June 1

This week’s image:  Parliament Street starts to bloom

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Parliament Street closure
Pam McConnell’s office has sent along two encouraging reports.
First, construction work on Parliament between Wellesley and Bloor is progressing rapidly.  The project is now scheduled for completion by the end of the workday on Monday June 5.  This has been achieved by tripling the number of work crews on the job.
It’s also been achieved by dedicating an overnight shift on Friday June 2 - the crews will be paving the street.
The street will be completely closed from 7 pm on Friday to 2 pm on Saturday.  Otherwise, the street will be reduced to one lane in each direction until the job is complete.
Second, the big closure at Dundas and Parliament is finishing early.  One lane in all directions of the intersection is now open with overhead electrical work still to be completed.  The final completion is expected by June 5.

CPA Annual Meeting
Congrats to the Cabbagetown Preservation Association for its successful annual meeting on Monday May 29.  Gilles Huot and Virginia van Vliet talked about the “Builders of Canada”, the remarkable people buried in Cabbagetown’s two cemeteries. Starting with Joseph Burr Tyrrell, they covered the lives and contributions of Paul Kane, the Jarvis family, Justice John Beverley Robinson, William Lyon MacKenzie, Robert Baldwin, Samuel Lount, Peter Matthews, Thornton and Lucy Blackburn, William Gooderham, the Irish immigrants, Enoch Turner and the Gzowski family.  There’s so much material that they decided to split their presentation into two and to talk about later figures in a second presentation.

Congrats to the Pringles and to Patty Junior
The CPA’s annual Peggy Kurtin Award for excellence in a residential restoration was given to Valerie and Andrew Pringle for their work on their home at 397 Carlton.  Monica Kuhn was the architect on the project and represented the family at the meeting. A second award for an outstanding commercial renovation was given to Patty Junior from The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament). 

Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market vendors
The Backyard Urban Farm Company is a new vendor at the Market.  It’ll be there for the next couple of weeks.  The company sells seedlings for your garden and also specializes in making raised garden beds.  You can see samples of its work on its Facebook page and read about its full range of landscaping work on its website.  Drop by the booth to get some plants that’ll give your own garden a head start and find out how you can design special features for your backyard.

A reminder
The Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market happens every Tuesday afternoon from 3 to 7 pm throughout the summer to October.  It’s in Riverdale Park at the corner of Winchester and Sumach.

A call for vendors
The Taste of Regent Park offers a combination of a farmer’s market, local vendors, a by-donation community meal, entertainment and kids activities. During July and August, it’s usually followed by an outdoor movie screening by the Regent park Film Festival.  It all happens in the Big Park in Regent Park on Wednesdays from June 28 to August 30 from 5 to 8 pm.
If you’re a vendor and want to be involved, please email RPcommunitymarket@gmail.com   

Buy a rain barrel
Cabbagetown South is selling rain barrels ($55 each) and several accessories.  The barrels are available in the regular size and in three colours.  It’s a fundraiser to assist the Association with its community projects.  The final day for orders is Monday June 5.  Pick-ups locally on June 10 from 10 am to 1 pm at 380 Ontario .  For more info and ordering, click here.  

The CYC’s annual run is back
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre’s annual mini-marathon will again be staged during the 2017 Cabbagetown Festival. It’s scheduled for Sunday morning, September 10.  
Volunteers are needed.  You can help in advance by joining your local street team.  Each street in the neighbourhood is organized so that residents learn about the CYC, get a chance to make a donation and find out how to register for the Run.  Volunteers will distribute pamphlets, contact potential donors and keep track of local donations and tax receipts. 

June step classes
Brenda’s step classes will finish the season with her events through June.  If ypu’re part of the group, be sure to find out when your class photo will be taken.  She’ll be leading the classes on Wednesdays, June 7, 14 and 21 at 9:15 am and on Sundays, June 4 and 18 at 11 am.  Please note - the class for Sunday June 11 is cancelled.  For more info, contact Brenda at brenda.brownmcnee@bell.net 

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Image:  City of Toronto Archives 372-58- 1372 
History under foot. Now that our streets and sidewalks are clear of winter hazards, we can look down for reasons other than preventing nasty falls. Near Pet Value on Carlton Street, you can see a 1934 “man hole cover” still doing its job after 83 years. Fortunately, City photographer (and one time Cabbagetowner) Arthur Goss documented City construction sites. This Goss photo shows that, apart from awnings, Carlton and Parliament hasn’t changed much. If you look closely, you can see a bicycle in the distance and the shadow of Goss’s head in the lower left corner.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.  Please support the Museum by clicking on GoFundMe.

SUMMER FOR KIDS

Dancing at the CYC
Eden Higgins is back at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) and is teaching her recreational dance classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  She’s offering three classes for kids - from 6 to 6:30 pm (for kids 6 to 8 years), from 6:30 to 7 pm (9 to 11 years) and from 7 to 8 pm (12 to 14 years).  Classes are free.  Drop in and register before the class. 

CYC Summer Camp
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) has the perfect day camp for children and youth aged 4 - 18 years. The program includes sports, performing arts, evening leagues and more. Registration is now open. You won't want to miss it!  Drop in to the CYC or go online here to register.  

Summer Dance Camp
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) offers a week-long Summer Dance Camp for kids ages 5 and up right in the heart of Cabbagetown.  July 17 to 21. Sign up your kids for a week of movement, creation, and fun. Classes are set to vibrant live music from some of the city’s most gifted accompanists. The schedule is jam-packed with dance and music, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities, all fostering self-expression and collaboration.Young artists will create their own dances, characters, instruments, sets, and costumes while learning the fundamentals of contemporary dance in a fun and safe environment. The week will culminate in a showing for the dancers’ families in the historic Winchester Street Theatre.  There’s more information online.

Make a difference
Send a kid to camp with the Neighbourhood Group.  The group serves many high needs areas like Moss Park and St James Town.  Your $75 donation will support a kid for one week. $150 pays for two weeks and $600 covers a full summer program.  Click here to learn more and to make your gift.  

COMING EVENTS 

Cabbagetown street art
Toronto author Nathalie Prezeau will lead a walk through Cabbagetown lanes and streets to see our murals, public art and graffiti.  She’s written the newly published “Toronto Street Art Strolls”.   Start the walk at Labour of Love (223 Carlton).  Saturday June 3, 11 am to 1 pm, rain or shine.  Free.

Youth job fair
The Centre for Education & Training (599 Parliament) is hosting a youth job fair for people between 15 and 29 years old on Saturday June 3 from 11 am to 2 pm.  There’ll be assistance with resume writing and interview skills.  Interviews on-the-spot with employers including Tim Horton’s, Mcdonalds and Canadian Property Stars.  Positions are open in retailing, customer service and sales, landscaping, food service and more.  Click here to register. 

Ideas Symposium at CNH
Save the date - the Neighbourhood Group will host its sixth annual Ideas Symposium on Saturday June 3, 10 am to 2 pm at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario).  There’ll be celebrated panelists and lots of discussion. Lunch is provided.  It’s free - everyone welcome. To register, call Edwin at (416) 925-4363, ext 103 or go online.  

Cabbagetown South Residents security meeting
The Association is holding its next meeting at Hey Lucy (229 Carlton) on Wednesday June 7 at 7 pm.  A representative from a security company will talk about home security, cameras and security systems.  There’ll also be a discussion about two development proposals, one at the Gerrard Street Beer Store and the other at Sherbourne and Gerrard.  

Free bike tuneups
The Cabbagetown BIA together with Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) is organizing a bike workshop on Saturday June 11 from noon to 2 pm.  Bring your bike for a simple checkup.  Enjoy some munchies from Charro Mexican Restaurant (582 Parliament).  Green Thumbs and Cycle Toronto Ward 28 will offer kids activities.  It all takes place on the corner of Carlton and Parliament.  

Waterfront Toronto Walks
From June 8 to 17, Waterfront Toronto is offering four different walking tours of the waterfront.  
June 8 and June 13 at 7 pm - there’s a 90-minute tour of the Queens Quay revitalization.  The starting point is the Simcoe WaveDeck (lower Simcoe and Queens Quay). 
Saturday June 10 at 11 am - take a 75-minute walk through Corktown Commons. Meet at the Pavillion on the hilltop.
Thursday June 15 at 7 pm - visit the public art in the West Don Lands.  Start at Underpass Park.
Saturday June 17 at 11 am - walk through the central waterfront to explore its history.  Start at 60 Harbour Street.
The walks are free.  Register at Eventbrite.   

Two ROMWalks
ROMWalks are guided walking tours organized by the Royal Ontario Museum. Two local tours are scheduled for our sites over the summer. 
St James Cemetery covers Toronto’s oldest operating cemetery including its chapel, a national historic site and the graves of notable and notorious citizenry.  The starting point is at the cemetery gate (Parliament north of Wellesley) on June 18, July 19 and September 17.
Whiskey, Wharf & Windmill goes through the Distillery District to discover commercial, industrial and residential buildings from the historic Town of York. Starting point at St Paul’s Basilica (Power and Queen). The walk will be offered on June 25, August 2 and October 15.

BUSINESS NEWS

Keeping Cabbagetown in Motion
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has a brand new line of upholstered furniture that includes gliders, recliners and swivels! Visit the shop and have a seat on the floor models. Made in Toronto, with the fabric of your choice, priced at great value. Now featuring select styles in sofas and armchairs. The Décor Associates can take you through the collections for your living room, dining room and bedroom. Visit Kendall’s website for a preview.  Kendall & Co is your one-stop-shop for furnishings, lighting and decorating - open from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays.

NOW Magazine People’s Choice Awards
Nominate your favourites for the annual People’s Choice Awards.  These 
awards bring city-wide attention to the businesses that are selected - either as a winner or runner-up.  Go to NOW’s website and nominate your choices in each category.

Distillery Sunday Market
The Sunday Market has returned to the Distillery.  It runs each week through the summer from noon to 5 pm.  Outdoor vendors will sell food specialties and artisanal treats.

IN THE MEDIA

Pam McConnell describes Toronto Island flooding
Last week, Pam discussed the very serious impact of the flooding on Toronto Island.  Thanks to Victoria Hadden for this info.  There’s a video produced by CityNews online here.   

Development in the Distillery District
On Monday May 22, the Toronto Star wrote about three new development proposals affecting the Distillery.  Jesse Winter’s story includes descriptions of each project along with residents’ and heritage reactions.   

Rooming house meetings
City of Toronto officials are holding public consultations about rooming house regulations.  Cabbagetown’s session will be in Room A in the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne) at 6:30 pm on Tuesday June 27. The online edition of The Bulletin has background details about this initiative.  

Trees are dying
Regent Park’s young trees are dying.  The City of Toronto has acknowledged the problem and is planning for soil remediation and tree replanting.  The CBC reported this story - click here.   

Linda Manzer on Q
Guitar maker Linda Manzer joined Tom Powers on CBC Radio’s program Q to talk about the McMichael Gallery’s show, The Group of Seven Guitar Makers.  Click here to read the story and to find links to the broadcast.   

ON STAGE

Danny Marks update
I wrote to Danny recently and asked what he’s been doing.  Not much, he says.  Then I checked his Facebook page.  On Friday, he’s on the program at the annual Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. He’s playing regularly at the Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen W) on Saturdays from noon to 3 pm.  This weekend, he’s also appearing at the Bay City Music Hall (50 Leander Dr in Hamilton) in the Blues with a Feeling concert.  Of course, he’s still doing his Bluz-FM radio show from 8 pm on Saturday nights on Jazz-FM 91.1.  On Friday June 16, he’s back on stage at the Silver Dollar (486 Spadina) for its “Last Shuffle - before the wrecking ball swings”.
You can keep up with his appearances on his Facebook page.  
By the way - hint - no mention yet about a show at the Cabbagetown Festival.  

Fresh Ideas in puppetry
A day of presentations, demonstrations, discussions and workshops about puppetry.  The evening cabaret presents exciting innovations and new performances.  10 am to 10 pm, Saturday June 3, Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Daytime conference $55, cabaret $25, package ticket $70. 

Distillery’s Music City Summer Series
Each Saturday  through the summer, the Distillery presents live music from its Trinity stage.  
On Saturday June 3 from 2 to 6 pm, it’s Alana and Leigh Cline, the Ever-Lovin’ Jug band.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Mangos at Merryberry
Mangos are featured in Cyril’s next cooking class - Wednesday June 7, 5:30 pm, $45.  He says that it’s one of his favourite foods.  The menu includes a mango and cucumber gazpacho, a Thai green mango salad. a chicken-cashew-mango dish and a no-bake, no-crust mango cheesecake mousse.  To register, call (647) 348-0411 or drop in to Merryberry (559 Parliament).

Craft beer week at Stout
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) has a big reputation for its fine selection of craft beers.  During Craft Beer Week, Stout has announced three special events.   On Monday June 12 from 7:30 pm, Steamwhistle sponsors Beer Trivia night.  On Tuesday June 13 from 7:30 pm, it’s Cameron’s turn to sponsor Beer Trivia.  On Wednesday June 14 at 7 pm, Railway City hosts Beer Bingo night.  

THEATRE & DANCE CALENDARS 
Addresses, online info and current events.

AKI STUDIO THEATRE
Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E

Dinner with Goebbels - to June 2
Online tickets and info here.

Fresh Ideas in puppetry - Saturday June 3
Online info and tickets here.

ALUMNAE THEATRE
70 Berkeley Street

InspiraTO 10-Minute Play Festival - June 1 to 10
Online tickets and info here.

CANADIAN STAGE
26 Berkeley Street 

Onegin - to June 4
Online info and tickets here.

SOULPEPPER
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District

For Coloured Girls - on stage to June 3
Tickets and info here.

Porgy & Bess - on stage June 1 to 3 and June 9.
Online info and tickets here.

Confederation: Part One, Confederation & Riel - on stage June 9
Tickets and info online here. 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JUNE 1 TO SUNDAY JUNE 11
  • 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 1

The Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Paintbox Bistro
4 to 7 pm, taping of the Nikki Clarke show

FRIDAY JUNE 2

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Johnny G’s
8:30 pm, Live Greek music with Dimitra (vocals), Vassilis (keyboard) and Vaggelis (bouzouki)
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY JUNE 3

Distillery
2 pm, Alana and Leigh Cline, the Ever-Lovin’ Jug Band
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Saturday nights with Humble Mike
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SUNDAY JUNE 4

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Dominion
11 am, Brunch & Beats
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Joanne Morra

MONDAY JUNE 5

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY JUNE 6

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY JUNE 7

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Wednesday Night Trivia
Merryberry
5:30 pm, Cooking class - mangos, $45
Paintbox
8 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam, $12
Quincy’s
Latin Wednesdays with DJ Fight - reggaeton, merengue, rumba salsa, Afromusic and more.  $10.

THURSDAY JUNE 8

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY JUNE 9

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Fuse
10 pm, Ladies night and dancing, ladies free, others $10
Johnny G’s
8:30 pm, Live Greek music with Dimitra (vocals), Vassilis (keyboard) and Vaggelis (bouzouki)
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY JUNE 10

Distillery
2 pm,  Music City Summer Series 
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Saturday nights with Humble Mike
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SUNDAY JUNE 11

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Dominion
11 am, Brunch & Beats
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Zim Zum
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

CONTACT INFO

ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
ARVO
17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery,  (647) 352-2766
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188
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, (647) 347-3873, http://fusedining.com 
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
IMPACT KITCHEN
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, https://www.facebook.com/theirvpub/
JOHNNY G’s
478 Parliament St, (416) 928-1358
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/
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346, https://www.facebook.com/odinhus
NEW TOWN
413 Parliament Street
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555
QUINCY’s AFROKITCHEN & BAR
326 Parliament, (647) 989-9127,  https://www.facebook.com/cometoquincys/
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
UNDER THE TABLE

568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533, https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto