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:

🚗 Crash & Closure: Impaired driving shuts down Islington Avenue.
❄️ Digging Out: Snow removal begins after 53 cm of snowfall blankets the city.
✈️ Pearson Plane Crash: Delta jet wreckage cleared, but runway issues linger.

Plus, upcoming events, your weekly weather forecast, and a quiz to test your Etobicoke knowledge!

THE DIGEST

🚗 Impaired Driving Crash Shuts Down Islington Avenue 🚗

A woman in her 20s faces impaired driving charges after crashing into a hydro pole near Islington Avenue and Rathburn Road in Etobicoke early Tuesday morning. The collision brought down live wires, forcing a lengthy closure of Islington Avenue between Rathburn and Great Oak Drive. The road fully reopened Wednesday night after Toronto Hydro repairs. TTC’s 37 Islington and 937 Express routes were delayed by up to 25 minutes during the closure, though no injuries or power outages were reported.

❄️ Toronto Kicks Off Major Snow Removal After 53 cm Blanket ❄️

Toronto is digging out after 53 cm of snow blanketed the city over the past 10 days. Crews have been working around the clock to clear roads and sidewalks, and snow removal operations officially began yesterday, expected to last up to three weeks. Priority is being given to main streets, transit routes, hospitals, and areas with limited snow storage. Residents are reminded that parking on designated snow routes is prohibited during this Major Snowstorm Condition, with fines up to $200 and potential towing. So, keep those streets clear and stay patient as the city works to get back to normal.

✈️ Pearson Clears Crashed Delta Jet Wreckage, Two Runways Still Closed ✈️

The wreckage of a Delta Air Lines jet that crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday has been cleared after hours of work on Wednesday. While all 76 passengers and four crew members survived, two runways—including the country's busiest east-west strip—remain closed as investigations continue. The runway closures caused flight caps on departures and arrivals. Delta is offering $30,000 USD in no-strings-attached compensation to passengers, though it could take weeks for luggage to be returned due to inspection and cleaning.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Feb. 21st - 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 Francine Kirsh on vocals. No cover—reserve a table for dinner or stop by for a drink at the bar. Show starts at 7 p.m.
  

• Feb. 22nd - Coldest Night of the Year 2025
  CF Sherway Gardens
  Join the community for The Coldest Night of the Year, a family-friendly fundraising walk supporting Haven on the Queensway and their mission to help those experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Walk with purpose, fundraise, and make a difference—because it’s cold out there. 4–7 p.m.
  

• Feb. 27th - Provincial General Election Day
  Etobicoke—Lakeshore (029)
  Make your voice heard on February 27, 2025! 🗳️ Vote in the provincial general election and help shape Ontario's future.
  

• March 1st - Soul in Bloom: Sip & Shop Marketplace
  Royal Canadian Legion | 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
  Support local businesses at this vibrant marketplace featuring vendors, music, cocktails, and food. Showcasing Black, Indigenous, and women-owned businesses—but open to all vendors! 1-10 p.m. Free admission.
  

• March 1st - Toronto Concert Band: Ragtime to Riches
  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd.
  Experience a night of magnificent music as the Toronto Concert Band takes you from the lively rhythms of Ragtime Dance Music Revue to the powerful melodies of Glorious Revolution and Hallelujah Chorus. A must-see for music lovers!

  Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Adults $30 | Students $15 | Kids 12 & under FREE
  

• March 6th - International Women’s Day Fundraising Luncheon
  Mimico Cruising Club | 200 Humber Bay Park Rd. W.
  Celebrate empowerment, progress, and community at this inspiring International Women’s Day luncheon. Join LAMP for an afternoon of connection and reflection. Starts at 12 p.m. | $50 per person

Weather

• Thursday, Feb. 20: High -8°C, Low -13°C ☁️

• Friday, Feb. 21: High -5°C, Low -12°C 🌤️

• Saturday, Feb. 22: High -2°C, Low -11°C ☁️

• Sunday, Feb. 23: High -1°C, Low -6°C ☁️

• Monday, Feb. 24: High 2°C, Low -2°C ❄️

• Tuesday, Feb. 25: High 3°C, Low 1°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Feb. 26: High 3°C, Low -6°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🎭 Quiz

How much snow does Etobicoke typically get each winter?

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