Good morning, Etobicoke! If you’re reading this with kids still in pyjamas and no school drop-off in sight, you guessed it, today is officially a snow day. TDSB called it earlier this morning after heavy overnight snowfall.

I’m Bri, the voice behind Etobicoke Scoop. Whether you’re sipping your first coffee, planning a snow fort, or bracing yourself for a day at home, I’ve rounded up the latest local news, events, and stories to keep you in the loop.

In this week’s newsletter:

🚧 Trail Troubles: Creek closure extended to 2026
🥖 Sourdough Queen: Kirsty’s bakery delights locals
🏹 Park Lawn Mystery: Deer found shot at cemetery
💀 Grim Discovery: Human remains found near Rexdale Blvd.
🔌Tesla Teardown: New development to takeover Dundas St. W.

Plus: Etobicoke Lottery winner, Winterlicious, Black History Month 🎟️

THE DIGEST

🚧 Trail Troubles: Etobicoke Creek Closure Extended 🚧 
What was supposed to be a temporary closure of a popular trail along Toronto's Etobicoke Creek has now been extended by 2 months due to a Metrolinx project delay. The closure, which began in November, was meant to end in December but will now stretch until February 2026. Metrolinx cites the need for increased crew size and equipment for the delay, impacting access under the Etobicoke Creek Railway Bridge.

🥖🌾 Rise of the Sourdough Queen 🌾🥖 
Move over, regular bakeries—Etobicoke's Sourdough Garden is here to steal the show. Kirsty Leith's passion for baking led her to create a thriving business from her love of sourdough. What started as a hobby turned into a bustling brick-and-mortar spot where locals line up for her slow-fermented goodies. Beyond loaves, Kirsty's bakery offers a variety of sourdough treats, embodying the mantra that good things come to those who wait.

🏹 A Deer, a Bow, and a Mystery at Park Lawn Cemetery🦌 
A white-tailed deer met a tragic end at an Etobicoke cemetery, discovered shot with a bow and arrow. The Ministry of Natural Resources is on the hunt for clues, appealing to the public for information to solve this disturbing case. This wildlife crime has stirred concern and calls for accountability, leaving locals shocked and saddened by the senseless act.

💀 Grim Discovery in North Etobicoke 💀 
Toronto police are on the case after human remains were found behind a business in north Etobicoke, sparking a chilling investigation. The mysterious find near Rexdale Blvd has left authorities and locals with more questions than answers, as they await further details post-autopsy. Stay tuned as this unsettling story continues to unfold.

💰 Lottery Luck Strikes in Etobicoke 💰 
Ryan D’Oliveira from Etobicoke hit the jackpot with a $86,909.80 Lotto 6-49 second prize win. The father of four, in disbelief, plans to pay bills and take his daughter on a vacation. After playing for a decade, he discovered his win at a gas station, leaving him and his friend shocked and thrilled. His winning ticket was snagged at 3 J’s Milk & Variety on Islington Avenue—talk about a lucky local spot!

🔌⚒️ Tesla Out, Towers In⚒️🔌 
Fresh off the assembly line, a new Tesla dealership on Dundas St. W. is facing the wrecking ball for a massive residential makeover. First Capital REIT plans to scrap the car hub for a pair of towers up to 63.3 meters high, bringing 560 new units to the area. The development might charge up the neighborhood, but it's sparking a buzz about balancing progress with preserving local character.

Upcoming Events

• Jan. 30-Feb. 12 – Winterlicious

  Various Locations | Across Toronto

  Embrace the culinary delights of Toronto with Winterlicious, featuring over 240 participating restaurants. Enjoy three-course prix fixe menus that offer a wide range of flavors, from cozy comfort foods to exciting global cuisines. Perfect for food lovers looking to explore new tastes or enjoy their favorites. 🍽️

  🕒 Lunch and Dinner | 🍽️ Lunch: $20-$55, Dinner: $25-$75 | Reserve your table starting January 15.

• Feb. 1 – Hymns to Freedom: Black History Month Docu-Concert

  Humber Valley United Church | 76 Anglesey Blvd.

  Join the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra for a heartfelt celebration of Black History Month with "Hymns to Freedom." This docu-concert features renowned Canadian artists Jackie Richardson and Corey Butler, blending music, storytelling, and history to honor Black artistry and resilience. Experience themes of struggle, hope, and unity in an inspiring and uplifting community event. 🕑 2:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Tickets available at the door or online.

Weather

• Thu, Jan 15: High -6°C, Low -14°C ❄️

• Fri, Jan 16: High 0°C, Low -18°C ❄️

• Sat, Jan 17: High 1°C, Low -8°C 🌥️

• Sun, Jan 18: High -5°C, Low -9°C ❄️

• Mon, Jan 19: High -7°C, Low -11°C ❄️

• Tue, Jan 20: High -10°C, Low -17°C ❄️

• Wed, Jan 21: High -13°C, Low -24°C 🌥️

Fun & Games

🧠 Bread Bonanza!

Which type of bread is traditionally used to make a classic French baguette?

A) Rye bread
B) Sourdough
C) White bread
D) Whole wheat bread

(Scroll down for the answer...)

Answer: C) White bread! The classic French baguette is made using white flour, yeast, water, and salt. Did you know? In France, there are strict laws regulating the ingredients and production of baguettes to ensure their quality and authenticity! 🥖

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