TOGETHER WITH

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:

🦅 Bird Attacks: Red-winged blackbirds dive-bomb Etobicoke residents
📢 Stage Disruption: Protester crashes Ford Fest over Grassy Narrows
💰 Lotto Fortune: Etobicoke consultant bags $65M Lotto Max jackpot
🕳️ Sinkhole Shocker: SUV swallowed by sinkhole, raising safety fears
🚗 Ford’s Driveway Drama: Thieves target premier’s car at his Etobicoke home

Plus: Lemonade For Love Fundraiser, Pride celebrations at NPCC, and 3 Truths and a Lie - Bird Edition 🦅

THE DIGEST

🦅 Aggressive Red-Winged Blackbirds Cause Chaos in Etobicoke🦅 
Etobicoke residents are facing a feathery frenzy as redwing blackbirds defend their nests with aggressive swoops at unsuspecting passersby, including delivery drivers and mail carriers. The Sheehan family's front yard has turned into a battlefield, with these protective birds making it nearly impossible to use the front door without getting dive-bombed. As the breeding season continues, locals are urged to exercise caution and patience around these native avian defenders, who are just trying to protect their young.

🎤 Ford Fest Gets a Surprise Guest 🎤
Premier Doug Ford’s annual Ford Fest in Etobicoke took an unexpected turn last Friday when a protester stormed the stage mid-speech, calling out the Grassy Narrows mercury crisis. Security quickly stepped in and Ford kept things moving, highlighting new transit lines, schools and a community centre. He also gave Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow props for renaming Centennial Park Stadium after his brother Rob.

💰 Etobicoke Consultant Strikes Gold with $65 Million Lotto Max Jackpot 💰 Etobicoke consultant Mohit Sharma hit the jackpot, winning a whopping $65 million in the Lotto Max draw. Sharma, who started playing during the pandemic, stuck to a budget and quick pick numbers. The win has left him and his family in shock, planning for a world train adventure. While the lucky streak has brought Sharma immense joy, residents are reminded of the upcoming $20 million jackpot draw, igniting dreams of their own lucky break.

🕳️ SUV Swallowed by Sinkhole in Etobicoke! 🕳️ 
Emergency crews rushed to assist a driver whose SUV got trapped in a sinkhole in Etobicoke, luckily with no reported injuries. While sinkholes are rare, this incident serves as a reminder for local residents to stay cautious on the roads. It's a startling event that highlights the unexpected situations that can occur in our community, prompting a sense of awe and a reminder to always be prepared for the unexpected on Etobicoke roads.

🚨 Doug Ford Thwarts Car Thieves in Dramatic Driveway Showdown 🚨 
Ontario Premier Doug Ford found himself in a real-life action movie when four masked suspects attempted to steal his car from his Etobicoke driveway. Ford, known for his vocal opinions on the justice system, condemned the incident and criticized what he called a "weak justice system." The suspects were apprehended, but Ford expressed skepticism about the legal consequences they might face, highlighting broader concerns about law enforcement and crime in the community. Residents are buzzing about this high-profile encounter in their own neighborhood.

Upcoming Events

• Now through June 22 - OVO by Cirque du Soleil
  Under the Big Top | 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

  Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil’s 25th anniversary show, OVO—a dazzling celebration of the world of insects brought to life through acrobatics, colour, and movement. 🐞✨🎟️ Tickets available now | Prices vary
  

• Now through Thanksgiving - Humber Bay Shores Farmers’ Market 
  Humber Bay Park West | 100 Humber Bay Park Rd. W.
  Get ready to experience the return of the Humber Bay Shores Farmers’ Market! Join us at Humber Bay Park West for a vibrant community gathering filled with fresh produce, local goods, and a welcoming atmosphere. 🕖 Running every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm until Thanksgiving weekend, this market is the perfect place to shop local and support Canadian vendors. Admission is free.2
  

• June 20 – NPCC Celebrates Pride 2025

  Neilson Park Creative Centre | 56 Neilson Drive, Toronto, ON M9C 1V7

  Join NPCC for a fabulous and all-ages evening to celebrate Pride! From vibrant button-making and bracelet-making to a dazzling drag show hosted by Anne Tique Doll and Ultraviolet, featuring performances by Kara Melle and Rosie, there's something for everyone. Explore our juried exhibition in the Parkview Gallery, showcasing artwork by youth and adults who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. Let’s come together for a night of art, joy, and self-expression! 🌈

  🕕 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Free admission and parking!
  

• June 21 – Lemonade for Love Fundraiser  
  Fairfield Park | 120 Lotherton Pathway, Etobicoke Lemonade for Love, a heartwarming kid-powered fundraiser, returns for its 10th annual event. Join in supporting the Silver Creek Preschool through the #CaptainXavierFund, aiding children with special needs. Delight in refreshing lemonade, sweet treats, live music, and crafts, all thoughtfully put together by local kids and volunteers. 🕘 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  

• June 21 – Lake Shore West Garden Tour: Poetry by Ronna Bloom
  The Gatehouse Healing Garden | 3101 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto (M8V 3W8)

  Stroll through stunning gardens in South Etobicoke while enjoying poetry by Ronna Bloom in select spots, including the peaceful Gatehouse Healing Garden. 🌿✨ This free community tour covers Alderwood, Long Branch, New Toronto, and Mimico—perfect for garden lovers of all ages. 🎟️ Free admission
  

• June 21 – LAMP EarlyON Summer Kick Off
  185 Fifth Street, Etobicoke

  Celebrate the start of summer while honouring Indigenous Peoples Day and Pride Month at this family-friendly outdoor event! Enjoy activity stations, face painting, arts & crafts, balloon twisting, an obstacle course, bouncy castle, snacks, and giveaways. Meet guests from Toronto Fire Service, Public Health, and City services for info on transit, childcare, housing, and more. 🕙 10 AM – 2 PM
  

• June 27 – Jazz at Durbar: The Matt Pines Trio Featuring Maddie Leroy

  Durbar Indian Restaurant | 2469 Bloor St. W., Etobicoke

  Join us for an enchanting evening of jazz with the Matt Pines Trio, featuring the soulful vocals of Maddie Leroy. Enjoy a delightful fusion of smooth tunes and authentic Indian cuisine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. 🎶

  🕖 7:00 p.m. | ☎️ Reserve at 416-762-4441 or drop in for a drink at the bar. No cover.
  

• June 28 - July 1 – Toronto Ribfest at Centennial Park
  Centennial Park | 256 Centennial Park Rd.

  Join us at the famous Toronto Ribfest hosted by Rotary at Centennial Park! This family-friendly event, organized entirely by volunteers from Rotary Etobicoke, promises a delicious assortment of ribs and fun activities. Admission is free, but we kindly ask for donations (around $5) to support Rotary's community programs. Come enjoy great food and contribute to a good cause!
  

• July 5 – Creative Festival: Music, Art, and More!

  Neilson Park Creative Centre | 56 Neilson Dr., Etobicoke

  Celebrate summer at the Neilson Park Creative Festival on Saturday, July 5! 🎉 Enjoy a full day of outdoor art, live music, spoken word, and hands-on creativity, with over 20 vendors, free kids’ activities, and a plein-air painting competition. Head indoors for refreshments, interactive demos, and our juried IMPACT 2025 art exhibition. 🍔🎶 Don’t miss performances by Desiree Mckenzie, The Surfrajettes, and more — plus tasty eats from RJ’s Roadhouse and gelato from Joy Foods! 🕛 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. | 🎟️ Free admission, free parking available
  

Weather

• Thu, Jun 19: High 27°C, Low 16°C 🌧️

• Fri, Jun 20: High 26°C, Low 14°C 🌧️

• Sat, Jun 21: High 26°C, Low 17°C 🌧️

• Sun, Jun 22: High 32°C, Low 23°C 🌥️

• Mon, Jun 23: High 34°C, Low 24°C ☀️

• Tue, Jun 24: High 30°C, Low 22°C 🌧️

• Wed, Jun 25: High 26°C, Low 20°C 🌥️

Fun & Games

🦅 3 Truths and 1 Lie — Bird Attack Edition
Can you spot which bird tale doesn't take flight?

A) Crows have been known to hold grudges against individual humans.
B) Seagulls have been documented stealing food right out of people's hands.
C) Ostriches have been known to fly short distances when threatened.
D) Magpies can recognize themselves in mirrors.

Answers below…

Answers:
A) ✅ True — Crows are incredibly intelligent and have been known to remember faces, holding grudges against those who wronged them.
B) ✅ True — Seagulls are notorious for their boldness, often swooping down to snatch food from unsuspecting beachgoers.
C) ❌ Lie! Ostriches are flightless birds and cannot fly at all, even in threatening situations.
D) ✅ True! Magpies are one of the few non-mammal species that can recognize their own reflection in a mirror.

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