Good morning, Etobicoke! I’m Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. As always, I’ve rounded up the latest local news, events, and stories to keep you in the loop.

In this week’s newsletter:

🔥 Kitchen Emergency Strikes: Senior critical after home accident
🚒 Tent Tragedy: Woman found ablaze in local encampment
🏗️ Plaza Pushback: Residents fight to save Richview Plaza

Plus: Santa Parade, a festive market, and sweet concerts 🎅

If you love a good vintage find, stop by Never Gets Old on Jutland Road, recently featured in our Local Spotlight section.

THE DIGEST

🔥👵 Cooking Mishap Puts Senior in Critical Condition 👵🔥 
An elderly woman in Etobicoke is fighting for her life after a cooking incident turned dangerous, filling her home with smoke. Emergency crews responded to reports of smoke and found no active fire, but the situation was life-threatening. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition. This incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine moment in the kitchen can become dangerous, especially for seniors living alone.

🔥🚒 Woman Found on Fire in Etobicoke Encampment 🚒🔥 
Toronto police rushed to an Etobicoke encampment after finding a woman engulfed in flames inside a tent. She's now in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The incident has shocked the community and raised concerns about safety in local encampments. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this disturbing event, leaving many wondering how such a tragic situation unfolded.

🏗️ Save Richview Plaza! Etobicoke Fights Back 🛒 
Etobicoke residents are up in arms over a proposed redevelopment that could bulldoze beloved Richview Plaza, a community hub off Eglinton Avenue West. The plaza, home to essential stores like Pet Valu and Rexall, is under threat as developers plan to replace it with towering residential buildings. Locals fear losing vital services and a walkable retail destination, sparking a petition with over 1,600 signatures to preserve the heart of their neighborhood.

Upcoming Events

• December 6 – Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade

  Lake Shore Boulevard West | First St. to Thirty Fifth St.

  Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer at the 35th annual Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade! 🎅 With over 50 groups, including jolly pups, energetic sports teams, and talented bands and performers, it's a delightful event for the whole family. 🕙 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Free admission, come early for the best spots!

• December 11 – Holiday Market

  St. George's Junior School | 70 Princess Anne Crescent

  Join us for a festive evening at the Holiday Market! Discover unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious treats from local vendors. It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and support the community. 🎁✨

  🕕 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Free entry
  

• December 12 – Winter Sweets: A Festive Concert

  Humber Valley United Church | 76 Anglesey Blvd.

  Come cozy up with us on a chilly winter's evening for a delightful concert with the Etobicoke Philharmonic. Enjoy performances by guest violinists Mark Whale and Erick Oliver Wawrzkiewicz, alongside seasonal favorites like "Symphonic Chocolates" by Maxime Goulet. Embrace the festive spirit with a sing-along, a fun guest conductor opportunity, and the chance to win exciting gift baskets.

  🕗 8:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Tickets available.
  

• December 14 – Christmas in Islington

  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd.

  Join us in person or online for a spectacular Christmas concert that’s a cherished tradition in Islington Village. Enjoy an evening filled with choral and orchestral music that will add magic to your Christmas festivities. This is an event you won’t want to miss!🕖 7:00 p.m. | Donations welcome – free will offering

Weather

• Thu, Dec 4: High -2°C, Low -9°C ❄️

• Fri, Dec 5: High -2°C, Low -8°C 🌥️

• Sat, Dec 6: High 1°C, Low -3°C 🌥️

• Sun, Dec 7: High -3°C, Low -6°C ❄️

• Mon, Dec 8: High -6°C, Low -10°C ☀️

• Tue, Dec 9: High 1°C, Low -4°C ❄️

• Wed, Dec 10: High 3°C, Low -3°C ❄️

Fun & Games

😄 A Little Joke

Why don't scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything!

Last Week’s Fun & Games Results…
It wasn’t even close… the life-sized gingerbread house won by a landslide. Apparently we’re a community of ambitious holiday builders. Thanks to everyone who chimed in!

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