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.

The holiday rush is over, and it’s officially the day to relax, regroup, and maybe snag a few Boxing Day deals. Whether you’re cozy at home sipping hot cocoa or venturing out to return that sweater that almost fit, today’s all about finding some post-holiday calm. Let’s savor the last few days of the year, Etobicoke—2024 is almost here!

In today’s newsletter:

🏴‍☠️ Porch pirate alert: How thieves are getting creative—and why it’s not just about packages
🏡 Market surprise: A charming Etobicoke home sells for 25% over asking in just five days
💎 Smash-and-grab: A North Etobicoke jewelry store targeted in a bold heist
🌳 Fresh greenspace: New parks are coming to Etobicoke in 2025—here’s what’s planned

Plus, upcoming events to brighten your week, your weather forecast, and a tricky Two Truths & A Lie in our Fun & Games section!

THE DIGEST

🏴‍☠️ Porch Pirates Are Swiping Everything From Gifts to Grinch Doormats 🏴‍☠️

The irony was strong when an Etobicoke porch pirate swiped a Grinch-themed doormat in a recent holiday theft. It’s part of a seasonal trend that sees package and doorstep thefts rise during the gift-giving rush. While most thieves target parcels, this festive crime highlights just how creative they’re getting. With the holidays now behind us, consider this a reminder to keep your guard up year-round—porch pirates don’t take vacations.

🏡 Local Home Sells for a Whopping 25% Over Asking 🏡

In a surprising market move, 5 Sixth St. in Etobicoke sold for $1,000,000—25% over its $799,000 asking price—in just five days. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom semi-detached home charmed buyers with its open-concept layout, natural light, and original details like hardwood floors and a fireplace. While the dated 80s kitchen raised eyebrows, the basement stole the show with its industrial-chic design, heated concrete floors, and private side entrance—perfect for a guest suite or rental unit. Add a deep backyard and proximity to Lake Ontario, and it’s no wonder this home stood out in a neighborhood where properties often sell for $1.3 million.

💎 Smash-and-Grab: North Etobicoke Jewelry Store Targeted 💎

Raj’s Jewellery at Islington Avenue and Albion Road became the latest target in a string of jewelry store robberies across the GTA. Late Sunday afternoon, suspects crashed a vehicle into the store’s front, stole merchandise, and fled the scene. One person inside was injured and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating the incident and urging anyone with information to come forward. This brazen heist adds to the growing list of recent jewelry thefts in the region.

🌳 Etobicoke’s Green Scene: New Parks Set to Open in 2025 🌳

Etobicoke is getting a fresh dose of greenspace in 2025 with new parks designed for play, fitness, and relaxation. Highlights include a vibrant new park near Eglinton Avenue West and Royal York Road, complete with a playground, fitness area, and game zone featuring ping pong tables. Over in the Six Points neighbourhood in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, expansions and new parks like Dunkip Park, Linear Park, and Etobicoke City Centre Park are in the works, offering everything from mini soccer fields to updated gathering spaces. While timelines are subject to change, these additions promise more outdoor options for locals to explore.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Dec. 27th - Exile Karaoke

  2961 Lakeshore Blvd. W

  Offbeat, fun, and silly karaoke - but with comic books and little prizes. 9:30p-2a

• Through Dec. 30th - CAMP Mini

  Hudson’s Bay Court @ CF Sherway Gardens | 25 The West Mall

  This interactive pop-up is packed with hands-on activities for the whole family. Guests can create personalized snow globes and CAMP’s signature slime or explore a curated selection of gifts perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to play on-site or take the fun home, there’s something for everyone. Mon - Sat: 10a to 9p. Sun: 10a to 6p.

• Dec. 31st - Locals Eve 2025 New Years Party

  Mascot Brewery & Restaurant | 37 Advance Road

  Ring in the new year at Locals Eve—the ultimate celebration in Etobicoke. Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 in style with an unforgettable night of music, food, and fun. Skip the downtown madness. 9:30p-2a

• Through Jan. 2025 - Spectacle Exhibition by National Geographic

  CF Sherway Gardens | 25 The West Mall

  “Spectacle” is an exquisite photo exhibition that showcases an array of images that are as remarkable as they are unforgettable. Each image enlightens and inspires, allowing visitors to marvel at the diverse, complex, and truly remarkable planet on which we all live.

Weather

• Thursday, Dec. 26: High 0°C, Low -2°C ☁️

• Friday, Dec. 27: High 2°C, Low 1°C ☁️

• Saturday, Dec. 28: High 7°C, Low 4°C ☁️

• Sunday, Dec. 29: High 7°C, Low 2°C 🌧️

• Monday, Dec. 30: High 6°C, Low 1°C 🌧️

• Tuesday, Dec. 31: High 5°C, Low 1°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Jan. 1: High 3°C, Low -2°C ❄️

Fun & Games

🎄 Two Truths & A Lie 🎄

1. The Humber River is over 100 km long.

2. The Mimico GO station is the oldest train station in Ontario.

3. The Etobicoke Civic Centre was originally built in the 1950s.

See answer below.


Answer: The lie is #2! While Mimico GO Station is one of the oldest stations in the GTA, it is not the oldest train station in Ontario. That title belongs to Maple GO Station, which has been in operation since 1853. The Humber River does indeed stretch over 100 km, and the Etobicoke Civic Centre was constructed between 1956 and 1958, officially opening on September 23, 1958.

How’d you do? Let us know if you guessed it right!

The correct answer to last week’s riddle was a wreath. Congrats to Sandy S. for being the first to reply with this answer!

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