March 29

This week’s image:  Phase 3 construction along River Street in Regent Park.


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Urban Toronto’s summary
Urban Toronto has issued its regular summary of growth and new developments in our neighbourhoods.  Its March 14 issue describes developments from Sherbourne to the Don Valley and from Bloor south to the lake.  
Urban Toronto’s summary tells you the specific details about each development and gives a link for further site-specific info.  Click here to read it.  
New developments are everywhere. 22 projects have been approved and are under construction, bringing over 8900 units onto the market.  Another 21 have been submitted, either to the City for approvals or to the OMB on appeal.  10 more projects have special non-residential features.
Here’s a breakdown by neighbourhoods.

South of Front Street.  
River City 3, image by skycandy, Urban Toronto
Two River City condos are under construction along with two more in the Canary District.  These total 1068 condo units. The Distillery area is the scene of considerable disagreement between developers and city officials.  Three massive towers are proposed for the southwest side of the Distillery with one approval by the OMB and hearings pending for the other two. A fourth condo/hotel site on Mill Street at the north end has OMB approval and the paperwork is now back at the City.

Corktown.  
Space & Time condos, 158 Front St.  Image by Cityscape and Dream, Urban Toronto.
Growth here is explosive.  The area west of Parliament has been designated by City planners for intense development and there is a possibility that a station will be located here on the relief subway line.  Over 4200 units in 8 projects have been approved and are under construction.  10 more are pending either at the City or the OMB.

Regent Park.  
Regent Park Block 30.  Image by Daniels Corporation, Urban Toronto
Construction here is ongoing - Phases One and Two in the revitalization are almost complete, Phase Three is well underway and Phases Four and Five have yet to be submitted.  There are 7 sites in Phase Three in various stages - 5 approved with 1,590 units and 2 pending approvals.  In addition, another high-rise tower just outside Regent Park at 245 Oak is pending.

Cabbagetown.  
Via Bloor at Howard and Parliament.  Image by architectsAlliance, Tridel, Urban Toronto.
Most of the development action is happening along Bloor between Parliament and Sherbourne.  5 sites here have been approved with 1,990 units and one more is pending.  A small site at 595-601 Parliament has been sent to the City for approval.  Two sites are pending appeals at the OMB along Gerrard Street.

Non-residential and unique developments.  
Toronto Aboriginal Hub.  Image by Quadrangle and Stantec, Urban Toronto
There are 10 of these in this area.  Gusto is building a new Corktown restaurant on King Street. The Toronto Aboriginal Hub will contain health and community services along with residential units and it will restore the former home of the Canary Restaurant.  The Rekai Centre and Options for Homes want to build a combination retirement home and affordable rentals in the Canary District.  The City plans to build a library, park space and a commemorative building on the First Parliament site at King and Parliament.  Across the street, BRL proposes a second data centre for this area.  First Gulf has approvals for a 22 storey office tower at 25 Ontario. North of Queen at 191 Parliament, there’s a plan for an 11 storey building with retail, office space, medical facilities and residences.  In Regent Park, The Sumach is under construction with 332 rental units for seniors and across the Athletic field, Dixon Hall will build its 4 storey Youth Centre.  In Cabbagetown, construction on an aquatic facility is happening at the Wellesley Community Centre at Wellesley and Sherbourne.

Cabbagetown Southwest Heritage Conservation District
The City of Toronto has initiated a formal study into the feasibility of creating a heritage conservation district (HCD) in Cabbagetown Southwest.  The study area runs from Carlton south to Shuter and from Parliament west to Sherbourne - a mixed district, including residential neighbourhoods and the commercial strips on Gerrard  and Dundas from Sherbourne to Parliament.
There’s a two-step process underway.  For the next year, a study stage will evaluate whether an HCD should be set up.  If that study concludes that the City should proceed, then the draft plan will be drawn up for Heritage Preservation Services and City Council.
Click here to read the initial info from the City of Toronto.  

40 years ago - St James Town expansion
In March 1978, City Council approved a sweeping expansion of St James Town south along Ontario, Bleecker and Wellesley Streets to Carlton.  Under John Sewell’s leadership, this project was, fortunately, stopped.  Councillor Pam McConnell later battled efforts by developers to revive it.  Thanks to the Cabbagetown Residents Association and Eric Morse for this timely reminder.

LOCAL NEWS

Cabbagetown daycare centre
The plan for a new child care centre at 461 Sackville at Amelia  will go to the City of Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment on April 11 at 1:30 pm in Committee Room 2 in City Hall.  At that hearing, the builder will explain his project and ask for approvals.  Local residents will have a chance to express opinions - in favour or opposed. Click here to see the Committee documents including the official plans for the building, letters of support and opposition.   
People who want to write to the Committee must contact them before Thursday April 5.  Opponents of the proposal are worried about noise and traffic.  The supporters welcome the chance for a child care facility close to home.  
Local neighbours who are concerned about the impact of the centre on the surrounding homes have put together an info package.  It includes names and email addresses for the Committee, the City planner and the City Councillor.  There’s also a sample letter that can be used.  To get more info about this campaign, email keepcabbagetownquiet@gmail.com 

A new lamb at the Farm
This little Border Leicester Lamb was born on Tuesday March 27 and mom and lamb are both on view in the Lower Francey Barn from Friday March 30 onward.  Farm staff also recommend that you visit the little goat triplets who were born in early March.  Open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, free admission, Riverdale Farm (Winchester, east of Sumach).

Welcome Keith Lawrance
Keith has joined the staff in Councillor Lucy Troisi’s office.  He’s a familiar Cabbagetowner. For several years, he served on the Board at the Cabbagetown Residents Association. He did a great job there on its communications.  He knows our neighbourhood well and he’ll bring our voices effectively into City Hall.  He’s working on Lucy’s staff with another local figure, Peter Lovering.  You can reach both of them at (416) 392-7916.

A new Whiskey Jack tour
Duncan Fremlin and Shaun Pilot have teamed up to create a new Canadian country music tour.  Their first event is already booked at the Regent Theatre in Picton on June 15 - featuring the Whiskey Jack Stompin’ Tom show and the Good Brothers.  Details coming soon.
Of course, like all high-powered show biz types, they met for coffee at St Jamestown Deli (516 Parliament).  

Congrats Richard
Richard Summerbell is a musician best known hereabouts for the Cabbagetown-based tail-wagger music video 'Thank You for Being My Dog.’  He’s also a long-time participant in Toronto's College Street music scene and in international online LGBT-positive music like Bear Radio. He’s recently released digitally two new albums - “Windows Blazing in the Summer Sun” and “Reality Re-Bells”.  His top track so far from “Windows Blazing” is Angel of Love, a song about dedicating your life to actions like walking dogs, and from “Reality Re-Bells”, On the Home World, a song about evolution, plate tectonics, cosmology - and love.   You can listen to his tracks free at cdbaby.com 

Submissions for the Regent Park Film Festival
The festival has opened its submissions process for its 2018 Festival.  The 16th annual festival will take place from November 13 to 17.  Film makers are invited to send along their works.  The Submission Form together wth an explanation of the Festival’s procedures is online here.   

Tree for Me
Tree for Me is offering free trees for your backyard.  In return, you’ll be asked to get involved in one of the events organized by the Toronto Parks & Tree Foundation (together with the City of Toronto) where you will pick up your free tree.  Registration opens on April 1. Thanks to the Cabbagetown South Residents’ Association for this reminder. Click here to learn more and to sign up.   

John Tory and Lucy Troisi visit St James Town
On Friday, the Mayor and Councillor Troisi dropped by the after-school program run by Community Matters Toronto and then the Spring Gathering by Community Corners. For over an hour, they spoke to the kids and adults, signed autographs and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.   

Congrats to the BIA
Image:  Alexei N. Malakhov of Open Eye Studio
The annual Bunny Hop held on Saturday March 24 was a great success.  Thanks to the sponsors including St. James Town Steak and Chops, Staij and Co, The Sumach, the Children’s Book Bank, Meridian Credit Union and Buds and Blossoms - Happy Parents Happy Kids. There were free cookies, selfie opportunities with the big Rabbit, a colouring table, free kids’ books, great music by Double A Jazz and lots of fun with friends and family.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
By Sally Gibson
Image:  Lamb factory post-fire 1888 CTA 1246-4
Around 3:45 am on Sunday May 20, 1888, a constable walking his beat near Parliament and Oak Streets sounded the alarm. The Peter Lamb Glue Factory at the end of Amelia Street (now Wellesley Park) was ablaze. By the time firefighters arrived, the interior was “a sheet of flame.” The fire burned so furiously that “three firemen had their rubber coats melted on their backs,” according to the Globe report.
The fire illuminated the sky for miles around and a large crowd gathered … until it was known that the flames were nearing the City magazine filled with gunpowder. Fortunately the flames were halted short of the magazine but the Lamb factory itself was a loss. The source of the fire was a mystery.  Rumours suggested that it had been deliberately set to get rid of the smelly and noxious business that had irritated residents and visitors to both Riverdale Park and the two local cemeteries for years.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.

COMING EVENTS

Toronto Mendelssohn Choir 
The Grammy-nominated Toronto Mendelssohn Choir will perform a selection of a cappella music, including works by Vaughan Williams, Esenvalds, Bruckner and more in beautiful, art-filled St. Paul’s Basilica  (83 Power St). Stunning choral music will envelop you in this lovely space. Friday March 30, 7:30 pm.  Tickets $50, click here.   

Corktown Egg Hunt
Bring your kids and join the Easter Bunny for a big community egg hunt - Sunday April 1, 10 am to noon, Corktown Common (155 Bayview).  Free.  Rain or shine, the hunt starts at 10:30 am.  There’ll be chocolate treats, Redline coffee, live music and more.  

Easter show at Allan Gardens
The show is open now and it runs to Sunday April 29.  Lillies and hydrangeas are highlighted along with tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.  Allan Gardens Conservatory (Sherbourne and Carlton)

April schedule - Brenda’s step class
In April, Brenda’s classes will be held, as usual, on Sundays at 11 am and Wednesdays at 9:15 am.  The classes on Sunday April 1 and Sunday April 22 are cancelled. The gym, Cabbagetown Youth Centre (Lancaster behind the Beer Store).  

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY 

Clothing for Jessie’s
Chiara Novak has just reported that she dropped off a bunch of items at Jessie's at 205 Parliament. They told her that their biggest need right now is casual clothing for women for the spring and summer months. Chiara says, “Just a heads up if anyone is doing a closet clean out in the next few weeks.”
She posted this on Cabbagetown Moms & Dads Facebook page - a great forum for local parents.  Lots of good stuff.  

Sponsor opportunities
Planning for the annual Forsythia Festival is underway and the committee is looking for sponsors. As the organizers have pointed out, your donation strengthens the cooperation and mutual support that exists between residents and businesses in our community. 
There are three categories - gold sponsors whose gifts are $500 or more, silver between $200 and $499 and bronze between $50 and $199.  You will be acknowledged for a year on the Cabbagetown Residents Association website and given a framed certificate for your business.  
The Festival is a free community event and it happens on Sunday May 6.  It’s the biggest project handled by the Cabbagetown Residents Association.
To learn more and to make your gift, click here.  

Forsythia Festival volunteers
More than 100 volunteers are needed to do everything from face painting to assisting at the food and beverage area or tying doughnuts to tree branches (which is way more fun than you might think.) You can set up and take down all the tents and activity stations or be a marshal in the Festival-opening neighbourhood parade. These are fun jobs in a fun event.
If you would like to volunteer, contact the organizers at info@cabbagetowner.com 

CLASSIFIED ANNOUNCEMENTS

Employment opportunity
Caregiver needed to provide home care for Stage 1 Dementia patient in the Toronto area. Must be able to provide vital physical, practical, and emotional support 4 hours per day, 4 days per week. Hours are flexible allowing caregiver to choose schedule. Wage: $25.00/hr. Please contact jennifermorris209@gmail.com for more info.

Recliner needed
Eric is looking for a gently used recliner chair.  If you have one to sell, contact him at esmorse@sympatico.ca 

BUSINESS NEWS 

Welcome Jay to Kendall & Co
Kendall and Kevin welcome Mr Jay Brown to their Décor Team. After years of experience at the famed Ridpath's Fine Furniture, Jay will lead their window treatment department. He’ll assist customers with the design and installation of their custom window coverings.  Kendall & Co offer custom drapes, roman blinds, valences, drapery hardware and window shades - all made in Toronto! Jay demonstrates his creativity with the shop’s Spring window, dressing it in true Kendall & Co colours and whimsy. 
Jay is also a new father to Dublin Gray Esquire, an Irish Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier. 
Walk-Ins are welcome or by appointment at shop@kendallandco.ca. For info, click here - http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail/windowtreatment. Store hours:  10 am to 6 pm, weekdays and 11 am to 5 pm, Saturdays.  514 Parliament.

Congrats Buds & Blossoms
Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) held a Happy Bunny Yoga event last Saturday, March 24 and it was a hop-away success! There was a great family yoga practice with bunny friends. All the tickets were sold. The party was featured on Z News and CBC Saturday News! 
Proceeds from the event’s ticket sales went to the Toronto Humane Society and totalled a $300 donation. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped to make this a success. 
And another added bonus, the furry friends - Lucky Charms on the left and Timothy - who joined the event have been adopted to a lovely forever home!

Easter goodies at St Jamestown
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is ready to go for Easter - lots of lamb, steaks, ham, turkey and prime rib roasts. Mark is closed on Friday and open Saturday and Sunday.

Spring and Easter pop-up shop
Arta Gallery (14 Distillery Lane, Distillery) will host a pop-up shop with an incredible array of unique artisans offering ceramics, jewellery, handmade artisanal items and small artworks. Saturday March 31 from 11 am to 6 pm.  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Darts at The Local GEST
Check out the new dart board and be one of the first to throw a few in a friendly darts tournament.  Saturday night.  424 Parliament

Easter at Cranberries
Enjoy a three-course Easter dinner at Cranberries (601 Parliament).  Start with caramelized butternut squash soup or an organic green salad.  For your main course, there’s either roast turkey with all the trimmings or baked lamb shank with mashed potato and seasonal veggies.  Sticky toffee pudding for dessert.  There are two seatings for dinner - 5 pm and 7:30 pm. $35. Reserve now at (416) 925-6330.

Easter menu at Peartree
Peartree (507 Parliament) offers a special Easter dinner on Saturday March 31 and Sunday April 1.  Your choice among four classic Easter dishes at $17.99 each - roast leg of lamb, mushroom and brie chicken, roast beef dinner and maple roasted Atlantic salmon.  Add soup or salad and dessert for only $8 more. Reservations at (416) 962-8190.

Brunch at the HOP
House on Parliament (454 Parliament) has brunch every day this weekend - Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11 am to 3 pm. 

Easter brunch at the Dominion
They’re cracking eggs and popping the corks on the bubbly at the Dominion (500 Queen E) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  

Spirit Sisters, Volume 1: Whisky Edition
The Dominion (500 Queen E) is launching a new quarterly event for women.  Each one will highlight a different spirit.  On Tuesday April 10, it’s a whisky tasting night. 
You’ll enjoy your build-your-own Old Fashioned bar, while munching on whisky infused doughnuts whipped up by the fine folks at Fred's Bread.  Gibson’s Finest will be there providing whisky sampling and whisky lore. Local artisan vendors (all-women!) will be on site, including Fierce Deer, Bubblicious Beauty in the Bath and Wild Canary. Tickets are $43.05, click here.  

Closed this weekend
The Scullery (200 Carlton) is closed on Friday and Monday, open from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Under the Table (568 Parliament) will close on Friday through Tuesday - back on Wednesday April 4.  Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E) is closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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

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

Queen Marie
April 13 to 28

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

love and information
Graduation showcase, York University MFA Directing Program
April 10 to 29
Picnic in the Cemetery
April 26 to May 6

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

Alone Together
April 11

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

Finding Wolastoq Voice
Presented by Niimi’iwe:  Indigenous Dance Showcase
March 29 to 31
Douze Citrons - Rhinoceros
April 2 to 8
Addicted
Adedo Collective with the Watah Theatre
April 9 to 22

SOULPEPPER
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
(416) 866-8666

Animal Farm by George Orwell
On stage to April 7
A Moveable Feast, Paris in the ‘20s
Soulpepper Concert Series
March 30 to April 6

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY MARCH 29 TO SUNDAY APRIL 8

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 MARCH 29

Alice’s Place
Karaoke
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY MARCH 30

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SATURDAY MARCH 31

Dominion
9:30 pm, DJ DXB

SUNDAY APRIL 1

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST 
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz postponed to April 8
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

MONDAY APRIL 2

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY APRIL 3

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY APRIL 4

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter

THURSDAY APRIL 5

Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY APRIL 6

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

SATURDAY APRIL 7

Dominion
9 pm, DJ Dash
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY APRIL 8

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST 
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Ilana Waldston, Ted Quinlan and Jordan O’Connr

CONTACT INFO

ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, 
ARVO
17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery,  (647) 352-2766
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188
CRANBERRIES
601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330, 
DOMINION PUB & KITCHEN
500 Queen St E, (416) 366-5555, 
EL CATRIN
18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121, 
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, 
IMPACT KITCHEN
573 King St E, (416) 306-1986, 
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, 
JOHNNY G’s
478 Parliament St, (416) 928-1358
THE LOCAL GEST
424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, 
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, 
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, 
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346,
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
221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676,
UNDER THE TABLE
568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533