February 1

This week’s image:  Carlton and Parliament in this week's snowstorm.


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW


LOCAL NEWS

Fire fighters visit Buds & Blossoms
The kids at Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) had some surprise visitors last week - fire fighters from Firehall #325 (Parliament and Dundas) dropped by and gave the kids some souvenirs.  Linnea writes that, “The kids were so flabbergasted, you could hear a pin drop! Buds and Blossoms gives a big shout-out to them for their hard work and kindness towards their biggest fans.” 

The Group of Seven guitar project
Image:  Steve Somerville/Metroland
Cabbagetown’s Linda Manzer and six colleagues are featured in a documentary film about their Group of Seven project.  Their guitars are part of an ongoing exhibition at the McMichael gallery that pairs a guitar with the paintings of one of the Group members.  The documentary is being shown at the Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor W) as part of the 2018 Hot Docs Festival - from Friday February 2 to Thursday February 8.  For tickets and more info, click here.   

Gun shots in Regent Park
Harry Black has been worried about the increasing frequency of recent violent behaviour in Regent Park. He’s contacted 51 Division and he’s also hoping that local residents’ association will add their voices to his.
His concerns have been recognized by Superintendent Tony Riviere at 51 Division.  He’s set up a Neighbourhood Officer program with four officers working in teams of two in Regent Park. Their coverage of the area is their sole responsibility and the teams are there seven days a week. 

Day nursery at Sackville and Amelia
The Cabbagetown Residents Association reports that an application has been submitted to the City of Toronto to convert the home at 461 Sackville into a day nursery.  Plans call for an infant nursery (12 children), two rooms for toddlers (15 children each) and two preschool rooms (24 and 16 children).  The CRA page has a link showing detailed architectural plans and an email address for the building’s owner.  The application will be heard at the Committee of Adjustment on Wednesday April 25.  

Garden tour volunteers needed
Spring may still be a long time away but the organizers of the Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces tour are already preparing for it.  The tour is a big and very popular event.
If you know an interesting garden (including your own) that should be on the Tour, please submit your suggestion.
Volunteers are needed to staff the gardens during the Tour.  It happens on Sunday June 3.  There are two shifts for volunteers - 9:45 am to 1 pm and 12:45 to 4 pm.  
Contact Helen at cpa@cabbagetownpa.ca.

Cabbagetown South Residents’ annual meeting
The Association’s annual meeting is a great way to meet the people who are working very hard on a wide range of tricky community issues.  The meeting will be held at Hey Lucy (229 Carlton) on Wednesday February 7 at 7 pm.  Come early and enjoy a quick bite to eat with other Association members.

Annual meeting - Corktown Residents & Business Association
The CRBA’s annual meeting will take place on Tuesday February 6 from 7 to 9 pm in the Cooper Koo Family Cherry St YMCA (461 Cherry).  The Association has an active agenda - it works on a large number of development issues and also introduces local businesses to residents, publishes a newsletter and an online site to announce local events, looks into heritage issues and holds social events through the year.   

The first Parliament project
Image: Robert Grillo/ASI
Ontario’s first Parliament was located at Parliament and Front Streets - it’s now a car wash.  From this site, Upper Canada was formed and the City began to grow into a provincial and national powerhouse. There’ll be a lecture about the site at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) on Tuesday February 6 from 6:30 pm.  The City of Toronto has a website explaining the project, click here.  

The Pam McConnell Young Women in Leadership Award
The City of Toronto has established this annual award to honour a young woman for her “exceptional leadership skills” in her community, her social justice work and her mentorship of others.  There’s a $500 prize for the woman who’s selected.  Nominations are open for women between the ages of 19 and 26 until Friday February 16.  For more information and for an application form, click here.  

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.  toronto.com has a short article about the Festival with lots of photos online here.  

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).  Works by twenty designers will be featured. 

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
By Sally Gibson.  
Image: Vintage wooden articulated sled, Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum
This strange object is part of an “articulated” sled donated to the Museum by a long-time Cabbagetowner. Patented in the early twentieth century, the driving mechanism for such sleds consisted of two parts, allowing the front section to be turned left or right. This enabled sledders to turn their vehicle more quickly and precisely as they whizzed down snow-covered slopes. Clearly, this once-red sled was much loved, much used, and much
bruised on local hills.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.  
Please support the Museum by clicking on GoFundMe.   

IN THE MEDIA

Soulpepper’s funding is reviewed
Photo: Chris Young, Toronto Star
Soulpepper has received grants from the Canada Council and the Ontario Arts Council and both agencies are now reviewing whether the company can meet its obligations.  The Toronto Arts Council has also said that the theatre’s policies and commitments are being watched.  The Toronto Star’s Murray Whyte has written about this new problem facing the beleaguered theatre.  Click here to read it.  

Refresh for Allan Gardens
In 2017, the Friends of Allan Gardens published Refresh, a vision for renovating and developing Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Carlton).  It includes elements that recognize Indigenous People, accommodate lower income and homeless people and update the park’s facilities.  Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam will ask City Council to endorse the plan. John Rieti has written an online story for CBC News.  The plan can be found on the website for Friends of Allan Gardens.   

Update on winter shelters
Photo: Rick Madonik, Toronto Star
When extreme cold weather hit us in December, the federal government opened Moss Park Armoury for the City to use as an emergency shelter for homeless people.  The City has now been able to open two more shelters - one on Davenport Road and the other on George Street.  The shelter in the armoury closed on January 29.   CBC News ran a story about these facilities - click here to read it.  
Councillor Troisi’s office also reports that the emergency warming centre at the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter) closed at 4 pm on Wednesday.  The Community Centre will be closed until Sunday February 4 . Drop-in programs start again on Sunday and regularly scheduled programs and permit uses will start on Monday February 5. 

GET YOURSELF IN SHAPE

Parliament Street Fitness Centre
The new Centre’s (488 Parliament) open house was a successful event.  Over the weekend, lots of interested Cabbagetowners dropped in to admire the equipment and facilities and to sign up for a membership.
It’s a members-only club.  In addition to the opportunities for a personal fitness program, the club has regularly scheduled classes, personal and small group training, yoga, indoor cycling and an outdoor running club.
The schedule for the week is published on the Centre’s website - click here.  

Tune-ups and tips for winter biking
Kale at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) is offering a 20% discount for bike tune-ups. The offer is good to February 28.
He’s also published this great checklist with tips for bike riding in the winter.  Stay safe and stay warm.

Yoga at Chartwell’s Sumach
The last session in The Sumach’s Mindful Yoga sessions with Amagoia Langara takes place on Monday February 5 from 2 to 3 pm at the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter). Free. Please bring your own mat.  Please RSVP to (416) 895-0130.
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.  

Brenda’s step class February schedule
Through February, there’ll be classes every Wednesday at 9:15 am and every Sunday at 11 am except on Sunday February 18 (Family Day weekend).  CYC gym (2 Lancaster).

Jennifer Snowdon’s yoga 
Jennifer’s yoga classes are held in her studio at 58 Rose Avenue. She has regularly scheduled group classes and private sessions.
Hatha Yoga is from 9:30 to 10:45 am on Saturday mornings, Hatha Yoga 2 on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 to 7:15 pm, Yin Yoga on Saturday mornings from 11:15 am to 12:30 pm and Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9 pm.  Her private classes are on Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm.  
For more information, check out her website.   

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.  

KIDS STUFF

Buds & Blossoms
Space is still available for preschoolers ages 2 to 4 for the current semester.  Registration for the Spring semester is now open. 
On Monday February 19, Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) presents a free Family Day event for you and your kids.  It’s a space-themed day with crafts, activities and a photo booth.  9 am to noon.
From March 12 to 16, kids ages 4 to 8 can spend the day exploring the continents through music, movement, masterpieces and memory making at the March Break day camp. No passport required! $70/day or $340 for the full week, per child.
For more info, call (416) 655-0695 or email to info@budsandblossoms.ca 

Kids Dance Camp Summer 2018
Registration is now open at the School of Toronto Dance for its summer kids program.  The Dance Camp happens in the Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester) from July 16 to 20.  It’s a great experience for kids ages 5 to 11 - dance and music classes, arts and crafts, outdoor experiences. 9 am to 4 pm with optional after-camp care available to 6 pm. For a full description and registration info, click here.   

LOCAL COMMUNITY COMPLAINTS

Winchester Street signage
Trish from Winchester west of Parliament complains that cars regularly shoot the wrong way along Winchester toward the school.  She’s seen up to six per day do this.  She suggests that signage be placed on the back of an existing sign at Rose Avenue to warn oncoming cars that they’re going the wrong way.  She also recommends pavement arrows at Parliament and Winchester.  She’s called 311 twice (and she has two reference numbers for her calls) but received no replies.  
The Winchester Park Residents’ Association has added its voice with Councillor Troisi.  Kelly Sather at the Councillor’s office is already on top of the issue and will pursue it further now.
This is another idea that requires very little work by the City of Toronto for a major improvement.  
Thanks, Trish.

Cleaning the gutters
Last week, James complained about the debris and muck that gets left on the road beside parked cars. Tinus from Ontario Street replied that we should consider alternative sides for parking.  On designated days, parking would be permitted on the other side of the road, clearing the way for machines from the City of Toronto to sweep up the street. It’s an obvious cure but not a popular one where it’s been tried.  Any comments - contact cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
  
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 

Marilyn is back at Pet Valu
Bring in your dogs and cats for Marilyn’s nail trimming clinic.  Pet Valu (240 Carlton), Saturday February 3, 9 am to 4 pm.

Airbnb friendly business
Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) has just joined.  
Susan Dineen and Victoria Hadden are encouraging local businesses to become part of the Airbnb Friendly Business program.  It’s free.  Local businesses who enrol are given a window sticker and listed in local hosts’ guidebooks, personal recommendations and social media feeds.  Airbnb estimates that 53% of guests’ spending is done in a nearby restaurant, dry cleaning service, hair salon and other personal services. For more info, contact dineen.susan@gmail.com or vhadden@gmail.com.

Changes at Mi Casa
Mi Casa (238 Carlton) is a beautiful home decor and furniture shop located in the Carlton Street business area.  Its owner, Alex Zamayoa, has decided that he’ll sell the business to his friend and former employee, Matthew.  He’ll still be in the store for a few more weeks so you can wish him well when you’re nearby.  
Many thanks, Alex, for making Mi Casa such an attractive part of Cabbagetown’s business community.

Kera Green at Hair Spa
Nano at Hair Spa (440 Parliament) says that she’s finally found the best keratin treatment to smooth and restore your hair.  It last up to four months and it’s organic, chemical free and environmentally friendly.  It only takes an hour to apply and sessions start at $185.  For more info and to book your appointment, call Nano at (416) 920-5643 or email her at hairspa77@gmail.com.  Her website has more info.  https://www.hairspa77.ca 

Say “I love you” with Ninebark Knits
Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Hand made artisan goods always make a nice thoughtful gift. Save $5 on all knitted jewelry until February 14.  Add a Heart Throb card to your order for only $7.50. It's the newest addition to Ninebark Knits’ collection of hand knit cards. Place your order online here.  

New hours at Starbucks
Starbucks (492 Parliament) will close an hour earlier every day. Sunday through Thursday, 6 am to 9 pm, Friday 6 am to 10 pm and Saturday 6:30 am to 10 pm.    

ON STAGE

Father and Son Duelling Pianos
Eddie and Quincy Bullen stage their “duelling” show to support the Jean Augustine Chair for Black History at York University.  The production musically celebrates the relationship between an immigrant father and his young son.  As father and son ‘duel’ they masterfully incorporate musical classics from jazz, classical, calypso, reggae, pop and contemporary music into their story. Two performances at 4 and 7:30 pm, Saturday February 10, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).   Conceet details and tickets online here.  

The Fifth Annual Stompin’ Tom Birthday Party
Presented by Whiskey Jack with Duncan Fremlin (vocals and banjo), Douglas John Cameron (vocals and guitar), Randy Morrison (fiddle) and Jen Cook (vocal).  There’ll be special guest appearances plus Eric Jackson (bass) and Al Cross (drums).  The show is always a hit with plenty of surprises along the way.    
Zoomer Hall (70 Jefferson), Sunday February 11, 2 to 6 pm.  Online tickets and info available here.  

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

Do Your Part - a la carte
Thursday March 1, 5 to 9 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E)
Dixonlicious is Dixon Hall’s annual fundraiser to support its food programs.  Meals on Wheels, children and youth programs, summer camp, Out of the Cold, homeless shelter programs and more - Dixon Hall provides over 25,000 meals to people in need.  
You’ll enjoy an evening of great food, fine wine and local craft brews.  Biff’s Bistro, Barrio Cerveceria, Daniel et Daniel, Paintbox, Hooked, Food Dudes, Hawthorne Food & Drink and the Show Love Cafe are all preparing yummy bites.  Lost Craft is bringing the beer and cocktails are by SoCIAL Lite Vodka and Walter Craft Caesar.
There’ll be live and silent auctions and live entertainment.
Before February 15, enjoy the Sweetheart Deal - 2 general tickets for $150 and 2 youth for $120.  After February 15, tickets are $90/general and $70 youth. 
For more info and tickets, click here.  

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.  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Jeff Barnes at The Local GEST
Jeff returns to The Local GEST (424 Parliament) for his monthly date on Thursday February 1 from 8 pm to midnight.  His pal Noah Zacharin is away in California, so Jeff is there with Chris Quinn on banjo and mandolin. 

Caleb Wiles magic show
Paintbox (555 Dundas E) presents Caleb Wiles with magic designed for intelligent audiences. Instead of rabbits or wands, he uses ordinary objects such as cards, Rubik’s cubes, and dollar bill and you won’t believe what he can do with them. Wednesday February 7 at 8 pm. Tickets are selling fast - available online here.   

Winterlicious
Reservations are now open for Winterlicious.  The big foodie festival starts on Friday January 26 and continues 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

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

Classes at School of Toronto Dance Theatre
Registration is now open for several programs at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.  Summer Intensives, kids camp and young dancers programs, adult dance classes and the professional training programs. All of this activity happens at 80 Winchester.  Click here to see the details.  http://schooloftdt.org 

Ipperwash at Aki Studio Theatre
Native Earth is staging Ipperwash at Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E) from Tuesday February 6 to Sunday February 18. It’s the story of the seizure of the Ipperwash lands to create an army base during World War II and its impact on the Stoney Point and Kettle Point communities.

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

Omission by Alice Abracen
Finishes on Saturday February 3, 2018 

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

Declarations by Jordan Tannshill
On stage to February 11 

Musica Nuda with Petra Magoni & Ferruccio Spinetti
February 22 to 24

CITADEL + COMPAGNIE
The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance
304 Parliament Street
(416) 364-8011

Decoding Bharatnatyam
February 14

NATIVE EARTH PERFORMING ARTS
Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas Street E
(416) 531-1402

Ipperwash
February 6 to 18

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
On stage to February 10

Prohibition, The Concert
Soulpepper Concert Series
February 9 to 14

YOUNG CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
(416) 866-8666

Candide
George Brown School of Performing Arts
February 7 to 17

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 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 FEBRUARY 1

Alice’s Place
Karaoke
Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2

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

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3

Dominion
9 pm, Your Girl Flav
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Reggae Sundays, $10

MONDAY FEBRUARY 5

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Paintbox
8 pm, Caleb Wiles magic show, $40
Quincy’s
Latin Wednesdays with DJ Fight - reggaeton, merengue, rumba salsa, Afromusic and more.  $10.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8

Local GEST
10 pm, Cabbage Head comedy with Ethan O’Reilly
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9

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

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10

Dominion
9 pm, DJ Money Jane
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Nairobi Nights, $10

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
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,