Good morning, Etobicoke! It's Friday, the cherry blossoms are blooming, and yes, this is a day late. May is here even if the weather hasn't gotten the memo yet. If a Census form showed up in your mailbox this week, don't ignore it. I'm Bri, and here's what you missed.
In this week’s newsletter:
🎰 Million Dollar Moment: An Etobicoke pastry chef's big win
⚽ Local Score: Jonathan Osorio is coming to Etobicoke
🏠 Bloor Street Drama: A shelter fight lands at City Hall
Plus: Cherry blossoms, lawn bowling, and a plants sale 🌸
THE DIGEST
🎰 Etobicoke Pastry Chef Wins $1 Million 🎰
Emanuel, a 61-year-old pastry chef from Etobicoke, was sitting at the kitchen table checking lottery numbers with his mom when he looked up and said "Mom, I think I won $1 million." He had. The winning Encore ticket was purchased at a Shoppers Drug Mart on Burnhamthorpe Road, and Emanuel confirmed the windfall with shaky hands and the OLG app. He plans to share the money with his brother, travel to Newfoundland, and save for retirement. Time to break out the celebratory pastries!
⚽ Healthy Planet Scores Big with Jonathan Osorio ⚽
Healthy Planet is bringing the heat to Etobicoke with a visit from Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio in partnership with BioSteel. The event, kicking off the store's 2026 soccer campaign, includes a mini match and in-store meet-and-greet with Osorio. Beyond the soccer fever, Healthy Planet reaffirms its commitment to community health through the Good Food Drive, aiming to donate one million meals' worth of healthy food across Canada. Get ready to score some good vibes and healthy eats!
🏠 Bloor Street Is Part of a Bigger Shelter Fight at City Hall 🏠
Toronto has locked in 11 of 20 planned shelter sites under its $675-million homelessness strategy, but the rollout has been anything but smooth. Two sites are facing active legal challenges, with community groups arguing the city's consultation process has been opaque. Etobicoke Centre Councillor Stephen Holyday raised the issue directly at Tuesday's committee meeting, pointing to a shelter project at 3838 Bloor St. W. in his ward that he says "has not gone well." His message to the city: if you tell communities instead of asking them, conflict is baked in from day one. Toronto did report a 21 per cent drop in homelessness between 2024 and 2025, so the strategy is showing results — the question is whether the process catches up.
Upcoming Events
May 1-15 – High Park Cherry Blossoms
High Park | 1873 Bloor St. W., Toronto
Experience one of Toronto’s most iconic spring sights as High Park transforms into a soft pink wonderland with its cherry blossoms. Ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery, this annual event draws in crowds from all over. Don’t miss out on the city’s natural beauty at its finest! 🌸
🕰️ Anytime | 💸 Free
May 2 or May 3 – ELBC Open House
Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club | 3555 Dundas St. W.
Summer is on the horizon, and it’s the perfect time to try something fresh and social! Join us at the Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club for our ELBC Open House. Enjoy a friendly introduction to lawn bowling before heading onto our beautiful greens to roll a few bowls yourself. No experience needed—just wear flat bottom shoes to protect our greens. Free equipment and lessons are provided in our warm, welcoming community. Let's roll into summer together! 🌞
🕐 1:00 p.m. | Free admission
May 9 – Plants, Seeds & Good Vibes
Assembly Hall Community Cultural Centre | 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr.
Join the Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society for their annual Plants & Seeds Sale & Exchange. Swap veggie seeds, pick up native plants, and get your pollinator garden ready for summer. Enjoy a fundraising raffle and receive free garden advice. This event will take place rain or shine, so come ready for fun and learning! 🌿🌼 🕘 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
May 22-24 – Anime North 2026
Toronto Congress Centre | 650 Dixon Rd.
Get ready for an epic adventure at Anime North 2026, Toronto's largest fan-run Japanese Animation convention! Join fellow anime enthusiasts for a weekend filled with cosplay, panels, and all things anime at the Toronto Congress Centre and Delta Airport Hotel. Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and fandom! 🎌 🎟️ Tickets available
May 23 – Spring Bird Festival
Colonel Samuel Smith Park | 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W
Join us for a nature-focused family day at the Spring Bird Festival in Etobicoke! Explore the beauty of the outdoors with guided walks and get up close with live birds of prey, reptiles, and interactive learning stations perfect for kids. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn and enjoy nature together in a serene setting. 🌿🦅 🕙 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 💸 Free
May 31 – Lip Sync with Pride Performance
Assembly Hall | 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke
Kick off Pride Month with creativity and community at Lip Sync with Pride – Unity in the City! This vibrant event invites 2SLGBTQI+ youth to express themselves through performance in a safe and supportive space. Enjoy an evening filled with music, authenticity, and the celebration of identity for all ages. 🎤✨
🕑 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 🎟️ Free, RSVP online
Weather
Thu, May 7: High 18°C, Low 4°C 🌧️
Fri, May 8: High 13°C, Low 4°C 🌥️
Sat, May 9: High 15°C, Low 7°C 🌧️
Sun, May 10: High 15°C, Low 5°C ☀️
Mon, May 11: High 10°C, Low 5°C 🌧️
Tue, May 12: High 13°C, Low 3°C 🌥️
Wed, May 13: High 9°C, Low 6°C 🌧️
Fun & Games
🎯 3 Truths and 1 Lie
One of these statements is a bit of a stretch. Can you guess which one it is?
A) Honey never spoils.
B) Bananas grow on trees.
C) The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer.
D) Octopuses have three hearts.
Answers below…
Answers:
A) ✅ True — Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible!
B) ❌ Lie! Bananas actually grow on large herbaceous plants, not trees. They're one of the world's biggest herbs!
C) ✅ True — The Eiffel Tower is made of iron, and like most metals, it expands with heat, making it taller during the warm months.
D) ✅ True — Octopuses indeed have three hearts: two pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body.
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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