Good morning, Etobicoke! I'm Bri, and this week the news came out of City Hall more than off the streets. It hits 30 today and feels like 38, with two festivals and some rain on the way this weekend. Hydrate first, then grab your iced coffee.
In this week’s newsletter:
🛍️ By The Numbers: 546 arrests in a crackdown Etobicoke started
🔥 Under Investigation: Lakeshore business fire ruled suspicious
🗳️ Clock's Ticking: 15 days left to get on the ballot
Plus: JerkFest turns 25, a waterfront festival, and free movies under the stars 🌟
THE DIGEST
🛍️ North Etobicoke Started This Whole Crackdown 🛍️ Toronto police announced Wednesday that their organized retail crime unit has made 546 arrests, laid 4,033 charges and recovered more than $1.6 million in stolen merchandise since it formed in 2024. The unit exists partly because of us: it was created after a spike in thefts at north Etobicoke businesses. Police also released video of a group filling bags during an LCBO theft, in case you needed the visual.
🔥 Police Are Calling This Lakeshore Fire Arson 🔥
Toronto police were called to a business near Lake Shore Boulevard West and Albert Avenue at 4:53 a.m. Monday for a fire that crews put out. No one was hurt, but investigators say arson is suspected and there is no suspect description yet. If you were up early near Royal York and saw something, police want to hear from you at 416-808-2200.
🗳️ Fifteen Days To Get On The Ballot 🗳️
Nominations for the October 26 municipal election close August 21 at 2 p.m., so the Etobicoke ballot is nearly set. All three local incumbents are registered to run again: Vincent Crisanti in Etobicoke North, Stephen Holyday in Etobicoke Centre and Amber Morley in Etobicoke Lakeshore. Beaches East York councillor Brad Bradford is giving up his seat to challenge Olivia Chow for mayor.
📌 Quick Hits
Council went with a request for a provincewide framework instead of the one year data centre moratorium residents asked for. Coun. Vincent Crisanti's motion did pass though, so staff will meet the 48 Lowe's Place applicant about noise, water and hydro use and report back December 9 and 10. Mississauga is drafting a pause bylaw for a September vote.
Finding a good contractor in Etobicoke shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Meet Scoop Approved ↓
Upcoming Events
Through August 30 – LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil
The Big Top | 2150 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Experience the magic of LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil, a breathtaking journey inspired by the vibrant culture and landscapes of Mexico, right by Humber Bay Shores. This enchanting show under the big top offers a unique blend of acrobatics and visual artistry. Make an evening of it with a stroll along Marine Parade Drive after the performance. 🌅 🕗 Various showtimesThrough October 31 – Etobicoke Civic Centre Farmers Market
Etobicoke Civic Centre | 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Kick off your Saturday mornings with the Etobicoke Civic Centre Farmers Market, a cherished community event running until October 31, 2026. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and explore an incredible variety of Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables. Meet local farmers who know their customers by name and stock up for your weekend barbecue while supporting the local agricultural economy. 🌽🍅 🕗 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Free entryAugust 7-9 – JerkFest 2026
Centennial Park | 256 Centennial Park Rd., Etobicoke
JerkFest Toronto is celebrating 25 years of Caribbean culture, cuisine and community spirit. Three days of jerk done properly, market vendors, a kids zone with face painting and carnival games, and a music lineup that includes Lukie D, Mr. Lexx, Spice, 450 and soca artist Patrice Roberts. 🌟 🕔 Friday: 5:00 – 10:30 p.m. | Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | 🎟️ Tickets: $30 – $175August 8 – Humber Bay Shores Waterfront Festival
Marine Parade Drive | Marine Parade Dr., Etobicoke
The waterfront festival is back for its 15th edition after last year's was postponed. Free, and running from morning into the evening with live music across two stages, food vendors, an artisan market, a family lawn and 9:00 a.m. yoga if you are the kind of person who starts a festival with yoga. Forecast says showers, so pack accordingly. 🕘 Yoga 9:00 a.m. | Opening ceremony 10:00 a.m. | 🎟️ Free EventAugust 13-15 – TOPS at Bell Manor Park: Going Places Film Series
Bell Manor Park | 1 Bayside Ln, Etobicoke (enter at Parklawn Rd.)
Three nights of free open-air film in Etobicoke: The Queen of My Dreams on Thursday, The Princess Bride on Friday and Paddington on Saturday. Pre-show arts and crafts for the kids, treats from local vendors, and you bring the blanket. 🧺🎬 🕕 Eats & Treats at 6:00 p.m. | Arts & Crafts 6:00-7:30 p.m. | 🎬 Showtime at sundown (~8:30 p.m.) | 🎟️ Free Admission (donations welcome)August 15 – UCW: The Crowning 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke
An afternoon of independent pro wrestling on the Lakeshore, with rising stars and veterans on the card. Loud, silly, and a genuinely good time whether or not you follow the sport. 🤼 🕒 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Tickets via Eventbrite
Weather
Thu, Aug 6: High 30°C, Low 21°C 🌧️
Fri, Aug 7: High 28°C, Low 19°C 🌧️
Sat, Aug 8: High 31°C, Low 20°C 🌧️
Sun, Aug 9: High 28°C, Low 18°C 🌥️
Mon, Aug 10: High 28°C, Low 20°C 🌧️
Tue, Aug 11: High 29°C, Low 18°C 🌥️
Wed, Aug 12: High 27°C, Low 19°C 🌥️
Fun & Games
🤔 Riddle me this:
I follow you everywhere but never say a word. I stretch out at breakfast, shrink all morning, and vanish the second you step inside.
What am I?
Answer: Your shadow. It'll be at its shortest just after 1:00 p.m. today, which is also roughly the hour you'll want to be standing in someone else's.
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
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