Good afternoon, Etobicoke! I’m Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. This week’s issue is extra special — it’s been one full year since we launched! I’m so grateful for everyone who reads, shares, and sends in local tips. With Halloween tomorrow, I hope your evening is filled with fun costumes and maybe a little too much chocolate.

In this week’s newsletter:

🏚️ Condo Crash: Etobicoke sales hit historic lows
🌰 Pistachio Panic: Salmonella recall hits local bakery
🧃 Café Comeback: City plans for corner store revival

Plus: Farmers’ markets, Pumpkinville, art exhibits 🎨

THE DIGEST

🏚️ Only 10 Condos Sold in Etobicoke Last Month 🏚️
New home sales in the GTA just plunged to historic lows, with only 438 units sold in September. That’s a 29% drop from last year and a whopping 80 percent below the 10-year average. In Toronto, just 53 condos were sold, including only 10 in Etobicoke. Prices remain sky-high, with the average new condo still over $1 million. Industry leaders are sounding the alarm, warning this slump could mean job losses and fewer affordable options in the years ahead. They’re urging the federal government to cut the GST on new homes in the next budget to help turn things around.

🌰🚫 Pistachio Panic in Etobicoke 🚫🌰 
Pistachio products in Ontario and Quebec have been recalled due to a salmonella outbreak, including items from Kanny’s Cakes, a bakery in Etobicoke. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the recall after reporting 117 illnesses and 17 hospitalizations. Consumers are warned not to consume the affected products, as salmonella can lead to serious health issues. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, so pistachio lovers in the area need to stay alert.

🧃 Cafés and Corner Stores Could Return to the Block 🧃
Toronto is once again trying to legalize small businesses like cafés, corner stores, and home-based shops in residential neighborhoods, including parts of Etobicoke. The city’s updated plan now includes stricter rules, like banning postal services and limiting where shops can open — think only on “community streets” with transit and sidewalks. But some residents’ groups, including those who rallied hard against the original plan, are still not buying it. They worry it could bring in noise, unwanted foot traffic, or even vape shops. Others say this change is long overdue, and point to cities like Montreal and European neighborhoods where mixed-use streets are the norm. The revised proposal heads to the planning committee this week, and the tug-of-war between convenience and community character continues.

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.
  

• Through November 1 – Pumpkinville

  CF Sherway Gardens | 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke

  Discover the magic of fall at Pumpkinville, featuring incredible pumpkin sculptures and a charming pumpkin village nestled in a candy forest, all crafted from over 30,000 real pumpkins! This interactive pop-up experience offers something for everyone with its unique sculptures, city pumpkin patch, dazzling nighttime light displays, and family-friendly midway rides and games. It's a perfect backdrop for your fall-themed Instagram memories, crafted by talented local artists using locally grown pumpkins.

  🕔 Weekdays (Select Dates): 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | 🕛 Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | 🎟️ General Admission: $13.99 (+ fees) | Children 12 months and under: FREE
  

• Through November 6 – Bits & Pieces Art Exhibition
  Assembly Hall | 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke
  Encounter stunning collage artworks that transform everyday materials into imaginative assemblages. This curated exhibition highlights emerging and established Toronto artists in a meditative exploration of visual storytelling.
  🕗 Monday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Free admission
  

• November 7 – Islington United Church's Annual Rummage Sale

  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke

  Get ready to discover incredible deals at the Annual Rummage Sale! From clothing to household items and Christmas gifts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget to bring your own bags and cash for easy shopping. 🛍️ 🕒 Friday: 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  

• November 14 – Film Night: Reel Injun

  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke

  Join the Islington United Church for an insightful evening featuring the film "Reel Injun" by Cree Canadian filmmaker Neil Diamond. This thought-provoking documentary explores the portrayal of Indigenous peoples in Hollywood cinema. The evening will be moderated by Jesse Wente, renowned CBC Radio columnist and author, with a special welcome from the Very Rev. Carmen Lansdowne. 🕖 7:00 p.m. | Admission is free – all are welcome!
  

• November 22 – Handmade Art and Fine Craft Sale
  Neilson Park Creative Centre | 56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke
  Browse a curated collection of handmade art, pottery, jewelry, and fine craft by dozens of local artisans. A perfect opportunity to shop early for unique holiday gifts while supporting Etobicoke’s vibrant creative community.
  🕙 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Free admission and parking

Weather

• Thu, Oct 30: High 19°C, Low 6°C 🌧️

• Fri, Oct 31: High 10°C, Low 5°C 🌧️

• Sat, Nov 1: High 9°C, Low 5°C 🌥️

• Sun, Nov 2: High 12°C, Low 5°C 🌥️

• Mon, Nov 3: High 15°C, Low 8°C ☀️

• Tue, Nov 4: High 13°C, Low 7°C 🌥️

• Wed, Nov 5: High 12°C, Low 5°C 🌥️

Fun & Games

🎃 A Spooky Giggle

Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
They don’t have the guts!

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