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:

🏠 Housing help expanded: New income limits aim to make homeownership more attainable for middle earners
🤖 Metro goes high-tech: A fresh distribution center in Etobicoke gets a robotic upgrade
💙 Safe and sound: Missing woman with dementia found after community-wide concern
💰 Bills on the rise: Water and waste rates set to increase in 2024—what it means for you
🎄 Holiday happenings: From trivia nights to photo exhibits, your guide to festive fun

Plus, your weekly weather forecast and a tricky holiday riddle to test your wit!

THE DIGEST

🏠 New Home Ownership Program Expands Help to Higher Earners 🏠

City council has raised the income cap for its home ownership assistance program from the 60th percentile ($102,000) to the 80th percentile ($160,000), aiming to make "attainable housing" more accessible for middle-to-higher-income earners. The update comes as part of a strategy to tackle missed housing targets, including new partnerships between non-profits and private developers. Councillors like Stephen Holyday (Ward 2, Etobicoke Centre) had questions about how the program would work, particularly around equity gains for participants, but the changes passed without much debate. City staff say long-term housing goals will still need a boost from provincial and federal support.

🤖 Metro’s Supply Chain Gets a High-Tech Makeover 🤖

Metro just wrapped up a seven-year overhaul of its supply chain, marked by a new automated fresh distribution center in Etobicoke. This facility uses robotic cranes and conveyor belts to store and ship products like meat, dairy, and flowers to stores across Ontario. The upgrades allow Metro to handle more inventory in less space, improve accuracy, and reduce waste by sending stores exactly what they need. While the automation reduces physically demanding jobs, it requires more technical expertise—something Metro says they’re committed to addressing without layoffs. With this nearly billion-dollar revamp, Metro aims to keep up with an increasingly competitive grocery industry.

💙 Missing Etobicoke Woman with Dementia Found Safe 💙

Rose, a 61-year-old woman with dementia who went missing on Sunday near Dixon Road and Martin Grove, has been found safe, Toronto police announced Tuesday. Authorities had expressed serious concern for her safety, noting she wasn’t dressed for the winter cold and lacked identification or a phone. Her safe return brings relief and gratitude during a time of concern for her well-being.

💰 Water and Waste Costs Are Going Up 💰

When Etobicoke Scoop reported on this rate increase last month, it was still at the proposal stage—now it’s official. Starting January 1, a 3.75% rate hike will bump up water and waste bills. For the average household using 230 cubic metres of water a year, that means paying about $39 more, bringing the total annual cost to $1,078—up from $1,039 in 2024. On the waste side, solid bin fees will rise by $11 to $21 depending on bin size, with small bins costing $306.36 and extra-large bins hitting $585.89. The extra cash will fund essential services like water treatment and infrastructure upgrades. Relief programs are available for eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Feedback on the 2025 Budget? The city wants to hear from you in January.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Dec. 19th - Trivia Night
  Funny Bones Games Lounge | 3029 Lakeshore Blvd. W
  Bring your festive brains and tacky sweaters to the Holiday/Trivia night. There will be a prize for the best (worst) ugly Christmas sweater. Starts at 7:30p.

• Dec. 19th - Ukulele Jam

  Nickel Brook Brewery | 1589 The Queensway

  Get ready for the Christmas edition of this monthly ukulele jam. The optional chord/strum workshop starts at 6:30p, and the jam is 7-9p. Entry: $15.

• Through Dec. 30th - CAMP Mini

  Hudson’s Bay Court @ CF Sherway Gardens | 25 The West Mall

  This interactive pop-up is packed with hands-on activities for the whole family. Guests can create personalized snow globes and CAMP’s signature slime or explore a curated selection of gifts perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to play on-site or take the fun home, there’s something for everyone. Mon - Sat: 10a to 9p. Sun: 10a to 6p.

• 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.

Weather

• Thursday, Dec. 19: High 0°C, Low -5°C

• Friday, Dec. 20: High -3°C, Low -7°C ❄️

• Saturday, Dec. 21: High -7°C, Low -14°C 🌤️

• Sunday, Dec. 22: High -9°C, Low -16°C 🌤️

• Monday, Dec. 23: High -1°C, Low -13°C ☁️

• Tuesday, Dec. 24: High 2°C, Low -2°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Dec. 25: High 0°C, Low 3°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🎄 Riddle Me This 🎄
I’m not a tree, but I have many leaves. I can be decorated, but I’m not a house. What am I? (Hint: You may have just seen one at a holiday market!)

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

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