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:

🏡 From Four to Three? – After fourplex rejection, developer pivots to triplex
🏕️ CampTO Countdown: Summer camp registration opens Feb. 5—plan ahead!
⚽ World Cup Prep: Centennial Park to host Toronto’s only 2026 FIFA training site.

Plus, your weekly weather forecast and a game to test your Etobicoke knowledge!

THE DIGEST

🏡 Not in Their Backyard? The Kingsway Fourplex Fallout 🏡

A plan to convert a bungalow into a fourplex in The Kingsway was denied after fierce opposition from over 40 neighbors, citing concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, and preserving the character of the neighborhood. Etobicoke Scoop covered this proposal last week when it was still up for debate, and now it’s official: rejected. While the city legalized fourplexes in 2023, the homeowner was asking for multiple bylaw exemptions—including increased height, floor space, and lot coverage—which ultimately led to the decision. Now, the owner is considering a triplex instead.

🏕️ CampTO Registration Opens Soon—Start Prepping Now! 🏕️

The City’s beloved CampTO is back, and if you want a spot for your little camper, now’s the time to plan. Registration for summer camps opens at 7 a.m. on February 5, and with spots known to fill fast, parents are encouraged to explore the new online booking system, create an account, and build their wishlist ahead of time. CampTO offers full-day fun for kids ages 4 to 16, with activities ranging from arts and sports to swim days (weather permitting). Get all the details—including camp locations and what to bring—on the City's website. ⛺🌞

⚽ Centennial Park to Host Toronto’s Only 2026 World Cup Training Facility ⚽

Etobicoke’s Centennial Park is getting a global upgrade as Toronto’s sole official training facility for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Originally set to include multiple sites, plans have been scaled back to a single pitch and field house, with a $20 million investment to keep it in play long after the tournament ends. The upgraded facility, separate from the newly renamed Rob Ford Stadium, could also become a training ground for pro teams in the future—though community access will remain a priority. After the World Cup, the plan is to enclose the pitch with a winter bubble to extend its usability year-round.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Jan. 30th - Etobicoke Storytelling Circle
  Cloverdale Common at Cloverdale Mall
  Join a welcoming storytelling workshop where community members share personal stories, connect across cultures, and build friendships. Led by Maria del Carmen Ordonez, this interactive session offers storytelling techniques and meaningful conversations. Open to all—no experience needed! 2-4 p.m.
  

• Jan. 30th - Watercolour Winter Cityscape Art Night
  Arts Etobicoke | 4893a Dundas Street W
  Paint a snowy Toronto street with Nora MacPhail at our January Art Night. This easy and fun watercolour workshop is perfect for all levels. Cost: $65. Age: 16+. From 6-8:30p.

• Through Jan. 2025 - Spectacle Exhibition by National Geographic

  CF Sherway Gardens | 25 The West Mall

  “Spectacle” is an exquisite photo exhibition that showcases an array of images that are as remarkable as they are unforgettable. Each image enlightens and inspires, allowing visitors to marvel at the diverse, complex, and truly remarkable planet on which we all live.
  

• Jan. 31st through Feb.13th - Winterlicious
  Multiple locations
  Join the vibrant culinary scene. Over 230 restaurants, including 14 in Etobicoke, offer three-course prix fixe menus, featuring everything from traditional favourites to contemporary fusion and global flavours.
  

• Feb. 13th - Seed Exchange Event
  Long Branch Public Library
  Gardeners and plant lovers, don’t miss this community seed exchange! Learn from experts about plant nutrition, gardening techniques, and sustainable growing practices. Featuring a special talk by Le Luong from Nurture Growth Bio and seed tables by LEGS. 6:30-8 p.m. Free entry.
  

• Feb. 14th - Paint & Sip: Lakeshore Arts Fundraiser
  Lakeshore Arts | 2422 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
  Celebrate PALentine’s Day with an evening of creativity, wine, and fun! Bring a friend or make new ones as you paint and sip in a relaxed setting. All skill levels welcome. Tickets: $50/$75/$90 (includes one drink ticket). 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Weather

• Thursday, Jan. 30: High 1°C, Low -10°C ☁️

• Friday, Jan. 31: High 3°C, Low -5°C ❄️

• Saturday, Feb. 1: High -5°C, Low -12°C ☀️

• Sunday, Feb. 2: High 2°C, Low -10°C ❄️

• Monday, Feb. 3: High 5°C, Low -1°C ☁️

• Tuesday, Feb. 4: High -1°C, Low -4°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Feb. 5: High -1°C, Low -6°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🤔 Fact or Fiction?

Two of these Etobicoke “facts” are real, one is fake. Can you spot the imposter?

1️⃣ A man kayaked from James Gardens to Humber Bay during a flood.
2️⃣ The Islington Subway Station was originally supposed to be built in Mississauga.
3️⃣ Etobicoke was almost called "Etoborough" in the 1960s.

A big congrats to Christine Soukup for being the first to reply with the correct answer to last week’s trivia question! 🏆 The historic estate-turned-park we asked about? James Gardens! 🌿🌺 Thanks for playing, Christine—keep that Etobicoke knowledge sharp for the next round!

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