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:

💧 Water Woes: Data centres gulping Etobicoke's supply
🚫 Waffle Recall: Mouldy snacks pulled from shelves
🚦 Speed Cam Drama: Ford halts ticketing tech

Plus: Farmers’ markets, art shows, BooFest antics 🎃

THE DIGEST

💧🤖 Data Centres Are Draining Etobicoke's Water Supply 🤖💧 
Tech giants building AI data centres in Etobicoke and beyond are guzzling water like it's going out of style. With Microsoft's 280,000 sq ft Etobicoke data centre set to consume 70,000 liters of water daily for cooling, locals like retired prof Kathryn Barnwell are leading the charge against this aquatic extravagance. As Canada dives into the AI construction boom, questions arise about water sustainability and environmental impact.

🚫🧇 Mouldy Waffles Trigger Dollarama Recall 🚫🧇 
Check your snack stash—Dollarama's Biskwi Waffles with Chocolaty Filling are being recalled nationwide due to mould. The CFIA issued the recall, warning against consuming this 180g treat with best before dates between April and May 2026. While the health risk is low, it's not the first food recall hitting Canada this year, from salmonella in salami to Kirkland rice with an insect surprise. Time for a snack drawer check!

🚦💸 Ford Blocks Speed Cameras🚦💸 
Premier Doug Ford hits the brakes on speed cameras in Ontario, sparking controversy. The government's move to ban automated speed cameras has City Hall—and Toronto parents—fuming. While Ford calls the cameras a "cash grab," advocates argue they make roads safer. The battle shifts to alternatives like speed bumps and road redesigns. With tickets set to be null once legislation passes, the debate over road safety enforcement is revving up in the province.

ww🔥 Firefighters Battle Blaze in Etobicoke Waste Station 🔥 
Over 100 firefighters were called to tackle a massive overnight fire at an Etobicoke waste transfer station on Disco Road. The three-alarm fire required a significant response, with concerns about smoke and potential water runoff into nearby Mimico Creek. The fire is now contained, but crews are on standby as they investigate the cause and monitor the situation to prevent any environmental impact.

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 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.
  

• October 24 – BooFest 2025
  Cloverdale Mall (North Parking Lot) | 250 The East Mall, Etobicoke
  A frightfully fun evening for families with carnival rides, midway games, pumpkin giveaways, and sweet seasonal treats. Capture spooky memories at themed photo ops and enjoy the community atmosphere.
  🕔 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Admission & ride tickets available online or at the gate
  

• 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 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 23: High 12°C, Low 6°C 🌧️

• Fri, Oct 24: High 10°C, Low 7°C 🌥️

• Sat, Oct 25: High 12°C, Low 7°C 🌥️

• Sun, Oct 26: High 10°C, Low 4°C ☀️

• Mon, Oct 27: High 8°C, Low 5°C 🌥️

• Tue, Oct 28: High 10°C, Low 6°C ☀️

• Wed, Oct 29: High 10°C, Low 8°C ☀️

Fun & Games

🎮 3 Truths and 1 Lie — AI Edition
 
One of these statements is a digital delusion. Can you identify the fib?

A) AI can compose music that mimics the style of famous composers.
B) AI has been used to help predict earthquakes with high accuracy.
C) AI can generate realistic human faces that don't belong to real people.
D) AI can write news articles without any human intervention.

Answers below…

Answers:
A) ✅ True — AI can indeed create music in the style of great composers like Beethoven or Bach.
B) ❌ Lie! While AI is used in earthquake research, predicting them with high accuracy remains a challenge.
C) ✅ True! AI models like GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) can create entirely fictional yet realistic human faces.
D) ✅ True — AI is capable of drafting news articles, though they often require human editing for quality and accuracy.

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