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:

🏘️ Shelter Showdown: Controversy over proposed homeless shelter
🏖️ Beach Bacteria Alert: E.coli warning disrupts beachgoers
🏗️ Station Construction: Woodbine GO project kicks off
🔥 Fire Alarm: House fire on Martin Grove Rd.

Plus: Musical Garden series, Neilson Park Creative Fest, and a Caribbean market celebration! 🎶

THE DIGEST

🏘️ Etobicoke Residents Push Back on Shelter Plans 🏘️ 
Many are divided over a proposed homeless shelter in their neighborhood, reflecting a broader city-wide debate on shelter locations in Toronto's suburbs. As the city rushes to open 20 new shelters by 2033, tensions rise between residents advocating for community input and the city's need to address homelessness. The pushback highlights the ongoing struggle to balance essential services for vulnerable populations while addressing local concerns, underscoring the challenges of shelter placement in expanding urban areas.

🏖️ E.coli Warning at Etobicoke Beach 🏖️
An E.coli warning at an Etobicoke beach has locals swapping sand for dry land this summer. As residents look to beat the heat, high levels of the bacteria are putting a damper on beach plans. With safety concerns rising, beachgoers are left wondering about water quality and the impact on their summer recreation. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder to always check water quality reports before diving into those refreshing lake waters.

🏗️ New Woodbine GO Station in Etobicoke 🏗️ 
Construction kicks off for the new Woodbine GO Station in Etobicoke, set to enhance regional rail service and connectivity in the Greater Toronto Area. With plans for improved infrastructure and seamless connections to various transit systems, the station aims to accommodate increased ridership and support future growth in the area. Funded in part by the Woodbine Entertainment Group, this project aligns with Metrolinx's broader efforts to enhance GO service and transit options across the region.

🔥 Home Gutted in Etobicoke Fire 🔥 
A fire on Martin Grove Rd. in Etobicoke completely destroyed a home, with firefighters now working to extinguish hot spots. While the cause is under investigation, the good news is that no one was inside at the time. This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial, life-saving work done by Toronto Fire Services, showcasing their quick response and expertise in preventing further damage to neighboring homes.

🚑 Woman Injured in South Etobicoke Accident 🚑 
Yesterday evening, a woman in her 20s was hospitalized after being struck by a driver near Marie Curtis Park in Long Branch. The driver stayed at the scene, and the woman was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. This incident serves as a reminder for drivers to stay vigilant and for pedestrians to prioritize safety while navigating the streets of Etobicoke.

Upcoming Events

• July 3 – Musical Garden: Matthew Endahl

  Old Mill Toronto | 21 Old Mill Rd., Etobicoke

  Join us for an enchanting evening at our Musical Garden summer series, where exceptional musicians perform in the tranquil setting of our patio oasis. Enjoy live jazz by pianist Matthew Endahl, refreshing cocktails, and delectable cuisine as you unwind and escape the city's hustle. It's a perfect opportunity to relax and let the soothing sounds of jazz standards and original compositions wash over you in this serene summer experience. 🎶🌞 🕡 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  

• July 5 – Creative Festival: Music, Art, and More!

  Neilson Park Creative Centre | 56 Neilson Dr., Etobicoke

  Celebrate summer at the Neilson Park Creative Festival on Saturday, July 5! 🎉 Enjoy a full day of outdoor art, live music, spoken word, and hands-on creativity, with over 20 vendors, free kids’ activities, and a plein-air painting competition. Head indoors for refreshments, interactive demos, and our juried IMPACT 2025 art exhibition. 🍔🎶 Don’t miss performances by Desiree Mckenzie, The Surfrajettes, and more — plus tasty eats from RJ’s Roadhouse and gelato from Joy Foods! 🕛 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Free admission, free parking available
  

• July 11 – Jazz at Durbar: The Matt Pines Trio

  Durbar Indian Restaurant | 2469 Bloor St. W., Etobicoke

  Join us for an enchanting evening of jazz with The Matt Pines Trio, featuring the soulful vocals of Francine Kirsh. 🎶 Enjoy a delightful fusion of live music and delicious Indian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you're dining or just stopping by for a drink, it's an event not to be missed! 🕖 7:00 p.m. | No cover.
  

• July 12 – 2nd Annual Celebrate The Caribbean MRKT

  The Mimico Square | 2445 Lakeshore Blvd W., Etobicoke

  Join us for a vibrant day at the Celebrate The Caribbean MRKT in Mimico Square! Experience delightful foods, unique snacks, and shopping from local small businesses while enjoying free activities by Lakeshore Arts. Kids will love the free face painting, and the whole family can explore the beautiful Mimico Waterfront. The event is free and conveniently located next to a splash pad, pool, and playground. 🕙 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Free admission!
  

Weather

• Thu, Jul 3: High 27°C, Low 19°C 🌥️

• Fri, Jul 4: High 26°C, Low 15°C 🌥️

• Sat, Jul 5: High 29°C, Low 17°C 🌧️

• Sun, Jul 6: High 30°C, Low 21°C 🌧️

• Mon, Jul 7: High 24°C, Low 15°C ☀️

• Tue, Jul 8: High 26°C, Low 15°C 🌥️

• Wed, Jul 9: High 26°C, Low 17°C 🌧️

Fun & Games

🏖️ 3 Truths and 1 Lie — Beachy Vibes Edition
One of these beachy bits is a sandy fib. Can you spot the lie?

A) Marie Curtis Park Beach is located at the mouth of the Etobicoke Creek.
B) There’s a beach in Etobicoke called Etobicoke Creek Park Beach.
C) Sunnyside Beach is a popular spot for both swimming and beach volleyball.
D) The Humber Bay Shores offers beautiful views of the Toronto skyline.

Answers below…

Answers:
A) ✅ True — Marie Curtis Park Beach is indeed at the mouth of the Etobicoke Creek, offering a lovely spot to relax.
B) ❌ Lie! There's no such beach as Etobicoke Creek Park Beach. But wouldn't that be a neat name?
C) ✅ True — Sunnyside Beach is a favorite for swimmers and volleyball enthusiasts alike.
D) ✅ True! Humber Bay Shores is famous for its stunning views of the Toronto skyline, making it a perfect spot for a scenic stroll.

Big congratulations to Dale Thomson for being the first to correctly answer last week’s trivia question! 🧠

Q: What does the acronym "TTC" stand for?
A: A) Toronto Transit Commission

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