Good morning, Etobicoke! The sun is out, the jackets are coming off, and the neighbourhood is coming alive again. I'm Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. Here's what's going on this week.

In this week’s newsletter:

🌲 Tree Threat: The pinecone that's actually 1,000 eggs
💧 Dundas Drama: Water main, 4 a.m., 10 feet in the air
🌸 Local Rewilding: One Etobicoke yard that's doing something right
👛 Watch Your Wallet: The serial thief police want you to know about

Plus: Art crawls, flea markets, and clean ups 🎨

🌲 The Pinecone That Wants to Kill Your Tree 🌲
If you've spotted something that looks like a tiny pinecone dangling from a tree this spring, look closer before you walk away. Bagworm moth cocoons are turning up across Ontario, and each one can hold up to 1,000 eggs capable of stripping entire trees bare. Evergreens are especially at risk, with branch tips turning brown and dying once larvae get to work. The fix is low-tech: cut them off, drown them in soapy water, bag and trash. Just do it before late May, when the eggs start hatching and the damage gets a lot harder to undo.

💧 Dundas Got a 4 A.M. Surprise 💧
At 4 a.m. on Monday, a broken water main near Dundas Street West and Neilson Drive sent water shooting 10 feet into the air, bringing out Toronto Fire before most of us had hit snooze. The break happened along an existing main that's already being replaced as part of a city infrastructure project, so at least it wasn't a total surprise. No flooding reported for nearby properties, though one home lost water service temporarily. The city says cleanup was on track to wrap by end of day Monday.

🌸 One Etobicoke Lawn Became a Pollinator Garden 🌸
Rhonda Richardson pulled up the turf on her boulevard strip in Etobicoke and replaced it with flowers. Then she started asking questions, found her people, and ended up volunteering with multiple native plant groups across the city. She's part of a growing urban rewilding movement turning neglected patches of pavement and grass into pollinator habitat. With over 40% of North American bee species facing extinction, these small gardens are doing more heavy lifting than they look. Earth Day was yesterday, but as one local organizer put it: "Every day is Earth Day."

👀 Watch Your Wallet in Central Etobicoke 👀
Toronto police are on the lookout for a man linked to two separate theft and fraud incidents in central Etobicoke. In November, he allegedly pickpocketed a wallet near The East Mall and Burnhamthorpe. In January, he used the "something's wrong with your car" trick to swipe another victim's bank cards and drain their account. Police describe the suspect as a white-bearded man, 50-70 years old, last seen in a dark jacket and sunglasses. If you recognize him, call TPS at 416-808-2200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously. The "something's wrong with your car" move is older than The Queensway. Don't fall for it.

Last week, I asked if finding a trustworthy contractor in Etobicoke ever felt like a gamble.

A lot of you weighed in. And of those who did, nearly 70% said yes. Either it's already a frustration, or they're expecting it to become one.

That stayed with me.

So I'm moving forward with something I've been thinking about for a while. A vetted local contractor directory for Etobicoke homeowners. People I've personally screened, licensed and insured, and recommended by neighbours in this community.

Before I get too far, I want to make sure I'm building the right thing. If you have 2 minutes, your input would mean a lot.

[Fill out the quick survey →] Reader Survey

🎲 Would You Rather: Your Perfect Day!

Would you rather:

A) Spend a sunny day at the beach with your favorite book and a picnic basket 🍉🏖️

B) Go for a scenic hike through a beautiful forest with friends 🌲🚶‍♂️

C) Have a barbecue party in your backyard with music and games 🎶🍔

D) Take a leisurely bike ride through the park, ending with ice cream 🍦🚴‍♀️

➡️ Hit reply with your pick and we'll tally the favourites in next week’s issue!

P.S. — One more thing while I have you. The vetted directory of local contractors I'm building is called Scoop Approved. If there's a handyman, plumber, roofer, or landscaper you'd recommend to your own mother, just hit reply with their name. A business name is plenty. I'll track down the rest. (And yes, I'll personally let you know when they get Scoop Approved. 😄)

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