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 today’s newsletter: a daring $1M crypto ransom resolved in Centennial Park, plans for a 43-story Long Branch tower, and record demand at Etobicoke’s Daily Bread Food Bank. Plus, the latest on Toronto’s bike lane debate and local coffee spot highlights. Let’s dive into this week’s scoop!

News

💸 Crypto Exec Found Safe in Centennial Park After $1M Ransom Paid 💸 

WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka was abducted during rush hour in downtown Toronto last Wednesday, as suspects forced him into a vehicle near University Ave. and Richmond St. West. After a ransom of $1 million was paid electronically, Skurka was found unharmed in Etobicoke’s Centennial Park. This high-stakes incident highlights the rising risk of physical attacks on crypto holders, as skyrocketing Bitcoin prices draw more criminal attention. Experts warn that cryptocurrency’s easy transferability makes it an attractive target for theft.

🏢 Etobicoke’s New Skyline Star: Long Branch Tower Plans Soar 🏢

What was once a plan for an 11-storey mid-rise in Etobicoke is now a vision for a towering 43-storey high-rise. Developers behind 3807 Lake Shore Blvd. W., just steps from the Long Branch GO Station, have expanded their land and their ambitions, proposing a sleek, glass-and-steel “Long Branch Tower” that’s four times the height of the original plan. The updated design from Studio JCI includes 549 condo units, 14 rental replacements, and a touch of retail at the base. With just 72 parking spaces but over 430 bike spots, it’s geared for the transit-loving crowd in this newly designated transit zone. And despite a challenging condo market, experts hint the timing may be just right as buyer optimism begins to perk up.

🍞 Etobicoke-Based Daily Bread Reports Record Toronto Food Bank Demand—But Hopes for Change 🍞

Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank, headquartered in Etobicoke, reports a record 3.5 million food bank visits over the past year—a sharp rise reflecting higher costs and growing food insecurity. According to their latest “Who’s Hungry” report, over 10% of residents now rely on food banks, with many left with just $6.67 per person per day after paying rent and utilities. Despite these challenging numbers, the Daily Bread team remains hopeful, pushing for policy changes to help the community build a more food-secure future. Their work highlights both the urgency of the need and the strength of community support in tough times.

🚴‍♂️ Bike Lane Debate Pedals Ahead: Millions to Roll Back on Bloor? 🚴‍♀️

The City of Toronto has estimated that removing bike lanes from Bloor Street West, University Avenue, and Yonge Street could cost $48 million. If plans progress, the city would lose the $27 million originally spent on installing the bike lanes. The province plans to cover these removal costs, citing traffic congestion concerns. However, some city officials attribute congestion primarily to construction activities rather than bike lanes. The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the financial implications against the city's transportation and environmental goals.

Local Spotlight

☕️The Sydney Grind - 2883 Lake Shore Blvd W. - Your Aussie-inspired coffee shop in the heart of Etobicoke.

☕️Mojo Cafe - 715 The Queensway - Your neighborhood coffee fix for maximum mojo.

☕️Birds & Beans Cafe - 2413 Lake Shore Blvd. W - Specialty organic coffee house.

☕️Terminal 3 Coffee - 3337 Lake Shore Blvd. W - The international terminal for beans.

Community Updates

Get ready to register for winter activities! Registration for winter recreation programs in Etobicoke begins Tuesday, December 3rd at 7am. The City has launched a new registration and booking system that includes a ‘wish list.’ This should save you time searching for and selecting your program. You can learn more here.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Nov. 15th - 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.

• Nov. 16th - 2024 Holiday Market & Craft Fair 

  Etobicoke School of the Arts | 675 Royal York Road  

  Enjoy baked goods, a silent auction, live performances, raffles and more from 10a to 4p. Admission: $2.

Weather

• Thursday, Nov. 14: High 9°C, Low 4°C 🌧️

• Friday, Nov. 15: High 9°C, Low 3°C ☁️

• Saturday, Nov. 16: High 11°C, Low 3°C ☀️

• Sunday, Nov. 17: High 9°C, Low 6°C 🌥️

• Monday, Nov. 18: High 10°C, Low 5°C 🌥️

• Tuesday, Nov. 19: High 9°C, Low 4°C 🌥️

• Wednesday, Nov. 20: High 8°C, Low 3°C ☁️

Fun & Games

Did You Know?

Etobicoke’s neighborhoods, particularly areas like The Kingsway and Humber Valley Village, were designed with the British "Garden City" model in mind, promoting lush greenery, curving streets, and community-oriented layouts that set them apart from other Toronto neighborhoods.

Thanks to Danial S., Mya M., and John D. for sharing their best coffee spots in Etobicoke for last week’s ‘Fill in the Blank’ game. We’ve highlighted all of the recommendations in our Local Spotlight section.

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