This week’s image: eleven candidates for City Council on the firing line at the Cabbagetown South candidates’ debate.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
ELECTION NEWS
Be sure to vote!
Election Day is Monday October 22 from 10 am to 8 pm. Voter info cards have been mailed and they list the address for your local polling station.
When you go to vote, bring some photo ID (like a driver’s licence) that shows your name and Toronto address.
Check online to find out where you go to vote.
Our thanks
It’s time to thank the candidates who joined the battle and brought a lot of fresh energy with them. They’ve presented important ideas about specific communities and proposals. Some have been hard at work since the early Spring. Thanks everyone - we’ve all benefitted from your efforts.
Who’s in the race
For last minute info, check out these official websites:
For Mayor and City Council - here’s the official list and the candidates’ websites and email addresses.
For Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic School Board and the two French school boards - click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Media Coverage of our Ward
The Toronto Star and the Globe & Mail have each published an online summary of the issues and personalities in our Ward’s city council election.
Endorsements
Photo: Carlos Osorio, Toronto Star
The Toronto Star has done its traditional and influential endorsements of Ward candidates. Kristyn Wong-Tam is their recommendation for our Ward 13.
Pam McConnell’s family has also endorsed Ms Wong-Tam as the next Councillor in Ward 13.
Winchester Park
The Winchester Park Residents Association has asked candidates about their views on such local issues as the Bleecker Street parkette, repairs needed on Ontario Street and local rooming houses. They gathered replies from five people - read them on the Association’s website.
Heritage issues
The Heritage Conservation District Committee asked the candidates about their views on heritage preservation and then specifically about their reactions to issues involving Toronto Community Housing buildings.
Beyond a doubt, Kristyn Wong-Tam knows these issues in depth and is passionate about supporting both heritage preservation and TCHC's services. George Smitherman has more emotional ties to his heritage work with Peggy Kurtin and Pam McConnell and his answers leave the impression that he will be a valuable ally when needed. Megann Willsonn talks about her trust in the City of Toronto staff and about consultation with the community. John Jeffery and Joseph Richard Forget sent less detailed replies but each one has good specific ideas. Lucy Troisi didn’t reply to the survey.
Cabbagetown South
A big crowd filled the gym at Central Neighbourhood House on Tuesday night. Eleven candidates made presentations and answered audience questions.
The final all-candidates’ meeting
Friday October 19, 6:30 pm. St Peter and St Simon Church (525 Bloor E) - please use the Bloor Street entrance. Organized by the St James Town Community Corner.
Good news!
Steve has tossed his hat into the ring - he’s a candidate for Dog Catcher. His pal and next door neighbour Fiona is helping out with his campaign graphics. She designed his signs. More info will be available next week about his platform and his contacts for your donations.
LOCAL NEWS
Our last Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market for the season
Thanks to Michelle who manages our market and to the farmers and other vendors who have supported it all season. It’s been a fun time this year. The last 2018 Market date happens on Tuesday afternoon, October 23, from 3 to 7 pm. Watch for its return next Spring. Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester).
Toronto Police safety survey
51 Division is conducting a safety survey to get your views about unruly activity at the corner of Dundas and Sherbourne. It’s entirely confidential - you do not need to give your name and computer settings will be shut off so your computer cannot be identified. Click here.
Winchester Park updates
The Association reports that Margaret’s House has received Committee of Adjustment approvals for the renovations that are needed at 13, 15, 17 and 19 Winchester. Interior upgrades will be done first and work on the exteriors will follow at a later date. Once this work is underway, Margaret’s House will know when tenants will be welcomed.
Toronto Community Housing tenants at 502, 504, 506 and 508 Parliament have been told that TCHC plans to make “life safety” renovations. Although a few tenants have been relocated, many of the others haven’t yet been told when they will move out. Additional work is underway at the Carlton Street rooming houses and is proceeding very slowly.
Congrats Jackie
Jackie Irvine won the Gold Medal at Boxing Ontario’s Silver Gloves tournament in the 110lb female elite novice class. The event took place last weekend at the Westin Airport Hotel. She boxes at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club. She’s a familiar and favourite person in Cabbagetown - she owns and operates The Irv (195 Carlton) and Beer Batter Fish ’n Chips (200 Carlton) together with her husband Regan.
Tree for Me Giveaway Day
Friends of Allan Gardens are hosting a tree giveaway day. Free trees. These are trees that are left over from Tree for Me fall community events. Saturday October 27, 10 am to 1 pm, Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton)
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
by Sally Gibson
Globe article (Gibson highlights) Toronto Public Library
“When was the name ‘Cabbagetown’ bestowed, or hurled, at residents of this east-end neighbourhood?” This is one of the perennial questions that has puzzled Cabbagetowners from both the original Cabbagetown now occupied by Regent Park and the newer Cabbagetown north of Gerrard. Evidence is mighty hard to find. Local legend contends – and this seems
reasonable – that it was an insult flung by outsiders who may have been richer or from a different ethnic group.
Local Irish and later groups took it as a badge of honour. But when?
This 1883 Globe article about the celebration of Toronto firefighters buttresses the badge-of-honour perspective and provides a rare hint of how early the nickname was in use. Among those lured to the grand event at St. Lawrence Hall was an old volunteer brigade nicknamed “The Cabbagetown Pets.” No reason was offered for “Pets”. The meaning of “Cabbagetown” was obvious. The “Cabbagetown Pets” was the fifth of eight companies - this places their date in the late 1850s. And their likely station was a predecessor of the 1870s fire station on Berkeley Street.
COMING EVENTS
50th anniversary party
Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann
The School of Toronto Dance (80 Winchester) invites you to join the party. Saturday October 20, 1:30 to 11:30 pm, 80 Winchester. You can take a dance class with Pat Miner or Rosemary James, enjoy an afternoon tea with Artistic Director Patricia Fraser and spend the evening at the Epic Dance Party. Click here to register - most events are free.
Pumpkin carve-a-thon
Last week’s event was so popular, it’s being repeated again on Sunday October 21! Bring your kids and carve a mini-pumpkin to take home. Carving equipment supplied. Please consider a $3 donation to cover the pumpkin costs. 1 to 3 pm, Children’s Conservatory in Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton), Sunday October 21.
The Boo Barn at Riverdale Farm
Saturday October 20 and Sunday October 21, 9:30 am to 3 pm. Crafts and face painting. Lots of activities for kids ages 3 to 9. Carve a pumpkin and take home the seeds. Pumpkins are first-come, first-served and supplies are limited. The event is free - please consider a $5 donation for the pumpkin carving and a non-perishable food item for your tour of the Boo Barn. Sumach and Winchester.
Evening Armchair series
The Gestalt Institute invites you to join their senior faculty as they dim their reputations by despoiling the sacred theories of Gestalt. On Monday October 22 from 7 to 9 pm, the topic is Polarity Mis-Management - examine how our preferences keep us from making choices that suit the moment. Fee $10.
In six evenings from November 6 to January 15, Honouring Differences looks at ways to open space for dialogue around the differences between us. Fee $125.
Find out more about each event at (416) 964-9464 or go here online.
Regent Park School of Music
The season’s Fall Recital happens at the Paintbox (555 Dundas E) on Tuesday October 23 at 5:30 pm. Free.
How to dig a kilometre-long river
Waterfront Toronto is conducting a demonstration about its new work in the Port Lands. Experts on its staff will talk about the new Don River valley, soil stabilization and soil treatments as well as the new parks that will be created by this work. Wednesday October 24 from 5:30 to 7 pm, Port Lands Drop-in Centre (200 Queens Quay E)
Comedy night at the Social Smiths
It’s a laid back, intimate evening of comedy with host Robert Watson, founder of the webseries A Gay Victorian Affair. Doors open at 7 pm, show at 7:30 pm, cash bar. Tickets are $10 available here. 574 &1/2 Parliament.
Illumine Media Project
Sunday October 28 at 3 pm, Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store). You’re invited to an uplifting conversation, to make things together, to share food and to watch an episode of How We Grow. It’s a web series about four young people from diverse backgrounds learning about their lives, their true purpose and their neighbourhood. Illumine Media Project is a youth collective based in St. James Town, creating uplifting media for community dialogue - click here to see its website.. All are welcome.
The Naked Truth
Save the date - Tuesday October 30 from 7 to 9 pm at the Dominion Pub & Kitchen (500 Queen E). The evening is another in the series of special events arranged by the staff at Chartwell’s The Sumach.
Enjoy a comedic performance by Lianne Mauladin about the hilarious challenges of dating over the age of 55.
It’s free - please RSVP at (416) 644-8912.
BUSINESS NEWS
Fay & Fluffy’s Story Time
Labour of Love (223 Carlton), Saturday October 27, 11 am. Bring your kids and dress in your Hallowe’en costume. Free.
Fall clearance sale
Anji at Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament) is having a clearance sale on her gift items and decorations on this weekend only. She has to clean out some space to make room for her new Christmas and seasonal inventory. Two days - Saturday October 21 and Sunday October 22.
What’s old is new again
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) introduces vinyl rugs in retro styles resembling old European floor tiles and Victorian mosaics. Thin yet durable and easy care. Perfect for entryways, foyers, kitchens and bathrooms. Available in four standard sizes, starting at $75. Custom size, square and round versions are available upon request.
Store hours: 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays, 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and noon to 4 pm on Sundays. http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail/
Last chance to vote
The Cabbagetown BIA is asking for your votes to select this year’s winners of its annual Chairman’s Awards. There are all sorts of categories - store design, service, new business, window displays and lots more. Support your favourites - vote before Friday October 26. When you vote, you’ll be eligible to win a $50 bag of Cabbagetown souvenirs.
IN THE MEDIA
Soulpepper is rebuilding
Two significant appointments have been made recently at Soulpepper.
Photo: Daniel Malavasi
A new Executive Director has been hired from England’s Bristol Old Vic. Emma Stenning has an enviable track record in turning theatre companies around.
Photo: Daniel Malavasi
The new artistic director, Weyni Mengesha, is returning to Toronto and Soulpepper from Los Angeles. She previously created two of our most successful plays - ‘da Kink in My Hair and Kim’s Convenience.
J Kelly Nestruck has written about each of these appointments in the Globe & Mail. Click here to read about Ms Stenning and here to read about Ms Mengesha.
Data from the new Quayside district
Sidewalk Labs has been increasingly embroiled in a debate about data collection and ownership from its new Quayside neighbourhood on the waterfront.
On October 15, Donovan Vincent wrote in the Toronto Star about its promise to place this data in a public trust.
On October 17, Donovan Vincent again wrote about Sidewalk Lab, this time describing the views of its CEO Dan Doctoroff and the role that it will play as a catalyst of infrastructure development.
Deciem reopens its stores
Deciem - also known as the Abnormal Beauty Company - has reopened its stores. Last week, its owner posted a confusing message online as his explanation. Immediately after that, Estee Lauder got a court order to put them back into business. We have two stores in our area - at 242 Carlton and in the Distillery. CBC News has posted a story about the closures - read it here.
HALLOWE’EN PARTIES - SAVE THESE DATES
Bash at the Tilted Dog
There’ll be live music, prizes for the best costumes, a wall of balloons, tarot card readings by Dotty Mae and drink specials. Saturday October 27, 9 pm onward. 424 Parliament
Mobster Mayhem at the Dominion
Live DJ, Speakeasy cocktails, $250 prize for the best costume. Saturday October 27, from 8 pm. 500 Queen E.
Hallowe’en Thriller Workout
The Mill Street Beerhall (21 Tank House Ln, Distillery), Tuesday October 30, 7 to 8 pm. Learn how to dance the thriller at a Hallowe’en themed workout class with Beverley Cheng from Perky Athletics. Bring your own mat, costumes welcome. Beer samples. $17.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Psychic brunch
The psychics are back at Cranberries (601 Parliament) for brunch on Sunday October 21. Enjoy two detailed readings and get a $5 coupon toward your brunch. 11 am, $42.
Italian wine tasting
Fusilli (531 Queen E) is holding a wine tasting and dinner on Friday October 26 from 7 pm. The wines from Chiorri Umbria will be featured - Grechetto to start, Sangiovese with dinner and Passito with dessert. . Dinner will include gnocchi with pancetta, braised beef tenderloin, salad and tiramisu for dessert. $65 per person. Reservations needed - (416) 214-5148.
Cyril’s soups
This Saturday’s soup is a Moroccan stew (with a few Cabbagetown touches). It’s meatless - with white beans instead. Veggies include tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils and bell peppers. Expect some tasty spices - cumin, coriander, cinnamon, saffron and chilli and perhaps Ras-el-Hanouf. Serve with couscous, thicken it with rice, maybe add some meatballs or eat it straight down.
Sorry, Cyril’s taking some time off - there won’t be Buddha bowls or dinner items for the next two weeks.
He delivers (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash. Place your orders at his email address, cyril@merryberry.ca
Tasso
Tasso (540 Parliament) will be closed from October 19 to 21 - Olyana and Mike will be back next weekend.
CURRENT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Dancing at Lughnasa
Toronto Irish Players
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
On stage October 19, 20 & 21, October 25,26 & 27 and November 1, 2 & 3.
Website info and tickets - here. (416) 440 - 2888
Trace
Where the ancient universe meets dance
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
October 30 to November 11
Website info and tickets - here. (416) 368-3110.
Love Me Out of It
Citadel (304 Parliament)
October 17 to 20
Website and Tickets - here. (416) 364-8011
Oraltorio
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
On stage to October 20
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
The Royale
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
On stage to November 11
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
Japanese Problem
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
October 24 to 28
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
Escaped Alone
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
October 28 to November 25
Website and tickets - here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 18 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 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 OCTOBER 18
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
Dominion
8 pm, DJ Dash
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic with Robert LaBell
FRIDAY OCTOBER 19
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Keating Channel Pub
Danny Williams Band
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ
SATURDAY OCTOBER 20
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY OCTOBER 21
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz featuring Blair Purdy
MONDAY OCTOBER 22
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 23
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY OCTOBER 25
Dominion
8 pm, 3000AD
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7 pm, Cabbagetown Comedy with Robert Watson, $10
FRIDAY OCTOBER 26
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Keating Channel Pub
Danny Williams Band
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 27
Dominion
8 pm, Mobster Mayhem
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
9 pm, Hallowe’en Bash
SUNDAY OCTOBER 28
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
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
See below - The Tilted Dog
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,
SOCIAL SMITHS
574&1/2 Parliament
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676,
THE TILTED DOG
(Formerly The Local GEST)
424 Parliament. (416) 961-9425
