This week’s image: the neighbourhood gives a scary welcome to hundreds of kids on Hallowe’en. Photo: Irene DeClute.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
OPEN HOUSES THIS WEEKEND
There's a three-unit home on Berkeley available now. The Open House takes place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Click here to see the details.
LOCAL NEWS
Appointing a new councillor for Ward 28
The list of applicants to fill the vacant City Council post for Ward 28 has been finalized. 36 people have applied.
Council will meet all the applicants and vote on the new Councillor in a special meeting on Thursday November 2 from 9:30 am.
You can check out the final list here.
If you know a well qualified favourite, don’t hesitate to drop an email to each of the City Councillors to endorse your choice. All Councillors get a vote and basically, they’re choosing from a list of strangers - your local voice and assessment will help. You’ll find their names and contact info here.
Seats along Parliament Street
The Cabbagetown BIA has published a survey asking for reactions to the two new parkettes that were constructed late last year, one at Parliament and Spruce and the other at Amelia and Parliament. In both cases, flower gardens were built inside concrete beds which, in turn, have low walls where people sit.
The BIA’s survey asks whether public seating should continue and even be expanded.
You can view (and answer) the survey online here.
Signage pilot project
A reminder - register your opinion before November 5 about the proposed new signs in the park and along the Don Valley Trail.
The signs along the Don Valley Trail differ from the parks’ signage - they provide route information and distances.
Your opinions will help with designs that will be used across the whole city.
Click here.
David MacKenzie
David died on Thursday October 12 peacefully but unexpectedly in his Parliament Street apartment. He was 58 years old. He was a good friend for many of us and he will be missed. His friends are getting together at Second City (51 Mercer St) on Thursday October 26 from 2 to 5 pm and then again in the evening at The Local GEST (424 Parliament). His family requests that donations go to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Bike Share
Photo: Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington
We need more bike stands. Carolyn reported this morning that she couldn’t get a bike at Jet Fuel or at Sherbourne and Wellesley. Bike Share knows about the healthy demand for its bikes here and has been looking through the neighbourhood for more locations. Let them know your experiences - click here and contact the company.
Vendors wanted - Regent Park holiday winter market
The folks at Taste of Regent Park are planning a winter market for Thursday December 7 at 5 pm. If you have special crafts or you build cool things or you bake yummy goodies or you can perform and sing, then contact the organizers. Vendors and performers are welcome. Call (416) 363-4234, ext 237 or email cavellh@tcrc.ca
Lookin’ good
Gerry Pitts wore his vintage Cabbagetown Tee while touring the Canal de Bourgogne in eastern France. He reports that a barge trip is definitely an intimate experience but a fun one as well. Thanks, Gerry, for taking Cabbagetown to France.
Some personal views
Three items this week provoke some personal reactions. Here we go -
A new councillor. Lucy Troisi , Executive Director at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre, has tossed her name into the race and she would do this job very well. She knows the community’s needs and strengths. Before joining the CYC, she had an accomplished career with the City of Toronto’s parks department. Her values will honour and continue Pam McConnell’s work. Contact any Councillors whom you know and endorse her.
Parliament Street seating. Encourage the BIA to go ahead with this project. It’s time we let the petty fears go away. It’s time to add these pleasant amenities to our main street.
Park and trail signage. The new signs in the park are promising and the ones along the Don Valley Trail are quite valuable for cyclists. They need some improvements so have a look at them and answer the survey.
HALLOWE’EN EVENTS
Spooky Stew
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) presents a rap-poetry workshop for writers ages 7 to 12. Saturday October 28, 1 to 3 pm. Be sure to wear your costume.
Hallowe’en Pumpkin Walk
The Cabbagetown Residents Association is holding its annual pumpkin walk party in Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester). It’s fun. Bring your used pumpkins and your kids and enjoy the show. Wednesday November 1, 5 to 9 pm.
Hallowe’en at the HOP
Hallowe’en starts up with pumpkin carving on Thursday at 4 pm. Duncan, Jen and Tania will be chopping up the best! On Saturday from 7 pm, Mystic Michael takes over and reads Tarot cards for you. 454 Parliament
The Local GEST
The Local’s Monster Mash presents Folds, StacksUp!, Service Delays and DJ Jackso & Pals. Costume contest and prizes. Saturday October 28, 8:30 pm. 424 Parliament
Paintbox
On Friday October 27 from 9 pm. Live performances with Sarah Jackman, Ashley Powell, Delta Don, Rache, French and Mr Bertus. Best costume contest. Free before 11 pm, $5 after. 555 Dundas E
Stout Irish Pub
The Creepy Carnival starts at 8 pm on Saturday October 28. Wheel of Misfortune, Dares and Prizes. Tickets are $10. Reserve yours at (647) 344-7676. 221 Carlton.
CONGRATS TO CABBAGETOWNERS
Linda Manzer
Linda is one of seven luthiers whose guitars are featured in a show at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Each guitar was inspired by a painting from a Group of Seven artist - Linda’s choice was Mount Lefroy 1930 by Lawren Harris. An eighth guitar in honour of Tom Thompson was a group project by the seven luthiers. Click here to listen to Bruce Cockburn playing Linda’s guitar.
Sylvie Daigneault’s new book
Sylvie has illustrated Piece by Piece, a book for children ages 7 to 9 about a magical weaver who crafts exquisite fabrics. It’s available in bookstores and online. Congrats Sylvie
Grace on a bike
Photo: Grace with Sarah’s mom Lillianne
Grace rode her bike across Canada to honour her late friend, Sarah Dubé and to inspire donations for Independent Living Nova Scotia. At the end of her ride in a celebration in Halifax, she mentioned a few of the highlights of her trip -
“I wish I could tell Sarah about every aspect of this adventure. The frustration of spending days climbing a mountain and having it look exactly the same at the top as it had at the bottom – no reward of a spectacular view. The genuine feeling that I might fall into a deep valley on a barely travelled dirt road and never be found. The aggravation of being stuck in the mud in rural Alberta and having pickup trucks drive past without giving my struggle a second thought. The absurdity of going way up to Northern Saskatchewan to catch a favourite band at a music festival. Staying at Nellie McClung’s house. The stunning views and the power of Lake Superior, despite the crushing vastness of Northern Ontario. Throwing up on the side of the road in Québec. The personal trials of revisiting New Brunswick and all of the people that come with it. Enjoying a scoop of Moon Mist in any Maritime town in which I could find it, and being outraged that it was sold out for the season all along the Eastern Shore. The overwhelming winds and the dangers of expectations that people will be nothing but helpful and friendly in Newfoundland, which proved not always to be the case. The beautiful beaches and restorative quality of my time in Prince Edward Island.”
Obviously, this wasn’t an easy project but it was very worthwhile. Congrats, Grace.
COMING EVENTS
Brenda’s step classes
Brenda has published her November schedule. As usual, she’s offering classes every Sunday from October 29 to November 26 at 11 am and every Wednesday (except November 22) from November 1 to November 29 at 9:15 am. Classes are held in the gym at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store).
Cabbagetown Street Music
The BIA presents Anthony Abbatangeli and the Double A Jazz Crew for the season’s final instalment of street music. Saturday October 28, noon to 3 pm, Carlton and Parliament.
Congrats to the BIA for a successful musical series over the summer. Great pop-up bands.
Waterfront Toronto Community Town Hall
Waterfront Toronto’s Town Hall will discuss the new Sidewalk Labs proposal for the new Quayside at the foot of Parliament Street. Wednesday November 1, 7 to 9 pm, Jane Mallett Theatre (27 Front St). If you’re unable to attend, the event will be streamed live on Facebook.
Tickets at Eventbrite, click here.
Chrysanthemum show at Allan Gardens
Visit the Conservatory at Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton) from Sunday October 8 to Sunday November 5. Daily from 10 am to 5 pm, free admission.
Winchester Park Residents Association
The WPRA’s annual meeting will introduce our new interim Councillor to the community. The agenda includes updates on TCHC rooming houses in the area, a report on the Association’s social media initiatives and the election of next year’s Board of Directors. There’ll be light refreshments and door prizes from Kendall & Co. Monday November 6, 7 pm, 8th floor party room in Hugh Garner Co-op (55 Ontario).
CABBAGETOWN CLASSIFIEDS
Experienced caregiver needed to assist an elderly woman stricken with diabetes. Start immediately. 5 hours daily, Monday to Friday, $18/hour. Contact Rebecca at rebecca.corfield242@gmail.com
IN THE MEDIA
Sidewalk Toronto in The Guardian
Image: Waterfront TO
Jathan Sadowski has written a column about the new Sidewalk Toronto project. He notes that it will be one of the largest examples of a smart city development in North America. It will also give Google’s parent company, Alphabet, control over a huge redevelopment along the waterfront - and he finds that troublesome. Click here to read his story.
The new WE building
Photo: Gabby Frank, Toronto Life
Toronto Life has published a photo essay showing off WE’s new Corktown headquarters at Queen and Parliament. It’s an amazing space. Click here to read about it.
The Lower Don Valley Trail
Photo: Shawn Micaleff, Toronto Star
Shawn Micaleff has written about the reconstructed Trail in his Toronto Star column. It’s a good summary of the Trail’s promise and its problems. Click here to read it.
BUSINESS NEWS
Decorating Made Easy
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has expanded its Décor Resource Centre inside the shop. Décor Associates are happy to assist you with furnishings, lighting, wallpaper, fabrics, drapery and window shades. Appointments and walk-ins are always welcome. Speak with our Décor Associates to get started as they can help you with almost everything for your home. Take a 360 virtual tour of Kendall & Co, including the new Décor Centre. Store hours: 10 am to 6 pm, weekdays and 11 am to 5 pm, Saturdays.
Blooming
Anji Shukla is opening her new store in Merryberry’s site at 559 Parliament on Saturday November 4. She’ll be sharing the space with Cyril for two months and he’ll still have food service in a reduced area. Anji will be selling flowers, plants, planters and gifts. From November 15, she’ll have Christmas decorations available including trees, boughs, wreathes, garlands and fresh seasonal flowers.
After the New Year, she’ll be looking for another tenant who can use the kitchen for a tea shop, small bakery or a catering operation.
Anji owns and operates a landscape company, Blooming Planter, and her work is familiar in Cabbagetown. The house at 44 Metcalfe was on the Tour of Homes this year and she prepared the front garden. She also helped with flowers for one of the homes on the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre fundraiser.
Welcome Anji.
Spirit of York
The Distillery’s newest distillery opened last May at 12 Trinity Street. Its room alone makes a visit worthwhile. You can tour the distilling process on a self-guided tour. Spirit of York currently offers gin and vodka products and a whiskey is scheduled for the Christmas season. Check out its website here.
Farley
The Farley campaign is back again at Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard E). It’s a fundraiser that supports people who can’t afford veterinary services for their pets.
The Clinic is conducting a bottle drive and a raffle with the proceeds going to the Fund. You can drop off your bottles or call and arrange a pickup - wine, beer, liquor and pop bottles are gratefully received.
The Farley raffle has started up. First prize is an annual exam with blood work for your pet. Second and third prizes are food and treat baskets. Tickets are $5 each and 3 for $12.
Monster Bash Pawty
Bring your pet to Pet Valu (240 Carlton) from October 26 to 31 in a Hallowe’en costume. Or drop in and buy a costume. You’ll get a chance to win a $60 prize pack with food and treats.
Pet Valu is again collecting food and supplies for local pets in need. Donations of food, treats, litter and toys are all welcome. Your gifts stay in the neighbourhood and they’ll go to PWA Pet Food Bank and Cat Busters. The campaign continues through October.
Cookies at Menagerie
These lovely cookies have been baked up just for your pooch. Pick up your supplies at the new Baked Dog Cookie shop in Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament).
RESTAURANT NEWS
Music night at Arvo
Kalyna Rakel is back at Arvo (17 Gristmill Lane) with her renditions of blues, folk and jazz favourites. Saturday October 28, 5 to 7 pm.
NEW PROGRAMS - THEATRE & DANCE CALENDARS
Addresses, online info and current events.
ALUMNAE THEATRE
70 Berkeley Street
(416) 364-4170, ext 1
Thirteen Hands by Carol Shields
To November 4
Fireworks 2017, Three New Plays
November 8 to 28
CANADIAN STAGE
30th Anniversary Season
Backbone by Sandra Laronde
Red Sky Performance
November 2 to 12
NATIVE EARTH PERFORMING ARTS
Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas Street E
(416) 531-1402
The Other Side of the Game by Amanda Paris
Co-produced with Cahoots Theatre & Obsidian theatre
To November 5
Weesageechak 30 by Native Earth
November 15 to 25
SOULPEPPER
20th Anniversary Season
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
(416) 866-8666
Huff with Cliff Cardinal
A Native Earth Performing Arts Production
To October 28
Guswenta Gathering
October 16 to 28
The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia by Edward Albee
November 1 to 18
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 26 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5
- 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 OCTOBER 26
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
FRIDAY OCTOBER 27
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Fuse
10 pm, Ladies night and dancing, ladies free, others $10
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ
SATURDAY OCTOBER 28
Arvo
5 to 7 pm, Kalyna Rakel Duo, blues, folk and jazz
Dominion
11 am, Garrick the DJ
House on Parliament
Mystic Michael reads Tarot cards
Local GEST
8:30 PM, The Local Monster Mash with Folds, StacksUp!, Service Delay and DJ Jackso & Pals
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ
Stout Irish Pub
8 pm, Creepy Carnival, $10
SUNDAY OCTOBER 29
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Matthew Pullicino and Victor Agrippa
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Reggae Sundays, $10
MONDAY OCTOBER 30
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 31
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion
7 pm, No No Coquette
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Wednesday Night Trivia with Porter
Quincy’s
Latin Wednesdays with DJ Fight - reggaeton, merengue, rumba salsa, Afromusic and more. $10.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2
Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Mill Street Brew Pub
6 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4
Dominion
9 pm, DJ Mickey D
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Nairobi Nights, $10
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local Gest
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz
Quincy
10 pm, Reggae Sundays, $10
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
601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Cranberries-Restaurant/133328393362150
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
454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, https://www.facebook.com/House-on-Parliament-116426921766667/
IMPACT KITCHEN
573 King St E, (416) 306-1986, https://www.facebook.com/ImpactKitchen-387023421505132
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
559 Parliament, https://www.facebook.com/MerryBerryCafe/
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
221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, https://www.facebook.com/Stout-Irish-Pub-178330555526950/
UNDER THE TABLE
568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533, https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto
