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 today’s newsletter: a student relocation plan that flopped, a coffee entrepreneur fights for her business’s future, and winter’s first snowflakes heading our way. Plus, local influencer Zenia Irani shares her favorite eats, and we’ve got the lowdown on festive markets and events to kickstart your holiday spirit. Let’s dive in!

News

🏫 Etobicoke High School Relocation Proposal Gets an F 🏫

The Toronto Catholic District School Board has nixed a proposal to temporarily move students from Bishop Allen Academy to Scarlett Heights during renovations. The plan was meant to ease overcrowding, but trustees worried about the disruption it could cause for students and the community. Now, they’re heading back to the drawing board to find a solution that keeps kids in class without relocating them.

☕ Brewing Resilience as Coffee Trailer Owner Pushes for Change to City Rules ☕

Anastasiia Alieksieiehuk’s coffee trailer, Wheels & Co. Beans, has brought European charm—and piping hot coffee—to Toronto’s streets, but local bylaws have brewed up challenges for the Etobicoke-based entrepreneur. Despite her retro-style trailer being mobile, it doesn’t meet the city's motorized food truck requirements, leading to tickets as high as $5,000. Anastasiia’s journey, from learning English to launching her dream, has inspired loyal customers who keep her going. Now, she’s petitioning for clearer regulations for non-motorized vendors and planning a comeback next year with revamped plans and possibly a permanent downtown spot.

❄️ Winter Is Coming: Etobicoke Gets Ready for the First Flurries ❄️

It’s time to prep for winter—snow is on its way to Ontario. While the first flurries this week are expected in cottage country and near Lake Erie, chief meteorologist Anthony Farnell warns that colder air will bring widespread snow across southern Ontario, including Etobicoke, by next week. With lake-effect flurries likely not far behind, it’s a good time to check your snow tires and dig out the shovels—mild fall days are officially on their way out.

Under the Influence

In our new "Under the Influence" section, we're spotlighting the voices of Etobicoke's most trusted local influencers! We'll feature a favorite recommendation from a local tastemaker, giving you an insider's view of the best spots, hidden gems, and can't-miss experiences around town. Follow along to discover Etobicoke through the eyes of the people who know it best!

Meet Zenia Irani
Zenia is a food, travel and lifestyle content creator known for her passion for exploring Etobicoke's culinary scene. Through her blog and Instagram @thezeniairani, she shares her love of all things local and inspires her followers to discover new favorites right in their neighborhood.

Zenia's Local Picks: Thai Barn Na and Gus Tacos, Browns Line
Why Zenia Loves It: Both my comfort food favourites sit right besides each other. I start off with individual orders of the $5 tacos - try the Barbacoa, Pastor and the Fish tacos! For mains stop by right next door at Thai Barn Na for their crowd favourite My Best Pad Thai, Pineapple Fried Rice and Thai Curry. Wash it all down with their milky Thai Iced Tea.

Insider Tip from Zenia
Want to continue your Browns Line food crawl? End your meal at The Loop Creamery and try their sundaes or ice cream cookie sandwiches. 

Local Spotlight

💻CLICK Digital Empowerment Inc. - 4243C Dundas Street W. L - (416) 509-1700 Specializing in helping seniors learn how to use technology to stay connected, entertained, and independent in their daily lives. Whether it’s mastering video calls to chat with loved ones, learning how to stream favourite TV shows, or shopping safely online, Click Digital Empowerment provides patient, personalized one-on-one sessions to make technology less intimidating and more useful. 

Upcoming Events & Happenings

• Now 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.

• Nov. 23rd through Dec. 15th - 2nd Annual Christmas Market 

  Long Branch Social House | 3595 Lake Shore Blvd. West  

  An outdoor market with a variety of vendors set up on the patio to sell you one of a kind gift ideas just in time for the holidays. 11a to 4p.

• Nov. 23rd - St. Gregory’s CWL Annual Christmas Bazaar

  St. Gregory’s Catholic Church | 122 Rathburn Road

  Enjoy baked goods, games, silent auction, and a special visit from Santa at 11am. 9am - 2pm.

Weather

• Thursday, Nov. 21: High 6°C, Low 2°C 🌧️

• Friday, Nov. 22: High 7°C, Low 4°C ☁️

• Saturday, Nov. 23: High 9°C, Low 4°C ☁️

• Sunday, Nov. 24: High 8°C, Low 3°C ☁️

• Monday, Nov. 25: High 10°C, Low 5°C 🌧️

• Tuesday, Nov. 26: High 8°C, Low 2°C 🌧️

• Wednesday, Nov. 27: High 4°C, Low -1°C ☁️

Fun & Games

Trivia

What is the oldest building still standing in Etobicoke?

The first three readers to reply with the correct answer will get a mention in next week’s issue!

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