August 22

This week’s image:  A summer delight - dinner on F’Amelia’s patio

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

A new mural
Photo:  Cabbagetown Heritage Conservation District Committee
The Cabbagetown BIA together with Street Art had planned to paint a mural on 237 Gerrard E - the building at Ontario Street opposite the Beer Store parking lot.  Heritage Toronto objected to the idea since this building is listed as a heritage property.  It’s officially called the Edwin Hough house, built in 1875 and listed by City Council in June 1995.  Neither the BIA nor Street Art wanted to damage or alter it and so the project has been cancelled.  They’re now looking for a new location for their mural.  

A sad anniversary
One year ago, fire struck the big apartment building at 650 Parliament.  1500 people have been dislocated since then, often experiencing several moves from one temporary home to another.  The building’s owner estimates that repairs now cost more than $50 million.  
Since the fire, Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam has spearheaded new municipal regulations through Council that require regular inspections and record keeping by landlords.  
The target date for tenants to return to the building is now set for November.

Bill Morneau and Street Health
Residents from the Sherbourne and Dundas area are planning a protest at Bill’s picnic. They’ll show up in Tee shirts that express their anger over the incredible disruptions that they’re experiencing in their neighbourhood.  They don’t want to be confrontational. They simply want to remind Bill that federal approvals for the safe injection site at Street Health (338 Dundas) may have contributed to their problems.  
Earlier this year, the federal government approved Street Health’s operating license and it has continued its work thanks to a successful private fundraising drive.  

The importance of the Street Health OPS
Kapri Rabin, Executive Director at Street Health, has responded to the comments made by residents about Street Health’s management of its overdose prevention site.  She points a series of specific steps that the agency has implemented to improve safety in the area - fencing, lighting, outreach staff, needle cleanups, Naxolone training and community liaison.
Above all, she points out that drug abuse issues have existed here for a long time and these issues demonstrate the need for a service to combat overdoses. If Street Health does not exist, the problem will continue.   The lack of affordable housing and shelter beds, detox facilities and treatment services compound the problems.  
In its first year, Street Health saved more than 50 lives,  It sees 10 to 20 people daily.  

Councillor Wong Tam responds to Sherbourne and Dundas problems
In the face of increasing criminal and disruptive activity at Dundas and Sherbourne, Councillor Wong Tam has been pressuring for enhanced City services in the area.  She has successfully sponsored the Downtown East Action Plan.  It commits the City to specific action over the next five years.  She also joins the Mayor and other Councillors demanding greater support from the federal and provincial governments.  
She and her staff are meeting on a regular basis with local residents and BIAs across her Ward to ensure that she’s getting direct feedback.  In addition, she’s organized community safety walks with the police, officials from housing, parks, health, transportation and neighbourhood service agencies. 
The Downtown East Action Plan has specific targets for the neighbourhood.  They include a safety network for Dundas and Sherbourne, frequent cleaning in alleys and parks especially with sharps and drug use supplies to facilitate safe disposal. It calls for a review by the Toronto Police Services Board of the current response to concerns by residents, increased numbers of street outreach workers and recreational services for individuals living in shelters or are affected by homelessness.
Her summary is available online.   

The Cherry Street bridge
Photo:  James Morrison-Collato, CBC
The bridge has been stuck in its upright position for several weeks.  According to Toronto’s 311 system, the repairs will continue to at least August 31.  

New Roots Dinner series
Congrats to everyone involved in this year’s New Roots Dinner.  Four locations hosted the event - Allan Gardens, Riverdale Farm, Toronto Dance Theatre and Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre.  Early reports indicate that it was a splendid evening and a successful fundraiser.   
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) was the organizing spark plug for the dinner.  The proceeds from the event contribute to the annual costs of Green Thumbs Growing Kids - the group that works with schools to teach kids about healthy gardens and healthy eating.

School of Toronto Dance Theatre
Photo:  Cylla von Tiedemann
The School has established a fundraising target of $20,000 to build a bigger bursary and scholarship fund. This assistance is especially important now that the Ontario government has cut its OSAP loans and grants. Find more info and make your donation easily and safely online here.

Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack
The band has just finished performances in Richmond Hill and in the Beaches.  In September, they’re visiting Wingham, one of Canada’s premier country music towns.  Then in October, they’re doing a tour of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as well as an appearance in Brantford.  

Back from the wilderness
Our vacation took us to Barry’s Bay - a beautiful area in the Ottawa Valley east of Algonquin Park.
Our pal, Ticket, is a golden retriever who’s shy about swimming.  We had hoped to encourage her on the gently sloping beach in front of our cottage.  When she still refused to go in the lake, we tied a spare rib bone to a stick and tossed it into the water. It worked, somewhat.  She waded in until the water reached her tummy.  

IN THE MEDIA

650 Parliament
Reports this week indicate that the Fire Marshall will point to serious failures in the building’s electrical system as the cause for the fire that emptied it a year ago.  
The CBC’s story details the sequence of events since the fire and the costs for both tenants and the landlord.   
Some residents together with Mayor John Tory and Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam held a vigil on Wednesday evening to mark the anniversary of the fire.  CP24 covered it.  

Gentrification in Cabbagetown
The CBC drew a story out of its archives from the 1970s to demonstrate the impact of gentrification on Cabbagetown.  Russ Patrick’s report from August 1978 highlights the changes that started then and the people who are most affected by them.  

Residents comment on the safe injection site
Photo:  Toronto Life
Toronto Life has interviewed several people who work and live near Dundas and Sherbourne, asking them for reactions to the safe injection site at Street Health (338 Dundas E).  Click here to see their comments.   

CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL UPDATES

Film Festival updates
Tickets are now available online for the Cabbagetown Short Film Festival. There are films from around the world - Sweden, Spain, the USA, China and France.  
Cash bar.  $15, Wednesday September 4, 7:30 pm, Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester).

Blair’s Run 
It’s time to register yourself as one of the world-class sprinters racing in Blair’s Run.  It doesn’t matter what racing style you choose - runner, walker, parent with a child, racer with a pet etc.  Just be sure to sign up. 
There are two ways to do this.  You can go direct at Blair’s Run online. 
Or you can join or start up a team.  This is, frankly, more fun.  Tips for getting onto a team are also online.  
You’ve still got two weeks to get into shape - Sunday September 8, 8:30 am, in front of 248 Carlton.  

Special Festival events

Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament)
Step into the studio for the Festival Open House, September 7 and 8. Watch professional dance demonstrations with live music.  While you’re there, enjoy your own free trial dance class for toddlers, kids, and adults. Pick out your favourite costume and strike a pose at the photo booth.  Take a guided tour through the studio's beautiful historic building and shop for sales at 509 Dancewear boutique.  See the full schedule on Facebook.   

Sprucecourt School Council
The Council will have a booth at the Festival this year.  They’ll sell books and toys and the proceeds will go toward the Council’s program.  They’re asking for donations of gently used items and also for volunteers who can operate the booth.  If you can donate or help, please email sprucecourtschoolcouncil@gmail.com 

The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley)
Back again at the Cabbagetown Festival, hosting its third Annual Book Sale. Look for the booth on Parliament Street with tables filled with hundreds of amazing adult books (fiction/non-fiction/cookbooks/graphic novels and many more). Be sure to see the beautiful handmade cards made by the amazing volunteer Randy from vintage and worn out favourite books.
All the money raised will go back to supporting Book Bank programs.

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates  

Suze Morrison’s summer peach social
Our MPP Suze Morrison is hosting a summer peach social from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday August 24 in Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Carlton). Everyone welcome.  
Save the date - Bill Morneau’s picnic

Bill will hold his annual picnic in Riverdale Park West this year.  11 am to 3 pm, Sunday August 25.  Food and entertainment.  Free.  Sumach and Winchester.

Intercultural Engagement Event
Presented by the Regent Park Mothers of Peace.  There’ll be a community bbq, an agents fair, entertainment and more.  Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter),  2 to 6 pm, Tuesday August 27.

Tour of Homes tickets
One of Cabbagetown’s signature events.  Peek inside a selection of amazing homes.  Sunday September 15, noon to 4 pm.  
Tickets are now available online or at the following locations - $35.  Akasha Art Projects (204D Carlton), Epicure Shop (473 Parliament), Fairway Market (520 Parliament), Greenery Patch (St Lawrence Market), Kendall & Co (514 Parliament), Labour of Love (223 Carlton), Ladybug Florists (513 Church) and Sheridan Nursery North Toronto (2827 Yonge).   
For online sales, click here. When you buy your ticket online, you’ll get a receipt.  Take a printed copy of it to Akasha (204D Carlton) or to Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) and get your Tour booklet. On September 15, you can also go to the BIA office (237 Carlton) from 10 am to 2 pm.     

Tour of Homes volunteers
Join the Tour as a volunteer.  You’ll be assigned to a house from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Volunteers will supervise a room in the home to make sure visitors don’t touch anything, use the washrooms or sit on furniture.
You’ll get a free thank-you ticket to the Tour to use between 4 and 5 pm and you’ll be invited to a reception for volunteers.
If interested, please fill out the form on the CPA web site and be sure to include a phone number and email address.

Adoption FunWalk
Join the FunWalk in Riverdale Park West.  It’s a family-focused fundraiser to celebrate the adoptive community.  Games, music and food all with a Carnival theme.  Sunday September 15, 11 am to 4 pm.  For more info, click here.   

The season’s best at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Shannon Whelan is a new vendor at the Market.  Her company, Euclid Farms, is a flower farm operating from her home on Euclid Avenue.  She’s selling unique bouquets grown in sustainable, chemical and pesticide free conditions. 
The season’s best produce is now on sale.  There are lots of vendors and good crowds have been coming out to take advantage.
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.

KIDS STUFF
Tween cooking classes
Karen Jull is offering cooking classes for kids ages 10 to 13.  Topics include shopping for quality and sustainability, recipes, nutritious meals, techniques and knife skills.  Her Fall classes are offered in her home in 4-week sessions, starting on September 16, then October 21 and finally, November 18.  $320.  For more info, contact karen5jull@gmail.com 


The School of Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre 
Registration for 2019/20 classes is now open.  They start in September. Visit the studio during the Cabbagetown Festival and save 10% on tuition for new students.  509 Parliament.

BUSINESS NEWS

Canadian Furniture Made Your Way
For over 20 years, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has been delivering quality Canadian-made upholstered furniture to countless happy customers. Their latest designs are available in their newly remodelled Cabbagetown shop. In addition, their extensive resource of fabrics and trims along with stain guarding options mean you never have to compromise on style. Reupholstery also available to restore your old furniture with a new look. Open Tuesday to Saturday during the summer. https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Welcome Pho Some
The former Pho Pas has morphed into a vegan and meat Pho restaurant.  Stay tuned for more details. 480 Parliament

Live music at The Tilted Dog
Drop in on Saturday August 24, 8 pm.  Live music with Kendall Kiddie, Shawn Lawrie and Leigh Ann & Robert LaBell.

Sri Lankan lunch
Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E) continues its collaboration with the Regent Park Catering Collective with this Sri Lankan lunch.  Wednesday August 28, 11:30 am to 2 pm. $10. 

Patio time
Summer evenings are amazing times for patio dinners - good food and great people watching.  
The Irv (195 Carlton) 
The House on Parliament (454 Parliament)
F’Amelia (12 Amelia)

End of summer at The Keating Channel Pub & Grill
Join the end of summer party at the Keating Channel Pub & Grill (2 Villiers). There’ll be beer and wine sampling, prize giveaways,  Rodney’s oysters, human foosball and music by Denis Martel.  Free. 
The Cherry Street bridge is broken and traffic in the area has been diverted.  To reach The Keating Channel Pub & Grill while this is going on, use the Don Roadway south from Lakeshore Drive and turn west on Villiers Street.  

Cyril’s soups
Saturday’s soup is a strawberry gazpacho, the last cold soup for the season.  It’ll include strawberries, tomato, red peppers, onions, jalapenos,  cucumbers, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice  ($11).  He’s also doing a juice with mixed berries and apples ($9).  
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

AUGUST THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

Art
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Sunday September 1
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

Betrayal
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Thursday August 29 to Wednesday September 18
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY AUGUST 22 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1

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 AUGUST 22

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open mic finger-style guitar sessions

FRIDAY AUGUST 23

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SATURDAY AUGUST 24

Distillery
Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Max Parker, Holly Green and Jake & Victoria - Trinity Square stage
Dominion
8:30 pm, live music with Charlie the Kid
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Kendall Kiddie, Shawn Lawrie and Leigh Ann & Robert LaBell

SUNDAY AUGUST 25

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with Courtney Bowles, Sarah, Jordan & Matt Von, Holly Green and Jordan Hart - Trinity Square stage

MONDAY AUGUST 26

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 27

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28

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

THURSDAY AUGUST 29

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY AUGUST 30

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SATURDAY AUGUST 31

Distillery - Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Blair Franklin, Holly Green, Simone Morris and Sarah, Jordan & Matt Von - Trinity Square stage 
Dominion
8:30 pm, Live music with Alex Z 

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke 
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with LIVVA, Max Parker, Blair Franklin and Holly Green - 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