Good afternoon, 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.

A little later than usual today—I was under the weather, but luckily, not as much as the city! ❄️ Last night’s snowstorm was no joke, bringing so much snow that TDSB called a rare snow day. Hope you all stayed safe, warm, and maybe even enjoyed a little unexpected downtime.

In this week’s newsletter:

📉 Rents Cool Off: Etobicoke sees a dip while Toronto rents slide even further.
🌸 Spring Rec Sign-Ups: Mark your calendar—registration opens soon!
🏙️ Big Budget, Bigger Taxes: Toronto’s new budget brings a 6.9% property tax hike.

Plus, your upcoming event lineup, weekly weather, and a fun fact about Etobicoke!

THE DIGEST

📉 Etobicoke Rents Dip as Toronto Sees Steeper Declines 📉

Renters in Etobicoke may be catching a small break—new data shows average rents dipped 3.4% year-over-year, while Toronto rents have fallen 7.2%, marking one of the biggest drops nationwide. Brampton saw the sharpest GTA decline at 9.5%, while cities like Vancouver and Halifax are still seeing prices climb. With homes lingering on the market and rental prices cooling, the once-red-hot GTA housing market is looking a little chillier.

🌸 Spring Rec Sign-Ups: Get Ready, Etobicoke! 🌸

The City’s spring recreation programs are now live, and with spots known to fill fast, Etobicoke residents should mark their calendars. Registration opens March 4 at 7 a.m., with a variety of fitness, sports, and swim programs available. Older adults (60+) get early access starting February 25. Make sure to set up an account in the City’s new booking system and build your wishlist in advance. In-person support will be available at Memorial Pool and Health Club on registration day.

🏙️ Toronto’s Budget Passes With a 6.9% Tax Hike 🏙️

Mayor Olivia Chow’s $18.9B budget is official, and homeowners will see a 6.9% property tax hike to fund transit, housing, emergency services, and school meal programs. The TTC fare freeze stays, but the average homeowner will pay $268 more in property taxes this year. While some councillors argued the increases are too steep, the budget sailed through with a 19-5 vote. Etobicoke’s Vincent Crisanti (Ward 1) pushed for a lower hike, but his motion failed. Meanwhile, council also took a swipe at Tesla in response to U.S. tariffs and faced a dramatic mid-meeting protest over the city's homelessness response.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Feb. 13th - Thirsty Thursdays: Singles Mix & Mingle
  Long Branch Social House | 3595 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
  Looking to meet new people? Join this fun Singles Mix & Mingle event at Long Branch Social House. Enjoy great drinks, good vibes, and a relaxed atmosphere. Starts at 8 p.m. Free admission.
  

• Feb. 13th - Galentine’s Day Paint & Sip
  Long Branch Social House | 3595 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
  Celebrate friendship with a fun night of painting and sipping! Sarah from Canvas Paint Parties will guide you step-by-step—no experience needed. Grab your best gals and unleash your creativity! Starts at 7:30 p.m. Reserve your spot today!
  

• Feb. 19th - Artist Development Workshop: Navigating the Art Industry
  Storefront Gallery at Arts Etobicoke | 4893A Dundas St. W.
  New to the art scene? Join Daniela Galaviz for this free workshop on how to navigate the art industry as a newcomer. Gain insights, build connections, and take your creative career to the next level. 6-7:30 p.m. Free admission.
  

• Feb. 21st - Jazz at Durbar: The Matt Pines Trio
  Durbar Indian Restaurant | 2469 Bloor St. W.
  Enjoy an evening of live jazz with The Matt Pines Trio, featuring Francine Kirsh on vocals. No cover—reserve a table for dinner or stop by for a drink at the bar. Show starts at 7 p.m.
  

• March 1st - Soul in Bloom: Sip & Shop Marketplace
  Royal Canadian Legion | 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
  Support local businesses at this vibrant marketplace featuring vendors, music, cocktails, and food. Showcasing Black, Indigenous, and women-owned businesses—but open to all vendors! 1-10 p.m. Free admission.
  

• March 1st - Toronto Concert Band: Ragtime to Riches
  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd.
  Experience a night of magnificent music as the Toronto Concert Band takes you from the lively rhythms of Ragtime Dance Music Revue to the powerful melodies of Glorious Revolution and Hallelujah Chorus. A must-see for music lovers! 🎶✨ Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Adults $30 | Students $15 | Kids 12 & under FREE
  
  

Weather

• Thursday, Feb. 13: High -2°C, Low -7°C ❄️

• Friday, Feb. 14: High -5°C, Low -10°C 💨

• Saturday, Feb. 15: High -1°C, Low -9°C ☁️

• Sunday, Feb. 16: High -4°C, Low -10°C ☁️

• Monday, Feb. 17: High -8°C, Low -13°C 🌤️

• Tuesday, Feb. 18: High -9°C, Low -16°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Feb. 19: High -10°C, Low -18°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🎭 Did You Know

Long Branch used to be a summer resort.

A big congrats to Marla Dash for being the first to reply with the correct answer to last week’s trivia question! 🏆👏 Dave Foley was indeed born in Etobicoke, and Marla was quick to get it right.

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