June 30

This week’s image:  The Hot Rods perform at Carlton and Parliament - summer music sponsored by the Cabbagetown BIA

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Cabbagetown South meeting with the police
The Cabbagetown South Residents will hold a special meeting with officers from 51 Division.  Several important topics are on the agenda - street prostitution, drug sales and incidents of assaults and property damage. Superintendent Elizabeth Byrnes will be there along with members of the Community Response Team.  Thursday July 7, 6:30 pm, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario).  

Dixon Hall fundraising success
Bill and Kathy Graham have pledged a gift of $1 million for the construction of a new Dixon Hall Youth Centre in Regent Park.  
The Centre was once located in a social housing building that has been demolished as part of Regent Park’s revitalization.  The youth program has continued and needs a new home.  Dixon Hall has orgnized a fundraising campaign with Bob Rae as its chair to raise $3 million.  The plan is to start construction in the Spring of 2017 of a new 8000-square foot centre at Wyatt and Nicholas Avenues next to the new Athletic Grounds. 
The new building will be named in honour of the Grahams in recognition of their gift.
For lots of info and also for a link where you can make a gift, click here.  

Bike Share expansion
Bike Share is expanding - by mid July, there will be 120 more stations and 1000 more bikes available across the city.  It’s a result of a partnership between Toronto Parking Authority and Metrolinx.  New members who join later in the summer will also get a 50% discount on their first-year membership if they have a PRESTO card.  There’ll be three new stations in Cabbagetown and Corktown. To enlarge the map, click on it - it shows current and new stations scheduled for our neighbourhood.  

July yoga classes
Alan Florence will be offering his classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30 am at Lotus Palm (517 Parliament).  He’ll be concentrating on core and hips with most of the work done on a mat rather than standing.  $15/class.  
Jennifer Snowdon will hold her beginner’s class on Monday at 7:30 pm, yin and yoga nidra on Tuesday at 7:30 pm, hatha yoga on Saturday at 9:30 am and yin on Saturday at 11:15 am. All of her classes are at her studio (58 Rose), $15 and $20.  Jennifer’s studio will close from July 16 to 31.

Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market
This week, Greenlane Estate Winery was a vendor at the Market (Riverdale Park, Winchester and Sumach).  Nice 2012 riesling - it did very well with our barbeque chicken salad in the back yard later that day. Every week, there’s a different winery - Greenlane visits on the last Tuesday of each month.

Under the Stars
The weekly outdoor movie series at the Big Park (620 Dundas E) in Regent Park kicks off at 9 pm on Wednesday July 13.  Popcorn and refreshments available.  The July 13 movie is Love & Basketball, followed by Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles (July 20) and Jab We Met (July 27).  If it rains, the movies will be shown in the Artscape Lounge, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).

Regent Park community sing-a-long
The fifth community sing-a-long takes place on Monday July 4 from 5 to 7 pm in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  This week’s theme is “Collective Songwriting” with Kamilah Apong.  Free event - snacks provided.  

Parliament Street gardens
The BIA's garden boxes at Carlton Street
Thanks to the people who’ve planted and maintained three nice gardens along Parliament Street.  Our shopping area suffers from narrow sidewalks that prevent the widespread use of gardens, patios and outdoor commercial displays.  
The neighbours' boulevard at Prospect Street
The boulevard gardens along our side streets help to soften this handicap.  Surprisingly, they’re tough to maintain - water, careful tending and good plantings need some thought and constant work.
The Winchester's garden at Winchester Street

REAL ESTATE NEWS

Free the Children
It appears that the homes scattered throughout Cabbagetown that were once owned by Free the Children are now being sold.  One of the group’s last holdings at Sackville and Amelia has sold - it was listed at almost $2 million.

Jenny’s
Jenny’s is a Cabbagetown landmark.  Located at 401 Parliament, it’s a tiny but nifty store that completely fills a one-storey building right on the corner.  A few years ago, the building was for sale for $500,000 - an amazing amount considering its size and commercial potential.  Now it’s back on the market for $1.5 million.  In their advertising, the real estate reps’ explain their reasons behind the price - “situated adjacent to rapidly evolving Regent Park” and “strategic investment or development opportunity”.  Obviously, the commercial strip at the south end of Parliament is becoming more interesting and attractive. Here’s the link to the real estate listing.  

Another landmark
The Winchester Building is back on the market - $14.5 million, Royal Lepage.  

IN THE MEDIA

Moss Park market
Photo:  Natalia Manzocco, NOW Magazine
Another veggie market has arrived - this one in a repurposed shipping container in Moss Park.  The container was donated and it sits on a TCHC building lawn near Queen and Ontario.  It’s got both air conditioning and heating and plans are to keep it open year-round. Because it’s rent-free, the market can offer quality food at lower costs. NOW Magazine covered this story - click here to read about it. 

John Innes Community Centre
Photo:  City of Toronto
A disagreement is boiling up about plans for the future of the John Innes Community Centre.  The City of Toronto has partnered with 519 Community Centre to create a new, more inclusive facility.  Local activists in the Queer Trans Community Defence are opposed - they see the change as another step toward gentrification in Moss Park.  Check out the CBC’s story here. 

The Garden of Future Follies
Photo:  Artists' rendition
Waterfront Toronto has unveiled the last of its public art installations in the West Don Lands neighbourhood.  The Garden of Future Follies by Hadley+Maxwell is located at Front and Bayview.  Its seven sculptures are based on 80 monuments and architectural features from across Toronto.  Spacing Toronto has run an interview with the artists about their work - click here.  

Regent Park Athletic Grounds
Photo: Taste of Regent Park
Justin Skinner, writing in Inside Toronto, has done a story about the official opening of the Regent Park Athletic Grounds.  The facility will be a centrepiece in the new Regent Park and it’s the result of a partnership between the City, Toronto Community Housing, Daniels Corporation and Maple Leaf Sports Enterprises.  Click here to read about it.  

St Peter’s Anglican Church
Frances Brown, a parishioner at St Peter’s Church (188 Carlton) has written a column in the June 24 Bulletin about the end of the congregation.  Rumours have circulated about the church’s closing and the sale of its land for some time.  Although her comments give few details about the actual plans for its future, she has some sad but interesting insights into its history.  Click here.  
  
ON STAGE

Toronto Jazz Festival
The Mill Street Beer Hall
(21 Tank House Ln, Distillery) is joining the city-wide Toronto Jazz Festival with live performances every afternoon at 5 pm from Thursday June 30 to Sunday July 3. Herriott-Harkness (H2) appears on Thursday, George Grosman & Bohemian Swing on Friday and the Eric St-Laurent Quartet on Saturday.  No cover
Two concerts happen in the Distillery District.  The Climax Jazz band is up on Friday July 1 at 3 pm and the Boxcar Boys on Saturday July 2 at 3 pm.  
The Jazz Festival has a huge program.  For all the details organized by venue, click here.  

InBody
Movement ideas that pull from all areas of life - an evening length professional dance performance showcasing a variety of styles including contemporary, hip hop and jazz.  Dancers come from the Toronto Dance Project Professional Company and the Youth Company.    Thursday June 30 and Friday July 1, 8 pm, Winchester Dance Theatre (80 Winchester).  Tickets at the box office and online here. $25/advance and $30/door.  

BUSINESS NEWS

Farm fresh food
Erick from The Local GEST (424 Parliament) has organized a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) project from The Local Farm in Sutton.  You can enjoy farm-fresh produce in a box delivered every Thursday directly to your home or to The Local GEST.  
Each week, your box will contain eight seasonal items from the forty or more crops that are being grown - kale, arugula, spinach, Swiss chard, basil, wild spinach, mixed greens, lettuce, torpedo and golden beets, broccoli, green onions, bok choy, boak, okra, white, purple and cooking onions, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, green and yellow zucchinis, eggplant, radishes, turnips, parsnips, acorn and golden squash, green purple and yellow beans, sweet pea, cucumber, corn, apples, pears, rhubarb, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe and sun flowers.
You can select boxes for 10 weeks ($350) or 21 weeks ($700).  It’s flexible - you can also skip a week if needed. If you want a test before setting your schedule, stop by the Local GEST from 2 to 4 pm on Thursday and select a few items to take home. Delivery to your home is $10.  There’s no charge for pick-ups at The GEST. 
Contact Erick at thelocalfarmgest@gmail.com or call (647) 760-5696.

Pride helmet covers
Karyn at TailWags Helmet Covers makes all kinds of covers for bike helmets.  To celebrate Pride, she’s got a special Pride helmet cover available at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament).  Drop by and pick up one of them.  You can see her full line of colourful designs at her website.  

Living high
This waterfront condo was renovated, furnished and decorated by Kendall & Co (514 Parliament).  It sold in three days for a record amount, thanks to Kendall’s teamwork plus its million-dollar view.  Take the virtual tour to see Kendall’s design - click here.  Store hours - Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday 11 am to 5 pm.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Summerlicious is back
Toronto’s great summer foodie festival gets underway from July 8 to July 2.  220 restaurants will offer fixed prices (and great bargains) for lunch and dinner.  Each restaurant offers meals in one price range - lunch at $18, $23 or $28 and dinner at $28, $38 or $48.  Reservations, especially at the favourites and high profile places, are a “must”.  In our immediate area, five restaurants are in the program.  Four are in The Distillery - Archeo ($18 lunch and $28 dinner), Cluny ($23 and $38),  Mill Street Beer Hall ($18 and $28) and Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill ($23 and $38). In Cabbagetown, F’Amelia (12 Amelia) offers dinner at $38.  You’ll find maps, reservation info, menu details and contact info at the main Summerlicious website - click here.  

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JUNE 30 TO SUNDAY JULY 10

  • For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.  
  • If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.

THURSDAY JUNE 30

Dominion
8 pm, Juliana and Jesse
The Irv
7 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Toronto Jazz festival with Herriott-Harkness (H2)

FRIDAY JULY 1

Distillery
3 pm, Toronto Jazz Festival - Climax Jazz Band
Dominion
8 pm, DJ Knoxx
Fuse
5 to 7 pm, Fuse Fridays with Wade O Brown Trio.  Live bands from 8 to 10:30 pm.
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Toronto Jazz festival with George Grosman & Bohemian Swing
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SATURDAY JULY 2

Distillery
3 pm, Toronto Jazz Festival - Box Car Boys
Dominion
8 pm, Katey Gatta
Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s.
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Toronto Jazz Festival with Eric St-Laurent Quartet
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SUNDAY JULY 3

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch 
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Mark Sepic

MONDAY JULY 4

Daniels Spectrum
5 pm, Regent Park Community sing-a-long,Oldies with Inspired Souls
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY JULY 5

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY JULY 6

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam

THURSDAY JULY 7

Dominion
8 pm, Katey Gatta
The Irv
6:30 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Toronto Jazz festival with Herriott-Harkness (H2)

FRIDAY JULY 8

Distillery
3 pm, Toronto Jazz Festival - Climax Jazz Band
Dominion
8 pm, Mercuri Project
Fuse
5 to 7 pm, Fuse Fridays with Wade O Brown Trio.  Live bands from 8 to 10:30 pm.
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Toronto Jazz festival with George Grosman & Bohemian Swing
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SATURDAY JULY 9

Distillery
3 pm, Toronto Jazz Festival - Box Car Boys
Dominion
8 pm, The Ugly Horse
Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s.
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Toronto Jazz Festival with Eric St-Laurent Quartet
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SUNDAY JULY 10

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11:30 am, Jazz at Sunday brunch
Distillery
3 pm, Toronto Jazz Festival - Rhythm & Truth
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Andra Henderson Trio
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Toronto Jazz festival with the Blue Moon Marquee

CONTACT INFO

ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188,  https://www.facebook.com/CorktownKitchen 
CRANBERRIES
DOMINION PUB & KITCHEN
500 Queen St E, (416) 366-5555, https://www.facebook.com/DominionTO/
EL CATRIN
18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121, https://www.facebook.com/elcatrin.ca
FUSE
366 Queen St E, http://fusedining.com 
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, https://www.facebook.com/theirvpub/
LITTLE SHMIDDY’S HOT MEAT HOUSE
584 Parliament St, (416) 961-1600, http://www.littleshmiddyshotmeathouse.com 
THE LOCAL GEST
424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, http://www.thelocalgest.com/
MERRYBERRY CAFE
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, http://millstreetbrewery.com/toronto-beer-hall/
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, http://millstreetbrewery.com/toronto-brew-pub/
MURGATROID
568 Parliament, (416) 323-9381, https://www.facebook.com/MurgatroidTO
ODIN
514 King W, (647) 350-6346, https://www.facebook.com/odinhus
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, https://www.facebook.com/PaintboxBistro/
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
UNDER THE TABLE

568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533,