Good morning, Etobicoke! She's back. I took last week off, the sun came out, and somehow the neighbourhood kept moving without me. I'm Bri, and I have a lot of catching up to do.
In this week’s newsletter:
📈 Rent Check: Etobicoke is one of Ontario's priciest rental markets right now
⚠️ Sherway Shocker: A Pottery Barn Kids employee's years of hidden camera abuse
🏠 Bait and Switch: Mimico neighbours fight back against a surprise eightplex
Plus: Anime North, Cirque du Soleil, and a free grilled cheese festival 🧀
THE DIGEST
📈 Etobicoke Is One of Ontario's Priciest Places to Rent Right Now 📈
While rents are dropping across much of Ontario, Etobicoke is moving in the opposite direction. A new May 2026 report puts Etobicoke among the only GTA markets where rents went up across all unit sizes this month, with a 7.5 per cent month-over-month increase for one-bedrooms. The average one-bedroom in Etobicoke now sits at $2,176, a two-bedroom at $2,748, and a three-bedroom at $3,402, some of the priciest numbers in the province. For context, downtown Toronto rents are actually falling. If you're renting in Etobicoke right now, you're feeling it.
⚠️ Sherway Gardens Employee Jailed for Hidden Camera Abuse ⚠️
A Mississauga man who worked at Pottery Barn Kids inside Sherway Gardens has been sentenced to 5.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to voyeurism, making child pornography, and possession of child pornography. David Pacheco Delgado, 43, spent years secretly filming customers in the store's bathrooms and mall common areas between 2016 and 2019. Victims include adult women and at least one toddler filmed in a bathroom. Peel Regional Police are still working to identify some of the people captured on camera. If you have information, contact the Peel Regional Police ICE Unit at 905-453-2121 ext. 3490, or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
🏠 The Mimico Fourplex That Quietly Became an Eightplex 🏠
A developer near Mimico GO Station started building a fourplex and is now asking the city's committee of adjustment to approve eight units instead. Neighbours are calling it a bait and switch, over 150 letters of objection have been submitted, and a city inspector flagged unauthorized plumbing and an unpermitted door on site. The owner says it's just good transit-oriented housing policy. The neighbours say it's Cinderella's shoe, and the foot doesn't fit.
Upcoming Events
May 22-24 – Anime North 2026
Toronto Congress Centre | 650 Dixon Rd.
Get ready for an epic adventure at Anime North 2026, Toronto's largest fan-run Japanese Animation convention! Join fellow anime enthusiasts for a weekend filled with cosplay, panels, and all things anime at the Toronto Congress Centre and Delta Airport Hotel. Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and fandom! 🎌 🎟️ Tickets available
May 23 & 24 – Doors Open Toronto 2026: The World in a City
Various Locations Across Toronto
Discover the rich tapestry of Toronto's diverse architecture and communities at this year's Doors Open event. With over 160 buildings and special programs to explore, this free weekend invites you to experience the city's evolution through its globally-inspired landmarks and cultural institutions. Don't miss the guided neighbourhood tours and family-friendly activities at the City Hall hub! 🌍🏛️
🕘 All day event | Free admission – advance registration required for certain tours and talks
May 23 – Spring Bird Festival
Colonel Samuel Smith Park | 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W
Join us for a nature-focused family day at the Spring Bird Festival in Etobicoke! Explore the beauty of the outdoors with guided walks and get up close with live birds of prey, reptiles, and interactive learning stations perfect for kids. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn and enjoy nature together in a serene setting. 🌿🦅 🕙 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 💸 Free
May 26 – Memory Lane: Local Vocals Spring Concert
Royal York Road United Church | 851 Royal York Rd., Etobicoke
Step back in time with the Local Vocals Community Choir as they present "Memory Lane," a delightful concert featuring nostalgic songs from past decades. Special guests DelCrom Smooth Jazz Duo, also from Etobicoke, will add an extra layer of smooth sound to the evening. Admission is free, with donations supporting both concert expenses and the Christ Church St James Food Pantry. Join us for a night of music and community spirit! 🎶
🕢 7:30 p.m. | Free admission – Donations welcome
May 31 – Lip Sync with Pride Performance
Assembly Hall | 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive
Kick off Pride Month with creativity and community at Lip Sync with Pride – Unity in the City! This vibrant event invites 2SLGBTQI+ youth to express themselves through performance in a safe and supportive space. Enjoy an evening filled with music, authenticity, and the celebration of identity for all ages. 🎤✨ 🕑 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 🎟️ Free, RSVP online
June 6 – Black Diamond Presents The Grilled Cheese Challenge!
Lakeshore Blvd West | From Islington Ave to Second St
Join us for Ontario's largest celebration of grilled cheese sandwiches hosted by the Lakeshore Village BIA! This beloved one-day street festival attracts over 40,000 guests from South Etobicoke and the GTA, offering amazing eats, live music, local shopping, and fun for everyone. Explore the Challenger Zone and cheer on local chefs as they compete for the title of Top 3 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Enjoy live music, a classic car show, kids' activities, and a vibrant beer garden. Come hungry and ready for a full day of community fun! 🎶🧀
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | 🆓 Free Admission!
June 6 – Community Market with Vendors
St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale Anglican Church | 2182 Kipling Ave., Etobicoke
Join us for a delightful day of shopping and delicious eats! Discover amazing deals with our outdoor vendors and enjoy a BBQ. Inside, explore gently used household items, clothing, jewelry, toys, books, and our popular bake table. Don't miss out on attic treasures too. Rain date is June 13. 🕘 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
June 18 through August 3rd – LUZIA: Cirque du Soleil
Under the Big Top | 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W
Embark on a magical journey with LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil, where light and rain guide a parachuted traveler through a dreamlike land. Set in an enchanting make-believe Mexico, enjoy stunning visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, as LUZIA weaves through urban movie sets, dance halls, beaches, and deserts. Be prepared for a show that artistically incorporates water, a first for Cirque du Soleil's touring productions! 🌟
Weather
Fri, May 22: High 13°C, Low 7°C 🌥️
Sat, May 23: High 11°C, Low 8°C 🌧️
Sun, May 24: High 10°C, Low 8°C 🌧️
Mon, May 25: High 20°C, Low 8°C 🌥️
Tue, May 26: High 24°C, Low 13°C 🌥️
Wed, May 27: High 26°C, Low 16°C 🌥️
Thurs, May 28: High 20°C, Low 12°C ☀️
Fun & Games
😄 A Little Joke
What do you call a bear with no teeth?
A gummy bear!
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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