Many farmers are suffering as they cannot sell their goods and produce to local farmers’ markets who are unsure as to when they will reopen for business.

Humber Bay Park residents are among those disappointed and unsure as to when they will receive permission to reopen their brisk stalls to sell a range of foods, produce or hand-made goods.

City officials say they are working with 22-city farmers markets to safely reopen the marketplace when it is safe to do so. Lakeshore Village Park farmers market is also affected.

Many markets are targeting opening dates in July, allowing them time to receive their permits and implement new protocols required by Toronto Public Health.

“Farmers’ markets are valued members of the food supply chain and provide Torontonians with access to fresh fruits and vegetables, encourage residents to get outside and be physically active, and support the local agriculture sector,” says a press release.

The seasonal outdoor areas of the St. Lawrence Market has been reopened and will run until Nov. 14. The outdoor market has been relocated to Market St., between The Esplanade and Wilson St., to allow for physical distancing.

The indoor portion of the St. Lawrence Market has been operating throughout the pandemic.

New guidelines have been set that farmers’ markets will have to follow to reopen safely and includes: all staff and vendors filling out a health-screening questionnaire before each shift, keep a contact list of all staff, vendors and employees, encouraging physical distancing, managing customer lines, visual markers, provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers for customers and masks for staff and customers.

With the nice weather comes a string of new small businesses who are setting up stores in our area to help improve the community.

In these trying times we have to shop locally and support our businesses before they shut down.

A big welcome goes to Le Gourmand Lakeshore, at 2897 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which opened its doors about two months ago wowing residents with its world-famous cookies, pastries, sandwiches and signature cakes.

Already an area favourite, the store has another location, The Le Gourmand Café, at Spadina and Richmond St., which offers more services and food.

Just west near Eight Street work is being done to renovate Lucky’s Chicken N’ Waffles, which according to their sign is advertising for kitchen staff, cook and cashier experience.

Those with experience are asked to send their resume by email to info@luckychickennwaffles.com

Further west, near 30^th Street is the Waffle House, which sells wings, burgers, waffle burgers and other fast food.

Not much us know about this facility, which appears to be nearly ready and may be opening up soon.

Finally, Kettleman’s Bagel Co. is bringing its beloved Montreal-style rings this fall next to Farm Boy at Alderwoods Plaza.

The brand, which has been baking its bagels in wood-fired ovens since 1993, is known for operating 24/7, 365 days a year, meaning soon Torontonians will be able to order their decked-out bagels whenever they want.

They sell traditional bagels like pumpernickel and chocolate, spreads like lox and cream cheeses, festive seasonal bagels, like green ones for St. Patty’s or Cinco de Mayo fajita bagels.

They recently introduced the bagel dog to their menu, too: a mash-up between a bagel and a hot dog. Toronto’s bagel game is about to be taken to the next level.

If you know of other new businesses opening up please let us know at thesouthetobicokenews@gmail.com

Community residents and social media are buzzing over our new board game.

Yes, we have our own board game called Etobicoke-Opoly, which allows players to buy famous landmarks across our beautiful community.

“If you love Etobicoke, you’ll love this game,” the promotional materials promise. “Help spread the word about everything great that is Etobicoke.”

For those who have dreamed about buying The Kingsway, The Old Mill, or another Etobicoke landmark, now you can and have fun at the same time with Etobicoke-Opoly!

The game is created by Outset Media Corp., of Brampton, which says it plays much like the traditional board game. You can trade iconic Etobicoke landmarks and attractions as Sherway Gardens, Woodbine Racetrack, Etobicoke School of the Arts and more.

Much like best-seller Monopoly, in Etobicoke-Opoly players collect properties, pay rent and mortgages when needed, the makers say.

Another fun aspect are the “Big Fun” and “Contingency” cards with rewards as being crowned Miss Etobicoke or penalties as eating too much at Rib Fest. City blocks and keys to the city replace houses and hotels and streets as Royal York Rd., and Lake Shore Blvd., replace the old railways.

“This game screams Etobicoke through and through and we have loved playing it,” according to its marketers.

Outset Media says the “the game has been one of the best-selling versions and actually sold out in its first week in stores.”

Residents seems to love it and have taken to social media to talk about the game.

“Got mine. It’s so much fun,” writes Lisa de Wit.

“Omg how cool,” says Aziza Mamedova.

Tracy Cho-Yee thanked readers for the post saying “I have to have one.”

And Marie Braz asks “here’s my question, which Mimico street is Park Avenue.”

The game is being carried by Walmart Canada and available at its Sherway Mall branch, which has since restocked its shelves. It cost about $30.