🦝 Greenification, Tennis, & Dream Pop

Well, it’s certainly been an — shall we say — excercise in resilience development couple of weeks for Blue Jays fans. A three game win streak obliterated by a 14-5 loss shortly thereafter followed by 6 game skid, punctuated by a 14-2 massacre against Ohtani and the Dodgers. Oof. Let the resilience flow through you and say it with me…

Go birds!

But enough about sportsball. As always there’s tons happening around the West End over the next four days, notably — new park proposals. Plus, coincidentally not one but two artists in the ‘Dream Pop’ genre (described as “neo-psychedelia that merges melodic pop hooks with hazy, atmospheric textures”) are performing.

Oh, and just a reminder to check out our subreddit. It’s a great place to post your event (especially if it happens on a Tuesday or Wednesday) or any other West End news we might miss!

Also, I have really, really good news for our readers who LOVE taking shuttle busses — over 5km of the Bloor subway line (between St. George and Keele) will be closed this weekend and replaced with — you guessed it — shuttle busses. Apparently this is a major sprint to finish repairs in time for the looming FIFA World Cup crowd. Just in case you thought they were doing it for you.

And with that teeth-grinding paragraph over, lets get to the good stuff!

West End Updates

A pair of planned parks are set to greenify the West End by fall 2027

What’s the difference between a big patch of community-used grass and a park? I’ll leave that question to our philosophy-inclined subscribers, but regardless the big patch o’ grass on Sterling Rd. in the Junction Triangle is about to be parkified after 15 years of consideration. The city is planning to hear from the community about how best to park the living hell out of this patch so make sure to leave your feedback.

But that’s not all! Another proposed park on Queen st. W is taking community feedback and so far there’s been some…tension. But regardless of how we get there the end results will be more places to sit and play, enjoying the company of our community and friends. And a recently-legal alcoholic beverage (if that’s your thing.)

Read the full story here.

Art venues across the Annex are set to get a significant funding boost

Don’t you love it when something so objectively good as “really cool art spaces are given funding” happens? Because that’s the long and short of this story. City Council has earmarked nearly $1 million to divide among three beloved art venues in the Annex neighbourhood.

These include the Tranzac Club (which scooped a cool $550,000), the Al Green theatre which received $330,000 for and the Annex Theatre, which claimed a modest $50,000. Between the three art spaces the money will be spent on everything from heating and ventilation to technical upgrades and accessibility improvements. It’s venues like these that really define what makes the Best End the best, and I’m thrilled they’re getting funding.

Shame you’ll have to visit them this weekend on a shuttle bus…

Read the full story here.

Fancy House of the Week

67 Kingsway is an unbelievably nice place. It’s got a beautiful pool, a wood-paneled family room, walk-in closets, a sauna. There’s not really anything I can say to criticize it. Except…. that carpet in the basement in horrendous. I’m almost 99% sure Don Cherry wore a suit made out of that material on a Coaches Corner in 2004.

Despite that… I’d probably still live there. $9.2 million, check it out.

Events

If you have an event you’d like included in a future West End Raccoon, please submit it here.

Thursday/Friday

One of a Kind Spring Market @ Enercare Centre - Thurs 10am - Sun 5pm
Talented artisans from across the country converge to offer you a chance to buy their one-of-a-kind wares! Details.

Beginner block printing workshop @ ARTiculations Art Supply - Thurs 6pm
“At this beginner block printing workshop you'll learn about fundamentals of linocut printmaking from transferring your design to the block, carving your block, inking and finally, making beautiful prints.” Details.

Movie Night at Book People @ Book People - Thurs 6pm
Movies at a book store? What next -- novels on Netflix?! Details.

We Really Like Her!: LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE - 20th Anniversary Screening! @ Revue Cinema - Thurs 6:45pm
When I found out this movie is 20 years old I aged like Matt Damon at the end of Saving Private Ryan. Details.

Labyrinth Fundraiser 2026: Ensemble/Together @ Tranzac Main Hall - Thurs 7pm
"We warmly invite you to our annual fundraiser! It feels most fitting to host it at the Tranzac, the location of our monthly residency and a hub for nurturing artistic expression." Details.

Battle of the Losers DOUBLE BILL @ 847 Dovercourt Rd. - Fri 8pm
Head to head -- two movies about losers and you get to pick the winner! Plus free admission! Details.

Past Continuous: Ol' Nerdy Bastard @ Swan Dive - Fri 10pm
I'm not even gonna attempt a better description than: "No cover, cheap drinks, free pool, and a motley crowd of west end characters! Write it down!✍️✍️✍️🎶🎵🎶" Details.

Saturday

The Baby Show @ Enercare Centre - Sat 9am - Sun 5pm
You know what else is one-of-a-kind? Babies! And you can by some clothes for them at The Baby Show, running alongside the One of a Kind show. Details.

Coffee Party – CAFEZIN Sessions @ Divas Crepe on a Stick - Sat 10am
Enjoy coffee and breakfast with some retro Brazillian beats! Details.

Sassy in Spring! A Preloved Pop-up @ Gigi's House of Frills - Sat 12pm
If you're like me last year's warm weather wardrobe is in desperate need of a refresh -- here's your chance! Details.

80s Dance Party Toronto @ Ground Control - Sat 8pm
Another weekend, another decade-themed dance party! Details.

Fast Times 80s Dance Party @ The Piston Sat 10pm
Woah - a COMPETING '80s Dance Party?! This is gonna tear people apart. Details.

Dracula's Daughter @ See-Scape - Sat 10pm
Rock out with your Goth out! Details.

Horror Dating Stories: Psychological Thriller Standup Show @ Free Times Cafe - Sat 10pm
"Join a lineup of fearless comedians as they share their most shocking, awkward, and terrifying dating experiences — the kind that make you laugh, cringe, and question humanity." Details.

Sunday/Monday

Bloom Bazaar @ Parkdale Hall - Sun 11am
"Florals, botanicals, and all things fresh take over Parkdale Hall. A garden of creativity in full bloom." Details.

Humber River Pack Walk @ Old Mill TTC Station - Sun 12pm
Buncha' folks with a buncha' pups going on a lovely amble. Details.

Fly in the Chai with Zenia Wadhwani @ Type Books Junction - Sun 1pm
"Join us on Sunday, April 12th at 1pm for a story time and activity with @zeniawadhwaniwrites for her new book FLY IN THE CHAI." Details.

Tennis @ Wychwood Tennis Club - Sun 2pm
Literally someone looking to play tennis! Rallying or friendly play. Level 2.0 - 4.0. Details.

Open Print Session @ Mola Cafe - Sun 2pm
"An open studio session designed for those who want to keep printing and building on what they’ve learned. You’ll have access to inks, tools, and a creative workspace, plus guidance and feedback if you need support along the way." Details.

Scrabble in the City: Cosmic Scrabble! @ The Rhino Bar & Grill - Sun 5pm
What makes Scrabble cosmic? I guess you'll find out at The Rhino! Details.

Community Clothing Swap @ Bampot Tea House - Sun 5pm
No, you don't actually swap the clothes you're wearing at the time (you sickos). Here, you can bring your preloved but no longer...loved stuff, and leave with something new to you! Details.

ICD Live Toronto @ Steadfast Brewing Co - Sun 7pm
"Back on April 12, 2011, I Challenge Diabetes started something special. And now, we celebrate the only way that feels right: live music, great people, and a room full of T1D energy." Details.

Rusted Tears @ The Wych - Sun 8pm
When you call an event 'Rusted Tears' you better believe it's gonna dark tunes and dancing! Details.

Euphoria: Improvised @ Comedy Bar - Mon 7:30pm
Originally I thought "Euphoria improv -- like, is it particularly happy?" But no - they're literally gonna improvise the horny as hell HBO drama, Euphoria. Details.

Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music @ Old Mill Toronto - Mon 8pm
"24 bands and over 140+ musicians perfoming in 12 unique rooms at the iconic Old Mill Toronto, all in one unforgettable night." Details.

🎵 Live Music Report 🎵

🎵MIINA (Dream Pop) @ The Baby G - Thurs 8pm
🎵Skullcrusher (Indie folk) @ The Drake Underground - Thurs 7pm
🎵Charlotte Cornfield (Singer/songwriter) @ Lula Lounge - Thurs 7pm
🎵Weeding Dub (Reggae/Dub) @ BSMT254 - Thurs 9pm
🎵Soft Set (Dream Pop) @ Sneaky Dee's - Sat 6:30pm
🎵The Wedding Present (Indie rock) @ Lee's Palace - Sat 7pm
🎵WITCHZ (Dark Pop) @ The Great Hall - Sat 8pm
🎵Lala Lala (Indie Rock) @ The Garrison - Sat 8pm
🎵Onion Honey (Folk/Bluegrass) @ The Local Pub - Sun 2pm
🎵Chameleons (Brit Rock) @ The Mod Club - Sun 7pm

Thank you!

Thanks for reading the West End Raccoon, please enjoy our West End Pet(s) of the Week! Submit yours by responding to this email, with your preferred name/nickname/initials and neighbourhood for a chance to be featured. (Calling all lizard and fish people — I like ‘em weird!)

As always, if you know a friend or family member who might be interested, please share the newsletter with them: www.westendraccoon.ca

Hope you folks have a fantastic weekend.

Cam Smonk & Xavier