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.

In this week’s newsletter:

🚲 Bike Lanes or Business Buster? A major lawsuit over Bloor Street’s bike lanes.
🗳️ Etobicoke Votes! A breakdown of who’s running in today’s Ontario election.
🍗 Spice Up Your Cooking Game! A free Caribbean jerk chicken class you won’t want to miss.

Plus, a jam-packed lineup of local events, your weekly weather forecast, and a trivia tidbit about past Ontario elections!

THE DIGEST

🚲 Bike Lanes, Big Drama: Etobicoke Businesses Take the City to Court 🚲

The Bloor Street bike lanes in Etobicoke have sparked a legal showdown. Over 40 local businesses are suing the City of Toronto, transportation head Barbara Gray, and local councillor Amber Morley for $10M. Why? They claim the bike lanes installed in 2023 and 2024 have choked traffic, scared away customers, and tanked sales by up to 60%. The lawsuit calls the city's consultation process "performative" and accuses officials of playing fast and loose with data. The businesses want the lanes gone, but CycleTO says the lanes were greenlit before Morley’s time and insists everything was above board.

🗳️Ontario Votes: Etobicoke, It’s Your Turn! 🗳️

Etobicoke, the polls are open! Today, Ontarians are casting their ballots in a snap provincial election called by Premier Doug Ford. With potential U.S. trade tariffs looming, the stakes are high.

Here’s who’s running in your backyard:

📍 Etobicoke Centre – Incumbent Kinga Surma (PC) faces challengers from the NDP, Liberals, Greens, and more.

• Progressive Conservative Party: Kinga Surma (incumbent)

• New Democratic Party: Giulia Volpe

• Liberal Party: John Campbell

• Green Party: Brian Morris

• New Blue Party: Mario Bilusic

• None of the Above Party: Richard Kiernicki

• Party for People with Special Needs: Signe Miranda

📍 Etobicoke-Lakeshore – Christine Hogarth (PC) is defending her seat against Rozhen Asrani (NDP), Lee Fairclough (Liberal), and others.

• Progressive Conservative Party: Christine Hogarth (incumbent)

• New Democratic Party: Rozhen Asrani

• Liberal Party: Lee Fairclough

• Green Party: Sean McClocklin

• New Blue Party: Tony Siskos

• None of the Above Party: Vitas Naudziunas

• Ontario Moderate Party: Larisa Berson

📍 Etobicoke North – Doug Ford (PC) himself is on the ballot, up against Bryan Blair (NDP), Julie Lutete (Liberal), and more.

• Progressive Conservative Party: Doug Ford (incumbent)

• New Democratic Party: Bryan Blair

• Liberal Party: Julie Lutete

• Green Party: Chelsey Edwards

• New Blue Party: John Gardner

• Ontario Party: Andy D'Andrea

Make your voice heard! Polls are open until 9pm. Find your voting station here.

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Feb. 27th - Provincial General Election Day
  Etobicoke—Lakeshore | Etobicoke North | Etobicoke Centre
  Make your voice heard today!

  Vote in the provincial general election and help shape Ontario's future.
  

• Feb. 27th - Free Cooking Class: Caribbean Jerk Chicken
  Among Friends | 2788 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Unit #1
  Join community dietitian Eileen Chen for a fun, hands-on cooking session where you'll learn to make Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas! 🍗🍚 Limited spots available.
  

• March 1st - Soul in Bloom: Sip & Shop Marketplace
  Royal Canadian Legion | 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
  Support local businesses at this vibrant marketplace featuring vendors, music, cocktails, and food. Showcasing Black, Indigenous, and women-owned businesses—but open to all vendors! 1-10 p.m. Free admission.
  

• March 1st - Toronto Concert Band: Ragtime to Riches
  Islington United Church | 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd.
  Experience a night of magnificent music as the Toronto Concert Band takes you from the lively rhythms of Ragtime Dance Music Revue to the powerful melodies of Glorious Revolution and Hallelujah Chorus. A must-see for music lovers!

  Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Adults $30 | Students $15 | Kids 12 & under FREE
  

• March 5th - ArtLink: Creative Networking Night
  The Bull Pub & Grill | 3313 Bloor St. W.
  Calling all artists, writers, photographers, and creatives! ArtLink is a relaxed networking event where you can connect, share ideas, and chat with fellow creatives over drinks. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just getting started, come hang out and be inspired! 6-8 p.m.
  

• March 6th - International Women’s Day Fundraising Luncheon
  Mimico Cruising Club | 200 Humber Bay Park Rd. W.
  Celebrate empowerment, progress, and community at this inspiring International Women’s Day luncheon. Join LAMP for an afternoon of connection and reflection. Starts at 12 p.m. | $50 per person

Weather

• Thursday, Feb. 27: High 3°C, Low 0°C ❄️

• Friday, Feb. 28: High 2°C, Low -7°C ❄️

• Saturday, Mar. 1: High 2°C, Low -13°C ☁️

• Sunday, Mar. 2: High -8°C, Low -16°C ☀️

• Monday, Mar. 3: High -2°C, Low -16°C 🌤️

• Tuesday, Mar. 4: High 4°C, Low -4°C ☁️

• Wednesday, Mar. 5: High 5°C, Low 1°C ☁️

Fun & Games

🗳️ Historical Election Facts 🗳️

The 2022 Ontario election had one of the lowest voter turnouts in history, with just 43.5% of eligible voters casting a ballot. Will Etobicoke beat that number this year?

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