CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Irene DeClute
Apres Snowstorm - a snowy street in Cabbagetown. Oil on canvas, 9” by 12”. For more info about her work, send an email.
A PERSONAL VIEW
Say “no” to the Cabbage Patch
This is the suggested name from Councillor Chris Moise for the renovated version of Anniversary Park. Sorry, Chris, but no. “Cabbage Patch” originated with the business community - it’s suitable for the BIA’s promotional purposes. But not as a permanent moniker. In one year or five or more, how will that name sound? Probably a bit cloying. If you like or dislike the name, go to the Councillor’s survey and register your opinion.
LOCAL NEWS
It’s an honour
During the Fall Cabbagetown Preservation Association meeting, I was given the CPA’s 2023 Recognition Award. In large part, this came because of this weekly blog. It’s a real honour for me to be associated with the CPA - a group that has such a successful impact on so many aspects of our community’s life. Thanks to everyone involved who extended this award to me. (Photo: David Pretlove, left and me).
Holiday in the Patch
It was a great success - congrats to the Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton) and its staff who organized its annual holiday event.
Santa visited the BIA office - the lineup for photo ops continued through the afternoon. The BIA is conducting quick survey to get your feedback about the event.
211- 219 Gerrard East
A proposal has been submitted to the City of Toronto for a 7-storey mixed use building on this site. There will be an online community consultation about the project from 6 to 7:30 pm on Tuesday December 19. You can find the drawings and progress reports online here. Register for the meeting here.
The heritage history of Parliament Street
Gilles Huot made this presentation at the Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s Fall meeting. He described three layers of heritage buildings on the street - great examples, hidden beauties and okay places. Among the greats are the current home of The Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament), the Winchester (Winchester and Parliament), the CIBC building (Parliament and Carlton), the renovated Toronto Community Housing row houses (502 to 510 Parliament), the Darling Terrace (between Wellesley and Prospect on Parliament) and Barr’s Dairy, now L’Avenue, (Amelia and Parliament). There’s a full discussion in the CPA’s Fall newsletter. In February, the CPA will hold a special meeting about the future of Parliament Street in the Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester).
Streetscapes in Bloom
Congrats to Alwin Kong from 7 Winchester. His garden has been awarded the 2023 Streetscape in Bloom prize by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association. His award includes a glass medallion and a watercolour painting of his garden by Rosie Shephard.
230 Fightback
This group has been opposing the application by KingSett Capital to build a 47-storey condo at 214 - 230 Sherbourne. They believe that the property should be used for affordable housing. They’ve planned to picket at KingSett’s headquarters on Thursday December 7. They’ve also had a communication from the company. Reports on both the picket and the message will be available next week.
Outdoor skating
The skating season has opened across Toronto. There are three local rinks nearby - Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne). All three are open now. Regular updates are provided in the right-hand column. It’s also a good idea to check the City Of Toronto’s website before heading out.
Step class at the CYC
Brenda has published her December schedule for her step classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). Wednesday December 13 at 9:15 am - this is her final class in 2023. No classes on December 20, 27 and January 3. Classes will resume on January 10.
Rosedale Valley Road
The Rosedale Valley Road between Bayview and Park will again be closed over the weekend from 12:01 am, Saturday December 9 to 6 am, Monday December 11. Construction is underway to repair the Glen Road bridge. The work will take place for 24 hours each day. Pedestrians and cyclists - the multi-use trail will be closed until December 17. (Photo: City of Toronto)
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise’s useful Dashboard lists the weekly statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. This week’s report has now been updated. On December 1, it shows that there are 20 people staying in the park. 7 people have housing plans, 8 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 5 don’t want to move. There are 25 structures - 5 have been removed.
Holiday in the Patch
Nick brought Cotton and Lucky to enjoy the show.
This must be the safest snowman in Cabbagetown.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Christmas lighting contest
Two residents associations - Cabbagetown South and Cabbagetown Residents - have joined together to run their Holiday Lights Contest. Nominate a home that you really enjoy - including your own. Enter the contest until December 26 by posting a photo (along with the home’s address) on Instagram or on the CRA Facebook page with the hash tag #cabbagetownlights or you can email your photo to info@cabbagetowner.com or info@cabbagetownsouth.ca. The nominations and the winner will be posted on the CRA and Cabbagetown South websites.
Carolling for Cans
Once again, strolling singers will visit local homes and street corners to sing Christmas carols between 2 to 4 pm on Sunday December 17. Their route travels along Amelia, south on Sumach, along Carlton, north on Metcalfe as well as east and west along Salisbury, Winchester, Millington and Sackville Place. Combined with their visits, a separate crew is collecting donations for the food bank at Saint Luke Church (Sherbourne and Carlton). Anyone who wants to donate can leave their bags on the front porch. Flyers will be distributed on Saturday December 9. The photo shows last year’s successful collection - they hope to double it this year.
Pop-up holiday gift shop
The Friends of Allan Gardens are holding their pre-Christmas gift shop on December 9 & 10 and 16 & 17, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Plants, decorations, greeting cards and more. Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).
51 Division toy drive
Make a child happy with a new unwrapped toy. Drop it off at the 51 Division HQ (51 Parliament)
Laurier looks good
Once again, Laurier Ave residents have decorated the entire street with seasonal lights. It’s an annual event - and always a welcome one.
Dermott Place
These decorations light up the whole street.
Christmas tree lighting
The beautiful big tree in Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester, east of Sumach) has been decorated and lit again this year.
384 Ontario
Thanks to Rick Matthews for this story. This home has a mail box for Santa where kids can find candy canes. If the kids leave a letter and include their home address, Santa will write back. (Photo: Rick Matthews)
Where are the Christmas trees
A local resident, Leo, wrote to me asking why the tree lot next to No Frills (Spruce and Parliament) hadn’t returned. The answer isn’t readily available. About two years ago, during the Covid crisis, the vendor didn’t appear. Before that, the lot manager said that the last of the McDermott family who had operated the lot for over 70 years had retired to Florida. If anyone knows more, please send along your story.
SHOPPING NEWS
A quick reminder
Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is now taking orders for your Christmas dinners - turkey, smoked ham, honey glazed ham, prime rib roast, capon and beef tenderloin are all on his recommended list.
Christmas shopping at Kendall & Co
This Saturday at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament St), enjoy live music and cider during your holiday shopping. Kendall & Co are supporting Counterpoint Community Orchestra - tickets to their December 9 concert are available for purchase. Find beautiful and unique items to decorate, to entertain and to give this festive season. Kendall’s friendly elves will help you check off everyone and everything on your list with new furniture, area rugs, accent pillows, lighting, wallpaper, drapery and blinds. From their dazzling Christmas window and all throughout the store, experience the joy in person or shop online. Extended store hours: Monday 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday noon to 6 pm, Wednesday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday noon to 5 pm.
The Great Mallard
Drop-in to the Great Mallard (503 Parliament) on Saturday from 1 to 6 pm for two special treats. Christina is featuring her award-winning jams. She won first place in the professional jams and jelly category at the Royal Winter Fair. She’s also introducing her own line of pre-made meals for your convenience and delight - authentic Greek Moussaka, vegetarian lasagna, mac & cheese and Jamaican stewed chicken with coconut rice.
Distillery’s Winter Village highlights
Open from 10 am daily with outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors. Throughout the Christmas season, meet Santa and the roaming elves, join the carollers’ sing-alongs and listen to live entertainment. Enjoy the Distillery’s permanent restaurants, food specialty shops and retailers as well as the outdoor shopping cabins and 11 bar experiences. The Winter Village shopping week happens from January 1 to 7. Extended Boxing Day sales will continue. Tickets are required for various times throughout the schedule - check online for purchases and prices.
Christmas decorations
Fairway Market (520 Parliament) has small trees, miniature plants, boughs, wreaths and other seasonal arrangements.
THEATRE NEWS
Soulpepper’s (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) annual Family Festival presents Alice in Wonderland and On A Night Like This. Dance Arts performances happen this weekend. Citadelle et Compagnie (304 Parliament) has some adult Christmas entertainment. These listings and more are online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Winesday at F’Amelia
It’s back - Winesday at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) happens every Wednesday. Buy any bottle priced over $100 and get it for half price.
Events at The Aviary
The Aviary (484 Front East) presents a live performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Starring Terri, Christopher and Kyle and a children’s choir. December 9 is sold out so there's extra performance, 4:30 pm, Saturday December 16.
Food drive at Mill Street
The Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) is holding a food drive to support the Daily Bread Food Bank. Bring in non-perishable foods to the Retail Store until December 31.
Panettone at Terrone
Terroni (22 Sackville) begins the Christmas season with Panetonne Artigianale - made with Italian flour, fresh eggs, butter, vanilla beans and Termini’s mother yeast.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril has finished his 2023 soup deliveries - he’ll be back in January.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 7 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 17
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 7
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY DECEMBER 8
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, oysters and DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9
The Aviary
1 and 3 pm - A Charlie Brown Christmas
SUNDAY DECEMBER 10
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY DECEMBER 11
The Aviary
Fam Jam - Family night at The Aviary.
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, Trivia Night
TUESDAY DECEMBER 12
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
Super Bargain
Happy hour to 8 pm, Tequila Tuesday with margaritas and palms at $11 and tequila mixed singles at $5.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 13
The Vibrational Apothecary
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Aviary
7 pm, Euchre Socials every Wednesday with monthly winners.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY DECEMBER 15
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY DECEMBER 16
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
The Aviary
4:30 pm - A Charlie Brown Christmas
7:30 pm, Beer and cheer sing-a-long
SUNDAY DECEMBER 17
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E
Cranberries - 601 Parliament
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
Dominion - 500 Queen E - closed permanently
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
Keating Channel - 2 Villiers St
La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
