This week’s image: Carlton Street on Sunday during the Festival.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
2019 TOUR OF HOMES
Tour of Homes
Photo: Toronto Star
Sunday from noon to 4 pm. Tickets are still available online and at local retailers, $35 - see below.
Nine homes are on the list - some of the most beautiful in the city. There’s always a nice mixture between traditionally designed Victorian homes and stunning modern ideas. Volunteers keep the lines moving smoothly without pressuring visitors to rush through. Weather forecasts are calling for a cool, sunny Fall day - perfect for strolling through the neighbourhood between the houses.
Kathy Flaxman wrote about the Tour in the Toronto Star in late August - read it here.
Ticket outlets
Online ticket sales for the Tour are available here.
Several local retailers are also selling tickets - 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).
LOCAL NEWS
2019 federal election
The 2019 election has been launched and the four main parties have chosen their candidates in Toronto Centre. For contact information about each candidate, click here.
The Returning Officer has posted a useful website page. You’ll see dates for the election, procedures to register for voting, dates for the advance polls and other useful tips.
Keith Lawrance guitar lessons
He’s decided to expand his interest by giving one-on-one personalized guitar lessons. Acoustic or electric. He’ll meet you in his own home or, if you wish, he’ll come to yours for the lessons.
Checkout his website for lots more info and for his rates. You can contact him at his website as well.
Congrats Sydney
Women’s pick-up hockey
More players are needed for the Women’s Hockey at Moss Park arena (Queen and Sherbourne). They play 32 games from 7 to 8 pm every Tuesday (a prime time slot!) from now until April 21. It’s intermediate level (18+) and you’ll need your own equipment. If you’re interested, contact mparena@bellnet.ca or go online for more info.
Super-long streetcars
Photo: Eric Morse
The new streetcars have appeared on the Carlton line. Eric snapped his photo on September 5.
Support the Farley campaign
Once again, Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard E) has joined the province-wide Farley campaign. It’s a fund that offers support to pet owners who can’t otherwise afford veterinary care for their animals. The Clinic has been actively involved with this initiative since 2012 and has raised thousands of dollars through bottle drives, garage and bake sales and raffles. There’s lots of info and a spot for donations at the Clinic’s website.
Dixon Hall turns 90
In December, Dixon Hall will celebrate its 90th birthday. During that time, it’s become a familiar and vital service agency in our neighbourhoods. It was established in 1929 to provide relief to poverty-stricken families in Toronto’s east end. To mark its anniversary, Dixon Hall has published its report, “Care & Community: 90 years of support.” It details the work done in seniors’ support, housing, employment, the music school and youth services. Click here to read it.
Dixon Hall’s Housing Service has grown very rapidly in the recent past. It’s a result of the affordability crisis that Toronto has experienced. Click here to see what Dixon Hall is doing.
A few Festival highlights
Cabbagetown Festival
Richard Silver’s onesie
At the Tee Shirt table at Blair’s Run. He plans to lose some weight to fit into one of them.
Blair’s Run results
Get the official times. Congrats to the organizers. 300 runners enrolled in the race - a modern day record!
Cutting the cabbage
The official opening ceremony. Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam joined a long, prestigious list of cabbage cutters. She was very fierce and got the job done nicely. Whack!
Costco
This is a curiosity. Costco had a vendor’s tent on Parliament where they sold Costco memberships. Perhaps local merchants don’t feel that Costco is a retail threat. Or, as the political saying goes, it’s a case of the turkey voting for Christmas.
Yummy stuff
The variety and quality of food offered along the street was amazing.
Lookin’ good at the Festival
Erin at Stout Irish Pub certainly earned these kudos.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Photo: Daniel Lamb, Winchester streetcar, ca. 1893 City of Toronto Archives 1246-20
By Sally Gibson
In 1874, the fast-growing neighbourhood of old Cabbagetown (now Regent Park) was first served by horse-drawn streetcars that rattled along King, Sherbourne and Winchester streets. In the 1880s, additional horsecar routes were added along Parliament, Queen East and Carlton-Gerrard. And by 1893, horsecars had been electrified.
Winchester was among the earliest streetcar routes, established long
before the foundation of the Riverdale Zoo because it served the Necropolis Cemetery. This faded 1893-era photograph shows a recently electrified Winchester streetcar. The driver and conductor pose with Alderman Daniel Lamb, whose house at 156 Winchester overlooked the route.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Community environment day
The City of Toronto’s next environment day in our area happens at Bridgepoint Hospital (1 Bridgepoint Drive) on Saturday September 14 from 10 am to 2 pm. You can drop off electronic waste and hazardous waste and you can donate for reuse sporting goods, books, cameras, clothing, jewellery, small household items, musical instruments, eyeglasses, art and craft supplies and non-perishable foods.
GrowTO & Regent Park Urban Agriculture Fair
Find out about urban-style agriculture. Storytelling in a teepee and a garden tour. Vendor tents. While you’re there, join the fun at the Harvest Festival. Saturday September 14, 11 am to 4 pm, Regent Park (The BIg Park, 620 Dundas E).
Comedy in a yoga studio
Hosted by YOGAthletix (573 King E). Brooklyn comic Steven Campbell is hosting a comedy tour featuring new Toronto comics. Saturday September 14. Two shows - 8 and 10 pm. $25. Tickets available online.
Open house at the Sumach
Chartwell’s Sumach (146 Sumach) is now open. Units for independent seniors are available for rent. You’re invited to an Open House on Sunday September 22 from 1 to 4 pm. For more details, go to the website. And congrats to the staff at The Sumach - on Wednesday, they celebrated their official opening.
The season’s best at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Thanks to Kelsey for her fine work managing this year’s Market.
Beautiful fruit and veggies are now on sale at the market. 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.
IN THE MEDIA
Reaction to Sidewalk Lab’s proposals
Photo: Andrew Lahodynsky, The Canadian Press
Waterfront Toronto has received a report from its Digital Strategy Advisory Panel. It gives expert advice to Waterfront Toronto about issues that need to be clarified in Sidewalk Lab’s draft submission made last June.
Ian Bickis from Canadian Press has written about the report. Click here to read his story.
Fire at 650 Parliament
The Ontario Fire Marshall has issued its report on the fire that happened at 650 Parliament a year ago. An electrical failure triggered explosions in the electrical system and crippled the building. Since then, its residents have been scattered throughout the city. Vjosa Isai has written about the report in the Globe & Mail - click here.
Fire at 55 Bleecker Street
Photo: Ginella Massa, City News
A fire in a fourth floor apartment at 55 Bleecker on Monday September 9 critically injured one person. Toronto Fire responded and the blaze was contained to one unit. Read CP24’s story here.
100,000 bees
Photo: Colin Butler, CBC News
Des and Chantalle are well-known in Cabbagetown for their volunteer work with the Cabbagetown Residents Association. Des is the author of several police procedural novels.
They recently moved to London Ontario. Chantalle heard a mysterious buzzing in one room in their new home and discovered an active beehive buried in the wall. The beekeeper who moved the hive estimated that 100,000 bees had been living there for at least seven years.
For the full story and a video, click here.
KIDS’ STUFF
Citadel dance program
Registration for the Citadel Dance Program is now open for the fall. Citadel + Compagnie offers ballet and tap classes on Saturdays for kids ages 3-14 at the Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament). For more info about the classes, instructors and registration, visit the website here.
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
The new Kendall & Co
While Cabbagetowners were away on summer holidays, the team at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament at Winchester) were busy remodelling the entire shop. Now you can clearly see why Kendall & Co is indeed Toronto’s one-stop-shop for beautiful furniture, rugs, wallpaper and window treatments. They’re excited to welcome you back.
Are you going to Sunday's Cabbagetown Tour of Homes? Enjoy 10% off on regular price purchases with your Tour Ticket and enter your ballot to win a prize, no purchase necessary. Buy or pick up your Tour tickets at Kendall & Co. https://kendallandco.ca
MacNaughton and Sandler
Ann MacNaughton, Jerry Sandler and Alexandra Sandler are familiar faces in Cabbagetown’s real estate scene. They’ve moved. They’re now working at Chestnut Park Real Estate (446 Spadina Road).
Distillery Sunday market
The market has been running all summer and will continue to mid-October. Discover arts, crafts and fine foods from independent producers that are all created within 100 miles of Toronto. Gifts, flowers, maple syrup, preserves, honey, sausages, cheeses, and more delicious treats to delight the senses! Sundays, noon to 5 pm.
RESTAURANT NEWS
He’s back …
John Jay is back in Cabbagetown. He’s managing Amelia’s Cottage at F’Amelia (12 Amelia). It’s a charming small spot and he’s got lots of big ideas for it. It’s good to see him here.
Bollywood, beers and brunch
Saturday September 14, 10 am to 1 pm. Learn the basic Bollywood moves and enjoy beer sampling. On the patio at Mill Street Beer Hall (20 Tank House Lane) - rain or shine. For tickets, click here. $20 and $30 with the brunch combo.
Pho Some reopens
Pho Some (480 Parliament) is a rebrand for Pho Pas which closed a few weeks ago. In this version, the menu features Vietnamese dishes. The front windows open directly onto Parliament Street and those seats are wonderful.
Trivia at the Dominion
The Dominion Pub & Kitchen (500 Queen E) joins Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) and The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) with a regular Trivia night - Tuesdays at 7 pm. There’ll be a special $10 Trivia Menu offered up along with the quizzes. Free to play. Great prizes.
Live music at Stout
Michael Darcy will be playing at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) on Wednesdays every month - September 18, October 16, November 13 and December 18, 8 to 11 pm.
Psychic brunch at Cranberries
The Psychics return to Cranberries (601 Parliament) for their monthly appearance on Sunday, September 15, 11 am to 3 pm. $45
Palestinian brunch
The Paintbox (555 Dundas E) presents Sahtain Palestinian Brunch - a popular selection of delicious traditional Palestinian brunch dishes. Buffet style and vegetarian friendly. Sunday September 22, 11 am to 1 pm. Your brunch ticket includes admission later at 3:30 pm to the documentary film Soufra at Bell Lightbox (350 King W).
SEPTEMBER THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
Betrayal
Extra dates have been added
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Wednesday September 22
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
A Streetcar Named Desire
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday September 21 to Sunday October 13
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22
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 SEPTEMBER 12
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy night with Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14
Mill Street Beer Hall
10 am, Bollywood, beers and brunch, $20. With the brunch combo, $30.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Cranberries
11 am, Psychic brunch, $45
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17
Dominion
7 pm, Pub Stumpers Trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
8 pm, live music with Michael Darcy
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic with Robert LaBell
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21
No events available
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22
Alice’s Place
9:30 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,
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
