This week’s image: winter on Parliament Street
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
Back again …
OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENTS
This week, there’s an open house at 40 Gifford - there’ll be croissants and coffee on Saturday morning for Cabbagetown neighbours and an open house on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Click here to read the announcement.
LOCAL NEWS
Red banner on Kristyn Wong-Tam’s website
Councillor Wong-Tam has added a red banner to her website. It’s aimed specifically at the victims of the black-out at 260 Wellesley. Tenants can register there for information and help and non-tenants can offer housing and other assistance. It’s also a place for quick news updates.
Thanks to Councillor Wong-Tam for her leadership role and support for the tenants. She organized the community meeting on Wednesday night. She’s been active with the Mayor marshalling resources from the City of Toronto.
Fundraiser for Winchester School
Congrats to F’Amelia (12 Amelia) and Todd Vestby for sponsoring a very successful fundraiser on behalf of Winchester Public School. Todd estimates that $6500 has been raised, all of it earmarked for the school’s programs and supplies. Lots of good food and drinks and a very sociable crowd. Guests will receive a $100 tax receipt.
Trees on the waterfront
Waterfront Toronto is publishing five different blogs to tell us how its work is improving various aspects of life in Toronto. The first blog notes the growth and success of tree plantings along the lake - in total, over 16,800 trees will eventually benefit from new soil cell technology.
Toronto Light Festival
The Distillery District is transformed into a giant outdoor gallery with works by twenty local and international artists. Open now to Sunday March 3. Throughout the Distillery from dusk at 5:30 pm to 9 pm on weekdays and 10 pm on the weekends. Free.
Click here for online info about these events.
Winter music series. Five businesses in the Distillery will present live music from 2 to 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Light Festival - Mill Street Brew Pub, Balzac’s, John Fluevog, Denaturing Buildings and Spirit of York are all hosting concerts.
Free tastings Seven businesses in the Distillery are showcasing sparkling wines, craft beers, liqueurs, rum and ice wines. Complementary tastings. Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Light Festival.
Dixon Hall winter clothing drive
Dixon Hall needs winter clothing for men and women for its Out Of The Cold program. Specifically - new, unused thermal underwear, tops and bottoms. If you can help, please contact catie.primeau@dixonhall.org.
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.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Tony Koukos, Steel
Photography on metal. The new exhibition at Akasha Art Projects (204D Carlton) is open now until February 17.
Open mic night at the CSI Lounge
7 pm, Thursday January 24. Musicians’ and artists’ registration at 6:45 pm. Free. Third floor, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E)
Open mic string guitar sessions
A new event at The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) - held on the fourth Thursday of every month. The first open mic will be Thursday January 24, 8 pm.
Social Smiths Cabbagetown Comedy
Thursday January 31, 7 to 9 pm, $10. A diverse lineup of local comics hosted by Robert Watson. 574 and 1/2 Parliament.
Gordon Lightfoot at Stompin’ Tom’s 82nd birthday
Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack are honouring Stompin’ Tom at 7:30 pm on Thursday January 31 at Zoomer Hall (70 Jefferson Ave, Liberty Village). Special guests include Gordon Lightfoot, the Good Brothers and Murray Foster. Tickets are $30, available online.
Corktown planning meetings
The Corktown Residents & Business Association is having a strategy session to discuss the neighbourhood’s future and the role that the CRBA will play. Saturday January 26, 10 am to 1 pm, Cooper Koo Family Cherry Street YMCA (461 Cherry). It’s a free event but you are asked to get a ticket since a good crowd is expected.
The City of Toronto is holding a public open house on the King-Parliament Secondary Plan. The King-Parliament Secondary Plan builds on the Downtown Plan. It will provide specific direction on built form, the public realm and heritage. St Lawrence Hall (157 King E), third floor, 6:30 pm, Thursday January 31.
Cabbagetown South Residents Association
The annual meeting has been called for Wednesday February 6 at 6:30 pm in Hey Lucy (229 Carlton). The special guest is Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Drivers wanted
Claire at Ladybug Florists (513 Church) needs drivers to handle her Valentine orders. It’s fun and she pays in cash! For details, contact her at (416) 922-9971 and claire@ladybugflorist.com
Holiday in France
Mary Spence-Thomas has a lovely home in France. It’s become a favourite for Cabbagetown travellers looking for a holiday in a small French village. She has rental space available in April and October and in the summer. For rates, availabilities and reservations, visit her website.
YOUR ISSUES
Salt overload
This scene is a familiar one across the neighbourhood. City of Toronto crews visit specific homes to clear the sidewalks after a snowfall and they salt the walk after shovelling it. Somehow, the crews don’t understand that too much is “too much”. This overload is normal, not an exception.
If you’re sick of this waste and the damage that it causes, contact 311 and our councillor, Kristyn Wong-Tam.
U-Haul parking
Complaints continue to arrive about illegal parking by U-Haul (456 Parliament) in Doctor O Lane just south of Carlton and Parliament. Residents nearby claim that the trucks block a fire lane, park on private property and cause unreasonable delays. If you have a complaint about this, contact Charles at U-Haul at (647) 317-9352 or call 311 and ask for action by parking enforcement officers.
Update on LCBO thefts
Photo: Bill Jackson, Toronto Star
The Toronto Police Service has started to make arrests. Cabbagetown residents have complained about these thefts at our Parliament Street store (512 Parliament) and media reports have expanded to cover these incidents across the GTA. Over 9,000 thefts have happened in LCBO stores since 2014. Here’s a story from the Toronto Star from Wednesday January 23.
IN THE MEDIA
260 Wellesley
Photo: Steve Russell, Toronto Star
Once again, an accident has displaced hundreds of people living in a highrise apartment in St James Town. This time, a broken water pipe has flooded an electrical room at 260 Wellesley and subsequently, fire and hydro officials disconnected water and hydro to the building. Tenants can choose to stay in their homes but they’ll have no heat, light or drinking water in their units. There is no specific information yet about the timelines for repairs.
Stefanie Marotta in The Toronto Star wrote a story detailing events and the steps taken to react to the problem.
Donovan Vincent’s story in The Star shows the impact on families, especially those who had to leave 650 Parliament after the fire there in the summer.
Soulpepper’s new team
Photo: Cole Burston, Toronto Star
Two new senior executives have taken over at Soulpepper. Weyni Mengesha is the new artistic director and Emma Stenning is the new executive director. Karen Fricker and Carly Maga talk about Soulpepper’s future with this new team in The Toronto Star - click here.
This Shape, We Are In
Photo: Omer K Yukseker
This new production from Toronto Dance Theatre drew a lengthy and positive review in The Toronto Star. Michael Crabb calls this performance “edgy, unpredictable and so alive and immediate.”
Access to community services
Photo: Kike Smee, CBC News
Kristyn Wong-Tam has written a report to City Council’s economic development committee complaining that low-income people in Regent Park are having unfair difficulty getting access to the swimming pool and community centre. CBC News has reported on her comments.
BUSINESS NEWS
Kendall & Co Winter Sale
Hot deals at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) on floor model sofas, armchairs, throws, table lamps and many more. Plus, wool rugs and outdoor rugs and final clearance on select home accessories and accent pillows. Sale now on for a limited time, limited quantities.
Store hours - Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm. Normally also open Sunday noon to 4 pm, except Sunday January 27.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Haggis, ‘neeps and tatties at the HOP
House on Parliament (454 Parliament) will offer its annual Robbie Burns celebration on Friday January 25 starting at 6 pm. There’s be a piper, Highland dancing and an address to the Haggis.
Robbie Burns Brewmaster’s Dinner
Mill Street Brew Pub (20 Tank House Lane, Distillery) hosts a five-course traditional dinner with brewmaster Andrew Yonick. Each course is paired with a Mill Street brew. Live music with the Andrew Grady duo. Tickets are $69.99, call (416) 681-0338.
Robbie Burns celebration cancelled
The Dominion’s Robbie Burns celebration has been cancelled. Management is reaching out to ticket holders individually. (500 Queen E).
Music bingo at Dominion
Tuesday January 29, 7 pm, Dominion Pub & Kitchen (500 Queen E). Music Bingo combines a love of music with the traditional bingo format. Each player receives a Music Bingo card which consists of an assortment of songs. Instead of calling out numbers, we play the music! Singing along encouraged. It’s fun and free.
Happy birthday, Stout
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is having a birthday on Wednesday January 30. The party starts at 7 pm. There’ll be good food, craft beers and Beer Bingo with prizes from Railway City.
Beer dinner at The Irv
The Irv (195 Carlton) presents a four-course dinner with Steam Whistle and Von Bugle. Only 26 tickets will be sold - so get yours early. Your evening includes a 20 oz glass of Von Bugle, a can of Steam Whistle, a gift bag and a four-course dinner. Thursday February 21, 7 pm. $70 - reserve yours by email at regan@theirvpub.ca or kevinh@steamwhistle.ca.
Winterlicious opens Friday
Winterlicious takes place between January 25 and February 7. Local restaurants include F’Amelia (12 Amelia), Boku Noodle House (42 Gristmill Lane, Distillery) and Archeo (31 Trinity, Distillery). For the full list of participating restaurants and contact info, go to the official website.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril has a new email - abeautifulbowl@gmail.com. Please use it for both your orders and e-transfers.
Saturday's soup is black bean and orange… a beautiful bowl.
Order deadline is 7 pm on the day before delivery. He delivers his soups (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash. Place your orders at his new email address.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY
THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
Rose: A New Musical
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Sunday February 24
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Top Girls
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
On stage to Saturday February 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-4170
Virgin Trial
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Sunday February 3
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Slow Dance
Toronto Dance Theatre
Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester)
On stage to Saturday February 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-1365
This Shape, We Are In
Toronto Dance Theatre
Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester)
Thursday January 24 to Saturday February 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-1365
A Day of Light
Dance Ontario’s DanceWeekend 2019
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront (235 Queens Quay W)
Sunday January 27
Website and tickets here. (416) 924-5657
Skow
Citadel + Compagnie
Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament)
Wednesday January 30 to Saturday February 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
Gathering Light
Niimi’iwe Indigenous Dance Showcase
Native Earth Performing Arts
Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E)
Saturday February 2 to Sunday February 10
Website and tickets here. (416) 531-1402
Scott Shorts & Zelda
George Brown Theatre School
c/o Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane)
Wednesday February 6 to Saturday February 16
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Prince Hamlet
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
Wednesday February 6 to Sunday February 24
Website and tickets here. (416) 368-3110
Little Menace
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday February 16 to Friday March 10
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Gratter La Penombre
Citadel + Compagnie
Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament)
Wednesday February 27 to Saturday March 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY JANUARY 24 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3
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 24
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
Dominion
9 pm, DJ Money Jane
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open mic string guitar sessions
FRIDAY JANUARY 25
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
House on Prliament
6 pm, Haggis, ‘neeps & tatties for Robbie Burns
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Robbie Burns Brewmaster’s Dinner, $69.99
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ
SATURDAY JANUARY 26
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY JANUARY 27
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz will return in February
MONDAY JANUARY 28
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JANUARY 29
Dominion
7 pm, Music bingo
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 30
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY JANUARY 31
Dominion
8 pm, DJ David Deez
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7 pm, Cabbagetown Comedy, $10
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
4:30 pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz will return in February
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
