This week’s image: The new wading pool is open in Riverdale Park West.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
The new wading pool
Over the past eighteen months, we’ve seen it progress through its planning stage, then into its construction and finally to the new pool itself. In May and June while it was still dry, it was used as a skateboard bowl. Now it’s a great destination for lots of tiny kids. The whole park has also been nicely improved with new walkways and boulders around the pool. Our thanks to the Parks Department for a job well-done.
A Women’s Mosque
A new mosque for Muslim women is being established in Regent Park. The inaugural prayers will happen on Friday July 12 at 1 pm. Samra Zafar will give the sermon “Dismantling the Patriarchy”. Co-founder and Imama Farheen Khan will lead the prayers. Lieut-Gov Elizabeth Dowdeswell will attend. The service (for women only) happens in the Daniels Presentation Centre (500 Dundas E) and future services take place every Friday in CSI Regent Park in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Quayside consultations
Photo: Waterfront Toronto
Waterfront Toronto has received the detailed proposal from Sidewalk Labs for the development of the Quayside project. The first of two rounds of public consultations will start in mid-July. The Sidewalk Labs’ proposal is online at Waterfront Toronto’s website.
Four public consultations. These meetings will be structured to include a main presentation and multiple breakout sessions. The meetings will be held at the North York Civic Centre (5100 Yonge St) on Monday July 15 at 6 pm, the Radisson Admiral Hotel (249 Queen’s Quay W) on Wednesday July 17 at 6 pm, George Brown College (51 Dockside Dr) on Saturday July 20 at 9 am and Chestnut Residence & Conference Centre (89 Chestnut St) on Tuesday July 23 at 6 pm.
Seven information sessions in public libraries around the City. Staff from Waterfront Toronto will discuss the proposal, answer questions, and listen to your feedback. Three are nearby - Queen/Saulter Library (765 Queen E) on Thursday July 11 at 6:30 pm, St Lawrence Branch (171 Front St E) on Thursday July 18 at 6:30 pm and the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St) on Thursday July 25 at 6:30 pm.
Note To Readers. Waterfront Toronto has also issued a Note To Reader that offers explanations about the Quayside proposal and a summary of various points that affect the final approval decisions. Click here to see it.
The BIA’s outdoor movie
The Cabbagetown BIA has announced its summer movie night in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach). This year’s picture is Space Jam. Wednesday July 24 - rain date Wednesday July 31. Live band at 7 pm, Free popcorn, free admission. Movie at 9 pm.
The outdoor movies are also starting in Regent Park and In Corktown Commons (see below, Coming Events).
Weedy Wednesdays
The Friends of Allan Gardens are seeking volunteers to work with the staff and to help with park cleanups and gardening tasks through the summer. The events will take place every Wednesday morning. If you’d enjoy keeping the park clean and green, click here.
Congrats Hertha and Jack Grunsky
50 years ago, Hertha and Jack got married. Jack posted his pictures on Facebook and they’ve provoked scores of best wishes from people around the world. It happened on June 21, 1969 - so a belated happy 50th to both.
Congrats Michael Cavanaugh
Photo: Bell Box Project
For several years, Michael has organized the artists who paint their images on Bell utility boxes across the city. Here’s Forest Love by Daniela Rocha at Bathurst and Sheppard. Another artist, Kseniya Tsoy, wrote on Facebook, “What I like about public art the most is the connection with the community I always can make. People pass by, they stop for a chat, I hear such diverse stories and make new friends.”
Congrats CMT
Photo: Michael Cavanaugh
Community Matters Toronto held its annual Cultural Collage in St James Town last week. It included Bollywood dancing, funky music by Snooky Tines, a Scottish fling and lots of good neighbourhood friends. To see the wide range of events and programs offered in St James Town, check out the CMT Facebook page.
Congrats Filipinos in Regent Park
The Filipino Heritage Night took place last Friday and was a great success. Congrats to everyone who contributed and organized it.
Best wishes, Michael
Local realtor Michael O’Brien had hip surgery earlier this week and he’s recovering very nicely. He reports that he’s walking without a cane, climbing stairs and using almost no pain meds. He hopes to be fully recovered within six weeks.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Strawberry Social happens on Saturday
The Winchester Park Residents Association is holding its third annual strawberry social on Saturday July 6 from 2 to 4 pm in Winchester Square Park. It’s a nifty community event - get there on time and enjoy a free sample.
Table 7
A Plays in Cafes creation, part of the Fringe Festival. Paintbox (555 Dundas E), July 4, 5, 6 and 10, 11, 12 & 13. For info and times, go to the website. $11.
Corktown Common - outdoor movies
Every Thursday evening. Food trucks at 7 pm, movies at sundown, in Corktown Common (100 Bayview Ave at the foot of River Street). Free - suggested donation $10.
July 4 - E.T. with the short film Wakening.
July 11 - Hunt for the Wilderpeople with the short film
July 18 - Paper Moon with the short film Waiting for Lou.
July 25 - Some Like It Hot with the short film Switch.
Under the Stars - outdoor movies
Wednesday evenings in July and August in the Big Park (Dundas E at Sackville). Community market and kitchen by Taste of Regent Park along with family entertainment happen before each movie.
July 10 - Into the Spiderverse
July 17 - Meditation Park
July 24 - Our People Will Be Healed
July 31 - Life of Pi
Aug 7 - Your Name
Aug 10 - Black Panther
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Fresh veggies and fruit are now arriving. Check out the garlic scapes, lettuces, basil, raspberries and strawberries.
Every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach) from 3 to 7 pm, organized by the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group. Profits go to the Farm’s capital projects and its food education programs.
The Underpass Park Farmers’ Market
In Corktown - Thursdays from 3 to 7 pm in Underpass Park (29 Lower River Street). Activities and face painting for kids, a free yoga class with the Yoga Sanctuary from 5:30 pm and live music. Great produce and baked goods.
Stay around for the outdoor movies in Corktown Common - every Thursday in July.
IN THE MEDIA
Soulpepper wins at the Dora Mavor Moore Awards
Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann, Soulpepper
Soulpepper’s Rose won four awards at the 2019 Dora Award presentation. Its production of The Royale won three more for design and its Orlando won another one. Karen Fricker reported in the Toronto Star on the awards and the 2019 winners.
KIDS’ STUFF
Mud Mondays at Allan Gardens
It’s a family drop-in event, no registration required. Kids can water and nibble in the edible garden, plant seeds, go on bug hunts and scavenger hunts, play in the mud kitchen, make nature crafts and blow bubbles. Pack a snack for garden story time at 10:30 am. Parental supervision required. Ages 3 to 10. Every Monday morning from July 8 to August 19, 10 am, Children’s Conservatory, Allan Gardens (19 Horticultural Ave).
Children’s Book Bank
The Book Bank (350 Berkeley) will be hosting its Summer Reading Program again this year to August 30. The theme is Summer in the City - celebrating all the fun activities Toronto has to offer. Children ages 3 to 12 can sign up at any time, and receive a notebook to keep track of all the books they read. At the end of the summer, we’ll celebrate all our participants with prizes, cupcakes, and books!
BUSINESS NEWS
Massage summer specials
Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) is offering special rates for massages over the summer - $85 for 60 minutes and $125 for 90 minutes. To book your appointment, email info@parliamentstreetfitness.com or call (416) 901-5421.
Check out the range of services at the PSF website - personal training, small group training, yoga, indoor cycling and outdoor running.
New business introductions
Annie Sloan Paint - Tosha Ryan is the manager at this new specialty paint store (527 Parliament).
Annie Sloan’s chalk paint is non-toxic and water based. It’ll cover anything - just apply it, let it dry and then add a protective wax or lacquer. In a diluted form, it can be used to dye fabrics. Starter kits and brushes are available.
Tosha will be doing a lot more than just offering her paints. Every week, there’ll be workshops on the Annie Sloan method and others on featured topics about stencilling, creating a marbled effect, planters, trays, furniture and more.
Check out the website here. Contact Tosha at info@colmena.com
Supa Vape Store - Sonny is the manager at Cabbagetown’s new vape shop (459 Parliament). It’s a remarkably clean, modern store offering both equipment and supplies. Supa is licensed by the City of Toronto. Shoppers can see what it’s selling, handle the products and test samples. There are two types of vaporizers - for nicotine products and for cannabis. The liquids for nicotine vaping range in various strengths. Open daily.
Now or Never Sale
To make way for new arrivals, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) is having a BIG Clearance Sale at up to 75% OFF! Take advantage of amazing deals on home accessories, pillows, lighting, furniture and rugs. More marked-downs can be found downstairs in the design one-stop shop.
Store hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, 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
RESTAURANT NEWS
Summerlicious starts on Friday July 5
Toronto's big summer food festival starts on Friday in almost 200 restaurants. Reservations are now open. Meals are available in various price levels - $23, $28 or $33 for lunch and $33, $43 and $53 for dinner.
Five participating restaurants are in our neighbourhood -
F'Amelia (12 Amelia) Italian, $43 dinner.
Archeo (31 Trinity, Distillery), Italian, $23 lunch and $33 dinner.
Boku (42 Gristmill, Distillery), Japanese, $23 lunch and $33 dinner
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery), French, $28 lunch and $43 dinner.
Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane, Distillery), seafood, $28 lunch and $43 dinner.
July 5 to July 21. For a full listing of all restaurants and for contact info, go to the official Summerlicious website.
Summerlicious at F’Amelia
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) has earned a spot on NOW Magazine’s list of the best menus for Summerlicious. “Cabbagetown's coziest Italian spot has a $43 dinner prix fixe that includes roasted pear salad with gorgonzola, osso buco, beef tartare with quail egg, and any of the restaurant's pizzas.”
Arvo coffee tasting
Arvo (17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery) is having a public cupping. You’ll try six different coffees by four different roasters - all at the same time. It’s a great way to learn which coffees appeal most to you. Saturday July 6, 11 am, $5.
Cyril’s soups
For Saturday July 6, his soup is pea edamame mint. On Tuesday July 9, he’s making Indian lentil and tomato. Both soups can be served hot or cold and they’re $9 each.
Cyril makes two soups every week, on Tuesday and Saturday and informs interested people about his menus in advance by email. He usually prepares a regular version and vegan one. His order deadline is 2 pm on the day before delivery. He delivers to his Cabbagetown-area customers. He accepts payments by e-transfers and cash. Email him at abeautifulbowl@gmail.com
JULY & AUGUST
THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
The Promised Land: Steinbeck through Song
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Friday July 12 to Saturday July 27
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Fool for Love
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday July 13 to Sunday August 4
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Art
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Friday August 9 to Sunday September 1
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY JULY 4 TO SUNDAY JULY 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 JULY 4
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
FRIDAY JULY 5
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY JULY 6
Distillery - Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Malak piano, Morad Saad, LiVVa acoustic guitar and Justin Cooper - Trinity Square stage
Dominion
8 pm, Kristy Hagerman duo.
Mill St Brew Pub
10 am - Bollywood, Brunch & Beers
SUNDAY JULY 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with Malak piano, Connor Gains Guitar, Sarah Jordan & Matt Von and Justin Cooper - Trinity Square stage
MONDAY JULY 8
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JULY 9
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JULY 10
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
8 pm, Michael Darcy
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY JULY 11
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Comedy night with Dave Burke and Danish Anwar
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy night with Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY JULY 12
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY JULY 13
Distillery
Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Allegra Jordyn, Jake & Victoria, Brian and Tanner & Evan - Trinity Square stage
Dominion
8:30 pm, Havelin
Mill St Brew Pub
10 am - Bollywood, Brunch & Beers
SUNDAY JULY 14
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with Hobo Soles, Courtney Bowles, Neena Rose and Sarah Jordan & Matt Von - Trinity Square stage
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,
NEW TOWN
413 Parliament Street
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346,
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
