December 6

This week’s image: thanks to the Cabbagetown BIA for its Christmas display at Carlton and Parliament.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Daycare needs
A small group has come together to work toward solutions to meet the daycare needs of our community.  
They’ve already started conversations with a variety of facilities in the neighbourhood as well as with established, licensed daycare providers.  They’ve designed a survey so they can understand more about the community’s current and projected daycare needs. 
Please take a moment to answer a few short questions. And if you're interested in getting involved, your participation is welcome - send an email to cabbagetownissues@gmail.com. 
Please also circulate this link among your friends and neighbours with children in Cabbagetown who may not be active on Facebook. 
Click here to get to the survey.    

Cabbagetown decorations
The Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton) has been busy turning our shopping area into a festive, welcoming street.  They’ve hung seasonal decorations in pots on the lamp posts.  The big red planters are filled with Christmas boughs.  The flower beds at Carlton and Parliament have become the neighbourhood’s holiday centrepieces.  All of this effort is expensive and it’s done without hesitation year after year by the BIA.  Thanks, everybody.

Congrats to the BIA
Photo:  The Social Smiths
The Toronto Area Business Improvement Association is an umbrella group representing 83 local BIAs across Toronto. The Cabbagetown BIA earned one of TABIA’s annual awards this year for Digital Adaptability.  Congrats to the Board and to Stephen-Thomas for fine work bringing our business story to the whole city.  

Street Health programs
Street Health (338 Dundas E) is operating an employment training program for people who’ve experienced substance use and homelessness. Fifteen have completed the program and will lead harm reduction efforts targeted at others experiencing homelessness. Today’s graduates will work with Toronto area community agencies for the next two years. The program was set up with funding from the federal government’s Substance Use & Addiction Program. 

Update about 456 to 460 Parliament
After the recent municipal election, Councillor Wong-Tam was asked about the painfully slow progress on renovating and reopening these addresses.  Her staff reports that the City of Toronto has started to take enforcement action to speed the work along.
The owners have been told to complete the job or their building permits will be revoked.  They’ve also had their tax credits for the vacant properties revoked and they’re now liable for City taxes at the full commercial rate - a major incentive to complete the work and fill the spaces.  

Quayside draft site plan
Sidewalk Labs has released its draft plan for the new Quayside.  It’s an important document and a starting point for plenty of discussion about the future of this massive waterfront development.  Info about the draft plan can be seen online here.  
On Saturday December 8 from 9 am, Waterfront Toronto will host a Roundtable to hear community feedback in the MTCC South building (222 Bremner Blvd) - more info here. 

Skating rinks
The City of Toronto operates three skating rinks near our neighbourhoods. 
Regent Park Skating Rink (480 Shuter) is located at the Regent Park Athletic Grounds.
Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) is at the north end of the park overlooking the Don Valley.
Sherbourne Common/Paul Quarrington Rink (5 Lower Sherbourne) is on the waterfront and skaters enjoy marvellous views of the lake and downtown Toronto.
You’ll find up-to-date notices about these rinks and others throughout the city at the official website.  

IN THE MEDIA

Cabbagetown daycare issues
The proposed daycare facility at Amelia and Sackville was initially refused by the City of Toronto.  Robert Ulicki, owner of the property, has appealed that ruling to the Toronto Local Appeal Body who will hold a four-day hearing ending in late January.  
The Toronto Star’s Sandro Contenta wrote a major piece about the debate.  Click here to read his story.  

B-Xalted Choir
Photo:  Ruth Kaplan, Toronto Star
Barbara Gowdy has organized Toronto’s newest choir and they’re preparing now for their inaugural concert. They’ll be singing highlights from Handel’s Messiah.  St Peter and St Simon-the-Apostle Church (525 Bloor E), December 11, 8 pm, $10 to $25, tickets at Eventbrite.  
On Monday November 26, Judith Timson wrote an introduction to the Choir in the Toronto Star - click here to read it.  

Increased car thefts
Image:  Sebastian Bielawski, CBC
A while ago, Trish alerted everyone to the danger of a car thief remotely duplicating a signal from your car’s key fob. A Tweet from Toronto Police PC Timothy Somers reports a significant increase in car thefts attributable to these tricks.  He recommends a Club steering lock or a wheel lock to add security to your car.
Taylor Simmons posted a CBC report about these thefts - how frequently they’re happening, how the thieves do their work and how you can protect your car.  Click here to read this story.   

Bell Canada demands payment from 650 Parliament resident
Photo:  CBC
Amara McLaughlin has written a CBC report about Thomas King’s experiences with Bell Canada. He’s a resident from 650 Parliament who was displaced by the fire in August.  Some of his Bell equipment connecting him to the internet was left there when he fled the fire.  Bell demanded $788 to pay for its loss.  As usual, an apology and the remedy only happened after the CBC entered the picture.  

CHRISTMAS NEWS

Christmas trees at No Frills
Sam is selling trees at Spruce and Parliament next to No Frills. His trailer and trees are local Christmas landmarks - the same family has been coming here for over sixty years.  He’s open from 10 am to 8 pm daily.  His trees range in price from $40 to $90.  Bring your kids and make your visit a family outing!

Christmas trees at Blooming Flower Bar
Anji at Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament) has just brought in her premium trees.  They’re up to 10-feet tall. She’ll deliver your tree to your Cabbagetown door for $10 and set it up for an additional $15.  Add on a custom decoration service as well - check with Anji for a quote. She’s also has garlands, wreaths, boughs, swags, mantles, lights, cones, rope, branches and other decorating needs as well as her gifts and flower selections. Email: getblooming@gmail.com to discuss.

Cabbagetown South Christmas party
Photo:  Eric Morse
Another fun evening.  Over forty people came to the Association’s party and filled the room at Hey Lucy (229 Carlton).  Our new MPP Suze Morrison dropped in.  Councillor Wong-Tam’s representative, Tyler Johnson, mingled with the crowd along with Victoria Hadden from the Aberdeen Avenue Residents, Stephen-Thomas from the BIA office, Sandra and Nahid from The Sumach’s staff and Peter Lovering formerly from City Hall and the Parliament Street News.  When Eric Morse wasn’t snapping pictures, he was describing his northern Ontario adventures and offering insights about the international balance of power. 
Of course, the best guests were the Association’s members and neighbours.  The food was good and the conversations were lively.  
Cabbagetown Carollers 2018
The Carollers are wandering through Cabbagetown again.  They’re singing door-to-door and asking for donations.  Your support will go to the food bank at St Luke’s Church.  If you’d like to make a food donation, please consider dry food, baby food and other non-perishables.  For cash donations, please make cheques payable to St Luke’s Food Bank. If you plan to be away or don’t want to be disturbed, just leave your gift in a bag hanging from your front door.   
It all happens on Sunday December 8 from 6:45 to 8:45 pm. The Carollers will sing along Metcalfe south to Winchester and then to Carlton, Carlton to Bowman, Bowman up to Sackville Place, out to Sackville and north to Winchester, east on the south side of Winchester to Sumach and then west on Winchester to Sackville.

Save the date - Christmas carolling
The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) presents its unbeatable afternoon of carolling and cavorting on Sunday December 16 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.  Jeff and Noah will be back to lead the group singing.  Please bring your donation for a food bank.

Cabbagetown Residents Association lights' contest
Homeowners are busy now putting up their Christmas decorations.  Big or small, all are eligible to win the Cabbagetown Residents’ Association fourth annual Holiday Lights contest.   Last year, over 800 ballots were cast! Submissions are now being received.  Voting will open on Friday December 14 and continue to Boxing Day December 26.  Check out the procedure for nominating a home (including your own) and for voting at the CRA’s website.   

Mistletoe
The mistletoe stations are back.  Watch for the logo on the sidewalk under a hanging bouquet.  Seven stations are spread out along Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard.  Take your sweetie out for dinner and smooch your way along the street. 
The BIA is having a mistletoe photo contest - prizes include gift cards for $100 and $75.  Take lots of selfies and send the best one to them before December 16.   

COMING EVENTS
Listed by date - ongoing events at the bottom of this section.

Impulse 2018
Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre’s annual showcase of works performed by students in each year of the Professional Training Program.  It’s happening now - 8 pm, December 6 to 8,  Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester).  For tickets and info, click here or call (416) 967-6887.   

Corktown holiday party
Save the date - Thursday December 6, 7 to 11 pm for the annual Corktown holiday party.  Lots of good friendship, neighbourhood news, silent auction, finger food and drinks. Donations over $10 will receive a free beer from Aviary Brewpub.  Check out the new Underpass Park clothing line.  Odin (514 King E). Tickets are available from Eventbrite.   

Annual Founder’s Dinner
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) is hosting its annual dinner - a vintage Christmas at the Schoolhouse.  It’s a fundraiser for the Schoolhouse.  There’ll be a traditional Christmas dinner, wine, a seasonal reading and carol singing.  The emcee for the evening is Sean O’Shea from Global News. Friday December 7, 6:15 pm.  Tickets are $120 with a tax receipt, available at Eventbrite.  

Discovery Days at Riverdale Farm
Coming this weekend - a great opportunity for kids ages 6 to 12 offering a lots of fun and interactive activities and games highlighting agriculture, leadership, teamwork and crafts. On Friday December 7, make a grass head (a homemade chia pet), experience how horses and cows see differently than people, explore what foods animals eat and work with a team to cross a chocolate river!  More experiences on January 18 and February 15.  9am to 4 pm.  $70 per session.  Call to register at (416) 338-4386 or call 311.

Holiday market at The Tilted Dog
The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) presents a Cabbagetown Holiday Market with art and crafts by local artists.  Festive cocktails and good food.  Saturday December 8, noon to 5 pm.  

Farm for the holidays
Enjoy Santa’s visit and lots of family entertainment at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach).  Saturday December 8.  Cookie baking and decorating from 10 am to 2 pm.  Santa’s visit from 10:30 am to 1 pm.  Please bring a toiletry donation for our local shelters.  Free.

Bill Morneau’s 4th annual holiday party
Join our federal MP Bill Morneau at his annual Christmas party.  There’ll be delicious food, local entertainment and a special announcement from Bill.  6 to 9 pm, Thursday December 13, 519 Church. Please RSVP here.   

Corktown Chamber Orchestra
The Orchestra presents its seasonal concert, Festive Favourites.  Thursday December 13, 8 pm, Little Trinity Church (425 King E).  Tickets are $20 and kids are free, available at the door and online at Eventbrite.  

Wintersong - dances for a sacred season
Wintersong by the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is a breathtaking tapestry of seasonal dance inspired by the world’s rich solstice traditions. A world premiere by Dora Award-winning choreographer Hanna Kiel highlights the program along with four other stunning pieces.  8 pm on December 14 and 2 pm on December 15, Fleck Dance Theatre at Harbourfront (207 Queens Quay W).  Tickets are $22.50 to $38.  Click here for more info and for ticket purchases.  

Santa photos with your pet
Photo:  Wet Noses Photography - Ticket knows that more treats are coming soon. 
Santa’s second photo session at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) is scheduled for on Saturday December 15, 10 am to 2 pm. The first one was a success.  Santa entertained our dogs, cats and even our lizards for these fun photo op’s.  Don’t miss it - $10.

6th annual Stompin’ Tom birthday celebration
Get your tickets now - only 150 available and they’ll sell out!  Whiskey Jack’s annual Stompin’ Tom birthday concert celebrates his 82nd birthday with another rousing evening of his songs.  Special guests include The Good Brothers, Murray Foster and rock ’n roll legend Robbie Lane.  8 pm, Thursday January 31, Zoomer Hall (70 Jefferson in Liberty Village).  $35 - more info and tickets available online.   

Brenda’s step class
Brenda has confirmed that she’ll hold a class on Wednesday December 19 at 9:15 am.  It’s her last class for the year.  Her other classes for December are all scheduled for their regular times - Sunday, December 9 at 11 am, Wednesday, December 12 at 9:15 am and Sunday, December 16 at 11 am. Drop-ins are welcome. All classes at the gym in the CYC (2 Lancaster behind the Beer Store). 

Block Party
Laird Kay and Raymond Girard use 50,000 LEGO bricks to build their installation at Akasha Art Projects (204D Carlton).  10 am to 7 pm, open now until December 22. 

Winter flower show
The Conservatory in Allan Gardens presents its annual winter flower show until Wednesday January 9.  10 am to 5 pm daily with extended closing hours to 7 pm on December 8, 9,10, 16, 22 and 23. Free admission.

Toronto Christmas Market
Photo: Alessandro Shinoda, toronto.com 
The Distillery’s Christmas Market runs until Sunday December 23.  It’s a huge, crowd-pleasing success with plenty of activity for the whole family.  Live entertainment and strolling carollers, pop-up shops with artisan goods, specialty foods, warm drinks and more.  Beer gardens, patios and lounges serve mulled wine, Christmas specialties and craft beer.  
Noon to 9 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,  noon to 10 pm on Friday, 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday.  Closed Mondays.  
Free admission from Tuesday to Friday at 5 pm.  After Friday at 6 pm through Sunday, general admission is $6 and express admission passes are $20.

BUSINESS NEWS

Shop local & win
The Cabbagetown BIA is running a contest with over $1,500 in prizes available for people who join.  It’s a passport plan and it’s simple to use.
First, get a passport either at a local merchant or at the BIA office (237 Carlton).  Then spend at least $20 with a participating merchant and get a stamp in your passport.  When you’ve got five stamps, leave your passport at the participating store or at the BIA office.  Then sit back and enjoy!
Your passport has a list of participating merchants.  Contest runs to Saturday December 15.  Click here to see all the details.  

Ho Ho Hold The Tax
Pay no tax on your purchase of wool rugs and indoor/outdoor rugs at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). Applies to in-stock, special orders, standard sizes & select styles. This is just one of twenty-four Advent Deals previously announced for daily savings at Kendall & Co. To find out more, follow them on Facebook or instagram or visit your One-Stop-Shop for Home Décor at 514 Parliament! 
Also, shop-local here for your chance to win a $100 gift card from Kendall & Co with your Cabbagetown Holiday Passport.
Enjoy Kendall’s extended Holiday Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco 

Congrats to Fair Trade Jewellery
The Business Development Bank is featuring FTJCo (523 Parliament) as part of its ongoing Beyond Business series.  The BDC has written about Ryan Taylor and Robin Gambhir at Fair Trade and produced a video describing their business - click here to see everything.   

Turkey time at St Jamestown
Mark is bringing in his turkeys - place your order now.  Your bird will be ready for you in the days before Christmas.  And he has lots of veggies, nibblies and snacks to fill in your meal.  Add a tourtiere for Christmas Eve. St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament).  

Farley Foundation at Cabbagetown Pet Clinic
Every year the Clinic holds a fundraiser for The Farley Foundation. This year they’re raffling two Ipad Mini’s and two veterinary wellness packages which include vaccines, blood work, flea prevention and toys for your pet. Tickets are $10 or three for $25. Pick up yours at the Clinic (239 Gerrard E)
The Farley Foundation assists those who are struggling financially to pay for veterinary care for their pets.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Stout gift cards
Buy a gift card for your loved ones, your friends and neighbours and even, yourself.  Enjoy a cold one at Stout (221 Carlton). 

Newcomers’ kitchen
Paintbox offers a pop-up restaurant to groups of Syrian newcomers. They use its kitchen to cook traditional Syrian dishes.  Meals are prepared and packaged and then delivered to you either by pickup or delivery.  It’s a great idea - to learn more, click here.   

Peartree’s party menu
Check out Peartree’s three-course meal designed just for your party.  Call for a reservation (416) 962-8190.  507 Parliament.

A quick peek at New Year’s Eve
The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) will offer its usual highly scrumptious New Year’s Eve dinner - four courses, lots of lovely drinks, Taroh card readings and great company.  The full package is $85.  (416) 925-4074 

Cyril’s soups
Cyril’s soup for Saturday December 8 is curried carrot and lima beans. If you have a British background, you may know lima beans as butter beans. Originally from Peru, they got their English nickname from the fact that, despite their obvious starchiness, they maintain a buttery texture. And that is exactly the quality Cyril wants in Saturday’s bean soup. It will basically be a curried and gingery carrot soup - the lima beans will give it a creamy texture. $8.
A quick reminder - the order deadline is Thursday, 7pm. He delivers his soups (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.  Place your orders at his email address, cyril@merryberry.ca 

CURRENT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Every Brilliant Thing
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
On stage to December 16
Website and tickets here.  (416) 368-3110

A Christmas Carol
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
December 7 to December 24
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Peter Pan
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
December 8 to January 5
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Munsch Goes to School
Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane)
Two performances - 10:30 am and 1 pm. December 8
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY DECEMBER 6 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 16

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 DECEMBER 6

Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live acoustical music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Keating Channel Pub
Danny Williams Band 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SATURDAY DECEMBER 8

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
Noon to 5 pm, Holiday Market

SUNDAY DECEMBER 9

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz with Ambiance

MONDAY DECEMBER 10

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY DECEMBER 11

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 12

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter

THURSDAY DECEMBER 13

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar 
Dominion
8 pm - DJ Bossinova
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy Night with Ethan O’Reilly

FRIDAY DECEMBER 14

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 DECEMBER 15

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY DECEMBER 16

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion
11 am, Holiday fundraiser and brunch for the Red Door Family shelter
The Tilted Dog 
3:30 pm, annual Christmas carolling with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin

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