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.

I hope you’re staying safe, dry, and upright after yesterday’s ice-glazed shuffle across the city. ❄️🌧️ Between freezing rain, surprise snow, and gusty winds, it’s been a full-on weather rollercoaster. But just like always, we’re sliding into this week’s local stories, events, and Etobicoke updates—rain or shine!

In this week’s newsletter:

🏠 Shelter Sparks Debate: A new Etobicoke shelter plan draws both concern and support.
🚧 Gardiner Gridlock Incoming: Bridge repairs to snarl westbound traffic for a year.
🚨 Candidate Dropped: Etobicoke North Conservative hopeful removed over online post.

Plus, local events, your weekly weather forecast, and a housing-themed trivia challenge to test your Etobicoke knowledge!

THE DIGEST

🏠 Shelter Plans Spark Debate in Etobicoke 🏠
A new homeless shelter planned for 66 Third St. in Etobicoke has some residents raising concerns about its location near a school and seniors’ residence. At a rally over the weekend, locals said they support the idea of helping unhoused people but questioned why this quiet residential street was chosen. Others showed up in support, calling out harmful stereotypes and highlighting the need for more services in the area. The city says the site fills a gap in local shelter access, won’t include supervised drug use, and promises continued community engagement with another town hall set for April.

🚧 Gardiner Bridge Repairs to Snarl Etobicoke Commute for a Year 🚧
Starting April 7, the westbound Gardiner Expressway will be reduced from four lanes to three between Park Lawn and Grand Ave as Toronto kicks off major bridge repairs tied to the Gardiner’s long-term rehab plan. The project affects five bridges — including those at Park Lawn, Mimico Creek, Kipling, and Islington — and aims to keep the aging infrastructure in good shape before full Section 3 rehab begins in 2027. Expect lane closures, ramp shutdowns, and narrowed roads through 2026, with a construction pause planned during the FIFA World Cup. Bonus: crews will work around the clock to speed things up, and the Ontario Food Terminal’s truck traffic is getting its own detour.

🚨 Etobicoke North Conservative Candidate Dropped Over Social Media Post 🚨
The federal election is barely two weeks in, and the candidate shakeups keep coming. Conservative hopeful Don Patel is no longer running in Etobicoke North after engaging with a social media comment suggesting deportation to India — something the party called “clearly unacceptable.” He's not the only one: both major parties have now dropped multiple candidates just two weeks into the campaign over controversial past posts or undisclosed issues. The election’s heating up, and so is the vetting process.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• April 5th - Hands-On Introduction to Fossils
  Richview Library | 2nd Floor Program Room

  Curious about dinosaurs and ancient life? 🦖 Join this interactive fossil workshop to examine real and replica specimens from around the world. Learn about evolution, fossilization, and how species are connected through an engaging, hands-on session. 🕑 2:00–3:30 p.m. | 📞 Register: 416-394-5120
  🎯 Adult program | Free with registration

• April 5th - Kingsway-Lambton Charity Art Show & Sale
  Kingsway-Lambton United Church | 85 The Kingsway, Etobicoke

  Celebrate creativity and community at the 27th Annual Kingsway-Lambton Charity Art Show & Sale! 🎨 Featuring 31 professional artists and over 500 fine art pieces in various media, this one-day event supports both the arts and local charities. Join 800+ attendees in experiencing Etobicoke’s premier art event—all for a good cause! 🕙 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• April 19th - 3rd Annual Easter MRKT
  Mimico Square | 2445 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

  Hop into spring at the Easter MRKT! 🌸🐰 Shop from 25+ local vendors featuring handmade goods, baked treats, candles, and gifts. Kids can enjoy free activities and a special visit from the Easter Bunny! 🕚 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• April 19th - Easter Eggstravaganza
  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke

  Hop over for a fun-filled morning at Islington United Church’s Easter Eggstravaganza! 🐣🌷 Enjoy an Easter egg hunt, colouring activities, and an adorable baby chick petting zoo—perfect for families with kids of all ages. Bring your own basket and invite your friends for some springtime fun!

  🕙 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 🎉 Free & open to the community

• April 19-20 - Easter Buffet at Old Mill Toronto
  Old Mill Toronto | 21 Old Mill Rd.

  Celebrate Easter with a delicious buffet at Old Mill Toronto! 🐰🥂 Enjoy chef-carved roasts, fresh seafood, vegan & gluten-free options, decadent desserts, and the famous chocolate fountain. Plus, a special visit from the Easter Bunny—perfect for family photos! 🕚 10:30 a.m.

• May 3rd - Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club Open House
  Tom Riley Park (just behind Montgomery Inn)

  Try something new this spring! 🥏 The Etobicoke Lawn Bowling Club invites you to their Open House—learn the basics of the game, meet members, and roll a few bowls. Great for all ages and skill levels!

  🕜 1:30 p.m. | ✅ Free lessons, equipment, and refreshments
  

Weather

• Thursday, Apr. 3: High 18°C, Low 5°C ☁️

• Friday, Apr. 4: High 12°C, Low 3°C 🌤️

• Saturday, Apr. 5: High 9°C, Low 3°C 🌧️

• Sunday, Apr. 6: High 8°C, Low 2°C ☁️

• Monday, Apr. 7: High 6°C, Low 0°C 🌤️

• Tuesday, Apr. 8: High 1°C, Low -3°C ❄️

• Wednesday, Apr. 9: High 4°C, Low -3°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🐾 Pet Watch: Cutest Etobicoke Companion

Calling all proud pet parents! 🐶🐱🐦
Does your furry (or feathered!) friend love exploring Etobicoke? Send us a photo of your pet out and about and tell us their go-to park or activity.

We’ll feature a Pet of the Week and maybe even crown Etobicoke’s unofficial mascot by summer!

🎉 Shoutout to Karin Field! 🎉
Karin was the first to correctly guess last week’s trivia answer: The Palace Pier, the now-closed Etobicoke landmark that once hosted concerts, trade shows, and even a roller rink. Well done, Karin—you clearly know your local history! 🏆

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