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.

Etobicoke got its first sprinkle of snow yesterday, and today’s flurries are keeping the party going—ready or not, winter has officially RSVP’d to the holiday season!

In this week’s newsletter: Santa’s Lakeshore Parade returns to spread holiday cheer, 2025 waste and water fees are making waves, a local pancake spot is serving up sweet deals, and Sherway Gardens sees a brazen jewelry heist. Plus, local events and your weekly weather forecast! Let’s dive into this week’s scoop!

THE DIGEST

 🎅 Santa's Coming to Town: Etobicoke's Lakeshore Parade Returns Dec. 7th 🎅

Missed the Toronto Santa Claus Parade? No problem. The Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade is bringing the holiday magic to the west end on Saturday, December 7th. Starting at 10 a.m., this long-standing tradition kicks off at Dwight Avenue and makes its way along Lake Shore Boulevard West to Long Branch Avenue. Founded in 1990 to support local businesses and highlight the vibrancy of the community, this entirely volunteer-run event now draws 60,000 visitors annually. Expect marching bands, festive floats, and a cameo from Santa himself—perfect for soaking in the holiday spirit!

💎 Smash-and-Grab at Sherway Gardens: Five Suspects Wanted 💎 

Toronto police are searching for five individuals involved in a brazen daylight robbery at Sherway Gardens mall. Around 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, the suspects entered a jewelry store, shattered display cases, and fled with an undisclosed amount of merchandise. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

🚮 Bin There, Paid That: Etobicoke Faces 2025 Waste & Water Fee Hikes 🚮

Etobicoke, get ready to shell out a bit more for waste and water in 2025. The City of Toronto is proposing a 3.75% hike in solid waste and water fees starting January 1. For single-family homes, garbage bin costs will range from $306 (small) to $586 (extra-large), up $11–$21 from last year. Water bills for the average household will rise by $39 annually, hitting $1,078. The extra cash will keep your waste picked up, water running, and infrastructure ready for the future (hello, flood prevention). Got thoughts? You can speak up before December 9—or forever hold your peace (and wallet).

🏡 A $2M Slice of Royal History in Mimico 🏡

This semi-detached stunner at 50 Cavell Ave. in Mimico is more than just a 4,000-square-foot home—it’s a piece of history. The land was originally purchased from King George III, and the house, built in 1850, boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and architectural charm that rivals homes in Toronto’s Rosedale or Annex neighborhoods. From exposed brick and soaring ceilings to a backyard and a basement studio apartment, this rare find is listed for $1,995,000—a steal compared to similar homes in Toronto’s core. Expect this royal gem to be off the market faster than you can say “Crown Estate.”

Local Spotlight

🥞 Grand Opening - Dec. 11th - Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House 
460 Renforth Dr. #15, Etobicoke
Get 50% off the entire menu all day! First come, first served. Some restrictions apply.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• 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.

• Dec. 6th - Etobicoke Community Concert Band presents Christmas Joy
  Etobicoke Collegiate Institute | 86 Montgomery Rd
  Join Etobicoke Community Concert Band for a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer, music, and fun - with special guest Jean Augustine. Adults $25. Children under 12 are free.

• Dec. 7th - Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade

  Dwight Avenue to Lake Shore along Lake Shore Blvd. W 

  This beloved, volunteer-run event will journey from Dwight Avenue to Long Branch Avenue along Lake Shore Boulevard West, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa himself.

• Every Weekend Through Dec. 15th - 2nd Annual Christmas Market 

  Long Branch Social House | 3595 Lake Shore Blvd. West  

  An outdoor market with a variety of vendors set up on the patio to sell you one of a kind gift ideas just in time for the holidays. 11a to 4p.

Weather

• Thursday, Dec. 5: High 0°C, Low -6°C ❄️

• Friday, Dec. 6: High -1°C, Low -8°C ☁️

• Saturday, Dec. 7: High 1°C, Low -4°C ☁️

• Sunday, Dec. 8: High 6°C, Low 1°C 🌥️

• Monday, Dec. 9: High 5°C, Low 1°C 🌧️

• Tuesday, Dec. 10: High 8°C, Low 1°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Dec. 11: High 1°C, Low -3°C 🌤️

Fun & Games

Did You Know?

Did you know Santa Claus has been part of Toronto’s holiday traditions since 1905? That makes the Santa Claus Parade one of the longest-running parades in the world. Etobicoke joined the fun in 1991 with the Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade, which now draws 60,000 visitors annually!

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