January 18

This week’s image:  Rawlings and Amelia.  Photo:  Irene DeClute.


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW


LOCAL NEWS

Riverdale Park wading pool consultation
The Parks Department held a public consultation about improvements for the wading pool in Riverdale Park West on Monday.  There were lots of comments and questions from the audience about the pool’s future shape.
The work is scheduled to start after the Festival’s Art & Crafts show next September.  The wading pool’s current infrastructure will be used for the new one although the central turrets and the aging concrete pad will be removed.  There’ll be a drinking fountain for people but no amenities for dogs.  The facility will include seating that works well for seniors and people with disabilities. This pool won’t include a splash pad because it would require a different infrastructure and a bigger budget.
Several options for circular pools and surrounding benches were shown.  The most popular was a design for two side-by-side pools, one for smaller kids and the second deeper one for bigger children. After considerable discussion about seating, the designer was asked to keep lots of open space for people who want to put down a picnic blanket.  
Funds from this project will also be used to upgrade a portion of the park’s pathways.
These plans and options are being distributed from the Parks department to Heritage Preservation Services for its input.

Yoga at Chartwell’s Sumach
For the next three weeks, The Sumach will host 55+ Mindful Yoga sessions with Chuck Jones and Amagoia Langara.  Please RSVP to (416) 895-0130 by Friday before the session.  
Free.  2 to 3 pm, Monday January 22, January 29 and February 5. Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).  Please bring your own mat.  
The staff at Chartwell have created an event program similar to the kind that will be offered at its new retirement rental building, The Sumach (Shuter and Sumach) once it opens.  

Buses on Carlton Street
Photo:  Eric Morse
Delivery delays of the new TTC streetcars from Bombardier have forced the TTC to substitute bus service on the 506 Carlton and 505 Dundas routes and to use these streetcars on high priority routes elsewhere.  The recent cold snap also sidelined some of the old streetcars and bus service was used on Carlton during these emergencies.  The buses will continue until some time in 2019 when Bombardier catches up on its deliveries.

Belated congrats to the BIA
The Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton) won the 2017 Event Award for the 2017 Cabbagetown Festival from TABIA at its 7th annual award evening in December.  TABIA is the non-profit coordinating group that works on behalf of Toronto’s 82 BIAs.  The award is really satisfying since it comes from Cabbagetown’s peers across the city.  Click here for a review of the 2017 awards.  

Bruce McArthur arrested and charged with murder
Toronto police have arrested Bruce McArthur, 66, for the murder of Andrew Kinsman and Selim Esen.  Both men disappeared from the Church-Wellesley area in the Spring and community members have worked hard since then to assist police in their search and investigation. Their bodies have not been found. Police are searching five other properties.  They believe that there are other victims as well.

Toronto Light Festival 2018
The Distillery is again home to a spectacular light festival from Friday January 19 to Sunday March 4.  Displays will include a teleporter, a piano that plays light, a lunar eclipse, interactive birds with a psychedelic nest and lots more in six sculpture-filled brick-lined streets.

Tables, Chairs & Other Unrelated Objects
OCAD U’s annual furniture show.  The show runs from Sunday January 14 to Sunday February 4 in the Hallway Galleries at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) and the opening reception is on Thursday January 18 from 6 to 9 pm (free).  Works by twenty designers will be featured.

Neighbourhood ice rinks
Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview), Regent Park (480 Shuter) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne) are all open.
Before you go, you can confirm operating hours and conditions at the City’s website.  

Enoch Turner talks on schooling
The Enoch Turner Foundation (106 Trinity) presents the fourth in its series of panel discussions about the state of schooling.  Tuesday January 30, 6:30 pm. This week’s topic is “Why the arts matter”. For details about the topics and panel members, click here.  

Save the date - Pop-up Market
There’ll be a Pop-up Market in the Large Community Room at 246 Sackville on Thursday February 1 from noon to 7 pm. It’s presented by the Regent Park Sewing Circle and Regent Park Catering.  There’ll be hot meals at noon and at 5:30 pm along with vendors offering snacks, clothing and accessories and jewellery.  

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
By Sally Gibson
Moss Park has a long history of skating, as this early-twentieth century postcard reveals. Crowds of warmly dressed skaters flock to the rink outside of the red-brick Moss Park Skating Arena that preceded today’s community centre. Not a snowsuit or parka in sight.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page. 
Please support the Museum by clicking on GoFundMe.  

LOCAL COMMUNITY COMPLAINTS

Good news about snow clearing
This Community Complaint came from the irritated comments by local residents. The local businesses involved have taken us seriously. There’s good progress on the clean-ups.

No Frills. The sidewalk along Spruce beside No Frills (Spruce and Parliament) was cleaned up very nicely earlier this week.  There are positive email comments about the work - thanks to Cosimo and his staff.

Esso Station. The sidewalk along Amelia beside the Circle K building (Amelia and Parliament) was cleared after the last snowfall.  Unfortunately, the work stopped short - the back stretch was, for some unknown reason, left unplowed.  So far at this time, the staff at the station have at least started to do the job.

Rexall.  The sidewalk along Winchester next to the Rexall (Winchester and Parliament) is still neglected.  Lisa, the store manager, is aware of the problem and has asked her head office for resources to do the job.    

Aberdeen signage
One-way traffic signs outside the Green P parking lot on Aberdeen are needed so that traffic doesn’t turn right toward Parliament.  This happens regularly and there has been at least one recent accident with serious injuries as a result.
Councillor Troisi’s office reports that Transportation Services has taken note of the problem and plans to place appropriate signs at this spot.  Thanks Kelly.

Garbage bins in the parks
Originally, this complaint came from residents near Wellesley Park.  At the consultation meeting last week about the wading pool, there was general agreement that the same issue exists in Riverdale.  Both parks need either larger waste disposal bins or more bins.  In Riverdale, the existing bins are badly placed and seem to migrate from one place to another, week-by-week. The solution lies with Solid Waste Management, not Parks.

Your issues
Does something in the neighbourhood really bother you?  Maybe it seems too small for a complaint but don’t hesitate any longer.  Send your info here and it’ll be checked out.  cabbagetownreview@gmail.com  

BUSINESS NEWS

Buds & Blossoms weekend classes
Welcome to Judy Lu and Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament).  Along with Linnea Obern and her staff of subject-certified teachers, she offers a family activity program for your kids.  
They’ve just introduced weekend classes and are looking for friends to join them! There’s Art in the A.M. from 9:00-9:45 am on Saturdays and Yummy Tummies cooking class from 9:30-10:15 am on Sundays. Both classes are for ages 3-6.  
They’re also offering. March Break day camp called "March Around the World" from March 12 to 16. Kids ages 4 to 8 can spend the day exploring the continents through music, movement, masterpieces and memory making- no passport required! $70/day or $340 for the full week, per child. Spots are still available but they're running out, so if people are interested they should join ASAP.
Check out the website.

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

I Heart Neighbourhood Charity Auction
The Neighbourhood Group (Central Neighbourhood House is part of this group) has joined with four other agencies to stage a fantastic evening.  Hosted by Alison Smith, it’ll feature a live and silent auction full of art, sports and entertainment experiences, travel packages, gift baskets, dining certificates, electronics and more as well as live entertainment and delicious fare and beverages. Bellwoods Centres for Community Living, Jessie’s – The June Callwood Centre for Young Women, Regent Park Focus and Springtide Resources are also participating. 
Tuesday February 13, 6:30 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  
Click here for tickets and info.   

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ladybug Florists need drivers
If you own a car and want extra money, Ladybug Florists wants you.  Valentine’s Day is coming and drivers are needed for flower deliveries (flowers are light to carry and fun and easy to deliver).  You’ll be paid in cash at the end of your shifts.  For more details, contact claire@ladybugflorist.com 

Your announcements are welcome
Sell some of your treasures.  Rent a parking space.  Or a spare room.  Whenever you want to make an announcement to Cabbagetown, contact Doug at doug.fisher@bell.net  It’s free.

IN THE MEDIA

Ernst Zundel's house on Carlton
Photo: Shawn Micallef, Toronto Star
Shawn Micallef’s article in The Toronto Star describes the history of this home, especially in its time as Ernst Zundel’s Toronto residence.  For 25 years, Zundel operated his notorious neo-Nazi business here.  The home often became a focus for demonstrations and violence.  Thanks to Victoria Hadden at Aberdeen Ave Residents for spotting this article.  Click here to read Micaleff’s story.   

Work starts at the Port Lands
Photo: John Rieti, CBC News
Last summer, three levels of government committed $1.25 billion to rebuild waterways and create flood-proofing for an 800-acre area south of the Gardiner Expressway and along Cherry Street.  Over the next two years, a park will be built to provide flood protection for the creation of Villiers Island and also add flood relief further north on the Don River.  
Waterfront Toronto’s official description of the project is online here.  
Construction on this project started officially a week ago.  The CBC News’ John Rieti wrote about the official launch. 
Last June, the CBC did a story about the larger project surrounding the park.  Click here to read it.  

Summary of the Globe & Mail’s research at Soulpepper
Photo: Della Rollins, Globe & Mail
J Kelly Nestruck did a lengthy summary about incidents at Soulpepper that lead to the resignation of Albert Schultz and Leslie Lester.  Click here to read his story.  

Leslie Lester’s role at Soulpepper
Image:  CTV News, Soulpepper
Marni Jackson wrote an opinion piece in the Globe & Mail about Leslie Lester who served as Soulpepper’s executive director and resigned at the theatre Board’s request shortly after Albert Schultz. Ms Jackson feels that “her current nightmare is wildly undeserved”.  Click here to read her article. 

RESTAURANT NEWS

Winterlicious
Reservations are now open for Winterlicious.  The big foodie festival happens from Friday January 26 to Thursday February 8 in over 200 restaurants across the city.  Lunch prices range from $23 to $28 to $33 and dinners are priced at $33, $43 and $53.  To get specific menu info from participating restaurants, click here.  
Five local restaurants are taking part.
Archeo (31 Trinity, Distillery) - Italian, lunch $23 and dinner $33.  (416) 815-9898
Boku Sushi (42 Gristmill Lane, Distillery) - Japanese, lunch $28 and dinner $43.  (416) 368-8686
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery) - French, lunch $28 and dinner $43. (416) 203-2632
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) - Italian, dinner $43.  (416) 323-0666
Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill (17 Tank House Lane) - seafood, lunch $28 and dinner $43. (416) 361-5859

Robbie Burns - Thursday January 25

Dominion Pub & Kitchen (500 Queen East) - 7 pm, a five-course dinner and Scotch nosing, bagpipes and traditional program, $69.

House on Parliament (454 Parliament) - 6 pm, Scottish dancers, bagpipes, William Brisland reciting the Ode to the Haggis, haggis and a wee dram.

Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane) - 6:30 pm, a five-course, beer-paired dinner with poetry and live entertainment.  Reservations at (416) 681-0338, ext 2

St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) - there’s haggis available. Yummy stuff.  Order yours today.

Psychic brunch at Cranberries
The psychics are back for their monthly visit to Cranberries (601 Parliament) on Sunday January 21 from 11 am to 3 pm.  The fee is $42 - for two insightful 15-minute readings plus a $5 coupon to use toward the cost of your brunch.  

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

New performances
New plays are being staged in January at three local theatres.  At Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley) - Omission. At Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) - A Delicate Balance.  At Canadian Stage Berkeley Theatre (26 Berkeley) - Declarations.  See the program listings below for details and online links.

ALUMNAE THEATRE
70 Berkeley Street
(416) 364-4170, ext 1

Omission by Alice Abracen
January 19 to February 3, 2018 

CANADIAN STAGE
30th Anniversary Season
Berkeley Street Theatre
26 Berkeley Street
(416) 368-3110

Declarations by Jordan Tannshill
January 23 to February 11 

SOULPEPPER
20th Anniversary Season
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
(416) 866-8666

A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee
From January 13 to February 10

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JANUARY 18 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 28

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 JANUARY 18

Alice’s Place
Special guest Kal Cheung for karaoke
Local GEST
8:30 pm, Open mic with Evan
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY JANUARY 19

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY JANUARY 20

Dominion
9 pm, DJ Dash
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SUNDAY JANUARY 21

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
Sunday afternoon jazz with Henry Heillig and Eric St Laurent
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Reggae Sundays, $10

MONDAY JANUARY 22

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY JANUARY 23

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 24

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Quincy’s
Latin Wednesdays with DJ Fight - reggaeton, merengue, rumba salsa, Afromusic and more.  $10.

THURSDAY JANUARY 25

Dominion
7 pm, Robbie Burns dinner and Scotch nosing, $69
House on Parliament
6 pm, Robbie Burns celebration with Scottish dancers, bagpipes, William Brisland reading the Ode, haggis and a wee dram available on the menu.
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Robbie Burns five-course, beer-paired dinner with live entertainment, $69.99
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY JANUARY 26

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY JANUARY 27

Dominion
9 pm, DJ Ikanpro
Local GEST
Young Live & Local will start again on February 24.
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Nairobi Nights, $10

SUNDAY JANUARY 28

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Joe Spina and Mark Teixeira
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
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
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/
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 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,