This week’s image: lots of kids grabbing their share.
CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
RESPITE CENTRE UPDATES
Sign the petition
A petition to oppose the respite centre has been organized with a new target of 2,500 signatures. Over 1,700 have signed to this date. Cabbagetown South Residents and local businesses have been promoting the petition.
What’s happening at City Hall
Senior staff members from Shelter, Support & Housing Administration apparently admitted in a community Stakeholder’s meeting that they did not visit Cabbagetown or the 233 Carlton site prior to deciding to move the respite centre into this building. If this is true, they had no direct personal idea where the building is located, whether it’s suitable for their needs or what its impact would be on Cabbagetown’s small commercial district.
A query to Councillor Wong-Tam’s office for more information got booted over to Laural Raine, the SSHA Director. She fired the question over to “Strategic Communications” for their comments. Strategic Communications missed the requested deadline for their comment.
Again, if this is true, then the City’s Real Estate officials were, apparently, willing to commit to $7.5 million rental costs and $3.7 million in renovation costs without SSHA staff having any direct knowledge of the building. Tristan Downe-Dewdney in Ms Wong-Tam’s office wanted the Real Estate officials to clarify this problem. No one from that department has responded.
Criteria used to select 233 Carlton
According to a Fact Sheet produced by Councillor Wong-Tam, there were eleven finalist sites for the respite centre. Each site had to meet the same requirements - proximity to the Adelaide Resource Centre at Church and King, available transit and community services, size and cost. 233 Carlton was selected on this basis.
A request to the Councillor, to Ms Raine and to Real Estate Services for a list of the other ten sites has not yet been answered.
The Mayor’s role
Local business people and residents have asked about the Mayor’s role in this decision. The reply from his office to questions about his involvement have been detailed denials that he’s been involved at all.
Luke Robertson, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, has informed me that “the allegations made in your e-mail are totally unfounded, false, and defamatory.” More details next week.
Speak up
Emails can be sent to City of Toronto officials at the following addresses - use “233 Carlton” in the subject line. The Mayor - mayor_tory@toronto.ca. The City Manager - chris.murray@toronto.ca. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam - councillor_wongtam@toronto.ca
LOCAL NEWS
Sidewalk Labs
Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk Labs have been successfully engaged in negotiations about the future development of the Quayside on the waterfront. The deadline for an agreement was October 31. The talks have been a fruitful response to public input. As a result, the project will now move to its next phase where plans are evaluated in detail and public responses are received. More info about the decision is available at Waterfront Toronto’s website.
Save the date - pumpkin walk
Give your pumpkin a second night on the town. Bring it to Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) from 5 to 9 pm on Friday November 1. Last year, over 150 pumpkins proudly participated. Bring a donation for the food bank.
The display starts at sundown. Park staff and CRA volunteers will handle the cleanups.
Thanks to the Cabbagetown Residents Association for a fun event!
Costume drive for Nellie’s Shelter
What are you doing with your kids’ Hallowe’en costumes? Carly Gaston’s kids started a costume drive last year after noticing the huge influx of Regent Park and St James Town kids at their door on Halloween.
Carly is now collecting donations. Drop off your new or gently used costumes at 435 Sumach until November 9.
Help CCDT raise the curtain for kids
As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is raising funds to sponsor admissions for student matinees in schools. Every $25 gift pays for one seat. As part of the effort, CCDT is offering poinsettias and holiday wreaths. Please order by November 8. Call 416-924-5657 or email development@ccdt.org to inquire about products and pricing.
Call for artists
The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) will hold its second annual art market on Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8 from noon to 5 pm daily. Paintings, jewellery, bake goods and crafts will be displayed. Last year’s market was a success and the pub is hoping for a bigger response this year.
If interested, you’re invited to call Tiffany at (416) 961-9425. $50 for the weekend.
Gary Smith’s studio tour
Corktown’s amazing Gary Smith has a huge new studio (7 Labatt Ave, Studio 104B) and he’s putting together an afternoon to enjoy his art and the works of several friends. Saturday November 2, 2 to 4 pm.
Get your flu shot
Our local pharmacies now have supplies of the 2019 flu vaccine. Your doctor can suggest a source for the stronger version recommended for seniors.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Corktown public meeting
The Corktown Residents & Business Association is having its final 2019 meeting on Tuesday November 5 from 7 to 8:30 pm. There’ll be snacks from Gusto 501 (501 Queen E), a presentation about the Distillery’s Christmas Market and a talk by Caroline Ross from the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. Cooper Koo Family Cherry Street YMCA (461 Cherry)
Regent Park community dinner
Organized by the Regent Park Collective. Wednesday November 6 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. There’ll be vegetarian, chicken and beef plates and snacks and dessert. 540 Dundas E.
Danny Marks at Relish
Some of Danny’s fans showed up last Saturday at Relish (511 Danforth) to hear him in his new Saturday afternoon venue. He was great. Every Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. Thanks to Victoria and Danny’s neighbours on Aberdeen for the tip.
Healthy neighbourhood forums
Councillor Wong-Tam will host five community conferences to draft ideas for a healthier neighbourhoods. Expert speakers and roundtable discussions. Save the dates.
For St James Town, Winchester Park, Upper Jarvis and Bloor East - Tuesday November 12, 6 pm, The Church of St Peter & St Simon-the-Apostle (525 Bloor E).
For Regent Park and Cabbagetown - Tuesday November 26, 6 pm, Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).
For St. Lawrence, Corktown & West Don Lands - Monday December 2, 6 pm, St Lawrence Community Centre, Multipurpose Room (230 The Esplanade).
For Regent Park and Cabbagetown - Tuesday November 26, 6 pm, Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).
For St. Lawrence, Corktown & West Don Lands - Monday December 2, 6 pm, St Lawrence Community Centre, Multipurpose Room (230 The Esplanade).
Chrysanthemum show
Allan Gardens will continue its chrysanthemum show until Monday November 11. The Conservatory (Jarvis and Carlton), Monday to Wednesday noon to 7 pm and Thursday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
IN THE MEDIA
Margaret’s on Winchester
Photo: Toronto Star
The big beautiful houses on Winchester across from the schoolyard have been transferred from Toronto Community Housing to Margaret’s Housing & Community Support. They’ll contain up to 35 apartments for vulnerable women. The Ford government has committed a badly needed $5 million toward the renovation costs. David Rider has written about the project and the grants in the Toronto Star.
Moss Park redevelopment
Photo: CBC News
Plans for redeveloping Moss Park have ended. Originally, the City of Toronto, 519 Centre and an anonymous donor were jointly involved in developing new facilities and new programming there. Lorenda Reddekopp has done a report for CBC News on the project and the need for more facilities in this area.
Des Ryan has a new book
The Port Lands
Waterfront Toronto has issued a fun video about its new Port Lands project - one of the largest construction projects that the City has experienced. Click here to enjoy it.
KIDS’ STUFF
Growing up green in the garden
On the first Saturday of each month - the next date is Saturday November 2 from 10 am to 11:30 am. Kid friendly gardening and composting activities, scavenger hunts, nature crafts and more. Bring a snack for garden story time at 10:30 am. Best for kids 2 to 8 years old. Suggested donation $2. Parental supervision required. Drop-ins welcome. Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave, Carlton and Jarvis).
PA Day activities
Buds & Blossoms is hosting a Space Adventure PA Day Camp on November 15th, 2019. The camp will run from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Great for kids ages 4+! 517 Parliament, second floor.
Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) Some of the most famous children's writers were born in November. Please join us on the next PA day for an authors’ birthday party - celebrating the like of Barbara Reid, Marc Brown (of Arthur fame), and many other authors of classic kids lit.
November 15, 10 am to 3 pm at The Children's Book Bank (350 Berkeley)
Friends of Allan Gardens host a Family Drop-in Afternoon on each PA day from 1 to 2:30 pm. The next one happens on Friday November 15. Activities include hands-on gardening and composting activities, scavenger hunts, nature crafts and more. Best suited to children from 6 to 12 years but younger siblings are always welcome. Parental supervision is required. Children’s Conservatory, Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton).
BUSINESS NEWS
Plant sale at Blooming Planter
Anji is having a sale - save 30% on all plants in the store. Blooming Planter, 559 Parliament.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Baking croissants
Leo Baduria is teaching two workshops about one of French pastry's most magical delights - the flaky, delicate butter croissant. Sunday November 10, 10 am to 1 pm and 2 to 5 pm, Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E)
Community Night Market
Mill Street Beer Hall (20 Tank House Lane) is hosting a Community Night Market with beer samplings, live music and local artisanal vendors including The Good Steep, Kind Karma, Viticult Foods, SariNOTsari, Ampersandbakehouse, Crafty Narwhal, Daria Day, Salzbaths, Dabombbathco, Citchen Candle Co, and Catalina Sanchez. Friday November 1, 6 to 9 pm.
Cyril’s soups
Cyril’s soup for Saturday is Thai red curry carrot and sweet potato, $9. He’s also doing yammy juice at $9.
For Tuesday, he’s offering hot and sour veggie and tofu, $9.
He 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
NOVEMBER THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
Almighty Voice and His Wife
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to November 10
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Nobody’s Talking to Me
Toronto Irish Players
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
On stage to November 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-4170
In the Abyss
Citadel + Compagnie (302 Parliament)
October 30 to November 2
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
Let’s Run Away
Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley)
October 31 to November 17
Website and tickets here. (416) 368-3110
FireWorks Festival - 3 new plays
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
November 6 to 24
Belle Darling Klondike Queen
November 6 to 10
Grief Circus
November 13 to 17
If the Shoe Fits
November 20 to 24
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-4170
Riverboat Coffee House, The Yorkville Scene
Soulpepper Concert Series
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
November 6 to November 17
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Weesageechak Begins to Dance 32
Annual developmental festival of new Indigenous works
Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)
November 13 to November 23
Website and tickets here. (416) 531-1402
Ring
Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester)
November 14 to November 23
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-1365
Wind in the Leaves with Allies & Friends
Citadel + Compagnie (302 Parliament)
November 15 to November 16
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
Citadel Dance Mix 2019
Citadel + Compagnie (302 Parliament)
November 27 to November 30
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
Impulse 2019
School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester)
November 28 to 30 and December 5 to 7
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-6887
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 31 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10
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 OCTOBER 31
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Dominion
8 pm, Haunted Hotel
Mill Street Beer Hall
6 to 9 pm, Community Night Market with beer samplings, live music and local artisanal vendors.
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, karaoke
Dominion
8 pm, Charlie the Kid
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
MONDAY NOVEMBER 4
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5
Dominion
7 pm, Pub Stumpers Trivia
Mill Street Beer Hall
7 pm, Pub Stumpers Trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin, live music
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9
Dominion
8 pm, Derek Lathrop Duo
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Paintbox
10 am to 1 pm and 2 to 5 pm, Leo Baduria’s workshop on baking croissants, $75.
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,
FLIPSIDE DONUTS & BAR
12 Case Goods Lane, Distillery
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
