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.

After days of intense cold, the polar vortex is finally loosening its grip on Etobicoke. We’re still bundling up, but compared to -30°C wind chills, today feels almost tropical at -5°C! Stay warm, and let’s dive into this week’s top stories.

In this week’s newsletter:

🏡 Neighborhood Showdown: Kingsway bungalow faces fourplex controversy
🏒 Leafs Appearance: Outdoor practice coming to Mimico's Prince of Wales Rink
💰 Lottery Lightning: Etobicoke ticket wins $60M jackpot

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

THE DIGEST

🏡 The Kingsway vs. The Fourplex 🏡 
A bungalow at 28 Valiant Road is at the center of a neighborhood showdown, as residents push back against plans to replace it with a three-storey, fourplex-style home. Nearly 50 letters of objection have flooded the Committee of Adjustment ahead of a Jan. 23 vote, with concerns over congestion, parking, and preserving the area’s character. Only two letters have come in support of the project, but with the site just a short walk from Royal York Station, the debate over smart density vs. overdevelopment continues.

🏒 Leafs Take It Outside: Outdoor Practice Coming to South Etobicoke 🏒

The Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing their annual outdoor practice to Prince of Wales Rink in Mimico on Jan. 27, giving fans a chance to watch their favorite players hit the ice under the open sky. Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, who grew up in the area, called the rink “a special place” and hopes the event inspires the next generation of hockey lovers. Bundle up and get ready to experience some good old-fashioned shinny vibes—Leafs style.

💰Lottery Lightning: $60M Strikes Etobicoke💰

An anonymous Etobicoke ticket holder is $60M richer—the first big win of 2025. With last year's record 11 jackpots in Ontario, the lottery gods are definitely playing favorites. Pro move: Check those numbers before your coffee gets cold.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Jan. 23rd - Thursday Night Movies
  Great Lakes Brewery | 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd.
  Enjoy an evening of movies, beer, and fun in the new Canuck Lodge heated patio at 30 queen Elizabeth blvd. in the heart of glorious south Etobicoke. Free popcorn. No admission.
  

• Jan. 26th - Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra presents The Great Sing-Off
  Humber Valley United Church | 76 Anglesey Blvd.
  A listen’n’learn, no-intermission matinee for all ages exploring 'soul music' in symphony and spoken word. Special guest artist Craig Doyle. Kids under 12: $10. Adults: $20. Tickets can be purchased through the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra. Starts at 2p.
  

• Jan. 27th - Toronto Maple Leafs Annual Outdoor Practice
  Prince of Wales Park | Mimico
  For the first time, the practice will be held at Prince of Wales rink in Mimico as part of the team’s commitment to celebrating local communities.
  

• 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.

Weather

• Thursday, Jan. 23: High -4°C, Low -10°C ☁️

• Friday, Jan. 24: High -6°C, Low -13°C 🌤️

• Saturday, Jan. 25: High -4°C, Low -11°C ☁️

• Sunday, Jan. 26: High -3°C, Low -7°C ☁️

• Monday, Jan. 27: High -4°C, Low -8°C 🌤️

• Tuesday, Jan. 28: High 1°C, Low -9°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Jan. 29: High 3°C, Low -2°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🎉 Trivia Time
What’s the name of the historic estate-turned-park in Etobicoke that features a beautiful greenhouse and gardens?

a) James Gardens
b) Humber Bay Park
c) Colonel Samuel Smith Park
d) Centennial Park

The first reader to reply with the correct answer will get a mention in next week’s issue!

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