August 24

This week’s image:  The Cabbagetown BIA’s pop-up band played at Carlton and Parliament on Saturday August 5 and again at Winchester and Parliament last weekend.  

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS 

Bike stands in Riverdale Park
The Bike Share station located at the north end of Riverdale Park will be moved to the corner of Sumach and Carlton. It’ll happen whenever Bike Share has the opportunity to do the work.  
The Cabbagetown Residents’ Association’s Board has not endorsed the move. They’ve heard complaints about this relocation both from current users and from residents living near the new spot.  The Association knows that bike users and residents find the current location satisfactory and they don’t want to trade a good spot for a problem.  
Kelly Sather, a staff person in the late Councillor Pam McConnell’s office, will receive comments until the end of September.  Anyone who wishes to do so can contact her at ksather@toronto.ca.  These comments will not change the final result.  
Phil Frei, president of the Residents’ Association, has posted a note on this subject, a letter from Kelly Sather and a series of citizens’ comments online here.  


New green bins
In September, larger green bins will be distributed to each home for the disposal of organic waste.  The new bins hold more (97 litres versus 46.5 litres), they weight more (9.4 kg versus 3.8) and they’re bigger (97 X 48 X 61 cm versus 68 X 39 X 45 cm). Notices will be sent out by the City of Toronto to alert residents about new bin deliveries and disposal of the old bins.
An experiment was conducted in Cabbagetown South earlier this year to test residents’ reactions. The Residents’ Association has learned about three alternatives to the big containers. First, the City will accept properly marked clear plastic bags.  Second, neighbours can share a common container.  
Third, a single container with a special green lid can be used for garbage/recycling along with organic disposals.  
The Cabbagetown South website has very useful summaries of all this information - click here.    

Cabbagetown Southwest Heritage Conservation District
The City of Toronto wants bids from qualified professionals to prepare a study about the potential for a heritage conservation district in southwest Cabbagetown.  This project has been in the wind for years and is finally moving forward now. The deadline for bids is September 15.

Development reports
The Cabbagetown South Residents Association has been working on two proposals for new developments in the neighbourhood.
Developers of the Oben Flats (307 Sherbourne)  project at Sherbourne and Gerrard have gone to the OMB claiming that the City of Toronto has been unduly slow in rending a decision.  A pre-hearing conference date has been set for September 13.  In the meantime, the project is on the agenda for the September 6 Toronto-East York Community Council where City planners will issue their recommendations and the legal department will recommend how the City should participate at the OMB.  
At this time, the proposal still contains 93 rental units, ground floor retail and a 13-14 storey tower.
Developers of the Gerrard Street Beer Store project have responded to the Association’s request for discussions.  Their new proposals are one storey smaller - eight instead of nine.  The retail will all face Gerrard and the south side of the building has been altered.  The future rental of retail space by the Beer Store has been contentious - staff at Glen Murray’s office have been asked to help with its relocation elsewhere.  

Walking tour - Cabbagetown By The Valley
This walk explores the growth of Cabbagetown and the Don River Valley - its history of industrialization from the mid-19th century, its growth as a community and its role as a hub for city services with its cemeteries, hospital and parks. Saturday August 26, 1:30 pm, Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley).  Offered by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association and Heritage Toronto.

Artfest at The Distillery
The annual outdoor art and crafts show returns to the Distillery from Friday September 1 to Monday September 4.  Painting, sculpture, crafts, live music and more.  

You’re invited
Glen Murray will resign from his post as our MPP on September 1.  He’s holding a Goodbye Party on Tuesday August 29 from 6 to 8 pm at 519 Church Street.  If you plan to attend, please RSVP to joycegrigg155@yahoo.ca 

Toronto Centre constituency office
After Glen Murray resigns, his constituency office will stay open to serve people in Toronto Centre.  The Premier has announced that she will not hold a by-election in the riding since the next general election is scheduled for June 2018.  The office staff will continue through that period until a new MPP is elected.  If you require help with Ontario government issues, call (416) 972-7683 or visit 120 Carlton Street, Unit  318.

The new Health Bus
Sherbourne Health Centre (333 Sherbourne) is launching its new Health Bus. It’s been a joint project between SHC and the Rotary Club for the past twenty years.  The new Health Bus will deliver primary care, mental health support, health education, screening and referrals, especially for people who face barriers to health care.  
The launch event happens on Thursday September 14 from 4 to 6 pm at the Sherbourne Health Centre (333 Sherbourne).   Please RSVP by September 7 to feedback@sherbourne.on.ca 

A volunteer President is needed
Donna Brown reports that the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is seeking a volunteer to serve as its President.  During the President’s term, the Foundation will aim for expanded research and treatment of this rare and deadly disease along with an increased public awareness. There’s a detailed description of the position on the Foundation’s website. Interested individuals should submit a resume by Friday September 8 to rosemary@cpff.ca 

The Young Dancers Program
Dance classes for kids ages 3 to 17, right in the heart of historic Cabbagetown! The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) offers the popular Young Dancers' Program. It’s a unique, non-competitive program, taught by gifted, experienced faculty - all professional dancers and educators. Classes feature vibrant live musical accompaniment.
Fall classes start on September 9.  Register today at (416) 967-6887 for easy over-the-phone registration or by email. For more info online about the program, please visit the School’s website.

Tour of Homes tickets
Sunday September 17, noon to 4 pm.  $35.
2017 Tour tickets go on sale on Sunday August 27.  The Tour is a self-guided event - your ticket contains the address for each home.  This year’s program offers a completely new selection. There’ll also be a list of special offers from retailers and restaurants for the event day.   
Tickets are now available on Paypal.  Please note that you must trade your Paypal receipt for an actual ticket on the day of the Tour.  
Four local retailers are selling tickets:  Epicure Shop (473 Parliament), Fairway Market (520 Parliament), Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) and Mi Casa (238 Carlton). 
Four more are selling them at convenient locations across Toronto:  Greenery Patch (St Lawrence Market), Kay & Young Florists (136 Avenue Road at Davenport), Ringe & Associates (Scotia Plaza concourse level) and Sheridan Nursery (2827 Yonge). 

Grace has left Toronto
Photo:  Grace at Independent Living in Kingston
Grace McNee reached Toronto two weeks ago on her cross-country cycling trip and stayed to the weekend.  Her brother rode east with her for a day. By the time she reached Montreal, she had caught “a terrible bug” and was recouping for several days with her family.
Check out her website for great snapshots of her cross-country ride and the map that records her progress.  
She’s raising money for Independent Living Nova Scotia in honour of her friend Sarah Dube. We can all help her with our donations.  She’s handling her fundraising through Canada Helps.  

You can take the girl out of Cabbagetown…
Photo:  Karen Thompson
Karen is delighted to say Hi to all her Cabbagetown friends.  Irene and I met her at Pizza On Earth in Dorset (great food - be sure to stop there when you go to Haliburton).  
She’s sent along a selfie from her family’s cottage at Kawagama Lake. 
Karen and her family moved away to Barrie a couple of years ago.  They had owned a beautiful Cabbagetown home in a hidden lane off Wellesley Street.  Now they’re comfy again in the south end of Barrie in another house that Jeremy designed. 
She’s fondly remembered here.  She volunteered at the Forsythia Festival, the Cabbagetown Co-op Nursery School and other family activities.

CLASSIFIEDS

Our Classifieds are free announcements about your news.  Are you having a yard sale, renting a parking spot, looking for a lost cat, bragging about your newest baby?  Tell your neighbours here.  Contact cabbagetownreview@gmail.com 

Update - Winston and Dwight
In early July, Gayle Murphy called for help adopting these two beautiful young cats.  While the search continued, they were kept at the Bay Cat Hospital (525 King E).  Gayle now reports that they’re off together to their new home. 

Volunteers needed

Blair’s Run
Street captains and volunteers. The work is easy and you’ll get the satisfaction of doing an important job for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  Contact Brenda McNee at cycbrenda@bell.net 

Tour of Homes
The Tour will feature nine homes this year and more people are needed for posts in each home.  It all happens on Sunday September 17 from 11:30 am to 4 pm.  Please contact Helen Coltrinari at helenc.hmc@sympatico.ca

Dixon Hall drivers for Meals on Wheels
Drivers take teams of people to deliver lunches on a daily basis from 11 am to 1:30 pm. Use your own vehicle or an agency vehicle.  Interested?  Click here to complete an online application form.

Dixon Hall hairstylists.  
Empower people through haircuts!  Join a team of stylists working together to support the homeless communities that Dixon Hall serves. Contact Heather Johnson, Manager, Volunteer Program at (416) 863-0499 ex. 3225 or email heather.johnson@dixonhall.org

ADVANCE INFO ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Are you having a street sale…
All across Cabbagetown during the Festival weekend, people sell their own goodies or they get together to hold a neighbourhood sale.  Tell the world what you’re doing!  Put an announcement here and it’ll appear on Thursday September 7.  It’s free.  Contact cabbagetownreview@gmail.com 

Art & Crafts in the Park
Sam Pedicelli won the Show’s 2016 special award (donated by Virginia Hamara Law Office) for her soft sculptures.  She’s back again in 2017. She’s from Toronto and is a recent OCAD graduate currently serving as a full-time artist-in-residence at Harbourfront’s Textile Studio. 
She’s one of the 180 exhibitors who will be in Riverdale Park on Friday September 8 (1 to 7 pm), Saturday September 9 and Sunday September 10 (10 am to 6 pm each day).  
Click here to see all the details on the Art & Crafts website. 

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival
Our annual two-hour celebration of outstanding short films - comedies, dramas, animations and documentaries.  This year’s program includes films from Canada, the USA, France, Germany, Spain, Israel and Mexico.
Tickets are now available online - $15.  It’s a good idea to buy yours early - there will only be a limited number available at the door!  Click here.  
Wednesday September 6 from 7 pm.  Cash bar and refreshments. Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).    

Sip & Sing
Here’s a new feature for this year’s Cabbagetown Festival.  Love to sing?  Love cold beer or a glass of wine or a summer cocktail?  Join Dana Clark at The Local GEST (424 Parliament) in a “choir-for-the-night” to sing classic pop and rock tunes.  Everyone welcome - lyric sheets provided.  $5, Friday September 8, 8 to 10 pm. 

IN THE MEDIA

Congrats Spirit of York and Salt & Tobacco
The September print edition of Toronto Life has highlighted both local businesses.  Salt & Tobacco (521 Parliament) has been included in its story about Toronto’s Best Pizzas - its Brussels Sprout is a standout.  Spirit of York Distillery (12 Trinity, Distillery District) is one of the spots where we can watch TIFF celebs buying their gin and vodka.
This story is really welcome this week - it’s Salt & Tobacco’s first anniversary.  Happy birthday folks, keep on slicing.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Samsara Fields Farm
So Young Lee at Samsara Fields Farm sells heirloom veggies that we can’t find in supermarkets.   Cabbagetown is one of three markets that she visits regularly in Toronto from her farm in Waterford.  Her booth this week featured kale, radishes, onions, garlic and several bean varieties.  
Peaches, tomatoes and corn are available at the other vendors at the Cabbagetown Farmers' Market, Tuesdays from 3 pm (Riverdale Park, Sumach and Winchester).  

Corktown Farmers’ Market
3 to 7 pm on Thursdays in the Underpass Park  (Lower River Street).  Vendors include Clearwater Farms, Durham Honey Farm, Field Sparrow Farm, Monforte Dairy and Sunray Orchards.  The park is home to some of Toronto’s best murals and street art.  

Taste of Regent Park 
Next week marks the end of the 2017 Taste of Regent Park in Regent Park (620 Dundas E).  There’s live entertainment, vendors and food demos. A special dish is baked fresh in the community oven plus there’s a $4 community meal. The market opens at 3 pm. Other events follow through the evening.

REGULAR SUMMER EVENTS

The Circus in Regent Park
Juggling buskers, stilt walkers and aerial performers.  All of them are coming to Regent Park (620 Dundas E) - every Wednesday in August,  6 pm to dusk.  There’ll be workshops where you can learn how to juggle, enjoy games and lots of other fun activities.  

Regent Park photo walking tours
#Shootforpeace photographers will guide you through Regent Park, teaching tricks and tips on ways to maximize your images from your DSLR and phone.  Sunday August 27 from 1 to 4 pm.  Meet at Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Free.

Uke can sing
Photo: Angela Wong
On Wednesday evening, August 30, from 7 to 8:30 pm, K Funk and Lady Ree, the singing Ukulele ladies, will teach beginner’s classes in Corktown Common (lower River Street).  It’s their second year - last year’s sessions were fun, popular events!  There’ll be up to 30 ukes available for loan for the evening.  Free.

SHOPPING

Now or never clearance at Kendall & Co
Kendall and Kevin are making room for new Fall arrivals. Take advantage of fantastic markdowns on furniture, rugs, lighting and home accessories. Shop now for the best selection because these items will go fast at these prices. Open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. Visit our website or, better still, come to our store at 514 Parliament. 

NOW Magazine’s Reader’s Choice poll
24 local businesses have been nominated for the annual Reader’s Choice award.  It’s a great boost for each of them. A win in their category attracts customers from across the city.  Check the list and vote for your favourites.  Voting ends at 5 pm on September 21.Don’t be surprised when you see some names twice since they’ve been nominated in more than one category.  Click on the category name to cast your ballot.
Best bicycle store - Cycle Solutions  
Best camera store - Vistek 
Best condo developer - two local choices
    Daniels
    Streetcar
Best jewellery store - Fair Trade Jewellery  
Best pop-up store - Leslieville Flea  
Best shoe store - John Fluevog Shoes
Best butcher - St James Town Steak & Chops 
Best caterer - Daniel et Daniel 
Best cheese - Epicure Shop  
Best deli - Epicure Shop 
Best design firm - Kendall & Co  
Best farmers’ market - Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market 
Best taco - El Charro  
Best pub - House on Parliament  
Best gastro-pub - two local choices   
    House on Parliament
    The Irv
Best Japanese restaurant - two local choices   
    Kingyo Iza
    Zakkushi
Best Mexican restaurant - El Catrin  
Best server - Ashley at The Irv  
Best Thai restaurant - Sukhothai   
Best large theatre company - Soulpepper    

The Leslieville Flea
Saturday August 26 from 11 am to 6 pm.  This is the last outdoor Flea scheduled for the summer at the Distillery.  It’s a great chance to buy vintage, antiques, crafts and fine foods.  

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Merryboxes at Merryberry
Merryberry is proud to offer a rotating menu of “almost-ready” dinners. The work is done - the meals are chopped, seasoned and prepped to perfection.  Follow the instructions to finish cooking each dish and you’ll be eating within twenty minutes.  
The cost is $11 for each Merrybox plus the extra charge for the added protein.  You can save 10% on all orders from now to September 8. 
To find out the menu, check out Merryberry’s Facebook page.  You can also subscribe for a regular email to get his weekly announcements - info@merryberry.ca .  Phone Cyril at (647) 348-0411 to place your order (please allow 45 minutes before your desired pick-up time) and then come to Merryberry to pick it up.  559 Parliament

Merryberry’s cooking class
Cyril has set the menu for the next cooking class on Wednesday August 30 from 5:30 pm.  It’s an all-vegan meal that sounds delicious.  The group will prepare a cold soba noodle salad with ribbons of carrot and zucchini in an Asian dressing, followed by a fresh and surprising peach and cucumber salad and a lentil, quinoa and sweet potato stack dressed with homemade red pepper and tomato ketchup (above photo).  For dessert, there’ll be a lemon-coconut and blueberry cake.  $45.  To register, please call (647) 348-0411 or drop in at Merrybery, 559 Parliament.

Young Live & Local
The monthly music show hosted by Evan and featuring Alex & Jamie, Mitch Belyea and Fold.  Saturday August 26, 9 pm.   

Music at Arvo
Emily Steinwall and Hayden Farrar will be at Arvo (17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery).  Saturday August 26 from 6 to 8 pm.  

Coming up at Mill Street
The Beer Hall will have three events in September. A Cask & Cheese Fest on September 15 from 5 pm, $10.  Brewmaster’s Experience - five beers paired with food stations, from 5 pm on September 21, $69.99.  Fifth annual Oktoberfest party with 18 beers on tap, Bavarian fare on the menu, live entertainment and a souvenir mug, $35.  For more info and tickets, click here.  21 Tank House Lane, Distillery.  

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

SOULPEPPER
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District

The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience - to August 25
Online tickets and info here.  


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY AUGUST 10 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 20

  • 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 AUGUST 24

Mill Street Brew Pub 
6 pm, Live music with Christopher MacFarlane
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY AUGUST 25

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Dominion
9 pm, Bryant
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 AUGUST 26

Arvo
6 pm, Live music with Emily Steinwall and Hayden Farrar
Local GEST
9 pm, Young, Live & Local - live music hosted by Evan.
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 AUGUST 27
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Distillery
2 & 4 pm, Music City Summer Series - The Diamond Joes (2 pm) and Lotus Wight (4 pm)
Dominion
11 am, Brunch & Beats with DJ Wizdome
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Sunfire Sweet Band

MONDAY AUGUST 28

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 29

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30

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

THURSDAY AUGUST 31

Mill Street Brew Pub 
6 pm, Live music with Derek Lathrop
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Fuse
10 pm, Ladies night and dancing, ladies free, others $10
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 SEPTEMBER 2

Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Saturday nights with Humble Mike
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3

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