April 25

This week’s image:  Forsythia Festival, Sunday May 5

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

THE FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL
Events begin in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach) at 10:30 am on Sunday May 5.  The day starts with a fun stroll through the neighbourhood accompanied by a melodious marching band and continues at Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley Street) until 3 pm.  Activities for your kids include dangling donuts, a bouncy castle, face painting, a magician’s show, a pinata and a craft table.  And lots more.  Adult activities include a chance for gossip, the Beer Garden and the raffles and prizes.  

Watch for these stickers
Local businesses are incredibly generous to the Forsythia Festival.  The event couldn’t happen without them
Watch for these window stickers when you’re shopping.  They tell you that a business is a Festival sponsor.  Support the businesses who support our community.

OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENTS 
Three open house listings this week - on Winchester, on Salisbury and on Sackville on Saturday and Sunday.  Click here to read these announcements.  

LOCAL NEWS

Community clean-ups
Groups are gathering this weekend to perk up our parks, streets and lanes.  Gloves and bags are provided.  When a clean-up crew gets together and attacks the litter, a lot of ground can be cleared in a couple of hours.  Spring clean-ups have been announced in the following places -

Aberdeen Avenue - Saturday April 27, 10 am to noon.
Allan Gardens - Saturday April 27
Cabbagetown South Residents - Seaton, Berkeley and Ontario will be cleaned.  Meet at 424 Ontario at 9:45 am, Sunday April 28.  
Corktown Common - Saturday April 27, 10 am to noon.  Meet at the park pavilion. 
Regent Park - Saturday April 27, 11 am, meet at the Bake Oven in the Big Park. Complimentary lunch at 1 pm.
Wellesley Park - Sunday April 28, 12:30 to 2:30 pm.  Meet in the park. 

Recommendations about apartment electrical systems
Photo:  heavy equipment is moved around during repairs in mid-April at 650 Parliament.
Staff at the City of Toronto have recommended four different steps to be followed by apartment landlords before an electrical emergency happens. First - compile a contact list of their tenants who need special help during emergencies.  Second - develop an electrical safety plan and keep proof that it's been followed.  Third - keep logs of all servicing done in their electrical systems.  Fourth - ask the province to mandate regular inspections of electrical systems.
Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam asked for this report and feels that it’s a reasonable start.  She wants landlords to do a better job communicating with all tenants, not just those who are physically handicapped.
The report will be considered by Council’s planning and housing committee on April 30.

Congrats Corktown
The 2019 Easter Egg Hunt at Corktown Common was another big success.  Over 2000 people showed up on Sunday morning and enjoyed the live music, espresso from Gusto 501, a visit by the Easter bunny and Spiderman and the big egg hunt.

Babies at The Farm
Spring babies are arriving at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach).  Check out the new Nubia goats, Pekin ducklings, Black Sussex chicks and a Border Leicester lamb.  

Spring floods
Across Ontario, heavy rainfall and Spring snow melts create flood conditions.  The Don River receives its share of heavy flows. The Toronto & Region Conservation Authority urges caution for people near its banks.  The TRCA has a website that shows water levels and live water conditions along the Don - click here to see the latest images.   

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

Dixonlicious
Dixonlicious is the fundraiser that supports Dixon Hall’s ongoing food program. Live music. Silent and live auctions.  Food stations from local restaurants and craft beer from local breweries. Thursday May 9, 6 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  For tickets, click here - $95 general and $80 youth.

Spring Breezes
Reaching Out Through Music presents a Spring concert featuring tenor Asitha Tennekoon and the St James Town Children’s Choir.  Proceeds benefit the Choir and Reaching Out Through Music.  Tickets are $30 at the door.  $100 donors receive two seats and a post-concert reception.  The event takes place in the lovely Grace Toronto Church (383 Jarvis).  For more info and tickets, click here.  

Send a Scout to Haliburton
Photo:  403 Scouts at a February winter camp
The 403 Toronto Scouts troop is sending its members to the Haliburton Scout Reserve for a week in the summer.  The cost for each Scout is $500 and about one quarter of the 403’s members need help with this fee.  There’ll be a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday April 26 in the 8th floor party room at 550 Ontario Street.  Two sittings - 6 and 7:30 pm.  $12 for adults or 2 for $20, $6 for kids or 2 for $10.  Drop in and enjoy yourself!
For a nifty review of the 403’s activities, visit its Facebook page.

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates

Yellow days at The Distillery
The Distillery District will be yellow this weekend in support of The Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Campaign. There’ll be a massive yellow flower market, yellow Love Locks, yellow art installations, yellow product giveaways and a flock of yellow rubber duckies!  Saturday April 27 and Sunday April 28, 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, The Distillery.

Your dance card is filling up 
Photo:  Cylla von Tiedemann
Check below in the Theatre & Dance section for links to each dance company for tickets.  

Momentum with students from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre happens from May 2 to May 11 in the Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester). 

Citadel + Companie has two events in May - Unmoored from May 1 to 4 and Against Nature from May 22 to June 1 in the Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament).

Students from the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre are performing in Teasing Gravity on May 22 and 23, Light Years on May 24 and 25, and Spring Song on May 26 - all at Harbourfront’s Fleck Dance Theatre (235 Queens Quay W). 

The professional dance company at Toronto Dance Theatre is offering Marienbad at the Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester) from May 23 to June 1.

May is a busy month
Four big city-wide events happen in May.  Each one has local events in this neighbourhood. Contact, the Scotiabank Photography Festival, launches on Wednesday May 1. Jane’s Walk takes place from Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5.  Doors Open runs on the weekend of May 25 and 26.  And Mother’s Day on Sunday May 12 includes lots of special events and restaurant news.  
Save these dates and watch for details throughout the month.

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
The Schoolhouse’s annual meeting will take place on Tuesday April 30 from 6 pm.  The special lecture by James A S Thompson celebrates the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth - her contributions to Britain and Canada and her lasting legacy.  Guests $10, members free. 106 Trinity.

Allan Gardens plant sale
Succulents, house plants and annuals will be on sale in the Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave).  Toronto Master Gardeners will also be there to offer gardening tips.  Cash sales only - $4 to $20.  Sunday May 5, 10 am to noon.

6th annual clothing drive
Daniel Bloch and Liora Tal-Bloch are again putting together their very successful clothing drive to support the Oasis Clothing Bank.  They need gently used clothing, shoes and boots, purses and bags, hats and gloves, toys and dvds.  They’ll deliver special bags to you - please register by Monday May 6.  You’ll then be notified about their pick-up procedures and schedules.  Email at info@teambloch.com or call (416) 859-8649.

IN THE MEDIA

Congrats to Barbara Gowdy and Albert Moritz
Barbara Gowdy’s book The White Bone has been selected by Margaret Atwood as the first book in her new Globe & Mail book club.  There’s a video online about this choice - click here.   
Albert Moritz has written a poem in memory and in tribute to the people who died in last year’s van attack on Yonge Street.  The Toronto Star has reprinted it - click here.  

Heritage advocates challenged to avoid NIMBYism
Shawn Micaleff has written an opinion piece in the Toronto Star that praises genuine heritage efforts and challenges those who use heritage language to oppose local change.  He uses examples from Cabbagetown. Click here to read his story.  

Fire fatality in Regent Park
Photo:  CBC News
A fire in a third floor apartment in an older building at River and Gerrard has resulted in the death of a man found inside the unit. It took place around 9 am on Sunday morning. A CBC News story has details.  

Stabbings at Sherbourne and Dundas
Two men were arrested following an incident in a stairwell of a TCHC apartment building at Sherbourne and Dundas at 1 am on Friday April 19.  Both men suffered serious knife injuries.  A woman was also injured and taken to hospital.  CP24 reported on this incident - click here to read it.   

Opinion poll about closing Supervised Drug Injection Sites
Forum Research has polled over 1100 people in the GTA to learn their reaction to the closing of the safe injection sites at Street Health (338 Dundas E) and St Stephen’s in Kensington Market.  The Star reports that 65% of those polled disagreed with the provincial decision to withdraw their funds, 25% agree and 9 % don’t know.  Click here to read the story.   

BUSINESS NEWS

Shop Local Passport
The Cabbagetown BIA is again offering shoppers a passport and a chance to win scores of prizes from our local merchants.  It’s an easy system.  First, look for a passport in your mailbox or get one from a participating merchant.  Second, when you spend $20 or more in a participating business, get a stamp in your passport.  Third, when you have five stamps, submit your passport (by May 13) to be entered in the draw.  There’s a big list of participating retailers and prizes - click here for a copy of the passport to download and the passport details.   

More than good furniture
For over 20 years, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has delivered quality Canadian-made upholstered furniture to countless happy customers. Find the latest designs with custom details on two floors of their Cabbagetown shop. You never have to compromise on style with their extensive resource of fabrics, trims and stain-guarding options. 
Reupholstery also available to restore your old furniture with a new look. 
New extended hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm. https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco

Leslieville Flea
The last indoor Flea for the season happens on Sunday April 28.  It’s a great shopping opportunity for antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, artisan food suff and more. The Fermenting Cellar (28 Distillery Lane, The Distillery)

Distillery flower market
Every Saturday and Sunday from April 27 to mid-June, there’ll be a wide selection of cut flowers and potted plants.  

KIDS’ STUFF 

Poetry Month
The final event in the Poetry Month at the Children’s Book Bank  (350 Berkeley) happens on Saturday April 27 at 1 pm.  The theme will be “Poetry is Drama” for kids up to 12.  There’ll be activities, contests and special guests.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Community Night Market
The Mill Street Beer Hall in The Distillery (20 Tank House Lane) is hosting a community night market. There’ll be live music, beer sampling and ten artisanal vendors including Bella Buddha Beads, Claire Manning Design, Danielle Emily Jewelry, Outback Woodshack, Sarah Cait Co, Fifth Town Artisan Cheese and Sweet Artisan Candies.  Friday April 26, 7 to 10 pm.

Music at The Tilted Dog
On Sunday April 28 from 7 to 11 pm, live music happens with Ken Howells, Peter Seidelin, Jonathan Tolkin, Henri D, Marius N and Marc Brown.  424 Parliament.

Pre Ramadan Pop-Up Market
The chefs and artisans of Regent Park Collective.  Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E), Wednesday May 1, 5 to 8 pm.  Cash sales.

Pakistani food pop-up
The Paintbox (555 Dundas E) presents another pop-up lunch by the Regent Park Catering Collective. Thursday May 2, 11:30 am to 2 pm, $10.  

Righteous Mic at Cranberries
Comedy returns to Cranberries (601 Parliament) on Thursday May 2 from 8 pm.  Hosted by Johnathan Ramcharan with guests Marissa Cristiano, Alasdair Dooley, Liam Kelly, Jay Kowalski and Cameron Laprairie.

Game of Thrones party
Get over to Mill Street Beer Hall (20 Tank House Lane) for the weekly viewing party.  Sundays at 9 pm until May 19. In-house brews and late night menu.

Cyril’s soup
Cyril has a new email - abeautifulbowl@gmail.com. Please use it for both your orders and e-transfers.
Saturday's offering is a classic - a lemon, dill and orzo soup with either shredded chicken or shredded tofu ($10 for both). 
Order deadline is 7 pm on Friday.  He delivers his soups in Cabbagetown. He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.

APRIL & MAY
THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

Copenhagen
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Wednesday May 1 
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Impressionism
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
On stage to Saturday April 27
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-4170, ext 1

Unmoored
Citadel + Compagnie
Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament)
Wednesday May 1 to Saturday May 4
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011

Momentum 2019
School of Toronto Dance Theatre
Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester)
Thursday May 2 to Saturday May 11
Website and tickets here.  (416) 967-6887

The Brothers Size
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday May 4 to Sunday May 26
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Welcome to My Underworld
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Wednesday May 8 to Saturday May 25
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

I swallowed a moon made of iron
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
Thursday May 16 to Sunday May 26
Website and tickets here.  (416) 368-3110

August: Osage County
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday May 18 to Wednesday June 19
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Teasing Gravity - dances for the young and fearless
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre 
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront (235 Queens Quay W)
Student matinees
Wednesday May 22 and Thursday May 23
Website and tickets here.  (416) 924-5657

Against Nature
Citadel + Compagnie
Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament)
Wednesday May 22 to Saturday June 1
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011

Marienbad
Toronto Dance Theatre
Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester)
Thursday May 23 to Saturday June 1
Website and tickets here.  (416) 967-1365

Light Years
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre 
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront (235 Queens Quay W)
Public performances
Friday May 24 and Saturday May 25
Website and tickets here.  (416) 924-5657

Spring Song
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre 
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront (235 Queens Quay W)
Sunday May 26
Website and tickets here.  (416) 924-5657

by heart
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
Thursday May 30 to Sunday June 2
Website and tickets here.  (416) 368-3110

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 25 TO SUNDAY MAY 5

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 APRIL 25

Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7:30 pm, Cabbagetown Comedy hosted by Robert Watson, $10
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic finger style guitar sessions

FRIDAY APRIL 26

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Mill Street Beer Hall
7 pm, Community Night Market
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Pho Pas
Friday night live with DJ Nigel B

SATURDAY APRIL 27

Dominion
8 pm, James Sheehan
Pho Pas
10 pm, Saturday Night Live with DJs Miller Music, RZXE, and LOWD

SUNDAY APRIL 28

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Tilted Dog
7 pm, Live music with Ken Howells, Peter Seidelin, Jonathan Tolkin, Henri D, Marius N and Marc Brown.

MONDAY APRIL 29

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY APRIL 30

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY MAY 1

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Paintbox
5 pm, Pre-Ramadan pop-up market
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter

THURSDAY MAY 2

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
Cranberries
8 pm, Righteous Mic Comedy hosted by Johnathan Ramcharan.  PWYC.
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Paintbox
11:30 am, Pakistani food pop-up lunch, $10
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin

FRIDAY MAY 3

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 
Pho Pas
Friday night live with DJ Nigel B

SATURDAY MAY 4

Dominion
8:30 pm, Blush Duo
Pho Pas
10 pm, Saturday Night Live with DJs Miller Music, RZXE, and LOWD

SUNDAY MAY 5

Alice’s Place
9 pm, 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, 
HENRIETTA LANE 
394 King E
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
PHO PAS
480 Parliament, (416) 922-0769
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