CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Michael Cavanaugh
Loading Bay is another of Michael’s recent pieces. It captures his views of urban life in striking colours and perspectives. 40” by 30”, acrylic on canvas. Check out his work on Instagram and on his website.
Congrats Ann Kay
Ann participated in the art show at the Garden Holiday Market at the Toronto Botanical Gardens (777 Lawrence E) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 24, 25 and 26. She did well - over 40 pieces featuring her lovely botanical ceramics were sold.
A PERSONAL OPINION
Snow plowing
I got a pamphlet from the City of Toronto describing the 2024 snow plowing plans. One item always irritates me. Why is the City plowing our sidewalks? Let’s look at the chart in the pamphlet. They plow the sidewalks whenever 2 cm or more accumulates and they leave behind some snow as long as it’s “safe and passable.” Who cleans off the rest? We do. So, what’s new? We’ve been cleaning off our sidewalks since the days of Lord Simcoe. But the new City plan, implemented last year, costs millions of dollars. Let’s go back to the old system and save the money for warming centres and shelters for the homeless instead. (Photo: Ann Kay - Wellesley sidewalk last March after the City plowed the street.)
LOCAL NEWS
Holiday in the Patch
The Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton) has organized its annual holiday event for Saturday December 2. It’s family-friendly and free. Get a photo with Santa, enjoy strolling carollers, come to the Family Fun Zone at 237 Carlton. And take in the shoppers’ scavenger hunt - get a map and a bag at the Family Fun Zone and visit each business listed for the hunt.
The heritage history of Parliament Street
This is the featured topic at the Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s Fall meeting. Thursday, November 30, 7 pm, Meeting House at Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester, east of Sumach). It has, of course, been thoroughly discussed previously. This time, it’s a serious warm-up for the effort to create a heritage district along Parliament. Gilles Huot will outline the street’s history and development as a preface to the February 2024 meeting’s look at the street’s future. There’s a full discussion in the CPA’s Fall newsletter.
Outdoor skating
The skating season has opened across Toronto. There are three local rinks nearby - Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Boadview) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne). All three are open now. Weekly updates will appear here. It’s 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). She’ll continue on Wednesday December 6 and 13 at 9:15 am. 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 be closed over the next two weekends from 12:01 am Saturday December 2 to 6 am Monday December 4 and again from 12:01 am December 9 to 6 am Monday December 11. Construction is underway to repair the Glen Road bridge. The work over these two weekends 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 Dashboard lists the weekly statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. This week’s report has not been updated - on November 17 it shows that there are 19 people staying in the park. 8 people have housing plans, 6 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 5 don’t want to move. There are 24 structures - 10 have been removed.
More tents
A structure in Wellesley Park that’s been there for several weeks was left there when two others were removed. Local residents were confused when it was reported that this tent had been left unmolested because its occupant is a cooperative, friendly man. Nobody seemed to know how his attitude made such a difference - after all, a tent is a tent is a tent. To comment on these tents, call 311 at the City and email Councillor Chris Moise.
Congrats Millie
Millie Hynes celebrated her 100th birthday at the end of November. She’s a long-time St James Town resident and a familiar face around town. She had two celebrations at Cranberries (601 Parliament). Just before her birthday she had a brunch get-together with her family and then several days later on her birthday she partied with 35 friends. Five family members flew in from Newfoundland to be with her. Ruth from Cranberries says that her birthday is “a milestone and she looks and is amazing.” Congrats and happy birthday, Millie.
COMING EVENTS
Christmas tree lighting
The beautiful big tree in Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester, east of Sumach) will be decorated and lit again this year - Saturday, December 2, 7 pm. There’ll also be crafts and snacks for families. The park will close at 8 pm.
Christmas tree crafts
The Children’s Book Bank has DIY Christmas tree crafts at both locations (585 Dundas E, suite 260 and 561 Sherbourne, level P3). Bring your kids on Saturday December 2 from 10 am to 3 pm. Make your own decorations for your tree.
Pop-up holiday gift shop
The Friends of Allan Gardens are holding their pre-Christmas gift shop on December 2 - 3, 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).
Danny Marks
Danny is appearing at Smoke Show BBQ & Beer (744 Mt Pleasant) at 3 pm on Sunday December 3. $15 cover charge.
51 Division toy drive
Make a child happy with a new unwrapped toy. Drop it off at the 51 Division HQ (51 Parliament)
SHOPPING NEWS
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.
Marilyn at Pet Valu
Marilyn from Diggity Dog Grooming (239 Gerrard E) is back for her monthly nail trimming clinic for your pets at Pet Valu (240 Carlton). 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday December 2. $12. Please call her for an appointment - (416) 920-6814.
Labour of Love
Regina presents two events at Labour of Love (223 Carlton). On Saturday December 2, pamper yourself. Noon to 2 pm. It’s an in-store event focusing on a toxin-free lifestyle. It’s free - RSVP here. On Thursday December 7 from 2 to 7 pm, bring a shine to your holiday jewellery. Whether it’s a beloved ring, a treasured necklace or a pair of earrings, your jewellery will be restored just in time for the holidays. Hot cider. Enjoy a 10% discount on jewellery purchases during the event. $5 - RSVP here.
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 trees
Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament) has small trees in pots (starting at $29.99) and bigger ones on stands ($49.99). Across the street, Parliament Smoke & Gift (609 Parliament) has lots of trees (starting at $49.99), small potted trees (from $24.99) and boughs and garlands.
IN THE MEDIA
TCHC houses at 265 - 275 Wellesley
This row of houses along the south side of Wellesley opposite St James Town is the site of a dispute between housing and heritage advocates. Toronto Community Housing wants to develop low-income housing. Heritage groups like Architectural Conservancy Ontario believe that they should be retrofitted and their facades maintained. The two sides have been struggling since 2018. The comments on each side are indicative of the two opposite perspectives. CBC News has a report on this dispute. (Photo: Mike Smee, CBC)
THEATRE NEWS
Soulpepper’s (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) annual Family Festival presents Alice in Wonderland and On A Night Like This. Citadelle et Compagnie has some adult Christmas entertainment. These listings and more are online here. (Image: Larry's Christmas Cabaret at The Citadel)
RESTAURANT NEWS
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. Two performances, 1 and 3 pm, Saturday December 9.
Cyril’s soup
It’s Cyril’s last soup for 2023! He expects to be back, refreshed, in 2024. It’s sweet potato, chickpea and lentil with some tomato, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, lemon, and ginger - thick and chunky. $3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 cups or more. His juice is pineapple-cranberry with a touch of orange at $9.50/2 cups. Delivery on December 2. To place your orders, send him an email.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 10
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY DECEMBER 1
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 2
Golden Pigeon
9 pm, DJ Stevie Kicks and DJ Mark Uncle
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
The Aviary
3 pm, Arts & Draughts - up cycle your own tree ornaments with artist Chloe
SUNDAY DECEMBER 3
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY DECEMBER 4
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 5
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6
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 7
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
7 pm, Arts and draughts - learn to crochet
FRIDAY DECEMBER 8
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
The Aviary
1 and 3 pm - A Charlie Brown Christmas
SUNDAY DECEMBER 10
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
