This week’s image: Riverdale Farm’s Bluebell with her three babies. Photo: Riverdale Farm Facebook.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Three open houses happen on Saturday and Sunday - Wellesley Street, Winchester and a Regent Park condo. Click here to read these announcements.
LOCAL NEWS
Spring at The Farm
Photo: Riverdale Farm Facebook
Three new baby goats have arrived - two females and one male. Their mom is Bluebell and they’re living in the Francey Barn. The Farm reports that everyone is doing very well. Visit the Farm (201 Winchester at Sumach) daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Street Health - what happened
Street Health (323 Dundas E) has operated at Sherbourne and Dundas for many years. In June, it added a safe injection site to its services. Like other sites in crowded urban areas, it has attracted criticism from its surrounding residents.
The Province of Ontario abruptly ended Street Health’s funding for the safe injection site last Friday. The agency has enough in reserve to keep the site open until the end of April.
Street Health gets approval to operate the site from the federal government but it must raise its operating funds elsewhere, mostly from the Province.
Street Health also offers other community services to addicts, homeless people and other street people - for example, ten weekly nursing clinics, mental health counselling, an ID recovery service and coordination with the Sherbourne Health Bus. These will continue.
Community reactions
Premier Doug Ford claimed about Street Health that he had “a great conversation with the Cabbagetown association” and “they don’t want ‘em down here”.
The Cabbagetown South Residents has strongly supported the Province’s decision. The Association’s press release is available online at its website.
Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam issued a statement criticizing the closure, especially since no alternative plan was available.
Suze Morrison, our MPP, has also supported Street Health and the other agencies facing a funding cutback. On March 29 on Facebook, she says “The province is in the midst of an opioid crisis. What will happen to the people who rely on those overdose prevention sites is unthinkable. We need to give people suffering from addictions a chance at survival. For some, this callous decision could snuff out that chance.”
Street Health controversy
Safe injection sites save lives. This is the central issue in the debate about Street Health’s site. In March, Toronto had a spike in reported overdoses - 474 calls to Toronto Paramedics with 452 non-fatal and 22 fatal incidents, the highest level since March 2017.
Beyond that, there’s the question of community safety and the interaction between street people and local homeowners.
Kapri Rabin at Street Health points out that it’s offering a service that takes addicts off the street, away from local homes and into a safe place indoors. Ms Rabin knows how worried local residents are about addicts in lanes, backyards and other secretive places. Street Health has participated in the neighbourhood needle clean-ups and it has improved outdoor lighting around its building, put chairs outside to stop people from sitting on curbs and been part of the area’s safety committee.
She also believes that the agency’s clients won’t go elsewhere. The other sites at Regent Park and at Moss Park won’t draw the addicts away from Dundas and Sherbourne. They’ll stay in this neighbourhood and once again, become more visible and more worrisome to local residents.
She finds the Cabbagetown South Residents’ reactions disheartening. Street Health was trying to solve problems for both addicts and residents. In other neighbourhoods like Kensington, the value of this service is recognized and local residents are now rallying to reinstate funding.
77 Howard
Photo: Kristyn Wong Tam
The City of Toronto now requires that landlords in Toronto’s rental apartment buildings conduct detailed inspections of their properties. These can take between 12 and 24 hours and require that services like hydro be turned off while they’re happening.
77 Howard Street was scheduled for an inspection recently. It’s owned by the same landlord who owns 650 Parliament, 240 and 260 Wellesley. The inspection was cancelled when it was learned that the building shares some utilities with a nearby building at 730 Ontario. The two buildings have separate owners and the inspections were not scheduled for the Ontario Street apartments. A new date will be set to avoid interruptions for the Ontario Street residents.
Forsythia Festival volunteers
The Cabbagetown Residents Association organizes the annual Spring Forsythia Festival. It’s a great event with lots of activity for kids and adults. It’s held in early May in Wellesley Park.
The CRA has put out a call for volunteers. Please contact Carolyn (carolyn.jarman@gmail.com) if you'd like to find out more!
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Tidbit
by Sally Gibson
Image: Victorian slippers of the type fearsome Aunt Polly might have used.
Most of the time, all was harmonious, if very busy, at the Parliament Street store operated by journalist John V McAree’s Aunt Polly and Uncle John and memorialized in his 1953 book, The Cabbagetown Store. But sometimes small people needed correction - as the proponents of corporal punishment determined all those years ago.
Even 60 years after the fact, McAree recalled fondly Aunt Polly’s stern reprimands. “Aunt Polly’s spankings were applied with a slipper which she removed from her foot at the same time turning the culprit over on her knee,” McAree wrote. “I remember the last one I received. I had grown strong enough to offer some polite resistance which impeded her
blows. When she finished she turned her head away but I saw a smile. She was evidently proud of my growing strength, though I never realized this until long after.”
YOUR STORIES - RACCOONS
We’re collecting memorable raccoon stories. Share yours with everybody else - send it here, cabbagetownreview@gmail.com .
Lori writes -
“You had to ask… We were sitting on the couch, holding hands and watching our favourite BBC murder mystery around 10 pm one hot summer night. Our adult son, Josh, was rustling around in the kitchen for a snack, or so I presumed. Then, boldly, a huge raccoon sauntered right in front of the TV across our line of vision.
All hell broke loose! The raccoon flipped around, ran upstairs and out the screen deck door it had conveniently opened earlier. Later, we saw that it had been through every floor (3) in the house because it had slurped its way through three toilets! Wow, those BBC murder mysteries are good!”
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lost - Pearl necklace with a gold clasp
What’s this?
Tony Lafazanis needs your advice. He saw this creature in his Spruce Street yard. Is it a beaver? Or a squirrel with a flat tail? Or something new? Send your answer to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
KIDS’ STUFF
Growing up green
Friends of Allan Gardens organize family-friendly programs in Allan Gardens - planting and composting, plant scavenger hunts, botanical arts and crafts and more. Great stuff for kids ages 2 to 10. It’s free. Drop-ins welcome. The next afternoon is Saturday April 20 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory (Carlton and Sherbourne).
Poetry Month
April is poetry month at the Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley). Three different events - Poetry is Music on Saturday April 6 for kids ages 6 to 12, Poetry is Art on Saturday April 13 for kids 3 to 12 and Poetry is Drama for kids up to 12 on Saturday April 27. All events start at 1 pm. There’ll be activities, contests and special guests.
Summer Arts
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) presents its summer program for kids ages 4 to 8. July 29 to August 2. Full and half day sessions for 5 to 8-year-olds and half-day sessions for 4-year olds. Both groups experience creative movement, music making and visual arts in the morning. Full-day students then enjoy creative story time labs and musical theatre in the afternoon. Registration is now open - click here.
Summer camps at Buds & Blossoms
Ten different camps are scheduled throughout the summer at Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament). Four and five days each, from 9 am to 4 pm with optional aftercare from 4 to 6 pm. Your child will experience engaging programming in a safe, open and inclusive environment. For details, registration and prices, go online - click here.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Spring Sing in Allan Gardens
The St James Town Children’s Choir and Reaching Out Through Music present two sets in the Children’s Conservatory at Allan Gardens (19 Horticultural Lane, Sherbourne and Carlton). Free. Saturday April 6 at 2 and 3:30 pm.
Duncan Fremlin and Douglas Cameron
These veterans from the famous Whiskey Jack band have formed a duo. They’ll play whenever they have convenient gaps in Whiskey Jack’s schedule. They’re calling themselves Doogie & Dun and they have a Facebook page.
Their next appearance is at The Free Times Cafe (320 College). Thursday, April 11, 7:30 pm. $15. For dinner reservations, call (416) 967-1078.
Gianna Lauren and Joshua Van Tassel
A special concert at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity). Gianna Lauren is a Halifax-based singer-songwriter. Joshua Van Tassel is a composer and producer of electro-acoustic music. Thursday April 11, 8 pm. Tickets are available online at $20.
The Bunny Hop - save the date
Bring your kids for a day full of fun at Carlton and Parliament. Saturday April 13, 11 am to 1 pm. There’ll be kids activities and free books, refreshments, live music and of course, the Easter bunny. It’s all free. The Cabbagetown BIA has organized this event and its sponsors include Staij & Co, Meridian Credit Union, The Children’s Book Bank, Blooming Flower Bar, Buds & Blossoms and St Jamestown Steak & Chops.
Ryan Dineen at Ingram Gallery
Ryan’s new paintings are on view at Yorkville’s Ingram Gallery (24 Hazelton). The show opens with a reception on Saturday April 13 from 2 to 4 pm.
Community Environment Day
The City of Toronto will again be visiting Allan Gardens on Carlton Street for its annual environment day. Start gathering up your dangerous goods, batteries and electronics, old clothing and other unwanted items. City staff will collect all of it in this convenient, one-stop drop-off. Saturday April 20, 10 am to 2 pm.
Easter events
Cranberries (601 Parliament) is holding another of its wonderful dinners on Sunday April 21. Butternut squash soup, organic greens salad, turkey with all the extras, baked lamb shank - all followed by dark chocolate truffle. $38. There’ll be two seatings - 5 and 7:30 pm. These are very popular dinners so reserve your place now at (416) 925-6330.
Corktown Easter egg hunt - Sunday April 21, 10 am to noon in the Corktown Common playground (155 Bayview). This is a massive event - 10,000 chocolate eggs, live music, Easter Bunny appearances. Rain or shine, free.
IN THE MEDIA
Street Health coverage
Photo: Street Health
The cancellation of the funding to Street Health received wide media attention. This CBC story describes what happened and its impact. It also notes the Premier’s comments and the reaction of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health.
Two students charged with assault
Photo: World Star hip hop
Two young boys attacked a teacher at Lord Dufferin School (350 Parliament) on March 19. The teacher suffered non-serious injuries and the boys were charged with the assault. The attack was captured on a video that was later widely shown online. CBC News reported on the incident and on the aftermath.
Sidewalk Labs officials in Ottawa
Photo: Rick Madonik, Toronto Star
Sidewalk Labs’ chief executive appeared before a House of Commons committee on Tuesday April 2. Donovan Vincent’s Toronto Star story describes the questions and Sidewalk Labs answers.
Sidewalk Labs
The Toronto Star devoted most of its GTA section on Saturday March 23 to an explanation of the Sidewalk Labs’ project on the waterfront. It’s a huge project and Donovan Vincent’s story examines its various parts as well as the controversies surrounding it.
Fatal accident at Bloor and Sherbourne
Photo: Christopher Langenzarde, CBC News
The CBC reported on an accident with a fatality on the morning of March 29. Through traffic at Bloor and Sherbourne was halted for the morning.
The 10 best April Fool’s jokes
blogTO lists the Cabbagetown BIA’s joke as one of Toronto’s top ten efforts. The BIA offered a full spoof about our name change - from Cabbagetown to Spinachtown. Gilles Huot commiserated with the broccoli lobby who lost out on the opportunity. Congrats everyone. Click here to see the details.
BUSINESS NEWS
Rug Clearance Sale
Final markdowns on discontinued rugs at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) to make way for new styles. Enjoy a great selection of forty wool, jute and outdoor rugs at 25% off! Now or never - limited quantities available. Follow Kendall’s Instagram for preview & updates and visit your local design one-stop-shop for rugs, furniture, fabric, drapery, blinds, wallpaper and décor.
New extended store hours - Closed Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am to 6 pm. Thursday and Friday, 10 am to 7 pm. Saturday 11 am to 6 pm. Sunday noon to 5 pm.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Righteous Mic stand-up comedy
Cranberries’ (601 Parliament) new comedy night with Johnathan Ramcharan starts on April 4 followed by shows every two weeks. 8 pm, PWYC. Click here for more info.
Croissant baking
Artisanal chef Leo Baduria is offering a class on baking this French classic. Sunday April 14, 2 to 5 pm, Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas). $75. Tickets available online.
Live entertainment at Pho Pas
Andre Marc appears at Pho Pas (480 Parliament) on Saturday April 13 at 8:30 pm. He’s a silky soul songwriter. Tickets are available on Eventrite, $20 advance and $25 at the door.
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 Spring greens soup with chives, zucchini, potatoes, asparagus, spinach and more!
Order deadline is 7 pm on Friday. He delivers his soups (in Cabbagetown). He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.
MARCH & APRIL THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
Wedding at Aulis
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Tuesday April 14
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Copenhagen
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday April 6 to Wednesday May 1
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
The Picture of Dorian Gray
George Brown Theatre School
c/o Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane)
Tuesday April 9 to Saturday April 20
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Monsieur d’Eon is a Woman
Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)
Wednesday April 10 to Saturday April 20
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Bigre
Canadian Stage Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
Thursday April 11 to Sunday April 21
Website and tickets here. (416) 368-3110
Four Old Legs
Citadel + Compagnie
Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament)
Thursday April 11 to Saturday April 20
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
Impressionism
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
Friday April 12 to Saturday April 27
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-4170, ext 1
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY APRIL 4 TO SUNDAY APRIL 14
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 4
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
Cranberries
8 pm, Righteous mic stand-up comedy, pwyc
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Live music with Jeff Barnes and Chris Quinn
FRIDAY APRIL 5
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY APRIL 6
Dominion
8 pm, Jessica Soule Duo
SUNDAY APRIL 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
MONDAY APRIL 8
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY APRIL 9
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY APRIL 10
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY APRIL 11
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Comedy night hosted by Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY APRIL 12
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY APRIL 13
Dominion
8 pm, Havelin
Pho Pas
8:30 pm, Andre Marc, $20 advance and 425 at the door
SUNDAY APRIL 14
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
