Happy New Year, 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.

As we kick off 2025, I want to thank you for being part of Etobicoke Scoop since the launch just a few months ago. I’m thrilled to continue bringing you the stories, updates, and insights that matter most to our community. Here’s to a fresh year full of connection and growth!

In this week’s newsletter:

🚨 Wrong-Way Drive: Etobicoke senior charged after driving against traffic on Hwy. 401
🏘️ Affordable Living: The Elms named Etobicoke’s most budget-friendly neighborhood🌟 New Year Baby: Etobicoke General welcomes one of 2025’s first newborns
💼 Rich List Ties: Local companies linked to Canada’s highest-paid CEOs
💰 2025 Fees in Effect: 407 tolls rise and child care fees drop to $22/day
🎤 Local Events: Karaoke fundraiser, photo exhibit, and more this week

Plus, your weekly weather forecast and a trivia question to test your Etobicoke knowledge!

THE DIGEST

🚨 Etobicoke Senior Faces Charges After Wrong-Way Hwy. 401 Drive 🚨

A 70-year-old Etobicoke man is facing charges after driving the wrong way on Hwy. 401 near Loyalist Township on Dec. 26. Police say the driver, in a silver SUV, travelled 7 km in the westbound lanes—at times hitting highway speeds—before exiting without causing any collisions. He was later found in Kingston after being reported missing by a family member. The man has been charged with dangerous operation and stunt driving. Authorities are asking anyone with dashcam footage or tips to contact OPP.

💰 Canada’s Richest CEOs List is Out 💰

Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs earned an average of $13.2 million in 2023, and two names with Etobicoke connections stood out. Patrick Dovigi, CEO of GFL Environmental, topped the list with $68.5 million. GFL operates one of its key waste management facilities in Etobicoke, providing services to both residents and businesses in the area. Seetarama S. Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International, earned $22.8 million while leading a company with major automotive manufacturing facilities here. For perspective: these CEOs earned 210 times more than the typical Canadian worker in 2023.

🚪 Real Estate Trends: Etobicoke’s The Elms Boasts Budget-Friendly Appeal 🚪

Amid a tough year for Toronto-area real estate, The Elms in Etobicoke emerged as the most affordable neighborhood in 2024, with a median home sale price of just $499,500. While much of the GTA became a buyer’s market due to falling sales and rising inventory, The Elms offered a rare opportunity for budget-conscious buyers. As we head into 2025, realtors are cautiously optimistic about a market rebound with increased sales activity and price growth on the horizon.

🌟 A Special Delivery: Etobicoke Rings in 2025 with Newborn Joy 🌟 

Etobicoke General Hospital welcomed one of the first babies of 2025 when Jahanara Samia and Mohammad Shohag celebrated the birth of their baby boy at 6:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The little one weighed in at 6 lbs, 7 oz. Congratulations to the happy family and to all the parents celebrating new arrivals this New Year! 🎉

Civic Updates

Here are some policy changes and new laws in effect as of January 1, 2025.

• New year, new tolls: 407 ETR rates are rising with new zones and vehicle classifications

• Parents, rejoice: Child care fees in CWELCC programs now capped at $22/day—because your wallet needs a nap too

• Trash talk: Waste collection and water usage fees are rising—time to rethink those long showers

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Jan. 2nd - Lace Up Thursdays
  Rollerpony | 75 Westmore Drive
  Lace up to what Rollerpony is dropping on Thursdays. These skate sessions bring fierce jams and possibilities. Cost: $17.12
  

• Jan. 6th - Karaoke Fundraiser
  Long Branch Social House | 3595 Lakeshore Blvd. W
  Bring your friends, family, and favourite song list for a fundraising evening in support of the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association’s legal defense fund to fight the height of the development at 220+ Lake Promenade. Entrance donation: $10. 7-11p.

• 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, Jan. 2: High 1°C, Low -4°C 🌤️

• Friday, Jan. 3: High 0°C, Low -6°C 🌤️

• Saturday, Jan. 4: High -2°C, Low -8°C ☁️

• Sunday, Jan. 5: High -4°C, Low -10°C ☁️

• Monday, Jan. 6: High -3°C, Low -9°C 🌤️

• Tuesday, Jan. 7: High 2°C, Low -3°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Jan. 8: High 3°C, Low -2°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🎉 Trivia Time
What year did Etobicoke become part of Toronto?

a) 1990
b) 1998
c) 2001
d) 1987

The first reader to reply with the correct answer will get a mention in next week’s edition!

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