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:

🎢 Measles Warning at Fantasy Fair: Public Health issues alert after exposure at Woodbine Mall.
🛍️ Bay Days, Etobicoke Edition: A Hudson’s Bay warehouse blowout hits Carrier Drive.
🚲 Bike Lane Compromise? Province signals willingness to work with Toronto.

Plus, your weekly weather, local events, and a measles-themed trivia challenge (yes, really—but it’s a good one!).

THE DIGEST

🎢 Measles Alert at Woodbine Mall’s Fantasy Fair 🎢
Toronto Public Health is warning that people who visited Fantasy Fair inside Etobicoke’s Woodbine Mall on March 30 may have been exposed to measles. The potential exposure window was between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Visitors are being asked to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms — including fever, cough, and a red rash — until April 20. Two travel-related cases have been confirmed in Toronto so far this year. Not sure if you’re protected? Most people born before 1970 are likely immune, but a blood test or a quick chat with your doc can confirm. The vaccine is free and available at many clinics.

🛍️ Bay Days in Etobicoke? Yes, But Make It a Warehouse Blowout 🛍️
Hudson’s Bay is kicking off a massive warehouse sale at 160 Carrier Dr. in Etobicoke starting today, with deep discounts of up to 60% on furniture, patio sets, home goods, toys, handbags, apparel—and yes, even some of those beloved HBC stripes items (but don’t count on the iconic multistripe blankets, they’ve already hit collector status). The sale runs today to Sunday for a limited time, and everything is final sale, credit or debit only. One more heads-up: Hudson’s Bay gift cards are no longer accepted.

🚲 Province and City May Find Middle Ground on Bike Lane Dispute 🚲
After months of controversy, protests, and a pending court challenge, Ontario says it’s open to compromise on removing bike lanes along three Toronto arteries — including Bloor Street West near Premier Doug Ford’s home in Etobicoke. The province passed legislation last year to eliminate bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University, arguing that traffic congestion is costing Ontario billions. But now, Premier Ford’s government says it’s willing to collaborate with the city if Toronto is willing to chip in for its portion of infrastructure costs. Mayor Olivia Chow is hopeful a solution is close, floating the idea of a “win-win” layout that returns a car lane while preserving a protected bike lane. The proposed compromise comes ahead of a court hearing next week where Cycle Toronto and Ecojustice are challenging the province’s law, saying it puts cyclists at risk and violates Charter rights.

🐾 Etobicoke Runner Spots Wildlife Standoff That Ends in a Sniff, Not a Fight 🦊
In a very Toronto wildlife moment, an Etobicoke runner stumbled upon an unexpected urban showdown: a coyote and raccoon squaring off in a west-end parking lot. But instead of a fight, the duo had a sniff, chilled out, and parted ways like old frenemies. Humber Bay Shores resident Matthew Gray-Smith captured the encounter on video during his run — a much-needed mental break while he and his wife care for their three-week-old son. The peaceful interaction surprised Gray-Smith and comes amid a recent spike in coyote sightings across the city. Toronto has since wrapped up a review of its response to urban coyotes and is taking steps to reduce human-wildlife conflict (aka: stop feeding them). As for Gray-Smith’s new running buddy? He’s likely back exploring more of Etobicoke’s hidden wild corners.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• April 16th - Etobicoke–Lakeshore Federal Candidates’ Debate
  Daily Bread Food Bank | 191 New Toronto St.

  Get informed before the 2025 Federal Election! 🗳️ Join the Etobicoke–Lakeshore Candidates’ Debate to hear where your local representatives stand on key issues. 🕖 7:00–8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.) Presented by Daily Bread Food Bank, LAMP CHC, and Second Harvest.
  

• April 17th - Speaker’s Night: The Paranormal Roadshow
  Montgomery’s Inn | 4709 Dundas St. W.

  Join “Ghost Guy” Steve Collie for a spine-tingling evening exploring haunted sites across Southern Ontario, from historic museums to Fort York and beyond. 🕯️👻 Hear stories—many never shared before—of unexplained encounters in bars, government buildings, and more. 🕢 7:30 p.m. (Refreshments from 7:00 p.m.) Presented by After Dark Tours—perfect for fans of local lore and the paranormal!
  

• 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. 10: High 4°C, Low 0°C 🌧️

• Friday, Apr. 11: High 6°C, Low 2°C 🌧️

• Saturday, Apr. 12: High 9°C, Low 3°C ☁️

• Sunday, Apr. 13: High 11°C, Low 2°C ☁️

• Monday, Apr. 14: High 12°C, Low 5°C ☁️

• Tuesday, Apr. 15: High 9°C, Low 1°C 🌬️

• Wednesday, Apr. 16: High 7°C, Low 0°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🧬 Etobicoke Public Health History Trivia! 🧬

This week’s measles warning at Fantasy Fair got us thinking…
Which Etobicoke landmark was once the site of one of Toronto’s earliest public health clinics?

Reply with your guess, and we’ll give a shoutout to the first correct answer in next week’s issue!

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