalytic converters off seven trucks. The charity delivers rescued food to more than 300 non-profits, and repairs are pegged at $80,000. The good news: Aurora Importing has donated $60,000 to get them rolling again. Police are looking for a black Infiniti G25.
🗳️ Etobicoke Is The Election’s Coin Toss 🗳️
A new Nanos poll has Olivia Chow at 51% and Brad Bradford at 47% among decided voters, down from a nearly 10-point gap last week. Out here it’s even tighter. In Etobicoke/York, Bradford sits at about 42% and Chow at 39%, with nearly 18% undecided. Nanos called it “basically a coin toss.” Election day is Monday, October 26.
🚓 Police Seek Possible Victims In Etobicoke Case 🚓
Toronto police have charged Paul Conn, 71, with 12 offences involving a youth, including sexual interference and sexual assault. Police allege he met the victim while working at a church near Bloor Street West and Kipling Avenue, and that the offences happened between 2021 and 2026. The charges have not been tested in court. Police believe there may be more victims and ask anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
📌 Quick Hits
Ward 3 voters, mark Monday, October 19. The Mimico Residents’ Association and Etobicoke Waterfront Communities are hosting a councillor candidates debate, and seats are limited. Register with priority code MRA, and they’ll send you the venue once you sign up. Think speakeasy, but with zoning questions. Everyone else: election day is Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your voting place at toronto.ca/Elections.
Upcoming Events
Through Oct. 31 – Etobicoke Civic Centre Farmers Market
Etobicoke Civic Centre | 399 The West Mall
Saturday mornings, Ontario-grown produce, and the last few weeks of the season. Apples, squash and anything that can survive the trip home in a tote bag. 🍎🎃 🕗 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Free entryThrough Nov. 1 – Pumpkinville at Sherway Gardens
CF Sherway Gardens parking lot | 25 The West Mall
More than 1.5 million lights, midway rides and over 15,000 real pumpkins. Tickets are sold by date and time slot, so book before you promise the kids. 🎃✨ 🎟️ Timed ticketsThrough Nov. 1 – Martino Manor Haunted House
7 McIntosh Ave., off The Queensway between Park Lawn and Royal York
Etobicoke’s homegrown haunted house, now with a new room called The Funeral Parlor. Select nights from 7 p.m. It’s not recommended for anyone under 13, so plan your babysitter accordingly. 👻 🎟️ Cash only at the doorThrough Nov. 12 – 1001 Stories: Faith and Home
Cloverdale Common | Cloverdale Mall, 250 The East Mall
Arts Etobicoke’s Islamic Heritage Month exhibition. Two hands-on workshops are left, on Saturdays, October 17 and 24. Registration is required and spots are limited. 🎨🖼️Oct. 23 – Mimico Halloween Family Dance
David Hornell Junior School | 32 Victoria St.
A costume-friendly night of music and dancing for families with young kids, hosted by the Mimico Residents’ Association. Costumes encouraged, dance moves optional. 🎃🪩 🕕 6 to 8 p.m. | $5 per person, online or at the doorNov. 6-7 – Giant Rummage Sale
Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd. (Dundas and Cordova)
Housewares, small appliances, clothing, linens, books, toys, games, antiques, Christmas decor and food, all under one roof. Bring bags and a loose definition of “need.” 🛍️ 🕒 Fri. 3 to 8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to noon | Free entryNov. 8 – Rectory Recital Series: Classical Guitar
St. Philip’s Anglican Church | 25 St. Phillips Rd.
Classical guitarists James Baker and Carmine Coccimiglio play an hour-long recital, followed by a glass of wine or sparkling water with the artists. The series has been running for nine years and somehow stayed one of Etobicoke’s best-kept secrets. Details here. 🎸🍷 🕓 4 p.m. | Admission by donation
Good to Know
Heads up, Line 2 riders. Subway service between Kipling and Jane ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight and Friday for track work, with shuttle buses running in its place. The Grenview entrance at Royal York is closed. Regular service resumes around 6 a.m. 🚇
Weather
Thurs, Oct. 15: High 13°C, Low 10°C 🌧️
Fri, Oct. 16: High 14°C, Low 1°C 🌦️💨
Sat, Oct. 17: High 11°C, Low 2°C ☀️
Sun, Oct. 18: High 15°C, Low 6°C ☀️
Mon, Oct. 19: High 16°C, Low 7°C 🌤️
Tues, Oct. 20: High 16°C, Low 4°C 🌦️
Wed, Oct. 21: High 11°C, Low 6°C 🌤️
Fun & Games
🎃 Would You Rather: Halloween Edition
Hand out full-size chocolate bars to the first 20 kids, or minis to every kid on the street?
Trick-or-treat in a costume you can’t sit down in, or one you can’t see out of?
Walk through Martino Manor’s Funeral Parlor room alone, or ride the Pumpkinville midway after three caramel apples?
➡️ Hit reply with your picks and we’ll share the favourites next week!
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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