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:

🔥 Arson at an Etobicoke Dealership? Police confirm yesterday’s fire was set intentionally.
🚴‍♂️ Bike Lane Battle Escalates: Cyclists protest outside Stantec over lane removals.
🚗 Carjacking Chaos: Three arrested after a high-risk takedown in Etobicoke.

Plus, your weekly weather forecast, upcoming events, and a look back at one of Etobicoke’s most daring protests!

THE DIGEST

🔥 Etobicoke Car Dealership Fire Now Considered Arson 🔥

An early morning fire yesterday at an Etobicoke car dealership is being investigated as arson, Toronto police confirm. Crews responded to the blaze on Islington Avenue, just south of Bloor, around 2:40 a.m. Wednesday and quickly extinguished the flames. While investigators remain on scene monitoring hot spots, police say it’s too early to determine who may be responsible. The incident comes just a day after another suspicious fire at an Oakville dealership, though authorities have yet to confirm if the two are linked.

🚴‍♂️ Cyclists vs. Stantec: A Toronto Bike Lane Showdown 🚴‍♂️

About 100 cyclists took to the streets Tuesday, rallying outside Stantec’s Toronto office over its role in the province’s plan to rip out bike lanes—including sections of Bloor Street in Etobicoke. The protesters, led by Fridays for Future Toronto, called out the engineering firm for helping design the removal, accusing it of ditching its duty to public safety. Things got heated—two activists were arrested for trespassing, fined $50, and later released. Stantec says it’s just drafting technical plans and will be done soon. Meanwhile, Ontario’s green light means the lane removals, including parts of Bloor, Yonge, and University, could start as early as Thursday. Buckle up, Etobicoke.

🚗 Carjacking Chaos in Etobicoke Ends in Arrests 🚗

An 18-year-old man and two teens were arrested after a carjacking in Etobicoke that involved a replica gun and a hammer. Police say the trio targeted a driver near Finch and Martin Grove on Wednesday, demanding their keys before speeding off in the stolen vehicle—while their getaway car, a Toyota Rav 4, followed closely behind. The stolen car was later tracked to Sheppard and Don Mills, where police swooped in with a high-risk takedown, recovering the vehicle, a hammer, and a replica handgun. All three suspects are now facing robbery and weapons charges.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• March 21st - Jazz at Durbar: The Matt Pines Trio
  Durbar Indian Restaurant | 2469 Bloor St. W.

  Enjoy a night of smooth jazz with The Matt Pines Trio, featuring the soulful vocals of Francine Kirsh. No cover—reserve a table for dinner or stop by for a drink at the bar. 🎶🍷 🕖 7 p.m.

• March 21st - Agony and Ecstasy by Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra
  Martingrove Collegiate Institute | 50 Winterton Dr.

  Experience a night of deeply moving music that journeys from suffering to strength. 🎻✨ The Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra presents powerful works by Brahms, Simon Rivet, and Shostakovich in an emotional and cathartic performance. 🕗 8 p.m.
  

• April 19th - 3rd Annual Easter MRKT
  Mimico Square | 2445 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

  Hop into spring at the Easter MRKT! 🌸🐰 Shop from 25+ local vendors featuring handmade goods, baked treats, candles, and gifts. Kids can enjoy free activities and a special visit from the Easter Bunny! 🕚 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• April 19-20 - Easter Buffet at Old Mill Toronto
  Old Mill Toronto | 21 Old Mill Rd.

  Celebrate Easter with a delicious buffet at Old Mill Toronto! 🐰🥂 Enjoy chef-carved roasts, fresh seafood, vegan & gluten-free options, decadent desserts, and the famous chocolate fountain. Plus, a special visit from the Easter Bunny—perfect for family photos! 🕚 10:30 a.m.

Weather

• Thursday, Mar. 20: High 17°C, Low 3°C ☁️

• Friday, Mar. 21: High 13°C, Low -1°C ☀️

• Saturday, Mar. 22: High 8°C, Low -3°C ☁️

• Sunday, Mar. 23: High 2°C, Low -6°C ☀️

• Monday, Mar. 24: High 7°C, Low -1°C ☁️

• Tuesday, Mar. 25: High 2°C, Low -2°C 🌤️

• Wednesday, Mar. 26: High 3°C, Low -3°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🚴‍♂️ Etobicoke Protest History Trivia! 🚴‍♀️

Cyclists just staged a protest outside Stantec’s Toronto office over bike lane removals—but it’s not the first time Etobicoke has seen a headline-making demonstration.

In what year did protesters block the Gardiner Expressway to oppose a major development project?

Reply with your guess, and the first correct answer will get a shoutout in next week’s issue!

We stumped you with last week’s trivia question! We asked: Which Etobicoke restaurant claims to be the oldest still in operation today? While we saw some great guesses, no one landed on the correct answer.

The answer is The Old Mill Toronto, which has been serving guests since 1914! What started as a humble tea room over a century ago has since grown into a full-service restaurant, event venue, and hotel—making it a true Etobicoke landmark.

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