PRESENTED BY

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:

🛥️ Sinking Ship: A boat mysteriously sinks near Humber Bay Park
💸 Fee Fight: Helen Keller Centre battles $184K development charge
📉 Rent Relief: Etobicoke rents drop nearly 6% for one-bedrooms

Plus: Cirque du Soleil, jazz and history nights, and a little game to test your trivia skills 🎭🎷🎣

Apply Now: Free 1-Week Summer Arts Camps for Kids 5–14!
Scholarships are available for Newcomer families (arrived after July 1, 2018), Indigenous families, or those with a household income of $50,000 or less. One free week per child.

Camps run July 2 to August 29, 2025, typically Monday through Friday.

Spots are limited. The application deadline is Friday, June 6 at 11:59 p.m.

📅 Learn more and view available camps: www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com
📧 [email protected]
📞 (416) 622-5294

THE DIGEST

🛥️ Sinking Boat Prompts Morning Rescue in Etobicoke 🛥️
A boat was found sinking early Monday in a marina near Humber Bay Park. Emergency crews arrived just before 7 a.m., but no one was on board and no injuries were reported. Police say the cause isn’t suspicious, and the investigation is ongoing. Just another reminder that even boats can have a rough Monday morning.

💬 Helen Keller Centre Fights $184K Development Fee 💬
The Canadian Helen Keller Centre is asking Toronto city council for a refund after being hit with nearly $200,000 in development charges for its new Etobicoke complex serving the deafblind community. The project, located on Eighth Street, will offer 56 affordable and accessible units along with a training centre to support independent living. While the city waived its own fees, the Toronto Catholic District School Board applied separate education development charges, which the charity says should not apply. City staff disagree, but local councillor Amber Morley is pushing to pause the decision and explore options. The building is expected to open this fall.

🏠 Rents Down in Etobicoke and Across Ontario 🏠
Thinking about moving or renegotiating your lease? Etobicoke rent prices have dropped again, following a province-wide trend. A one-bedroom in the area now averages $2,317, down nearly 6 per cent from last year. Two-bedrooms are seeing even bigger drops, with prices falling over 9 per cent. The softened rental market means more options and slightly more breathing room for tenants — though landlords are feeling the squeeze, with many no longer covering their costs. Experts say high supply and a cooling real estate market are behind the decline

Upcoming Events

• Now through June 4 - Vessels of Memory Art Exhibition
  Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery | 399 The West Mall

  Presented by the City of Toronto, Vessels of Memory features four artists from the FERL Collective exploring queer memories, belonging, and how we carry our experiences. 🖼️ Thought-provoking and deeply personal, this exhibit invites reflection and connection. 🕗 Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. |
  

• Now through June 22 - OVO by Cirque du Soleil
  Under the Big Top | 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

  Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil’s 25th anniversary show, OVO—a dazzling celebration of the world of insects brought to life through acrobatics, colour, and movement. 🐞✨🎟️ Tickets available now | Prices vary
  

• May 15th - Speaker’s Night: A Century of the Bicycle’s Ups and Downs
  Montgomery’s Inn | 4709 Dundas St. W.

  Explore the fascinating 130-year history of cycling in Toronto with Albert Koehl, author of Wheeling Through Toronto. 🚲 From early bike crazes to modern active transportation debates, this talk blends politics, pride, and prejudice on two wheels. 🕢 7:30 p.m. (Refreshments at 7 p.m.) Presented by the Etobicoke Historical Society. Free to attend—everyone welcome!

• May 24 & 25 - Doors Open Toronto 2025
  Multiple Locations Across Etobicoke

  Unlock the city during Doors Open Toronto, a free weekend-long celebration where you can explore more than 150 architecturally, culturally, and historically significant sites—including stadiums, theatres, and hidden gems. A unique chance to discover Toronto’s most iconic spaces—inside and out!🏛️🎭🎶 
  Share your adventure using #DOT25 🕙 Sites open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (unless noted otherwise)

• May 24 & 25 - Rexdale: A World of Cultures, One Step at a Time
  Walking Tour starts at 2280 Islington Ave

  Discover Rexdale’s rich cultural history on a walking tour through vibrant markets, community parks, and repurposed landmarks. 🌍🎶 From a multicultural mall to the historic Woodbine Centre, explore how this dynamic neighbourhood continues to evolve. 🕚 Tour times: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 1:30–3:00 p.m. both days 🚶‍♂️ Flat terrain | Approx. 3.5 km | Free
  

• May 30th - 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 vocalist Maddy Leroy. 🎶 No cover. Reserve a table for dinner or swing by for a drink at the bar.

  🕖 7:00 p.m.
  

Weather

• Thurs., May 15: High 18°C, Low 11°C ⛅

• Fri., May 16: High 22°C, Low 13°C ⛈️

• Sat., May 17: High 18°C, Low 11°C ⛈️

• Sun., May 18: High 15°C, Low 6°C 🌥️

• Mon., May 19: High 15°C, Low 6°C 🌤️

• Tues., May 20: High 17°C, Low 8°C ☀️

• Wed., May 21: High 16°C, Low 9°C ☀️

Fun & Games

🚣 Spot the Boat Blunder

⚓ One of these boating tidbits is off course. Can you spot the made-up one?

A) Boats must always yield to canoes in Ontario marinas
B) Humber Bay Park has multiple sunken boats visible to divers
C) The term “mayday” comes from the French “m’aidez” (help me)
D) Transport Canada requires a whistle or horn on all small boats

Think you know it? Be the first to reply with the lie and you’ll get a shoutout in next week’s Scoop!

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