October 17

This week’s image:  Desmond zeroes in on the last batch of his popular bbq jerk chicken at the 2019 Farmers’ Market.


CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW



The last day at the Farmers’ Market
Annette offers a catering service during the winter - she’s very pleased with her recipe for oxtail soup.  If you want to follow-up, give her a call at 437-912-0236.  She and Desmond have been favourites at the Market every year, thanks to her high quality produce and his tasty bbq chicken.. 
Congrats to Kelsey who managed the Market very smoothly every week and to the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group for taking on its overall supervision.  You created a successful season.  We're looking forward to your return in 2020.

HALLOWE’EN EVENTS

Pumpkin floral arrangements - workshop
Anji at Blooming Flower Bar is hosting a pumpkin arrangement workshop. During this two-hour long workshop, participants will learn the basics of floral arrangement and leave with a handmade floral centerpiece in a pumpkin. Tuesday, October 29, 7:30 pm, in the store at 559 Parliament. $60.  Click here for more info and registration.


 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.  Let your neighbours enjoy the beauty of your creation.  Last year, over 150 pumpkins proudly participated and there should be more this year.  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
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.
They collected over 30 costumes which were delivered to Nellie's Women's Shelter (754 Queen E) on Monday.  They were so excited to share them with the kids in their program.  Carly is now collecting donations for next year. Drop off your new or gently used costumes at 435 Sumach until November 9.

FEDERAL ELECTION

Voting advice
Election Day is Monday October 21, 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.  
You should have received your Voter Identification Card.  It tells you where you vote and it can also be part of the identification that you’ll need at your poll.
If you registered late or if you didn’t get a card, check the Election Canada website.  You’ll find handy info about registering, checking whether you’re on the list, using personal ID at the poll and the location of your neighbourhood polling station. When you get to the website, just enter your postal code and then you’ll see a list of details that will answer your questions.

Candidate info
We’re into the last few days of the battle.  If you want extra info about the candidates and contacts for them, click here.  

LOCAL NEWS

Respite Centre updates
Photo:  Cabbagetown South Residents Association
The announcement that the City of Toronto will locate a 24/7 women’s drop-in program in the former home of Free the Children (233 Carlton) has stirred strong reactions across Cabbagetown.
Three of our local residents’ groups have issued a public statement of concern over the location, noting that the area already has plenty of service agencies and that the building is in the middle of a growing commercial district.
The open letter from Dee Lewis, president of the Winchester Park Residents’ Association, is well done. 
The Cabbagetown BIA hasn’t issued a statement about the respite centre.  To a degree, that’s because it’s membership isn’t unanimous on the topic.  In addition, BIA Boards across Toronto face limits on the degree of their public participation in a debate against a City policy.  

Suggestions for community action
Cabbagetown residents are very good at pressuring for change.  Emails can start the ball rolling.  Tell City of Toronto officials where you stand.  Ask them why they hid the decision for so long.  Tell them to start all over again from the beginning with meaningful consultations -
The City Manager - chris.murray@toronto.ca 
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam - councillor_wongtam@toronto.ca

650 Parliament
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam is keeping residents and interested people informed about progress in the building with her regular updates.  Tenants in the building are working with a law firm on a class action suit.  In a recent court hearing, a protocol was set out to allow tenants to inspect their belongings and to separate those they want to keep and those that are no longer wanted.  There’s no date yet for tenants’ return to their apartments.

A fallen tree on Gerrard
Photo:  Lindsay Matheson
Lindsay Matheson saw this tree collapse across Gerrard near Gifford on Thursday morning.  It narrowly missed two cyclists - no injuries were reported.  It did hit a power line.  

Parkettes on Parliament Street
Residents have complained about garbage, litter and inappropriate behaviour in the parkettes at Spruce and at Amelia.  The Cabbagetown BIA has heard these concerns and is increasing its budgets for more regular cleaning in 2020.  In addition, residents are reminded that the non-emergency phone number at Toronto Police Services (416-808-2222) is a good way to nudge greater police attention.  Christopher at the BIA would welcome emails or messages from residents about behaviour problems as well - bia@cabbagetownto.com   

Aitken Place Park is open
Photo: Waterfront Toronto
On Tuesday, Waterfront Toronto officially opened Aitken Place Park (Merchants’ Wharf and Edgewater) in the new East Bayfront area on the waterfront.  It’s a multi-purpose park that includes a children’s play area, a fenced dog zone and benches that allow uninterrupted views of the inner harbour. A public art installation will be placed there later in the Fall.  

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates   

School of Toronto Dance Theatre
Enjoy fun and games and support the Fall 2019 student-run Coffee House performance titled “Anthology”. All proceeds will go towards the students of the Professional Training Program, and the production of the performance.  Friday October 18, 8 pm, Winchester Dance Theatre (80 Winchester).  Pay-by-donation, $5 minimum please.  

Chrysanthemum show
The annual chrysanthemum show continues daily Monday to Wednesday from noon to 7 pm and Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Allan Gardens Conservatory (Carlton and Jarvis).  

Farewell Regent
Christene Browne’s movie explains why changes in Regent Park are making housing less affordable and less accessible. Interviews with the neighbourhood’s oldest and newest residents. A panel discussion with Ms Browne will follow the movie.  It’s part of the 19th annual Reelword Film Festival.  It screens on Saturday October 19 at 5 pm in the Canada Square Cinema (2190 Yonge).  

Plant sale at Allan Gardens
Join the Friends of Allan Gardens for the Fall plant sale fundraiser on Sunday, October 20 from 10 am until everything is sold. A wide variety of succulents and houseplants available, most in 4” pots.  Prices range from $3 to $25 - cash only.
The Toronto Master Gardeners will run a free clinic at the sale to help you care for your new green babies.
Allan Gardens Conservatory, Carlton and Jarvis.

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 Moss Park, Cabbagetown South and the Garden District - Wednesday October 30, 6 pm, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario).
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). 

IN THE MEDIA

Noah Richler and The Sumach
Photo:  Marc De Mouy
Noah and Sarah have moved from their Spruce Street home to Chartwell’s new Sumach residence (146 Sumach) in Regent Park.  He’s written a witty column for Toronto Life about the new experience, his new neighbours and his surprise at the congeniality of it all.  Click here.  

Thanks Kyle
Kyle and Ayahna Lowry and their sons dropped in at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) to help serve 200 Thanksgiving meals to local residents in need.  Many of the diners were people who had to flee 650 Parliament.  Before that, they appeared at a similar event at John Innes Community Centre in Moss Park.
Read the story here.  

The Star’s view of Cabbagetown
Photo:  Toronto Star
Betsy Powell has written a slightly puzzling article about Cabbagetown in the Toronto Star on Monday.  She reflects on the area’s need for local shopping, its lovely homes, its successful businesses and the failure of its residents to support upscale shops.  All in all, it sounds oddly dated - a study that might have been taken ten years ago. Click here to read 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).  

All Things Fall
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) hosts special daylong crafts, activities and stories whenever PA Days happen.  The next one is Friday November 15 from 10 am to 3 pm.  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Welcome Carl and David
They took over from Betty at Johnny Gs (478 Parliament) two weeks ago.  They plan to continue with her approach as they get acquainted with their customers.  They’re also undertaking some needed renovations and updates inside the restaurant.  Brunch is a big deal here and it’ll still be a featured item.  When they get organized, they plan to include a dinner menu.  Welcome guys and best wishes.

Spooktober
The October edition of the Cabbagetown Comedy Night - Thursday October 24, 7 pm.  Special guest host is Jaimy Warner.  Cash bar.  Tickets at Eventrite, $10. The Social Smiths (574 & 1/2 Parliament).

Mocktoberfest
Odin (514 King E) is holding a vegan Oktoberfest alternative with vegan German food, techno with DJ Motherskrather and a luxurious Euro lounge by Lekker LeCool. Tickets are $5/advance at Eventrite and $10/door and include a free beer ticket.  Friday October 18, 7 pm.  

Psychic brunch
The psychics return to Cranberries (601 Parliament) this weekend.  Your fee includes two in-depth readings and a $5 coupon toward your brunch at Cranberries.  Sunday October 20, 11 am to 3 pm, $45

Mill Street Brew Pub
Renovations are happening - the Brew Pub (20 Tank House Lane) is closed until November 1.  The Mill Street Beerhall next door is open as usual.   

Cyril’s soups
Cyril’s Fall schedule is now underway with more soups and juices.  On Saturday, his soup will be kale and red bean gumbo ($9) and he’s making cranberry juice with oranges and apples ($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

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 
THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

A Streetcar Named Desire
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Sunday October 27
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666    

Almighty Voice and His Wife
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to November 10
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666 

Minorities
Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley)
On stage to October 27
Website and tickets here.   (416) 368-3110  

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
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 17 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 27

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 17

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic with Robert

FRIDAY OCTOBER 18

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Odin
7 pm, Mocktoberfest with DJ Motherskrather and Lekker LeCool, $5/advance and $10/door.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 19

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, karaoke
Dominion
8 pm, Charlie the Kid

SUNDAY OCTOBER 20

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke

MONDAY OCTOBER 21

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22
Dominion
7 pm, Pub Stumpers Trivia
Flipside Donuts & Bar
7 pm, Tuesday Trivia
Mill Street Beer Hall
7 pm, Pub Stumpers Trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23

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

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24

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

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25

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

SATURDAY OCTOBER 26

Dominion
8 pm, Igor Laze

SUNDAY OCTOBER 27

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, 
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