Good morning, Etobicoke! I’m Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. Every Thursday, I’ve got your roundup of local news, events, and stories, all in one easy read.

In this week’s newsletter:

🍁 Maple Washing: Are those beans really Canadian?
🐝 Wasp Invasion: Brace yourselves, they're hangry!
🏗️ Bloor-Kipling Boom: New homes and a civic centre

Plus: Farmers' markets, Ribfest, and art events 🎨

THE DIGEST

🍁🚫 Maple Washing: Are You Really Buying Canadian? 🍁🚫 
Some major grocery stores are under fire for "maple washing," falsely labeling products as Canadian when they're actually imported. A sharp-eyed secret shopper from Toronto exposed mislabeled green beans from Guatemala and red onions from Egypt. A Montreal law firm is taking action with a class-action lawsuit against big chains like Provigo and Walmart. As shoppers aim to support Canadian products, this controversy raises questions about transparency and consumer trust in the food industry.

🐝 The Wasps Are Not OK 🐝 
Summer might be wrapping up, but Toronto’s wasps are just getting started. Locals are reporting more run-ins with yellow jackets and paper wasps, who are aggressively raiding backyard barbecues, beaches, and parks for anything sweet or meaty. Experts say it’s not your imagination — this year’s hot, dry weather sped up their usual food cycle, leaving them hangry and hunting for snacks sooner than usual. The good news? Once the first frost hits, they’ll peace out. Until then, keep your food covered and your swatting instincts in check — especially around the yellow jackets (they don’t play).

🏗️🏘️ New Bloor-Kipling Community Rising? 🏘️🏗️ 
Etobicoke is getting a major facelift with the development of a new transit-oriented community at Bloor-Kipling. This project, three months ahead of schedule, will bring 2,700 residential homes (900 affordable), a civic centre, and a net-zero community to the area. With the goal of creating a complete community, this development is a big step towards meeting Toronto's HousingTO Plan targets by 2030. It's a whole new world for Etobicoke in the making!

Upcoming Events

• Every Saturday - Humber Bay Shores Farmers’ Market 
  Humber Bay Park West | 100 Humber Bay Park Rd. W.
  Get ready to experience the return of the Humber Bay Shores Farmers’ Market! Join us at Humber Bay Park West for a vibrant community gathering filled with fresh produce, local goods, and a welcoming atmosphere. 🕖 Running every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm until Thanksgiving weekend, this market is the perfect place to shop local and support Canadian vendors. Admission is free.
  

• Every Saturday – Etobicoke Civic Centre Farmers Market
  Etobicoke Civic Centre – 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke
  One of the city’s longest‑running markets returns every Saturday with farm‑fresh produce, artisanal breads, local honey and more. Stroll the stalls, chat with growers and fill your basket while soaking up some live music.
  

• September 19 – 21 – Etobicoke Ribfest 2025

  Colonel Samuel Smith Park | 3145 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Etobicoke

  Get ready for the 4th Annual Etobicoke Ribfest, a mouth-watering celebration of BBQ delights! Enjoy award-winning smoked ribs, tender pulled pork, juicy brisket, and more from North America's top rib teams. Indulge in festival classics like corn dogs and funnel cakes, with cold beer to wash it all down. The fun continues with a kids zone, face painting, a marketplace, and live music featuring tribute acts and local bands. 🕛 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Free Admission

• September 19–21 – RELISH: The Foodie Event

  North Parking Lot, Cloverdale | 250 The East Mall, Etobicoke

  Get ready to satisfy your taste buds at RELISH! This vibrant three-day festival is a feast for the senses with gourmet bites, local treats, and lively entertainment. Explore 22 food trucks, a bustling marketplace with over 30 vendors, and interactive workshops perfect for foodies of all ages. Enjoy live music on the SKYGRiD stage and let the kids play in the Little Foodies Play Zone. It's a family-friendly event with something for everyone, including the debut of Sip & Relish. Admission is free, rain or shine! 🕒 September 19: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | September 20: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | September 21: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
  

• September 20 – 2nd Annual Mimico Food Fest

  Local MRKT | Mimico Square, 2445 Lake Shore Blvd West, Etobicoke

  Join us in South Etobicoke for the 2nd Annual Mimico Food Fest! In collaboration with the Mimico Residents Association, enjoy a variety of delicious food vendors in a family and pet-friendly environment. This free event is a perfect outing for everyone and will take place rain or shine. 🌞🌧️

  🕛 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 🎟️ Free Admission

• Now through Sept. 21 – National Mosaic Art Exhibition

  Neilson Park Creative Centre | 56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke

  Experience the beauty and artistry of mosaic with the national exhibition UNITY, presented by Mosaic Artists of Canada. This juried show celebrates contemporary mosaic art in its many forms, showcasing over 50 stunning works by 34 talented Canadian artists. From intricate micro-mosaics to impressive 3D sculptures, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of mosaic art! 🕘 Exhibition runs daily | 🎟️ Free admission – Workshops available with paid registration
  

• September 25 – September Art Night with Jessie Chui

  Arts Etobicoke Storefront Gallery | 4893A Dundas Street West, Toronto

  Join us for a delightful evening of creativity at our monthly Art Night! This September, learn the art of crafting a realistic crepe paper rose with renowned artist Jessie Chui. Perfect for beginners and experienced creators alike, this workshop offers a relaxing environment with all supplies and refreshments included. Dive into a new hobby while supporting community art programs! 🌹

  🕕 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. | 🎟️ $65 +HST (includes supplies and refreshments) – Ages 16+
  

• October 3 – Connecting to You Women's Retreat: Cultivating Gratitude for Enough

  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke

  Join us at Islington United Church’s Stewart East Hall for a heartwarming pre-Thanksgiving retreat focused on cultivating gratitude and embracing the concept of being "enough." Over two days, immerse yourself in discussions, hear from guest speaker Miriam Frey, and enjoy a community atmosphere with worship, refreshments, and a soup lunch with gluten-free options. No prior experience is needed, and child care is available upon request. 🌟

  🕖 Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. & Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 🎟️ $50, with financial assistance available.
  

• October 17 – Demons and Angels: Etobicoke Philharmonic Season Opening Concert

  Martingrove Collegiate Institute | 50 Winterton Drive, Etobicoke

  Join us for a spectacular evening as the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off the season with "Demons and Angels." Experience the enchanting melodies of Matthew J. Donnelly's "The Grave-Digger’s Waltz," the virtuosic flair of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" featuring guest pianist Michael Berkovsky, and the uplifting sounds of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8. 🎶 🕗 8:00 PM | 🎟️ Tickets available

Weather

• Thu, Sep 18: High 29°C, Low 16°C 🌧️

• Fri, Sep 19: High 20°C, Low 13°C ☀️

• Sat, Sep 20: High 18°C, Low 13°C ☀️

• Sun, Sep 21: High 23°C, Low 15°C 🌧️

• Mon, Sep 22: High 27°C, Low 18°C 🌧️

• Tue, Sep 23: High 26°C, Low 18°C 🌧️

• Wed, Sep 24: High 26°C, Low 18°C 🌧️

Fun & Games

🤔 Riddle me this:

I change with the season, but I’m not your wardrobe. I fall gracefully, but I’m not a dancer. I’m often red but never angry.

What am I?

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

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