Good morning, Etobicoke! I’m Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. As always, I’ve got your roundup of local news, events, and stories, all in one easy read.

In this week’s newsletter:

💧 Shelter Crunch: Water damages cause chaos
🚨 Sidewalk Clash: Dog-assisted attack drama
🔒 Store Security: Shoppers gate new era

Plus: Farmers' markets, Silk Road talk, spooky circus 🎪

THE DIGEST

💧💸 Shelter in Trouble: Water Woes 💸💧 
Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter in north Etobicoke is facing a financial crisis after a water leak uncovered $250,000 in damages. The emergency shelter for those fleeing violence has lost crucial spaces like counselling rooms and offices due to the leak, jeopardizing vital programs. With repairs not covered by insurance, the shelter is urgently seeking donations to ensure they can continue providing essential support services to survivors in need.

🚨 Sidewalk Scuffle: Who Let the Dogs Out? 🚨 
Toronto police are on the hunt for a suspect involved in an assault in Etobicoke, where one person was left injured. The incident, which took place near The Queensway and Kipling Avenue, saw the victim verbally engaged and then physically assaulted by an unknown man accompanied by a brown dog. With non-life-threatening injuries sustained, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

🚨🔒 Shoppers Drug Mart: Security Makeover 🔒🚨 
Shoppers Drug Mart is stepping up its security game with the addition of security gates in stores across Canada to combat retail crime. Following in the footsteps of Loblaw-owned supermarkets, these gates are causing a stir among customers. While the move aims to enhance safety, it's also sparking concerns about the impact on the shopping experience. Will these gates be the new normal for drug store chains?

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.
  

• October 16 – Speaker's Night: Adventures on the Silk Road

  Montgomery's Inn | 4709 Dundas St W, Etobicoke, ON M9A 1A8

  Join us for an unforgettable evening as Richard Jordan, historian, traveler, and storyteller, takes us on a journey through the legendary Silk Road. Discover the fascinating history of this ancient trade route that connected Europe and China, bringing both wealth and turmoil. Richard's engaging tales and expertise will transport you back in time. Don't miss this captivating event! 🕢 7:30 p.m. (Refreshments served from 7 p.m. onward)
  

• October 17 – Demons and Angels: Etobicoke Philharmonic Season Opening Concert

  Martingrove Collegiate Institute | 50 Winterton Drive, Etobicoke

  Join us for a spectacular evening as the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off the season with "Demons and Angels." Experience the enchanting melodies of Matthew J. Donnelly's "The Grave-Digger’s Waltz," the virtuosic flair of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" featuring guest pianist Michael Berkovsky, and the uplifting sounds of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8. 🎶 🕗 8:00 PM | 🎟️ Tickets available
  
  October 17 through 20 – Paranormal Cirque IV

  Woodbine Mall & Fantasy Fair | 500 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 6K5

  Step into a world of mystery and magic under the Striped Big Top Tent near Parking Lot B as Paranormal Cirque IV returns to Etobicoke! This thrilling show promises to captivate with its unique blend of circus artistry and spine-tingling horror, perfect for those seeking an unforgettable evening. 🎪 Note: This event is suitable for ages 13 and up, with adult supervision required for those under 18.🕢 Various showtimes | 🎟️ Tickets range from $35.00 to $80.00.
  

• Through October 23 – United Through Watercolour Art Exhibition

  Etobicoke Civic Centre | 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON, M9C 2Y2

  Dive into the vibrant world of watercolour at this stunning exhibition, where artists from Canada and around the globe showcase their latest techniques and creations. Don't miss the opening reception on September 28, featuring light refreshments and a chance to meet the talented creators. 🎨

  🕗 Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Free admission, no reservations required.
  

• 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

Weather

• Thu, Oct 16: High 17°C, Low 5°C ☀️

• Fri, Oct 17: High 11°C, Low 7°C 🌥️

• Sat, Oct 18: High 20°C, Low 11°C 🌥️

• Sun, Oct 19: High 18°C, Low 12°C 🌧️

• Mon, Oct 20: High 15°C, Low 10°C 🌧️

• Tue, Oct 21: High 13°C, Low 8°C 🌧️

• Wed, Oct 22: High 10°C, Low 7°C 🌥️

Fun & Games

🧠 Trivia Time!

Which year was Shoppers Drug Mart founded?
A) 1962
B) 1971
C) 1985
D) 1957

(Scroll down for the answer...)

Answer:
A) 1962! Shoppers Drug Mart was founded by Murray Koffler in Toronto, and it has grown to become one of the largest pharmacy chains in Canada.

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Thanks for reading! See you next week for more of what’s happening in Etobicoke.

-Bri